4 /5 Aaron Linsdau Thriller Author: Killarney’s in south Temecula is a seriously happening place on a Friday night. I visited this past week after working on a real estate project all day. I was expecting the quiet Killarney’s I remembered from when I first moved here. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The energy in this place was off the charts. As a thriller author, I love places like this to get late night grub.
I thought I was walking into a sleepy Irish pub. Of course, this is Temecula. Instead, there was a large patio out front with plenty of people talking. As I walked through the door, I entered a small boxed-in area before the main space. I’m not sure what that’s about. Maybe it’s a feng shui thing?
Once inside, the intensity hit full tilt. People were having a good time, out to see and be seen. It was interesting watching folks shake hands and meet up.
It took a while to find a seat at the bar. The main setup is built around a horseshoe-shaped bar, packed with standing-room-only guests. Along the walls, there were tables and seats, all full.
Beyond the bar, there’s a separate room with long tables where you can have a slightly quieter meal. You’ll definitely have to speak up to talk with your crew. The restrooms are at the back and were clean and easy to access.
Since it was late, I skipped a heavy meal and went for the late-night chili nachos. Functional, not gourmet. But let’s be honest, who goes to an Irish pub for chili nachos?
The Guinness pour had a solid waterfall of foam as it settled.
When I left at 11 PM, there were no signs of slowing down. I don’t know when things quiet down, but it wasn’t happening any time soon.
The parking area is huge, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot in the evening. It’s in a large strip mall and one of the few places open late.
The kitschy Irish decor on the walls was super fun. It reminded me of my time in Ireland. All sorts of neat stuff to check out. The staff was friendly and on point. My bartender took my order within a minute and got my drink and food out fast. No complaints.
The music wasn’t Irish. Honestly, for the crowd, that was probably a good call. It was a mix of country and alternative. Some songs I didn’t recognize, but they fit the vibe. Nobody seemed to care much either way.
I was thinking about how I could use Killarney‘s in a scene in one of my thriller books. I will have to work on that. Since it’s loud and busy, you could have a complete conversation and no one would notice. Not a bad thing.
All in all, a very different experience than the Killarney’s I remembered. If you want energy and interaction, this is the place. It’s a bit out of the way from the heart of Temecula, but that didn’t stop anyone.
