Kelley Square Pub — Restaurant in Boston

On any given day, walking in for lunch or dinner, you feel welcomed as if you walked into your Auntie or Uncle's house. Firstly, the food is as good as your Auntie would make. Secondly, John Jr., Sue or anyone else greet you as if you are their nephew. I'm not from the city. I reside 5 minutes from Gillette stadium & I've driven to meet friends at Kelly's, many times, for a meal. Over the last 5+ years I find myself in Eastie a lot as I have been blessed to be a part of a sensational family a few blocks from the pub. Writing a review for Kelly's never crossed my mind. I mean, you wouldn't review your Auntie! So why now? Our family's matriarch is dying. Some of us sleep at MGH. The nursing staff was amazing so I wanted to say thanks and feed them all. So, I placed the order for 30 people. It was apon delivery where I, personally, met Jr. For the first time. From Eastie to MGH, in just under an hour, on a work day at 6pm, he arrived. Two of us came down to get the delivery. He knew what we were dealing with. He refused to take a tip. He extended blessings to the family and our matriarch. As we were figuring how to get all this up to the 10th floor Jr said just keep the delivery bags and return them some other time. Again, minutes after our introduction!! So today, the family is gathered at home. Not able to get to the city myself today I wanted to get them some lunch. So, i called Kelly's. To John Jr, Sue (you neglected to put the tip on my card today) and all the staff, thank you, thank you for the wonderful service! Thank you, thank you for the outstanding food, that was equally terrific as if we dined in! And thank you, thank you for making me feel like part of your family. If you've been to Kelly's Square, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't been to Kelly's Square, you should as I give it the highest recommendation for food and service in Boston...

One and Done – What a Disappointment

Kelley Square Pub has officially earned a spot on my “never again” list. This visit was just too ridiculous to ignore.

Right off the bat, walking in from the back parking lot, we passed a female server still in her work apron, chain-smoking cigarettes just a few feet from the door. Not exactly the warmest welcome—and certainly not the most hygienic.

Inside, things somehow got worse. The day bartender—clearly well into his 40s and looking like he hadn’t slept in a week—was visibly coked out, pounding drinks, and being obnoxiously loud with a much younger female server. She seemed more interested in her TikToks and selfies than, I don’t know, doing her job? She also had her phone blasting music at the bar, making it impossible to enjoy even the jukebox—because yes, I tried.

The food? Total afterthought. The chicken parm was bland and buried in overcooked pasta. The fried shrimp had a weird tangy taste, like they’d been sitting around too long. Definitely not fresh. Definitely not good.

To top it off, the bartender and his TikTok entourage decided to post up at a table shoved awkwardly at the end of the bar—and proceed to be the loudest, most obnoxious people in the entire room. The rest of the guests at the bar were visibly annoyed, trying to talk over these three clowns who were clearly desperate for attention.

Between the trashy behavior, the awful food, and the total lack of professionalism, this place is a joke. If this is what passes for hospitality here, save yourself the time and skip it. There are way better spots in the area that actually care about their...

HIDDEN GEM!! Great Food, Drinks, Environment & Value!! Diverse Menu, mostly Italian & BBQ, but definitely check out the Daily Specials-ALWAYS A HIT! Kelley's Pub is the ONLY place I'll order Marinara sauce. I never get it when out to eat bc no1s better than my Nana's Sauce, not even the North End, but Kelley's Pub's is. Make sure to ask for their Free fresh baked Bread & Oil, their Olive Oil is THE BEST!! I would pay top dollar to buy a bottle if they ever sold it. Every meal is HUGE PORTIONS & Delicious! Great Pizza & Calzone, especially their "Specialty Pizza's". My ATF= Potato Skin Pizza!! Tastes like the Best Potato Skin & Best Pizza you've ever had in 1 bite (TIP:Can always make it even if it's not on the Specials menu that day). 2nd Fav Special = BBQ Turkey Tips. So tender, juicy w/ smoky sweet BBQ sauce, but only avail. when listed on Specials. Great Bar scene & even better drinks at a great price! No $20 martini's here. They make all kinds of Martini's & Specialty Cocktails, plus wine, and beer on tap, & all at 1/2 the price of Boston restaurants! Plus, has Keno. Very Welcoming, Cozy, Friendly Vibe inside. Easy place to make friends or just have fun joking with personable waitresses :) Cool décor, with vintage Boxing memorabilia & lots of autographed photos of WWE stars, Boxers, & Actors Past & Present lining the walls! Sun-Mon-Tues = 2 dinners for $20 Dinner Specials! Considering every meal comes with Bread & Oil, and Salad you & your date will definitely leave here on a full stomach w/ a face full of smiles for $20! YOU GOTTA...