Kodiak, Rathmines

You'll walk past this place a dozen times before spotting the understated frontage, but once you're inside, you'll wonder why you waited so long. The interior strikes that perfect balance between moody and welcoming – think exposed brick, low lighting, and a soundtrack that actually makes you want to ask 'what's this tune?' rather than shout over it. The cocktail menu changes regularly, but the bartenders know their way around classics as well as their own inventive serves. It's the sort of place where you pop in for one drink and suddenly it's closing time. The crowd skews twenty and thirty-something professionals who've graduated from the Rathmines pub scene but aren't ready for full-blown wine bar territory yet.