What is a Pub?
A Pub is a community gathering place – an overgrown “family room” where members of the neighborhood meet to share the latest news, laugh, and ofttimes solve the world’s problems.
At an Irish Pub, the idea of being a “regular” is, well, a bit of a lunacy… one can no more be a regular in a Pub than a regular in one’s own home! For the Irish, the Pub is a home – not for its beer, or stout, or libations, but for its environment of family… comfort… and safety from the stormy rains that grow the Irish countryside emerald green in grass and clover.
For a traveller, the attraction of the Pub is the Irish philosophy that there are no strangers, but rather friends not yet met. To enter a Pub is to drop by a friend’s home… the greeting is warm and genuine, the service is gracious, the experience is relaxing and fun.
Cead Mile Failte! (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!)
Reviews
It's amazing that this place could be considered a "hidden gem" of Ames, but it really is easy to miss. Nestled off South 16th in an unassuming building lies what might be the best overall restaurant in all of Ames. That's bold speak in any college town filled with great eateries, but Dublin Bay has the chops to back it up.
I've never been to the Republic of Ireland, but I can't help but feel like I'm there as I walk into Dublin Bay. The bright red doors are opened with heavy iron rings. As you walk in, the lighting is soft, warm, and cozy. The decor feels authentic, never cheesy, and really helps you forget you're in the middle of central Iowa. I love everything about the ambiance. All of this would be moot if the beverage options were poor. Yes, a true Irish pub is all about the food, but drinks are important, too. Not to worry. Dublin Bay has a fully stocked bar, and a fantastic beer and cider selection. I was impressed to see all of the major Ames / Des Moines microbrews represented, as well as the usual suspects like Guinness, Harp, Strongbow and so on.
And the food? Wow. Almost everything on the menu is great. There's plenty of American standards with a little Irish riff on them -- the Guinness battered onion rings are the stuff dreams are made of. There are also completely Irish dishes like the Shepard's Pie, Boxties, soda bread, and more. If you want one piece of advice. get a salad and get the house dressing. It's a garlic parmesan and it'll blow your mind.
- Adam B. from Clive, IA
I've been going to Dublin Bay for years and have always enjoyed everything about it. The service is always good and the atmosphere is fun. I have not been to Ireland so I don't know how authentic this is, but it definitely has a fun Irish theme going on. The food is great. They have a nice selection of Irish dishes including Shepherd's Pie, Lamb Stew, Beef Boxty and Corned Beef & Cabbage. They also have a nice variety of soups, salads and sandwiches on the menu. The have some fun appetizers including the Irish Nachos (nacho ingredients on waffle fries) and their fish & chips are probably the second best in Ames. They have a great bread pudding and Bailey's pie for desserts and both are great. Good selection of Irish Whiskey and Irish beers on tap or in bottles. On your birthday they give you the option of having a whiskey shot. Dublin Bay is a fun place to enjoy a meal and nothing beats a bowl of lamb stew with soda bread and a Guinness on a cold day. I highly recommend it!
- Josh S. from Nevada, IA
I love this place! Their atmosphere is awesome, lighting is perfect-- I just love the look and feel of it every time I walk in. Pretty much exactly what I'd want to see if someone invited me to an "Irish pub and grill." And speaking of things I'd want to find at an Irish pub and grill...the food is great! Nice selection of local beers, too. The staff has always been nice and helpful. We've never had an unfriendly or incompetent server here-- everyone's been fantastic. The place is always clean and the atmosphere welcoming. There are different seating options, so it works out for large groups and for smaller, more intimate dinner dates.
- Crys L. from Ames, IA
I've been to Dublin Bay several times now, and each visit leaves me wanting to come back as soon as I can! This time, I brought my 11 year old for lunch- he's a pretty "particular" eater, but he loved it! He was especially impressed with the cheese balls we got for an appetizer. Added bonus- it's so reasonably priced!We had a very nice sit-down lunch (appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks) for little more than we would have paid at a fast food joint and the quality was outstanding. Can't wait for our next visit!
- Terri S. from Des Moines, IA
How have I never been here before?! The food was amazing (I had lamb stew and my wife had a burger). The staff was friendly and attentive. The dessert (salted caramel cheesecake) was divine. They even have a great kids' menu!
We found the atmosphere quite complimentary to the food and the decor completed the experience. The prices were unbelievable and the beer selection was outstanding. We now have a new local favorite!
-- Adam E. from Nevada, IA
First off, I love this place. From the decor, to the waitstaff and especially the music, I just love this place. The food is good, and there are so many different options to chose from! I've been there 3-4 times in the last couple weeks and I still can't wait to go back to try something different. My favorite dish so far has been the Shepherds Pie. It was very peppery, which I personally love. Also, they brew their own root beer and it is delicious.
I ordered the bread pudding for dessert one time and it was a meal in itself. I'm not usually a fan of bread pudding, but this has changed my mind on it.
- Matthew S. from Nevada, IA
Adam B. from Clive, IA
It's amazing that this place could be considered a "hidden gem" of Ames, but it really is easy to miss. Nestled off South 16th in an unassuming building lies what might be the best overall restaurant in all of Ames. That's bold speak in any college town filled with great eateries, but Dublin Bay has the chops to back it up.
I've never been to the Republic of Ireland, but I can't help but feel like I'm there as I walk into Dublin Bay. The bright red doors are opened with heavy iron rings. As you walk in, the lighting is soft, warm, and cozy. The decor feels authentic, never cheesy, and really helps you forget you're in the middle of central Iowa. I love everything about the ambiance. All of this would be moot if the beverage options were poor. Yes, a true Irish pub is all about the food, but drinks are important, too. Not to worry. Dublin Bay has a fully stocked bar, and a fantastic beer and cider selection. I was impressed to see all of the major Ames / Des Moines microbrews represented, as well as the usual suspects like Guinness, Harp, Strongbow and so on.
And the food? Wow. Almost everything on the menu is great. There's plenty of American standards with a little Irish riff on them -- the Guinness battered onion rings are the stuff dreams are made of. There are also completely Irish dishes like the Shepard's Pie, Boxties, soda bread, and more. If you want one piece of advice. get a salad and get the house dressing. It's a garlic parmesan and it'll blow your mind.
Josh S. from Nevada, IA
I've been going to Dublin Bay for years and have always enjoyed everything about it. The service is always good and the atmosphere is fun. I have not been to Ireland so I don't know how authentic this is, but it definitely has a fun Irish theme going on. The food is great. They have a nice selection of Irish dishes including Shepherd's Pie, Lamb Stew, Beef Boxty and Corned Beef & Cabbage. They also have a nice variety of soups, salads and sandwiches on the menu. The have some fun appetizers including the Irish Nachos (nacho ingredients on waffle fries) and their fish & chips are probably the second best in Ames. They have a great bread pudding and Bailey's pie for desserts and both are great. Good selection of Irish Whiskey and Irish beers on tap or in bottles. On your birthday they give you the option of having a whiskey shot. Dublin Bay is a fun place to enjoy a meal and nothing beats a bowl of lamb stew with soda bread and a Guinness on a cold day. I highly recommend it!
Crys L. from Ames, IA
I love this place! Their atmosphere is awesome, lighting is perfect-- I just love the look and feel of it every time I walk in. Pretty much exactly what I'd want to see if someone invited me to an "Irish pub and grill."
And speaking of things I'd want to find at an Irish pub and grill...the food is great! Nice selection of local beers, too. The staff has always been nice and helpful. We've never had an unfriendly or incompetent server here-- everyone's been fantastic. The place is always clean and the atmosphere welcoming. There are different seating options, so it works out for large groups and for smaller, more intimate dinner dates.
Terri S. from Des Moines, IA
I've been to Dublin Bay several times now, and each visit leaves me wanting to come back as soon as I can! This time, I brought my 11 year old for lunch- he's a pretty "particular" eater, but he loved it! He was especially impressed with the cheese balls we got for an appetizer. Added bonus- it's so reasonably priced!
We had a very nice sit-down lunch (appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks) for little more than we would have paid at a fast food joint and the quality was outstanding. Can't wait for our next visit!
Adam E. from Nevada, IA
How have I never been here before?! The food was amazing (I had lamb stew and my wife had a burger). The staff was friendly and attentive. The dessert (salted caramel cheesecake) was divine. They even have a great kids' menu!
We found the atmosphere quite complimentary to the food and the decor completed the experience. The prices were unbelievable and the beer selection was outstanding. We now have a new local favorite!
Matthew S. from Nevada, IA
First off, I love this place. From the decor, to the waitstaff and especially the music, I just love this place. The food is good, and there are so many different options to chose from! I've been there 3-4 times in the last couple weeks and I still can't wait to go back to try something different. My favorite dish so far has been the Shepherds Pie. It was very peppery, which I personally love. Also, they brew their own root beer and it is delicious.
I ordered the bread pudding for dessert one time and it was a meal in itself. I'm not usually a fan of bread pudding, but this has changed my mind on it.