Having lived in Naas most of my life, the move to Newbridge wasn't a big one. Nevertheless, the…read morefirst night out in your new hometown is uncertain. My "début" in Newbridge took place in Johnson's pub on the main street just before the bridge. I stepped into a buzzing, good-humoured, easy-going, good old fashioned Irish watering-hole. The pub was full but not resembling the sardine tins that are the pubs of Naas on a weekend. Everyone seemed in good form and as soon as you were introduced, they were offering to buy you drinks. All ages and types mingled and danced to the fantastic live band. Rubber and friends play in Johnson's every Friday night. They're a jam band consisting of Paul Keogh (Rubber), from the excellent music group King Modo, and a selection of his mates. They played lively Irish songs along with their take on American pop and r&b tunes, each wielding a guitar. Paul's voice on his version of 'Golddigger' is something else! Every so often, someone from the crowd would join the band for a couple of songs as people clapped, danced or swayed on their stools, all sporting big smiles. An Australian friend asked me, "What's the equivalent of Johnson's in Naas?" I didn't have to think long before answering, "There is none." Definitely my new local!

I am almost reluctant to write a review of Big's Bar because at the minute it is a shining little…read moresecret gem. I feel privileged to know about the place. A bar can drop thousands on the fittings, the beer selection, all that jazz, but it can't purchase atmosphere and that's what Big's has in spades. So, the mundane - the beers are very reasonably priced for a pub that's not that far out of the city centre. There's a wide selection, though it might not please dedicated craft heads. The staff are great, there's plenty of room (though the bar is laid out in a way that hides it, making it cosy without sacrificing space) and the music is always good and never intrusive. (think classic rock, Tom Waits, jazz etc) Having a pint in there feels like you're in the living room of the house you wished you had in college, or an incredible house party right at that point where the people have finished arriving but it hasn't got crazy and you've having the best and most interesting conversations of your life. An easy five stars.

I wish I could give four and a half stars, I really do. The place is just missing that tiny little…read morebit extra that would have tipped it all the way over to a five. That said, I love this place, been twice in the last month, both times I've greatly enjoyed it, the atmosphere is so good, the place just has you at your ease as soon as you walk in (well, as long as you're at ease with laid back, kinda eclectic, kinda alternative settings) And like another reviewer said, fantastic Guinness to be had! Honestly, some of the creamiest, headiest Guinness that has ever passed my lips. This place is certainly becoming established as a classic in my books, with jovial fellow patrons, friendly staff, chilled atmosphere and a projector that's usually showing something cool on the wall, all I can say is I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

A cozy speakeasy hidden away beneath an unassuming Italian restaurant serving bespoke cocktails,…read moresmall plates, pastas and more. It's a pretty small place and it feels very hidden so making a reservation is probably a good idea. How it works: walk downstairs (look for the neon sign that says "sshhh!") and GENTLY press the pig head on your left at the bottom to open the secret door. Our server was a gem and helped us navigate the extensive craft cocktail menu-I LOVED THE "breakfast of champions " and my wife enjoyed the noonin which was a bit of a riff on a margarita. We started with the creamy burratta with grilled pears and bread-heavenly and so fresh. For mains I got the pasta with beef and onions(yum!), but the standout was the braised short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes-amazing! -and at €30 a fantastic value. In fact everything was very reasonably priced and cocktails were only €15 each. Out entire bill was just €120-at least 50% less than a comparable meal at a quality restaurant in the US. Highly recommended (shhh!)

Date: Monday, June 22nd, 2026 Time: around 7:45pm…read moreParty of: 4 *Nonin (€15) *Attache (€15) *DCI Swanson (€15) *Shin Kicker (€15) It was our first day in Dublin and we just finished a whiskey tasting. What to do after that? Our answer was to hit a cocktail bar. We didn't have a reservation, but they told us if we were quick (like an hour or less), we could be seated. (They had a rez afterwards.) We only wanted a round, so that was fine by us. I was on a refreshing cocktail kick so I got the noinin. On the menu it was listed as "Dublin's Best Margarita 2018" so I had to try. It was what I was craving. Slightly tart, not too sweet, etc. Tho I prefer a lil more spirit forward. But it was a good drink to have after pours of whiskey earlier. Vibe is boisterous. Decor is a little cave like. Walking thru an italian resto was in the spirit it being a speakeasy. Glad we stopped by. REVIEW #4115

My wife and I had just arrived on a transatlantic flight from Miami (this was before the pandemic…read moreobviously), and rather than take a nap after we checked in to our cottage south of the city, we decided to take the Luas Green Line tram into the city to walk around a bit. While the tram was picking up passengers at the Harcourt stop, I noticed The Odeon from the window and it's sign for an early-bird dinner and drink specials. It looked like a very nice place so I kept it in the back of my mind. We didn't get off the tram at the time, but later that afternoon as we were getting hungry (and more tired, lol) I remembered The Odeon, so we got off at that stop on our way back to our residence, and what a great choice that turned out to be! The atmosphere inside is very nice, almost akin to a private club (especially since it was only 5:00pm and we were the first to arrive for happy hour and dinner). My wife and I both ordered the two-course prix fixe dinner for €22 and both courses were delicious as well as presented beautifully. I enjoyed two pints of Guinness (€11 total) while my wife ordered the Lana Turner cocktail for €6. Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere; what more do you need?!

After a particularly long bank holiday weekend (I'd managed to stretch it to the length of a full…read moreworking week), I vowed to take it easy on the boozing. With this personal pledge hanging over me, I ended up in The Odeon with a group of Yelpers. Considering the last time I was here was about six years ago and my friend and I had spent half the night over a toilet bowl, it was going to be interesting to socialise here sober... With a clear head, I admired the building (which was once a train station). I ascended the steps gracefully and greeted the bouncer politely. So far, so civilised. The interior is fancy and the seats are large and comfortable. Candles adorn every table. It wasn't too busy so no crowds to elbow through (although my friend still managed to spill my drink over me). The DJ spun great, fun music (lots of 80s and 90s and some banging modern tunes) but he played every track right to the bitter end. I prefer when a DJ is snappier and doesn't let the dance-floor occupants get bored. Then again, I was the only non-intoxicated dancer and the only one to comment on this. As I went from sparkling water to cranberry juice to Coca-Cola, my friend fell in love with what she knows it as "The Pineapple Drink, even though it's red!" (which is how she ordered it and the barman knew exactly what she meant- fair play!) As she put it herself, "It's a cocktail with the word 'breeze' in it and the juiciest piece of pineapple and a bit of a palm tree". As I filmed my friends' hilarious dance-slash-street-fighter moves, a guy beckoned me over and tried to snog the face off me. First sign of how a sober person might not fit in here. Another fella danced with my friend's hand as she continued to sit on the arm of a chair and chat to me. This lasted about five minutes and when he finally left her, his mates gave him a cheer. We discussed how if a girl did that, she'd be deemed psychotic. The loos are down a winding stair-case (which my sobriety allowed me to descend sans hand-rail) and they're clean with lots of stalls. I never had to queue and there was always toilet roll. A woman worked there but she sat with her feet up on a stool, reading a book, and didn't smother you with paper-towel or guilt-inducing stares. All in all, The Odeon is definitely a good venue for tee-totallers, while the drunk people loved it too. However, even though I wasn't inebriated, I still prefer a place that is more conducive to mingling and playful banter and The Odeon is a little bit too dignified for that.

This is a nice little place that you wish less people know about so you could enjoy it more often…read more There is not a whole lot of seating and it's really a gamble when you show up if you'll get the chance to stay. Though, I can't fault them on that because their seating is all oversized, comfy armchairs that you just sink into, so that is a sacrifice I can appreciate. But again: often crowded. There is a fireplace and vintage furniture, makes for a great atmosphere when you want a quiet drink, though it can get pretty loud because it's often full. They do have a nice selection of drinks though it's not as huge as some bars, but it's a nice place for a Port or Whiskey. I am a little put off by the staff, but it depends on who's there. Sometimes they're fine, not going out of their way to be nice, but decent. Though, one particular bartender is... tactless and comes off rude. Ordering from her is off putting because she doesn't really listen or answer your questions. It's too bad because when we come in and see that she's working the bar it kind of puts you off. It doesn't stop us though because we love the ambience and cozy feel to this place. Definitely somewhere you'd bring people visiting because the style and mood is hard to match.

I should seriously be wearing some tweed garments, have a pipe in my mouth, a cocker spaniel at my…read morefeet, and noshing on scones for this review. Alright I think I'm mixing up the Library Bar with Sherlock Holmes, sprinkled with bits of the Darling Buds of May. Let's tone it back a tad. I'm not even sure if there is any tartan or tweed in sight, and there definitely are no scones on the menu. But there is dark wood, and big manuscript writing chairs (That's it! I shall write a manuscript!), and gold fittings and dark wallpaper and muted lighting and plush carpets. You feel a little like you've discovered somewhere you shouldn't be. (Or is that just me and my overactive imagination?!) Either way, it's a hell of a spot. All cosy and warm and cosy and just so feckin well.. cosy. They have good WiFi so you can work away or have meetings til your heart's content. I had some lunch here which was ok - it was crab salad - not brilliant, not terrible. A little saucy (in a not good way), and bland. And cost €14.50. BUT still. My guest's pork sausage sandwich and soup combo for a tenner looked and smelled delish. My only complaint (besides not loving my food) is that perhaps it might be just a teeensy bit too quiet? Like perhaps some barely audible background music might be nice? Something atmospheric and classic? I reckon the staff in this place hear a lot of secrets...

In Dublin, Ireland right next to the Irish music museum. My tour was at 1:45pm & this bar was…read morebarely opening. The bartender was setting up the tables with coasters, lamps, the music wasn't turned on yet. After the second guest, she turned on the music. Those of us who were here for the tour told us to wait in the bar area & have a drink. The merch lady arrived, she had a small table by the front door. I ordered a whisky sour. It was alright. I can tell it was made in a rush. Idk the only cool thing about this place is that I met people from different countries talking about concerts and the love for music. I don't get it, the sun rises at 04:50am & it sets after 10pm. Noon would have been the perfect time to open because the Irish love to drink & smoke

I like Crowbar a lot…read more My first time here was not long after it had opened and I really liked the feel of the place. The music was chilled. The lighting the nice side of dim. Fast forward two years and I wonder why I've not been back here sooner. Same cool decor. Same cool lighting. We've always managed to get a seat here before we go into a gig in the Button Factory, handy. It's perfect for a pre-gig drink. You can even bring your drinks from Crowbar into the Button Factory. Just make sure you put it in a plastic cup first. They also stock Aspalls cider. Which is good and bad. Good cos it tastes great. Bad cost it tastes great. 5.5% great - yikes! Recommended.

Highly recommend visiting if you're in the area. This bar is nicely tucked away from a lot of the…read moretourist destination bars. Look out for the entrance or you might miss it! Great for both beer and cocktails. Watching the bartenders craft drinks was an art form. Service was attentive as well. Lots of great seating, both indoor and outdoor. We opted to sit outdoors on a mild November night which ended up being a really nice experience. It was pretty busy even on a Sunday night. If you're in the area, definitely add No Name Bar to your list!

This place goes by two names, depending on if you are looking at Google Maps, or on Yelp. Google…read moreMaps calls it "The Bar With No Name" (and so do it's proprietors in the hotel above). But Yelp calls it "No Name Bar." Late at night, this is the place to be. The music is loud, the place is hoppin', and everyone is movin' and groovin'. It's LOADS of fun, I can't express that enough - but it DOES get packed! If you are staying in Kelly's Hotel up above it, you MUST visit at least once to see what all the fuss is and why your hotel room is rattling until 2 or 3 in the morning. They have DJs playing every Friday and Saturday "from 10pm until late" as it's billed on their website. It's connected to the hotel, so if you are staying there, you can just head down the stairs to enter. From street level, use the entrance with the snail hanging above the black door with the address number of "3" on the door. It's so easy to walk past and not notice it. The entrance is JUST past the sidewalk patio for L'Gueuleton.

Great ambiance and food very tasty with unique menu items. Drinks are excellent too. Friendly…read morewaitstaff and good service. Good for a special occasion. Would definitely go back.

The music was so loud we couldn't have a conversation without shouting. Difficult to be social…read moreunder those conditions. Service was poor, they appeared to be understaffed. The food was good. We asked twice for the check and ended up going downstairs to pay when we never received it.