Keelen's offers 'good food, good drink' The Courier,July 17 Posted:07/18/08
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The walls decorated with Irish sayings, blessings and Celtic stained glass, Jackie Keelen's is the end o' the rainbow for local patrons.
Keelen's, located in Keansburg, has been serving spirits and Irish traditions for almost 45 years, according to one of the owners, Susan Lee.
Lee said her parents, Jackie and Wilma, purchased the then-restaurant in 1964.
Since then, the establishment has transformed into a social hub, catering business and packaged goods store.
Lee said Keelen's is proud of being family-owned and -operated since 1964.
Outside the building, standing guard at all three corners, are three large bear statues. Lee said her father picked them up in Manhattan many years ago; the bears have become iconic symbols in town.
Lee; her sister, Deb; and her brother, Jack, are the current owners; all of the Keelens were born and raised in Keansburg, Lee said.
The family keeps a portrait of their parents above the fireplace, as well as a picture of Lee's son, Michael.
"They are always remembered," Lee said.
Her son, Pat Robinson, operates the bar.
The welcoming bar area includes a pool table, darts and arcade games.
Robinson said Keelen's offers drink specials on Tuesday nights, when it hosts a pool tournament.
He said the tournament is popular among patrons.
On Wednesdays, Robinson said the bar continues drink specials for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night.
Keelen's also runs specials during football season, including a free buffet during the games.
Jackie Keelen's is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., and on Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.
