Kelly's Olympian

06/21/09

I love Kelly's!

by tcantor

I love Kelly's and have been going for years! I really wish that they would have service in the back room when events are going on, it is really a pain to walk to the bar and order, I know the bar and kitchen would make a lot more money if they had at least one person waiting on us! We just get bored with having to go wait in line so we end up not ordering anything...and going someplace else after the show is over.

• Pros: Best food, bar and atmosphere around
• Cons: No service in the back room

02/24/09

BEST BURGERS AND FRIES FOR YOUR MONEY

by jimmmypop

This is the first time I have ever written a review, but I was so pleased with my food here, I just had to write one. I ordered the mushroom onion swiss burger and was amazed with how good it was the Oregonian was right on with their review of the fries they were FANTASTIC . I will definitely go back !

• Pros: The food is what makes this place the drinks are good too
• Cons: service I go to a place to be waited on not ignored

10/28/07

kellys olympian

by goodgod1101

The food is great and cheap,the best bacon blue cheeseburger I have ever had. The service is getting better. The people who go there are really easy to talk to witch is nice if you are new to town or looking for a change of pace. The service can be slow at times,but its a big bar. I really like it during the day better than at night.

• Pros: stiff drinks great food
• Cons: service can be slow if busy

10/15/07

The place where you can eat, drink, smoke, cruise the web and hang out - all in one and FIVE STARS!

by webmasterjay

This place is phenomenal. It has all the comforts of home in one place -- wireless internet, good (i mean GREAT) food - the chef and his wife really know how to put on a spread - great coffee (Stumptown Coffee without the attitude) and friendly people who make you feel at home right from the moment you walk in the door. Music plays all day long courtesy of a great sound system and local bands perform here so often you have to look at the schedule to find out which talented group will be here.

The best part is the food - the sausage and eggs for breakfast is my favorite. But today, by the Chef''s recommendation I will be having the Corned Beef Hash!

The Reuben sandwich I had yesterday was just as good as the finer delicatessens in Beverly Hills where I grew up - a long way from Nate n Al's and Canter's Deli but just as good with as much pride in the presentation as in the content of the food.

Stop by. We do. And we don't make a dime from this - just have great food, good ambience, nice people and a place you'll want to go too!

Eat, drink and be merry - and on the world wide web, too!

• Pros: Food, ambience, people, internet connectivity
• Cons: Sometimes the music might be a little loud - but that's why people come here.

09/14/07

expensive

by meme22

the bouncer is way cool, the bartenders arent that friendly and honselty the drinks are hella expensive definetly the type of place where you arrive intoxicated already............great live music but sorry im not paying a 5 dollar cover charge for a place that can only accomadate 60 people.........but ill go again......only if drinking!

• Pros: nice lighting cool patrons
• Cons: expensive ,small

04/27/07

anybody can dial 911

by ryaninfo

I am the bartender in question in the previous post. I have one question for you. If the situation was so bad that it prompted you to go out of your way to right a bad review of Kellys, why did'nt you call 911???????? That girl was not served at our establishment and was sober when she came into the door. While sitting at Kellys she ate a bunch of extasy and started hurling in our trash can. Yes she was in bad shape and we got her outside and then 911 was called. The paramedics even told me she ate to many pills and just had to go thru her cycle and she would be fine and she was. This could happen anywhere! Oh ya...I almost forgot...It was new years eve and we were at capacity with only 3 bartenders. To anyone else reading this, Kellys is a great place with some very attentive bartenders, please dont judge us based on this persons experience,

01/04/07

Endangering patrons and awful service

by dizzy_dreamer

This place is awful! On New Year's Eve a girl passed out and the bartender tried to not let her friend call 911. He insisted she was on something illegal and kept trying to keep an ambulance being called! How is that appropriate?! And before that, the bartenders were rude and impatient. Of course it was a busy night but that doesn't excuse their absolute rude behavior.

• Pros: Endanger patrons
• Cons: None

08/23/06

Pull Up on Your Scoot For a Good Time

by dukelamour

The previous reviews appear a little harsh. If you're attracted to fruity drinks, gourmet food, and a shiny new bar you're several blocks too far south. Kelly's "soft biker" style is an experience all of it's own. The staff is friendly and energetic. The atmosphere is exciting, creative, and very Portland (diverse). Kelly's seems to bring everyone together, from bikers to weekend clubbers. It's nice to have an enviroment that holds to it's historic background yet provides a more modern style. Not only does it showcase vintage motorcycles it caters to those on two wheels.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Motorcycle Parking, Staff
• Cons: Smoky

A new incarnation of an old stalwart presents fancier food, sleeker environs and live music.

by Contributor

In Short
A familiar downtown beer joint since 1902, it now has new ownership and a new vibe. The vintage neon sign out front is the same, but inside, the bar is transformed by dark green and maroon tones and an imposing collection of vintage motorcycles suspended from the ceiling. A diner-like counter runs the length of one wall, while tables line the other. Live rock music and DJs bring in the scenesters and set the tone.

02/12/06

if you're a musicain stay away

by kekoaj

This place may have THE location and the neon and motorcycles hanging from the ceiling, BUT as a live music venue Kelly's Olympian is a major disappointment. #1 there's a giant pole in the middle of the stage. I don't know how any acts larger than a 2 piece could do it. #2 the sound sucks. Their PA is a joke, the monitors are bolted to the floor, and whoever runs the sound does nothing to help the situation. A definite waste of time if you're looking to play a show in Portland and you want to sound good. This place has been fun in the past at previous show I did, but the PA was lacking then too. Don't waste your time setting up a show here. If the door doesn't make any money they'll blame it on your band and not their shotty sound system.

• Pros: downtown, suspended motorcycles, a cool bartender(Bob)
• Cons: terrible sound, impotent PA, small stage