Best Dive Bar Pubs

Just what Dublin needed - another pub claiming to be a cut above your standard watering hole. The Millmount House sits there on the edges of the city's northside like it's got something to prove, and at first glance, you'd be forgiven for walking right past it. I nearly did. Let's address the elephant in the room - this place isn't trying to be the next trendy gastropub with artisanal everything and bartenders who lecture you about small-batch spirits. And thank heavens for that. In a city increasingly cluttered with establishments charging astronomical prices for basic beverages, Millmount House feels almost rebelliously affordable. The interior might make interior designers weep, but there's something oddly comforting about a place that refuses to bow to the pressures of Instagram-worthy decoration. The worn fabric chairs and decidedly unfashionable lighting shouldn't work, and yet... there's an authenticity here that's becoming increasingly rare in Dublin's pub scene. I arrived determined to hate it. Really, I did. But somewhere between my first perfectly poured Guinness (and yes, it matters) and watching the rugby match on a Sunday afternoon, I found myself reluctantly admitting that Millmount House has something special going for it. The bar staff, while not falling over themselves with affected friendliness, display that peculiarly Irish talent for knowing exactly when you need a top-up without making a fuss about it. The live music nights are another surprise. Don't come expecting the usual tourist-pleasing renditions of "Whiskey in the Jar." The musicians who play here actually seem to care about their craft, and the acoustics - perhaps by some architectural accident rather than design - are surprisingly decent. I've spent more than one evening telling myself "just one more song" before admitting defeat and staying until closing time. For those keeping score, yes, they serve coffee, and no, it's not the kind that comes with latte art or beans sourced from a small cooperative in the mountains of wherever. It's just... coffee. Proper coffee that does the job without pretense. The same goes for their wine selection - it won't win awards, but it's perfectly drinkable and won't require a second mortgage. The real charm of Millmount House Dublin (and I can't believe I'm actually writing this) lies in its steadfast refusal to be anything other than what it is. In a city where traditional pubs are increasingly being converted into characterless chains or "conceptual drinking spaces" (whatever that means), this place stands as a testament to the art of simply being a good pub. During big matches, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd here knows their sport, and while passionate, they maintain that delicate balance between enthusiasm and respectful viewing that's so often missing in other venues. The multiple screens are thoughtfully placed, and somehow they've managed to ensure there's barely a bad viewing angle in the house. Let's talk about the payment situation because it matters - they take cards, contactless, and yes, actual cash (remember that?). No minimum spend nonsense, no service charge for using your card, just straightforward transactions like pubs used to do. The location, admittedly, isn't going to win any awards for glamour. But its proximity to Croke Park makes it an ideal spot for pre or post-match gatherings, and the regular crowd is a refreshing mix of locals who've been coming here for decades and newcomers who've stumbled upon what feels like a well-kept secret. And here's the thing about Millmount House that finally broke down my cynical defenses: in a city that's rapidly changing, sometimes at the expense of its soul, this place feels real. It's not perfect - the decor could use some attention, and yes, sometimes the service can be a bit... Irish (you'll know what I mean when you visit). But if you're looking for an authentic Dublin pub experience that won't empty your wallet, where the Guinness is consistently good and the atmosphere genuine, I cannot believe I'm about to say this, but... you should probably give Millmount House a try. Just don't tell them I sent you - I've got a reputation to maintain.

The Railway Tavern in London stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the neighborhood pub, where pretense dissolves like foam settling on a fresh-pulled pint. Just steps from Edmonton's bustling market, this recently renovated establishment wears its working-class heart proudly on its sleeve, offering refuge to both weathered regulars and curious passersby. Light streams through the freshly cleaned windows, casting warm rectangles across worn wooden floors that have borne the weight of countless stories. The renovation has breathed new life into these historic walls, yet somehow preserved that ineffable quality that makes a proper London pub feel like home. Here, the polish of modernity meets the patina of tradition in perfect equilibrium. The space unfolds with an intuitive flow, its newly opened layout creating natural gathering spots without sacrificing the intimate corners where private conversations can flourish. The bar stands as the gravitational center, its brass fixtures gleaming under carefully positioned lights that manage to be both welcoming and subdued. Locals cluster here like planets around a sun, their easy banter with the staff a reminder that some of the best moments in life occur in these casual exchanges. A jukebox – that endangered species of pub entertainment – holds court in one corner, its eclectic selection spanning decades and genres. The music it produces serves as a soundtrack to the pub's daily drama, sometimes background whisper, sometimes foreground celebration. It's a democratic entertainment, where each patron becomes DJ for the price of a few songs, their selections adding to the tavern's collective memory. Near the rear, a pool table awaits its next challengers, the soft click of balls and gentle trash talk providing another layer to the pub's acoustic tapestry. The outside smoking area offers a chance for fresh air and fresh perspectives, where conversations begun inside often find their truest expression under open sky. Free WiFi bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern necessity, though most patrons seem more interested in the faces across their tables than their phone screens. Behind the bar, the drink selection speaks to honest pleasures rather than trendy affectations. While you won't find elaborate cocktails or extensive craft beer selections, what's here is served with care and priced with respect for the working person's wallet. The Guinness, particularly, draws praise from those who know their stout, poured with patience and precision. The whisky selection, though modest, offers enough choice for a satisfying dram at prices that remind you you're blessedly far from central London's tourist traps. The Railway Tavern in London exists in that sweet spot between dive bar authenticity and comfortable accessibility. Its moderate prices feel like a fair exchange for the atmosphere you're buying into – not just the liquid in your glass, but the right to be part of this ongoing community narrative. The staff's welcome comes without artifice; they're as likely to remember your name as your usual order, should you become a regular. Its location, two minutes from the bus station and five from the Overground, makes it an easy stop on your way somewhere else – until you realize that "somewhere else" might not be as welcoming as where you already are. On non-match days, when Spurs fans are elsewhere, the pub settles into its natural rhythm, neither empty nor crowded, just comfortably occupied by those who've chosen to make this their temporary home. Consider this an invitation to join the Railway Tavern's ongoing story. Whether you're seeking refuge from Edmonton's market bustle or simply in search of an honest pint in good company, you'll find your place here. Like the best London pubs, it asks only that you bring yourself, leave your pretensions at the door, and perhaps, when the moment feels right, add your own selection to the jukebox's endless playlist.