Nothing like going for a pint, knowing that when hunger takes over you'll have a brilliant menu to choose from.

That is the beauty of a gastropub - a great range of craft beers and other drinks to choose from, accompanied by top notch food that's a cut above your standard pub grub.

Here is our selection of 13 of the best gastropubs across the country... 

1. Bull and Castle

Lord Edward Street, Dublin

Brilliant cuts of meat courtesy of F.X. Buckley and decadent sides paired with a huge craft beer menu. Order their beer tasting board to get a real feel for all that they have to offer. 

2. The Old Spot

Bath Avenue, Dublin

No matter what you pick on the menu here, you're in for a real treat. But their roasts are the absolute best. Once you've tried their crispy pork belly with all the trimmings, you'll be hooked for life. 

3. Poacher’s Pocket

Comber, Co. Down

One of the cutest, cosiest pubs in the country.. Well worth a visit no matter what part of the country you're coming from. Grab a comfy booth and order one of everything on the menu.

4. The Exchequer

Ranelagh and Exchequer Street, Dublin

Two locations, one great menu. Order their roast  a few days ahead if you're planning on heading with a a gang. It's brilliant value and seriously tasty. 

5. L. Mulligan Grocer

Stoneybatter, Dublin

Stoneybatter sure does have some brilliant pubs, and Mulligans is the cream of the crop. Come for the scotch eggs, stay for their huge whiskey and craft beer menu. 

6. Matt The Thresher

Birdhill, Co. Tipperary

Brilliant emphasis on home cooked food here, with great pies and meat on the menu as well as fresh fish from West Cork. If you're ever on the M7 make a detour for a proper feed! 

7. The Queens

Dalkey, Dublin

It doesn't get much more picturesque than this gorgeous spot. Take the DART out on a sunny Saturday and while away the hours on their terrace with some brilliant grub. 

8. Chop House

Beggar's Bush, Dublin

Serious focus on steaks at this spot, with high-end pub grub on offer. This spot comes alive when the rugby's on in the Aviva, as it's just around the corner from the action.

9. Purty Kitchen

Monkstown, Dublin

This is another fab spot in South County Dublin, that makes a great destination for a weekend trip. You can choose everything from wings to seafood tapas here, accompanied by brilliant cocktails.

10. Morrisseys

Doonbeg, Co. Clare

These guys take full advantage of their seaside location with a hefty seafood offering. They have everything from crab claws to chowder, scampi to monkfish and plenty else in between. 

11. Taphouse

Ranelagh, Dublin

An inventive menu paired with an extensive range of craft beers and a gorgeous sunny terrace make this place an absolutely brilliant gastropub. 

Just take a look at this crab and crayfish tostada with crispy tacos, avocado, fresh lime, sour cream, pomegranate if you needed proof...

12. P.Macs

Stephen's Street, Dublin

Cosy pub complete with candlelight, board games, mismatched furniture, rakes of craft beer options and a delicious pub grub menu. Such a good gastropub, in fact, that it won Dublin's Finest Pub at our Lovin Dublin awards last year. 

13. Blake's Bar 

Eglinton Street, Galway

One of the best spots for a good feed in Galway. Their decadent brasserie boards are absolutely unbelievable. Now, they're designed as sharing platters but we all know sharing food is no craic - keep them all to yourself!