The Bailey - Cafe and Bar

You'll find this place tucked down Duke Street, where the tourists thin out but haven't completely vanished. The Bailey's got that proper old Dublin pub feel - dark wood, stained glass, and enough character to make you forget you're a stone's throw from Grafton Street's madness. The door from Joyce's old Martello tower hangs on the wall, because apparently every Dublin pub needs its literary credentials. The pint settles nicely and the food does the job without trying to be fancy about it. It's busier during the day with the office crowd, but evenings bring a mixed bag of locals and visitors who've wandered off the beaten track. Staff know their business and won't rush you out the door.