You don't have to be Irish

The Dublin pub in Jerusalem is a drinking man’s dream and a bar-foodie’s delight.

By JASON MESKIN
Jerusalem pub (photo credit: Courtesy)
Jerusalem pub
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Dublin in Jerusalem is part of the Dublin chain of pubs with locations in Herzliya and Rehovot, serving as a home away from home to many tourists, expats residing in Israel and Jerusalemites that appreciate a well-poured pint.
It should be clear to anyone who walks into Dublin that the pub wasn’t built as a passing fancy.
Dublin’s interior is made up of high Gothic ceilings, thick wooden furniture, authentic Irish chandeliers and ornate stained glass. Sitting areas are divided into two categories: the knights’ table for groups and snugs for intimate encounters. No two dining areas are the same, so visitors can have a different experience of the pub every time.
Dublin is the kind of place where middle-aged couples can munch on finger food and throw back whiskey shots alongside 22-year-old guys mustering the courage required to approach a girl.
TV screens around the walls enable patrons to watch their favorite matches. no matter where they are seated. There were no major games on the night we were there, so although the sets were on, they were silent.
The only thing in which Dublin customers cannot be pedestrian is their taste in beer. Carlsberg and Heineken aren’t considered respectable options at Dublin.
The bar is fully stocked with all types of alcohol, and the assortment of beers on tap is quite impressive, with a different beer to meet every palate. They range from sweet, cherry-flavored Kasteel Rouge (while it is considered by many as a “girly” beer, it is truly delicious) through German wheat bears, Austrian lagers, full-bodied Belgian beers and, of course, Guinness, the classic Irish stout.
Beer kegs aren’t located under the bar as in most Israeli drinking establishments but in a special refrigerated beer cellar built to European standards. The beer reaches the taps through an elaborate system of underground pipes.
But in addition to the booze, Dublin has an enticing menu that combines bar staples like Buffalo wings and burgers with options like pizzas, fish & chips and tortillas.
The book-size menus in Hebrew and English are well laid out, with each dish described in full, including pictures beside some of the listings.
From that menu, my dining partner and I ordered beers on draft: 500 ml. Kriek (NIS 32) and Edelweiss (NIS 28). I also put the whiskey sour to the test, and I’d give it a B.
To go with the drinks, we tried the meat platter (NIS 92), which consisted of grilled chicken breast, chorizos, mini-kebabs and chicken wings. The wings were crisp on the outside, and the flavor was unlike most Israeli wing options. We also liked the chorizo a lot.
And really, since when can you go wrong with onion rings? Dublin’s version (NIS 32) is a homemade deal with tempura-battered slices of onion, and they’re good and greasy. We finished the meal with a very tasty apple pie (NIS 32) with whipped cream.
I have the distinct feeling that Dublin, with its delightful atmosphere, good food and drink, will be around for at least another seven years, and not only for sports fans.
The writer was a guest of the pub.

Dublin Not kosher 4 Shamai, Jerusalem (02) 622-3612