Where to eat near Whelan's - Wexford Street and Camden Street

Wexford Street and Camden Street are one of Dublin's busiest strips for eating out, so there is no shortage of food. The difficulty is timing it: shows at Whelan's usually start about 30 minutes after doors, and the good places fill between 18:00 and 20:00.

Start at Whelan's

The front bar at Whelan's is open every day and needs no ticket. It is the old pub part of the building: there has been a licensed premises at 25 Wexford Street since 1772, and in 1872 it belonged to Daniel Tallon, a publican and Lord Mayor of Dublin whom James Joyce mentions in Ulysses. The 2007 renovation enlarged the front bar. Meet here, then go through to the gig.

Quick and cheap

• Bunsen, 36 Wexford Street, a few doors away. Short burger menu, walk-ins only, no booking unless you are six or more. Locals warn of queues after 18:00, so come early or have a pint while you wait.
• Bambino, 37 Stephen Street Lower, about 7 minutes north via Aungier Street. A pizza place, with a hot honey special on the menu. Check the hours on its site before you count on it.

Sit-down dinner

• Pickle, 43 Camden Street, about 3 minutes south. North Indian cooking with Irish ingredients. Two-hour sittings, the first starting between 17:00 and 18:15: that is the one before a gig. Open from 17:00 on weekdays and 15:00 at weekends, with a €35 minimum per person. Note that the restaurant says it is not wheelchair accessible.
• Uno Mas, 6 Aungier Street, about 3 minutes north. Spanish small plates with Irish produce: jamón croquetas at €9, tortilla at €14, lobster rice at €18. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. You order at least three dishes each at dinner, so it is not the cheap option, but it is the best food on this list.

After the show

Most Whelan's shows finish around 22:45, so you can stay for a last drink in the front bar. Re-entry to the gig is not allowed once your ticket has been scanned, so eat before you go in, not between bands.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to the bar at Whelan's without a ticket?

Yes. The front bar is open every day and no ticket is needed. The main room and upstairs need a ticket for shows.

Where can I get a quick dinner near Whelan's?

Bunsen on Wexford Street does burgers with no booking, a few doors from Whelan's. Queues build after 18:00.

Is there a good restaurant near Whelan's?

Uno Mas on Aungier Street for Spanish plates, or Pickle on Camden Street for Indian, both about 3 minutes' walk. Book either for a Friday or Saturday.

Can I leave Whelan's and come back in?

No. Once your ticket is scanned, there is no readmission unless the organisers agree.