Seemor
Dublin › Temple Bar › Porterhouse Temple Bar
Porterhouse Temple BarBWorth Trying
16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 VR94, Ireland
· Irish pub, Beer hall, Gastropub
· 4.5/5 Google (10753 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination Irish pub for craft beer and lively music; food is decent pub fare, but inconsistent service and door policy issues mean the vibe can vary widely.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Porterhouse Temple Bar delivers reliable pub dining with solid food quality and an exceptional craft beer program that draws dedicated visitors. However, inconsistent execution across visits and variable service quality during busy periods prevent a higher grade. Best experienced during quieter daytime hours when the distinctive multi-floor setting and lively atmosphere shine without the service strain of peak crowds.
Restaurant Summary
Spread across multiple floors in Temple Bar, Porterhouse hums with lively energy, shelves lined with bottles and a working-brew vibe. Reviewers describe staff as warm at quieter times and the beer list as a discovery playground. One diner summed it up: "Perfect early evening stop with music just right," though several note that late-night entrance can hinge on strict door policies. The cooking leans classic Irish pub with a comfort-first approach: porter-rich beef stew, fish and chips, wings, burgers, and mussels. Quality is generally solid, especially for beer-paired bites, while a few guests encountered over-busy service and order hiccups. Come for the beer program and casual crowd-pleasers, and you will likely leave happy; come during a rush and allow extra time. For families, daytime is your friend. Kids tend to eat well from familiar staples like burgers, fries, and fish and chips, and there is a vegan burger for plant-based diners. Evenings with bands can be loud and crowded, so earlier visits offer a calmer meal without the bustle.
At a Glance
- Deep craft beer list with house brews and rotating guests
- Classic Irish pub dishes that pair well with beer
- Inconsistent service and error handling during peak times
- Door staff reports include refusals without clear reasoning
- Weekends are packed; expect noise and queues
What Sets It Apart
- house_and_guest_beer_depth
- live_music_nightly
- multi_level_space_with_views
What People Love
- Buzzing multi-floor atmosphere
- Knowledgeable beer recommendations
- Porter-infused beef stew warmth
- Value beer deals like oyster stout specials
- Central, walkable location
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or dismissive at peak, with occasional order mistakes
- Door policy enforcement feels arbitrary to some guests, including refusals at entry
- Noise levels and crowding escalate on weekends; not ideal for quiet conversation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€34-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the Beef & Porterhouse Stew with a malty house ale
- Choose fish and chips if you want a sure-fire classic
- Plant-based diners: Moving Mountain Vegan Burger and vegan fries
Perfect For
- Pre-show pints and pub bites
- Casual group meetups on weeknights
- Beer-focused tastings with live music
- Touring Temple Bar with friends
Location Insights
Area: Touristy, nightlife-heavy quarter with crowds, music, and pub crawls; appeals to visitors and groups.
Safety: Busy, well-patrolled nightlife zone; occasional late-night disorder typical of bar districts.
Nearby: Near River Liffey, Dame Street, shops, hotels, and other iconic pubs with nightly music.
Temple BarTemple Bar is Dublin's famous cultural quarter, renowned for its lively atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and concentration of pubs, restaurants, galleries, and live music venues. It is a hub for nightlife and socializing, popular with visitors and locals looking for entertainment and traditional Irish hospitality.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:30
Tuesday12:00–00:30
Wednesday12:00–00:30
Thursday12:00–01:30
Friday10:00–03:00
Saturday10:00–03:00
Sunday10:00–00:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →