Kellys' Irish Times, with its drifting comma (official sources list it as both "Kelly's and Kellys') and vast collection of patches from police and fire brigades across the country, has the feeling of an unpretentious, blue-collar joint. It may not always be filled with off-duty police officers and fire fighters (it's close proximity to Union Station gives it a decent commuter, after-work crowd), but the friendly bar staff and authentic kitschy decor welcomes you any day. And the occasional live music performances (like it's neighbor The Dubliner) and the jukebox really liven things up, even in the bar's dingiest corners.
Emblazoned above the green awning leading to the bar's front door is the perfectly friendly phrase: "Give me your thirsty, your famished, your befuddled masses." The classic Irish pub feel is rounded out by 60's pop culture memorabilia and lots of Kennedy swag. To poke fun at the absurdity of past sentiments toward the Irish, the Kellys' walls are also full of historic political cartoons with unfavorable depictions of the Irish.
Their website seems a bit out of date, and the bartender had no idea what $3 PBR happy hour special we were referring to, but she honored it nonetheless. And the onion rings were darn good, too.
In the end, who can't love a place with a Family Guy pinball machine, war propaganda posters, a vintage cigarette machine and a Christmas tree all in the same room. Something for everyone!
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