With an endless list of drinking holes in Dublin’s fair city it isn’t an uncommon statement to hear that people are often bewildered as to where they should pop in for a drink. With the venue saturation in Dublin and the trendiness of craft beer, you can now pick them up pretty much anywhere. However, there are some legendary spots you can’t afford to miss. Taking into consideration the venue, staffing, selection and atmosphere, I’ve picked 7 locations you can try out. One for each day of the week!
I first met the kindly fellow who ran this establishment a few years back. Robert gave me a few shots of something special and I had a wonderful night thereafter sipping on the various offerings of craft beers he walked me through. Never have I seen a man so passionate about what he sells to his customers and the amount of time devoted to getting to know them better. For this reason, Beerhouse comes out on top for me. Going that extra mile to educate those who walk through your door is essential.
A regular haunt, mainly because the €10 pint and pizza deal is an all time winner. That along with free crisps, jenga, fizzy cola lollies and the fact I can let my creative side out on the wall and no-one will look at me twice, makes these two haunts very special. Boasting the same owners with their signature style of decor and operation, it’s a model that seems to have worked for them from start to finish.
During my first visit to this watering hole I was holding a small glass and working my way up the bar trying one beer at a time. I ended up in a deep conversation with my comrade in arms at the time and things only got better when I ordered food – amazing bites at a reasonable price. The selection here is massively impressive. I highly recommend grabbing someone you haven’t talked to in quite some time and setting up camp one Friday evening after work.
Shacked up on Capel Street amongst Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean eateries is The Black Sheep. I posted about this place a while back in a blog about free venues you should consider for your next event- the main reason being that it has one of the most impressive selections of craft beers you can find anywhere in Dublin. Honestly, it’s nearly endless and the crowd that go there are the very type you’d expect so there’s no fear of surprises.
I have too many fond memories in The Porterhouse to have it this far down the list really, but it’s a consequence of so many great venues in the capital. With a steady stream of live entertainment and most of their selection being brewed in house you know they’re going to take pride in serving up their homegrown.
Their main venues in the city centre are based in Temple Bar and Grafton Street (lower end) meaning that at this time of year, you may well be the only Irish person in the place but to be honest, that can be quite the novelty too. Grab an alcove upstairs and bring a handful of friends on a Saturday night and the place is hopping. Get in early to grab a seat though!
These guys get on here simply by the vast selection they have. With 24 crafts on tap let alone the bottled selection even coming into it, they definitely have something for everyone. With pop up bars upstairs and other bespoke events, it’s worth popping the head in for a mosey about, even if it is just for the one… or two.
Remember, all good drinks go well with good food. If you’re looking for an ideal food pairing, grab some at The Big Grill Festival in Herberton Park this weekend. You might even learn a thing or two. For all things Dublin, unusual musings, events and happening, follow me on twitter @williammeara.
