Kelly's Irish Pub — Restaurant in Austin

So the area this place is in isn't exactly the nicest part of town. When you walk in you seat yourself. There's a long bench seat along the wall to the right when you first walk in with tables that have stools as well. We initially sat down at the table in the middle that was open along the wall/bench seat. The TV on the wall that was about a foot from my head was extremely loud in my left ear and the annoying mutants sitting to the right of us were even louder in my right ear. So we moved to the bar, the bar tender took our drink order without asking for a card/open a tab. A booth behind us opened up and we grabbed it even though it still needed to be cleared off. After sitting down it was fairly quickly cleared off. Eventually ordered food. Ordered Fish and Chips - The batter was overly fried and burned on the end - the fish was good and the parts of the batter that weren't burned were good - the Chips were very thick cut almost 1/4 potatoes, they were bland but cooked well - I also ordered the honey toast w/ Irish butter and a side of mashed potatoes - Sadly the honey toast with butter was the best thing I had - The side of mashed potatoes were pretty bland and fairly lumpy - not bad per say but not good either, nothing to write home about - The Diet Coke I ordered was some kind of Coke Zero I think? or possibly some Walmart knock off? Not sure - We also ordered the Sunday Roast - According to the GF everything was good but the meat was cooked way over. Anyway, there's another bar in the back with additional seating and an outdoor area. Just extremely basic on all levels, the clientele were......

After months and months of anticipation it’s finally open.

Staff is very friendly, a lil discombobulated but on day 1 of opening it’s expected. Don’t be discouraged by the traffic jam in the front door with the small bar. There’s a long 2nd bar in back! Probably 20 ppl wide. Magners, Harp, Guinness on tap.

Irish Whiskey selection: has all the regulars: Ja-mo, Tully, Paddy’s, even Lost Irish… not a ton of those brands’ top tier but I’m sure that’ll come.

Friendly staff. Some true Irish immigrants throughout which adds to their authentic vibe. Briefly met one of the owners (Jimmy I believe) extremely nice and hospitable. You can tell he’s invested. Watched him check on guests up and down the bar when he went behind to help his bartender when he was slammed. Saw the Manager do the same in the front bar when I arrived.

Small high walled booths traditional to a pub for intimate gatherings with 4 ppl line the side wall. The 5th person at the end of the table adds to the traffic jam.

Reasonably priced drinks for ATX. Had a Magners and Irish mule $15.

Covered out door seating and uncovered but it was raining so uncovered wasn’t in use.

Woodwork is authentic and the attention to detail is fantastic. Although the bar tops and wood color is lighter than this Irish redhead is used to. Still an excellent blend of Texas and Irish. Especially the stamped tin ceiling above the back bar.

Will come back and change to 5 ⭐️ once I try the food.

Plan on making it a regular stop.

Watch out Baker Street! The Irish are...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kelly's Irish Pub in ATX and was thoroughly impressed by the authenticity and quality of the experience. The Guinness on tap was nothing short of exceptional, boasting that rich and creamy taste that you'd expect from a true Irish pub.

However, the highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the Shepherd's Pie. Cooked to perfection, the hearty combination of tender meat and flavorful vegetables topped with a velvety mash was an absolute delight for the taste buds. It's not easy to find such an authentic and delicious Shepherd's Pie outside of Ireland, but Kelly's truly delivers.

What made the experience even more memorable was the warm and friendly service provided by Daragh, the bartender from Northern Ireland, Great Britain. Daragh's knowledge about a wide range of topics, from Irish history to local recommendations, added a delightful layer to the overall experience. His genuine friendliness and willingness to engage with patrons made the visit feel like more than just a meal; it felt like a cultural exchange.

In conclusion, Kelly's Irish Pub offers an outstanding blend of great food, superb drinks, and a genuine Irish atmosphere. If you're in ATX and seeking an authentic taste of Ireland, along with a bartender like Daragh who enhances the experience with his knowledge and charm, don't miss the chance to visit...