Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagram
Pubs: They’re like old friends, embracing you even when you’re a bit musty, never batting an eye at a night of revelry or your weekend uniform of workout gear. Despite some with mediocre fare, we adore them.
But these pubs? They’re different. From a Victorian gem that straddles the border of Dublin 7 and 8 dishing up steak to a lawyers haunt serving stellar small plates with an excellent wine list, these are the pubs where satisfaction with the food is assured. And if your heart’s set on a Sunday roast, fear not; we’ve got you covered there too.
Here are Dublin’s top pubs for when you want to eat as well as you drink.
Nestled near Phoenix Park with a direct view of the iconic Guinness Brewery, Ryan’s Victorian Pub & F.X. Buckley Steakhouse offers a restored Victorian ambience with modern elegance. Gas lamps, whiskey barrels, and traditional snugs set the stage for a pint of Guinness amidst captivating relics of the past century. From Mr. Royce’s 1930s Mercedes racing team to the original Guinness toucan, history surrounds you. The steak sandwich is basically a whole meal between bread. They sling a high-key phenomenal chowder and a helluva fillet mignon, so pick your fighter, and no matter what, ya can’t lose.
On Bath Avenue, The Old Spot promises culinary bliss with every dish, but it’s their roasts that steal the show. Indulge in crispy pork belly and all the trimmings, a delight that leaves a lasting impression. Praised in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide, it’s a fusion of fine dining elegance with the conviviality of a bar—a haven for beer and beef enthusiasts or those craving seabass, cheeseboards, and cocktails alike. Be warned, this place is popular, and for larger table bookings (between five and 10 people), you’ll have to give them a call. Indulgent? Yes. Silly? Certainly. The Sunday roasts? Very good.
For a pub named after a giant predatory bird and or Lawyer, this old-school joint is actually pretty laid-back. It’s best for quintessential proper Irish grub, not the approximation of it. Legal Eagle reigns supreme in Dublin 7 since it’s reopening offering an extensive drink selection—including what feels like hundreds of wines—it’s an ideal spot to while away the hours. Their menu boasts comforting classics alongside inventive twists like homemade crisps and pickled eggs. Don’t miss their Thursday Coddle Hot Pot or the cheese platter for a taste of perfection.
A pub this good is like a beloved best friend. They’re always there for you. You still like them even after you’ve known them for years. And they’ll never judge you for wearing your ‘workout clothes’ for an entire weekend. But L. Mulligan Grocer is like that but ramped up. It’s a proper community hub and the actual beating heart of Stoneybatter. L. Mulligan Grocer stands out; renowned for its scotch eggs, pig ears, and brilliant whiskey and craft beer offerings, it exudes the charm of an everyday Irish bar but on expert. Here, simplicity shines, with impeccable execution of the basics. This place is made for consumption and communication. You’ll be leaning over the table and stage whispering conversations before you know it.
Elsewhere on Char: The Dublin 100
