The Jar

You'll walk past this place a dozen times before noticing the understated entrance on Wexford Street, which is exactly how The Jar likes it. Inside, the dim lighting and worn wooden surfaces create the kind of atmosphere where conversations flow as smoothly as the perfectly balanced cocktails. The bartenders here actually give a damn about what they're pouring – expect classics done right and inventive twists that don't feel like they're trying too hard. The crowd skews towards locals who've graduated from Temple Bar chaos and Portobello professionals who know good value when they taste it. It's the sort of spot where you pop in for one drink and somehow find yourself three cocktails deep, debating the merits of mezcal with a stranger. Wednesday through Sunday only, because even excellent bars need a break.