Bad Ass Cafe — Restaurant in Dublin

I don’t usually write reviews like this, but I felt compelled to share our experience so others can make an informed decision.

We had been traveling all over Ireland for two weeks, and this was the only experience we had that was even remotely negative. Every single other person we interacted with was nothing but friendly and accommodating. We deeply, deeply respect the country of Ireland and its people — which is why this incident stood out so sharply.

We visited this bar hoping to enjoy the atmosphere and unwind. Unfortunately, what we encountered was one of the most uncomfortable and needlessly hostile experiences I’ve had while traveling.

Shortly after we ordered drinks, I stepped away to use the restroom. While I was gone, the bartender refused to serve the drinks to the women I was with, stating that I had to be present. When I returned, I apologized immediately — several times — for any misunderstanding and tried to move forward in good faith. But the bartender wouldn’t let it go, repeating himself and escalating a minor issue into an unnecessary confrontation.

We tried to move on and ordered more drinks — which never arrived. We tried again. Still nothing. Eventually, I approached the bartender directly to resolve things. We shook hands, and I believed things were settled. But again, the drinks didn’t come.

At that point, I calmly asked to speak to the manager, hoping to explain what had happened. Instead of hearing me out, the manager was even more dismissive than the bartender. And then — to add insult to injury — after I had explained things in a measured and respectful tone, the manager instructed the very staff member who had been creating the problem to forcibly remove me from the bar.

The staff member began moving toward me, clearly intending to put his hands on me. I chose to walk out on my own, head held high, before that could happen. Outside, they tried to record me — presumably expecting me to be angry or reactive. But once they saw I was speaking calmly and respectfully with other patrons nearby, they stopped.

I understand bars have rules. I respect that. But what happened here went far beyond enforcing a policy. I was respectful, accountable, and cooperative throughout. What I received in return was hostility, humiliation, and aggression.

Travel is about connection. Hospitality should make people feel welcome and safe. Sadly, this experience was the...

To be avoided!

As a tourist and 3rd year business student I was more than disappointed not with the service but with the behaviour of the waiters and the bar itself...!

To begin with we had booked for 20 people (separate table for sanitary restrictions) for a very special event. When we arrived, to our great surprise, there were 5 seats missing... So there were people standing, the staff not even trying to find a solution put pressure on those who were standing! We had to fight with the staff ourselves.

We ordered, so far so good, the orders arrive quickly, everything is going well, when suddenly, after a few orders! the waiter just told us to pay right away or else "they wouldn't serve us anything"...! But excuse me? we are not thieves, we were quietly having a good evening... So I don't know if it's because we were young foreigners but anyway. I won't comment on this allegation. We decided to pay despite this unusual behaviour and there came a new problem. We wanted to pay separately which is not a crime! It's also part of the waiter's job to collect orders whether they are separate or not! but to our great amazement "they don't want to" and once again put pressure on us... Shock us says give in to refuse and demand to pay separately which is legitimate! So he goes back to the cashier empty-handed and comes back this time telling us that we could separately so of 113 euros (it was only the first turn so I think we were the best customers of the evening in case they still had doubts about our solvency) divide in 3! But we had asked him to pay each one for himself! so he didn't listen to us at all! a shame.

Finally one of our friends decided to pay in one go. So forgive us for these remarks but in 20 years of bar-hopping I've never seen that in my life! So yes, it's annoying to divide one by one, I can understand that (I worked in a bar all summer) but that's what work is all about! it's not a holiday, there's a motto that says "the customer is king". I personally and on behalf of 20 people do not recommend this bar! No hard...

Greeted by a member of staff at the door while the place was mostly empty who advised me and a friend that he "would have to see if there's any availability". He was gone for a few minutes and in the mean time another waitress came along and sat us along with another group behind us. The first member of staff came back down with a manager and pointed us out to him. The manager came over and told us that we couldn't stay if we didn't have a booking. When we queried with him why it was only us that had to leave and pointed out to him that he was clearly lying he just kept doubling down on his lie which made the experience worse. We left immediately and moved on to a seating area of a pub which is also in the main square of temple bar and watched other people just turn up and walk in without reservations. A couple exited the restaurant and stopped while passing to tell us they did not have a reservation and were disgusted with the way he treated us. We will never return and the couple said the same. Maybe not a big hit to their business but if this keeps continuing it will eventually have an effect. Wouldnt...