Good food and drink at reasonable prices -- what more could you ask for? When my family and I try to decide where to go out for a simple dinner in HoCo, we typically roll through the list of the "usual suspects" in the Columbia/Ellicott City area, quickly dismissing the evil "Big Box" restaurants (mediocre food and long wait times at high prices) and the plethora of Asian restaurants (good food, but do we really need yet-another Korean BBQ place across the street from the three other Korean BBQ places?)...and we happily all agree on Kelsey's. The menu has familiar and comforting choices like fish and chips, roasted rosemary chicken, and Shepherd's pie that are well-executed and satisfy the soul (especially when paired with their good selection of on-tap beers; they also make a great classic gin martini). The portions are plentiful, so you likely won't have room for dessert; however, if you do, then try the bread pudding...buttery and rich...pure comfort.
Review Source:One of my favorite spots for both food and drinks. The bartenders Chris and Brenden are just awesome! The food is always amazing- not exaggerating. Way beyond typical bar food. The roasted chicken is one of my favorites. It's always very moist and well seasoned. My boyfriend raves about their burgers and swears these burgers are the best he's ever had. I don't even like burgers and I have to admit I always steal a bite of his because they taste so great. Even the french fries, which are hand cut and homemade, are fantastic. Definitely try the Ahi Tuna appetizer. They have live music sometimes, although I never seem to make it in those nights. It's a great place to grab a beer and watch the game. There's also a dining room if you're looking for a more formal sit down kind of meal. I've come here many, many times and have never left unsatisfied. With a great beer selection, friendly staff, and a really varied menu with dinner specials and seasonal selections, it doesn't get much better than Kelsey's.
Review Source:If you want drinks... come here but if you want good food... fast, skip this place. My daughter Bella had the french toast with mixed berries. The french toast was stale(which typically makes a great french toast before you cook it but it was stale after the fact) and felt like it wasn't fresh. The mixed berries had sugar added to it which I feel defeats the purpose of eating fruit especially for kids.I ordered the "crab cake" eggs Benedict which was so incredibly fishy. I wouldn't call it it a crab cake either... it was finely shredded way too old crab lightly smeared on my english muffin which normally is a a thick biscuit. I just can't imagine eating a biscuit with all that. The poached egg however was cooked perfectly but I just couldn't get over the fishy taste. The breakfast potatoes was cold and bland. Our waitress took forever to take our drink orders, our food order, our bill then to receive our receipt..Considering they were very slow during this time.... I just don't understand how they do it when it's a full house. Then again, I can't imagine this place ever being packed considering all of the cons.
Review Source:We stopped by for a casual dinner in the bar section. The O's were winning their home opening game so there was a lot of fun going on. Our waitress was attentive and we tried the corned beef Poppers - 4 pieces was just enough to spit. They were pretty good and filling. As a result we couldn't finish our dinner and had to take it home. Â The food and service were good even though it was pretty busy on a Friday night.
Review Source:Kelsey's is like a family. There's a reason why staff stays there for many years: a commitment to the restaurant that you do not find at chains or even other pubs. They are all very close, and help each other, so you get the best service they can offer.
As for the food, the head chef, Chad, strives to please at all times. He is constantly updating the menu and changing things so that there is a new surprise ever time you go to dine. The part I find most amazing is his, and the kitchen staff's willingness to accommodate people like me (I can't eat gluten). Often they re-cook dishes specially so that I can enjoy them as well. It makes me feel included, and knowing that I don't just have a boring salad is another reason I enjoy eating here.
I also can't say enough positive things about the creative menu specials - and the holiday celebrations! If you want something great to do on New Years Eve, their wine pairing dinner is absolutely amazing!!
I've been to Kelsey's several times and was never overly impressed with the food. The steamed shrimp appetizer and the fries are probably the best things I've had here. I recently had a turkey wrap, which was okay, lots of turkey a little bit of bacon, but it was a little dry. There was supposed to be a red pepper mayo, but I couldn't taste it. I've tried the fish and chips, but the batter coating on the fish was way too thick and greasy. The crab cake sandwich was decent for an Irish Pub, but I've had better. We also tried the all you can eat brunch once and we were not impressed. It was very basic and the food was just okay. I would recommend Kelsey's for grabbing some drinks and appetizers or watching the game. We've always had good service, just not crazy about the food.
Review Source:While in Cantonsville, MD for business, I went looking a little further for someplace to eat that wasn't Asian or Applebee's. Â Just a few miles down US-40 was Kelsey's in Ellicott City, and while my friend wasn't interested in going to a bar, I assured him it couldn't be too bad. Â As it turns out the bar side was pretty loud with the Orioles game on television, but the restaurant side was tame enough. Â For a Wednesday night, the place seemed very popular, and I enjoyed finding out why. Â
I ordered the small version of the fish and "frites." Â While the fish & chips weren't out-of-this-world, it was prepared authentically and I ate it all up. Â My friend ordered the crab cake entree and was very pleased. Â Nice chunks of fresh crab meat broke off as he cleaned his plate, and he remarked the crab cakes, green beans, and mashed potatoes were all very good. Â Crab cakes aren't really Irish fare, but at least they apparently made them right!
I found our waitress to be friendly, knowledgeable, and fairly quick, especially considering how busy the place was that night! Â I wish the waitress had informed me of the drink specials, but overall I was very satisfied and would definitely return another day if I was in the area again.
Previously I have had great meals here. They have in the past had a great crab cake and an awesome Ruebon  as well as a rich and flavorful Irish stew on St. patty's day. However, yesterday I ordered a burger medium rare that was cooked to well done. Very disappointing. The cole slaw was also very vinegary and did not taste fresh. The waitress did come by and ask how everything was and I showed her my overcooked burger of which I ate most of it because I was hungry. She immediately went to the kitchen to inform them of my disappointment in the meal. The manager came out and did offer us a dessert on the house. The desserts were good though they don't make them in house. On the other hand, my friend got the Turkey,apple, and Brie flat bread sandwich which she said was very good. I also got a little turned off because a fruit fly went into the beer glass so we did not finish our beer. And the rug in the dining area didn't look very clean.Unfortunately, I am not as thrilled with Kelsey's as I was before. I am not sure if it's worth another visit
Review Source:Kelsey's has slightly above average pub food on their lunch menu but the service is always great! Â I went for lunch today and each and every employee was attentive and friendly. Â They have a decent beer selection and the prices are good. Â This is a sure bet if you are looking for a casual hangout to chill and grab a beer with friends after work.
Review Source:I work very near Kelsey's and several of my coworkers love coming here. I suspect the convenience of the location has much to do with that. Â I've been more times that I usually would simply because that's where everyone wants to hang out.
The food is unoffensive pub fare. Nothing stands out as particularly good (or, to be fair, it's not particularly bad either). Â The prices are decent and I will admit the bartenders tend to be friendly.
That said, the service nearly every time I've been to Kelsey's has been abysmal. It ranges from inattentive to downright rude. Â A server once knocked into my shoulder as he was reaching from behind to put a full beer on the table and spilled it everywhere. I understand that happens in full bar settings from time to time. No big deal. Except that he acted like it was my fault. He brought us towels but didn't offer to clean it up. Â He practically ignored me for the rest of the evening. Â I actually had to go to the bar to get my tab.
I've had someone else's check charged to my credit card. Â When I pointed that out to our server, I was told it would take a while to get it fixed. Â A week later, the charge was still on my account and I had to follow up with management to get it removed. There was no apology and, even though he took my number, he never called back with a resolution. After two days, I did notice the charge was credited back to my account.
3.5 Stars. Mom, sis, and I went here after a relaxing morning at Visual Changes Spa. Kelsey's is just down the street and what better way to wrap up several hours of pampering than to have a lobster grilled cheese and a glass of wine. The sandwich also had a little truffle oil which sent it over the edge. It was a touch greasy, but had a good amount of lobster and lots of flavor. We'll definitely check this place out again next time we're in Ellicot City :)
Review Source:Excellent place for pub-style food and beer, and perfect for a post-work happy hour or late night drink. Â I've mostly come to this restaurant for some draft beers, but I have tried the Rachel (sister of the Reuben... essentially a turkey reuben) and was not disappointed. Â
Great atmosphere. Â Perfect for drinking in a group. Â Usually they allow for some late-night drinkers to hang at a table in the dining room if they prefer not to sit at a noisy bar. Â Outdoor seating is also available with a roof so outside is also an option.
Overall, great place. Â Excellent Irish pub atmosphere.
Kelsey's is an Irish pub housed in a strip mall with an exterior that looks like a ski chalet. But if you can get past the exterior identity crisis, it's actually a fun little Irish pub on the inside. They have small dining area if you want to escape the dull roar of the pub, that comes complete with a fireplace for the winter. The pub area has the a long dark mahogany wood pub bar surrounded by Irish pub wooden stools, and there are high top n low top tables too. Kelsey's even has a spacious outdoor seating area, but you'll have to strategically place yourself away from tables with smokers unless you like the scent of burning tobacco with your meal.
Kelsey's always has a lively happy hour and late night crowd. They've got lots of beer on tap including the obligatory Guinness tap. They even have live music on the weekends, although it's a tight squeeze to get a band in the pub area with a standing room only crowd.
The food ranges from traditional Irish pub fare, (Fish in Chips, Shepherds Pie, etc...) to more traditional American fare. I've never had anything bad to eat here, but the house specialty Irish Lamb Stew served in a Bread Bowl with a pint of Guinness on the side is definitely my favorite.
Buffalo boneless pretty good. Asked for extra blue cheese got lots. Man n cheese super cheesy n tangy but not in a good way. Chocolate cake slice was tiny n dry n the frosting was like a 5 year olds birthday cake. Sugar n fake cocoa. Waiter seemed unattentive but he got the order right.
Review Source:Hadn't been for a while, but was very impressed with tonight's meal!
A pair of crabcakes broiled perfectly,,,excellent portion and only enough non crab meat to hold them together...delicious! We told the waitress that they top everyone's in a 5 mile radius. They were served with fresh asparagus again perfectly cooked; and above average mash potatoes.
I had the turkey club wrap which was moist, flavorful and perfect crumbled bacon!
The hand cut fries were as good as a desert...great flavor and absolutely no grease!
Bill was $41. with iced tea and a water.
Friendly attentive waitress; what more could you ask for?!!
We will definitely include Kelsey's in our dining rotation.
Kelsey's is a fun Irish pub with good beers, lively atmosphere, and decent bar/Irish pub food. Â Can be very busy during happy hour and on special events like St Patrick's day, for example. Â One of the better bars in the area. Â I, too, wish they would stop changing the menu, or make it more seasonal. Â They got rid of two of my favorite things (they added bacon to the pretzel cheese and they no longer have the veggie wrap) making it drop down a notch in terms of vegetarian friendliness.
Review Source:Kelsey's was my boyfriend's idea for our weekly lunch out and I have to say I wasn't expecting much given that everyone at his work that has eaten here has only tried the burgers... men. I was pleasantly surpised however at the variety on the menu given it has more of a pub feel. Based on another review I tried the veggie panini which was flavorful, it could have had more veggies though. Mine included mostly cheese with some spinach and mushrooms. The boy had shepherd's pie which was fantastic!
Only complaint, restaurant side was not full and the host sat us at a small table directly next to a booth then promptly sat another group of ladies at a small table directly next to us when there was plenty of booths and tables to go around. Led to alot of eavesdropping and not to much conversation on our part.
Loved the happy hour here.  I wish they would stop changing the menu.  The waiters are always friendly and responsive.  Burgers are great on Monday nite.  Wish they still had their nachos the old way.  Trying to get too fancy with pub food.  Had dinner here with a friend and would have to say they do better with the sandwiches and  bar food than with entres.
They have a good selection of beers. Â One of our favorite neighborhood pub.
Good pub style food and great service. The first two times that we ate here, I had the Kirby's Tortellini (if I remember right), which was outstanding. Unfortunately it's no longer on the menu - bring it back! Have also had the jalapeño "wings" - very good and the veggie panini - excellent. Great prices too.
Review Source:My wife and I went here for dinner and the food was great! I had the corn beef and cabbage and my wife had the Sheppard's Pie. We also got spaghetti and meatballs for our daughter. It was all very very good. Food came out extremely fast, so fast that when we were done, it hardly felt like we had gone out to dinner. They also have numerous beers imported from Ireland, England and other places in Europe, as well as local beers.
Review Source:Well finally Ellicott City a restaurant that is pretty good!! We have only lived here 3 months, now, and most of my experiences around town have been pretty well....bad!!
I read the reviews on Kelsey's and decided to try it. We had a vast array of items: Smoky Pepper Wings, Medium Wings, Corn Crab Chowder, Pretzels, Fries, and Beer. The wings were great!! Very meaty and tasty!! The chowder was fantastic....and the Pretzel, well felt like I was on the streets of Philly. Did I mention cheap??? They have specials every night, and our tab was very reasonable. Highly recommend for bar/pub food, and ok for kids if in the dining area. We took a 7 year old. For you singles, looked like an 40's crowd at the bar. We will be back. Yeah Ellicott City...you did good!!
We got a few beers and some wings on a Tuesday night. The wings are surprisingly good. We got this mango jerky wings and it is this sweet tangy sauce that coats the wings. Service was decent and it is a fairly relaxing place to just chat with friends over some drinks. We will probably be back to try other dishes another time.
Review Source:We frequent this place for beer and appetizers when we have time to kill. When we go, the bar area is usually crowded with some live music going on in the far wall...we skip all this mess and sit in the dining area. They never seem to mind. The beer selection is great and the food is super cheap. Because the food is priced so low and we don't order traditional entrees we leave a bigger tip to make up for it. The service is great, they are always friendly and let you stay as long as you want without hassling you.
Review Source:I actually came across this place by accident. Â I had some time to kill and i needed some lunch and I went into Normandy Plaza and just happened to see Kelsey's.
It's really a nice place. Â It wasn't very crowded when I was there (about 1:30 in the afternoon) so service at the bar was excellent. I went in on crab cake sandwich day which meant they reduced the cost of the sandwich by a couple of bucks. Â It was a good crab cake without a lot of filler. Â The bun was a normal hamburger bun, though, and could have been smaller. The fries were OK.
The patrons were nice. Â A couple of guys struck up a conversation and we had a good ol' time until I had to leave for my appointment.
I suspect this is a happenin' place at night.
I like Kelsey's. Â Wife will go, begrudgingly (but she always ends up having a good time).
Nice Irish Pub with daily specials.  Have a few  Smithwicks' or Guinness' and Shepard's pie or fish and chips and you're all set.
Bar area can get very busy and packed, but you can get a table or bar seat if you get there early enough. Â Dining room is usually available and service is good.
Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
Went here for my friends bday. The bar area was a little crowded but if I weren't with a large group i don't think I would have thought that way. We had a really cute bartender named Jeff who was super attentive and helpful. Wednesday is 1/2 price bottle of wine night. Â I ordered the crab dip which wasn't the best I've ver had but was still pretty good. They serve it with a small loaf of bread. They charge an extra dollar for extra bread. Â My friend got the flatbread pizza thing and it looked delicious she said it was pretty good. The ambiance is great. Very friendly wait staff.
Review Source:Kelsey's is half a bar, half a restaurant located in Normandy Center Plaza in Ellicott City. The interior is quite nice compared to the outside strip mall facade. There is a clear divide between the two different dining rooms.
When we went (Tuesday), the daily special was $2.99 beers and half off wings. We opted for Old Bay wings and the wings were surprisingly good. For entrees, SX went for the Shepard's Pie and I went for the Irish Stew over mashed potatoes. Pretty standard fare.
Seems like a nice place to meet up with friends for drinks and food.
The food was excellent. Â We went with a small group and opted to sit in the dinning area. Â Once there we could not hear the people in the bar. Â Our group had a variety of entree's from fish to steak and everyone enjoyed their food. Â We had the Crab Pretzel appetizer and it was wonderfully unique. Â It took awhile for our server to initially come to the table, but when she did she apologized for the mix-up and was attentive to our needs from that point on. Â The food and beer (Any type and mixture you can imagine they have. Â It's a real pub.) made up for it.
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