Pictured: South William
Cheap prices, while not always a deal-breaker, are definitely a factor in the choice of both bar and beverage. Although Tesco cans or a bottle of Revero at the Pav (or in a dodgy flat in Phibsborough) are still a favourite for many before heading out for the night, it can be nice to mix it up with a cocktail or the like in the comfort of one of Dublin’s ever-increasing number of bars. Here’s a list of some of the best places to drink around the city; kind to your Instagram and kind to your bank balance.
Pyg
Home to students, tourists and twenty-somethings alike; this Powerscourt-situated bar is a classic choice for midweek cocktails. Grab a sofa on the Coppinger Row terrace and spend the evening (or mid-lecture break) people-watching, with two cocktails for €13, Monday-Thursday.
Fade St. Social
You may have thought that this is one to save for a nice dinner when the parents come to visit, but for drinks, this is one that’s worth keeping in mind. Come on a Monday for €5 mojitos as well as €5 tapas in the Gastrobar (just make sure to mention the deal!) or head up to the rooftop bar on a Tuesday for half-price classic cocktails (averaging at around €6 each). Happy hour runs Wednesday to Friday, 4-6pm with half price Aperol spritz, Hendrick’s G&Ts and whiskey sours!
South William
New home to club-night C.U.N.T on a Tuesday, the South William Bar is no stranger to good drink deals. Mondays are 50% off all drinks (and €5 pizzas!) while cocktails are half-price every Tuesday and Wednesday. Mimosas are also bottomless for €15 on a Sunday. Keep an eye out on Facebook for even more deals that are often announced last-minute.
Rustic Stone
Not the most obvious choice, but a hidden gem all the same. Perfect for a late Saturday night drink with a bit of extra class. 2 bottles of Prosecco for €50, 5 bottles of Peroni for €18 and classic cocktails are half-price after 11pm in the bar upstairs – just use the side door to get in.
Xico
Mondays at ‘Xico are dangerous and irresistible. Get to the Baggot Street basement early to save disappointment (and avoid a strict over 21s policy) and spend your night indulging in a fantasy fiesta of half-price Mexican food and drink all night from 5pm.
777
Sticking to the Mexican theme, this black box bar on South Great George’s Street is one of the best examples of modern Dublin nightlife. With pumping music and two for €12 margaritas on a Monday night, it’s sure to be messy – just be careful of the high stools at the bar. Try it for 777Sundays where brunch dishes and cocktails alike are €7.77 and an ideal recovery for Saturday’s sins.
The Forty Foot
Taking us outside of the city centre for this last spot. Part of the Wetherspoons franchise, The Forty Foot is well worth the scenic DART trip. All through the week, drinks are at consistently low prices – individual drinks all for under a fiver and pitchers of cocktails are around €10. Take an evening off, enjoy the view; enjoy the prices.
