Barfly: The Pint
28 Eden Quay, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 8745255
Yes, it really is called 'The Pint'. Sitting unassumingly in the shadow of Liberty Hall, Dublin's tatty excuse for a sky-scraper, this newly refurbished establishment is at pains to woo you with its down-to-earth design and lack of pretension.
Hence the no-nonsense name -- to say nothing of the fuss-free decor and chilled-out ambiance. In a city where bouncers still seem to get a delicious thrill out of uttering the words "not tonight, bud", The Pint has a refreshingly laid-back door policy, even on busy weekends.
Decor-wise, the intention, it appears, is to combine the best of the traditional auld fellas' boozer with the Brooklyn dive-bar (that's a compliment by the way).
Very much a pub of split identities, The Pint rustles up a mean carvery during the day -- there's even a proper food counter down the back.
Come nightfall, though, it reaches for its vintage treads and goes straight for the hipster euro.
Upstairs plays host to a DJ collective by the unlikely moniker The Laundry (let's hope it's not a wash out -- boom boom), downstairs vintage beats and beautiful young people rub up against blue collar-types chugging stout.
Here's one pint you'll want to enjoy all the way to the end.
In the glass: Pint of stout: €4.30, pint of lager €4.80
On the stereo: Indie pop
At the bar: Salty locals, trendy types
And? Free salsa lessons every Sunday at 7pm
- Ed Power
Irish Independent
