Happy Out × Together Academy — Restaurant in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Hearing the international acclaim of Happy Out in Dun Laoghaire (or just the Instagram reel my auntie in America sent me), I knew I had to try it out for myself, on a lovely mild day in December after a quick dip in the sea (emphasis on quick). A scenic walk along the shore brought us to seemingly the most poppin’ place on a Saturday afternoon: Happy Out, which at high tide was deservingly the prime location to gaze across the seascape. Despite the query being out the door, our wait was short to get both an iced Americano (paying homage to the fatherland) with vanilla and an iced mocha, as well as a breakfast bap and cheese toasty (with pesto to give a little extra zing!). In and out in the same amount of time you could listen to Stairway to Heaven- but was this cafe serving the food of the Gods? Well, to start, the coffee had a lovely flavor, not too bitter and the perfect strength, like the ideal enemies to lovers protagonist. The iced option was especially appealing considering the beautiful sunny day we were having for once during this cold and unwelcoming winter. But the open door (question why both doors weren’t open, only one- maybe for exclusivity?) was certainly more pleasant and hospitable than the past few weeks of the season. The only downside to the coffee was the use of sugar free syrup giving the brew an almost overpowering artificial aftertaste which was slightly disappointing (do I not deserve sugar?). Regardless, we powered through. The abundance of outdoor seats allotted us the beautiful view of the crystal clear waters below while we dig into our delightful sammies. The cheese toasty had a brilliant golden color akin to the Sunkist tan one would get on a Spanish holiday, and the addition of the bits of crispy cheese was incredibly appreciated. The sound of the crunch would give most ASMR channels a run for their money, and the texture of the crispy bread balanced with the creamy and indulgent cheese blend hit the spot! And don’t get me started about that pesto- with perhaps some sundried tomato in it?? Come on now, YUM! A sumptuous grilled cheese equally comforting and warm as a mother tending to her sick child. Despite the chill set into the bones from the ocean, I must say my heart melted like the cheese between the sourdough bread. Now, onto the breakfast bap. After my disappointment with there being no sausage remaining on the premises, my hopes were low. I opted for the black pudding as a sorry excuse of a replacement, but alas I digress. It was a large sandwich for how much I paid which was a pleasant surprise. The sweetness of the relish in correspondance to the salty bacon was delightful. As well as the crunchy black pudding in the soft brioche roll, my toungue didn’t realise the immense symphony of flavour and consistency that was furloughing in my mouth. The iced mocha was also delightful, and like the ever fleeting romance of a summer fling, it was gone before we have even...

It became really poor customer service.

Happy Out was one of my favourite cafe in DL for the last 2 years and I liked their idea to work with autistic staffs as well. They used to be welcoming and nice to their customers but seems not anymore.

I do understand the outstanding location makes this business crazily busy so must be hard to control especially when it’s great weather. But I’ve been feeling uncomfortable since last couple of months due to their cold & ignoring attitudes. Even today, me and my husband were sitting in ordered coffee and toasties. They served us coffee in a takeaway cup without lid, milk or sugar. So I asked the staff to get us milk&spoon and asked why we got coffee in a take away cup after I’ve checked they have enough mugs on their coffee machine while other customer’s drinks are still served in mugs. The staff came and put the jar of milk on our table without spoon & explanation/apology and never came back. When we’re serving our toastie from the kitchen staff we asked him can we get a spoon then he ignored us with bland face and nothing happened after he’s gone. So I went to the counter told the situation to the till staff and then the till staff finally passed me mug&saucer then gone again without explanation or care. I thought at least one of them could have concerned about customer service or tried to supervise trainee staff but they don’t seem to care unfortunately. I’ve been thinking their hot food menus are quite creative and delicious apart from their good view (great ocean view is normally big plus point to all F&B business) and they weren’t that bad at service but since they became very busy, they seem to miss really important point which is quite sad for me cos I’ve been recommending this place to all...

Happy out used to be my favourite cafe in Ireland. I regularly travel 50 mins each way to enjoy a coffee and a toastie sitting outside in the sea air with the most beautiful views. I admire the project they have with together academy and have on numerous occasions witnessed heartwarming interactions between the neurotypical staff and their colleagues with disabilities. Unfortunately on the last two occasions I have been the service has been pretty bad. Last weekend I ordered my food inside and took a seat outside as I had done many times, only to be told that outside is table service only now which was fine. They were accommodating even though I had already ordered. After finishing our toasties I ordered an affogato, the lady serving my forgot about it but was very kind and said it was on the house apologising for the wait. Human errors happen and she made up for it. Today however I was told to take a seat outside where I waited 30 minutes before anyone came to take my order and after 40 minutes waiting on my coffee and pastry I regularly tried to get the attention of the staff to no avail so I had to do something I find really rude and try to wave them over. I spoke to one of the staff who didn't apologise but eventually gave me my order. The card machines don't work outside due to poor wifi signal so I had to stand waiting a further ten minutes by the doorway for someone to let me pay. I love happy out and would happily return regularly if they went back to the old ordering system, but while they are working with table service outside I'm afraid I cannot recommend to anyone. What used to be the highlight of my weekend has now come to feel like a waste of 50...