Home > Des Moines Restaurants > Editorial Review > Editorial Juice Review: Dublin Bay

THE LOOK

Old bicycles and a little creek near the entrance, black-and-white photos of Irish pubs, taken by owner Don O'Brien, tacked on the walls near the restrooms and countless Guinness memorabilia give the darkly-lit pub an Irish feel. Co-owner Jason Rogers and O'Brien added family pictures to walls of the dining areas.

We ate outside in the patio area that features a fire pit in the middle and a garden area to the side.

THE CROWD

There were several young people drinking on the patio when we arrived, but most of the people were in for dinner on a Wednesday night. With live Irish music the first Friday of every month, the place is most crowded on the weekends. Dublin Bay organizes a halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration, as well as a big event on the holiday of green beer. Expect to see locals, Ames visitors and Iowa State students at the pub.

THE TWO DRINKS

I was surprised when the waitress came out with two martinis when Irish beer, whiskey and wine were on tap. But I understood when I tasted the Guinness martini ($4.50). Named because it mimics the dark frothy layers of the famous Irish stout, the martini was flavored with Baileys and Kahlua. Our other drink - a Mojito ($4.25) that was surprisingly light but heavy on the mint - was a refreshing way to follow the martini.

THE GRUB

We skipped the burgers and tasty-looking appetizers for a taste of authentic Irish food. I ordered the Lamb Stew ($6.95,) which was extremely hearty with huge chunks of vegetables and meat and served with Irish soda bread. My sister tried the Pub Pie that was covered with mashed potatoes and just as filling as the stew.

Bangers and Mash, Shepherd's Pie and Corned Beef Boxties are also on the menu. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Black and Tan Onion Rings were tempting, but I'm glad we skipped them because the entree was all I could gobble down. The pub serves brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

THE VERDICT

To quote Dublin Bay: "For the Irish, the Pub is a home - not for its beer, or stout, or libations, but for its environment." This Ames pub is as close to a local Irish bar as you'll get in Iowa.

Add a comment