Vegetarian Friendly Pubs in Dublin

Just what Dublin needed - another gastropub masquerading as the solution to all our dining and drinking woes. The Ivy House Bar & Restaurant stands there on its corner, all proud and proper, like it's doing us a favor by existing. I'll admit, I walked in with my critic's notebook ready to eviscerate yet another mediocre Dublin establishment, but something annoyingly unexpected happened. Let's address the elephant in the room - The Ivy House isn't revolutionizing the Dublin food scene. It's not that kind of place, and thank goodness for that. We've had enough "revolutionary" concepts that disappeared faster than a pint of Guinness on a Friday night. Instead, what you'll find here is something far more rare: competence. Yes, I'm as shocked as you are. The space itself is massive - almost suspiciously so. In many venues, this would translate to all the warmth and charm of a railway station. But somehow, The Ivy House in Dublin has managed to avoid the cavernous feel that plagues so many of its contemporaries. The layout actually works, dividing the space into areas that feel distinct without resorting to the dreaded "concept zones" that some places inflict upon us. Their all-day service could have been their undoing - any establishment attempting to nail breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND be a proper pub is usually setting themselves up for spectacular failure. Yet here we are. The breakfast menu, while not revolutionary (please, spare us from another avocado toast), delivers exactly what you want when you're nursing a hangover or entertaining your visiting parents. The coffee is actually decent - words I never thought I'd type about a Dublin pub. The lunch service hits that sweet spot between "fancy enough for a client meeting" and "won't bankrupt you if you're paying." Their sandwich game is particularly strong, though I'm still trying to figure out why their club sandwich is better than it has any right to be. The prices won't make you choke on your food, which in today's Dublin is practically a miracle. Dinner is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean they've managed to create a menu that satisfies both the "just here for a pint and a bite" crowd and those looking for a proper meal. The kitchen seems to understand its limitations - there's no unnecessary flourishes or pretentious plating, just solid cooking that respects the ingredients. Their fish and chips - and I can't believe I'm saying this - might be some of the best in the area. There, I said it. My food critic card will probably be revoked for that admission. The bar program deserves mention, if only because they've managed to stock a decent selection of spirits without turning into one of those places where the bartender lectures you about the historical significance of your gin and tonic. They pour a proper pint, mix a solid cocktail, and don't make you feel like an idiot for ordering either. What truly sets The Ivy House apart in Dublin's saturated pub scene is their staff's apparent ability to read the room. Want to be left alone with your laptop and a coffee? They'll leave you be. Looking for recommendations and a chat? They've got that covered too. It's like they've actually trained their people in the lost art of hospitality. For families (yes, they actually welcome the little monsters), there's a children's menu that isn't just nuggets and chips - though those are available for the particularly stubborn young food critics among us. The vegetarian options aren't an afterthought either, which in a Dublin pub is about as rare as a quiet Temple Bar on a Saturday night. Look, I didn't want to like The Ivy House Bar & Restaurant. Dublin has enough decent pubs, and I came ready to dismiss it as just another name on the list. But here's the truth - it's managed to become something of a neighborhood essential. Whether you're after a morning coffee, a business lunch, family dinner, or just a well-pulled pint, it works. And it works consistently, which in this industry is perhaps the highest praise I can give. Go ahead, book a table. Just don't tell them I sent you - I've got a reputation to maintain.

Listen up, because I'm about to tell you about the kind of pub that makes Dublin... well, Dublin. O'Connor's of Mount Street isn't just another spot on the map - it's that perfect slice of authentic Irish charm that makes you wonder why you've been wasting time anywhere else in the city. You know those places that feel like they've been waiting for you all your life? That's O'Connor's of Mount Street in Dublin for you. The moment you walk in, you'll get that tingly feeling that says "cancel your plans, you're not leaving anytime soon." Let me paint you a picture: It's a random Tuesday that's about to become legendary. Maybe you're meeting up with friends before an Ireland match at the nearby Aviva (smart move, btw). Or perhaps you're ducking in to escape one of Dublin's famous rain showers. Either way, you've just stumbled into your new favorite story-starter. The inside is EXACTLY what you want from a proper Dublin pub - all warm woods and golden lights, with enough cozy corners to make both first dates and old friends feel like they've found their perfect spot. And when the weather plays nice? Their outdoor seating area is like finding a secret garden where pints taste even better. Speaking of pints - HOLY MOLY, they know how to pour them here! The Guinness is so perfect it could make a grown person cry (no judgment, we've all been there). But it's not just about the black stuff - their craft beer selection would make any hop head weak in the knees. And don't even get me started on their cocktails... let's just say they've turned "just one drink" into "wait, how is it midnight already?" more times than I can count. Now, let's talk food because O'Connor's is serving up the kind of pub grub that makes you question everything you thought you knew about bar food. Their fish and chips? Life-changing. The burgers? The kind that ruins other burgers for you. And the Irish stew? Your grandmother would approve (and then secretly try to get the recipe). But here's the real magic - the VIBE. Some nights there's live music that'll have you texting your friends "GET HERE NOW" with an unnecessary amount of exclamation points. Other nights, it's all about the buzz of conversation and laughter that makes you feel like you're part of something special. And during big matches? The atmosphere is electric enough to power half of Dublin. The staff here? They're the kind of people who remember your name and your order after just one visit. They've got that perfect mix of professional and playful that makes you feel like you're in on some brilliant inside joke. Plus, they give the best recommendations - trust them when they tell you to try the daily special. Here's some insider intel: Get here early if you're coming before a match at the Aviva - this place is no secret to sports fans. The sweet spot for dinner is right around 6:30, and if you're smart, you'll book ahead for Sunday lunch. And yes, they take cards, but maybe bring cash for tipping because you're definitely going to want to show your appreciation. You might think you're a bit far from the tourist trail here on Mount Street, but trust me - that's exactly why it's perfect. This is real Dublin, the kind of place that makes you feel like you've finally figured out what all those poems and songs about Irish hospitality were talking about. Look, I could keep going, but instead, I'm just going to say this: If you're in Dublin and you don't make it to O'Connor's of Mount Street, you're doing it wrong. Like, seriously wrong. This isn't just a pub - it's the beginning of your next great story. The kind that starts with "You'll never believe this place I found..." and ends with "...and that's why I never miss a chance to go back." Don't say I didn't warn you!

Looking for that perfect Dublin pub where every visit feels like a mini-adventure? The Speaker Conolly in Dublin is that rare gem where "just popping in for one" turns into stories you'll be telling for weeks. Trust me, this isn't just another spot on the pub-packed streets of Dublin - it's where ordinary evenings transform into "remember that night?" material. You know those places that somehow nail the perfect balance between classic Irish pub charm and "actually amazing food"? That's what we've got here. The Speaker Conolly has mastered that sweet spot where traditional Dublin pub vibes meet contemporary craic, and honestly? The combination is pure magic. Let me paint you a picture: It's Friday evening, you've just survived another week, and you're walking into a space that feels like it's giving you a warm Irish hug. The kind of place where you can roll in with your whole crew OR snag a cozy corner table for date night. Both scenarios? Equally brilliant. HOLD UP - we need to talk about the food situation here! Their steaks are the kind that make you close your eyes and have a moment. Like, an actual moment. And the fish and chips? They've somehow managed to create the perfect crack-when-you-cut-it batter that makes you wonder if they've got some sort of secret beer-batter recipe locked in a vault somewhere. But here's where it gets really interesting. They've got this whole "something for everyone" situation figured out. Vegetarian? They're not just throwing a sad salad your way - their veggie pasta game is STRONG. Got kids in tow? There's a proper children's menu that goes beyond the usual nugget situation. And if you're just in for a pint and some pub grub? Perfection. The outdoor seating area is basically Dublin's best-kept secret. Picture this: sunny afternoon (yes, they exist in Dublin!), perfect pint, good company, and enough space to actually hear each other talk. And their coffee kiosk in the car park? Absolute genius for those "need caffeine NOW" moments. Let's talk atmosphere because this is where The Speaker Conolly really shows off. Live music nights hit different here - they've managed to nail that volume sweet spot where you can still chat with your mates while enjoying the tunes. And sports nights? The energy is electric without turning into chaos. It's like they've figured out the exact science of pub atmosphere. The staff here? They've got that rare mix of professional efficiency and genuine Irish warmth that makes you feel like a regular even if it's your first visit. They remember your usual order, throw in the occasional bit of banter, and somehow appear exactly when you need them. Here's some insider intel: Their Sunday brunch is a bit of a local legend, but you didn't hear that from me. Book ahead for that one. The parking situation is surprisingly decent for Dublin (free lot AND street parking - I know, wild), and they take cards, including contactless, so no awkward cash-only surprises. The Speaker Conolly sits in that perfect price point where you're getting proper quality without having to remortgage your house. The portions are generous, the drinks are fairly priced, and the overall experience makes you feel like you're getting away with something. Listen, Dublin's got no shortage of pubs, but The Speaker Conolly is playing in its own league. It's that rare find where you can bring your parents for dinner, your mates for a session, or your date for an impressive yet casual evening. Right in the heart of Dublin, it's where memories are made and stories begin. Don't just take my word for it - get yourself down there. But fair warning: once you've experienced The Speaker Conolly, other pubs might start feeling a bit... ordinary. And trust me, you don't want to be the one person in your group who hasn't been when everyone's sharing their Speaker stories. Just saying.