Located just outside the main club and bar scene in the Mariscal district can be found one of only a handful of Irish bars within Quito. On first impressions I have to say Kilkenny’s is fairly authentic with wooden furnishing, soft relaxing armchairs and sofas, and dim lighting, which adds a little atmosphere and dignity.
The traditional Irish pubs I’ve been to in Ireland were always packed to the brim with happy drinkers, normally frolicking and dancing to an array of live music. Sadly Kilkenny's doesn't come with the same lively atmosphere. I would put this down to its location just off the main tourist strip. When I entered with friends at the respectable time of 9pm, we were virtually the only people in there. Even two hours later approaching the ludicrous late time for me of 11pm, the bar, which has seating for around 60 people was probably still less than quarter full. Such quietness isn't always a bad thing though as this makes for a perfect place to chat with friends over a few drinks before heading to somewhere more lively.
If a quiet drink is more up your alley then Kilkenny’s has many positive sides. Not only do they have a good selection of bottled beers including Pilsner, Club and Brahma, costing around $3.50 per pint, and even Guinness, a little more expensive at $6, but on a Friday and Saturday night for the quite ridiculously cheap price of $7.50 you can drink as much draught Pilsner until your hearts content. Not bad if you are envisaging a few hours of drinking ahead of you. The bar staff here are very friendly, the sort you could easily find yourself drinking until the early hours with later in the night and they also have a good level of English if you are unable to ask for a beer in Spanish! Other highlights include TV entertainment, a variety of soft rock music (which can be a little loud at times) and at the weekend they have live music that plays until the early hours of the morning. Sadly no food is served here, but with so many restaurants so close by you are still spoilt for choice.
Due to normal beverage prices, stopping off for just a quick drink this bar proves to be quite expensive, as already mentioned, compared to other bars less than a hundred metres away, which offer bottles of Pilsner for $1. If you are looking to spend an evening drinking and chatting in a quiet, relaxing and comfortable setting then you can't really go wrong with Kilkenny’s Irish Bar. It can be found at Lizardo Garcia 559 and Reina Victoria. Open from 6pm until late, more information can be found by emailing kilkenny@irishpubquito.com , calling Kilkenny’s on 2901467 or by visiting their website at www.irishpubquito.com.