Kelly’s has been a family-owned business since it was founded in 1952 as a drinking establishment, catering to local blue collar workers. In 1984, upon the retirement of the founder and family patriarch, Kelly’s shifted its focus to include dining. Varied cuisine – Mexican and American – reflect culinary traditions of our hometown. Kelly’s is committed to using the freshest available items, and to cook for you as we do for our families.
Comfy pub with an Irish theme dishing out traditional Mexican & American plates. Cash only.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 218 Locust St, Sterling, IL 61081
Phone: (815) 625-7969
Website: http://www.kellysinc.com/
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Kelly’s – Sterling
… Kelly’s shifted its focus to include dining. Varied cuisine – Mexican and American – reflect culinary traditions of our Sterling IL hometown. Kelly’s Mexican …
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Kellys, Sterling. 7698 likes · 152 talking about this · 13625 were here … 218 Locust St, Sterling, IL, United States, 61081. Links. . kellysinc.com …
Kellys Restaurant and Lounge: Experience Unique Irish-Mexican …
Kelly’s Restaurant and Lounge, located at 218 Locust St in Sterling, IL, offers a unique dining experience that combines Irish and Mexican culinary influences.
Reviews
Vanessa
4.6 is the current Google rating at the time of this review.
I wasn’t expecting to do a review but decided to since I was there. Kelly’s was busy since it was lunchtime. Our waitress was friendly and brought food out timely.
They make their own taco shells here which I give them credit for. I would say they’re around 6/10. Food was average, decent atmosphere.
It’s one large rectangular room, the bar lines one side and booths along the opposite wall with tables I between. The ladies bathroom door butts up to a table, so not only is that a bit awkward but the bathroom is a tiny one person bathroom.
I would probably come here again.
… moreI wasn’t expecting to do a review but decided to since I was there. Kelly’s was busy since it was lunchtime. Our waitress was friendly and brought food out timely.
They make their own taco shells here which I give them credit for. I would say they’re around 6/10. Food was average, decent atmosphere.
It’s one large rectangular room, the bar lines one side and booths along the opposite wall with tables I between. The ladies bathroom door butts up to a table, so not only is that a bit awkward but the bathroom is a tiny one person bathroom.
I would probably come here again.
Michael P C
Had an Irish coffee and it was mixed well. Tamales were good and some of the more authentic I’ve had in the area
… moreDaniel Helmick
This place is amazing. Wish i would have went sooner. All food was amazing. Biggest burrito of my life. I can’t wait to go back and try something else. If you’re hungry make sure you try this place.
… moreSam Davis
Went here for lunch when we were passing through and it was arguably the worst dining experience I’ve had in years.
The hostest states at us like we were idiots, the waitress was short and rude. The food was mediocre. But the cherry on top was finding out after our meal they didn’t take card. Which is okay generally; a normal place has signs up, maybe tells you when they seat you. Not Kelly’s.
Kelly’s has it printed in the world’s smallest font in the bottom corner of their menu. There is no heads up. But they own the ATM so I’m sure they’re enjoying those fees going right to their pocket.
Wouldn’t recommend. Surely not sure a quesadilla the same texture as canned meat.
… moreThe hostest states at us like we were idiots, the waitress was short and rude. The food was mediocre. But the cherry on top was finding out after our meal they didn’t take card. Which is okay generally; a normal place has signs up, maybe tells you when they seat you. Not Kelly’s.
Kelly’s has it printed in the world’s smallest font in the bottom corner of their menu. There is no heads up. But they own the ATM so I’m sure they’re enjoying those fees going right to their pocket.
Wouldn’t recommend. Surely not sure a quesadilla the same texture as canned meat.
Craig Harvey
Extremely overrated and overpriced. Small portions served on disposable plates. The fact that they still don’t accept debit cards despite the amount of business makes me wonder if they’re practicing tax evasion. Also, what place that serves Mexican style food doesn’t have fajitas or enchiladas available on corn shell?
Don’t recommend!
… moreDon’t recommend!
Maria Baldwin
Kelly’s was such a pleasant surprise! I was craving Mexican but wasn’t too familiar with the Sterling area and its options. I went in with little expectation but everything about Kelly’s was fantastic. Cute Art Deco/vintage diner vibes with some of the friendliest (and attentive) service, followed by excellent food for a great price! This is a great spot that I will recommend to others and definitely will return to on my next visit through Sterling!
FYI, we were a pretty large group and they were able to accommodate all 14 of us and everyone enjoyed their meals!
… moreFYI, we were a pretty large group and they were able to accommodate all 14 of us and everyone enjoyed their meals!
robert
I had a terrible experience with the bartender, Bobby, at Kelly’s. She offered bad customer service, poor communication, and was argumentative. I’ve been a loyal customer for decades, always enjoying the guac, nachos, and fajita. On my latest visit, I ordered one fajita, guac, and nachos with a side of rice, but she brought me a fajita plate with four tortillas and insisted it was my order. I clarified, but she argued that I hadn’t specified “taco fajita.” This was my first encounter with her, and it was disappointing given the usual quality of service at Kelly’s. While I love the establishment and other bartenders, I will think twice about returning if Bobby is working.
… moreDanelle McNeece
For us, it was a mixed review, some of my family enjoyed the food and a couple didn’t. The ” big crazy” was good and HUGE! It could use a little more spice, but all and all was good and I only ate half it was so big, the boys managed to eat it all somehow. The nachos were pretty small ( appetizer sized, but maybe the intention?), at least the beef and cheese ones. My daughter had spinach and cheese quesadillas and was not impressed at all. Said the spinach wasn’t good. Burgers were good, my son enjoyed it. Service was very good. A note for those that have never gone there, cash or check only, no cards BUT they do have an ATM on site. Guessing to avoid card fees? I was a decent experience for burgers and the big crazy.
… morepredator asmr
Always my food is done perfectly. Waiter or waitress has always been pleasant.
… moreAshly Chapman
I love the food and atmosphere! Great Mexican food and Irish pub.
… more