Kelly's Burgers & Beer — Restaurant in Melbourne

Kelly's Crickets Spirits Sports & Food 650 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32935

4 Stars

“I love it when a plan comes together.” – Col. John “Hannibal” Smith.

Kelly's and Crickets merged into one location, bringing both menus into one bar menu. Is it bar food? Is it comfort food? I say it is comfort in a bar. The ambiance is a sports bar all the way. Sandy is the bartender/server today, and she is absolutely outstanding in her job performance. Sadly, she informed me they pool the tips, as her professionalism garnered her a 58% tip. I asked Sandy for one of their daily specials (Tuesdays is Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans), six wings and one of their Jr. Burgers (medium rare). Sandy placed the order as we continued our anfractuous conversation about everything under the sun. Go, Sports Ball Team!

Before too long, our order was up and after snapping a few pictures for y'all, I got to work. Look at that scrumptious lookin' grub! Look at it! First up on my palate was the Tuesday Special. I love me a good meatloaf plate with all the fixins and this one had it in spades. The meatloaf was firm, savory and perfectly done. The gravy was obviously made in the back and not from a packet or can, as the flavoring was superb, complex and akin to the nectar of the Greek Gods. I almost asked for a bucket to go; it was so good. The green beans were great. This was perfection on a plate.

Putting down my fork and turning my attention to the wings was difficult, but I was here for a job, not to relish every bite of a delectable meatloaf. I ordered the six wings with a medium spiciness and they were just that—spot on, to be exact. They were cooked correctly and seasoned with enough kick to say a hearty hello to my palate but not enough to make me break out in a sweat. Well done, Line Cook! Alas, I begrudgingly looked toward the last item for review today, the Jr. Burger. As you can clearly see in the picture, there is nothing “Junior” about this model of ground charred Bovine flesh. I was actually shocked at the size and had to do a double-take on the menu. After closer inspection, I discovered that their regular “Famous Kelly Burgers” are 8 oz hand-formed patties, and the Junior was a mere 6 oz. A word of advice, if I may be so bold. Do NOT use condiments on this burger. It is seasoned during formation and cooking and is delicious as is.

The Big Boy says, “ Play some pool, shoot the breeze with Sandy and eat lots of tasty burgers, wings, and things (I wager their homemade soup and chili is...

Live right next door to Kelly’s and have had a few decent experiences there but two weeks ago I brought a friend there who was visiting in town, the server seemed very busy and alone which is fine she came to the table relatively quickly took our drink order and didn’t come back for 15 minutes, we then placed our food order (2 of their most simple sandwiches and an order of wings.). This order ended up not coming out for an hour and a half after we ordered. To add insult to injury the server kept coming over and telling us “just 5 more minutes” for the entire hour and a half. We actually ended up getting the bill before the food because the restaurant was closing after we waited so long. Despite this we were given our food to go and charged full price with no explanation of why food took so long (it was not busy at all during the time we were there) my friends were so frustrated they wanted to leave without paying but I insisted we have patience and stay. I told my group to head home and I stayed behind. I approached the bartender and kindly explained everything I just typed and then asked why things were taking so long and the bartender took offense and asked “what do I mean” and then explained that “she can’t only speak for the front of the house” a cop out answer if you’ve ever been in the industry. I then asked to speak with a manager simply to get an understanding of what happens and the bartender refused, asking me why I needed a manager and then offered to buy me a drink instead which I declined. I was very polite the entire time despite the horrible service and terrible accountability. After I left I called back to see if I could speak to a manger on the phone and in a bizarre fashion when I asked if they were still open for me to talk to anyone they said “sorry we closed at 10 so no” - it was 915.

I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever experienced service this bad. The food was halfway decent as usual so at least we got to eventually enjoy our reheated meals. It’s my opinion that the staff memebers are either under the influence or just very rude and I would urge everyone else to consider my story if you re ever thinking of going to Kelly’s for a...

This place serves the BEST BURGER in town!!!

This is my second review of Kelly's burgers and beer (now crickets?) I went in there around 9:pm on Monday September 22nd 2025.... I've been in Melbourne my whole life. I've been following Mr Kelly around for decades. I've have enjoyed a thousand hamburgers (at a few different locations) over the years...... Until now. I ordered a medium rare hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle.(a side of fries) The atmosphere was pretty slow. As, it was late Monday night. There were only a few people at the bar. I'm not quite sure if the original owner is still in charge there? Mind you, I've never had a bad experience in the past (on Mike's watch)... But, this visit was a different story! Again, not many people...it took about 20min for any staff to acknowledge my existence. (I had to waive some twenty-dollar bills) The burger I got was worse than prison food! Brown lettuce, bad tomato,.... the beef was burnt,dry and cold. Absolutely inedible (could have cracked a tooth) I did complain to my server. I thought perhaps, there might have been an admirer of mine in the kitchen?(someone that might personally dislike me) therefore, it might have been served that way intentionally? (I wasn't gonna get anything else) The bartender, let me know...2.$ would be discounted 🙄 I REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO COMPLAIN! For almost 30yrs I've been bragging/telling anyone that might listen; WHO MAKES THE BEST FREAKING BURGER!

WHAT DO I DO...