37 Dawson Street

This opulent bar on Dublin’s vibrant Dawson Street formerly Ron Black’s is a treat for the eyes, the space chock full of antiques with ornate curtains, custom made sofas, moose heads and a fireplace. Large windows let the light pour in to the place, which is large and sprawling with four distinct bar areas throughout the building, each one with its own character. The rooms are filled with curios, with antiquated bookshelves juxtaposed with bright bursts of neon there’s even a full-sized buffalo – this place is pure theatre. The extensive cocktail list offers various twists on traditional drinks as well as a range of house concoctions. Try the No 37 Bloody Mary, a mix of Absolut vodka stirred with a mix of eleven different spices, condiments and juices, if you need a pick-me-up. A low-lit Whiskey Bar is to the back of 37 Dawson Street, with its own separate entrance, is something of a haven, like something from an earlier, more elegant age, richly furnished the bar stocks a great selection of whiskies, including 37 from Ireland as well as a range of Scotches, bourbons and Japanese whiskies. The second floor dining room is also suitably exuberant in design, its menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients. They do a nice line in sliders (very on-trend) and you should save room for their chocolate and stout mousse. The bar opens late and while the place is convivial and stylish during the day, both the atmosphere and the volume kick up a gear as night draws in.