Feeling At Home In The Twisted Kilt

Very few bars in Montego Bay have that kind of warm, homely feeling that I believe any good bar should have but you’ll find that atmosphere in The Twisted Kilt sports bar on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay. It’s an Irish themed bar in tropical Jamaica which makes it a real standout but what strikes you immediately as you order your first drink or meal is the service.

In the midst of the tourist-driven madness of the Hip Strip where the larger entertainment venues focus on the big and quick tourist dollar, the Kilt (as it is popularly called for short) still takes the time to make regular customers feel special through close personal attention from their staff. It really is refreshing and while a lot of their clientele are tourists this kind of service has made faithful, repeat guests out of locals. I liken the atmosphere at times to the old sitcom Cheers where “everybody knows your name”. I walk in there sometimes and my Rum and Coke arrives before I even open my mouth to say “rum and coke”. Now that’s service...that's family!

Prices are a bit high and perhaps that is where the differences end between the Kilt and other Hip Strip joints. High Hip Strip prices are one of my major pet peeves but here’s the thing as it relates to the Kilt. You really see what you are paying for in terms of the service, the attention of the staff and the quality of the bar and surroundings. The ocean terrace is nothing short of magnificent and when the sun is out it’s a picture perfect day.

As much as you get that special cozy atmosphere from the Kilt it’s also known for some pretty electric, crowd filled nights. It’s the leading sports bar in Montego Bay and big televised sporting events usually pack the house. If you attended the Superbowl Tailgate party at the Kilt earlier this year you probably would have sworn you were in the United States to be witnessing this much excitement over an American football game. Televised boxing matches, soccer games and the Olympics have seen similar throngs.

And of course there is St. Patrick’s Day which is probably their most surreal day because this is Jamaica where St. Patrick’s Day isn’t really celebrated and it’s a bit of a shocker to see everyone in green , chugging beer and enjoying Irish music (well I should say more tolerating than enjoying because it really is a far cry from reggae and dancehall but at least on St. Patrick’s Day the minds are open).

I’m always a great fan of “something different” and that’s why I like The Twisted Kilt. Grab a “wee" lass if you’re a lad or grab a lad if you’re a lass and come on down to the Kilt to have some good conversation, hearty laughs and a pint or two with the other lads and lasses.