Cookie FM Rating – 4/5
Those who know me, know that Dakota is like my little hub and my go-to place for drinks & dancing. I love this place. It’s one of my few Forever Favourites. I’ve been there many, many times but have never actually reviewed them before, so here we go! First of all, the decor of Dakota is brilliant. It has a relaxed, casual but classy feel to it with exposed brick walls, skylights & bright cushions as well as brilliant music in the evenings and extremely friendly managers & staff. The bar is very spacious and accommodating from their round booths, to the low armchairs & tables, their stools at both bars and the couches & tables at the back of the venue. I’ve been here on first dates, with the girls, for birthday parties and business lunches – it’s truly a great spot for all occasions & events.
Their cocktail menu is extensive, spanning to six different bases and with delicious fruits & flavours throughout. On Thursdays, Dakota offer a 2 for 1 deal on all cocktails! My personal favourites would be The Wallpaper, Porn Star Martini & Bellini and the Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc white wine is always a good choice.
The food has been tried and tested on many occasions now, and is very good for its value. Their Lunch Special includes a 2 course meal that is very well portioned and a generous amount for your midday meal. The salads are also very tasty and fresh, usually a Small order can fill you as a main meal. The breads, chips (both skinny and chunky cut), vegetables and meat choices are all of high quality and the food has stayed hot for the majority of my meals.
Dakota is the best bar in Dublin. I have never been disappointed. From their food & drink to the DJs’ music choices and the attentive & friendly staff, you will truly understand my love for Dakota. I’m always recommending Dakota, and I will continue to do so and continue to stop by. On Friday & Saturdays, the bar gets very busy, so if you’re coming with friends – I suggest to book ahead as not to be seat-less!
Tried & Tested
Cocktails
Bellini, Cosmo, Dakota Mint Shake, Dakota Passion, Dark n Stormy, Flirtini, Porn Star Martini, Singapore Sling, The Wallpaper, Woo Woo
Drinks
Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc, white wine
Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime, Mixed Berry, sweet cider
Food
Fresh Hummus & Cajun Chicken Wrap (Lunch Special, 2 courses)
Nachos (with salsa, Irish Cheddar, sour cream and fresh avocado)
Salt & Chilli Squid
Freshly Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Free Range Chicken Burger (with guacamole, beef tomato, red peer salsa and baby gem on a toasted brioche bun)
Organic Baked Irish Salmon Open Sandwich (with beef tomato, avocado, fresh salad on brown sourdough bread)
Dakota Bar, 8/9 South William Street, Dublin 2
Click to visit Dakota Bar
Images © Nirina Plunkett & Dakota Bar