Best Takeout Available Pubs

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.

Tucked away in the heart of Thurles, Fitzpatricks Country Club is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you've stumbled into an Irish fairy tale. This isn't just another pub in County Tipperary - it's where local legends are born and Sunday roasts become family traditions. The moment you cross the threshold, you'll understand why this beloved Thurles institution has been drawing crowds for generations. Let's be honest - we've all had those moments when we're craving more than just a meal; we're hunting for that elusive combination of warmth, flavor, and that indefinable something that makes a place feel like home. That's exactly what Fitzpatricks Country Club in Thurles delivers, without putting a dent in your wallet. The kind of spot where the regulars have their own chairs (though they'll happily shuffle over to make room for newcomers), and where the staff greet you with smiles that feel more genuine than a child's birthday wish. The magic of Fitzpatricks lies in its ability to be everything to everyone without losing its authentic charm. During the day, it's a haven for locals catching up over steaming cups of tea and hearty lunches that would make your grandmother proud. As evening approaches, the space transforms into something altogether more atmospheric, with golden lighting casting warm shadows across the traditional dark wood furnishings and the gentle hum of conversation creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out. Speaking of those lunches - let me paint you a picture of what awaits. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the rich, savory scent of their signature roasts, creating an olfactory welcome that's better than any doorbell. The Sunday lunch menu is a particular triumph, featuring tender beef that practically dissolves on your tongue and portions that'll have you thankful for elastic waistbands. The vegetables are cooked to that perfect sweet spot between crisp and tender, and the gravy... well, let's just say it's the kind of gravy that starts family feuds over who gets the last drop. The value for money here is nothing short of remarkable. In an age where a coffee and sandwich can cost you a small fortune, Fitzpatricks maintains refreshingly reasonable prices without compromising on quality or portion size. It's the type of place where you can treat the whole family without having to remortgage your house - a rare find indeed in today's dining landscape. The staff here deserve a special mention. They've mastered that uniquely Irish ability to make you feel like you're being looked after by a favorite aunt - attentive without hovering, friendly without being overbearing, and always ready with a recommendation or a bit of local gossip if you're interested. They remember your preferences, your children's names, and somehow manage to anticipate what you need before you even realize you need it. For those new to Fitzpatricks Country Club, here's a pro tip: book ahead for Sunday lunch. The locals know it's the best value in Thurles, and tables fill up faster than a pint glass at closing time. If you're coming with a group, the staff will happily accommodate you in one of their more spacious areas - just give them a heads up. And while the parking situation is refreshingly straightforward with free street parking available, it's worth arriving a few minutes early during peak times. The venue accepts all major payment methods - cash, card, and contactless - making it as convenient as it is comfortable. But perhaps the most valuable currency here is time - time to relax, to savor, to connect. In our rush-around world, Fitzpatricks Country Club in Thurles offers something increasingly precious: a place where you're never made to feel like you need to hurry. Whether you're a Thurles local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and make Fitzpatricks Country Club part of your story. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with the kind of contentment that only a proper Irish welcome can provide. Just don't blame me if you find yourself becoming one of those regulars with their own favorite chair - it happens to the best of us.