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Bison Bar & BBQ

4.1 (132 reviews)
ModerateDive Bars, Barbeque, Pubs
Closed 12:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

Bison Bar & BBQ Photos

BISON BAR & BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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

Recommended Reviews - Bison Bar & BBQ

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Reviews With Photos

Mindaugas S.

Just hear me out. Booked a night before hand. Table for 8:30PM. Arrived and was escorted to a smoking area. Upon requesting a normal table in a none smoking area I was refused and informed I can wait when a table frees up. We agreed to sit down and start eating, but if there was a free table, we would like to switch over. We were offered another table at the end, but we already had asked for a receipt. Drinks cost a fortune. French fries is a rip off, a handfull of fries that normally would come for free with a meal cost us €4. Conclusion: as a steakhouse was super disappointing since there was only one sirloin steak available on the menu. A shame. Kitchen towel roll on the tables instead of napkins was a huge discouragement in business values. I don't always put kitchen towel roll for my closest frriends at home. SMH (shaking my head). Never ever coming back here. A kip. P.S. Medium rare steak was over cooked. Delicious, but overcooked.

The Menu
Clem M.

Was looking to try some BBQ and found this place. This place has lots of interesting decor, from saddle stools to a bison head, not much seating. The building appears old with the floors sloping in spots causing the table to slope, not good for your pint of Guinness. I got a pint of Guinness which is excellent with everything in Ireland of course. I ordered the two meat combo consisting of Pork Ribs and Brisket with Burnt End Beans and Onion Rings with Garlic Mayo. I asked if the pork ribs were baby back ribs which they said they were. They were not, they are regular pork ribs. They were fantastic however, the meat came right off the bone, was lean, and had fantastic flavor. No need for sauce. I also got the brisket which had a good smoke ring. That was the only good thing, the brisket was very tough like shoe leather. It was unedible and fatty. The beans were OK. They were firm beans that could be cooked a bit more and I couldn't find any Burnt Ends in my beans. The Onion Rings were fabulous with light breading. The garlic mayo was OK, but the Rings were perfect with out it. A perfect side. There was also a couple pieces of grilled pineapple, what a wonderful treat! Excellent, I wish this was an option on the menu because I would have loved to have more. Go for the pork ribs, but skip the brisket.

Combo of pulled pork and brisket
Ellen S.

Somehow I had failed to go back to Bison bar after my first visit there when it had just opened, with a zillion other BBQ places popping up like mushrooms in the last two years....which all had to be tried, to a point that the pulled pork was just coming out of my nose and ears . After a one year BBQ break, I ended back here in Bison. And oh wow, wow, wow, I have to say these guys are defo the King of BBQ restaurants. I went for a combo plate of pulled pork and brisket. Massive cuts of meat were put in front of me, so much so, I beary touched my sides. Next time I might just go for one cut. As for the pub itself....it is quite dark in there ( I hate not being able to see my food properly!), and the plastic forks and bowls have to go! It's bad for the environment!

Pulled pork, coleslaw and onion rings (yes it's an entire fecking onion!)
Tim L.

Being stuffed to the gills with hunks of meat slow-roasted for 13 hours, with yummy sides on a Friday evening - YES PLEASE. I visited this restaurant after 3 Yelpers raved about it earlier this week and disappointed I was not! We ordered brisket and pulled pork with sides of chips, beans, onion rings and coleslaw together with 2 pints of Tiger to wash it all down. The meat was so juicy and flavoursome - and literally melted in your mouth. The sides fared very well too - the chips were double fried for extra crispiness, onion rings so massive you had to break them in half to dip in the sauce pot, coleslaw refreshing... I didn't try the beans as I had to go to a party after ;-) One star was lost though as I would have liked more sauces on the table (maybe a range of BBQ chipotle, hickory and ranch) and I felt the onion rings could be seasoned a bit more. Come early though as the meats run out quite quickly - the waitress informed me that as the meats had to be roasted for 13 hours, when they're gone, they're gone! (Home Store radio ad anyone?) *Yo, you need no TEEF to eat the BEEF!*

Michael L.

I have been to the Bison bar so many times and recommended it to so many people at this point that I thought surely that I would have reviewed it by now. The Bison bar is the best place in town for US southern style barbecue. They have the most amazing pulled pork which I have had outside of the US. They either have a platter with two sides for 12.99 (quite a bit of food, but so worth it) or a lunch special for 7.99 (i think) with a single side. The sides are all amazing but I really thought the onion rings and the beans were quite good. The inside of the bar is great with a giant Bison head looking back at you as you push through the swinging double doors of the bar. The rest of the bar is filled with mounted deer and pictures of the American west (fields of buffalo, etc.). In the back of the bar is also a section where the seats are all horse saddles. Quite a novelty but still unique and another reason i love this place.

The Bisen
Good S.

Really very tasty barbecue there isn't barbecue like this anywhere else in Dublin. the setting is quite unique lots of dead animal heads stuck up on the wall, but it all kind of fits in with this old West Pioneer barbecue campfire type feel, they really want you to feel like a bit of a cowboy. Two people could comfortably eat for €35 and have a whiskey each. I shared a full rack of ribs, onion rings and their smoked beans with my girlfriend and it was plenty of food. The ribs were rich and succulent, juicy and tender and they just fell off the bone. We had a whiskey sour and a bison kick to drink, both good cocktails on special for five euro. The portions for the main dishes were very generous, the sides portions were average enough for one person but not enough to share I will absolutely go back and try the other items on the menu. So far without a doubt the best barbecue ive ever had in Dublin

Ribs!!!
Cristin L.

I'd been to Bison Bar a few times before and it was grand. A few drinks each time, a novelty sit on a saddle. Jobs a good 'un. See, we'd never tried the food, until now that is. And my, I love love loved the food here. I opted for the pulled pork sandwich. Now I've had pulled pork a fair few times these past few years and they've been fine. But here it was flavoursome. And a nice portion size too i.e. not too big or overloaded. But special mention to the ribs. They were delicious. I'm going back to try these again and if they are as good as I rembember, 5/5. I really hope when we go back the ribs will be as good as I remember. Staff were very nice and on the ball. We were all served our food in good time, considering there was a fair amount of us (eight peeps). Looking forward to my return visit.

Tasting Platter (€16.95)
Jessica X.

I came here for dinner with my friend last night and I was so glad to be able to finally try this place! I ordered a pint of Orchard Thieves Cider (~€5.40) while waiting for my friend to arrive. I'm normally not a cider drinker, but I wanted something light before dinner. The cider was absolutely delicious! TIP: If you want to thieve yourself a cider, head to Orchard Thieves's website and grab a free pint at a pub near you. Bison Bar & BBQ is not one of them, but be sure to check out the offer for pubs in the surrounding area! For our entree, we decided to share the Tasting Platter (€16.95), which comes with a little bit of everything (including sides!) --chicken, pulled pork, sausage, brisket, pork ribs with coleslaw, beans, potato salad, onion rings, and chips. I would definitely recommend this if it's your first time! My favorite of the platter was the chicken and brisket. THE BRISKET. BRISKET. BRIS. KET. You need to try to brisket. It is mouthwatering and marinated with all forms of deliciousness. Another thing I liked was the onion rings! The batter is different than what I am used to--thicker than usual--but it was still very tasty. So if you're at a loss for what to get, you surely won't be disappointed with an order of the brisket and onion rings! TIP: They also have selected €5.50 cocktails--menu on the bar!

Small chicken supreme, where my half chicken gone
Declan B.

I drink here all the time and have eaten her just a handful of times. I've always enjoyed the food except for today, it was just a big disappointment. I went for the usual combo meal with two meats. I always get the half chicken and mix it up with the other meat. Sadly today's half chicken was no have chicken. It was a small chicken supreme which had obviously been left in the smoker for at least an hour too long. Firstly I was disappointed as it was so small compared to the normal chicken and I knew that the cut of meat was gonna be dry before I went in for the kill. It took a full pint of water to wash it down and I still, hours later, feel like its stuck in my throat. I also went for the sausage which as always was delicious. The chips and onion rings get no complaints and as usual the staff were nice and we didn't have to wait long. My friend went for the combo in which you get a little bit of everything. He was a little disappointed as it was a very small piece of everything and he wasnt the usual stuffed after it. So we both felt the the 17 quid felt a little steep for what we had today. I'll defo be back but next time I'll ask about the chicken before I order it.

Tasting platter. Mmmmmm
Natalie M.

Visited here for the first time yesterday. The pub itself isn't anything fancy but I think that's part of the appeal and that it's meant to be like an old style pub like a cowboy bar. I am a big fan of ribs but I decided to go for the tasting platter for €16 to have a try of everything they have to offer. The pulled pork was delicious, the sausage very tasty and the ribs were fab. If I were going again I'd get a combo of 2 of those meats and I'd choose chips and coleslaw as my two sides. The only complaint I have is that there was a HUGE lump of fat in my brisket. It was very tasty but I think they shouldn't have served a customer the brisket like that. It was just a lack of attention to detail as it would've taken the chef two seconds to cut it away. My least favourite meat was the barbecue chicken and that's only because I find chicken quite boring. Two dipping sauces come with every dish, both very tasty. There's also two sauces on every table, the BBQ in particular was delicious. My companion didn't want anything huge and just fancied a chip sandwich. They were more than accommodating and the bap she got was homemade and still warm. She gave it a big thumbs up. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and I will definitely go again. One thing I'd love to see them introduce on their menu would be corn on the cob. That would go great with the BBQ meats. Can't wait for my next visit!

This is €7.95 at lunchtime. It is very good
John C.

Bison is a great bar and BBQ restaurant. They do great brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, spicy sausage and much more. There are a delectable array of sides on offer also including corn on the cob, burnt end beans and fries etc. At lunch time they do a BBQ meat & brioche bun for €7.95 where you pick 3 meats from their amazing selection and they add coleslaw and some amazing bbq sauce and transport your taste buds right into the set of a Chuck Norris movie. You actually feel like an absolute texan style action hero just for being able to rescue every morsel of food from going to waste upon the plate. Theres an old pro behind the bar aswell called Christy who is so in tune with making sure the customers are happy and satisfied - in a real genuine nice sort of way. Im taking away 1 star for the plastic cutlery. I managed to break off two of the tips of my fork pulling a national ploughing championship manouevre into my pulled pork fries. Maybe the fork could be stronger, maybe im too strong or perhaps too greedy. Just be aware not to apply too much Delta Force or you could find yourself with more plastic in your chest than Pamela Anderson. Maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration but the food is honestly so good here I will be back. Yes... I'll be back....

Strawberry Mojito
Maryann K.

I discovered this place the other night when I was walking back to my hotel and STARVING. It caught my eye because I'm from the American West and I thought it funny to see a cowboy themed pub in the centre of Dublin. I read the reviews and gave it a try. Loved it! I know someone complained about having to climb through the window but I kind of thought it was fun and quirky and understandable under the current restrictions. The waitress was really friendly, helpful and quick. Prices were very decent, noise level fine, everyone seemed to be having a good time. I had a strawberry mojito (awesome) and a bowl of pulled pork fries. Not the healthiest dinner but really delicious. My only complaint is that the pulled pork was pretty fatty, so I had to leave the fatty bits to the side. Otherwise I really enjoyed my visit and I look forward to coming back - can't wait to see the rest of the place indoors as well.

Joe C.

I'm a big fan of BBQ food and this place is one of the best. To top that off, it's a full bar too. Have had dinner a couple of times, always get the mixed platter. Great value and delicious, generous servings. Tried it out today for lunch and their brisket sandwich is amazing. Piled high with meat and good value too. If you like bbq meat and a few drinks, check this place out. Be warned, can be very difficult to get a table and while the cowboy seats out the back look cool, they're not very comfortable after a while!

Meat Combo - Brisket & Pulled Pork plus burnt end beans and onion rings

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The Stag's Head - Bacon & Cabbage

The Stag's Head

(313 reviews)

€€

South 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.

O'Reilly's - Courtesy of Sub Lounge website

O'Reilly's

(60 reviews)

South 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

Windjammer

Windjammer

(13 reviews)

South 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

Bison Bar & BBQ - divebars - Updated May 2026

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