Best Gastrobar Pubs

Just what Clane needed - another gastropub attempting to elevate pub grub beyond recognition. McMahons Gastrobar Maynooth swaggered into the scene with all the subtlety of a drunk uncle at a wedding, promising to revolutionize the local dining landscape. I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly strained something. But damn them for actually pulling it off. Let's be clear - I approached McMahons Gastrobar with the kind of skepticism usually reserved for politicians' promises and miracle diet pills. The whole "gastro" prefix has been done to death, hasn't it? Slap some microgreens on a burger, charge twice as much, and suddenly you're culinary revolutionaries. Please. Except... there's something different happening here. The first crack in my cynical armor appeared when the breakfast arrived. I've eaten enough mediocre full Irish breakfasts to last several lifetimes, but this one made me pause mid-sarcastic-comment. The rashers were actually thick-cut and properly crisped, not those sad, watery strips that haunt hotel buffets. The eggs were perfectly runny, and the black pudding had the kind of rich, complex flavor that makes you forget you're eating something your ancestors invented during desperate times. The real revelation came during dinner service. While the menu reads like a greatest hits of pub classics, the execution is where McMahons Gastrobar Maynooth distinguishes itself from the countless other establishments dotting County Kildare. Their steak arrives exactly as ordered (a rare feat in itself), and the cabbage and bacon specialty somehow transforms these humble ingredients into something you'd actually crave, not just tolerate because your granny made it. The space itself manages to thread that impossible needle between "cozy pub" and "contemporary eatery" without falling into the trap of sterile modernization that plagues so many renovated establishments. Yes, there's exposed brick and those seemingly mandatory industrial light fixtures, but they've retained enough of the original character to avoid feeling like a Pinterest board come to life. Live music features regularly, and unlike most venues where it's an excuse to blast your eardrums into submission, they've actually figured out the appropriate volume level for people who'd like to both enjoy the tunes and maintain a conversation. Revolutionary concept, I know. The staff - and it pains my cynical heart to admit this - are genuinely good at their jobs. They manage to be attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without pretension, and friendly without that forced familiarity that makes you want to hide in the bathroom. Special mention goes to Ian, who performs glass tricks that would be annoying if they weren't so impressively executed. Their dog-friendly policy means you might share your outdoor seating experience with a four-legged friend, which depending on your perspective is either a delightful bonus or mild inconvenience. The parking situation is typical for the area - you'll pay, but at least you won't need to circle the block seventeen times like some downtown venues. Price-wise, it sits in that sweet spot where you won't need to remortgage your house, but you might want to check your account balance before ordering that extra round of cocktails. The portions are generous enough to justify the cost, and the quality consistently delivers what the price point promises. For families, they've managed to create a menu that doesn't insult children's palates while giving parents options beyond the usual pub fare. It's actually possible to have a proper meal while your kids enjoy something more substantial than the usual chicken nugget tragedy. Look, I didn't want to like McMahons Gastrobar Maynooth. I really didn't. But in a world of mediocre gastropubs and soulless food chains, they've created something that genuinely works. Whether you're after a stellar breakfast, a proper dinner, or just a well-pulled pint in pleasant surroundings, they deliver consistently enough to earn even my begrudging recommendation. If you find yourself in Clane (it happens to the best of us), do yourself a favor and give McMahons a try. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.

When you stumble upon the Gin Palace Dublin, nestled in the heart of Dublin's bustling Temple Bar district, you might think you've accidentally wandered through a time portal into a Victorian-era drinking den. But don't let the brass fixtures and dark wood panels fool you – this isn't your great-grandfather's gin joint. The moment you cross the threshold, you're greeted by what might be the most impressive collection of gin bottles this side of the River Liffey. They gleam like liquid jewels behind the bar, a testament to the establishment's dedication to the juniper-based spirit. But while many Dublin pubs lean heavily on their whiskey credentials, the Gin Palace has carved out its own unique niche in the city's drinking culture. Let's talk about what makes this place special, shall we? For starters, there's the atmosphere – imagine if a Victorian gentleman's club had a love child with a modern gastropub. The result is something altogether charming and slightly eccentric. The space manages to feel both grand and intimate, with cozy nooks perfect for conspiratorial conversations and larger areas where groups can gather for a proper session of gin appreciation. Speaking of gin appreciation, the staff here aren't just bartenders – they're gin evangelists. Take it from someone who once thought gin was just something to mix with tonic: these folks will revolutionize your relationship with the spirit. Their gin tasting flights are like a liquid education, taking you on a journey from traditional London Dry to contemporary botanical wonderlands. And when they start explaining the difference between your Glendalough Rose and your Dingle Gin, you'll actually find yourself nodding along, pretending you knew all along that gin could taste like a summer garden in full bloom. The cocktail menu deserves its own paragraph of praise. Yes, they do a mean G&T (with more tonic options than you knew existed), but it's their signature cocktails that really shine. Each one is crafted with the kind of attention to detail that would make a Swiss watchmaker proud. The Bramble here isn't just a drink – it's a small purple miracle in a glass. But here's something that might surprise you: the Gin Palace Dublin isn't just about the drinks. The food menu is a delightful revelation, offering everything from hearty pub classics to more refined fare. Their roast chicken has achieved near-legendary status among regulars, served on a bed of creamy mash that could make an Irishman weep with joy. And the beetroot and goat cheese salad? It's the kind of dish that makes you forget you're in a gin bar altogether. The pricing hits that sweet spot where you feel like you're treating yourself without needing to remortgage your house. Main courses hover in the €15-20 range, and while premium gins might stretch your wallet a bit further, the standard pours are reasonably priced for central Dublin. Besides, consider it an investment in your gin education. What really sets this place apart from the countless other Dublin drinking establishments is its ability to be multiple things at once. It's sophisticated enough for a business meeting, casual enough for a quick after-work drink, and special enough for a celebration. The Victorian-meets-modern vibe somehow manages to feel both authentic and accessible, like a period drama where you're allowed to wear jeans. Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. Just a stone's throw from the Ha'penny Bridge, it's central enough to be convenient but just far enough from the main Temple Bar chaos to maintain its dignity. It's the perfect spot to begin your evening, end your evening, or, let's be honest, spend your entire evening. Here's my advice: make the Gin Palace Dublin your next stop when you're in the city. Start with a gin flight to educate your palate, follow it up with that legendary roast chicken, and let the evening unfold at its own pace. Trust me, once you've experienced the magic of this place, you'll find yourself making excuses to return. Just don't blame me when you suddenly become that person who knows way too much about gin botanicals – it happens to the best of us.

There's something deliciously ironic about sipping a craft cocktail in what was once a Victorian schoolhouse. The Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar in Dublin has masterfully transformed a place where children once dreaded Monday mornings into somewhere adults can't wait to spend their evenings. And trust me, this is one instance where going back to school is actually a pleasure. Walking through the doors of this architectural gem in Dublin's leafy Ballsbridge neighborhood feels like stepping into a perfectly curated blend of past and present. The original 1859 schoolhouse bones are everywhere you look – soaring ceilings, tall windows that flood the space with natural light, and exposed brick walls that have witnessed more than 150 years of Dublin history. But don't worry, there's not a stern headmaster or boring textbook in sight. Instead, the Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar has become one of Dublin's most atmospheric spots for everything from morning coffee to midnight nightcaps. The restoration work here deserves an A+, preserving the building's Victorian character while injecting it with contemporary comfort. Original features like ornate cornicing and wooden beams mix seamlessly with plush leather seating and modern lighting that creates the kind of ambiance that makes you want to linger for "just one more." The GastroBar is where the real magic happens. Picture yourself settling into a cozy corner booth beneath those towering windows, perhaps with a perfectly poured Guinness or one of their signature cocktails in hand. The bar staff here are like the cool teachers you wished you had in school – knowledgeable without being pretentious, ready with a recommendation or a bit of banter, whichever you prefer. Their cocktail menu reads like a delicious history lesson, with each drink telling its own story. The food offering is equally impressive, and thankfully bears no resemblance to school cafeteria fare. The kitchen team has crafted a menu that celebrates Irish ingredients with contemporary flair. The beef comes from local farms, the seafood was likely swimming in Irish waters yesterday, and the produce is so fresh you can practically taste the morning dew. Whether you're dropping in for a casual lunch or settling in for a romantic dinner, the quality remains consistently high. Breakfast here deserves special mention – it's the kind of morning feast that makes getting out of bed worthwhile. From perfectly poached eggs to house-made pastries that would make a French baker jealous, it's a spread that puts most hotel breakfasts to shame. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake up even the most reluctant morning person. The hotel rooms themselves continue the clever school theme without overdoing it. Each one is named after a famous Irish writer (how fitting for a former schoolhouse), and they manage to feel both historic and thoroughly modern. Think high ceilings, original sash windows, and incredibly comfortable beds that make you want to skip your morning classes – or meetings, as the case may be. What really sets the Schoolhouse apart, though, is its staff. In my numerous visits (all in the name of research, of course), I've witnessed them handle everything from romantic proposals to business meetings with the kind of effortless grace that makes hospitality look easy. They remember returning guests' names and drink preferences, and somehow manage to make everyone feel like the star pupil. The location is another ace up its sleeve. Tucked away on a quiet street in Ballsbridge, it's removed enough from the tourist trails to feel like a local secret, yet close enough to the city center that you won't spend a fortune on taxis. The nearby Aviva Stadium makes it perfect for match days, while the peaceful surroundings make it equally suitable for a quiet weekend getaway. If you're looking for a uniquely Dublin experience that combines history, hospitality, and seriously good food and drink, the Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar should be at the top of your list. And unlike your actual school days, this is one place where you'll definitely want to show up early and stay late. Just don't forget to make a reservation – this is one lesson you don't want to miss out on.