Wasn't sure what to expect when coming here, but it is actually a really chill spot. It's been in business since 1902 and has a lot of cool stuff inside. Even an older style photo booth. They have a great selection of beer and cocktails. The bartenders are cool. We came back another time during the week and were welcomed back. The food menu could use a little work as it is pretty basic--but has enough choices of your average bar food. We would definitely return! read more

See all

The most un-Portland bar in Portland. I'd label it a faux dive bar. Sure, it looks great with all the neon glow from the street, but other than that, not much else to find joy in here. Like plethora of others in the reviews have mentioned, you are met with security that's far from friendly. My wife and I were greeted by security who held up his hand like he was holding an invisible business card. "ID" is all he said. Sure, no worries, we are in our forties. Hand it over. He then proceeds to ask us about marijuana products on our person..... WAIT, WHAT? This is the Pacific Northwest, my guy. I've seen legit bongs on curbside picnic tables at other bars (Thunderbird on Foster). But this guy wants to peruse your bags trying to find weed. I lied to this securi-nerd, and waltz'd past him. I'm a grown adult, my legal toking is none of your business. Took awhile to get two basic beers. We were met with smiles by staff, but they didn't ask us if we wanted a drink or menu. Finally someone came over and took our drink order. This was a one and done place for us. It has this fake feeling of a PACNW dive bar. It didn't feel legit. It felt put on. Noticed a large table of locals wearing "OREGUNIAN" sweatshirts, and the vibe at this place is just way off. I felt like I was on the East coast--not the West coast. Again, who asks patrons if thy have weed on them with zero explanation? Every single music venue I've been to in Portland could not give less of a crap about your weed vape, so why does this pretend dive bar? What a weird, un-Portland like vibe. The ick is real. read more

Coolest dive bar I've ever been to. I need this in my city immediately. Beer was perfect, cold, and crisp. Staff were awesome. Inside is honestly so cool. Would definitely recommend this spot. read more

See all

I really wanted to like this bar but they're racist to Latino people. They have a token Latina who checks ID for Latino or brown people but not for white people. Unfortunately, they served white people without checking their id. :( read more

Really cool bartender. Awesome bike retro decor. Thr bar was established in 1902! The bar food was good. We had the quesadilla and salad were actually good- recommended by one of the employees The cook Danni was super cool and makes great food! Gracias. Ryan made some delicious drinks- Naked and famous and Swift kick. Ryan definitely knows his mixology-much respect. We returned twice during our short stay because the ambiance, service, and food/drinks were great and worth it Definitely a historic hidden gem in PDX! read more

See all

This spot has the best late night food service on the block! Just steps away from the Sonesta, food service until 1 am. Best tots, get some dipping sauce and a beer, who could ask for anything more. The have an amazing beer selection, some cider and mixed drinks. Pinball and I guess it's a venue. It. Feels like a safe place in an otherwise seedy hood. read more

See all

Just an update... What an order of fries is here seems to change with the moon cycles still, I like 'em. But, here's a couple cool things I wanted to point out. First: veggie patty subs for freeeereeeee! Who does that, really?! Second: charger cables for most phone types at the first table across from the bar. Still my favorite bar and for my favorite drink... bourbon and root beer (tall). The perfect blend of disgusting human optimism and down and dirty, hair on your chest booze. Or..., at least that is what my Ferengi friends tell me when they aren't drinking Raktajino. read more

Rolled my vintage Harley into downtown Portland on a Saturday night, figured I'd check out the so-called top biker bar in town. Plenty of bike parking out front, neon glowing, and inside the joint was humming--busy but not packed shoulder to shoulder. The first thing that hits you is the look: motorcycles hanging overhead, vintage rides displayed like trophies, walls dripping with biker flavor. Credit where it's due--Kelly's nails the vibe. You walk in and you want to believe it's a rider's clubhouse. Grabbed a burger, fries, and a beer. The food? Solidly okay--nothing to write home about. But at just under $20 for the whole plate plus an ice-cold pint, and PBRs at $2.50 a pop, I'm not complaining. This is a bar where your wallet won't hate you. But here's the rub: I was the only one in the whole place who actually rode a motorcycle there. That stings. A biker bar should have more chrome out front than inside on display. I came looking to swap stories, check out other machines, and shoot the breeze with folks who live the life. Instead, it felt more like a theme park version of a biker bar--people who think bikes are cool, not people who know they're cool. Bottom line: Kelly's is a fun stop with a killer aesthetic and cheap beer, but if you're looking for true biker camaraderie, you might end up drinking solo under a ceiling full of bikes. read more

On 3/14/26 My fiancé took me here for the first time! After a terrible experience at Kells and wondering around downtown trying to find someplace to go that wasn't JUST ABOUT ALCOHOL... I noticed this place and we decided to go in! OMG! I am soooo happy we did! I don't drink alcohol, so I walked in and sheepishly asked if they had a mocktail/CBD menu... AND HOLY CRAP! They handed me not just a couple options but a WHOLE PAGE of options. I was so appreciative that they had this option for people. I usually feel left out at bars because most of the time much of the choices is limited to soda. Not here! I also was so impressed with the 3 bartenders. They were so inclusive and didn't make me feel odd for wanting a mocktail/CBD drink. They seemed to care about that fact that I am abstaining from alcohol. In so many words they said the owners really support having options for people who don't want to drink alcohol! It couldn't get much better, could it? WHY YES, YES IT DID! I ordered a nacho and it was FANTASTIC. The cheese sauce!.... CHEF'S KISS! Lastly, the vibe is just so warm and welcoming and the interactions we had confirmed that! To the 3 bartenders working that night (I would love to shout them out by name but of course I'm terrible with names!) you had such a positive impact on my experience. Then wonderful things they said, not just the about the owners being awesome but the bartenders said the owners really support those of us that don't want to consume alcohol. My fiancé and I talked on the way home that this might be the first time we have been to place that had so many options. Because of this we will be back! If you have read this far (LOL)... anyone know of any other bars that have majorly awesome mocktail menus?! I WILL DRIVE MANY MILES! I just want to say, once more, to the bartenders and owners (if you read this), THANK YOU, keep up the great work! Also- shout out to Boneyard Brewing's Elixir CBD drink in the flavor Tropical! I'm a HUGE fan! read more

I always have a good time when I go here. The bartenders are all very friendly, the drinks and the food is good. Sometimes they host shows; my bf and I saw a show here on new years and had a great time. read more

I'm a bit embarrassed that we have lived in the greater Portland area for over twenty years and we finally stopped in here. We came to see Barry of Sandwiches of History and had a great time, good beer and some good food. Food: We had a Salmon Club from Barry's cook book and the chili. Both were great. I am pretty sure the Salmon Club was a special that night (maybe some of Barry's hit would be fun specials) and like I said the chili was very good! Service was very good. After the talk it wasn't too busy and man behind the bar gave great service and was very enjoyable to chat with. The bouncer was very pleasant and also enjoyable to chat with. In fact all the employees we dealt with were great and personable (I've been told I have the personality of a dead snake...no offense intended to snakes dead or alive...we used to have snakes as pets and I still regret killing an Asian spitting cobra in our yard, it was NOT a pet) but I appreciate people doing a job dealing with the public with skill, care and some charm! You know this bit should be part of the 'Ambiance'. Kind of a dive bar...but with some class. Really liked the motorcycles but I was disappointed (just a tiny bit) that there was no AJS like I rode in 1968 and 70! We will be back...think this will be great place for a late night snack downtown PDX! read more

See all

The best dive bar in the heart of downtown! I'm a sucker for neon and kitschy decor, so this place has always fascinated me. Decent bar food, cheap drinks and plenty of seating. read more

See all

My experience was enjoyable-good food and beer. People and staff were friendly with an overall enjoyable ambiance. read more

See all

The bartender was very disrespectful. Was extremely impatient as I was trying to get my money together to pay. Kept repeating the amount as he was looking at me trying to shuffle through my bills. I still chose to tip him & he turned around and walked away with no "thank you" or "have a good night" at the very LEAST. Then stood next to the other bartender and talked about us as I was looking at him. Unfortunate for somebody that works in the industry. read more

Good downtown place to have some late night food and drinks. Had a tasty sandwich and beer. Friendly bartenders and vibe, and cool history and decor. read more

This is one of the coolest dive bars I've been too. Neon lights everywhere, old school English bikes hanging from the ceiling. Lots of seating, tons of beers to choose from. Bartenders were all super friendly the vibe was super casual as you would expect from a dive bar and yes it's the north west but for those that care the crowd was diverse. Food is also really good for being a dive bar. My partner got the vegan chili with house made tortilla chips. It was actually really good for being vegan. I got the Chili Sausage which was an Andouille sausage with house made chili stuffed into a hoagie roll. I definitely recommend it. Good bar food that pairs up well with some beer. If you're in the neighborhood or looking for a good spot to kill some time definitely hit this place up. read more

See all

Great beer selection! I had the quesadillas, which were awesome. Need to try the food while you're there. If you like classic motorcycles then this is your place. I love the decor and the vibe. Great service and friendly folks at the bar. I will definitely be back when I make my next trip to Portland. read more

Really nice people.Great environment would recommended to anyone! It's a cool vibe even though the area was a little rough read more

Kelly's Olympian - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Place is absurd. Security was rude, bartender (lady) told me I can't touch anything. Never been to a place like this. Do not go here! Rude staff is never a place you can revisit. read more

Very limited and fantastic experience, we were there for an afternoon. We went to see Flamy Grant on her A Million Ways To Cry In The West tour. What went right: we found street parking instantly and close, we got greeted just inside the door for ID's, the bar was fast and she was sweet, it was clean, I like neon signs, you could go to the bar and the show smoothly, the sound was good for the show, Flamy Grant was beautiful, fun and entertaining. Cant speak to the food as we didn't have any, would return. read more

See all

Cool bar! Was in town for a concert and we decided to come here to kick it. Inside has lots to look at, antique signage and cool things! The vibe is cool, food is great, service was ok. Ordered food and it was fast and delicious. Definitely visit again if in town. read more

See all

Get the chili!!! Really cool bikes suspended from the ceiling, great service. We went on a late night after work, would definitely go back!

There was a cook you could see through the window prepping food and she kept eating it off the spoon and continued to make the food...then wiped her nose and continued prepping the food at least the drinks and service was good read more

Idk if this review will account for much since I was literally in the bar for less than 10 mins...but here we go anyway! It's a busy Thursday night at Kelly's Olympian. The doorman checks our ID's (not gonna lie, that hasn't happened in a minute and I was perfectly cool handing my drivers license over even tho he likely asked for it because it's part of the job and not so much because I look under 21...but whatever, it works!) and we stroll into a brilliantly lit up room. The bar is pretty full up, we find seats down yonder and the far end. There are plenty of tables around and a cool vending machine with "adult" mystery bags. Interesting. Once seated, a bartender meanders over and takes our order for Church Juice. Holy moly, pun intended. That is delicious but not just delicious delicious, scary delicious. It's the drink that tastes like it has zero alcohol but a few more cups in, you might start teetering off your bar stool. Anyway, we finish our fantastic drinks and request the check, we get it quickly since the bar is long and there are two bartenders serving customers. We pay and leave behind the bright lights and motorbikes hanging from the ceiling. We'll be back, I need to know what's in the mystery bag and I feel the need to try every cocktail on the menu! read more

See all

Kelly's olympian is one of the coolest bars I've ever been to!!!!! They're constantly changing up the tap selection to help their dedicated patrons try the best draft beers and ciders. A heaven for those who seek variety. The lightning inside makes everyone and their mother look sexy but don't be fooled - the bartenders are just as beautiful in sunlight. Motorcycles hanging from the ceiling? Uhmmm yeah they have that too. An ever evolving menu AND a calendar full of events, Kelly's is a happening place and a beacon of fun in downtown Pdx. It's always a treat to hang out here!! read more

Good dive bar with TV's and good prices. Don't love the area it's in but it's a solid spot for cheap drinks with some cool decor in the bar.

Excellent bartenders, helpful, fast service. Tap handles are very easy to see at the front of the bar (instead of at the back). Even so, the bartender gave me the written tap list so I had more information. Ordered the meatloaf sandwich, it was great. And $2 PBRs? C'mon. Just go. read more

I sat down to use one of their gambling machines; put in a $20 and the machine took it, made a weird noise and didn't display any credit. I went to the bar and let them know; they came and checked the machine and said they couldn't find it and there was nothing they could do, told me "as the machine says gamble at your peril " or something like that. I've spent probably into the thousands at that place and always tip out the bartenders well anytime I win, the employee helping me included and he basically laughed and shrugged at me. I'll never step foot in that establishment again. read more

Was recommended this place by some locals. Quirky dive bar in the pearl district that is decked out in vintage moto stuff. Staff are super friendly, beer and food was good, and so were the prices. Definitely recommend this spot for anyone who's looking for a cool hangout spot. read more

Kelly's Olympian - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Best manhattan ever. Love the ambiance. ‍ Will definitely go back next time I'm in Portland!! read more

See all

After flying into Portland pretty late on a Friday, we stopped by to pick up some food to eat back at our hotel. We might be one of the few walking into a bar to order takeout, but what can I say, we really wanted some corn dog nuggets. All the food was pretty good and definitely hit the spot. Would definitely order the curly fries again and the reuben sandwich. The sandwich was full of meat and just tasted so good after a long night of delayed flights and traveling. It just needed a pickle - but otherwise delicious! The wings were pretty good too, but the ranch was not great. I recommend eating the wings on their own but they are SPICY! In a good way of course. I'd pass on the tots and corn dog nuggets next time - the corn dogs aren't bad but the batter is definitely a bit on the sweeter side for my tastes. Overall, good food that hit the spot and would be back for the reuben. The employees were super friendly and the bar wasn't very full which was nice - we just sat at an empty table to wait for our food. read more

Kelly's Olympian - reuben sandwich with tots, chicken wings, curly fries and corn dog nuggets, and other half of sandwich and tots - really good reuben - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It's so cute in here! Such a shame the service was so awful. Some of the rudest, coldest, and least-friendly service I've ever experienced in Portland. read more

The decor here is amazing. The bartenders were really nice. My drink was good and the vending machine was fun! Drinks reasonably priced too. I will come back! read more

Kelly's Olympian - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great spot for beer and food. Chicken quesadilla is really good! Oldest bar in Portland! Dig the motorcycles hanging up too. I haven't seen the live music yet but will next time I'm in town. read more

Can't mess up a quesadilla but they sure did. Visiting from California and we got recommended this place. Our server was rude because we didn't answer who's food was who gave up 2.5 seconds to answer. read more

Kelly's Olympian - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

what fun!!! ____________________________________________________________ Awesome Staff!!!______________________________________________________ I live this place!!!!______________________________________________________ read more

Great service. Had to be patient when busy, but good vibes. Did u know they've been here since 1902?! WOW!! Cool place, cool bikes! Stop by! read more

Kelly's Olympian - Drink menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Sexiest bartenders in town. Oh and the drinks are good too. :) You have to try the meatloaf sandwich!!! read more

Kelly's Olympian - Best birthday ever! - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Kelly's Olympian is not only a bar with rich history, it's also a great place to grab some typical bar food and a drink on a rainy Portland day! We made it in right before happy hour and took advantage of the timing. The nachos were good, very satisfying and the mini corn dogs were pretty typical, but the bartenders, music, and decor filled in the last star for me. Prices were reasonable(at least during happy hour) and the beer selection was pretty nice. Consider stopping in if you see them open when everywhere else isn't, apparently they have live shows too, so I'm hoping to go to one of those soon! read more

See all

Out of towners just stopping in for a drink on my bday and Tony & Thomas we're super friendly and welcoming. The Mac and cheese bites were DELISH! Highly recommend read more

Kelly's Olympian - Dive Bars Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all