Budget Friendly Eats
in Dublin

My take: Tea and coffee shop on Essex Street in Temple Bar, with an open fire inside and big windows facing the cobblestones. Ireland's first specialty tea shop, so the tea list runs deep, but they also do all-day breakfast. We had the breakfast bagel and a flat white. Easy spot to start the day before Temple Bar gets busy. Dublin Castle and Trinity College are both a short walk from here.

My take: Café built into a restored vintage tram on Wolfe Tone Square, north side of the river behind Jervis Street Shopping Centre. Dark emerald green exterior, booths inside the tram itself, big canopied outdoor seating in the square. We grabbed a coffee and a cinnamon bun. Fun spot for a break if you're shopping north of the river or walking up to O'Connell Street.

My take: Neighborhood coffee shop on Francis Street in The Liberties. Specialty coffee, in-house pastries from Bold Boy Bakery, and a brunch menu that rotates. We had the avocado toast with fried eggs and hot sauce, the cruffin, and a flat white. At night the same space becomes Notions, a small wine bar. St Patrick's Cathedral is a few minutes from here if you want to walk after.

My take: Victorian pub on Aungier Street with an interior that hasn't really changed in over a century. Marble bar, mosaic floor tiles, mahogany woodwork, original cash booth still there. No TVs, no music, just conversation. We came for a pint of Guinness. St Stephen's Green is a five-minute walk if you want to stretch the legs after.

My take: Old Dublin pub on South William Street, no TV, no music, just pints and toasties. The ham and cheese toastie is what people come for. Cash only. The outside tables are the move on a sunny day with half of Dublin in the spillover. The George's Street Arcade is a minute away if you want to wander after.

My take: Traditional Irish pub in The Liberties on Lower Clanbrassil Street, near St Patrick's Cathedral. Live music sessions multiple nights a week, Saturday afternoons especially when the Irish music starts at 4pm. We came for the Guinness and the music. Cheaper than the city centre pubs and less touristy than Temple Bar. Teeling Distillery is a few minutes away if you want to keep going.

My take: American-style spot on Temple Bar Square, open since 1989. The chicken wings are what they're famous for, with house buffalo, chipotle hot honey, or gochujang sauces. Burgers too, plus all-day breakfast. No reservations and usually a wait. Wednesdays they do bottomless wings and fries for €20 for an hour if you're hungry. Easy enough to walk Temple Bar after for the music and pubs.

My take: Traditional Irish restaurant upstairs on Temple Bar Square. Small room, dark wood interior, close tables. The Wicklow lamb shank, cottage pie, Dublin coddle, and Guinness stew are the moves. Full bar with Guinness on tap. Temple Bar pubs are right outside for after.

My take: Italian spot in the city centre. Pizza, pasta, risotto, and shareable starters like the Garlic Bombes (a tear-and-share garlic bread). We came for the Rustica pizzas, the thin rectangular ones with crispy bases. Reliable budget Italian when you want something filling and predictable. Grafton Street and Trinity College are both a short walk away.