We actually stopped at Kells twice in the 4 nights we were in Portland. Nice place with a good vibe. It wasn't busy and I was able to have a nice chat with the affable owner. Very interesting. Our first day we went in for a flight. Good beers. We went back two nights later for a casual dinner. Both burger and fish n chips were very good. Good pub.
Very good staff. Pleasant backyard. The beer is fresh, but nondescript. No charisma and no art. Just business. There is no point in going there specifically. Buy a jar at any store. It will be the same.
Fantastic food and great beer options. I especially loved the BLTC sandwich. It was soooo good. The atmosphere is really open yet cozy and the staff was very friendly. Would definitely go here again!
On a cold night in January, comfort food was what we were craving, not to mention that we had $50 in gift cards to use. It was a just a little chaotic on how we were to seat ourselves and order food, but we figured it out eventually. The Brussel sprout appitizer was a little mushy and we expected crispy. However, the Sausage Roll was amazing. The Shephards Pie and Lamb Stew were just what the soul needed and that coupled with a few beers made for a lovely evening out. We went back with friends just a few weeks later.
Great pub. Hubby and I visited this gem on our last trip to Portland. We bought tickets to the Irish beer festival, what a hoot. For 20.00, you get to sample and I mean generous sample may beers and get to keep the glass. It was done up really nice and great atmosphere. Would definitely come back
Nice atmosphere. The church lights and stained glass were neat, and the beer was really good. Hazy IPA was my favourite but the stout was also good.
Always an awesome Vibe and great people. Plus the whiskey selection is interesting and decidedly Irish. I've never had a moment here where I wasn't having fun including going there after losing the MLS cup
I don't make it out to Kell's (any of their locations) as much as I'd like. This particular Kell's, out in NW off 21st street, is my wife's favorite go-to location for St. Patrick's Day festivities, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. As expected for their showcase holiday event, it was packed to the gills, even though we're just coming out of mask mandates, so the experience comes with some...inherent risks. That said, we're about as prepared as anyone can be, immunology-wise, and it's about time we started returning to normal. If we don't, we never will.The $20 cover netted us entry, plus a couple of sweet Kell's t-shirts. The 21st avenue location features a covered auxiliary tent for capacity spillover, meaning the main dining area is pretty much standing room only, and barely that. We wanted to enjoy the live music (a staple at Kell's, even during regular weekdays and weekends), so we waded into the throng, hoping to find a place to sit...a tall order, in and of itself! Snagging a table during a premier event requires vigilance, patience and assertiveness, but after about an hour, we managed to grab one, and ordered food and drinks.It's a foregone conclusion that my wife will order the Corned Beef & Cabbage on St. Patty's, and myself, having had some for lunch, pivoted to my other perennial favorite, the Shepherd's Pie. Incredibly, despite the overwhelming mass of humanity ordering food and drinks at the same time, our entire order manifested at our table within 15 minutes. A jealousy-inspiring portion of corned beef landed, hot and fresh, in front of my wife, but my Shepherd's Pie was satisfying enough to keep me from stealing more than a bite or two (at least until she became full, at which time, it became ALL MINE)! Two-for-one! Heck yes!There were, of course, a few nitpicks here and there: the mashed potatoes in my Shepherd's Pie seemed a little on the cold and hard side, likely having sat idle for a while before being utilized. Considering the amount they must have had to make to prepare for their most popular holiday, that's not surprising. I'd also say that the cocktails I ordered were a tad on the anemic side, but that is also not normal, and likely a result of the event. Knocking even one star off of Kell's rating, because of a couple minor hiccups, due to the swarming chaos of their St. Patty's Day event, would be unjust. Any day of the week, this is a four-clover, five star pub, and being able to pull of such an overwhelming event as successfully as they have, requires a degree of skill (and luck) that only the Irish possess!
Had a great evening at Kells! I was very impressed with their own beer (especially their stout) and their huge liquor selection, and the Reuben sandwich I ordered was also excellent. I would definitely check this place out if you like Irish pubs!
First time here even after being Portland born and raised. Very cool old brewery. Definitely history here. Fantastic homemade brews. Small part of Portland you Definitely need to visit. Especially on st paddies day. One of the go to spots. Will go again