We met friends on a Saturday afternoon whose daughter is a Villanova graduate with fond memories of Kelly's. We were greeted by Johanna from behind the bar. There are several high tops with 4 chairs, a few tables with 4 chairs, and stools at the bar. There are several TVs playing different sporting events. It's a fun vibe. We had many drinks as well as trying appetizers like fried pickles, French fries, wings, and pretzel bites. The manager Jojo was also very friendly and helpful. Both Johanna and Jojo made everyone feel welcome and happy. The same owner also has The Garret Hill Alehouse and Flip & Bailey's. We have been to The Garrett Hill Alehouse many times, and we will be returning to Kelly's for their great hospitality. read more

Kelly's Taproom - Fried pickles - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Good food and good service! We have ordered takeout and enjoy it's availability and service

I just hosted a private event here for graduation. Angie, Cordelia and all of the staff were fantastic-professional, attentive and kind. The food and organization of the event were right on target! This is my second graduation event at Kelly's and both went off perfectly. Comments from attendees included..."best night ever", "so well organized", "staff was incredibly helpful"...thank you for an incredible event that we will remember forever! read more

One of the worst bars I've ever been to. The bouncers are insanely rude, letting people inside but telling us it's closed. They ruined my last night of college and the Villanovans need to figure out another place to go. I got food poisoning from their food and the tap beer is always spoiled. Disgusting place and the staff is insane. I watched the owners smash peoples mugs on the ground. they are literally crazy and ruined every single persons year. read more

If I lived in Suburbia for a long haul Then Kelly's is the bar that I would spend the most time in so I could take full on advantage of it's Mug Club Membership. Because I seriously can't think of a better deal that any other bar has to offer. The Yearly Membership goes for $100 and get's you two pretty awesome deal's. first you get your own personalized mug with the name of your choice. But the truly epic reason to get a membership is the fact that from that point forward domestic beers cost you $1, and Imports cost you $2 every single time that you attend. $250 gets you a lifetime membership with the same deal, and your name engraved on a plaque that goes on their wall. Seriously if it wasn't in Bryn Mawr I'd be all over that shit! But beyond that epic deal, Kelly's is your typical neighborhood gastropub that's college friendly.It has a nice wooden decor, friendly staff, and good beer selection that can make for a good time if you roll in with the right people. But overall Kelly's is just decent. read more

Kelly's Taproom - a view of the bar and dining area - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

I just ordered a basic, cheddar cheeseburger and it was SO GOOD, I didn't put ketchup on it. (I consider ketchup a food group, so that's saying something.) Even the tomato on it was really good. Thanks to server Joe B. for steering me in the right direction. Only thing, I wish there were some vegetarian options for my husband. read more

This is the only bar that Villanova students frequent, because there are no other options. For this reason, the staff feels free to take advantage of its patrons. I was HOLDING a Juul in my hand and with no warning a staff member wrestled it out of my hand violently. No one had nicely informed me that Juuls were not allowed inside the taproom. Bags and pockets were not being checked at the door, and I had no reason to believe they were not allowed. The behavior of this staff member and later his co-worker who also ganged up on me - a 5'2" female - was absolutely unacceptable. They both asked me to leave and NEVER return. Eyewitnesses were appalled. However, because this is the only bar in town, people have no choice but to return. I have always been a cooperative, respectful, and PAYING customer. This situation has tainted my experience with the local taproom as a student at Villanova. ~ HORRIFIED ~ read more

I went to this restaurant last night. It was 9:35 pm. I wanted to order food. The bartender told me to order in after 5 minutes. After 5 minutes I wanted to order. The bartender told me the kitchen is closed. I said; are you kidding me? and I wanted to talk to the manager. But they didn't call me the manager. They have very rude employees and they are very disrespectful. I absolutely do not recommend this restaurant. read more

I certainly felt out of place not being from 'Nova and it wasn't even game day! Still, once I got over I ain't preppy enough to be here feeling, I ended up having a really good time. Like every bar in America, they have different drink specials on different nights of the week. Since I had never been to Kelly's, I had no idea what was on special. After ordering something that wasn't on special, the bartender was kind enough to let me know what I could get cheaper that taste nearly the same, despite the line forming behind me. Cheap drinks, three floors to dance, a DJ, and a good crowd. I'm sold. read more

I normally love Kelly's, but my experience this past Saturday (2/8) left a bad taste in my mouth. There was a line wrapped around the corner in 20 degree weather. Fine. We all saw it when we got there, and made the decision to wait in it. What WASN'T fine was the bouncer letting 15 girls cut EVERYONE in line who had been waiting--they literally came from their Uber's to the door and were immediately let in. The group I came with and I still went in, as we were next in line, but we all refused to buy drinks, as we don't want to support this kind of establishment (there were 8 of us, and we normally get 3-5 drinks apiece, so you do the math). Will be spreading the word so others are aware of this ridiculous bouncer behavior as well. read more

Villanova bar with great food and lots of TVs to watch games. I like that there are a lot of windows making it a very bright bar and not as cave like as some of then other college bars. Food is normal bar food but I really enjoy the chicken fingers read more

Although I did enjoy the Buffalo chicken dip and pita, I don't fancy this place to be a gastropub. More of a drinking spot with a large selection of draft beers including a few of my favorite craft beers. I have never been here late enough to experience the college crowd. Several televisions and okay service. read more

Because it was the week of Thanksgiving, it was pretty empty except for a few seemingly regular patrons. As a visitor, my cousin who goes to Villanova recommended Kelly's as a very 'Villanova' place. The food was good and it looked like a great bar when busy and hype. The Shepherd's pie and nachos were really good. The fajitas and taco were alright. read more

I wish there was a half star - after attending our 20 Rosemont College Reunion we decide to hit our usual spots. The only thing that's changed is the decor - there were about 40 Rosemont alum and it was a bother for the staff to serve a drink. The bartenders were rude, the bouncers oblivious and the drinks sucked. We were treated horribly even though the bar was empty and there were 6 people in the bar. An old dirty dive bar was better...we didn't expect much and didn't get much either. read more

Good food, nice staff and clean. I had the Fish n' Chips - perfect. Wife had grilled chicken with mixed greens salad, she said it was very good. Every time we're here the food never lets us down. read more

Kelly's Taproom - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

I am kind of torn over how to score Kelly's. 5 for the sentimental college memories in a classic dive bar that smelled of stale beer and had graffiti on the walls? Or 3 stars for the clean, polished, renovated "gastrobub" full of sports memorabilia? I will score it 3 for what it is today. Physically it's super nice. They kept the moose head from days of yore! Great beer selection. Seems like a great place to watch Villanova basketball games. Food was kind of blah. Service was amateurish - just college kids scrambling around. read more

If I could give no stars I would!! Last night, I was party of a group of people who were coming from a wedding. There were approximately 50 or more people in my party! We had a number of people who were turned away because they either did not have IDs or IDs that could not be scanned. I would understand this if the persons age was in question! Why a 60 year old women was turned away, the mother of the groom and other assorted people is beyond me! The men at the door were rude and disrespectful to us! Very unprofessional. My husband who is in law enforcement also was told his id was no good! By the way he is 56 years old! Most of the party left! I guess this could be referred to as a "kid" bar! We thought this would be a great place to go since the local university was not in session yet! I hope it was worth it Kelly's!! We won't be returning! read more

Look. I'm going to be honest. Even when my real Puerto Rican accepted-by-TSA-at-airports ID was accepted here, I still hated the choice in music DJs. Yet, it truly is the only place within the Villanova area where one can go to dance, so I didn't mind going as long as friends were going. Yesterday, despite all my previous visits, without any warning, I was told my ID was no longer accepted. When I asked if they could make an exception, and I would bring my passport next time, I was still refused service. I'm sorry but it is very inconsiderate as an establishment to, without warning, turn away clientele who was loyal to you. It's the most tasteless and discriminatory thing an establishment has ever done to me. If my ID is accepted by TSA to travel within the United States because I'm a rightful American citizen, your bar should properly train their bouncers to recognize the ID. In no way whatsoever should it be considered okay to refuse a form of ID that is widely accepted by the United States' TSA. Train your staff properly in recognizing the IDs of RIGHTFUL American citizens instead of refusing service to them and humiliating them for not having the "proper required ID", and refusing to make it just a warning when the change happens. I spent $10 ubering to you so you could turn me away without even a consideration. I should remind you that most of your clientele are Villanova University students, and I must inform you that there is a huge Puerto Rican population within Villanova University that are island residents with valid PR IDs. Unless you want to keep losing clients because they feel humiliated over your ridiculous changes in ID requirements, which forbid rightful citizens with real easily scannable IDs from coming into your establishment, then I suggest you revisit this "new change" you just happened to make, since hour bouncers even refused to scan my ID, which is valid and scans anywhere. Or you know, at least be decent to your returning and loyal clientele and make it a warning beforehand. read more

If I was a nova student this would be my place. It's got all the drinks you need and a cool place to hang with your friends. It's clean and doesn't smell like a college bar which is a huge plus. I had some time to kill so I got a bite to eat and I ended up with the Guinness BBQ chicken sandwich. The chicken was breaded with a panko bread crumb and fried perfectly. The Guinness BBQ sauce had the right amount of sticky and sweet to be memorable. It gets served on a ciabatta roll with cheddar cheese and lettuce tomato and red onion. It's a decent sandwich, one I would get again. The kitchen did the fries right with a little crisp to the fry. Sadly, I'm not in college anymore and I don't live too close either so I won't be back soon, but it's a place that you could easily make yours. read more

Disgusting all around. Bouncers scream at you for waiting in line for over an hour, and then violently grab you to shove you through the door. The service has always been awful here, but I draw the line at physical violence by EMPLOYEES. There is also a blatant disregard for COVID safety precautions. No masks and everyone packed in like sardines. Abhorrent behavior in management. read more

I have to disagree with Bill M's classification of this place as a gastropub. Sorry to be snotty, but this place is pretty bad foodwise--not at all elegant or upscale (as gastropub implies). It does seem to be the party of choice for college students from Thurs to Saturday nights. If I were 19 and wanted beer spilled on me while I tried to score a hookup for the night, I would beeline here. I can't speak for that, but I went for lunch a few times. Burgers, plain jane garden salad, tuna sandwich... Gullifty's (practically next door) has better food and more variety, plus you can sit at a cozy booth rather than an awkward hightop on a stool. I won't be going back unless I have to for some reason. read more

If you asked me to rate this place when I was still attending VU, I would have given it a negative star... At the time, Kelly's was known as the cinder-block palace. But as a kid in college and drinking on my mind, the decor really wasn't my main priority. Now that I am all grown up, so is Kelly's. Kelly's went through a major renovation a few years ago so the dingy dive bar that I knew so well in my early adulthood had now emerged into a very trendy bar and restaurant...Who knew??? These times they are a changin'. It's a bit more on the expensive side and has relatively pretty decent food. The appetizers are top notch and the selection of beer is one of the best. It now has 3 different levels of seating with flat screen TVs on each. Swanky decor surrounds you as you enter. My little bar has finally grown up! read more

Just as Martha had mentioned in her review, Kelly's must have been such a dump at the time I was at 'Nova that I either can't remember or avoided having to go there... jump ahead to 2009 and Kelly's is a real nice pub in the mainline. Usually populated with 'Nova supporters of all ages, there are a handful of large flat screen tv's throughout the bar as well as a large projection screen on the mid-level. Good crowd, good pub food, good service, and an option to play photohunt by the bar. What more can you ask for? read more

I had to go to Villanova to pick up my daughter from sports camp. Since I had promised to bring everyone out to lunch we drove Lancaster to find a place. Kelly's is the place we select mostly from the outside. The food is typical of what you would expect from a restuarant in a college town. Hamburgers, chicken fingers, salads and nachos all served with fries. The entrance is through the bar which allows smoking and the no smoking areas are on steel decks up a couple flights of stairs. Both the food and the service was just OK. The sports camp coaching staffed showed up as we were leaving so I think we ended up selecting the best place for lunch in the area. A friend of mine who attended Villanova confirms Martha M's experience. I even discovered that the giant moose head was still mounted on the wall above the entrance. read more

Any place that questions my very authentic, peachy ID is questionable itself. Still, I like that it's not as trashy as a college bar could be. It has 2 1/2 floors with people dancing in pockets, rather than there being one giant dance floor. So if you're the type of person who likes to bust out moves and start a dance party, go, go go! They need you! The DJ will spin your guilty pleasure songs on repeat. Don't know how much the drinks are; there are always Villanova students and randos to chat you up and buy you drinks if you're a girl who looks like she has a questionable ID. read more

You average pub. Nothing special, but nothing bad either. The place itself is pretty cool, lots of TVs so good when there is a game on. I went for lunch one day and it was right after a VIllanova basketball game, so the place got mobbed within 20 minutes (the game was at the Wells Fargo center so I guess they all headed over after that). I have a turkey wrap, pretty good. Fries were very good. They had a good selection of beers on tap as well. I also like the big windows out to Lancaster Ave, there isn't much to look at, but it opens the place up alot. Descent spot to grab a few drinks. read more

Great college bar...it's cleaned up nice since my Nova days. Food and drinks reasonable. Nova burger and ale was outstanding. read more

Kelly's Taproom - Nova Burger \\// - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Very disappointed to learn that Kelly's has remained open during the quarantine, drawing crowds of young adults during a time when we are meant to be practicing social distancing. I understand this is their livelihood and I can appreciate restaurants who are still serving food via delivery or grab and go, but to provide a space for a large gathering is irresponsible and selfish. I will not be frequenting this pub again. read more

the classic bar for college kids! they have $2 drinks and a great dancefloor. Always so fun!

Kelly's is a nice place to have a beer and watch a game. Sometimes after 10 or 11 (not sure which nights) it turns into more a club atmosphere for the undergraduates which really isn't my scene. Just be aware if you're going for a late night snack. They have a good drink selection (could be better with their wine) and the prices are fair. The food and service are just average, however. First the food. I love a good turkey, bacon, avocado wrap. Turkey, bacon, guacamole, avocado. How do you go wrong? The first time I had it but the following two times it was a miss. For some reason (probably the tomatoes) the wrap was soggy and wouldn't stay together and it also made the fries soggy. 1 out of 3 = 3 stars, and most would probably say that's generous. Their service is typically a younger male or female, most likely a student from Villanova or maybe Haverford. They are typically nice, courteous and patient (some more than others) but as a student, their priority isn't to know the drinks or menu off the top off their head. It's also not one of those places where they fully train you on the menu before beginning. That being said I'd still like some semblance of knowing the drink menu and food menu without looking at the board because I can read it myself. Again, no fault of the servers themselves necessarily but just a service tip for the future. read more

I've been here a few times and maybe it's me or the time I went, but the crowd is older. I don't mean to say that I'm a spring chicken, I'm 30 but I'm at least 10 years younger than the average patron. While I don't want to be a sardine stuffed into a college packed can, I also don't want to drink with people nearing their AARP discount. The beer selection is pretty good and they change a couple taps seasonally. The food is also decent but I've limited myself to appetizers. They also have free, cork darts which is a bonus and a massive Golden Tee game too. read more

Kelly's is an absolute gem! The owners and staff are top notch. I have hosted two private parties over the last few years and both events were fabulous. Good pub food, great atmosphere, awesome hardworking staff...who could ask for anything more? Go to Kelly's and enjoy a cocktail...you won't regret it! Barbara Jean K. read more

BAIT & SWITCH! I went in for the 4-7p TUE Happy Hour Taco Special. Waiter told me on Villanova game day, they do not honor the happy hour food special. I checked online I looked on the menu I looked on the specials board nowhere on any of these is this term and condition posted. This is not right. I'm sure it's not legal. read more

Kelly's Taproom - BAIT & SWITCH - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

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Love their $5 specials!!!

We went to Kelly with a group of friends to watch basketball games. This is a nice sports bar with many TV's, a huge and quality beer selection and a decent food menu. Go there Thursday as we did for their all day 3$ happy hour beers. read more

Kelly's Taproom - One of the best German beers ever - American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

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I just have to share a great experience when I have one! Typically, My husband and I will go to another bar/restaurant nearby but we decided to try Kelly's Taproom for a change. We were greeted warmly. It felt like being with family! I actually said to my husband, upon meeting Troy, "I bet he either owns this place or is a relative." He had genuine care about making us feel welcome and comfortable. John was also just as kind and professional. I worked in my family business for many years and know how important it is to have quality help. They can make or break a business. John and Troy are the makings of managers or future business owners. They just have "it" We cant wait to go back for Quizzo!! And by the way...I am a St Joes Hawk alum and I still didn't mind being in Villanova territory one bit;) read more

Worst experience ever! We live out of town and we're visiting our son, a Villanova student,. We are huge Nova basketball fans, attended the Wed. night game in the Pavillion, and were looking forward to watching the Sat afternoon game with him and his friends at Kelly's. When we arrived to meet him there, we presented our drivers licenses to the bouncer (we are in our 50's, he's young enough to be our son,but I am thankful my son would never behave this way) and he ran it through their new "highly technical" scanner which apparently ensures id's are legit and ours wouldn't scan for some unknown reason. They were totally rude to us, didn't want to let us in (our son was already there), then said we could go in but weren't allowed to be served alcohol. We went in to find our son, the bouncer followed to make sure the waitresses knew not to serve us. (By the way, there were a number of underage kids drinking in there, with their "scannable" id's I suppose). We left with my son and his friends, went to The Grog a few blocks down the street. I would highly recommend this place, food and atmosphere were great and made us feel welcome. We also noticed while standing in line at Kelly's that the bouncer yelled at a very clean cut student at the end of the line wearing a Nova basketball jersey "what do you think this is, a beach bar? Go find some sleeves or you can't come in here!" Honestly, I have never felt so poorly treated and so disgusted by a situation. Aside from being downright rude, They made us feel like we had done something wrong or illegal when the problem was their scanners obviously had a problem. I will never return there. I wish there was an option to give them zero stars. read more

The food is excellent, the seating is comfortable with plenty of room, the prices are cheap, and the service is adequate. The delicious, freshly cooked salmon embedded in a salad was only $11 for dinner. If you order this dish, ask for extra tomatoes (they tend to skimp on them). read more

It's a college bar, and one of the only ones close to Villanova's campus (or in walking distance of off-campus housing). When I was in school, it was one of three bars. It was popular (read crowded), staff checked IDs at the door, and staff were generally hospitable. Fast forward ten years, and two of those bars in Bryn Mawr closed. I assume underage customers were the reason. However, Kelly's has stayed open, but they have gone quite draconian. Now, everyone is carded and their IDs are scanned into a system. It doesn't matter if you look 20 or 50. I get they are within their rights to card everyone but scanning everyone's ID to verify age (regardless of appearances) makes me think there is an ulterior motive (data collection?). Also, they cite you must have a state-issued ID, while the state LCB says Canadian IDs, passports, and military IDs are also acceptable for purchasing alcohol. I have been twice since this was instituted when I am in the area (once for a school-sponsored event), and when I asked why everyone's ID was scanned, I got a gruff answer that it is because most residents around there are 20-21 years old. Again, that would justify 100% carding, but 100% scanning? With all the identity theft and data breaches that have occurred, I am more apprehensive at where my data is kept when this is done. They really should note if data is kept, for what purpose, and for how long. The food is good but nothing too memorable. The appetizers we had at our event were mainly fried. The vegetarian quesadillas tasted heavy in butter from the flat top. If I were a college student, I'd probably have no choice but to keep going to Kelly's. Maybe that's the problem - they're getting too cocky because of that. As an older alum, the breweries in Ardmore & Berwyn and restaurants in Wayne are much better choices for a weekend evening around campus. read more

Have been there a few times and always experienced the worst service ever. Certainly not worth it for the mediocre pub fare I had there.