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Dublin › Temple Bar › The Hairy Lemon
The Hairy LemonBWorth Trying
41- 42 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 NV08, Ireland
· Pub, Bar, Irish pub
· 4.4/5 Google (7990 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Bustling Dublin pub with lively character and hearty Irish staples; great for drinks and classic stews, but service consistency and door policy issues divide opinions.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Hairy Lemon delivers solid neighborhood pub dining with exceptional atmosphere and reliable Irish comfort classics. Strong food quality in stews and pub standards, paired with appealing multi-level design and central location, makes it a worthwhile Dublin stop. However, inconsistent execution in breakfast service and variable attentiveness during peak times prevent it from reaching higher-grade territory—it's a fun, characterful pub that occasionally stumbles on reliability.
Restaurant Summary
Step inside and the place hums with warm, lively energy: multi-level rooms, quirky memorabilia, and nooks that feel tailor-made for a pint and a chat. Reviewers rave about the buzz on busy nights, while one puts it simply: "Packed and fun, the kind of pub you hope to stumble upon." Service swings from friendly to stretched when slammed, and door policies can feel strictly enforced at peak times. In the kitchen, the approach is classic Irish comfort over flash. The Guinness beef stew and lamb stew draw the most praise—rich, tender, and exactly what many crave after sightseeing. Chicken wings and fish and chips are reliable pub favorites. Breakfast is more divisive, with a few misses on eggs and sauces. Value lands well for central Dublin: hearty plates, fair pricing, and portions that make room for another round. Families are welcome, and the dedicated kids menu (goujons, plain pasta, bangers, fish and chips) keeps things easy for picky eaters. It can get loud on weekends, so earlier visits suit younger children. Vegetarians find a few options, but allergy and vegan details are limited—ask before ordering.
At a Glance
- Lively multi-level pub with quirky decor and strong Dublin vibe
- Hearty Irish stews and generous portions earn repeat praise
- Inconsistent service and limited problem resolution during busy times
- Door and dress code enforcement can feel arbitrary to some guests
- Breakfast quality is mixed; stick to stews and pub classics
What Sets It Apart
- quirky_multi_level_pub
- hearty_irish_stews
- sports_screenings
- central_city_convenience
What People Love
- That bustling Dublin pub buzz
- Rich, comforting Guinness stew
- Generous portions that satisfy
- Eclectic decor and window seats for people-watching
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or transactional at peak times; refills and check-splitting not always proactive
- Reports of strict or inconsistently applied door policies (dress code, age, entry)
- Problem resolution sometimes defensive, with dish complaints not refunded or remade
- Review patterns are consistent with a mixed but authentic crowd; severe negatives appear isolated rather than coordinated
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€35-€45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Irish stew or lamb stew for best value-to-satisfaction
- Kids will be happy with goujons or plain pasta; portions are ample
Perfect For
- Post-sightseeing pints and comfort food
- Group catch-ups with sports on TV
- Casual date night in the city centre
- Hearty meal before a night out
Location Insights
Area: Lively central Dublin street near Grafton area; mixed locals and tourists; busy nightlife and pub scene.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic; standard city-centre late-night crowd dynamics.
Nearby: Near shopping streets, offices, attractions, and other pubs; easy to pair with sightseeing.
Temple BarTemple Bar is Dublin's cultural quarter, famous for its lively atmosphere, cobbled streets, and numerous pubs, restaurants, and live music venues. It attracts a diverse crowd looking for entertainment, dining, and socializing in a historic yet energetic setting.
Stephen Street LowerStephen Street Lower is a lively street within the Temple Bar area, known for its mix of traditional pubs and contemporary bars, offering a friendly and informal dining and drinking environment.
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
Sunday10:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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