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Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

112 SW Second Ave
Portland, OR 97204-3507
Phone: (503) 227-4057
Citysearch
Cross Street:
Ash Street
Best of Citysearch:
Irish Pub 2006, Singles Scene 2006, Irish Pub 2006
Hours:
Daily 11am-2:30am

Editorial Review for Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub – by Paige Tashner

In Short
Located in the historic Glisan Building, Kells is a landmark in its own right. Spacious and grand, it has high ceilings, brick walls, wood floors, cozy dining booths and an enormous bar. Business suits and Birkenstocks alike come to discuss weather and politics over a frothy pint. Other draws include live Irish music, dart boards, televised soccer matches, cigar bar, fine Irish-style cuisine, and an array of scotches and beers.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Look Good

A bartender will toss your greenback (plus two quarters) up to the ceiling--where it sticks--for Irish luck. Once a year, the money is swept down and donated to Providence Child Center.

Save Money

Grab a cheap bite weekdays, 4pm-7pm, when 10 menu items are $3.

Know Before You Go

Bands play beginning at 8pm, Sunday-Thursday (free) and at 9pm, Friday-Saturday ($3-$8 cover).

The Extras

Rooms are available for receptions, rehearsal dinners, etc., ranging in size to accommodate up to 200 people.

When to Go

Weekends are packed with the loud and raucous. In March, thousands pack three city blocks to enjoy Kells' Portland Irish Festival.

User Reviews for Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/30/2008 Posted by PDX08

My girlfriends and I always joke that Kells never fails- and it hasn't yet! This is THE hookup place in portland, and the men are usually pretty dang hot! The food is great, the bartenders and friendly and funny, the music is fantastic (albeit quite loud- it doesn't hurt to bring some ear plugs), and a fantastic selection of booze is available! It's non-smoking upstairs, and I have never noticed any smoke odor from the cigar room downstairs. Kells is just a guaranteed good time, no matter when you go!

Pros: Everything

Cons: Can get loud, but it's an Irish pub- this comes with the territory after a certain hour!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/20/2008 Posted by plushie1

I went to Kells for my 21st birthday, and haven't stopped coming back since then (I'll be celebrating my 29th this year). I LOVE this place. Happy hour is good (the daily sandwich and quesadillas change every day), the sweet potatoe fries are to die for, and the beer is refreshing, especially after a day at work. They know how to pour a good Guinness :-) The staff there has always been nice, conversational, and layed (it won't let me spell it the correct way...I think it's an "inappropriate" word. hahaha) back, even on the really busy nights. The crowd can show up in a T-shirt and jeans, or come by in formal wear. Either way, everyone tends to have a good time. One of my favorite things that I like about Kells (aside from the staff I've come to know over the years) is that they give back to the community. As mentioned in the editorial comments, the money that gets tossed up on the ceiling is donated to a children's charity every year before St Patrick's Day. So even if you don't got for a pint, at least put down $1.50 and have your server show you how Irish Magic works :-) If you don't like crowded places, then stay away on the weekends. Happy hours are typically low key early and mid-week. It picks up on Thurs/Friday. If you don't like beer, then stay away. If you don't like good bartenders, don't drop in.

Pros: tasty food, good selection of beers and mixed drinks, live music every night

Cons: parking, hard to find seats when crowded

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

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Editor's Review

Being Irish is all in the attitude at this downtown pub and eatery.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Look Good

A bartender will toss your greenback (plus two quarters) up to the ceiling--where it sticks--for Irish luck. Once a year, the money is swept down and donated to Providence Child Center.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Smoking

  • Yes

Atmospheres

  • Smoking Permitted
  • Singles
  • Pub / Tavern
  • Lounge
  • Whiskey Bars
  • Happy Hour
  • Tavern
  • Live Music

Parking

  • Street
  • Pay lot

Live Music

  • Yes

Hours

  • Daily 11am-2:30am

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Discover
  • ATM
  • Diners Club

Music Types

  • Irish & Celtic

Recognition for Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

2006 Editorial Winner - Irish Pub
2006 Audience Winner - Irish Pub
2006 Audience Winner - Singles Scene
2005 Audience Winner - Irish Pub
2004 Audience Winner - Irish Pub

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