The only review I can give for Danny Doolans is of late night drinking and sweaty dancing on a crowded hot dance floor … AND I LOVEIT!!! live band every night and great every night of the week when you don’t know what’s on … DANNYSISON! Don’t go if your up tight about a crowded bar because you will probably get groped at some point by some hottie but besides from that it’s awesome(actually that’s sometimes fun too ha!). Basically it’s the best Irish pub in town and it’s been going strong for a long time so that says a lot in Auckland that is full of ‘hot pop up bars’ that are shit and close working 10months. I am always up for a night at Danny’s just got to remember it takes 2 days to recover nowadays!(Recover from my cringeworthy antics really)
Emily J.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Auckland, New Zealand
Last night, whilst out for the first time in Auckland, I was told I would’nt be served in Danny doolans .I’d had 2 drinks. There were a lot of intoxicated people there and I genuinely wasn’t one of them. It seemed not serving me was a bit of a joke with the bar staff, particularly bar man Keith. when I was upset they laughed in my face and said ’ go back to England love’ and ‘cry somewhere else ’ then they tried to give me shots to appease me(which I refused.) Avoid!
Vince L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Los Angeles, CA
Apparently this can be a pretty busy place. I had really wanted seafood for dinner, but the restaurant the concierge recommended went out of business(weird, right?). And Danny Doolans happened to be right next door. The only choice in seafood I could spot was the pan fried fish of the day. It was so dark in there I couldn’t really see what I was eating. The fish was sitting on top of some sort of cream sauce with diced tomatoes. The server said the fish was of a local variety similar to cod. However, because the music was so loud I couldn’t hear what the name was clearly. I’d say it was okay. The price was around $ 30.
Ruby W.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
Ahaha. Oh Danny… how many a night have we been in this situation? Dragged in here with my completely wasted friends and snobbery only to remember that once you’re drunk, you don’t really care where you are. Not the flashiest club/bar in the world, but you’re guaranteed a good time if you can loosen up and just enjoy the uh, interesting song selections(a lot of classics which I fail to sing along too). Drinks are standard prices, sometimes there is a door fee if a band is playing, and if there is one on, I warn you: the place gets packed. Out. To the point where you just can’t move. All part of the fun aye?
Sophie H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
I have this thing I do whenever I frequent bars of an Irish persuasion that are in possession of a live band, I just have to request ‘Wagon Wheel’ and/or ‘Dirty Old Town’ preferably both. It is like a physical tic, I just can’t stop. Its not something I would ever dream of doing in a regular non leprechaun themed establishment. The band usually gives a sigh of consternation but gives in, which makes me happy in the deep dark recesses of my soul. My partner and I usually come here on a Friday or Saturday night, to kick our heels up and have a stiff drink to celebrate the end of the working week. He usually tends to disappear aound the time I request the said songs above, though I really cant blame him. At Danny’s the atmosphere is always pumping and lively, the bar staff are friendly and will happily have a chinwag even though their usually rushed off their feet. If you’re looking for a good night out, then I would definately recommend!
Glenn M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
Danny Doolans can be a very exciting pub at times, especially when they have live music playing(which is often). Usually good covers bands play here, and as the crowd gets more inebriated, the pub gets louder and louder until you can hear the terrible singing/screaming of the punters rather than the singer of the actual band. But hey, I can’t complain because I am usually one of those punters. This place has a very energetic atmosphere most of the time, and during the weekends it gets crazy busy! This can be more than a little annoying, squeezing in and out of revellers as you try to make your way back to your mates with drinks in hand. But that’s popular Auckland bars for you.
Hannah H.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
My relationship with Danny Doolans is more one of respect rather than actual like. Like I would never really go there, but I respect what it is and what it’s doing. Plonked right on the corner of a busy Auckland Road, it’s pretty much right in between the Viaduct and Queen Street. Which could explain the diverse clientele it attracts. I Imagine the scene here in the day and night is like well, day and night. It can be the place to watch a game of sport and tuck into a roast and a pint, or, it can be the place to boogie the night away(i say ‘boogie’ intentionally) in a very sweaty, slightly seedy, but fun bar. It’s only seedy because there are always some old geezers having fun will the lads, innit. They’ve always got live music cranking and is the place to be on St Paddys days. Great bartenders, a party vibe and good prices. If you don’t take yourself or the bar to seriously you’ll have fun.
Chris R.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Auckland, New Zealand
I would describe this dark but busy central bar as ‘Irish Themed’. I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Ireland and the décor aside, unfortunately Danny Doolans just doesn’t translate the famous Irish Craic and atmosphere. Its super prominent central location means it’s very accessible and with some bearable live music and a decent selection of beers I can see why it’s popular. Nacho’s with Chilli were tasty after a few pints but there wasn’t enough to keep me there for longer. I might consider going back to watch some rugby and will reconsider my rating based on a second visit.
Katie C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
Danny Doolans and I got off on the wrong foot on night one. I’m just not a fan of bars that pack their walls so full of people you can’t move let alone dance or even get a drink. The bar also seems to attract tall people. Being short myself this is a huge disadvantage and leads to me leaving the bar with a dress soaked with other people’s spilled beer. Nice. But I’m not going to give it a score below 3 stars because they do have really good music here and it is a nice place. I think next time I’l just have to go on a night that isn’t so busy!
Belinda S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
If you have had a night out in Auckland, and you haven’t been to Danny Doolan’s, well you actually haven’t been out in Auckland. Yes this is the bar where it all happens so to speak. Live music venue every night of the week till the early hours if not daylight. Truly authentic Irish style décor and the building is stone masonry which is really neat, takes you back to another era. It has to be the most well known Irish Bar in this city. Fantastic bartenders who know what they are doing, but also fun enough to have a laugh as well. Fun musicians who liven up and make this bar have the best atmosphere of all. Perfect spot for St Patrick’s Day shenanigans and located right in the heart of the viaduct. There Pub fare, give you huge servings and are for those wanting traditional Irish food, but not interested in watching the calories. This bar is so special to my heart as I met the love of my life here so I will be a five star fan of Danny Doolan’s forever.