So, the best new addition to the Dublin burger game isn’t even in Dublin.
It’s located a mere few hundred metres south of the border, right in the middle of Bray seafront – but you absolutely shouldn’t let that stop you. And here’s why.
1. It’s right beside the DART station in Bray, so is super-easy to get to from town
In fact, the building that houses this restaurant – along with Platform Pizza and Ocean Restaurant – used to be the CIE canteen for drivers at the end of their route. That’s how close it is to the station.
It’s well worth the journey too.
2. It’s located in what used to be the hottest teen disco in Bray
Before it was a little treasure trove of shit-hot restaurants, but after it was a CIE canteen, this building played host to the unforgettable Liquid nightclub.
Anyone who grew up in Bray in the 1990s or 2000s will walk in the door here and instantly remember the time they asked the guy from Pres/girl from Loreto for the shift, and were cruelly rejected. #neverforget
3. And here’s what it looks like now
Great lighting, a gorgeous décor and music that’s pumping but not overwhelming.
4. You’ll need to order the starters to share
Because they’re fucking massive.
These are the nachos with pulled beef. Every food mega-trend of the last five years on one plate.
4. The meat is coated in mustard before being cooked
And this gives them a delicious, rich taste – though it’s more of a subtle hint than a pungent hit, so don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the yellow stuff.
“I didn’t even like mustard before I opened this place,” manager Adam told me.
I bet you do now, Adam. I bet you do now.
5. And the buns are brioche
It’s not original, but if it ain’t broke etc.
They’re thinking about adding an alternative type of bread for those who aren’t into brioche, and there’s also a gluten-free option available.
6. There are healthy options too
Not that I went anywhere near them, but this one off Facebook looks pretty tasty for a lunch option…
7. This is the menu
Choice anxiety alert.
8. And here’s the cocktail menu
The memories of teenage rejection may require you to get one of these into you. Go for it.
The beer selection is absolutely fantastic, with some cracking options on draft – including a whole selection from Wicklow Wolf, who are based just around the corner.
9. There are also some pretty epic specials
On this particular night, it was the classic with sundried tomatoes, truffle oil and parmesan shavings.
Truffle oil!
10. And this is what the Smokey looks like
They liked it, so they put a ring in it.
11. “Gherkins! There are gherkins in this! Put that in your article!”
Okay so.
And if you don’t like gherkins, don’t worry – the sweet potato fries will more than cheer you up.
11. They serve their food on plates
Not in a shoe, on a shovel, on a plank or on a disused car bonnet.
Nice, old-fashioned plates. Hallelujah.
12. You’ll need to go hungry
Because this is what’s for dessert.
13. And get yourself one of these
Because there wasn’t enough sugar in the donuts.
14. It’s the latest addition to the ‘Dublin’ capital of casual dining
This place has been steadily growing since it opened about three months ago – and you can tell why. It’s absolutely awesome.
Throw in Platform Pizza, Dockyard Number 8, The Big Dogs Galley, The Port House and the slightly more upmarket Barracuda, and you’ve got a strip of joints to rival even South William Street.
This is what reinvention looks like – good hustle, Bray.
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