Where to find Dublin’s most quirky restaurants and bars

Farrier & Draper is what dreams are made of, at least if you’ve always wanted to find yourself in an old mansion-like setting with eclectic elements that looks straight out of a movie scene. Indeed, at Farrier & Draper you’re a star in every way as the customer service is high-quality even when it gets busy and the stunning interior makes you feel more special than ever. Perhaps one of the most iconic venues in Dublin, the cocktail bar spreads over three floors and guarantees you an unforgettable evening with good food. On the menu, you can find mains and bites such as pizza, pasta, deep fried calamari or bruschetta – all to be washed down with a selection of classic and house cocktails.

The most appealing thing about Hugo’s décor is the way it looks out front. The blue paint catches your eye straight away and attracts many tourists who are curious to see if the interior is full of pastel colours too. The inside isn’t quite what you expect but doesn’t disappoint – it’s a cross between a Victorian and contemporary design that makes for a homely but slightly sophisticated ambience. If you ever need a place for a date, Hugo’s has delicious food and drinks that can help make it unforgettable.

Good drinks mean nothing if the atmosphere isn’t right. Luckily, places like Vintage Cocktail Club understand this unspoken rule and go above and beyond in terms of design. The speakeasy-like venue is exactly what it sounds like and more – it allows you to enjoy cocktails and dinner in a vintage, candlelit setting, which is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere low-key where you can have a drink. The venue boasts multiple awards in cocktail contests, so you can be sure you’ll appreciate one of the options on the hefty list. 

Hang Dai Chinese is everything but your usual dining experience. Inspired by Blade Runner, the interior is all neon lights and a futuristic design that invites you to enjoy your meal in booths resembling a train carriage. Even if you aren’t a fan of the movie, you’ve got to admit that the idea behind the venue makes for something completely unique and the food is definitely better quality than what you’d find on a regular train. Speaking of which, you can expect an Asian cuisine with a twist as traditional recipes give way to a more playful approach. If you stay long enough, you can listen to DJ tunes to be best enjoyed with quirky cocktails.

Located right in the city centre and boasting a hip design, Riot is the spot where you can start and should finish your night out. As you enter the venue, you’ll be transported to streets of Brooklyn filled with neons and street art, so if you fancy an escape from your ordinary life, it’s the place to be. Named one of the best dive bars in Europe, Riot has a lot to show for it: on offer, there are affordable cocktails that are the definition of retro; Devil’s Reject, Basic Bitch or Dirty Diana – you name it. If you think you’ll get hungry, don’t worry. Whether you’re planning to catch up with a friend or hang out with co-workers, Riot has got your back with 20” pizzas on the menu (or alternatively, you can go for just one slice). Once you’ve had your food, more fun awaits; you can challenge yourself to a game of pool, play giant Jenga or become nostalgic while enjoying some of the arcade games. There’s no boring moment at Riot.