Kelly's Cellars

Beerstorian

District of Columbia

3.9/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | $

I visited here last April while on a tour of UKoGBaNI and Ireland. This place has great atmosphere, and is a must-see for anyone looking for a taste of Belfast that isn't commercial.

I gave it average for service because we got our beers form the bar, and I didn't get the chance to speak to the bartender. Selection was average because it was like every other place around: Guinness, some kind of cider, and I think it had Staropramen and maybe another beer. Nothing unusual--and not even Kilkenny which some other places had.

This is the bar where nationalists organized the 1798 Irish Uprising/Rebellion, and where local IRA hung out during the Troubles. It has anti-British slogans (some violent) written on the walls, and we got sideways glances when we entered. But everyone was friendly and the late-night atmosphere was great.

There was some music, but they were playing in a corner for some locals who were huddled around the music. So we couldn't hear it well.

Definitely an experience. I recommend it. Don't wear orange or green, don't wear partisan football/soccer jerseys, be unobtrusive, and enjoy the surroundings.

02-20-2013 01:49:24 | More by Beerstorian