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    Against the Grain

    4.0 (123 reviews)
    ModeratePubs
    Open 12:00 pm - 12:30 am (Next day)

    Against the Grain Photos

    AGAINST THE GRAIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Against the Grain

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    Reviews With Photos

    Annie L.

    I am very conflicted with this spot. I definitely will return again and no doubt it will get an extra star for that as I think they are still figuring it out due to it's newness... But for now I am still very unsure as to how I feel about it. Let's start with the basics. There is a great beer selection and they have a list that is on a clip board and goes through the countries. The list also includes wines. The service is extremely friendly and helpful. I had the Bay ale which is their own Galway brew and very tasty. I also had the San Francisco beer Anchor Steam and the Scottish Zeitgeist which is by far my favourite, the label is very cool. The whiskey that they recommended and their knowledge of whiskey full stop is great. On our way out they did a tasting with us. So where does it fall down for me? The decor is very confusing to me. I feel like I am in a bachelor pad... A confused bachelor pad that is trying to be grown up. Either be one thing or the other but not both. For example the artwork is nice and the random beer signage is a lovely touch but it's ruined for me with the gawdy paid advertising that hurts my eyes. I just feel it betrays itself by doing that, either keep it real or be disco bar. I would love if they pushed their whiskey knowledge more as craft beer is the new trend in Dublin which is great but it would be nice if each bar also had a different sell too along side that. I did not try the food but it seemed popular with everyone. The board games are a great touch and the vibe last night was mellow and there was a tonne of men there so all you single gals and gays, this may be your pulling lucky spot.

    Liza Z.

    This is the coolest bar I've seen in Dublin. We've got there by recommendation from our hotel staff and I knew this is my place as we walked in. Super cool atmosphere, great selection if craft beers. I could not make my choice as all their crafts are new to me so the bartender offered me several to try until i got what I liked! Very nice ambience, cool crowd and very stylish yet layback interior. Love this place! I know where I will have my beer tonight ;)

    Jonny Q.

    This was definitely a find and a half - in fact it was so good that I actually went twice yesterday! A fairly big pub with loads of seating and an even bigger craft beer and whiskey selection we stumbled in here when looking for a place for lunch and between the 4 of us had some absolutely epic burgers and sausages (with a vege sausage option too) Looking for after work beers we headed back down here and got excited by the range of at least 20 craft beers on tap - the founders centennial IPA being a personal favourite and being recommended some great local beer by the barman. What a fantastic place - like Arnie said - "I will be back"

    Plenty of beers on tap to choose from!
    Karen C.

    I'm a little bit of a beer geek, so am always looking for good places to try new and interesting beers. If you love beer, this is a must-go spot in Dublin. You'll find a lot of interesting local microbrews here on tap (including two regularly rotating casks) and international imports as well. Whilst I have yet to try any of the food, I been back on several occasions for the beer selection alone. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable and, some, even passionate about beer! Even just standing at the bar waiting for my drink, I often find myself caught in casual banter with fellow customers over the intricacies of the different styles. In all other regards, it really is just a nice unpretentious bar to visit. They even have a patio out front (albeit small) for enjoying the sun. If beer isn't your thing, they also carry several nice craft ciders, as well as a well-stocked whiskey/scotch selection!

    Against The Grain now has Stowford Press on tap - hurrah!!
    Cristin L.

    I am changing my last two reviews from a three star-er to a four star-er, for a few reasons: We recently discovered the Two for One Tuesday deal whereby you can get two meals for the price of one... or the cheaper one free.... I think. Anyways, it's bloody good value in my books. The food is quite good at Against The Grain. After being initially disappointed that they didn't have Aspalls cider on tap this day, I was offered the alternative cider, Westons. It wasn't familiar, but I gave it a go. But it was more than familiar, it was Stowford Press in a Stowford Press glass (made by the Westons). An old favourite of mine from my partners last local. A nice cider, but be warned... don't drink too much of it. This stuff can give you a right headache the next day! I have to also mention that the smell of either stale beer or the gents toilets didn't really hit me these last two visits either. So I think they must be doing something to combat that.

    Falafel burger with garlic aiola
    Brian H.

    Don't make the mistake my mam made and ask if they have Heineken on tap, they don't. With a selection of 300 different beers, this warm friendly bar will keep any beer aficionado happy. Aside from the extensive beer menu, they also have regularly changing casks (keep up to date with new arrivals on their Facebook page!). Oh, and the foods great too! I have always liked Against the Grain (and its sister pub The Black Sheep) and even more so after my last trip here. I was with a group of six adults, two kids and a baby; even though it was a Thursday evening the staff were incredibly welcoming and found us a couple of tables upstairs. The beer selection here is great and most pints will set you back about €5:50. However, the food is also good and reasonably priced. The menu has a nice selection with anything from beef stew or butternut squash and beetroot salad to a yummy quisedia. I had a falafel burger with garlic aioli and chunky chips (the chips are great), which was very tasty and came to €10.50. The food is simple, but is good quality and very tasty. There is a set menu that is really good value, €15 for three courses, so if you're feeling hungry ;-)

    So many beers, awesome.
    Clive B.

    My friends are very much real ale people and on there last visit they complained about the lack of pubs selling it in Dublin. ( In fact they said unless you want Guinness you are out of luck ) Against the grain is the place I will be taking them to when they come next. It has dozens of different beers, whiskeys and lagers from around the world and is a very popular bar. Late on a Saturday it can be very full for instance. The interior is pretty nice and the food was very good the last time I went there for lunch. I had a duck wrap which was nice. But all in all for choice in alcohol its the best place I have been to in Dublin so far. Its also on a street with dozens of other bars and restaurants to try if you are in the area.

    GF veggie burger and chips
    Annie S.

    I mostly only pop into against the grain to enjoy some pints with friends and the odd days we order a bowl of those amazing chunky chips. However last night we decided to stay for some food and it was an excellent choice. They slightly changed their menu but still have a good selection of gf and vegetarian options. I ordered the spiced veggie lentil burger on a GF bun with chips and it was a perfect match with my chilled pint of McIvor cider. My friend went for the steak burger and pint of Erdinger. Both burgers were served with their homemade chunky chips - which are simply one of the best chips in Dublin in my opinion and always a reason to pop in for chips and pints. I also love that against the grain do the McIvors as pints and not only bottles as most other places.

    Yasmin A.

    Came here as they were opening for the day so we were the first customers. Bartender was very nice and seated us quickly. He was good with getting us water and the drinks we wanted right away. After drinks though, he checked less and less on us. I ordered the burger with cheddar cheese and chips. The burger was very average, even a little on the dry side. I liked that it came with a salad. Nothing too exciting about this place during the day...it is pretty empty. Maybe it is better later in the evenings or at night.

    Breakfast stout
    Sarah S.

    Galway Bay Brewery bar near Whelans... Decent selection of craft beers and cider. Haven't eaten here at all but I believe the food is pretty good. I quite liked getting Founders' Breakfast stout in a coffee cup :) Also the beer cocktails here are v good!

    Joao F.

    Definitely a big fan of this place. The selection of beer and whiskey is excellent, and you can always trust the staff's choices. Speaking of staff, they're extremely friendly. Feels like there's always something different going on at this bar, it never gets old. And you never know who you're going to find there! At the risk of being a bit of a hipster, the only downside it that it may be a bit too popular - I know, horrible thing to say! But to their credit, even when this place is packed it's still easy to find a nook to be with your friends and enjoy some tasty alcohol!

    The tandoori lamb burger with the chunky fries.
    Parnell M.

    Not at all going to lie... never expected to see a craft beer bar this good in Dublin. Great food (beware if you're not in the mood for burgers/sausages; otherwise, rejoice). I had the Tandoori Lamb Burger with the Chunky Chips (you could easily reassemble them into the whole potato) - delicious. Great beer selection that's top notch, certainly broadened by perspective on Irish craft brew. The staff and the patrons provided some great craic, even on a Monday night. Will be visiting again.

    Beer flight.  Yummy

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    Great bar with the friendliest staff. A wonderful selection of delicious beers. Great chill vibe.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Against the Grain Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Against the Grain

    Against the Grain is run by the same owner of the Salt House in Galway and the Black Sheep.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    The Stag's Head - Bacon & Cabbage

    The Stag's Head

    4.3(313 reviews)
    0.7 kmSouth Inner City
    €€

    My 1st to go bar upon landing in Dublin. Got to say, it's the best Dublin's preserved Victorian…read morepub. The authentic Victorian setting, the Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops, the mahogany bar, capped with red Connemara marble, follows the classic Victorian architectural pattern. The staff are helpful, friendly and patient since their accent is hard to understand sometime. My 1st beer and 1st Irish food, all I can say is what a meal, just simple delish. Being here is just a wondrous experience, the place is cosy, warm and the friendly of the people. So glad I picked this place as my first of Dublin.

    If you want to experience a true Victorian pub in Dublin, The Stag's Head is a beautiful place to…read morestart. Tucked down Dame Court just off Dame Street, The Stag's Head is one of those rare pubs that feels genuinely historic rather than designed to look old. The building dates to the late 1800s, and the interior retains the ornate features of a classic Victorian "gin palace"--rich carved wood, stained glass, brass rails, and a warm, glowing bar that feels wonderfully preserved. We stopped in around 4:30 pm, which turned out to be a perfect time to visit. There were other patrons enjoying drinks and food, but the atmosphere was calm and relaxed rather than loud or rowdy. It felt like the kind of place where locals drop in for a quiet pint on their way home from work before the evening crowd arrives. The staff were excellent--friendly, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. The food was very good (we failed to take photos because we were too busy enjoying it). As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to see the Impossible burger front and center on their menu; it was deliciously prepared with guacamole on a brioche bun, and not an afterthought on the menu. My companions both chose the Irish Beef Burger, and said it was excellent. One thing to know: this is a traditional Victorian pub, so cocktails aren't really part of the program. Expect beer, wine, or spirits rather than mixed drinks. In a place like this, that actually feels exactly right. Other pubs do serve mixed drinks. Between the history, the ambience, the quality of the food, and the wonderful staff, The Stag's Head is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've experienced a real piece of Dublin.

    Photos
    The Stag's Head - Bar

    Bar

    The Stag's Head - One of our favorite

    One of our favorite

    The Stag's Head - Back door area

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    Back door area

    O'Reilly's - Courtesy of Sub Lounge website

    O'Reilly's

    3.9(60 reviews)
    1.4 kmSouth Inner City

    The Sub Lounge (formerly O'Reillys) was a real find. Not something you'd expect to come across at…read morethe end of an alleyway under Tara St Station, Sub Lounge takes its visitors on a gothic journey into a haven of magical otherworldliness. A group of us wandered down the dark alley one Sunday afternoon, a little anxious about what we might discover... Pleasantly surprised to find ourselves inside a Sleeping Beauty-like cavern of candlelit wonder, we stopped to marvel over the interior before giving the solitary bar man his rush of the century. The place was empty before we arrived, but luckily we'd brought a large enough group to make the entire place our own. The candelabras, mood lighting and high, domed ceilings make this place enchantingly atmospheric, but let's not forget the practicalities. Recipe for a good night with a large group: large tables - check, cheap beer (3.40 a pint!!!) - check, pool table - check... Ok this place is a winner. And get this - they even have a foozeball table! Rad! The toilets are definitely worth a gander... many, many mirrors, and easy to get lost in after a few pints of the dark stuff. OMG - 5 euro COCKTAILS Thurs - Sat night. Done. Sold. I'm there.

    After finishing work I went to meet a few friends here for after work drinks. It started out very…read moregood the first waitress we had could not do enough for us we even ordered a few wedges and chips these were really good. Me and 1 of my friends decided to order some cocktails so we went to the bar to see what we could get I ordered a mojito and a White Russian for my friend. I should have known it would be a disaster when the female bartender had to as the waitress how to make it needless to say it was not very good. After a while my friend decided to get one more round before we left. Well to say we were shocked is an understatement. When the waitress came over she went to order a drink to which the response was cant you see I'm busy what's wrong with you going to the bar, as she turned and walked away and went back to the bar to chat with another member of staff. The girl that had been looking after us earlier I think had finished which was a shame. Needless to say we didn't stay for another drink. This would put me off going back I could understand if it was busy but service like this is not acceptable

    Photos
    O'Reilly's - Had some wedges have to say they were great very hot and spicy though good value for money

    Had some wedges have to say they were great very hot and spicy though good value for money

    O'Reilly's - Nice smoking are.

    Nice smoking are.

    O'Reilly's

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    Windjammer

    Windjammer

    4.0(13 reviews)
    1.5 kmSouth Inner City

    Local bar, very cool people…read more Tons of beer on tap, with some liquor options. Great service, and love the location. Be mindful of going during a sports event! It gets slammed.

    The Wind Jammer on Townsend St is one of Dublin's "early houses", that is, pubs that open at half…read moreseven in the morning. The Wind Jammer is not, however, one of the really fun early houses. For fun early houses that serve already somewhat inebriated people, try The Chancery. The Wind Jammer is the type of early house that caters to shift workers and Gardaí from Pearse St coming off the night shift. Apart from a few couples the morning after the Trinity Ball, they wouldn't let in too many post-club revellers. The door is closed most early mornings, and they have a CCTV camera to give ya a good hard scrutinising before they'll let you in. The only time I was there for early pints, there was only one other group of young lads there and the barman looked like he was about to stop serving them. During the rest of the day and night, the Wind Jammer is a quiet pub frequented mainly by old, grumpy locals, who would sooner bite your head off than ask you the time of day. If you're really desperate for a drink and can't make it til half ten when the rest of the pubs open, by all means go to The Wind Jammer. Otherwise, there isn't that much else to recommend to it. Oh, one other thing. The Wind Jammer is the closest pub to Windmll Lane Studios, so U2 and The Saw Doctors among others have retired there for post-recording session pints over the years. Not the type of thing that would interest me, but sure it might interest you so I thought that I'd tack it on the end there

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    Windjammer
    Windjammer
    Windjammer

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    Against the Grain - pubs - Updated May 2026

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