Atmospheric and Charming – Best Bars for a Date in Dublin
When it comes to picking the right spot to enjoy drinks with a date, great cocktails or a sound wine list are, of course, a must, but also just the beginning.
A venue’s atmosphere is the make-it-or-break-it touch that will ensure a place truly stands out: the right music (or the right silence), lively enough that it’s fun, but quiet enough that you can hear each other, and a team that is able to read the room.
We have listed a multitude of bars and venues in Dublin that cover all bases their own way. From glamorous speakeasies, to chic wine bars, great drinks and brilliant atmosphere are the uniting themes.
Transport yourself back to the 1920s at the Vintage Cocktail Club. The epitome of vintage chic, this spot is adorned with antique furniture and trinkets; it certainly sets the scene for a glamorous evening.
An award-winning cocktail menu awaits, with a long list of drink options for you and your partner to try. Based in Temple Bar, give some of their delicious platters a try alongside your drinks. The roaring twenties await.
Address: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
More info: vintagecocktailclub.com
Under Dublin’s famous umbrellas lies the sophisticated Zozimus. A stylish spot with a vibrant atmosphere, you’ll feel like the coolest couple in town here.
A unique cocktail bar in the heart of the city, you’re spoiled for choice with their extensive cocktail selection, perfectly paired with some of their delicious bar bites. Why not go all out and grab a pizza to share?
Address: Centenary House, Anne’s Lane, Dublin 2
More info: zozimusbar.ie
Café by day, Wine Bar by night, Bestseller on Dawson Street is a wonderful spot for an intimate date. Mood lighting to make it cosy and romantic, surrounded by books, plus wine by the glass – sounds like a treat. Enjoy a charcuterie board with your partner and soak up the beautiful atmosphere at Bestseller.
Address: 41 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
More info: bestsellerdublin.com
The atmospheric lighting here is sure to be the perfect place to enjoy a delightful couples’ evening. For the savvy drinkers, Farrier & Draper is an eclectic spot in the heart of Dublin city centre.
An exquisite collection of spirits, whiskeys and craft beers awaits, if their specialty cocktails aren’t your style. An array of tipples awaits you and your partner, paired with their tasty tapas and bar bites.
Address: Powerscourt Townhouse, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2
More info: farrieranddraper.ie
A chic spot perfect for a little mischief, 9 Below is an intimate speakeasy in the former basement of what was previously the Hibernian Club. This romantic bar is a brilliant place to spend some much needed one-on-one time with your loved one.
An impressive cocktail menu adorned with quaint names to give you and your partner a chuckle, you’ll lose track of time at this stylish bar.
Address: 9 Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
More info: 9below.ie
Peruke and Periwig is a Dawson Street institution at this stage. With a casual downstairs for cosy pints and chatter, or a more intimate and sophisticated area upstairs, come to Peruke to enjoy award winning cocktails inspired by various music genres.
You can arrive just for drinks, or share some of the enticing bites from their snack menu. There is also a full dinner menu filled with decadent dishes of modern Irish inspiration.
Address: 31 Dawson St, Dublin 2
More info: peruke.ie
This chic wine bar combines an inviting list of bottles with the joy of authentic Spanish food and tapas. There is also a good selection of cocktails to start or end your evening.
Whether you wish to sit at a table for two in its modern and elegant main area, or to cosy up in their charming terrace, The Exchequer Wine Bar features a setting that invites conversation and sharing.
Address: 19 Ranelagh Rd, Dublin.
More info: theexchequerwinebar.ie
Dublin’s oldest wine bar is an institution for lovers of a good glass. It ticks all the classic date night boxes: soft light, romantic atmosphere, knowledgeable staff eager to help you pick the perfect wine for your evening from over 350 bottles and 40 options by the glass.
Did we mention both the food and the drinks menu are as French as they come?
Address: 28 Anne St S, Dublin 2
More info: lacavewinebar.com
This venue is an icon of Dublin’s food and drinks scene and a versatile destination with a fantastic cocktail bar. You’ll be on top of the world at their rooftop Winter Garden, a picturesque spot with great views of the city.
You’ll be able to enjoy the views any time of year with their spacious heated area, and paired with superb food and drinks, you’ll certainly enjoy a few intimate hours here with your partner.
Address: 6 Fade St, Dublin 2
More info: fadestreetsocial.com
This contemporary wine bar is located in the heart of Dublin’s stunning Georgian Quarter. A pioneer in the local wine scene, it is a venue set to please both the connoisseur as well as the beginner.
Their enthusiastic and helpful team will help you choose (they’ve over 1,200 different wines plus other world-class drinks), and their laid-back yet elegant setting will offer the ideal stage for brilliant drinks together. They also offer cheese and charcuterie boards and both snacks or dinner menus.
Address: 22 Ely Place, Dublin 2
More info: elywinebar.ie
This wonderful space awaits wine lovers underneath Fallon and Byrne. With over 200 bottles, there is one for each palate. You can enjoy the experience of browsing their shelves and picking up the bottle that excites you, or ask their expert team for a recommendation.
There is a wide selection of cheese and charcuterie to go with it, as well as nibbles, small plates, pizza and pasta.
Address: 11-17 Exchequer St, Dublin 2
More info: fallonandbyrne.com
Set in the heart of the five star Westbury hotel, just off Grafton Street, The Sidecar radiates vintage glamour. Their cocktail menu merges creativity and innovation with classic flavours and its 30’s decor will transport you to a bubble of elegance and luxury.
Wine lovers and G&T enthusiasts will also find a list of enticing options, and for those with an appetite, there is a food menu designed to wow. Yes, of course they do oysters and Champagne.
Address: The Westbury Hotel, Balfe St, Dublin
More info: doylecollection.com
With the Parisian chic at the core of this date spot, you’ll enjoy a glamorous date night at Café en Seine. An iconic restaurant bar on Dawson Street, a recent refurbishment has made this venue even better than ever. A cocktail menu specially curated with Diageo Reserve’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2021 Ireland, Cal Byrne, you’ll be taken aback by how delicious each drink is. Try a few and see which is your favourite! Café en Seine also have a Valentine’s Day Set Menu for €55 per person if you’re trying to make it a dinner and drinks date night. Designed for sharing, you’re sure to love whatever you choose.
Address: 39/40 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
More info: cafeenseine.ie
This speakeasy has strong Great Gatsby energy. It is sexy and sophisticated; think red velvet, blues and jazzy tunes, dim lights and dark wood interiors.
It is the sister bar of The Blind Pig (another great spot worth a visit), and its cocktail menu is one of Dublin’s finest, packed with unique takes on timeless favourites as well as a few unique inventions.
Address: Glendenning Lane just off Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.
More info: thelittlepig.ie
Self-defined as ‘staunchly Irish’, Bar 1661 celebrates the country’s drinks, especially Poitín, which stars in a selection of surprising and multi award-winning cocktails.
Bar 1661 is cosy and elegant, and besides the spirit in the spotlight, it features a variety of craft cocktails and beers (both rotating crafts and Guinness) as well as a neat small plates menu and tempting bar snacks.
Address: 1-5 Green St, Rotunda
More info: bar1661.ie
With several unique spaces, Opium offers a one-stop shop for an evening to remember. Its restaurant area features a delightful selection of Thai and Vietnamese dishes, The Botanical Garden bar offers a magical, leafy escape where summer never ends and its Cocktail Lounge does high end cocktails inspired by the flavours and colours of the East. Give their Japanese Chicken Wings a try, and any of their comforting curry dishes for what’s sure to be a great date night.
Looking to linger longer? Their newly renovated nightclub, ‘Opium Live’ promises a dance floor like no other.
Address: 26 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2
More info: opium.ie
Formerly the Dice Bar, The Big Romance and Whiplash Brewery have teamed up to bring Fidelity to Smithfield. With an appreciation for music, culture, and really delicious drinks, you can guarantee a good time at Fidelity. With plenty of options on draught, tasty cocktails and a buzzy atmosphere, this cool new bar in Dublin should be on your list to visit for a date.
Address: 79 Queen St, Smithfield, Dublin 7
More info: fidelitybar.ie
