Bonobo

Bonobo sits at 119 Church Street Upper on the Smithfield edge of Dublin 7, a few minutes from the Luas red line. The Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs files it under essential craft beer stops and celebrates its old religious books and jazz records aesthetic.

Beer Republic puts it firmly in craft beer territory, with a tap list that champions independent Irish brewers. Different corners of the bar run different moods, from reading nook to party room.

The kitchen sends sourdough pizzas, and the covered beer garden makes the whole thing work year round in Dublin weather.

Mismatched furniture, shelves of strange old books, records on the walls, and a big covered courtyard out back. Each area holds a slightly different vibe, as the Weirdo Guide puts it, so a quiet Tuesday pint and a Friday session both fit.

The taps rotate through Irish independents with guest lines from further afield, and the fridge backs it up with cans. Pints run standard Dublin craft money, around 6 to 7 euros. Pair whatever is freshest with a pizza and take the garden if the sun makes an appearance.

Smithfield locals, beer nerds, and pre gig crowds mix without friction. Dublin Events lists it as a neighbourhood fixture rather than a destination bar, which is exactly the charm; weekends fill the garden first.

What regulars say:

• The Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs calls the aesthetic old religious books and jazz records, and means it as praise.
• Beer Republic places it comfortably in craft beer territory for Dublin 7.
• Yelp visitors flag the covered garden as the best in the area.

Who it is for:

• Craft beer drinkers north of the Liffey
• Pizza and pint evenings that stretch to closing
• Avoid if you want a polished cocktail room; this is deliberately scruffy

Dublin 7's most likeable beer bar. Take the garden, order the pizza, work through the Irish taps.

Getting there: 119 Church Street Upper, five minutes from the Smithfield Luas stop on the red line.

Timing: Afternoons are calm; Friday and Saturday evenings pack the garden first, then the rooms.

Cost: Pints 6 to 7 euros, pizzas 11 to 15. Cards accepted.

Make a night of it: Start with a session at The Cobblestone around the corner, take the garden here for pizza and pints, and finish in Stoneybatter at L. Mulligan Grocer. Dublin 7's best crawl needs no taxi.