Gastropub Pubs in Dublin

At the heart of Dublin's bustling streets, Brickyard Gastropub stands as a testament to the city's evolving culinary spirit. Weathered brick walls embrace visitors like old friends, while the warm glow of Edison bulbs casts gentle shadows across worn wooden tables. Here, where contemporary dining meets traditional Irish hospitality, the boundary between pub and gastropub dissolves into something altogether more intriguing. The space unfolds like a well-thumbed novel, each corner revealing a new chapter in comfort. Morning light streams through tall windows, catching the steam rising from expertly pulled espressos, while evening sees the space transform as Dublin's workers shed their office personas for something more relaxed. The bar, a magnificent centerpiece of polished wood and gleaming taps, curves through the room like a river of possibility. In the main dining area, conversations flow as naturally as the Brickline beer that's become a local favorite. The careful orchestration of intimate booths and communal tables creates an environment where both private conversations and shared celebrations find their place. You might notice how the acoustic design allows for that peculiarly Irish gift of storytelling - voices carry just enough to create atmosphere without overwhelming intimate discussions. The menu at Brickyard Gastropub Dublin tells its own story, one written in the language of carefully sourced ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Morning brings the soft crack of perfectly poached eggs nestled atop crusty sourdough, accompanied by the rich aroma of locally roasted coffee. By midday, the kitchen hums with the sizzle of their renowned burgers, each one a careful composition of flame-grilled beef, melted cheese, and house-made sauces that have earned their loyal following. As afternoon melts into evening, the gastropub's true character emerges. The craft beer selection rotates like a gallery exhibition, each tap offering a different interpretation of brewing artistry. The paddleboards of beer tastings become conversation pieces, encouraging exploration and shared discoveries. Cocktails emerge from behind the bar like liquid artwork, each one a reflection of the bartender's practiced hand and creative spirit. The outdoor seating area provides a theater for Dublin's street life, where dogs rest at their owners' feet and friends gather for weekend brunches that stretch lazily into the afternoon. Inside, the sports screens are thoughtfully positioned to create zones of entertainment without dominating the space, allowing fans to celebrate matches while others dine in relative tranquility. Throughout the day, families find welcome here as easily as business colleagues and evening revelers. Children's menu options show the same attention to quality as adult offerings, proving that good food knows no age limit. Vegetarian dishes stand as equals among the meat offerings, each plate designed to satisfy rather than simply substitute. The staff move with the kind of easy confidence that comes from genuine pride in their work. They navigate the space like longtime residents of a beloved neighborhood, sharing recommendations with the enthusiasm of friends rather than the rehearsed lines of servers. Their knowledge of the rotating tap list and seasonal menu changes adds another layer to the Brickyard experience, transforming simple orders into opportunities for discovery. As day shifts to night, the lighting dims to match the mood, and the Brickyard Gastropub transforms again. The after-work crowd mingles with evening diners, creating that distinctive Dublin energy where good food, drink, and company combine to make time feel less linear and more circular, each moment flowing into the next. Step into Brickyard Gastropub Dublin, where the city's past and present share a table, and tomorrow's memories are being crafted in glasses raised and plates shared. Join the ongoing conversation between tradition and innovation, where every visit writes a new line in the continuing story of Dublin's vibrant culinary scene.

Just what Dublin needed - another McGettigan's. This time they've graced the northside with McGettigan's D9, tucked away in the Bonnington Hotel like a guilty pleasure waiting to be discovered. I approached with the enthusiasm of a tax audit, fully prepared to pen another scathing review of a cookie-cutter Irish pub chain. But damn them for making me eat my words along with their surprisingly decent burgers. Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, it's a McGettigan's, which typically ranks somewhere between "grand" and "sure, it'll do" on the Dublin pub spectrum. But this D9 incarnation has somehow managed to carve out its own identity, despite my determined efforts to dismiss it as just another corporate watering hole. The first crack in my cynical armor appeared when I noticed the staff actually seemed to give a damn. In Dublin's current hospitality climate, where genuine service often feels as rare as affordable housing, this was an unexpected twist. They didn't just robotically take orders - they bantered, they recommended, they remembered faces. It was almost annoying how difficult they made it to maintain my professional disdain. The interior strikes that elusive balance between modern sports bar and traditional pub that so many places butcher spectacularly. Multiple screens for sports viewing are integrated thoughtfully rather than plastered across every available surface like some Vegas sports book gone rogue. The stone-topped counters and comfortable seating arrangements suggest someone actually thought about the design instead of just throwing dart boards and Guinness mirrors at the walls. Speaking of Guinness, they pour a proper pint here. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. The draft selection extends beyond the usual suspects, though don't expect craft beer nirvana. It's a solid middle-ground offering that won't excite beer snobs but will satisfy most punters. The cocktail list is surprisingly competent, though ordering anything fancier than a G&T in a McGettigan's still feels somewhat transgressive. The food menu is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean they've somehow managed to elevate pub grub without disappearing up their own artisanal aspirations. The burgers are genuinely good - not "good for pub food" but actually, legitimately good. The sweet potato fries achieve that mythical crispy-outside-fluffy-inside status that lesser establishments promise but rarely deliver. The burrata salad (yes, I ordered a salad in a pub, judge away) was fresh and well-balanced, though it's hardly reinventing the wheel. Price-wise, it sits in that comfortable middle ground where you won't feel robbed but might still check your bank balance before ordering another round. The portions are generous enough that you won't need to stop for a chicken fillet roll on the way home - a metric by which I judge all Dublin dining establishments. For sports fans, it's a legitimate contender for match day viewing. The atmosphere during games manages to be lively without descending into the chaos that makes some Dublin sports bars feel like a reenactment of the Battle of Clontarf. The multiple screens mean you won't strain your neck trying to catch the action, and the sound levels are generally well-managed. The connection to the Bonnington Hotel could have been a death sentence, condemning it to the purgatory of soulless hotel bars. Instead, it's managed to develop its own identity while benefiting from the hotel's amenities - like actual parking, a rare luxury in this part of Dublin. They close earlier than some might like - around 9pm most nights - which feels almost responsible in a city where "one more" regularly turns into "sunrise." But perhaps that's part of its charm. McGettigan's D9 knows what it is: a solid neighborhood pub that serves good food, proper drinks, and doesn't try to be all things to all people. Look, I came here ready to write a withering critique of another chain pub. Instead, I'm grudgingly recommending McGettigan's D9 as a reliable spot for a meal, a match, or a meet-up in Dublin's northside. Book a table, especially on match days - and yes, it pains me deeply to admit that you probably should book a table at a McGettigan's. Sometimes the universe just enjoys making critics eat humble pie for dessert.

Nestled in Dublin's historic Liberties district, Tenters Gastropub embodies the evolving spirit of Ireland's capital, where traditional pub culture meets contemporary gastronomy. This establishment has carved out its own distinctive identity in a neighborhood that's witnessed centuries of Dublin's story unfold, positioning itself at the crossroads of the area's working-class heritage and its current renaissance as a hub of craft distilling and culinary innovation. The gastropub's location, amid Dublin's burgeoning whiskey quarter, proves particularly fitting. Situated within walking distance of both the Teeling and Dublin Liberties distilleries, Tenters pays homage to this spirited heritage while crafting its own modern narrative. The venue's name itself recalls the area's textile history, when tenters - wooden frameworks used to stretch cloth - dotted the local landscape, providing a thoughtful connection to the neighborhood's industrial past. Inside, the space strikes a careful balance between contemporary design and traditional Irish hospitality. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams create an atmosphere that feels both authentic and current, while comfortable barrel chairs and well-spaced tables invite lingering conversations. The rooftop bar adds a modern touch to the traditional pub concept, offering visitors a fresh perspective on the historic Liberties skyline and St. Patrick's Cathedral beyond. The menu at Tenters Gastropub reflects Dublin's contemporary food scene while honoring Irish culinary traditions. Their seafood chowder has earned particular acclaim, demonstrating how traditional Irish comfort food can be elevated without losing its soul. The kitchen shows similar thoughtfulness in its approach to pub classics - though here, chips aren't merely a side dish but a carefully considered component that regulars specifically praise. Their inclusion of vegetarian options and a children's menu speaks to modern Dublin's diverse dining needs, while their curry chicken pot pie nods to Ireland's evolving palate. The beverage program deserves special mention, particularly given the gastropub's location in Dublin's whiskey district. The practice of pouring wine at the table - somewhat unusual for a pub setting - signals Tenters' attention to service details that elevate the dining experience. Their cocktail menu makes creative use of their proximity to local distilleries, incorporating neighboring spirits into signature drinks that tell the story of the surrounding neighborhood. Pricing reflects Dublin's mid-market dining scene, with the venue positioning itself as accessible enough for regular visits while maintaining quality that justifies slightly higher than standard pub prices. This approach allows Tenters to serve both as a special occasion destination and a reliable local haunt, particularly for the area's growing professional population. The clientele represents a fascinating cross-section of Dublin life - local workers sharing lunch, tourists exploring the whiskey heritage trail, and families gathering for Sunday meals. During evening hours, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from casual dining to spirited socializing, with live music adding to the convivial atmosphere that Irish pubs are famous for. Service at Tenters embraces the flexibility modern diners expect, offering everything from traditional table service to takeout options. The ability to make reservations - not always a given in Dublin pubs - suggests a recognition of contemporary dining habits, while maintaining walk-in space preserves the spontaneity essential to pub culture. As Dublin's Liberties continues its transformation from industrial quarter to cultural destination, Tenters Gastropub stands as a thoughtful interpreter of this evolution. Whether you're exploring the neighborhood's whiskey heritage, seeking a satisfying meal before a cathedral visit, or simply looking to experience how traditional Irish pub culture adapts to contemporary tastes, this venue offers an authentic glimpse into modern Dublin's culinary and social landscape. Step inside, order a perfectly poured pint or locally inspired cocktail, and participate in the ongoing story of one of Dublin's most characterful neighborhoods.