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27th September 2024
10:34am BST
If you didn't already love wine as it was, an aul global pandemic and Government mandated lockdown will really do it for ya. There were times over the past couple of years when browsing the supermarket shelves for the perfect bottle (after queueing for 40 minutes to get in, of course) would be the highlight of ones month. Now that's all behind us and we find ourselves out in the open, still yearning for the warm hug of a full-bodied cab sav, or the crispness of a pale Pinot G. Luckily, there's no shortage of great wine bars to hit up in Dublin's fair city - whether you're looking for a vibe-y spot with peak people watching potential or a romantic corner tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this list has you covered.
Sundrive Road, Kimmage, more info here
A petite wine bar serving French-inspired small plates and a selection of wines by the bottle or glass. A menu of picky bits like dips, cheeseboards and charcuterie, with one perfectly formed dessert. The bread is knockout, which is unsurprising as L.P.R is owned by the husband and wife team who run the Artybaker bakery empire. The name translates as The Little Fox, and was inspired by a chance encounter the couple had one night while they were walking home from town and encountered a young fox on their ramble. Opened a couple of weeks back, the spot is a hit with locals, when we were there on a Thursday night it was absolutely heaving. This is unsurprising, as it's a great way to spend an evening, grabbing a couple of glasses and grabbing a plate or two when the stomach rumbles.
Drury Street, more info here
In the summertime (or indeed when the sun is shining), it's hard to fault Drury Street for the atmosphere. Smack bang in the centre of it is Loose Canon, a dinky dual-aspect spot that sells natty wine by the glass and some of the best toasties in the city. While you can grab a glass and enjoy it anywhere on the street, if you secure a window seat, or the much-coveted bench out the front, you'll think long and hard about leaving it. You'll feel awful continental with an orange organic wine in your paw and a young buck sourdough toastie in the other.
Drury Street, more info here
Elsewhere amidst the bustle of Drury Street, you'll find Amy Austin, an intimate spot with a New York-feel and a huge selection of wines on tap. For soakage, this spot has you covered by way of comforting pasta dishes, fresh oysters and lovingly assembled small plates, and they're also dog friendly so no man gets left behind.
Camden Street, more info here
Founded by Darren Free of Delahunt on the same road, wine bars don't get much better than Frank's. Set around a convivial communal table, they serve low-intervention wines by the glass or the bottle (sourced from Le Caveau) with a refreshing and ever-changing French-hued small plates menu.
Exchequer Street, more info here
There's always a great buzz at Olesya's, whether you're inside or enjoying a spot of people-watching at one of their outdoor tables. Tapas, tunes and over 400 wines from 20 different countries to choose from.
South Anne Street, more info here
Laying claim to be Dublin's oldest wine bar, La Cave certainly oozes authenticity and atmosphere. As the name might suggest it's set deep underground on South Anne Street, and the low ceilings can be picked out by table lamps and candles. With a propensity for French wines, there are over 350 wines to choose from and 40 that are available by the glass. It's a cosy spot tucked away off Grafton Street, perfect for romantic nights and long chats over a glass of something delicious.
Cow's Lane, more info here
Make a beeline past the €12 pints of Temple Bar and you'll find Piglet, a little gem with a delicious menu and carefully curated wine list. The team is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wine, doing their best to find you the best type of wine to pair with your preferences/small plates. They have a dotie terrace out the front too, which is an incredible space to take in some sundowners.
Exchequer Street, more info here
An OG of the Dublin wine and nibbles scene, The Wine Cellar at F&Bs has been running for nearly two decades. Once you get past the incredible store (come food lovers dream), heading downstairs is a world away from busy Exchequer Street. It's a big atmospheric space which is invariably all of a buzz no matter what time you head in, with waiters rushing past with Italian classics. They have an incredible wine list that will keep everyone happy, with a lovely mix of classics and handpicked bright young things. They also do €1 corkage Sun-Tues on any bottle purchased upstairs, coming in at €10 Wednesday to Saturday.
Ely Place, more info here
Settings don't get much better than the Georgian townhouse splendour of Ely Wine Bar, with its soft lighting, gentle music, and laid-back warming ambience. Whether it's a date night or a group night, the kind team are able to cater to it all. There are over 400 wines to choose from (plenty of options by the glass) that will please most discerning guests, there's also a small but perfectly formed menu of small plates to nibble from if the feeling takes you. The team also host secret wine pairing sessions every couple of weeks, for those looking to learn a little bit more about what's in their glass.
Lennox Street, Portobello, more info here
Another dog-friendly addition to the list, Brindle is a speciality café by day and a cosy neighbourhood wine bar by night, with shelves upon shelves of wines to enjoy in-house or take home with you. Furry friends are guests of honour and will always be greeted with a treat and a rub.
Aungier Street, more info here
It may surprise you to hear Brindle isn't the only dog friendly, café by day/wine bar by night in Dublin's fair city but the truth shall set you free, as will a full-bodied glass of red enjoyed while perched on the bench outside All Good on a summers evening. All Good daylights as Network Café and is perfect if you're looking for a central spot to enjoy a glass of vino.
Coppinger Row, more info here
Promising "Wine, Music, Food" the talented bros Marc and Conor Bereen have created just that in Row Wines. A natural wine bar, with exciting small plates, an incredible vinyl set up and an atmosphere dripping in cool. This ain't your typical restaurant, it's a great shout for a bite to before a night out, the double doors that open out onto Coppinger Row bring the outside in and the inside out.
College Court, Kevin Street, more info here
The lil sis of cult-favourite Fish Shop, it's a welcome addition for fans of the new wave of Dublin wine bars, this refreshing opener is what the city has been crying out for without even realising. Inside, it resembles the local haunt that you stumble upon on your Spanish holiday and return to every day, working your way through the menu with a smattering of shoddy español. Eyes for detail, owners Peter Hogan and Jumoke Akintola have recreated their very own slice of Spain with Bar Pez- Spanish for fish bar. Small plates are the order of the day, read from the chalk on the blackboard above the kitchen. Unsurprisingly given the team’s proclivity to the underwater realm, it’s mainly fish-based. Much has been talked about the wine list in this place, cleverly grouped based on the wines’ terroir, by ‘oceans’ ‘rivers’ ‘Mountains’, ‘Hills & Plains’ with Burgundy deservingly receiving its very own section.
Did we miss out your favourite spot? Let us know on hello@lovin.com and we'll add it to the list!
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