After a year of travelling (Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Amsterdam), I experienced the true dinning culture, becoming very fond of the unique atmospheric longue scenery - which I can most definitely tell you that with the right company,  there’s not a better bonding experience than sipping a well- crafted cocktail in the sumptuous surroundings of luxurious cocktail bars or lingering over a glass of red in a cosy vintage wine bar in one hand and a nibble in the other.

Returning to Dublin, it was definitely a mission to venture out of the classic Harcourt Street venues and explore what else Dublin had to offer for the early to late twenties age group.  The likes of Café en seine, 37 Dawson , Sophies Rooftop bar (other cocktail bars in Dublin) did recently open while I was abroad, becoming some of Dublin’s dining experience and night outs hotspots. However I was searching for a bit more…. a bit more low key and exclusivity - longue establishments where you’d find people who also value this whole “wining and dining” experience, moreover,  find décor with class to appreciate or to feature as your new Instagram post. Places where conversation is invited, facilitating proper friend catch up dates while still having music in the background adding to the vibe and as importantly, catering top notch mixologist.

Quirky bars ticking boxes for quality, ambiance and flavour were the goals . It did take some dedication, but I did manage to find these Dublin hidden gems.

From speakeasy joints , secret bars, rooftop places to jazz spots, Dublin does have it all – you just need to know the right places.

If this sounds like a venture that your friends and you might be looking for?  And you're searching for your ritual Saturday night out, post exam releaser, date nights or wanting the perfect spot for an evening hideaway? I can get you started.....

Here is a list of 3 places in Dublin (in no order)  that will take you on a dining experience while grabbing your favourite cocktail or glass of wine.

1. Bar 1661

Bar 1661 is Dublin's first Poitín bar and won Ireland’s best cocktail bar 2019.

Price range : € €

Located on Green Street in central Dublin, this is a cocktail bar dedicated to unique statements of Irish origin with stories to share . It is a place taking you back to the atmosphere of 1661, resembling a classic Vintage New York style cocktail bar with the Irish twist. You can expect a continental vibe by dark walls with gold actuation, wooden tabletops, deep green seating along a few flowers and white pillars to brighten the mood .

The bar’s mission is to bring poitín back from the underground – to create a place that celebrates the country’s best drinks and produce. According to founder Dave Mulligan: “we owe these accolades to the independent and small producers that work so hard, allowing us to create something different for the Dublin cocktail scene”

And I would totally agree that this is a place that does bring something different to the Dublin cocktail scene. It is a place to start and end your night. The menu offers a seasonal selection of cocktails featuring poitín and impressive variety of Irish whiskeys, gins and wines. These are combined with Irish ingredients, from mixers to bitters to cordials, salts and botanicals sourced from foragers and local suppliers- a personal favourite is the Oxmantown (€12), accurately described as “a Manhattan style cocktail” made with Mad March Hare Poitín, Irish mead, red vermouth, Irish ice wine and Acchill salt. You can additionally expect to feast on a delicious sharing meat and cheese board (€20) with an assortment of Irish artisan products including remedied Irish beef, ham, chorizo, and goats’ cheese, accompanied by mustard, quince, pickles and crackers.

Not to mention, if lavatories are a big part of your dining experience. Bar 1661's bathroom is  definitely a positive feature and for those who love their mirror selfies –with their handmade sycamore and oak tree bark and deep marble sink - this is a spot to take advantage of!

2. Nine below

A speakeasy-style design cocktail bar with Art Deco touches and premier alcohol brands

Price range : € € - €€€

A place to escape . Located on Stephen’s Green, venture down the stairs of 9 Below ( a concept bar in the basement of the Hibernian Club) and be taken back by this sophisticated Art Deco style lounge bar to a more glamorous and romantic era.

According to General Manager Stuart Courtney, it’s a bar that “ wants guests to enjoy a truly premium experience in a relaxed, discrete environment with the best drinks menu in Dublin.  9 Below is a epitome of low-key luxury delivered with a high level of service.”

I would say that this is not the every weekend spot, howbeit, can be a go to place for an aperitif/ after- dinner drinks or an occasional spot where your late-night sushi nibble can be pre-ordered. It has been designed for those who wish their nights to be intimate, private and have that treat yourself attitude- splurging on the finest wines and spirits while receiving top class customer service and experiencing that “#High life at Nine”

Now for more details on the bar... it portrays this seductive concept from the moment you open the door, walking down a low lit corridor - there are 4 main rooms separated by alcoves, all furnished with plush red leather and sumptuous velvet seating, studded tables with golden phallic like table lamps, oozing a seductive glow. One of the most impressive features of the bar is a show-stopping glass cabinet featuring gleaming amber bottles of high-end whiskey.

As impressing as the décor and aimed experience, the drinks menu is just as impressive and does truly reflect the moderate to expressive prices ( Starting price of a wine bottle from €32, €8 per glass, €12 cocktails). And to say the least, this underground bar most definitely has the most vigorous cocktails that I’ve ever tried, having some of the most inventive cocktails that do take a hit.

Their cocktail menu is divided into the four different seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – which allows experimentation with a wide range of flavours and styles.

In all, this is not a place to expect the conventional drinks list or dare I say boring basics , this is more “Dead Rabbit inspired bartending with a nod to real speakeasy concoctions” ( irishtimes, life-and-style/food-and-drink) - Drinks are served with reusable glass straws/ Whiskey comes less on the rocks and more on a single globe of ice.

Nonetheless, It goes without saying that 9below is definitely a spot to try for an occasion such a birthday drink or as an after work drinks every once and awhile .

3. Little Pyg 

Pizza & Pyg (Cock) tails

Price range : € €

Located on St William Street in the elegant surroundings of the Powerscourt Townhouse is Little Pyg - the recently opened sister restaurant to the long-established Pygmalion. Just as PYG this is a place for the young. Serving pizza and drinks all day, Little Pyg is a cosy yet glamorous. It is Designed with an aesthetically pleasing majestic fairy garden terrace eatery setting, perfect for lunch, dinner and evening drinks. 

FYI for the pizza lovers, Little Pyg's pizzas, are the works of Enzo Coccia, who just happens to be the first pizza chef to be recommended by the Michelin guide. His creations have even been hailed in the New York Times, as well as Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal.

Not to forget, this is also a good shout for the famous 2-1 Pyg cocktail deals, as well as  the usual craft beers. I’d mostly recommend this place for you spring or summer day drinking spot.

I hope you've enjoyed this read, finding your new favourite Dublin cocktail/lounge bar🍸 Do let me know if you get a chance to try any of these spots out in the comments below!

- Elizabeth