Kells Irish
112 SW 2nd Ave Portland, OR 97204Phone: (503) 227.4057
Located in: Downtown Portland & near Northwest Portland - Visit Website
BarFly's Review of Kells Irish
‘Tis Portland’s Irish pub, and more’s the pity. As American fascination with the Green Isle diverged between loyalists of all things Pogues (violence, booze, poetry) and Flatley (charmingly-scored peasant idylls and don’t ya know), Kells riverdanced with the devil - non-smoking beyond the downstairs’ cigar dungeon, Celtic music borne upon American covers to the inattention of frattish hordes, Irish Nachos and Guinness Meatballs, a wildly popular St. Pat’s festival designed for the eight-year-old girl within us all.
A high-ceilinged expanse of old wood and brick with proper taps and an enviable array of whisky, Kells reminds of the old Irish lament ‘bout heaven - grand bar goes on forever, women are gorgeous, everything’s free, but you never quite get drunk.
Tasty $3 menu 4-7pm M-F, 10pm-mid M-Thurs, and 7-10pm Sundays.
| Kells Irish's Happy Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | $3 menu 4-7pm $3 menu 10pm-12am |
| Tuesday | $3 menu 4-7pm $3 menu 10pm-12am |
| Wednesday | $3 menu 4-7pm $3 menu 10pm-12am |
| Thursday | $3 menu 4-7pm $3 menu 10pm-12am |
| Friday | $3 menu 4-7pm $3 menu 4-7pm |
| Saturday | Alas, no happy hour today. |
| Sunday | $3 menu 7-10pm |
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I've been to Kell's on a few occasions, the first of which was on my 21st birthday. Almost all of my experiences have been unfortunate.
The first time I went there, the bartender insulted my friend when he asked for a drink that the bartender didn't know how to make. The bartender's response was that "we don't know how to make your california frat-boy" something; keywords being california frat-boy. My friend, who works in retail, asked to speak to the manager because this was terrible customer service, and was kicked out instead.
Twice I went without incident, only to find slow service and a crowd that isn't interested in talking to anyone except for the people they arrived with.
The most recent time was the most awful. A friend and I were with a group for an acquaintances birthday, when the bouncer stopped my friend and accused him of having a fake ID. He asked him to sign a piece of paper three times, and then said that the signatures don't match his ID.
The bouncer said that if we want the ID back, we'd have to call the cops. So, we called the cops. They interviewed my friend for about 10 long minutes in the cold winter weather, and then told him that he checked out, and should go get the ID from the bouncer and be on his way. They drove off.
When we went to go get the ID, the bouncer STILL REFUSED TO GIVE IT TO US. At this point it was obvious his main concern was proving how big his dick is, not keeping minors out of the establishment. I told them I'm calling the cops on Kell's for stealing my friend's ID, so the manager came out, and didn't offer any help. He was just confused.
When the cops came back, they told the bouncer that he should give the ID back, but he said he "wasn't comfortable," doing that. So, the cop asked the bouncer to give him the ID, and then the cop gave it back to my friend. Needless to say, our birthday party was ruined. I took my friend home and called it a night.
Only been there once but found it more a tourist ghetto then anything else. I agree with one of the reviews where they say "certainly not the kind of place to go every weekend" which it isn't but most places downtown are like that. They are just made for tourists. I was kinda put off that they didn't have Harp or KilKenny on tap and the bartender at the time never heard of KilKenny beer. I didn't eat there and only drank cause the service was very slow.
Good for tourists but if your a local you can and should be able to do better.
Kells is a pretty good place to go once in a while. The cover is off-putting, and the service is slow but the people are friendly, the music kicks ass, the drinks are tasty, the cigar bar is awesome. It's a fun place to go with friends who've never been, but certainly not the kind of place to go every weekend. I highly recommend the fish and chips.
Well, when I went here with a friend, the service was a bit slow. I'm willing to chalk that up to it being a Monday night and the food and drinks being pretty damn good. Plus, they did have live music, so yeah. It was at least good enough for me to go back.
Kells is all around class. Great drinks, great food, great crowd. One of the few bars I have been to that have johnny blue and the smoking room is fucking spectacular if you're into cigars. Live music sometimes if you're lucky.
The bar staff are the best, they are very nice and they have a good work ethic that shows with their good sevice. I have always had a good time when ever I have gone there no matter who I was with.
Thank you
The best Irish pub this side of Boston....great place to hang out, and if you're in Seattle or San Fran, check out it's sister pubs
I had so much fun at kells during new years eve. I've been to kells quite a few times before, but i had a blast during the celebration at midnight. The max isnt too far either. Its a great place.
Probably the most welcoming and fun bar in Portland. The place is packed on the weekend with 20-30 crowd. great place to meet people. Food is good, drinks are stiff, music is fun, and the service is excellent.
Girls be warned!! Its not the horny frat guys you have to watch out for, they are innocent compared the staff! Owners and bouncers included!!!
I haven't been here yet but have heard nothing but positive things said of it. I would also like to point out that bars/taverns in Portland that allow cigar and pipe smoking are very rare and its awesome this place allows it.
