Ah Bison... you're so wrong, but feel so right. No matter how many places I go with their fancy pulled pork sandwiches and their gourmet grilled thingies, they simply don't compare to the slow-roasted deliciousness of Bison Bar. Try the pulled pork... and the brisket... and the ribs... and the sausages. Try everything really, and make sure you don't skimp on the barbecue sauce, that stuff might have cocaine as one of it's ingredients, I'm not sure, but it's my suspicion. Besides the meat (really, just try it), they have a very nice selection of whiskies, a few decent cocktails, and the only other thing I'd like to see there would be some craft beer options on tap, but I'm just nitpicking at this point. The space itself is cool, the service is pleasant, and you get to move between the inside and "outside" areas through a window. Yes, a window. read more

I came here yesterday for an after work meal. I actually didn't know they did BBQ, as I've only previously been here in the wee hours when it's jam packed and hopping. I do remember getting the drinks special - whiskey sour (€5)- and not being impressed with the sugary watery mix. I won't comment on the nightlife as it's been ages since I was there, so.... The food. I had a double take when I read the menu was €13.95 for a meal. It's any bbq main with 2 sides. I had the brisket (by recommendation from the waitress) with fries and beans - that together with a pint of beer, came to €18.95. Not cheap. I wasn't wholly impressed with the meal. To be honest, it's actually quite forgettable. Ive had better barbecues for better prices. That being said, I really do like the atmosphere in the bar, especially the outdoor/ saddle area. It's a super chilled vibe, a bit cool, a place where you'd feel comfortable sitting and chatting forever. I'd definitely recommend for the out-of-owners because it's definitely something different. I remember I really liked the concept the very first time I was here. I probably won't eat here again, but I probably will for a pint and chill time. read more

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I'm a bit of a private pisser. Can't go if people are watching me, I just lock up. A mental block. I'm actually considering getting a sponsor, i.e someone I trust, to stand beside me at the urinal and throw the odd motivational quote my way when they notice me struggling. Anyway, the review. The bathrooms here scare me. There is only one cubicle and no joke, there's a number pad lock on the door. So I'm forced to bite the bullet and use the urinal. Normally I'd try find a sneaky urinal in the corner and hide there until the bathroom clears out a bit. Not here though. The urinal goes in a flipping circle spanning the entire bathroom and there's mirrors everywhere! Nightmare! They may as well set up a live stream of the place and show it on TV screens throughout the bar. Apart from the scary bathroom, the whiskey is great and so is the food. The saddle seats are always a joy after a few scoops too! read more

Bison. Bar. BBQ. Pulled Pork. Brisket. Potato Salad. Fries. Hold on, I'm walking down memory lane ... Okay, I'm back now. It was flippin' fabulous folks! Chow down! read more

Really enjoyed our BBQ sampler plate of sausage and brisket. My partner said it reminded her of Texas BBQ and it turns out the chef went to Texas to train for a bit. Awesome. I never thought I would get such good BBQ in Dublin. Nice selection of whiskey and they had Orchard Thief hard cider which was pretty darn delicious. read more

I have a love-hate relationship with this place. Yes I love the super cool settings, the seating area outside, climbing over the window, and the bar staff are one of the best I've met in Dublin. Yes the service is faultless. Yes I love their meat and the coleslaw is wonderful. Yes it's a great value for money. But... I've had chicken several times there and it comes quite undercooked. Ugh. The outdoor area is not heated. I'm not a fan of eating my dinner with my coat and scarf on. And I really, really don't like to eat my meat with plastic cutlery. It's still better than Pit Bros, by far! Yet there are a few small points that don't make it a massive "yes" for me. Still happy to go, though! read more

Everyone seems to love the Bison Bar. I'm not sure what it is because I never really found the place particularly exciting. Its got saddles, great good gimick. Bored after 15 minutes and want a real seat. It would be more exciting if the bar staff dressed up as cowboys, although would probably be a bit crap if they did that. Maybe they could have sawdust on the floor? Naah too messy. I know how about dropping the price of drinks a bit. That would work. read more

Probably the best BBQ outside of Texas :) We went because of a friend's recommendation. He's German and not really familiar with US BBQ, but he loved it anyway and told us to go. First bonus star for the choice of beer: I was looking for Murphy's Red in all sorts of places, but finally found it here. Now for the food: I ordered the brisket. What else. Cole slaw and onion rings as sides. It all blew my mind. Brisket was all tender and juicy with phantastic smokey taste. Simply Delicious. Cole slaw was fine, they put chopped apple in it I think. Nice variation. And then the onion rings: Crunchy, hot, onions still fresh and crisp. How do you do that!? Amazing job. The waitresses were all really nice and did the best to squeeze in our order before kitchen closed at 10. Perfect. I'll probably have to travel to Dublin soon again just for that wonderful BBQ :) read more

This was one of the best meals we have had since being in the U.K. A cab driver recommended it and he was correct! The ribs were excellent! Not fatty at all, meat falling right of the bone. The fries were excellent, crisp but not burnt. The pulled pork fries were delicious as well, large portion. Staff was helpful and nice. Loved the decor. read more

Perfect! Food comes fast and always well serve and taste! One of my best pubs in Dublin!! read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

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They have a legit Southern style smoker - need I say more? If you're craving some decent, tender, smokey BBQ meat at a fair price...this is your place. Great beef brisket, pulled pork, and ribs - all juicy and just the right amount of fatty. Sides are tasty too: nice slaw, BBQ beans, onion rings. You know the score - it's good NAUGHTY food. Cool little place with a good outdoor area at the rear - interesting decor and a massive selection of whisk(e)y. Docking a star as there's no craft beer on tap - just the usual suspects of Heino et al. If you're going for quality and innovation in every area, then why shirk on the beer? Get a Metalman or Galway Hooker tap in: they'd fly out - perfect with BBQ food. Fingers crossed they'll bring some in soon! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! We each ordered two serves of meat (brisket and pulled pork for me) and two sides (coleslaw and burnt beans), and when the waiter bought them out, he joked about helping me eat my serving. The serves are massive, and the sides are also generous. The meat was absolutely to die for. My friend had the ribs and onion rings, and boy oh boy were they also delicious and HUGE, i have no idea what kind of pig those ribs came from, but man it must have been a big pig. The pub itself is super cute, and i loved the saddle chairs in the back. The food is very reasonably priced, and the service was fast and friendly. I would definitely go back here in a heart beat. read more

Wow, describes our visit at this restaurant on Saturday best. We went into this restaurant more or less accidentally. But it was the best accident in Dublin ever! The atmosphere is very authentic and the service team is friendly&fast. My first thought was that the menu is basic but already our table neighbors recommended us all dishes. Because we wanted to get a good overview of all dishes we ordered the taster dish which includes all dishes and sides. This was the best BBQ I've ever had. Our complete table agreed on that! The most tender spare ribs I've ever had, great sausage, lovely smokey chicken, juicy pulled pork, crispy onion rings etc. etc. etc. one of the best restaurant concepts I've ever been! read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

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Great staff, cool environment and cold beer. That's about where the positives end here. If you're going to advertise Texas BBQ, your beef brisket had better be on point. This is worse than any brisket I have ever tried, even outside of Texas. No visible smoke ring. Too saucy. It tasted as if the brisket was marinating in brine prior to cooking. It was incredibly dry to the point that I am sure I've eaten beef jerky that required less chewing. I got my brisket plate with potato salad and coleslaw. I did like the coleslaw, but the potato salad was like boiled potatoes dipped in mayonaise. Not much else going in the flavor department. For the amount you get, it is well-priced. The quality of the meat is just severely lacking. read more

The meat was absolutely delicious, really moist and the sides really complimented the natural the flavours of the meat. Only criticism is I would probably prefer a more vinegar based coleslaw otherwise this place trumps Pitt Bros hands down! read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Had the brisket - super tender and shared sides of fries, onion rings, coleslaw and potato salad - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

I've had BBQ all over America, and this barely deserves 2 stars. The brisket was dry and rather bland, and the pulled pork was flavorless. They really tasted like they were not cooked on a wood smoker, but cooked in an oven and had added smoke and other flavors. The sides and deserts however were better. read more

Now this is a bar I can get on board with. Popped in here as we were meeting people in The Workmans Club and we were early. We ended up calling our friends to come in here for a drink . An amazing selection of spirits. I had a quick chat with the barman and he was more than happy not only to talk about the drinks selection, but the origins of the bar itself (made from old church doors) the traditional pub stuff on the walls (auctions at closed down pubs) and the rationale behind the now famous 'saddle seats' (Bono and The Edge have both contributed to the collection apparently.) I like the smoking area out the back, makes you feel indoors but is cut off from the actual indoors, many places in Dublin should take note! It still manages to be a proper pub, while being a bar. I approve. read more

They do authentic Texas BBQ here......and have an impressive selection of whisk(e)y. This is an old style bar with a large outside area to the rear (which can be covered in the event of the Irish weather). I had the smoked brisket (beef) which is slow cooked in the Texas Smoker. You can taste the smokiness and this is delish, mixed with the provided sauces = yum! Sides were burnt beans and potato salad which were fine. It was dinner so they don't provide bread, but a sofy flour roll and some lettuce would have been brilliant. Unfortunately they do not have a large selection of craft beer, with only 3 available. I recommend them, they are €6 for a pint bottle, but worth it. Midnight Sun is a black porter with a chocolate/coffee finish, Kelpie is a Seaweed Ale, which is salty and rich, and Roisin is a berry beer that is summary but a bit flat. I will be back here! read more

I have been here a couple of times for food and found it was hit and miss. Pulled pork is great, as are the chips. I was not a fan of the beans or the sausage. Staff are friendly. Atmosphere is pretty good. Overall a nice place to just have a drink without the food coming into it. Drink specials on the board which are usually a fiver for some sort of cocktail. Beers seem pretty standard. Not blown away by this place but I like it's vibe. read more

Quite possibly the best BBQ joint in all of Ireland. They slow cook their meats for a day in their outdoor smoker/oven. Everything melts in your mouth. Proper Texas BBQ and real American side dishes like baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. They have a brilliant selection of whiskey and cocktails as well here. They have outdoor tables so if you fancy smoking while you eat its not a problem. And, like all proper BBQ places in the states, they have ready for you on the table a roll of paper towels as it will be messy. Lovely, and messy. read more

Awesome BBQ & whiskey cocktails / craft beer at Bison Bar on Wellington Quay. What can I say beyond the above?! Eaten here twice First visit (I don't count the time we couldn't get a table - it's THAT good!) after a touristy trip to the Guinness Storehouse. Choose your food / drink and order at the bar... I couldn't choose what meat I wanted so I got the tasting plate. The Lynchburg lemonade and Calamity Jack cocktails went so v well with it! Everything that was on that silver tray was demolished after being smothered with their house bbq sauce. Knew it wouldn't be long before we visited a second time.. Second visit Brought my fiancé's little brother when he came to stay with us a few weeks after our first visit... He wasn't too pleased we went here without him as he loves BBQ... We just HAD to go back (What better excuse for a return?!) He got the tasting plate this time. Fiancé went with the beef brisket & the sausage with sides of beans & potato salad. I chose the beef brisket sandwich with a side of coleslaw.. The meat is so tender. Just amazing with their bbq sauce... I was tempted to bring the bottle home but I reckon my bag would have got destroyed! Drinks... Craft beer - Roisin Tayberries (cross between blackberries and raspberries if you didn't know!) beer, Jameson caskmates & Calamity Jack. I have to say out of all the places I ate in during 2014 Bison is probably my favourite... For anyone looking for real deal BBQ you HAVE to visit here but if you're anyway prissy you might need to leave your table manners at the door and just make great use of the kitchen towel rolls they leave on the table... read more

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Was here for a few drinks with a group of 12. Very handy for us space-wise as it's not as busy as other bars mid-week. This might be because we went on a Wednesday, and on Wednesdays, there's a student night in Workman's which is next door to Bison Bar. Drinks deals are great value! There is also a nice atmosphere. Most of the seating is in a heated smoking area, which doesn't bother most, but it is worth noting. read more

Phwoar! The ultimate hang-over station. This the type of food that demands to be washed down with a cold beer. Hearty, tasty, meaty grub -a bit on the oily side- but still well worth it. Stuffed! read more

Bar staff leave a lot to be desired. Rudest and most uninterested people I have met in hospitality. The barmaid couldn't be bothered to serve me until I called her back and asked her if she working and then she just left the drinks on the bar and walked away without even saying the drinks were ready. I witnessed the barman ID 3 lads who were most definitely over the age and pass comment on one of the ID's- full of bravado, the potential customers subsequently walked out. We won't be back! read more

Omg. From Chicago where there are lots of options for BBQ. This was sime of the best BBQ I have ever had. The potato salad and coleslaw were excellent. It is as so inexpected to find this quality in Dublin. Definitely recommend. read more

Having arrived at Bison Bar bright and early - read, 8 pm on a Friday evening, myself and a friend found ourselves confronted with a tough decision: whether or not to interpret the disgruntled sighs of the bourgeois couple in front of us that the wait would be too long and abandon ship before the risk of castoff. Luckily, the couple in front of us were simply being dramatic (a new frontier for the unforgivably bourgeois). Fifteen minutes and a 5.50 whiskey sour later (!!), we were seated happily, if not quite cosily, in the smoking area outside. I should add that this was entirely our fault - given the option of eating immediately or waiting three minutes for an indoor table, our more primitive instincts got the best of us. Having clambered through a sizeable Georgian window in order to get to my table, I was actually only too pleased to clamber back in to place my order (note: for those who dislike clambering, this is a clear-cut con. For those of small stature and adventurous mind, all systems to clamber!) The food was served promptly by a friendly staff member, and the meat was near perfect, although to be QUITE honest, the pulled pork was only verging on the stuff of dreams. The Brisket, though - heaven. All of the sides were absolutely and perfectly more than edible (inhalable) , with a special shoutout to the onion rings for being shockingly delicious. And all for the price? Too much to ask for. Being an American myself of no small acquaintance with the South, and at the risk of sounding shady, I'd give the "American" décor a solid A for effort. I prefer Dublin's version of the South, anyhow. Particularly when it tastes this good. read more

Dropped into this place today in a party of 4, was delighted they had Bulmers so that was a great start, we ordered our food and I'm a veggie so I am used to poor selections, I wasn't disappointed here :( I got onions rings and chips and the 3 friends all loved their meat! we got 2 desserts to share and both were 5/5 (beautiful) The loo is one of the best I've ever been in, you can see your willy in the urinal reflection!! 4/5 instead of 5 'cos of poor veg choice. would def drop back again though. read more

Awesome BBQ! Good food and atmosphere. Recommend sitting in front , there is a smoking section in the back. Get there early, food was beginning to run out at 745. Onion rings were hand made and breaded with a type of corn meal and the baked beans were locally procured and fresh. Would recommend to anyone who loves meat! read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Tasting platter - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

I've been here a couple of times for the pulled pork and it's pretty damn good. You can get the pork straight on a board or in a bun, personally I would recommend the bun, They have a lot of other meat options too which I have yet to test. There is this yellow sauce on the tables that tastes amazing, I'm not sure what it is, but I could drink it! Their sides are also super tasty, I really like the beans. I've never spent time drinking here, more eat and go type of place I feel. But, it is a pretty cool bar. They have these really cool stools/saddles (they are kinda strange to sit in though, people generally seem not to). read more

This is a unique restaurant in the heart of the city. Great for meat lovers. It's defiantly a place that will empress the man in your life if he's the BBQ, meat obsessed guy. Not being a huge meat eater myself I was still blown away by the ribs. They were beautiful and just feel of the bone. I would defiantly return! The loose one star for there quality of cocktails. We ordered a cocktail each and they were very average. There bathrooms also had a bit of a stench which was very off putting when we first walked in. But I've been told that usually there clean. read more

Bison Bar versus Pitt Bro's BBQ. So many people are arguing over this on the blogs and on twitter. They're trying to work out who's better, who's copying etc. I went into Bison when I was out one evening, when Pitt Bro's was full, to get my American style BBQ meat on. I didn't even sit down before I was booted out. I went up to the bar and asked if they were coeliac friendly. Immediately, I was told I could have coleslaw or potato salad. Honestly, why would you bother finding out if your sides are gluten free and not any other food on the menu? Was I supposed to just order coleslaw and potato salad? It's ridiculous. On another note, the mayonnaise based dishes are gluten free? Really??? If they've malt vinegar in them I wouldn't be a happy customer! When questioned on their menu they said they want to keep as close to the American flavour as possible in their rubs and this means gluten. Er, no.. it really doesn't. To be fair, they were very apologetic. It's not really good enough. They still have some nice drinks. read more

Nicely decorated bar with a simple system. Order and pay at the bar and you get a number and they bring your food to your table. I was surprised by this delicious BBQ in Dublin. We had the pulled pork and the brisket. The meat was flavorful and not dry at all. Enjoyed the sauces and the potato salad as well. If you're in Dublin and craving some meat I would definitely recommend a stop here. read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

Love this place it was my first time and certainly won't be my last went with the tasting platter which for €16.95 allows you to have a sample if everything on the menu. This is a whiskey bar !?! So be prepared for a few Tommy Hilfiger wearing guys trying to look cool sipping a single barrell malt jack Daniels with no ice or coke but this only will get to you when you have taken your eyes off your food which is almost never read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Tasting platter perfection - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

BBQ was OK. Onion rings too. Plenty of whiskey to choose from but beer selection is lacking. read more

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I like this place, It has just enough affectation of 'cowboyishness' and so on, great little effort but not too far over the top. The men's toilet is a bit much, think something massive room with urinals around the walls. Imagine a squash court, but smaller, with urinals around walls. There is a great line up of spirits and the BBQ food is good but can be a bit dry, the ribs for example. There is a good selection of beers and etc. The prices are Temple Bar prices. I wind up in here when it is more tan ten minutes for the bus. Get a pint and watch the countdown clock at the bus stop outside the window. It is a good combination of beers, whiskies, food and convenience at a price which is average. read more

Well first off, the food was delicious, but portion size? Really? A half chicken and bricked? A quarter chicken and a slice and a quarter of brisket, is Very small to say the least, compared to many of the other BBQ places....I ordered the combo platter half chicken and brisket....got chips and onion rings...nice atmosphere, staff friendly, food came quick and well presented, low rating is on portion size. read more

The most wonderful staff. From bouncer to bartender, everyone was an absolute delight to deal with. I lost my wallet and they the had the GM monitoring cameras the minute I brought it to their attention. I can't emphasis enough how great, friendly and professional the staff here are. read more

Yes, I like barbecue and I like all those kind of delicious sauces, sides and especially the smoked meal. And my son does... I think I'll come back. No I'm absolutely positive! read more

Bison Bar & BBQ - Dive Bars Near Me - Dublin, D

This is really just a review of the food. I've had some of the drinks but I don't know how to review booze. It did the trick in any case. But yeah the food. Dear God the brisket. I'd never had brisket before but I've been told it is cow breast or some such and it's one of the tastiest things I've eaten in a bar in quite some time. A really generous portion of this delicious meat with two sides will cost you €14 and I almost felt like I shoulda been paying more. Will definitely return for the pulled pork. Moist towelettes could have been moister. read more

First of all, don't go here on your first date with a beautiful gal, unless she's a Texan with a big craving for a homemade barbecue. It's a sticky, messy and yummy lunch or dinner for BBQ lovers. Not a place to impress your date with good table manners. Go here with the mindset of an original neighborhood barbecue, including the trays for plates, plastic cutlery, kitchen rolls and even a window escape to the smoking area. The atmosphere breathes BBQ, so don't expect a traditional restaurant, nor the luxuries of it. But if it's really smoky BBQ ribs, chicken, sausages, pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, burnt end beans and kick ass onion rings that you want, this is the place to go. I just finished half a rack of ribs and am sorry I didn't go for the full one. Not that it's small, but it's just too good. Meat falling of the bone with this nice smokey BBQ taste. I can't wait to try the other meats on the menu. Happy BBQ! read more