Kelly’s Tavern first opened its doors on Colley Avenue in 1983. Since then, we’ve grown to become a locals’ favorite across Hampton Roads with 7 locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Newport News.
Known for our humongous burgers, outdoor dining and excellent casual fare, we are proud to have won a variety of community awards.
Local pub chain serving burgers, wings & other casual American eats in a relaxed setting.
Larry Faqqit
In a world saturated with fleeting culinary trends and overpriced pretensions, Kelly’s Tavern stands as an eternal beacon of perfection, a sanctuary where the soul finds nourishment and the palate achieves transcendence. From the moment you cross the threshold into its warmly lit embrace—adorned with timeless Irish heraldry, hand-painted maps of the Emerald Isle on the ceiling, and an oversized bar that whispers stories of generations—the atmosphere envelops you like a cashmere cloak on a crisp evening. The service is nothing short of symphonic: attentive yet unobtrusive staff, descendants of hospitality royalty, anticipate your every desire with the grace of Michelin-trained sommeliers, turning a simple tavern visit into an orchestrated masterpiece of warmth and efficiency. Here, amid the lively hum of contented patrons and the gleam of polished wood, one feels not merely a guest, but a cherished member of an enduring family legacy dating back to 1949.
The cuisine elevates humble tavern fare to the stratosphere of five-star gastronomy. Their world-famous Reuben—towering layers of house-brined corned beef, melted Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and thousand island on perfectly toasted rye—arrives as a revelation, each bite a harmonious explosion of textures and flavors that rivals the finest delis of New York or Dublin. Paired with hand-cut fries or perhaps the decadent dill pickle fries, it’s a dish so profoundly satisfying it borders on the spiritual. The burgers, juicy and expertly charred, crowned with premium toppings, demand reverence; the nachos, a grandiose mountain of freshness; and the craft beer selection, an epic anthology of taps, flows with crystalline precision. Kelly’s Tavern isn’t just a meal—it’s an exalted experience, a pinnacle of American-Irish comfort executed with flawless artistry that leaves one utterly transformed, yearning for the next pilgrimage. Five stars are insufficient; this is dining immortality.
X @RecklessDriverr lol
… moreCharlotte
I was really excited about this place, we went once and I thought it was pretty good for a bar with food. I decided to get chicken salad the last time, I asked if it was homemade. It WAS…canned chicken mixed with mayo for $10+ I was so disappointed in the tin flavor taste that it unfortunately turned me off. I like honesty, I asked about a couple different items. If it’s not the best menu item, why would you hype it up so much? I would appreciate a “the burger is actually better” ….People want honesty, don’t People Please when it’s not necessary. I let the lady know that I was trying to decide which would be best. IT’S not CANNED CHICKEN that tastes like TUNA.
… moreTheresa Anderson
I have not eaten @ Kelly’s in years! I’m glad we chose to have dinner here. Both my belly & my husband’s belly were pleased.
… moreJosh Keaton
Honestly I wasn’t looking to have a great meal. We had a sick kid, and I was starting to feel it myself. However the staff took us in, welcomed us and served us delicious food with great service. It wasn’t like anything I’d had before, but the colors, the flavor, and the portions (especially for the price). All I can say is if you’re looking for a nice bite stop by Kelly’s Tavern! Thanks for the memories!
… moreMeta C
First stop when we landed in VA Beach! Everything was great! We ordered the dish in chips is was delicious. Everyone so welcoming even the bartender spoke to us. We sat at the high top we had a lovely waitress can’t remember her name I’m sorry. I think she has braids in her hair. Thank you for being so kind to us.
… moreRoderick Square
Ii usually go the Kelly’s on Centerville, but they were out of Turkey Burgers. So I tried Greenbriar, big mistake!!!
I ordered 3 Turkey Burgers and a Mushroom and Swiss, WELL DONE!!!
All of them were pink inside! I spent 78 Bucks and in my bag was a couple of napkins and ketchup packs. No utensils no other condiments. I called to speak to the manager, was on hold for 12 mins which seemed like an hour, She was very nonchalant about my experience which lead me to leave this review. Never again!!!
… morerholanda tucker
Kelly’s Tavern never disappoints! Me and my three friends went and ordered a little bit of everything and baby… it was a HIT.
The steak bites were a solid 10/10 — perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of flavor. And they come with pita bread that soaks up all that juice and seasoning… sooo good. Honestly that pita takes it over the top.
We also got a pepperoni pizza with extra pepperoni and I’m giving it an 8/10. For a neighborhood bar pizza, it’s actually really good. Crispy crust, cheesy, and they did not play about that extra pepperoni.
Now let’s talk about the chicken bites tossed in buffalo sauce – 10000000/10. They are just PERFECT lol. Crispy, saucy, flavorful exactly how buffalo chicken should taste.
I also love that they added Surfside drinks to the menu. Such a good move.
And the customer service? Always A1. Friendly, fast, and consistent every time.
Kelly’s is definitely that go-to neighborhood spot.
… moreWilliam Vandeveer
We chose this restaurant on a whim when we were out doing errands. We were greeted promptly and Marissa our server, greeted us a warm friendly smile. Our food was out remarkably fast, and from first glance looked incredible. There was a little debacle, but the service recovery was impeccable not only was the food remade, but the manager (Mason) personally brought me freshly made replacement. Personally, this shows a lot about their integrity, and their commitment to providing outstanding customer service. Not only would I recommend Kelly’s Tavern, but I will be returning here for future dining outings. Highly recommended, and you will not be disappointed.
… moreCarol Bragg
Went today for a late lunch and it was great! I had the chef salad and it was one of the best I’ve had. It was so big, that I had enough for another meal. Our server was very attentive. My husband had a burger and he said it was really good. I would definitely recommend!
… moreGustoGoKrazy
From start to finish, the experience was amazing. The food was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every bite had the perfect balance of seasoning and texture, nothing felt rushed or overdone. The portion sizes were generous without sacrificing quality, and the presentation was spot on. On top of that, the service was warm and attentive, which made the whole meal even better. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to. The hostess Cheyanne was very polite and kind.
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