If you spend some time in Kampala, you’ll likely end up at the ubiquitous Bubbles O’Leary, whether you want to or not. The crowd is diverse although it’s usually at least half ex-pats. In some ways it’s a typical Irish Pub, the go-to spot to unwind and sip a beer or party like the Mayans were right about 2012. It’s located on Acacia Avenue in the heart of Kololo. Surrounded by great restaurants and cafes, Bubbles makes a convenient after dinner destination. There’s a $2.5 cover at the door on weekends but the drinks are moderately priced and always cold.
Beer connoisseurs, don’t be fooled by the uniquely large selection of beer on tap. Unfortunately, the taps are for display only and draft Guinness is only available at the annual St. Patrick’s day shindig. Speaking of displays, rumor has it that Bubbles consists of the imported guts of a real-live Irish Pub. It’s surprisingly quaint and picturesque in the sober light of day with it’s wooden bar, small tables, chill deck and leafy patio. A little known secret is that during the day Bubbles serves lunch and offers free wifi. The pizza is superb.
At night Bubbles has something to offer everyone. Sports games often play on the patio projector. There’s pub food available like chips/fries and usually a meat shish kebab grill creating delicious smells outside. Singles mingle and chat at the deck tables. And the small dance floor inside gets raucous during the early morning hours. Bubbles is certainly not a club, but that’s kind of the appeal. It feels like a wedding reception, everyone dancing like fools in an unlikely place while the DJ spins mostly top of the charts pop music, creepy uncle not included. Although, watch the dance floor for pickpockets and weird guys with video cameras. Long rows of tequila shots abound as the night goes on. People dancing on speakers and tables and half naked Euro rugby teams are not unheard of on a busy night.
One of the best parts about Bubbles is the staff. They’re accommodating, thoughtful and always ready to make friends. New management has recently taken over, and although we miss the old crew, they’re great.
If you head to Bubbles you’ll have fun, likely meet cool people, and hopefully stay clear of any Irish inspired pub brawls. It can be a chill night or a wild party depending on what you make of it and the night of the week. Choose your poison wisely.
Hours: 12:00pm till late (past 4am on weekends)
Address: 30 Windsor Crescent
Phone: 0312 263 815
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BubblesOLearys
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Ok,….i have jst heard that these guys are racist,….i wouldnt be there.
i like O’learys in uganda…i met someone very special to me. i know i just met her that night but i dont wanna let her go. shes the coolest person, i dont know but it felt like destiny for us to meet each other. she loves to dance just like me. i just hope she doesnt forget about me. and i met her in bubbles O’learys good place too bad for the short visit. hope to go back to the place, but at the same time i dont want to beacause shes not gona be there next time.
good place
Living in Uganda, I’ve been a mzungu visitor to Bubbles on a number of occasions and had a good time. However, last night my visit took a turn for the worse — and I’ll never be back. I encourage you to take your money elsewhere.
Myself and six friends were dancing and enjoying some drinks. Three Americans and four Ugandans. At one point I noticed that one of my Ugandan friends had been missing for about 10 minutes, and soon found out why.
One of the Bubbles employees had pulled him aside and told him that “his group stinks.” As in, smells. More specifically, a Ugandan smells and was “bothering the white customers.” He was essentially being asked to leave, and escort his friends out with him. A conversation ensued in which my friend was very diplomatic and tried to appease the situation (even offering to apply deodorant – which, mind you, was NOT actually necessary), but the employee quickly backtracked when he realized that the group included whites, and when it was pointed out that my friend was a frequent enough customer to know the owner/manager by name.
We brought the owner into the conversation and ended up requesting an apology (at the very least), or a refund for our entrance fees. His response: to scoff. We weren’t taken seriously at all and were treated like scum.
If you do a little digging into their online reviews it is unfortunate to find that this is likely not an isolated experience. The rumors of racism seem to be true.
Go for something better.
These are racists