Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

10/17/09

Good place for atmosphere etc.

by pamelasigler

Money on the ceiling is always fun to do and watch and goes to a good cause. Service is good. You can have a rowdy time or a place to yourself just to listen and watch people as you eat. Best Irish Coffee in town or anywhere else for that matter.

I particularly love the side of mashers with sauce. (not gravy as I was once nicely corrected.)

Good for all---old middle young----menu is full of variety.

• Pros: Great fun,people and food and drink
• Cons: none

07/20/09

Consistantly a high quality experience

by grumpybear

This establishment never dissappoints, and has become one of my old standbys. Although on weekends it gets overrun with young twenty-somethings scouring the crowds for their next target, the overall setting couldn't really be better.

They have a nice restaurant side that serves top quality "traditional" irish fare. A good selection of beer, knowledgable and professional staff that are efficient of not overly friendly. The live music is always a treat, although sometimes overpowering in volume.

And the beautiful building and style really is inviting.

• Pros: Amazing food, professional staff, great overall scene
• Cons: Kind of a meat market on weekend nights.

07/05/09

Amazing

by jeldridge85

This is an excellent place to eat and dine. We went as a large group and they sat us down very promptly. The waitress and manager were awesome! Highly recommended by a VERY picky eater!!!!

12/06/08

Great pub!

by bumpskier1

This is a great pub with good food. It can get really crowded on the weekends, so if you don't like crowds go during the week.

• Pros: Great beer & great place to meet beautiful people
• Cons: Crowded on the weekends

08/25/08

Horrible customer service

by Extreme726

My friend and I stopped by Kell's Saturday afternoon to get a drink. We sat down and waited and waited at least 10 minutes before a waitress even came over to us. It wasn't even crowed. It took the blond gal another 10 minutes to serve us our drinks. Not friendly, not even caring about if we enjoyed anything. We ended up leaving cash on the table for our drinks because she was never coming back to our table. So if it isn't crowded and you have 30-45 minutes to waste, then this is a great place to get ONE drink in that time.

03/20/08

Best Bar in Town

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

03/11/08

Hospitality at its best!!!

by BrendaCurrieconcierge

As Concierge for Embassy Suites Downtown, and VP/ Portland Concierge Assn. hospitality and great dining spots are my specialty. Nobody does it better than Kell's and their awesome staff. I proudly send all my guests to Kell's, and frequent often with friends and family. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with old world charm. The cuisine is wonderful, with something tasty for everyone. My personal favorites are the shepard's pie, the lamb stew, and the Bailey's cheesecake. The entire staff exude a contagious enthusiasm, and passion for what they do. My family has celebrated many a wake, wedding, and every occasion imaginable at Kell's, it's long been our favorite. I highly recommend you stop in for a pint and a civilized meal, and kick up your heels amidst the fun and festivities. The good folks at Kell's will make sure you, your colleagues, friends, and family, all leave with a smile on your face!!! Thank you Kell's for making Portland a better place.

03/04/08

Favorite place on Earth

by amegee

This place definitely ranks among my favorite places in the world. EVERY time I go, I have an amazing time. The music is great. I never knew Irish music was so fun. The crowd is the best in the city. I went there for my 21st, been there for lots of 21sts, I've seen bachelor and bachelorette parties, but I've also seen people 60+ who are not out of place at all. People wear tuxes and nice dresses and t-shirts and jeans. The bartenders are busy but friendly, fun, and fast (and can pour a Guinness). On Friday and Saturday nights, the bar is full, the tables are full, the dance floor is full. And it's a real dance floor! Yes, hard wood, but also people DANCE, not just grind. Get to Kells early enough, and you might see the bagpipes or the step dancers! Added bonus: be there for sweet happy hour prices on great food and miss the cover charge (though for $3, not a big deterrent). I recommend the food too, but for the real experience, you need to go on a weekend night!

06/08/07

I know it's an institution, but...

by tracysmama

Let's see- they forgot my order, then brought the wrong thing, then accused me of not paying my bill as I was leaving. Sheesh.

01/23/07

Great pub

by willisinaustin

I ate here twice during my recent trip to Portland. The fish and chips were above average, and the full irish breakfast was perfect. The place has a bit of a glossed over tourist trap feel to it, but it was still a good place to grab some food and a few pints.