Café en Seine

You'll feel like you've stepped into a Belle Époque fever dream the moment you push through those doors on Dawson Street. The soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and elaborate chandeliers make this former Victorian mansion one of Dublin's most dramatic drinking spots. The ground floor buzzes with after-work crowds nursing €12-15 cocktails, while upstairs offers a slightly more civilised atmosphere for proper conversation. The cocktail menu runs deep, with classics done well alongside house signatures that lean into the theatrical setting. Yes, it's touristy and yes, the weekend queues can be mental, but there's a reason this place has endured – sometimes you want your Friday night to feel like a proper event rather than just another pint.