Brilliant place for real beer and real food. High quality offerings on draught, from local brews to european and american ones (it's not often you see erdinger dunkel on tap round these parts!). Beer of the month offers too - last month was the delicious innis&gunn ipa (7.7% for 4e - you really can't go wrong with that!) Food is tasty and portions are generous - head down on a tuesday evening for buy one get one free dinners. Atmosphere is great too, no telly and no needlessly loud music...all in all, a top notch boozer. read more

Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite pub in Dublin. The selection of beers and whiskeys is fantastic, the staff are friendly, the food is good, the music isn't too loud, there are no TVs, it doesn't get TOO packed and it's convenient to pretty much everywhere in town. I'd go for pints, for food, for meetings, for chats, for dinner, for dates and for a laugh. The only thing they could do slightly better is (if they can keep the pieces) bring back the board games. Gotta love the Jenga with a pint! read more

One of the few places in Dublin that serves honest craft beer. I'm not just talking about the stuff from the Porter House, but real imported brews from multiple European countries and also the States (including some great local selections from Ireland). They even have Sierra Nevada IPA on tap! How can you go wrong? Never tried the food since my friends and I have been too busy enjoying the beer. If you are tired of mainstream brews and feel like expanding your palate, this is your place. read more

I guess this is more of a Friday or starter place for people to go because when I went early on a Friday it was packed and when I went around 930 on a Saturday it was pretty quiet for the area. It started to get a bit more crowded around 11. Great beers, especially for people who don't really like beer (quite a few options of those fruit based ones)! Does anyone know if the art is for sale? I saw a price tag on one of them... read more

You know you've had to many too many beers when they're re-configuring sports equipment to bring your drinks down to you. Actually, rather than being an obvious sign of functional alcoholism, those beer bats are a great way to get through Against the Grain's ridiculous selection. I'm not going to even try to list all the beers I got to try at Annie's excellent CMYE but a few did make an impression (in terms of taste, not hangover). To be honest, most of the names escape me, but I'm sure if you ask for "the vaguely bread-like" beer and the "brown +2" beer the barman will know what you're talking about. Anyway, you shouldn't go to a place like this with a list of recommendations. Just order at random, you'll either be lucky and have a whole night of great beer or you'll just blackout. Win/win. read more

Ok, I have been in here a few times, with groups and with friends. I must say I do like a selection of Craft Brews to pick and choose if they take my fancy. As Annie said they have a great selection of beers, whiskey is NOT my thing. I have also had their food a few times, and although a particular dish is lacking, I would suggest it as a place to get a decent bite to eat. If you read Darragh's review: I was in there this side of Christmas and the board games were there. This is another thing that I like about this non packed pub. You can, without getting too many weird looks, pick up a board/table game from there selection (they are all stacked on one table) and bring it over to your table to play - now The Porterhouse Central offers that they have these games, but are you going to ask the barman for them? So: Staff good, food good, atmosphere good, beer GOOD! read more

I blame Against the Grain 100% for my craft beer obsession. I don't remember how I first ended up here, but it was the halloween of the year they opened, and they were playing Pantera, Slayer, and Metallica on the PA. Since then, they've continued to improve, and are one of the best places to go in Dublin to get some of the rarest beer in the country. The food menu changes frequently, and is always tasty. read more

If, like me, you love beer and want to drink something other than Guinness or Carlsberg for a change, this is the place you want to go. They have about 2 dozen beers on draft and the most mainstream name you will find is Grolsch (which is pretty special here in Ireland anyway). They regularly do 'Meet the brewer' nights, where they will invite a brewer from a craft brewery, and you can have a chat and (Yay!) get a free pint. The food menu is simple, as they proclaim themselves, but quite tasty and affordable. If you want something different, go here. The staff is really knowledgeable about the drinks they sell and are very helpful to people who can't decide. They have recently opened sister pubs on Capel Street (Black Sheep) and across the street from Connolly station (The Brew Dock) which follow the same Modus Operandi. Highly recommended! read more

Came here last night for a charity 80s TV table quiz upstairs, having never been here before. When I walked in the door I immediately thought "This is a pub!". Scruffy slightly shabby with a long bar packed with different beer taps. The beer menu and blackboard is a bit overwhelming at first, so I did what I always do in these situations and ordered the cask ale. Mmmm. A hoppy bitter brew and one that I know is going to cause me trouble in the morning. S_ had a glass of Peroni to start with, and then moved on to a bottles of MacIvor Medium cider, which given the sauna like atmosphere upstairs was a good choice in a pint of ice. I can't comment too much on the main bar area as we were not downstairs for very long, but what I can say is that the beer, from what I sampled is good, the barmen remember your previous order even when you are a total stranger, and are generally friendly and helpful. I'll be back for a more relaxed pub evening and I'm sure I'll update this but for now, I'm very happy with waht I did see and taste. Oh despite knowing more answers than I ever usually know at a quiz we didn't win. read more

I like the concept of this place. Dublin is finally branching out into the world of beer outside of Budweiser and Heineken. Blue Moon on tap= Heaven. It is sort of lacking in atmosphere though and the 2 for 1 dinner option that did exist on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 is no longer in place. The food isn't bad but not really worth the full price so I won't return to dine until this deal is reinstated. Could do with air-con too! read more

I used to work in a famous burger establishment across the road and after most shifts I would end up in this beauty. The selection of beers, the friendly staff and the cosy seating make this an epic pub to visit. Between the Galway Hooker and Punk IPA on draft, this is a pub you want to visit on Camden street. I personally love the touch of sample tasting your beers before buying - as they say in the states, you wouldn't buy an igloo if you knew it was going to melt! I've yet to try the food but I've only ever heard good things so take everyone's advice on here and head straight to against the grain for craft booze and hearty food! read more

This is a pub that has a fantastic beer selection. And if you find yourself eating there, you won't be disappointed. With several local and imports on draft, a hand-pump for cask ale, and a large selection of bottled beer from around the world, there's something to wet anyone's whistle. Since the food is a bit pricey, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there, but if you do find yourself ordering off the menu, you'll get some good tasting food. I got the Tandoori Chicken burger and was really pleased with the taste. That and some good chips made me a content diner. read more

Try the noodles!!!! At first you might question the fact that they are cold, but soon you'll be too distracted by how tasty they are that you'll forget. Lovely atmosphere, helpful staff and wonderful selection of beers. I was particularly impressed that they had not only one, but two different brands of 'kriek', cherry beer. read more

Excellent choices of beer, either on tap or on bottles. Don't ask for something that every bar out there serves ;) , there surely is something to your taste! Try the food if you're in the mood as well, they know how to make a good presentation of it! read more

This bar has all the charms of its sister pubs (The Black Sheep and Brew Dock), as well as the advantage of being slap bang in the middle of Dublin's live music district. You can't go wrong here. Upstairs is a great place to hold a table quiz, if you've a mind to do such a thing. read more

This place was pretty cool. We went for an early dinner and the food was great! We had the kale salad and a chicken burger, both were tasty. They only have craft beers, so no Guinness. The staff wasn't very pleasant but the bartender was helpful by recommending some beers. Overall a great place for lunch/dinner! read more

Had a chicken curry, with rice and fries. Delicious. Great selection of beers on tap. Awesome atmosphere read more

Against the Grain - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I've been here several times and I like it - but I'm not the only one. So most times it is very busy in here. Which for some people is what they are looking for. But I prefer to be able to talk to my friends I'm out and about with so I don't necessarily come here anymore in the evening but rather during the day - which then again is not a time I'm usually out. But if you don't mind busy pubs it's definitely one to go to a bit outside city center. With craft beer (and nothing else but craft beer on the alcoholic list) and definitely nice food. read more

If you're in Dublin and you like good beer, you have to visit Against the Grain. They have an amazing tap selection and the servers are very knowledgable about the beer, so you can say, "I'd like to try some IPAs," and they'll serve you a flight to sample. The food is quite good also - maybe the best hamburger I've had in Ireland. My friends and I passed a wonderful evening at this place and were only out about 70 euros (two of us had dinner, and all four had beers). I highly recommend this as a place to go with your friends, as well! read more

Plenty of the best Irish craft beers. The atmosphere is nice maybe it is a little bit lousy. The place is big and there are many table so it is nice to go with a big group of people. read more

Against the Grain - Super offer - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I agree with Annie L., this place is in its adolescence still trying to figure out its identity. With such an excellent beer selection I was confused by the modern cafe art on the walls. Tried the chips and they were delish. I had an excellent wheat beer with a castle on the logo but I can't remember the name. I definitely will go back with a smaller crowd or on a game date for sure. It's not the place to take a big, rowdy staff party. At least that's what the bartender told us on our way out...bwa ha ha. read more

They have one of the best gluten free beers I have ever tasted and it is appropriately named 'against the grain'. I have been here twice once on a Friday and once on a Saturday and both times it was packed. Really nice atmosphere, no drunken teenagers in here, which is a nice change. The music is also really awesome. I have met a bunch of super interesting people in here as well. If you sit outside in the smoking area, people will come up and ask you for money for a hostel, which I don't personally mind but it might be worth adding. I will be back for more delicous beer and great tunes. read more

I always go to Wexford street but for some reason have never been to this place.. I was pleasantly surprised. They have a ton of craft beers, and it's pretty difficult to pick one. I ended up getting the "Stormy port" which was a stout and was delicious. The place is well lit, has a lot of tables but also a lot of space to stand. They have beer signs/posters everywhere. Conclusion: love this place, would come back. read more

We held a college event here - pub quiz - and while it mostly went off really well, with the establishment even providing some delicious nibbles, it was a bit awkward in that we were initially told we'd have the entire back section on the top floor but they failed to clear it for our use and didn't seem to care that our (large) group had to crowd into a very small area, mostly standing, and yell over the other customers to hear each other. Drinks are well priced for a bar and they host quite a few events so it's a pretty laid-back, friendly atmosphere - and the food is well worth ordering too. Honestly would have been rated higher but seemed like the management was not very sensitive to the needs of our group despite our having prebooked and really being a pretty good (not messy, rowdy, or disruptive) group. We will probably book other events here soon and just hope they're a bit more accommodating next time! read more

My favourite bar in Dublin. And that is some statement! Good beer? Tick. Great selection of whisky? Tick. Food? That's OK. ...hence the 4 stars. But let's be honest I don't go here for the food. It's all about the amazing selection of beers displaced on their lengthy bar read more

Against the Grain - Real cask beer!!!! And tastes amazing - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Honestly not too sure about this place myself, only been here once and while the beer selection was good i was not blown away by it all. Bar staff not giving the correct change didn't help (honest mistake or not) read more

Great selection of beer, friendly staff, fine food. Been there three times, but since it is quite on the other end of the center from where I live, I can't go there that often. Also something my liver might take an advantage of. read more

Against the Grain - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

In general I'm a HUGE fan of the Galway Bay group and their beers. Especially love their Goodbye Blue Monday and Of Foam & Fury - great bevvies. That being said, this is a review of the bar and somewhat torn... On the one hand, awesome selection of beer so has off for that. But (and I say this as a long time client) is it just me or are things starting to get very pricey?? That and the fact that a lot of the draught beers also now come in 33cl as standard (vs the Pint which you'd expect)... hmmm. Plus the last few times I've been here (including right now as I'm composing this review) the place has been like a sauna!!! So in a nutshell, dial back the heat in the place lads, and look at your pricing structure coz otherwise you run the risk of losing a very local patron. Your play... read more

This place has great craft beers and a great food selection. On Wednesdays, they have a wing special - buy one bucket of wings, get one free. On top of quality food, the decor is great - they even have a pool table and couches upstairs. read more

Came here for food and a few drinks with friends, the grub was good and the pints were tasty. All this was let down by terrible service. When I ordered my first drink the barman cut me off mid-sentence to change the song playing on the laptop. He continued to change any song he didn't like 10 seconds in for our entire stay. Very irritating. Service was painfully slow every time any of us ventured to the bar, which is why we left in the end. The barman was more focused on being the world's DJ rather than pulling pints. read more

Awesome selection of craft beers but a touch pricey! In fairness they probably have to pay a bit themselves! I'm taking away a star cause no Guinness and the reply when I enquired was "we don't have any Diageo products", doused in hipster high horse! It's a bar gentlemen, not a revolution! And Guinness is Ireland! Should we all stop drinking it cause it sold out??? read more

I had been to Against the Grain a few times and when I started looking for a venue for my birthday party, I went to inquire. They showed me the area upstairs near the windows, they assured me people had put decks there before so I could have a DJ playing if I wanted, and they took my name, number and date for the booking a few weeks later. Bad surprise on Friday, the day of my party. First the DJ calls to say they don't have the equipment she needs because there's no PA. Then when I get to the place, I discover that there's no area upstaires booked in my name, and that the upstairs area is the dining area with an open kitchen. The smells were off putting. I went down to talk to the bar staff and they said they would start clearing a space. I decided to call it quits and to move to another venue - which meants having to warn all my friends that I'd be somewhere else. My mate insisted on calling the manager who gave her a speech about it being my fault in a way, and generally not giving a damn about a group of 20 people not spending their money in his establishment. This was a very bad experience. I'm bearing a massive grudge here. I expected a lot more respect and business sense. Too bad. read more

Solid fish and chips, and the bartenders (Bryan, Bryan and Michelle I believe?) were wonderful with their recommendations (on beer and tattooing places!). Great selection of craft beers as well, they helped me pick the perfect one for my tastes. I was a solo traveler and they chatted with me a bit too, which was appreciated :) read more

Was in here with the yelp gang for pintage with Annie. Had a great laugh and it was a treat trying all the different beers. Well some of them were a bigger treat than others. Ill get straight down to it. I had just bought six bottles of blue moon in the off licence and they had it on tap in here so I went for that. Its a tasty ale but nothing special. I think the stout they have is brilliant. I think it is the same stout they sell in the porterhouses in Dublin but I could be wrong about that. The Aspalls beer is definitely my favourite. its apple beer and I think its one of the best beers Ive ever had. i will definitely have this again. It doesnt get sickly like I thought it would. I tested it thoroughly. The other beers I thought were average to disgusting if Im honest. Might come back for food. It seems to have good reviews. i feel great this morning too so that is a plus to their beers. You dont feel like you would if you had 5 buds. How do people drink that muck? read more

My fellow Americans..... The Irish LOVE Sierra Nevada on tap. I understand the attraction when in Ireland. To taste the refreshing , slightly hoppy, golden sunshine of a California brew in a mostly cloudy climate is akin to the pleasure of languishing in the barrel aged barley taste of an Irish whiskey in a cozy pub on a chilly "Southern California Winter"......if you could call it winter. Against the Grain is run by the same owner of the Salt House in Galway and the Black Sheep. Its the largest of the the three and is in a pretty happening area as far as I could tell, being a drunken American in Dublin. The beer offerings were superb and the space suits the type of bar it is quite well. I was treated to a wonderful night of craft beers and fine whiskey. I am a big fan of the chalk board listing the offerings behind the bar, making it quite easy to lay out your journey through the local and international offerings. read more

Great bar, hope it lasts longer than its predecessors at that spot, firstly and most importantly it has a huge selection of great beers, I had Galway Hooker and sierra Nevada on draft , both were fresh and delicious, next time I'm there I'll try some new ones, also the food is fairly priced with good portions, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about their beers (as they should be), love the look of the place, long may it last read more

Currently my joint-favorite bar for beer drinking in Dublin, primarily because it's clear they take their beer seriously, and are keen to share, promote and encourage an interest in beer as a "real drink". So - the selection of beers on tap and in the fridge is immense, the knowledge behind the bar on what they're like and what to have it fantastic, the "specials" that change every week or month keep things interesting, and the whole thing makes for an excellent experience. They also do food, but I've never got around to that as yet, so that'll await another day. For now I'd just suggest that if you're looking for some beer adventure, this should due on your list! read more

Food was nice when it finally arrived. Two simple orders were completely and utterly mismanaged by the staff whom literally seemed to be high !!!! Furthermore, when I asked for a glass of water, I was told by the waiter "If I get you a glass of water, I'll have to do it for everyone". So after finally receiving what I ordered ( having previously received an incorrect order), I had to go down stairs to the Bar and queue for a glass of water while my food got cold upstairs. The food was "OK", but management need to seriously reconsider their choice of staff. The food is being overshadowed for all the wrong reasons. read more

I love this place! Have been here for both booze and food and always come away happy. The chunky chips for 4 yoyos are gorgeous, perfect soakage grub. Love the great selection of beers and ciders, fair enough it's not a cheap pub but I think you get what you pay for. The staff are great, really friendly and approachable and happy to recommend you a drink based on what else you like if you are not familiar with their array of beers. The function room upstairs is grand, there is no bar up there but the time we were there a lounge girl looked after us so we didn't have to stumble up and down the stairs to the bar all night. I like that you can see into the kitchen, at least you can see that it's clean and they have nothing to hide! All in all, would defo suggest a stop in this pub for anyone looking for a good night out. read more

Nice pints, friendly staff and a great selection of beers. Any negative thoughts I have about the place could be attributed to my slightly sore head next morning which was probably down to mixing a few of the multitude of beers on offer that night that anything the pub did wrong. Lesson learned (although I've been saying that about pints for 15 years now and very few of these lessons have sunk in yet.). As most posters mentioned, decor is a little odd and I didn't try the food, so I can't comment. That said, busy on a Thursday night and I would definitely recommend for the adventurous beer drinkers out there. read more