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Categories: Pubs, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near North SideClark/Division (Red)
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
"I was here for the 75th anniversary of Prohibition being repealed and celebrated by eating free food and drinking $.75 beer all afternoon.…" read more »
I love this place. Great food, casual environment, some outside seating, and a great location. The people there are really attentive and the setting is really laid back. It's one of my favorite places to meet up with friends for drinks or lunch. Cozy, casual, fun.
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I walked into this place following the hottest set of glutes in the tightest of jeans one night, and right behind him was a really pretty girl I had the biggest crush on.
She loved this place, the food, the staff...I just wanted her.
The burgers and salads are doable for bar food and at 2 or 3 am its even better, but do yourself a favor and slam your head into the light pole if you walk in sober, because nothing sucks more than being the only sober brain in a room full of marinated meat.
Since i work in the hood, I prefer take out, just phone the order, and pick up from the bar near the back.
I never did get the girl;-(
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This place has the worst service I have ever experienced while dining out in Chicago. Where do I begin? Last Saturday night three girlfriends and I went for the outdoor seating, people watching and rumored good food. Here is what happened:
1. We must have had a brand spanking new waitress. She did not recognize the popular brand of alcohol that my friends wanted to drink. (Effen Black Cherry).
2. We ordered a chicken sandwhich, two salads (one with scallops as an extra) and the "catch of the day" fish. It took over 1 hour to get our food! The waitress did not update us once on the status of our meal, we had to ask and she looked confused and said she would check with the kitchen. When the food came (Finally!!) one salad was missing scallops and the fish was burnt!
3. When the bus boy came to clear our food he spilled sauce on the table in front of my friend and then asked her to take her napkin off her lap so he could use it to wipe the table. Trust me, the moment was more awkward than the words I can think to describe it.
4. With all of the mishaps throughout the evening, we thought we deserved a free round, or a percentage off the bill, so we called the manager over. He was the most awkward, socially inept person any of us have ever had to deal with. He informed us that he was sorry, but it was a Saturday night and the restaurant was busy. HELLO! All restaurants are busy on Saturday nights, especially in the Gold Coast! He then asked us what he should do about it. Why not just handle it professionally and suggest a discount or something? We eventually settled on a round of drinks off the bill. When the bill came, all of my beers were off the tab, none of the hard drinks that the other girls ordered. How cheap and un- professional.
FYI - I am only giving them one star because I loved my Seafood Salad.
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The food wasn't bad, the place felt cool and the service was good. The Guinness on tap there is comparable to pints I've had in Ireland, though, more like the pubs frequented by tourists. ^.^ Not that I'm complaining. Good Guinness is appreciated.
Now, the fish and chips are unexpected. Reasons: 1) They're not like any fish and chips I've had at other pubs in the US or Ireland 2) They're not caked in batter 3) They're really tasty!!! I love a good plate of fish and chips. While this wasn't the style I'm used to (it feels really Chicago-ized), it was good! Try it with the hot sauce! Try it with the malt! Try it with your mouth, even.
With a name like "Dublin's", I was expecting it to be really cheesy inside. You know, which Irish flags all over the place and cartoon leprechauns leering at you. It totally isn't. It's cool, it's a bar. With bar food that won't kill you.
I am giving it four stars for food and atmosphere. It was a 1 on service when i went there. we were just unlucky- we had a waitress that was just so rude. I actually prefered to tip the busser cause he did everything for her- all she did was take our order, roll her eyes when we moved inside, did not smile once...pretty much acted like we put her out by being there. I understand that she may have been the only waitress and had a lot of tables, but instead of acting like a bitch all she had to do was apologize and say i'm sorry- that its a bad day. I wanted to say to her, if i wanted you come to a pub and get your service I would have gone to Durkins. The food is great though! All of us loved what we ordered. I'd definitely go back, and just stay clear of that waitress.
Yummy food even late night and the best people-watching spot for summer outdoor dining!!
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This is my go-to bar when I am in downtown and I just want a neighborhood type bar, but good food. Its like if Smith & Wollensky had a 3rd cousin, then it would be Dublin's. It has great service, white linen cloth & napkins on the tables, but its the size of a postage stamp. The clientele can range from the fraternity guys screaming at the TVS for the Wisco game to the business men doing their 'side deals" and the old couple that just came in to get a hot drink. For it being in the middle of the Gold Coast aka Viagra Triangle, it is a decent neighborhood bar that I love cozying up to and getting reaquainted with my Chicago gals.
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I was in Chicago last month for a weekend and stayed at the Sutton Place Hotel, ended up at Dublin's every night. Great beer selection, the service was friendly and we met some fun people!
Ending each night there ran a close second to seeing John Cusack on Rush Street.
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Sybil, maybe. Okay, there are only two distinctive personalities at Dublins and I love them both. First, there is the late night Dublins, the slightly naughty personality where after a night out in the Gold Coast, its serves good reliable food that everyone in your group of picky friends or total strangers can agree on. They serve it late, very late...in fact as late as they possibly can. They serve it well, with decent, friendly servers, exceptional bartenders and Beata the hostess who keeps it all under some semblence of control. I've had late night noshes and cocktails with everyone from Rod Stewart to the kitchen staff from Gibsons, MLB players and barflys galore. Always reliable and always open 365. Trouble is always lurking in the shadows but never really shows its ugly face. Always a smart move to stop in, have something to eat and call it a night. The one late night place thats still safe for me to go to.
Then there is your day time Dublins, the sweet and innocent one where you can sit at the bar and have a sandwich and the bartender will watch the game with you or leave you alone to read the newspaper he happily hands to you. Your choice. Always filled with industry people, day or night. Always see a familiar face. Always treated well. Great people watching from the sidewalk cafe where I have spent many an afternoon watching the world go by and have never been asked to leave or felt rushed for them to turn the table.
Excellent beer selection and really decent menu with everything from escargot to cheeseburgers to filet, not just standard bar food. Always sports on the plasma but there is only one, not twenty. There are always regulars that will make you feel welcome and scoot over a stool or two to give you your space.
I should deduct a star or so for the awful bathrooms and the eternal wait at night since there is only one stall but to be honest, it is where I have engaged in some pretty interesting conversations, seen some wild things go down and got invited to a Cubs Pirates game by one of the Pirates(and yes, the tickets were actually at will call the next day!) but would have to give then right back for the times I've had lunch here on Christmas because I've worked till 4am at private parties on Christmas Eve and wasn't quite ready to deal with family. Or the numerous times I've gotten my butt kicked at work and didn't have a chance to eat and they have served me something even after last call.
Always reliable. Always comfortable. Always a familiar face.
(in the interest of full disclosure, I do know the owner very well, but unfortunately, I NEVER see him here since it is random when I pop in . I know that he knows many, many people so I can assure you the service I get has nothing to do with our friendship. Nor do the stars!)
I love Dublins. GREAT date place (if you don't mind valet parking...)
I highly recommend the Nacho's and the Caribbean jerk chicken. (This place is Irish, right?)
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This place has surprisingly good food for being a "Irish Pub" on the Gold Coast. The price really helps as well. The folks came in for a Tuesday afternoon so we hit up this place for a late lunch early dinner. We were very happy with our meals: salad, sandwiches, burger, beer. The service was great and they were kind about dietary restrictions which is always a plus. For the area, it is a nice combination to leave an eatery satiated, pleased with the service and not broke.
Food is good, bar is fun. Nice little place you got here. Plus if you are lucky, you can run into one of the many high end hookers that troll the Gold Coast nightlife.
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Worst ambiance. Overpriced. But the food is pretty decent. And they have HUGE portions. A good fall-back place.
To really appreciate Dublins you have to understand that it's not four stars because of the food or anything. They have four stars because the kitchen is open very late. Everyday of the week, even the dreaded and close early day known as Sunday. Every day of the week their kitchen is open until 3 am. Which is amazing, because in Chicago late night food can be hard to come by.
The food here is average, you'll be happy with it. But you won't really rave about it, and think " damn this is too good." The food here is alright, it's just not amazing.
The real saving point for this is how late the kitchen is open, 3am. Because when it's late and I'm hungry my options are limited. If a person doesn't want fast food or diner food what is a person supposed to do? Sure lots of restaurants claim to be open late, and some of them are open late. But good late night food can be hard to find, and even harder to find on a Sunday night.
The space inside is small and cramped, and always busy.
Overall I do like this place, but just as a late night place to grab some food from.
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I live nearby and I'm a little puzzled as to why this place is always SO crowded. The prices are not cheap (for a few bucks more, you could eat at nice restaurants), and I don't think they play music or anything, so I guess it's the location... Had the food, not bad, seemed typical to me. If anything, they do have anexpansive selection of things on the menu/specials. Maybe b/c I haven't tried any of the non-traditional bar food... Not knockin' the place, just wondering why it's always so packed...
I have lived in Chicago for over 10 years and have been going to Dublins for just as long.
I love this place and the food is outstanding for a pub! It's a gastropub, for sure. Also, it's open til 4 am and 365 days a year. How can you beat that??
Dublin's is a great place. The food is fantastic, and the staff are very attentive. It is a GREAT place to sit outside and people watch. You see all types from the wanna be celebrities to the old dudes wearing gold chains and too muc cologne. The only reason it gets 3 stars is b/c later at night the inside of the place is filled with smoke. If that is your thing, then you will love the secondhand smoke..you could probably leave your cigs at home and still get your fix.
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when a restaurant has good BREAD, that's a good indicator that they have good food. this theory hardly ever fails me.
dublins has some awesome BREAD and everyone knows I LIKE BREAD. it's chewy without being too doughy, it's got a great crust and it does it's thing with the olive oil + p'sean like no other! dublins is my go-to spot if i want a good salad, they have many choices for all of you lettuce heads:
- blackened chicken + shrimp (not hot; it's got avocado, tomatoes and add in some hearts of palm. get it with the house dressing and also ask for mustard dill dressing on the side, trust me on this!)
- the mediterranean (fresh mozz, hearts of palm,+more i forgot, but all good stuff)
- seared scallops salad
the salads are HUGE, so unless you're super hungry it makes sense to split. in the summer, the outdoor seating is great and the people watching in the viagra triangle could not be better!
(this restaurant group owns: Bijan's, Old Town Brasserie and the newly opened D2 (the next Dublins generation in Streeterville at the bottom of the Streeter)).
After being dragged kicking and screaming to Hunt Club across the street there's nothing better then making up for the night and finishing out at Dublins. It's the best late night food. I should try it during normal hours one day to see if it's really that great or if its just the Effen black cherry and diet cokes talking!
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Dublins, Your food is just OK.
Your servers are pleasant.
But they forgot to tell us that the plates are scorching hot and i burnt my thumb and forefinger. Shall i post the photo of my burns?
Oh and the lemonade sucked. But, the shrimp rigatoni was marvelous! Spinach and all! Is that even irish?
The staff uses the same 2 bathrooms we have to use, and its quite unappetizing seeing them go from behind the stove to the bathroom and back to the stove. without removing their aprons. gross.
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Stopped by here for a beer the other night after the bar we were at closed, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!
Dublin's was crowded even at 2:00a.m. on a Tuesday night! There were plenty of the typical suspects, off duty cops, service industry workers, and people like us looking for one more drink that we probably didn't need!
We didn't eat but the people next to us did and their food looked good- which is saying alot as we had just come from Gibson's and were stuffed!
The bartender was personable and efficient and told us that we could get food all night as it is a 4am bar! I think I'll store that away for another night when I am hungry and wandering around the area!
If you are driving- parking in this area is bad- however there is a public garage about two blocks down on the east side of the street. Pricey- but what isn't in this neighborhood?
Stop by for a beer, grab a bite to eat or watch a game on the tube. You might even see me there as I'm sure I'll be back on another night when I want one more drink that I don't need in the wee hours of the morning!
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Great food, great value, good service. One of the best burgers in Chicago, the best salads (try the Mediterranean), and amazing corned beef. The lamb shank is one of the best kept secrets in the 'hood.
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This place is always open. Their food is tasty and located in the heart of the Gold Coast. For a drink, a burger, or peppered steak, this place appeals to any appetite. Park in the neighborhood and walk a little, you won't die. Just be sure not to park on Elm or Cedar too late or they'll ticket your ass just as sure as your reading this review.
Went here for an early dinner on Sunday while we were in the area. They had a great patio for sitting outside in the nice weather. Decent food - the Spanish bruschetta and the baked brie were delicious. However, the nachos were pretty gross, the refried beans in particular. You will pay for it though. The meal was on the expensive side but not surprising given the area.
I really do not like this place for one reason. The bartenders here are really rude. Specifically a taller, short-haired brunette. I've been in several times because I had a friend that lived close and everytime we had this one person I wanted to throw my tab in her face and walk out. I think she may be confused and really believe she is working in Coyote Ugly.
Otherwise the place is alright and the kitchen is open late, which is good, but avoid the bar in the middle of the room and try to get a waitress if you can. They seem to be some of the only people that try to be nice to the customers...
If its 2 am and you want to go out for some food, dont think your limited to rubbery omelets at Tempo or Michaels North. This place serves GREAT food until closing, which is 4 am on saturdays i believe. Amazing burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. I always get the goat cheese and marinara. Love this little middle-of-the-night restaurant quality dining spot/crowded bar.
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The food here is better than I though it would be, but you pay accordingly. There aren't a lot of cheap eats on the menu here. Parking is a nightmare. The atmosphere is pretty good once you're inside though. My ribeye steak sandwich was pretty good, nothing to write home about. Fries are of the generic frozen ridge cut variety. My friend got taken to the cleaners for his fish "special". My other friend's salad looked really good though; I should have gotten that.
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I used to live in this area of town due to work, and Dublin's was a frequent stop. Get this first off, I don't like Irish Pubs, I'm not a beer drinker, but I do get hungry... I must say, their waffle-cut fries and sandwiches are quite better (and quite more giant) than I would have ever expected. The atmosphere is super cramped, the service is sub-par. The place is always full of drunk old men shouting at the television set...but, if you're hungry, this place is a good option if you're in the area...beats most places along that strip for a casual meal.
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Small little pub in the heart of the Viagra Triangle doesn't disappoint. Great service at the bar, even when crowded. Haven't tried the food, but it looks good!
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Simply put, this place is great. If you're in the Rush/Division area and feel like having a casual burger and beer, this is your place. Great people watching, good seating inside and out.
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They best way to tell if a restaurant/bar is good:
Other restaurant/bar employees hang out there.
There are always tons of employees from the area there.
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I really like this pub. I think they have great food. I've tried a bunch of different things from the burgers to the pasta and everything is good.
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Go for: spinach artichoke dip, just about any appetizer drinks, ziti vodka with shrimp (made with marscapone cream, YUM), and the hostess who is a total sweetheart and yet can kick some ass if she has to.
Stay away from: the crowd on the weekends, fresh fish specials (usually overpriced and not so good).
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Dublin's started out as my late night dining place right out of college. Then one night I realized that the food was actually good enough to eat for lunch or even (gasp)...dinner. The Dublin's menu has options which are at a much higher level than you would expect based on the atmosphere there. They have excellent salads, pastas and burgers. Specifically, I love the bowtie pasta and the chicken etoufee.
Dublin's is a great casual restaurant/bar for a good burger or salad. It's also open 24 hours if you are out partying in the gold coast and need a late night snack! The service is good as well. My friends and I were being a huge pain the last time we ate here and kept asking to switch tables since we were too cold, didn't like our spot, etc. They didn't even mind we were playing musical chairs and were happy to help!
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Food is so good here. I can't get enough. I tried their steak, pasta, and seafood. I like them all but do not order corn beef and cabbage. It looked like barbarian food in stone ages. You couldn't cut it up and cabbage came in big thick chunks. Order steak and fries!
Almost everynight is busy here but you will be seated within 15-20 minutes. I highly recommend come here for food.
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I just dined here the other night and had a great salad. It was a good size. We were able to sit outside on which was great since Rush street is great for people watching. Its also open late night, so if you are hungry after a drunken night you can always here there!
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The fun Irish Pub downtown has much better food than most of the bars I've been to. The last time I was here I had some sort of salad with meat on it (I can't remember what it was called) and it was really good. I've also had the burgers, which are very good as well. It does get crowded here, but the few times I've had to wait it's only been for a few minutes. Service is great- they get you and in and out of here in record time.
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It was such a nice day out that my friends and I just had to spend it walking around and eating lunch outside. I didn't think we would be able to get an outside table at Dublins on the spot, but we did. I was craving a cheeseburger and this place hit the spot. Great french fries too!
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This was the only restaurant in Chicago that carded me while I lived there--best part--my waiter was 16! I guess it was kind of flattering, but weird, I was with my Mom and Dad!!
Pretty good pub food, nice salads and good appetizers. The pastas are a bit rich--you're better off going across the way to Carmine's if that's what you're looking for. My friend Kate loves the late night menu.
It can get a bit loud and crowded inside, if there's no wait I suggest the outside seating.
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