Upstairs Bar at Kinara Kitchen

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 17 Ranelagh Village, The Triangle, Dublin, 6, Ireland (Eire)
Tel: +353 (0)1 406 0066
Email: upstairs@kinarakitchen.ie
Website: view Upstairs Bar at Kinara Kitchen’s website
Style: Speakeasy
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes
Established: 2013

Review

This excellent little speakeasy is run by legendary Dublin bartender, Paul Lambert so is well worth the ten minute cab ride from central Dublin out to its suburbs. It is accessed via the 'delivery door' to the left of the upmarket Kinara Kitchen Pakistani restaurant. Press the buzzer and they'll come and find you. If you're lucky - there's no reservations and no standing - you'll be shown up the steep stairs to this lofty dimly lit lounge.

On the way upstairs you'll notice the riser of each step bears the name of a classic cocktail, handy inspiration for what to order when you arrive at your destination, as apart from a handful of drinks chalked up on a board to the left of the bar, there's no cocktail menu as such. The Corn 'n' Oil (dark rum and falernum) is something of a house special and the Finnegan's Wake, Paul's peated Irish whiskey version of a Last Word must be sampled. Alternatively, just tell the bartender your preferences for drink style and ingredients and a bespoke drink will soon arrive. Sitting above a restaurant of some note means the bar snacks on offer here are as good as the drinks.

By their very nature speakeasy style bars tend to be hidden away in dimly lit basements so lose out on balmy summer evenings. Not this one as the roof terrace offers a spot to drink under the stars.