Bayside Inn

Just what Dublin needs - another pub claiming to be a "local's favorite." The Bayside Inn sits there, smugly authentic, daring you to judge its worn facade and decidedly unfashionable resistance to gastropub pretension. And yet, against my better judgment and professional cynicism, I found myself returning. Multiple times. Let me explain this betrayal of my standards.

First, let's address the elephant in the room - yes, the Bayside Inn Dublin looks exactly like what tourists think they want in an Irish pub, minus the tacky leprechaun merchandise and overpriced Guinness. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint, the wooden floors have been worn smooth by decades of foot traffic, and the regulars eye you with that particular blend of curiosity and mild suspicion that only true neighborhood pubs seem to perfect.

But here's where things get annoyingly complicated. Unlike the tourist traps dotting Temple Bar that charge you your firstborn child for a mediocre pint, the Bayside Inn's prices harken back to an era when Dublin wasn't trying to compete with Copenhagen for cost of living. The pints are poured with the kind of care that makes you wonder if the bartender is showing off or just genuinely respects the craft. Probably both.

The Saturday night pub quiz has somehow managed to avoid the typical descent into chaos that plagues most Dublin quiz nights. The quizmaster - a dry-witted character who clearly enjoys watching smartphones fail their owners - runs a tight ship. Arrive an hour early unless you enjoy standing or awkwardly perching on the radiator. I've done both. Neither is recommended.

Speaking of recommendations I never thought I'd make - bring your dog. Yes, you read that correctly. The Bayside Inn Dublin has joined the ranks of dog-friendly establishments, but unlike those precious cafes where your pampered pooch gets its own menu, here it's simply a matter-of-fact acceptance that some patrons come with four legs. The staff treats both human and canine visitors with the same unfussy hospitality.

The outdoor seating area isn't going to win any design awards, but on those rare Dublin days when the sun remembers it exists, it's surprisingly pleasant. They've managed to create a space that feels like an extension of the pub rather than a sad afterthought constructed during covid restrictions.

For those keeping score at home, yes, there's live music. No, it's not the kind that makes you want to flee to the nearest library. The performers seem to understand that people might actually want to hold a conversation without shouting themselves hoarse. A novel concept in Dublin's pub scene, I know.

The amenities are basic but functional - clean restrooms (a miracle in itself), good sight lines to the TV screens for sports enthusiasts, and enough space between tables to avoid becoming intimately acquainted with your neighbor's dinner conversation. Speaking of dinner, their pizza is... well, it's pizza. In a pub. In Dublin. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

What truly sets the Bayside Inn apart - and I can't believe I'm writing this - is its steadfast refusal to chase trends. While other Dublin pubs frantically install craft beer taps and hire mixologists to concoct increasingly bizarre cocktails, this place simply continues doing what it's done for years: serving proper pints, maintaining a solid selection of spirits, and fostering the kind of atmosphere where both locals and visitors can feel at home.

The parking situation is surprisingly manageable, with both street parking and a small lot available. They accept all major forms of payment, though watching regulars settle their tabs with contactless cards feels somewhat like seeing your grandparents use TikTok - technically impressive but slightly unsettling.

Look, I didn't want to like the Bayside Inn Dublin. It goes against everything my jaded critic's heart stands for. But in a city increasingly dominated by concept bars and Instagram-ready venues, there's something refreshingly honest about a place that simply gets on with being a proper pub.

If you're looking for artisanal cocktails served in vintage teapots or craft beers with names longer than your arm, look elsewhere. But if you want a genuine Dublin pub experience at prices that won't require a second mortgage, the Bayside Inn awaits. Just don't tell them I sent you. I have a reputation to maintain.