Davao City’s Kelleher’s Irish-American Pub: Enjoy a Relaxing Wine and Dine Experience with an Irish-American Flair

During a recent trip to Davao City, Noel, myself and our hosts Poy and Oyet Villarico checked out a nice and cozy pub for an easy weekend night out. While most people visiting bustling Davao City go to the usual malls, restaurants and bars; we opted to hang out at Kelleher’s Irish-American Pub located along Damosa Complex to discover a new place, relax and enjoy good company instead.

Davao City’s Kelleher’s Irish-American Pub

The owners, Harold and Rita Kelleher, opened this pub in November 2013 as a form of hobby while they were in the Philippines since they already have a successful business in the United States. 95% of Kelleher’s crowd is composed of expats, but recently more locals have already discovered the place and have been coming back.

Customers can choose to stay inside this fully-airconditioned main dining area and bar

Or at this patio for al fresco dining and drinks

But why choose to hang out in a pub and not a bar in Davao City?

Well, firstly, if you love to eat and drink on a night out, bars usually offer minimal menu options while pubs serve filling meals including appetizers, salads and desserts. Secondly, if you love to talk to your friends and actually want to hear them talking to you, pubs provide a casual ambiance with relaxing music as opposed to a bar’s busy atmosphere and very loud music. At Kelleher’s, they even have this relaxing lounge area just beside the bar where you can sit back, relax and even read a book while sipping your favorite wine!

As for the food, I was quite excited to taste their fish and chips and thought it must be good owing to Harold’s heritage. Rita served us three of their bestsellers that night and first on my taste bucket was the all-time Irish pub staple, the Fish and Chips. The dish was served wrapped in the traditional way with white baking paper and newspaper.

The breaded fish was crispy and tasty on its own but it is best showered with vinegar and lemon and dunked in tartar sauce. Be sure to order this famous British and Irish fare when you visit Kelleher’s in Davao City!

Fish and Chips – Php 269

Next, we tried this stew made of lamb, vegetables and spices in tomato-based sauce cooked the traditional Irish way. This simple yet richly flavored dish is one of my favorites. Yummy!

Traditional Irish Stew – Php 249

After a double dose of filling Irish dishes, we tried this American classic treat. This burger is actually big enough to be shared by two people. It’s succulent and juicy patty was served with tomatoes, pickle slices and lettuce in a sesame wheat bun, with classic salted potato chips and a whole pickle on the side!

All-American Burger – Php 249

Kids are likewise welcome in this pub as they also offer kids menu for Php 199.

And since we were there on a weekend, we were lucky to catch Polish master violinist Robert Stormowski playing his violin!

Kelleher’s also has an extensive range of local and imported beer, whiskey, martini, wine and other bar staples like tequila, rum, vodka and gin. They also have a good selection of Irish mixed beer drinks, cocktails and shooters.

We ordered beer and wine to complete our night out in this nice and cozy place. While I enjoyed my wine, Poy and Oyet loved their beer!

Cheers!

For parties, the whole place can be rented for half-day or full-day use. They also have a VIP Room which can be rented separately, perfect for intimate parties or get-together with friends and loved-ones equipped with TV, sofas, refrigerator, projector and a personal butler.

The VIP Room

Overall, our visit at Kelleher’s was very pleasant. I loved the food and the wide selection of drinks that cater to every mood. The relaxing ambiance and good service completed my lovely experience at this place.