There is something joyous, even indulgent, about going out for dinner and a drink. Whether you choose to go for a pre-dinner aperitif, or a post-dinner pint, matching the right bar to the right restaurant can measurably elevate the whole experience. We’ve put together some of our favourite options for such a rounded evening, from fine dining and cocktails to casual street food and pints.
Chapter One, Dublin 1 and Bar 1661, Dublin 7
The combination of Chapter One and Bar 1661 is a true power pairing. Mickael Viljanen’s cooking is based on French classics, but always with his own twist, bordering occasionally on decadent, while Dave Mulligan’s award-winning bar is a champion of Irish spirits. The current We call this Power cocktail menu is both visually beautiful and delicious.
King Skewer and The Sackville, Dublin 1
The Sackville might have started as the small sibling of Bar 1661 but, with head bartender Dave Taylor at the helm, it has settled nicely into its own groove. The cocktail menu here is more classics-orientated – with a glamorous edge. Hop to the nearby buzzy casual King Skewer for some mouthwatering Chinese food. Try scallops grilled in the shell with garlic, spatchcocked quail or one of the many skewer delicacies.
Amai by Viktor and The Sidecar, Dublin 2
Chef Viktor Silva took Dublin by surprise last year when he quietly opened Amai by Viktor in a lovely first floor dining room on Harry Street. Elegantly presented, and dusted with Brazilian influence, Amai quickly built a reputation for fine dining. Across the road, the Sidecar bar at the Westbury hotel, coincidentally also on the first floor, is a luxurious and calm spot for an excellent cocktail.
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Matsukawa and Fidelity, Dublin 7
From the team behind the Big Romance and Whiplash, Fidelity is a self-declared bar for audiophiles. It boasts a custom sound system from Toby Hatchett that looks as good as it sounds, there’s a wide selection of craft beers plus a fun cocktail menu. Then step across the Luas tracks to Matsukawa, a refined omakase sushi restaurant where each piece of sushi is prepared directly in front of diners.
Sole and Grogan’s Castle Lounge, Dublin 2
Perennially popular with groups, Sole has recently undergone a transformation that has seen floor space more than double. It’s the place to go for a dramatic seafood tower with a glass of Champagne in an elegant setting. For some contrast, start or finish your meal with a pint at Grogan’s, one of Dublin’s most loved pubs. Sit outside and watch the world go by or admire the artwork inside.
Coppinger and Row Wines, Dublin 2
This pairing is a double whammy from restaurateurs, the Bereen Brothers. Start at Row Wines with a pre-dinner glass of natural wine or a cocktail in a fun spot inspired by Japanese listening bars. Enjoy the tunes before heading a few doors down to Coppinger, the latest iteration of one of Dublin’s favourite bistros.
Spitalfields and John Fallon’s, Dublin 8
From one old Dublin pub to another. Long and narrow, Fallon’s “The Capstan Bar” is often packed with customers chatting and joking, tucked in elbow to elbow. History shows in every worn floorboard and in what must be some of the smallest bathrooms in Dublin. A few minutes away in the Coombe lies Spitalfields, a modern Irish Bib Gourmand restaurant in a former pub, with an open kitchen and seats at the old pub counter.
The Glass Curtain and Cask, Cork
There are plenty of options for a drink on Cork’s MacCurtain Street, ranging from wine bars to cosy pubs, but why not try Cask, an award-winning cocktail bar from Andy Ferreira. With a menu based as much as possible on Irish ingredients, it’s a perfect match for Brian Murray’s Glass Curtain with its mix of seasonal and local small and sharing plates.
Chestnut and Levis Corner House, Ballydehob, Co Cork
Some pubs become truly legendary, known far and wide. Levis Corner House is one such spot, making you wonder how it’s possible to pack this much atmosphere into one small space. A combination pub, grocer and gig spot, it’s just down the street from Chestnut, a smart Michelin-starred restaurant from Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming, where the prix fixe menu offers some of the best fine-dining value in the country.
Dede and Bushe’s Bar, Baltimore, Co Cork
With views overlooking Baltimore Harbour, the outdoor seats at Bushe’s bar are the place to be on a fine summer’s evening. It really doesn’t get much better than enjoying a pint of the black stuff or a crisp gin and tonic in the sunshine before heading up the hill to Ahmet Dede and Maria Archer’s two-Michelin-star restaurant.
The Black Pig and Prim’s Bookshop, Kinsale, Co Cork
During the day, Prim’s Bookshop is a treasure trove of books, stacked neatly on shelves or piled on the floor. At night, it transforms into a candlelit wine bar with more than a few glasses of good sherry. Pair it with The Black Pig, a charming wine and small plates bar in an 18th century coach house, complete with cobbled garden.
Goldie and the Welcome Inn, Cork
In business since 1845, the Welcome Inn may be Cork’s last remaining early house, opening at 7am, but it’s also the perfect place for a drink before or after dinner at Goldie. The old traditional interior, with kegs stored under the seats and walls packed full of pictures, is the perfect counterpoint for Aishling Moore’s laser-sharp fish cooking. Oh, and there’s regular live music too.
Beau and the Duke of York, Belfast
Beau is one of Belfast’s hottest restaurants, with chef Lottie Noren turning out delicious small plates in the Cathedral Quarter. Afterwards, head for a whiskey from the wide selection at the Duke of York. Bombed in 1972, this 200 year old pub was rebuilt but still feels completely original with a rich traditional decor. Fun fact: Snow Patrol played their first live gig here.
The Dough Bros and Sheridan’s, Galway city
Located above its cheese shop, Sheridan’s wine bar is warm and welcoming, a lovely option for a pre-dinner glass of wine. The smell of cheese permeates the walls and wooden floor boards, putting customers in the mood for dinner. Head to one of the award-winning Dough Bros locations for excellent Neapolitan pizza with an Irish twist such as Wooded Pig salami or roasted Ballymakenny Mayan Gold potatoes.
Aniar and Daróg, Galway city
Aniar and Daróg sit across the street from each other, drawn together through a shared history. Call into Daróg for a glass of wine from the superb wine list curated by Zsolt Lukács, who worked for many years as Aniar’s sommelier. He’s married to Edel Lukács, sister to JP McMahon, chef-proprietor at fine-dining Aniar where the menu reflects the wild and wonderful west coast of Ireland.
Kai and The Crane Bar, Galway city
With spaces both upstairs and downstairs, the Crane Bar is one of Galway’s best venues for live traditional music. It might be small, but it’s full of character and a lovely spot for a bit of a music session after dinner at Kai. Chef Jess Murphy is heavily guided by sustainability and seasonality, serving plates such as John Dory with mussels or native oysters with tayberry mignonette.
Bramley and Morrissey’s, Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Open since 1775 on Abbeyleix’s main street, the elegant exterior at Morrissey’s, with its extensive windows, is a landmark in the area. Inside are stone walls, wooden floors and cosy fires, making it an ideal place for a relaxed drink before heading to the similarly elegant Bramley for dinner. The smart money is on the supper menu for midweek value, while the weekend dinner is seasonal and classic.
La Côte restaurant and Simon’s Place, Co Wexford
Wexford’s La Côte is known for glorious seafood overlooking Wexford Harbour and the Irish Sea. Afterwards, take a short walk into the heart of the town to visit Simon’s Place. This traditional pub offers so much more than the usual drinks; it’s a shrine to craft beers, served up alongside smokehouse barbecue-style food, which is more than worth a trip in its own right.
Momo and Henry Downes, Waterford city
Located just a hop from City Square, Momo is known for its use of fresh, seasonal and healthy ingredients, with a menu that draws from a myriad of influences. After dinner, walk down towards the quays for a drink at Henry Downes. Traditional in style, the regular vinyl and DJ nights promise a fun night out.
An Port Mór and Infused, Westport, Co Mayo
The streets of Westport are packed with many excellent traditional bars, but for something a little different, head to Infused, a modern cocktail and wine bar from sommelier Nick Faujours and bartender David Hacobian. An Port Mór can be found down a nearby alleyway where local produce is bought to life by chef Frankie Mallon.
