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Dublin › Temple Bar › The Bankers Bar
The Bankers BarBWorth Trying
Ard Finnan House, Trinity St, Dublin 2, D02 A440, Ireland
· Irish pub, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (2449 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Classic Irish pub near Temple Bar with hearty staples, busy bar energy, good Guinness and chowder; mixed service reports and pricing transparency complaints mean experiences can vary.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Bankers Bar delivers reliable pub comfort with strong food quality—particularly standout chowder and beef and stout pie—and appealing classic charm in a central location. However, inconsistent execution and variable service ranging from welcoming to curt prevent higher grades. It's a worthwhile neighborhood spot for hearty Irish fare and Guinness rather than a destination for polished dining.
Restaurant Summary
A classic Dublin pub with a warm, bustling bar, The Bankers Bar draws both locals and visitors off Trinity Street for Guinness, whiskey flights, and hearty plates. One traveler summed it up: "busy but welcoming, the kind of spot you wander into and end up staying longer." Expect charm and crowd energy more than hush; service ranges from genial to brusque depending on the rush. The cooking skews traditional Irish comfort—beef and stout pie with flaky pastry, richly praised seafood chowder, bangers with smoky gravy, and ample fish and chips. It suits diners craving familiar pub fare over culinary fireworks. Portions are solid, pricing is in line with the city center, and drinks can feel premium, so come for the full pub experience rather than a bargain hunt. Families are fine here thanks to kid-friendly staples like burgers, fries, pasta, and simple sides. No kids menu is listed, but the vegetarian rigatoni, chicken dishes, and desserts keep younger palates covered. Noise and busy evenings may challenge very young children; daytime or early evening is easiest.
At a Glance
- Comforting Irish staples with standout chowder and stout pie
- Attractive classic pub setting in a central location
- Service can swing from friendly to curt during busy periods
- Drinks pricing and receipt transparency questioned by some
- Lively noise levels; not ideal for quiet conversation at peak times
What Sets It Apart
- classic_facade_and_interior
- whiskey_flight_guidance
- hearty_irish_staples
What People Love
- Rich, warming seafood chowder with brown bread
- Flaky beef and stout pie that feels homestyle
- Good pours of Guinness in a beautiful room
- Upstairs space that handles groups comfortably
- Classic pub vibe that feels authentically Dublin
Points of Concern
- Service attitude varies; a minority report rudeness or brusque enforcement of house rules
- Pricing transparency complaints on wine and zero-alcohol pours; ask for receipts if unsure
- Fish and chips quality varies from stellar to underseasoned/heavy batter
- Loud, crowded bar energy at peak times may not suit quiet diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€32-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair chowder with brown bread for a classic combo
- Balance a rich main with a side salad (€3.95)
- Dessert of Bailey's cheesecake (€6.95) offers a light finish
Perfect For
- Hearty pub lunch near Trinity College
- Whiskey tasting with casual bites
- Group meetups in a classic pub room
- Post-sightseeing pints and comfort food
Location Insights
Area: Central, tourist-heavy streets near Temple Bar and Trinity College; lively after-work and visitor crowds.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked city center; typical nightlife bustle with adequate lighting and foot traffic.
Nearby: Steps from Temple Bar pubs, shopping on Grafton Street, and Trinity College attractions.
Temple BarTemple Bar is Dublin's famous cultural quarter, renowned for its lively pubs, restaurants, and arts scene. The area is a hotspot for nightlife and socializing, attracting a diverse crowd looking for traditional Irish music, casual dining, and entertainment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–23:30
Tuesday10:30–23:30
Wednesday10:30–23:30
Thursday10:30–23:30
Friday10:30–00:30
Saturday10:30–00:30
Sunday11:30–23:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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