Kamloops Irish restaurant and bar experimenting while staying true to pacho lovers

Business Spotlight

Crisp on the outside, squishy in the centre, with seasoning and gooey cheese, the pacho has been a fan favourite of Kelly O'Bryan's and Carlos O’Bryan’s locations for decades.

The potato nacho, a lattice fry with seasoning, cheddar cheese, and chives has been a part of the family-themed Irish restaurant since the first one opened in Kelowna in 1987 by owners Reg Henry and Jeff Blower.

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Throughout the years, the duo expanded their chain with Carlos O’Bryan’s pubs with a more bar-type atmosphere, said general manager Warren Baker of the Kamloops Kelly O’Bryan's location. 

“We try to keep everything traditional. We try to incorporate Guinness and some Irish whiskeys into our recipes and comfort foods,” he said.

Irish sayings decorate the walls and patrons don’t have to look far to find countdowns to St. Patrick's Day.

In the last few years, they’ve expanded the menu with fresh salads, and experiment with new varieties just in time for the patio summer season, Baker said.

There’s a great mix of people that come in and visit the restaurants and bars, he said. Happy hour is from 2 to 5 p.m. but a younger crowd comes after 9 p.m. for another happy hour for appetizers and drinks until the restaurants and bars close, he said.

Happy hour options include single highballs for $5.25, double highballs for $8.25 and pachos, deep fried pickles, potato skins and more for $9.50.

For more than 30 years, they’ve stayed true to offering a free birthday meal on the day of your birthday as long as you come in with a friend or family member, Baker said.

They’re looking forward to Canada Day celebrations this year, a popular event celebrated in the Kamloops downtown core.

Visit Kelly’s O'Bryan's and Carlos O'Bryan's locations on Victoria Street in Kamloops. For more information on the restaurants, visit their website.

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