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Dublin › Temple Bar › The Bank on College Green
The Bank on College GreenB+Worth Trying
20-22 College Green, Dublin 2, D02 C868, Ireland
· Pub, Gastropub, Irish pub
· 4.5/5 Google (6650 reviews)
Reservations
Historic showpiece pub serving solid crowd-pleasing fare in a spectacular room; great for atmosphere, sometimes inconsistent on food and service.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Bank on College Green competes well with the area's better neighborhood restaurants through exceptional setting appeal in a restored banking hall and strong service attentiveness. Solid food quality shines with signature chowder and pork chop, but inconsistent execution on steaks and seafood prevents grade A territory. The central location and lively atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for gastropub fare, though reliability varies.
Restaurant Summary
The first thing you notice is the room: a soaring former banking hall with stained glass and ornate plasterwork that feels warm and bustling. People gush about the setting and a pianist sometimes adds a lively, elegant soundtrack. One diner summed it up: "The building alone makes the visit, and the team kept things moving." Expect energy, not hush, and appreciate the central location for sightseeing. The cooking leans elevated pub fare over theatrics: chowder with Guinness bread, fish and chips, a popular pork chop, and a burger that satisfies. It is a produce-driven gastropub ethos with occasional modern touches rather than fusion fireworks. Most meals are hearty and well-executed, though steaks can run tough and specials like Sunday roasts sometimes sell out; book and ask what is on. For families, the menu is workable: fish and chips, burgers, spaghetti Alfredo, and breakfast plates suit many kids. There is no explicit kids menu, and the room gets busy, so early seatings are smoother. A few reports of unhelpful door staff aside, most families do fine—just plan ahead in this busy city-center spot.
At a Glance
- Spectacular historic interior with lively atmosphere
- Chowder, pork chop, and breakfast draw consistent praise
- Steaks and occasional seafood doneness vary
- Popular items like Sunday roast can sell out
- Central location ideal for sightseeing
What Sets It Apart
- grand_historic_bank_hall
- live_piano_ambience
- central_sightseeing_location
What People Love
- The wow-factor banking hall setting
- Comforting chowder with warm brown bread
- A huge, satisfying pork chop
- Friendly servers who keep things moving
- Live piano adding a classy vibe
Points of Concern
- Steak quality is inconsistent; several guests report toughness
- Stock issues: Sunday roast or sides occasionally unavailable
- A few reports of curt host or manager interactions
- Bathrooms cleanliness occasionally criticized at busy times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€42-€62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with chowder (€13) then fish and chips (€22) for classic value
- Pork chop (€29) is a hearty single-plate option
- Full Irish breakfast (€17.50) for morning visits
Perfect For
- Showing visitors a grand Dublin dining room
- Pre- or post-sightseeing lunch near Trinity College
- Casual celebrations without white-tablecloth formality
- Solo bar meal with a pint and chowder
Location Insights
Area: Historic city-center hub near Trinity College; tourist-heavy, office workers by day, lively evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled and busy; typical city-center crowds late evenings.
Nearby: Steps from Trinity College, Grafton Street shopping, and Temple Bar nightlife; strong footfall and sightseeing traffic.
Dublin 2Dublin 2 is a bustling urban area combining commercial offices, retail, and entertainment venues. It has a lively dining scene with a mix of traditional pubs, modern gastropubs, and international restaurants, attracting a diverse crowd throughout the day and evening.
College GreenCollege Green is a prominent public space and transport hub in Dublin, surrounded by historic buildings and popular pubs. It is a busy area with a mix of casual and upscale dining options, often busy with both daytime workers and evening socializers.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–23:30
Tuesday10:30–23:30
Wednesday10:30–23:30
Thursday10:30–23:30
Friday10:30–01:00
Saturday10:30–01:00
Sunday11:00–23:30
Available: Reservations
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