The Blind Pig Speakeasy

I was really excited about trying this place while visiting Dublin for the first time. The concept was there and it was cool with having a password and secret code to get into the gate. Even when we got down do the dining room it felt very much like a speak easy type place.
After 30 minutes of waiting for our server to stop flirting with a single woman at another table to come take our order, it took another 30 minutes to get our food. When we did finally get our food, we asked what the sauces were that came with our steak. Our servers response was «they are made in the kitchen upstairs, I don’t know», which is reassuring if I were to have a food allergy.
When we finished our meal (which was ok) it took another 30 minutes to get our bill and another 15 minutes to pay it.
When we left we went out the front door at the top of the stairs that was connected to another restaurant that was owned by the same person who owned the Blind Pig. After looking at that menu, it was clear that not much thought went into the blind pig menu as a lot of the dishes were the same.

So I really wanted to love this place… but it didn’t quite live up to the hype. Upon arrival I was very impressed with the whole entry experience and the place was really cool inside. The server led us inside and after asking two ladies to move down a few seats informed us that we could all sit at the bar. Given that there were 7 of us and I had made the booking a full month in advance I was a bit perplexed why they thought this would be an acceptable solution. At any rate, I told him we would prefer a table and after a few minutes they found a small table that we could all squeeze around.
Next came the drinks. You would think that a speakeasy would have a huge selection but I was shocked at the limited number of options. For my first drink I had an Old Fashioned and it was a little too sweet but still pretty good. Next up was a Manhattan and despite the pretty presentation, it was one of the strangest and worst Manhattans I can remember. For some reason it tasted like a watered down Coca-​Cola.
All in this place had a lot of potential but for us it was not realised. Go to Vintage Cocktail Club instead!

We were seriously underwhelmed by Blind Pig last night. I’ve been wanting to try this place for months, and I finally got the opportunity to check it on on my triple hen do last night. My friend had made a reservation a month in advance, and once we entered (typical speakeasy style entrance through some alley and down a flight of stairs) they tried to shuffle us to sit at the bar. There was a Lovin Dublin event that night, so the staff actually told us we could only stay for a maximum of 45 minutes… even though we booked a month in advance. Okaaayy.
Only when we requested did we actually get a table so we could talk, and they passed around menus that come in a large old book. The cocktails are actually really hard to find in the books, as they’re spread about every couple hundred pages or so. I got the Easy Street, which was a cucumber elderflower cocktail that I loved. Weirdly enough, I tried to order another and they said they couldn’t, they didn’t have any more ingredients. The bartender made me something somewhat comparable, but it was odd that they could run out of ingredients on a Saturday night at like 11 pm.
My other friends didn’t love their cocktails, and one said the Old Fashioned had far too much sugar so she had to order another and request less sugar.
It was pretty disappointing, a solid 3 star experience. Cocktails were ok, service was mediocre and we were shuffled out of the table (that we had to request. when we had a booking) in less than an hour. I likely won’t be back.

Great little cocktail bar. Staff knowledgable and fun. We had a small hick up on the night but the customer service was perfect. Can’t comment on food but will definitely be back. Super addition to Dublin. Cocktails the best in the city. And cocktail menu more expansive than the listed menu. Staff able to cater and alter drinks to suit anyone. A very memorable experience and definitely a fun evening.
One thing to keep in mind is time but this is all explained in the booking process.

This is a must see in Dublin… But only for those who are visiting after the 2^nd or 3^rd time. This isn’t something you’d want to see if it was you first time here. I say this because it’s just okay… Okay would translate in to amazing if you had already been to the pubs in Temple Bar and had seen the way the Irish do nightlife.
The food is beautiful, but… If they would just turn the heat down it might be gorgeous. My date ordered the pork medallions, and they were a bit too dry. Maybe it was the cut of the loin that was too lean, but it just wasn’t what was expected.
The chicken was nice, it was beautifully served and surprisingly not dry at all. If I had salt on the table I would have added it but it was still nice.
Drinks were great, dessert was to be expected.
What made this place a 4 star was the experience. It was fun having passwords and codes to get in. I loved the email with directions and rules. How cool is that for a date!!!

I had the misfortune of going to a hen in here some time ago where we were unlucky enough to get a horribly rude «mixologist» who beggared off half way through the class and the nibbles were not served to the very end of the over 3 hour long class. We didn’t go thirsty however so they can have a star for that.
I would vaguely consider returning to try a meal as other reviews are so positive, but honestly it would have to be a good friends birthday to get me back in.

This was an «experience!». We ventured here while in Dublin for the novelty but ended up staying for the great cocktails and the really good music. The staff were great too. We didnt go anywhere else that night!

Lovely underground bar that feels more like a wine cave than a speak easy. The speak easys I’ve visited had a more bordello feel. But I liked it! It was bright and clean and plenty of seating on a rainy Wednesday evening. Just to warn you, don’t be put off by the dark alleyway you have to walk through to get your cocktails. (Although I would suggest they put some security in that alleyway) I promise the cocktail waiting for you at the end is totally worth the thoughts that you might be mugged :) I ordered the old fashioned which was expertly and efficeintly concocted. I also ordered theLike the Murphy’s drink and found it lovely but a tad sweet. I liked the version I tried at the whiskey tasting better. I did try their corn & oil which a fellow cocktail enthusiast enjoyed.
The menu’s are glued on to vintage hardback books. There was a lot of thought and love gone into this place for sure. Will have to revisit to judge more drinks! (Be a bit more sober as well!)

So, my introduction to this place was a cryptic, convoluted and darn confusing message.
So naturally, I was intrigued.
Note: you will not get in without two separate door codes, so don’t try.
We found the alleyway entrance and made our way in. Made our way past the bins and ventilation systems before finding the second door. We then crept down the rickety stairs and found a red door. And then AN ACTUAL (ish) SPEAKEASY!
Complete with snappily dressed bar staff, amazing art on the walls, a DJ and of course booze! The place is small, two rooms is the extent of it and there’s barely chairs for twenty people but there is a dance floor.
It was a great night, made just that bit more special by the intriguing directions. Everyone had a fantastic time, the staff were wonderful and went above and beyond for our gathering.
You can book the entire venue if you can promise to fill it for the night. It would be perfect for ‘20s themed parties, and a great size for 50 – 75 people, any more and you’d be jammed.
I won’t give too much more info because I don’t want to ruin the magic!