We didn’t have reservations for Monday night so we figured going out a bit earlier would be helpful. The lower level of The Dáil Bar was crowded but the upstairs had plenty of tables to choose from. We got settled in and Eric ordered the Chicken Kiev special with a Bulmers cider and I had the Salmon special with a Malbec. The food was solid and the staff were pleasant.
To experience local traditional music, we headed over to the Crane Bar around 8:30pm. After some poking around, I discovered the trad music was upstairs and would start at 9:30pm. We waited downstairs with our drinks until the doors opened a little after 9, then we had our pick of spots, choosing an out of the way table near the door. Eric was enjoying whiskey tonight, a Connemara 12 and the Redbreast 12 (more coconut than chocolate this time) while I had a full pint and a half pint of Guinness. Both the upstairs and downstairs are very charming with low lighting and wood paneling (plus they have an outdoor patio area as well). Unfortunately, upstairs we had a boorish group in front of us, who I had to shush during the music, but overall it was a good experience. We lasted until about 10:45pm, then gave up our table.
We were looking forward to Garavans Bar for a dram but it was really disorganized. They were out of several options that we had selected from the printed menu, so we had to go up to the bar and scan the wall. Even then, the staff weren’t forthcoming with details or suggestions. Made us miss the Thomas Connolly bar in Sligo! Eric managed to get us each a Knappogue (Knap-o-gue) Castle single malt, one 12 year old (speyside like, light and fruity, mineral, mouth drying finish and more flowery as it opened) and one 14 year old (more iodine, sherry on palate. Needed a little water – then more fruit later – nice dram!) The Irish Coffees looked good but I wouldn’t recommend this place for a whiskey experience.
When I had been looking up Bib Gourmand restaurants for Eric’s birthday, I also did a search for Galway and found the Daróg Wine Bar. It’s a very small place, about 8 tables for two with additional seats at the bar and along the window. The food prices were reasonable but, wow, the wine list was pricey! Most of the sparkling wine was 100€+ a bottle. I wound up choosing a gamay red from Burgundy, Yann Bertrand Fleurie Coup de Foudre 2023, with grapes from the Fleurie appellation of the Beaujolais region of France. It was tart with some nice acidity to start but mellowed out as it opened up. Went well with our food but it was overpriced. I would opt for glasses of wine next time so we each could have gotten our own thing.
My dinner:
Gilda – Delish! Perfect balance of salty and savory.
Connemara oyster, Micil poitín, lemon oil – Liked the sauce flavors but the texture of the oysters seemed like they lightly steamed them? They were firmer than raw oysters normally are and lacked traditional brininess.
Dexter beef tartare, caper emulsion, potato crisps – Great dish! The capers and mustard seed did not overpower the tender meat.
Eric’s dinner:
Crispy polenta, black truffle, Comté – more cheese than truffle flavor, but still a nice starter.
Gnocchi, Ragù alla Genovese, Cáis na Tíre – Rich flavor and tender gnocchi.
After our Aran Island adventure we decided on something a little different for dinner, choosing Hidden Artisan Asian Restaurant. Eric ordered the Chicken Satay Stir Fry with chicken and a Bullmer’s cider and I got the Curry Laksa, which was loaded with tofu and shrimp – very tasty! I also ordered a half bottle of cabernet for 15€ (and was able to take some home with us). Service was excellent and friendly, highly recommended!
Later that evening, Eric found us a well reviewed cocktail bar for drinks, the Buddha Bar. They didn’t have the duck fat washed whiskey for the Irish Old Fashioned so I went with an Off Her Nut (Mr. Black’s, Frangelico, peanut butter whiskey, hazelnut, cold brew, cream, and nutmeg) and Eric got an incredibly tart and tasty Porn Star martini (Vanilla Absolut, Peach Absolut, passionfruit liqueur, lime, pineapple, prosecco). Both were really well made with fresh ingredients, and delicious. Interior space was really well decorated as well, with a relaxed atmosphere.
