331 Decatur Street
Guinness Tag: $7.00 | Overall Rating: 5.05
Most of the time when you look at an Irish Pub on The Drunken Mallard the pictures typically don't do the Pub justice, however, when it comes to The Kerry; the pictures give it a little more justice. The ol' switch-a-roo! The Kerry is a cool place that provides a fun hang out. It's perfect for socializing, gazing at the many dollar bills and other fun things hanging on the walls, and you'll find some great live music. Don't get the wrong idea; it's a fun spot. So where does it go wrong? We'll tell ya... but let's keep rolling with the fun things first.
There's a pool table with ample room to play; no bunching elbows here. There's an abundance of tables and standing room throughout; you're going to make some friends. Almost every square inch of the place is covered with something neat; those who gaze will be occupied for quite some time. The live music is fantastic; they're known to have booked some very historical performances. The Guinness signs on the wall are old school; if you're a history buff then this place will tickle your fancy. The incredible number of dollar bills upon the ceiling, well, it's flippin' cool. It's just plain neat; the architecture, the authentic decor, and the worn in furniture gives you a cozy feel.
So, the place is awesome, right? Well... yes. Although it's got a few blemishes don't get me wrong. The current bartender during the weekdays is a little off. He was telling us some odd stories and odd statements. Ok.. whatever, a bar can't be judged off of one bartender (sometimes, yes). The main gripe about the place is the lack of Irish culture. Before we get into the dirty details let's get things straight; we totally understand that bar owners need to cater to the regular patron's needs and desires. If you're not catering to your clientele's cravings then you won't be in business for long, we get it. However, if you're going to present yourself as an Irish Pub then you need to have a little more substance than just an Irish flag and some Guinness signs. Give us some tradition, give us some craic, give us a pour of Guinness in an actual pint glass, give us some Irish vibes.
It's one thing if you're an Irish Pub with your establishment in Ireland's soil; you've got nothing much to prove as you're already an Irish Pub. When you open an "Irish Pub" in America then a craic addict is going to expect some Irishness. There is every type of drinking establishment in every major city in America for a bargoer to find, so if you label your place as an Irish Pub but don't provide anything that makes people feel like they're in an Irish Pub then they're going to feel like they're just in another "American Bar and Grill". I'll explain.
The Kerry has the potential to be rated over a 9 as an Irish Pub but it also has the potential to be rated over a 9 as a German Haus. When you go to The Kerry you'll find an Irish flag and about 6 or 7 Guinness signs on the wall. Sure, the sign on the building has a Celtic harp and an Irish name, but if the owner decided to swap the Irish flag to a German flag and spend $500 to replace the Guinness signs with some Hofbrau Munchen signs then the place would instantly be a "somewhat German Haus".
There's an old saying here at The Drunken Mallard of "a slab of green paint", which typically points out an American Sports bar with an Irish name (typically in the deep suburbs). The Kerry doesn't quite meet that standard as it is better than that. However, it does "just enough" to label it as an Irish Pub. If all it takes is 20 minutes worth of re-decorating then you don't deserve a good rating as an Irish Pub here in America. For heaven's sake, The Kerry pours their Guinness in a 16oz glass; not ok. Their Guinness pours are very great though for being in a fake pint glass.
So what makes an Irish Pub in America a good Irish Pub? I'll tell you. Well, aside from having some authentic Irish decor and furniture you want the craic. The craic is that perfect Irish hospitality that you get in an Irish Pub. Of course, it's always a benefit to have someone from Ireland behind the bar or at least someone with an Irish brogue, but if you can't supply that to your patrons then at least provide them with the art of storytelling. Any Pub that's rated over an 8 by The Drunken Mallard has a bartender that offers jokes off the tip of the tongue, fun stories, genuine conversation, and invites you to the conversation within the other bargoers. A good Irish Pub will recognize you, introduce you to the bar, and essentially force you to have "just one more drink". Before you know it; it's impossible to leave your barstool. That's what makes an Irish Pub in America a worthy one.
That being said; let's get back into the nitty gritty of The Kerry. It's a great industry bar; they provide a great hangout for those getting off their shift as a server/bartender who doesn't want to go home just yet. They offer Fernets and cheap drinks, a tiny toiletry, and good music that isn't the same old crap that you hear at every other bar down the street. There are potato chips for the hungries and as mentioned before; there's ample space for standing room and tables along the wall for when it gets really crowded.
The whiskey selection is average as well as their beer selection. The Guinness knocks you back $7.00 (a decent price for the bourbon street area, hence you are being shorted 20% on the ounce vs a true Irish Pub) and the weekly specials aren't bad. The people that frequent here aren't awful but if you come when it's dark out then who's to say how your experience will be. The bar itself is an L shaped bar that holds about 12 people and the backroom has an open layout with a pool table in the middle alongside a stage for live music.
The Kerry is the definition of a neat place with an Irish name. There's no distaste amongst the owners and there's no wrongdoing here. Perhaps the person who opened the place was of Irish decent and wanted to carry on the Irish name, however, if you're traveling to get here then don't expect any overdosing on the craic.
Is it recommended? Sure, but just don't tell anyone I sent you here! By the way, there are slot machines here for all of you degenerates!
Slainte!
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