Dublin’s night scene is perfect for any occasion and any taste. Whether you fancy a beer or something sweeter and classy. There is a spot for everyone and a way to celebrate ANYTHING. I mean literally anything – success & failure.
The next part of my drinking guide is for those who fancy a more sophisticated celebration or meet-up. It’s a list which may suit the ladies more, but I think even ye gents will enjoy these spots. Alas, I bring you Part Two of my Dublin Drinking Guide: The Top 10 Best Cocktail & Wine Bars.
The following list includes my top five go-tos for unique cocktails which maintain both quality and flavor in their drinks. Not to mention they also all have great service. These bars are best visited with a reservation, but you may get lucky as a walk-in for two. And though cocktails can break the bank on a night out, these bars are definitely worth the extra quid (some of them are actually bargains!).
1. Peruke & Periwig
A long standing winner, this three story cocktail bar is always in high demand. It took me over three tries to try this place (reservations are highly recommended), but I’m glad I finally got to taste some of their creations and experience the hype. You enter their ground floor bar via Dawson street, which may seem quaint at first, but as you walk up the stairs, you enter into their various sections serving food and/or drinks. With a vintage interior, they keep things classy and serve traditional cocktails with a twist (and fun re-created names). If you’re a whiskey drinker like me, I recommend “I Fought the Law” or “Back in Black”.
2. House
Perfect place if you’re feeling extra (or just posh in general). Located on Leeson Street, this bar is shockingly magnificent on the inside (it’s basically a renovated mansion), and there is always some sort of celebration occurring here – it’s certainly one of the top choices for birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries, etc. With various rooms inside to choose from, and a gorgeous glass-covered patio, this bar gives you a range of options, from classic cocktails and liqueurs to their own “house” cocktail list. A bonus is that they also offer some great wine, if you’re looking for a bit of both.
3. Fade Street Social
One of my new favorite places in Dublin because not only does this Dylan McGrath restaurant offer incredible food, but their New-York style loft bar serves some of the most eclectic cocktails (with a great people-watching view, might I add). Our bartender was also fabulous, adding to our experience for the night. He suggested his favorite cocktail, “Stiff Hook”, with toasted cumin infused Olmeca. Wow. Who knew such a spice could be so smooth and delectable as a drink. One of my other favorite unique cocktails was “Beeten by Brano” with raw beetroot infused Ophir gin and Koko Kanu rum. Overall, I recommend the entire ‘Strong, Grounded, & Earthy’ section – LOVED each cocktail from that list. Though the cocktails here may be pricier, they are 100% worth every penny and every sip, with a variety of flavors that can appeal to anyone.
4. Vintage Cocktail Club
The definition of a Dublin hidden gem. This 1920s speakeasy bar is hidden quietly amongst the tourist-crowded streets in Temple Bar. You would walk by it on any ordinary day and have no idea the secrets it keeps inside. Google Maps will take you there, but you may still arrive at the door confused. It’s basically a buiding painted black which looks like it’s unowned. However, there are small letters above the door, verifying you’ve arrived: “VCC”. Just ring the doorbell, give them your reservation and enter into the hidden world. Their cocktails are all €12, making it even harder to pick because you get your money’s worth either way! All of the cocktails I tried were all absolutely delicious! I loved the flavors and the names. My ultimate favorite would have to be the “Condor & Curly Sue” which had Tanqueray London Dry Gin, apple, rhubarb and an unbelievably pure taste of vanilla. Though I didn’t get a chance to try their food, all of the bites I saw looked incredible so I’ll definitely be back with a hungry stomach! 😉
5. The Liquor Rooms
This has become an unexpected favorite of mine. Nestled by Workman’s Club, along the Quays, there’s no wonder why this speakeasy has been awarded for its cocktail creations. You enter and walk down the stairs, only to find yourself nearly lost in all the rooms. I was in shock at how large this speakeasy was, with three main rooms and so many places to sit. The interior is vintage, with some modernization and they keep the decor classy, yet wild (literally – they have a taxidermy bear). Only €11 each, all the cocktails are named after famous Irish women who paved the way for Ireland today. I mean what’s not to love already. Their colorful menu would be considered smaller compared to the previously mentioned bars, but who needs big menus if you do a few things so well. I tried “The Gazelle” and “Speranza”. Though contradicting flavors, both blew my mind. Sitting there sipping my drink, I had already planned my next visit to The Liquor Rooms. A new place to celebrate any occasion, indeed.
Candlelight Bar at Siam Thai
This is one of the restaurants found by the Dundrum mall. Their food is delicious, but what many people haven’t discovered is their lengthy drink menu. Serving both amazing cocktails and wine, this bar didn’t fit under one section. They have a lovely and affordable wine list which always pairs with their food well. If you’re fancying solely a drink post-shopping, or want a post-dinner sweet, you’ve got to try one of their cocktails. The menu is organized based on the animal horoscopes along with the liquor to match. So pick your sign or you alcohol of choice, and try some amazing & fun cocktails! They also have a section for punch bowl drinks – fit for two or more people (or just yourself if it’s one of those nights).
If you want good wine, Ireland honestly isn’t the place to be. You’re definitely better off taking a holiday to Italy, France or Spain. However, there are some spots in Dublin which understand this void, and aim to offer the highly sought-out wines from wine regions across the globe. So if you’re craving some water from the vine, these four wine bars serve some of the greatest wine imports, and at very fair prices.
1. The Exchequer Wine Bar
Don’t confuse this spot with their sister location in city centre (not that I did that). This location is located along the main strip of restaurants in Ranelagh. Unlike their sister bar, this Exchequer is a restaurant and wine bar. And not only is their food incredible, but they have one of the greatest wine selections in all of Dublin. The interior is lit dimly, with the walls decorated with the various wines they serve. Also on the walls, is some beautiful artwork from local artists. There is plenty of bar seating, but for a bigger party, you’ll definitely want to book a table in this cozy space. A hint for you kleptomaniacs like me out there – they serve wine in a beautiful branded wide-mouthed wine glass.
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2. Voici Creperie and Wine Bar
This french restaurant can be found on corner of Rathmines Road and Rathgar Road in Rathmines. It’s a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine on your own, have a date, or even throw a party. To accompany the wine, Voici makes absolutely mouth-watering crepes (both savory and dessert), and has a selection of charcuterie boards along with other delicious bites. Downstairs is where the magic happens and the exquisite food is prepared. The upstairs seating is always cozy, warm and candlelit, with views of the street below. Some of the best wine I’ve tried in Dublin is served in Voici – I highly recommend trying a couple glasses (or bottles) of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC wine from Italy.
3. ely Wine Bar
Ely has two locations in Dublin, and one wine bar in Maynooth. Their location in IFSC is more catered to those wanting to enjoy a meal and wine. While their wine bar by Stephen’s Green is focused more on the wine itself, it still serves some good food & small bites. Both wine bars have a wine list which is probably one of the largest in Dublin; however, their wine does tend to be on the pricier end. Worth it for some of the finest sips. Their wine bar in IFSC is supposedly Ireland’s oldest wine venue. But what really makes the site unique is that it is located within beautifully restored 1821 wine vaults. This location has an area for events or parties located underground amongst the actual restaurant wine cellar. Can’t ‘wine’ about that 😉
4. La Cave Wine Bar
This french wine bar is certainly a gem. It’s nestled between popular restaurants on South Anne Street, and claims to be Dublin’s oldest wine bar. Staying true to its name, you enter a decorated hall and and walk down into “the cave”. A velvet curtain reveals the lovely vibrant interior with a true french feel. If you plan to enjoy a meal and some wine, I recommend booking a table, as there is limited seating. However, if you are solely stopping by for some wine, there is usually bar seating available. They have a extensive list of over 350 wines, which are amazingly affordable for the quality. What I plan to try next from them is one of their wine tasting experiences, offered every Wednesday at 6:30pm. It’s a fantastic deal at only €30: Tastings of eight different wines with a platter of cheeses, salamis and pâtés.
There you have it. The finest wine & cocktails in all of Dublin. Let me know if you’ve been or if you go, and if you have any other recommendations for me to try.
À la votre!