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Dublin › Stoneybatter › Harkin's Bar & Bistro
Harkin's Bar & BistroBWorth Trying
The Old Harbour, 6 Echlin St, Ushers, Dublin 8, D08 HX3K, Ireland
· Irish pub, Bar & grill, Breakfast restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1129 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual Irish pub near Guinness Storehouse with hearty classics, big tourist draw, good stew and fries, uneven pizza and service; fair prices for the area.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Harkin's Bar & Bistro delivers solid neighborhood gastropub performance with strong food quality in its signature dishes—Beef and Guinness stew and chowder earn consistent praise—but inconsistent execution on burgers and pizza prevents higher standing. Pleasant historic pub character and fair pricing make it a reliable pre- or post-Storehouse stop, though service variability and modest ambiance keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
A few minutes from the Storehouse, this feels like a classic Irish pub with a cozier bistro upstairs. Reviewers describe warm welcomes and quick pre-tour meals, noting walls packed with Guinness memorabilia. One summed it up: "Perfect pit stop before the tour, friendly and fast." The cooking leans toward hearty Irish comfort: Beef and Guinness stew, bacon and cabbage, chowder, burgers, and loaded fries. The staples deliver most reliably, while pizza and some burgers draw mixed notes, so order accordingly. Prices are fair for the location, and portions are satisfying without being huge. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly options like tenders, burgers, pizza, and fries. There is no stated kids menu, but straightforward dishes suit younger eaters; adventurous-only dishes are limited, so picky diners will still find familiar choices.
At a Glance
- Hearty Irish stew and chowder earn consistent praise
- Ideal pre- or post-Guinness Storehouse stop
- Pizza and some burgers can disappoint (dry or frozen-like feel)
- Service varies from friendly to brusque at busy times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Proximity to Guinness Storehouse
- Signature Guinness stew
- Two-level pub and bistro layout
What People Love
- Comforting stew that warms a rainy afternoon
- Friendly bar staff with local tips
- Upstairs room that feels cozy and relaxed
- Fair prices compared with Temple Bar
Points of Concern
- Pizza quality is inconsistent; several call it undercooked or frozen-like
- Burger doneness can skew very well-done unless specified
- Occasional brusque or rushed service during peak tour times
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (€16-19 mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€32-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Order burgers medium if possible; choose stew or chowder over pizza; add GBC Fries for sharing.
Perfect For
- Pre-Guinness lunch or pint
- Casual group meetups
- Comfort-food cravings
- Tourists seeking Irish pub vibes
Location Insights
Area: Tourist-heavy zone by Guinness Storehouse with steady foot traffic, mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe during the day with crowds; standard urban caution at night.
Nearby: Steps from Guinness Storehouse; near St. James's Hospital and industrial heritage buildings.
UshersUshers is a neighborhood characterized by a blend of old Dublin charm and modern redevelopment, with a lively social atmosphere supported by pubs, bistros, and local eateries. The dining scene here is casual yet trendy, appealing to locals and visitors seeking authentic Irish hospitality with contemporary twists.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–23:30
Tuesday10:00–23:30
Wednesday10:00–23:30
Thursday10:00–23:30
Friday10:00–00:30
Saturday10:00–00:30
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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