Seemor

Old Fashioned Sam’sC+?Proceed Cautiously

Name: Old Fashioned Sam’s
Address: 19 Montague St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, D02 ED60, Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
Rating: 4.6

19 Montague St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, D02 ED60, Ireland · Cocktail bar, Bar & grill, Event venue · 4.6/5 Google (280 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Stylish multi-level restaurant-bar with standout cocktails and event spaces; food can impress but inconsistency and service delays appear too often.

Why it gets a C+? for overall quality

⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Old Fashioned Sam's delivers an exceptional setting with Gatsby-inspired decor and a strong cocktail program, but inconsistent food execution and service pacing hold it back. Food quality splits between polished plates and bland dishes, while waits stretch to 80 minutes on busy nights. This grade reflects significant uncertainty—unusual review patterns in the data make it difficult to fully trust reported quality metrics, and the restaurant performs best as a cocktail destination rather than a reliable dining choice.

Restaurant Summary

Step into a multi-level space that feels stylish and Gatsby-tinged, with plush parlour rooms and a buzz that swings from calm to DJ-driven. Service ranges from warm and attentive to stretched on busy nights, as one diner put it, "we felt looked after upstairs, but waited a while for drinks downstairs." However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans modern European with subtle fusion touches—think gochujang burgers, dry-aged steak with maple glace, and crowd-pleasing wings. When the kitchen is on, plates taste polished and pair beautifully with the strong cocktail program; off nights bring bland or lukewarm dishes and slower pacing. Book if you want a chic setting with cocktails first, food second. Families can do fine here with familiar options like wings, burgers, and fries, but the venue is cocktail-led and some mains feel chef-driven. There is at least one vegetarian main and a few veg/vegan sides, though reviews note limited variety. No dedicated kids menu mentioned—good for adaptable eaters, less ideal for picky ones.

At a Glance

Striking decor and flexible event spaces
Cocktails are a consistent highlight
Food and service consistency vary by night
Waits for food and drinks reported at peak times
Private areas (rooftop/parlour) often booked and unavailable to diners

What Sets It Apart

stylish_parlour_event_space
cocktail_program_strength
multi_level_layout

What People Love

Feeling pampered by friendly servers on good nights
Beautiful, immersive design
Balanced, photogenic cocktails
Versatile spaces for celebrations

Points of Concern

Service delays for food and cocktails, including 60-80 minute waits in several reports
Kitchen inconsistency: bland or lukewarm dishes contrasted with strong meals on other visits
Item unavailability at peak times surprised guests
Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (staff name repetition, polished marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€42-64 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians: Heirloom bruschetta plus fries and hummus offers a fuller meal.
If sharing: Wings and croquettes pair well with citrus-forward cocktails.
Seafood lovers: Ask about fish freshness and preparation timing before ordering.

Perfect For

Date night with cocktails first
Birthday or corporate events in a private room
Pre-club drinks near Harcourt Street
Small groups seeking a stylish setting

Location Insights

Area: Central Dublin near Camden and Harcourt nightlife; social, cocktail-forward crowd with event traffic.

Safety: Busy, well-trafficked city zone; typical late-night crowds, generally safe with standard urban awareness.

Nearby: Close to Harcourt Street venues, offices, and nightlife; useful for celebrations and pre/post drinks.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–23:30 Tuesday12:00–23:30 Wednesday12:00–23:30 Thursday12:00–23:30 Friday12:00–00:30 Saturday12:00–00:30 Sunday12:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →