Portobello Hotel

Pub crawled to this place (in an almost literal sense)
Was surprised by the (relatively) cheap Pints, the quite ambiance (good for a group of friends), the usual guy on a guitar singing on a pub kind of thing (oh and you bet it had some Oasis ballad — though thankfully not Wonderwall).
But it doesn’t seem to be «the coolest place around» (or maybe it was, I dunno, 30 years ago or something). Crowd is mixed. So if your entourage followed you there, happy days.

4 Euro pints of everything, right next to the canal. What are you waiting for?

This is a great hotel a bit out of the way but with a lovely view of the canal and very reasonable prices worth a visit. The bar is shockingly large and they have live music on many nights as well.

Pretty standard pub. There are locals sitting at the bar arguing loudly but keeping to themselves, actually gives it a nice sort of vibe. Kind of like the biggest pub in a small town: there’s no set demographic and people feel comfortable enough to just hang with friends. Nothing makes this place stand out in particular, but there is a good view and the beer is cheap. Three stars.

This hotel was a little off the beaten path, but the weather was lovely, so the one mile walk into Temple Bar each day was no sweat.
We arrived in Dublin (from the states) at 8:30 am. Check-​in at the hotel isn’t until 2pm so we had nowhere go (much less to rest) in the interim. A noon check in would be a little more feasible. I couldn’t be mad about it. It was probably written in the small print of our reservation. I also understood that the hotel was at capacity. I asked if we could lay down on the sofas in the lobby and was told no. Again, I understood, but had wished there’d been somewhere for us to go and get a little shut eye.
The hotel staff was very apologetic about it, offering to hold our luggage while we walked around for 5 hours, waiting for check-​in. The rest of our 5 day stay, they all bent over backwards to help us out with cabs, tours, directions, suggestions etc.
The beds were incredibly comfortable. There is a little bar directly below, on the 1^st floor, which is convenient. I was upset — to put it mildly — that the bartender «offered» us Baby Guiness drinks, then charged us 14 euro each. We’d each ordered a few Guiness already and thought he was offering us a small one, on the house. Turns out, a Baby Guiness is a shot made from Baileys (or something to that affect) and topped with Guiness. As far as I was concerned, the shot should have been 4 euro and the teaspoon of Guiness should have cost nothing. The same shot at the Hard Rock Café in Temple Bar cost 5 euro. Needless to say, we paid the 14 euro but did not return to bar for the rest of our trip.
There is a nightclub directly around the corner (in the basement) called «Rain» and entry is free if you are a hotel guest. It was actually cooler than what it looked from the outside.
The bathroom in our hotel room was large and has a nice size tub. There’s also a grocery store a block away that carries just about everything you could need (beer to band-​aids).
We heard strange banging noises throughout our first 2 nights. I’m not sure if it was the furnace or a ghost. Either way, it stopped by our 3^rd night.
Our room was on the 3^rd floor, so we had to hoof it up and down the stairs (unaware if there was an elevator) but we could use the exercise after the huge «Authentic» Irish breakfast we’d had each morning in the hotel restaurant. That ran about 8 euro… but it was really big and tasty.
If I went back to Dublin, I would stay at this hotel again for sure. The cost and comfort were a good deal.

This is one of those bars I go to after I have had a lot of beer at another bar.
Much like Rody’s I prefer it in the middle of the week because the douche bag quota is far less than on a Saturday night. It also helps if I am with any number of visiting friends who speak Czech. It is amazing how quickly Douchey guys get scared off when you start yelling «Swans are beautiful» or «Green is silly» at them in Czech, which if you have ever heard, then you know can make even the prettiest phrase sound like the curse of all hardships if said in the right tone.
But for a last night out with some of my favorite girls from Prague, it was perfect. The Guinness and Smithy’s flowed. We chatted for hours and yelled at creepos in the perfect language to do it in. Still won’t go if I am sober, but hey. We all have our things.

«Oh that’s when we met at my PENTHOUSE roight… Yeah that was in my PENTHOUSE… Yeah that’s when you came back to my PENTHOUSE.»
I stood at the bar and ordered a beer for myself and a mojito for my friend. I did not look towards the PENTHOUSE eejit but I deducted that he was trying to chat up some chick.
I always have the awful timing of being around couples that run out of things to say to each other so they stare at me as I try to not focus on the fact that they are staring at me. Then brunette says something in a poor English accent to which he confidently asserts at me,
«Oh she’s just a DUMB BLONDE»
As I stood with beer and mojito in hand, two red faced barflies looked at me to see what my next move was gonna be. I will not lie, the thought of glassing him flashed through my mind but then I listened to the lyrics of Lionel Richie that rose from the stillness,
«She’s once, twice, three times a lady…»
So I knew it was a sign to be a lady and say nothing. I did glare at PENTHOUSE man and I was shocked to see that he was a man in his late 60’s with a very expensive suit on, he looked like a lawyer. I thought it was some young jumped up prat boasting about his money but the reality was much sadder. She looked like the back of a head.
Oh Dublin, your repressive drinking laws make finding a late bar a challenge.
My friend and I were having a great chat and we didn’t want to stop at 11:30pm as the bars lights flashed on, so I suggested this spot as it’s open till 2:30am.
Even though I have given the spot 2 stars I know I will be back because of lack of choice and because it’s actually a nice pub it just depends what time of the day you go.
I would love to say the story ends at this point but no. As my friend left for the loo a 30 something year old guy decided to sit beside me.
«You think you are so great drinking your beer.»
«Is there a point to this?»
«You just think you’re great.»
«I do actually.»
«You need a man like me.»
«No I don’t.»
«What’s your problem.»
«You. Could you go away now and spread your lothario love elsewhere.»
«Wha?!»
“OK I’m not talking to you anymore. I am going to stare at my beer till my boyfriend returns (my friend assumed this role without his consent, it seemed the wise thing to do at time).”
«OH YOUR BOYFRIEND! YOU NEED ME.»
So thus concluded a night of quiet drinks. If you want to float in the doldrums of middle aged sadness mixed with heady alcoholism this is just the place for you.
Bartenders are lovely though, they should write a book.

Two pint bottles of Bulmers cost 12.30 EUR. We started suspecting that the prices were bunked up for the evening that was in it (BIG football game), but as it turned out they are that overpriced everyday!
I wont be back.

I not sure if I had ever been to this bar — I cant remember I may well have been. I shall do this review in the eyes of it being my first venture!
So I can here with some fellow Unilocalers to watch the Super Bowl. I felt a bit intimidated with my Giants top on. Most people appeared to be Patriots supporters! At one stage I did get some friendly slagging as I passed by some people — but we know who was left with the last laugh that night!!!
We were given a free T-​shirt and a wristband with codes on it during the night from some Coors promoters with a chance to with an Apple Ipad in a draw. The draw never happened — where is the Ipad I could have won???
Anyway the pub was OK the guinness was OK and the company was great!
Oh and how could I forget how loud and noisy it was!!!

I came here to watch the Super Bowl, but the people-​watching definitely rivalled the game! Like Annie L., we marveled at some of the drunk and dressy denizens of the Ladies’ room. Perhaps because there were a couple of us, we did not get stared down. They also weren’t smoking in the loo this time, but the rest of the place was filled with smoke (and cold air) which percolated in from the side doors which the smokers opened and closed with regularity.
Positives include: Fun crowd, you can see the Super Bowl cheaply (5 euros) — or free if you arrive early enough, great TV screens, plenty of space and seating, friendly bar service, good location (including for catching a cab to get home at 3 AM), and it can make you feel young (I felt like I was back in college — at a frat party!)
Negatives: Too much smoke, very limited food (hot dogs only on the night), expensive drinks, and the volume on the TV was WAY TOO LOUD (and definitely should have been adjusted even further down during commercials). They also cut the Super Bowl post-​game feed, so we didn’t get to see the awarding of the Vince Lombardi cup (shame). And, they could have sold a lot more drinks, if they would just have had a server coming around to the tables…
All in all, a fun place that could be improved with just a few tweaks.

Shockingly large – I just kept walking back and walking back and walking back.
Very expensive though, 5.15 for just a red bull?!? Turns out I did not need it because the rest of the Superbowl was so horrifyingly exciting that I would have been fine, but oh well.
My friends wanted to get food, but were told at 850 that the kitchen was closed and they left to get some food. 10 min later I saw burgers come out of the kitchen. 1 hour later we saw hot dogs coming out. Not a good way to sell the hot dogs because they would have gotten 2 each but instead got abra.
Nice seating areas though, good for large and small groups. If I let you have the seat next to me though, dont take it as an invite to hit on me, take it just as me being nice.

Großes Pub, Essen hat ein gutes Preisleistungsverhältnis. Und die angebotenen Whiskys sind nicht die schlechtesten…

The Portobello is a pub you’ve seen before: random kitsch on the walls including a perfectly nice bike chained up and used as a sign, old Guinness posters, no less than 400 TVs and various other crap (a stack of suitcases?). The Guinness is ok, you’ll definitely find better without looking too far. The one thing they’ve got going that can’t be beat is the full blown Irish granny style dinner PLUS a pint for the rock bottom price of a tenner, or for the uninitiated, € 10. The food is a-​ok and for the price there’s not much to complain about.
Side note: I saw the Super Bowl here last year as the Saints pounced the Colts and they show the playoff games leading up to the big event as well. The party is private, probably so they can stay open until the wee hours of Super Bowl Sunday (Monday AM). It was a tenner and if you arrive early enough you can get your paws on some free (blech) Budweiser (no, not Budvar). At least that’s what went down last year.

I came her on a cold Sunday night for their 10 Euro dinner and pint. Had Turkey and Carlsberg — both were okay. The Turkey was dry, but my pint was cold and tasty.
My gal got a lemonade, which was small and 3 Euro. 3 Euro for a small, small soda, I couldn’t believe it. You can almost get a pint for that.
Had live music, good live music, hence the 3 stars. I didn’t stay long, there was nothing that nice, but it was okay.

Portobello pub has no real identity other than being overpriced, both for food and drink. That said, it’s not terrible and if you’re desperate for a place to watch the game (or watch your friends watch a game) it won’t kill you.

Ok, The Portobello Bar is not the nicest in town but it can be a godsend on those nights when you’re out with a group of friends, the pubs on Camden street have closed for the night but you really wanna keep going. Portobello has a late license and is usually fairly empty, so plenty of space for you and your friends to kick back a few.
Went here yesterday and actually had a great time. The funny mix of drinkers (elderly regulars in the front and all-​dressed-​up party girls slow-​dancing to George Michael in the back) made for some great laughs.
Fine for match-​days too, as they have couple of TVs and therefore can show different games at the same time. Good pints but wouldn’t recommend anything from the menu except the chips. Can’t really go too wrong with chips.

Mehhh, not too much to say about this place. It doesn’t have much of an identity, which makes it rather unpopular compared to some of the other bars in the area that really attract a certain clientele. It’s a shame though, because the location is quite nice, right along the canal. They have ample outdoor seating so you can enjoy the watery view as you enjoy a pint or two.
I feel like with some sprucing up and a bit of marketing, the Portobello could become a really happening spot. It’s location of the edge of Portobello and Rathmines, is ideal. However, since it’s attached to a hotel they probably don’t want booming music at all hours of the night. hmmm. Well, I still think it could do with a makeover.

I popped in to the Portobello tonight for a sneaky beer before bedtime, and I must say I really enjoyed it.
Weeknights it’s pretty quiet and you can grab yourself a table or a bar stool and mull over a pint or two. the dark wooden furnishings and red pressed-​metal walls make for a cosy setting (especially when it’s FREEZING outside, as it was tonight!)
The old bottles on display behind the bar are a nice touch. I agree with Kate about the lack of a targeted clientele, but I think the eclecticism of the punters adds to the charm of this place.

The Portobello gets a thumbs down from me I’m afraid.
It’s dingy, never very busy and could do with a whole overhaul. It’s just a traditional Irish pub really with no particular clientele. Over the years they’ve tried to market it different ways — for locals, for students… but nothing’s every really worked. Likewise with the club downstairs — it’s changed hands and names numerous times over the years.
I’ve spent a few nights here and once or twice it’s been ok for a couple for drinks, but on the whole, I really wouldn’t recommend. Maybe for a gaa match or something, but that’s about it.

It simply isn’t summertime until you’ve had a cider in the Portobello by the canal. Famously the first stop on the notorious, mother shaming, Camden Crawl the Portobello is simply a must.
Don’t waste time going inside, except to order pints of course, the place is dark dank and depressing. No, the strength of the Portobello is not at the counter but by the waters edge.
Great summertime pub.

The Portobello Bar is cheeeeeeeeeesyweeeeeeeeesy but it’s open late and it can be good fun. The dj plays a lot of chart topping pop which is great for a dance although it’s sometimes a bit empty so a few alcopops are needed to get those dancing feet going.
The customers are a pick n mix bunch of ages and sexes, from 18 year old school kids, to students, to hen parties, older couples and random men and women on their own. Still that’s half the fun.
More a last resort than an option for an evening out but a perfectly harmless wee pub.