Kelly O's Diner in the Strip — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Visited on October 5, 2025, around lunchtime. Upon arrival, my guest and I found a lengthy line outside the door which usually signals a popular local spot. We waited roughly 25 minutes before being seated. To their credit, the owner kept the waiting crowd entertained, which helped pass the time.

Once inside, it was clear that space is limited. Tables are packed tightly, and the diner operates at full capacity, especially during Sunday brunch hours. Our server, Carrie, greeted us promptly and took our drink orders while we looked over the extensive breakfast menu.

Our Order:

Western Omelet: $18.67 Loaded with ham, onions, green peppers, and cheddar cheese. Nicely cooked with a rich, cheesy filling. However, note that home fries are not included and cost extra. (3) Buttermilk Pancakes: $8.89 Unfortunately, these were overly chewy likely from overmixed batter. I was expecting light and fluffy, classic diner pancakes.

Famous Breakfast: $14.86 Scrambled eggs, turkey sausage links, and home fries. Nicely seasoned and hearty.

Fruit Cup: $4.75 Bright, fresh mix of blueberries, strawberries, banana slices, cantaloupe, and honeydew—beautifully presented but served late after we had already begun eating.

Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: $4.65 Refreshing and naturally sweet, a standout of the meal.

The Experience: While the food overall was flavorful and portions generous, there were some service hiccups. Our server forgot to bring the fruit cup until we spoke directly with the owner. Additionally, the upcharge for side items like home fries wasn’t clearly mentioned by our server, which could have been communicated better.

Atmosphere & Service: Kelly O’s has that nostalgic Pittsburgh diner charm lively, close-quarters, and family-friendly. The décor is retro and fun, but the space can feel cramped when the restaurant is full. Staff worked hard under the rush, though service could benefit from a bit more attention to order accuracy and communication.

Pricing: Our total came to $55.45 (including 7% sales tax). Slightly on the higher side for a diner breakfast, especially with upcharges, but portions are sizable.

Kelly O’s Diner is a classic Pittsburgh brunch experience—good comfort food, lively crowd, and a community vibe that keeps people coming back. Just be prepared for a wait, tight seating, and some inconsistencies in pacing and service.

Kelly O’s Diner in the Strip, 100 24th Street,...

Let me start off by saying it's my birthday AND I am a Disabled Veteran.

I went to Kelly O's in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District this morning because I happened to pop up at 5am and the restaurant opens at 6am.

I decided on my way I wanted a huge breakfast to start my day my order was: special of the day shrimp and grits...2 eggs over medium...side of ham...side of biscuits and sausage gravy....coffee and water.

Let's start with the coffee it had the disgustingly burned/stale taste to it for which they offered to prepare a fresh pot.....I arrived approximately 45 minutes after opening how could the coffee not be fresh?

Next one would think when a restaurant features a food that specialty item would be exceptional with the shrimp and grits this was not the case the sauce was extremely bland and flavorless the shrimp was slightly under cooked and the temperature of the grits were lukewarm at best.

The ham was visually dry and there was nothing succulent or enjoyable about it.

When you think sausage gravy you think hearty and well it was flavorless and tasted like it was poured from the can into a pot and poured over the biscuits.

I summoned the waitress over and gave back the shrimp and grits the ham and the biscuits and sausage gravy and explained the situation with each.

She NEVER EVEN OFFERED to have my food re-prepared instead she immediately apologized and said that she would arrange that I received 20% off my meal.

Now you might say...20% off is better than nothing at all....and logic dictates I would agree....however why should one have to pay ANYTHING for food that was poorly prepared and not consumed?

After all....it is my birthday.....AND I am a Disabled Veteran!

Kelly O's.....is this how you treat your Veterans??????

I will not be going there again....too many other options in Pittsburgh to have to roll the dice and suffer through another possible bad experience!

Happy...

I'm updating my review from several years ago (see below), because things have definitely changed.

The environment now is very expensive food in a setting where they rudely try and rush you out the door.

I just had breakfast, and from the moment we sat down it was evident that they were trying to rush us through our breakfast. First, the waitress came up to us at least three times within 3 minutes to ask us if we were ready to order. After proceeding to place an order for a very over-priced omelet (which they didn't even get right), they continued to rush us through our meal as we ate.

The tipping point came when we were done eating and still drinking our coffee, and the hostess rudely came over and asked us to leave, claiming there was a line of people waiting. Not only was there no line, but there were four booths and several tables unoccupied.

We had only been there 40 minutes.

So, after going here for many years, I will find another place for breakfast. There is nothing special about the food, it's overpriced, and the staff is rude.

That said, our breakfast did come out very quickly. So I guess if you're looking for a place with free parking in the strip to get in and out of quickly, and you don't mind paying a little more than you probably should, this is a good place for your. However, for a casual breakfast to catch up with a friend, not so much.

Old Review: Great food. Fun atmosphere. AND...