Dublin weekend guide: The Liquor Rooms, Bison Bar and BBQ By Tomo Kemebry
Words: Tom Kembery
The Liquor Rooms
Have you ever been somewhere so cool that the designers can cover a whole wall with old fire places and no one blinks and eye? A place where you'll find your granny's old sink in the restroom? A place that quite simply is a door to a wonderland? NO?! Well, follow us down the Rabbit Hole (we don't lie.. the entrance is literally a Rabbit Hole) into the world of "The Liquor Rooms".
The Liquor Rooms doesn't like to give a lot away. Hit their website and you find only a simple site that gives no details other than the address and a link to their Facebook and Twitter pages……but we do like a bit of mystery here at HOTHOT. Walking down Wellington Quay, we almost missed the black door with simple signage and a woman with a clipboard standing in the door way. "Are you on the guest list?" she asks. Guest list? For a bar? But yes, we were. A guest list can only mean one thing… Cool! It is clearly popular and as we enter the Rabbit Hole, we notice that nearly all the tables have reserved signs on them, so we would advise guests to call or email ahead to make sure you get a good spot. You definitely don't want to miss out!
Imagine a Bohemian world where anything goes. The Liquor Rooms is sectioned off into different themed rooms with mismatched tables and clashing fabrics. First, you enter the Black Rabbit Room, a nice space with a large bar that has a spectacular a pink-and-white circus tent ceiling. Followed by the Boom Boom Room, what we like to call Fireplace Heaven - the home of the fireplace feature wall. Complete with a burlesque-style stage, The Liquor Rooms get the tunes pumping here on a Friday and Saturday night with some amazing acts and entertainment. You then enter the Blind Tiger Room, where there is a second bar and finally end up in the Mayflower Room, an inside room with an outside feel. Four delightfully creative venues in one!
We were shown to our table at the bar in the Black Rabbit Room, to a lovely velvet booth where we were introduced to our bartender, who was going to tickle our tastebuds and make us to some amazing cocktails. All the bartenders at The Liquor Rooms are trained professionals in the art of mixing and even produce their own syrups each day for the nights' events. Cocktails are a big deal over in Dublin and I have to say that these were quite simply the best during our travels! Each cocktail is unique with the prettiest garnishes (we can honestly say that we've never had rose petals in a cocktail before!) and our favourites were the Billionaire, Fraise Sauvage and Mai Tai. They may appear small at first glance but they are delicious and very, very potent! It just goes to show that it's about the quality of the mix and not the size… Lesson learned from the Irish!
As the night continued, we decide it was time to soak up some of the alcohol and taste the bar munches, opting for a selection of treats including the duck spring rolls (which were suggested to us by our waitress) chilli prawns, a portion of nachos, corn dogs with mustard mayo, 3 huge slider burgers and skinny fries. The food here is fantastic, offering a tasty range which is perfect for sharing. The Liquor Rooms aren't stingy on their portions sizes :-) so don't be shy and dig in. But beware of the nachos… you won't beat them!!
The Liquor Rooms is one of Dublin's coolest venues. You'll be very inspired and will (accidentally) get pretty drunk on their fantastic cocktails! And don't forget to check out the restrooms… You'll have to visit yourself to find out why.
Enjoy!
7 Wellington Quay,
Dublin 2.
T: 0873393688.
Bison Bar & BBQ
Located a few meters away from The Liquor Rooms on Wellington Quay, this bar is where all the cool kids hang out. Entering through the saloon doors, we felt like we had just stepped into the Wild West. We were greeted by a huge bison head on the wall, quirky stools with saddle seats and window which you can climb out to get to the smoking area… 10/10 for originality! Essentially, the bar is a glorified pub, but you will feel very welcome here. With an old oak bar ran by the friendliest of staff, you won't fail to yourself.
Bison Bar is well-known for its amazing BBQ, but unfortunately, our weekend was so action-packed and we didn't get to eat here :( but we did sample a few of their special whiskey cocktails (they offer over 120 different whiskeys!). If you're not a fan of whiskey, then you can opt for one of their craft beers instead.
So, if you're looking for a friendly place with a lot of character, then head to the Bison Bar. A guaranteed manly and meaty affair (Ladies welcome too, of course!)
Bison Bar and BBQ
11 Wellington Quay
Dublin 2
Octagon Bar
If you're looking for a quiet, sophisticated bar in the heart of Dublin, then this is the bar for you. Catering for an older crowd, the bar is located in The Clarence Hotel, owned by U2 frontman Bono. It 's an intimate surrounding with open fires and comfy sofas, perfect for winding down or starting a night in Temple Bar, whatever takes your fancy! The staff are eager to whip up their most interesting cocktails so be sure to take advantage.
