Kyteler's Inn — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Kilkenny City

Table service was always good here in the past, with chatty and friendly waitresses of a certain vintage who always had a word to say. However in recent times post-Covid it seems, the waiting staff have become much younger and less social, chatty and friendly. There are exceptions of course, but typically nowadays you will likely be served by a young adult or teenager who has very little in the way of welcome or have nothing to say other than quoting you the specials.

The pub side has a really warm atmosphere but I don’t like sitting in the restaurant section as it is less atmospheric and very much out of the way.

Menu-wise I was extremely disappointed to see their Bookmakers Sandwich only made a temporary return to the menu post Covid then disappeared from the menu altogether. Was my favourite dish on their menu by far. Menu itself hasn’t changed much over the years and doesn’t offer enough choice in my opinion. Chips/fries seem to accompany every dish and they’re not consistently cooked, which is disappointing. Fish is frozen only. Disappointing that no fresh fish options exist. Burger is huge and fairly stodgy.

Pint of Guinness is consistently good here, thankfully. If you’re a tourist and visit here then you’re assured of a good pint. Pub is small, space is tight, but has a nice atmosphere. There’s always sports on tv during the day: horse racing, gaa or premier league football. Volume is off, thankfully.

Kilkenny is a difficult town in which to find good, fresh, value for money food to eat out. Unless you’re willing to fork out for it in some expensive restaurant. Much of the food in KK is fried, fast and not fresh. The same could be said of most places these days. Unless you order a full on dinner in Kyteler’s are you guaranteed to get fresh food. Something like their roast beef or chicken dishes with mashed potatoes and vegetables. But who wants to eat a large heavy dinner for lunch and feel heavy all afternoon? Add in a pint or two at lunch and it’ll be a bed...

Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny is hands down a must-visit if you’re seeking an authentic Irish experience with a unique and captivating twist. From the moment you walk through its doors, you’re met with outstanding service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The passionate owner, JD, is the heart and soul of the place, ensuring every guest has a memorable time. He personally checks in to make sure everything runs smoothly, and his dedication to providing an exceptional experience truly sets this place apart.

One of the real highlights of Kyteler’s Inn is its incredible storytelling. The pub was once the home of the infamous Alice Kyteler, Kilkenny’s first woman to be accused of witchcraft. JD and his staff bring her eerie tale to life with spellbinding storytelling, recounting how she was hunted as a witch in the 14th century. The history woven into the walls of this inn adds a rich and mysterious atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.

The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making sure every part of your stay is smooth and enjoyable. If you're a whiskey lover, you're in for a treat! Kyteler’s Inn offers an exceptional tasting experience with a wide variety of selections. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a newbie, the staff will guide you through the different options, making it both fun and educational. Pair that with their delicious, hearty meals—big portions that leave no one hungry—and it’s a recipe for a fantastic night. Even better, they offer gluten-free options for coeliacs, so everyone can enjoy the feast.

The traditional Irish music fills the space with lively energy, making this the perfect spot to relax, have fun, and immerse yourself in Irish culture. Whether you’re in for the food, drinks, history, or music, Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny is a gem that should not be missed. Highly...

Edit: as you can see by the owner's snarky response, they don't care for constructive criticism. It was beef that tasted like it was cooked and reheated 3 times. And, if owner actually comprehended what I said, he would have read that I DONT like food at Spar because I didn't like the food at this pub. If the reader likes Spar food....then they'd be happy here. It's clear from the response to this review and others that the owner has no intention of doing better....which, if anyone is being honest, we can all strive for. I'll do better in picking better pubs. Knocked off a star for the owner's attitude and another for their arrogant response to my edit. Dude, your food was awful and I'm not the only one that thinks it. Running a restaurant you need a thick skin and a willingness to listen to negative feedback ....ask me how I know.....20 years experience in the industry.

If you like the food at Spar, you'll like the food here. Would make a great "drinks only" pub as the atmosphere and service are very nice. The food, however, was very disappointing. Chips were saltless and needed 2 more minutes in the fryer. The roast beef roll was....just dry beef on a roll. It appeared there was an attempt to put something ....maybe mayo?...on the roll but it was so minuscule we couldn't make it out. We had to douse it in brown sauce to get it down. Kid had a burger...said it was "just ok". Other kid had the Cajun chicken panini....he said it was good but nowhere near spicy enough to be Cajun. Maybe the more classic pub dishes are good but....after this go, we would be hard pressed...