Craic & Culinary: Where to Eat & Drink in Dublin

• Guinness Storehouse: It's touristy, yes, but it's a must. You won't have a pint of Guinness like this outside of Dublin, and you can take in an incredible view of the city.

• Gardens: Visit Iveagh Gardens or Dublin Castle in nice weather for a lush garden of green right in the city.

• Museums: Visit Chester Beatty, EPIC Irish Immigration Museum (interactive), National Gallery (free), or the Little Museum of Dublin (quirky).

• Eat: Dublin has an incredible range of food, from Michelin-starred dining to late-night spice bags.

• Drink: Snag a snug at one of Dublin's incredible pubs or enjoy a cocktail or three at Bar 1661.

• Shop: Drury Street for unique finds in the open market, or Grafton Street for the classics.

• Day trip to Howth: Take the train (or drive) to Howth and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in town, then head to the Cliff Walk.

• Day trip to Wicklow: If you've got a car, head down south and stop at Powerscourt Estate to view the waterfall. Head to gourmand heaven Avoca next to shop and grab a bite and some souvenirs. You can stop at Poulanass Waterfall along the way.

Eat

• D'Olier Street: A gorgeous restaurant with one Michelin star. Book a table at the chef's counter for the best experience. Excellent value!

• Kicky’s: Trendy yet approachable restaurant in the Michelin Guide offering charcoal-grilled dishes and excellent wine. If it's on the menu, try the rabbit bolognese!

• BIGFAN: Trendy, delicious Chinese/Taiwanese restaurant with excellent cocktails and food. Try the cheeseburger spring rolls—a local favorite.

• Gallaghers Boxty House: Even though it's located in Temple Bar, and therefore a little pricey, this is a locally regarded spot for traditional Irish food. Grab a full Irish breakfast here or a boxty, an Irish potato pancake. You won't leave hungry!

• Bread 41: Widely regarded as the best bakery in town. Be prepared to wait in line, but it's worth it. Grab some takeaway pastries for breakfast, or sit down and enjoy a midday bite. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but my personal favorite is the ham and cheese croissant and pain au chocolat.

• Bambino: Locally regarded as the best slice in the city. If you're craving New York-style pizza, this is the place. Be ready for the long queue, but it moves relatively quickly. There's typically nowhere to sit, so grab a slice and some napkins and find a spot outside.

• Xian Street Food: When in Dublin, trying a spice bag is a must. It's packed with fried bits of chicken, chips (fries), chilis, and onions, and don't forget the curry sauce on the side. This is where you should find yourself late at night after a few drinks. There's likely nowhere to sit, so be prepared to get it to go. The portions are massive, so one bag for two people is likely plenty.

Drink

• Bar 1661: Non-negotiable, best cocktails in the city. They specialize in Poitín, or what I call Irish moonshine. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but the Belfast coffee is one of the best sips I've ever had (think iced coffee topped with whipped Kerrygold butter). Reservations aren't required, but it's a good idea if you are traveling with a group.

• Loose Canon: Located on Drury Street, it's the spot to grab a glass of natural wine and a bite of local cheese (or a cheese toastie) after some shopping. It's trendy, small, and connected to the open-air market.

• The Church Café Bar: This is a place to stop by at night just for an overpriced drink and to watch some traditional Irish music and dancing. The bar is visually stunning as it's set in an old church and an excellent vibe, but I do not recommend staying for a meal.

• John Kavanagh the Gravediggers: Very old-school pub from 1833 that's connected to a cemetery. Locally regarded for their pints of Guinness and home cooking, specifically a dish called coddle. If you sign the guestbook, look for notable signatures from Anthony Bourdain, Eddie Vedder, Rod Stewart, and others.

• The Big Romance: Trendy and hip Japanese-style listening bar. If you're into music, this place plays a series of vinyl records over top-notch speakers while you sip on a beverage of your choice. On Sundays, there's a live jazz band.

• Pubs: The Long Hall, The Palace Bar, Mulligan's, and McCaffertys at the Barge are regarded as the best pubs in town by locals. If you want to overpay for a pint, stop by Temple Bar if you must, or just get your obligatory picture from outside.

• The Hacienda Bar: Dublin's most locally famous dive bar/speakeasy. Ring the doorbell and you'll be ushered inside. The owner is notoriously cantankerous, and sometimes decides to only accept cash. Celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have dropped by this spot.