Is Farmer Browns the best all-rounder in Dublin?

Merch

Located in the uber chilled-out Clonskeagh and adored by locals and visitors alike, this neighbourhood gem offers more than your usual run-of-the-mill local. With punchy, American-inspired lunch and dinner menus, boozy weekend brunches, a wealth of outdoor seating and lots more, it’s no wonder that the Farmer Browns group has reaped such success over the past decade. Hey, so loved is the pub, that there’s even Farmer Browns merch available to purchase on its website!

Facilities

One of the things that we most love about Farmer Browns is its superb facilities. Sports aficionados rejoice. There’s a top of the range 10ft projector that shows all big football and rugby games, as well as nine HDTVs, where you can catch “even the smallest sporting events”. This, coupled with a one of the ice-cold craft beers, sounds like a pretty good afternoon if you ask us. 

But maybe watching sports isn’t for you, in which case, you may be more inclined to explore the pub’s south-facing beer garden. It’s the perfect spot for sunny afternoons and dusky summer evenings: decked out with large wooden benches, pretty flowers and twinkling fairy lights, we can’t think of a better spot to hang out with friends and family. Inside may be more of an intimate affair, with its warmly lit dining area, comfy leather booths and smart mahogany tables, but the atmosphere is still easy going. Coupled with staff who are always up for a chat, you’ll feel right at home. 

Perhaps that’s why so many people book it out for special celebrations. From large birthday parties to low-key anniversary dinners, the team at Farmer Browns is committed to catering for all occasions. No request is too much, so if you have an event coming up, don’t hesitate to give them a ring!

American comfort food

Birthday celebration or not, you don’t need an excuse to try the food out here. The lunch and dinner menus may be inspired by classic American comfort food, but all the ingredients are sourced locally from Irish farms, dairies and fishmongers. Starters include the likes of crispy chicken wings (with a choice of hot or smoky BBQ sauce), Killer Nachos (loaded with cheddar cheese, beef chilli, avocado smash, sour cream and salsa), and Dublin Bay prawns pil-pil, which are served alongside confit cherry tomatoes and olive oil. 

As far as main courses go, it would be difficult to say no to one of the famous ‘Farmer Special’ burgers. Particularly great is the JCB, which is complete with rich pulled pork, crispy fried onions, oozing cheese and a tangy BBQ sauce. For a lighter option, the Mexican chicken salad is refreshing and packed with flavour, and it can also be made vegetarian with halloumi in place of the meat. 

There’s more than just salad for veggies and vegans though. From crispy cauliflower wings to Beyond Meat vegan burgers, there’s something for everybody. This also extends to the crowd-pleasing dessert menu, which is choc-full of indulgent bites. Treat yourself to the homemade chocolate orange cheesecake – served with ice cream and choc-fudge sauce – and thank us later.

Brunch

We said that Farmer Browns offered more than your average Dublin waterhole, and one of the things that really makes this pub shine is its delightful weekend brunches. There are only five dishes available on the brunch menu, but rest assured, they are all sublime. If you’re super hungry, order the Starvin Marvin, a fully loaded and perfectly cooked Irish breakfast that includes both black and white pudding. Phew! But if you’re looking for something a tad more adventurous, we highly recommend the Korean chicken eggs benedict. Think crispy chicken coated in gochujang BBQ sauce, poached eggs and yoghurt hollandaise all served on a lightly toasted brioche bun and finished with spring onion – what’s not to like? 

It’s the weekend and it is brunch time, so you may as well order a cocktail to accompany your tasty food. From classics like Aperol Spritz, to more unusual numbers like the Tequila Peach Punch, made with grilled peach puree and lemon zest, you’re in for a good start to the day.

Referring to Farmer Browns as a ‘pub’ feels somewhat of an injustice. Bridging the gaps between family-friendly watering hole, sports bar and events space brilliantly, it’s a complete hub of activity. The atmosphere may be relaxed, but the waiters’ attention to detail, as well as the chefs’, is anything but. Everything is fine tuned: from the well-presented plates of food, to the immaculately kept beer garden, and everything in between. What’s more, the prices are exceptionally reasonable given the quality of food and service. One Farmer Browns T-shirt for us please — we’re big fans!