BAR 1661 — Restaurant in Dublin

This was a highly recommended place, so I came here to taste their alleged awesome cocktails. When I came in I was advised to either sit at the bar — which I didn’t feel like it — or a long table simulating kind of like a second bar table. I preferred the second and order my first drink. They give you a taste drink of their preference while you wait for your actual drink, im not usually into those kind of offers cause you tend to get things you don’t like. Anyways, waiter was extra nice. The drink I ordered was good, it was the lime linen(?) and it has an excellent mixture of flavors that I was enjoying while a read a small book, minding my own business, well knowing the 2 other drinks I will like to try next when a man with a curled mustache came by, asking me to move to the bar area cause some guys will be coming and God knows what else. I simply replied with a no, I don’t want to be at the bar, and instead I requested my check. And he replied with a “don’t worry, they wont be here in like 25 minutes”. I really dont know how he wanted me to take that unnecessary response. The bar was empty, literally empty at around 6:30pm. Why messing with the actual customers you have in place? Those moments you kind of no longer feel welcomed or so, that was my perception reaction. Less than 2 minutes another guy came by asking if my drinks were good. Well, that was it for me, I asked for my check, pay and leave. Not even in the cheapest bar I have been in Ireland anyone have ever made me feel this way. If you don’t want people, solo people in a certain place, let them know right they get in, not at the middle of their drink. Not a place I would recommend neither I go back to ever. Every customer should be treated with the same respect...

This is a harder review to write because yes the cocktails were amazing it was honestly the service and vibes that were thrown off for us. It showed on google that we could bring outside food then got scolded at for bringing food a (spice bag) as it could be an allergen even though we were eating fries … they brought a a complimentary drink out and it was refreshing and very light delicious. Then our server wouldn’t drop it .. and was surprised we brought food and asked where it said it online . I showed her it and showed it on your google page and she proceeded to say “ don’t trust google “ even though we made the reservation by google…after that we just wanted to head out , she made us feel awkward and uninvited. It was also a off thing to say but hey we are part of an older crowd so maybe we care about service more than the food/drinks but I doubt we will be back due to that. I recommend getting food after as the food they offer is has very little options but if you just want cocktails go for it ! We really did love the cocktails , we just tend to like service to match so please keep that in mind, everything truly is subjective , and Cheers!

Ps to the owners I would remove this part from your google page to avoid confusion for the future and maybe be kinder to your guests ? We are paying...

My friend and I had a very disappointing experience at this place due to the attitude of one staff member. We arrived and sat at an outdoor table today around 7pm, but there were no staff around, so my friend went inside to find a menu.

She eventually found one herself and brought it outside so we could decide what to order. When a waitress finally came out, she was immediately hostile, giving out to us for taking a menu outside - something we weren’t aware was against their policy.

We tried to order a Guinness and a cider, but she abruptly informed us that they were only serving cocktails - no food, cider, or beer. I had been here before and had ordered beer and cider, so this seemed odd. When we asked about it, she curtly responded that they only serve a house beer.

That was fine - we were happy to try something else. However, when I asked about a margarita, she snapped again: “Have you not looked at the menu?” - the same menu she had just told us we weren’t supposed to have.

Whether she was having a bad day or not, this kind of treatment leaves a lasting impression - and ruined our experience. We immediately left without ordering and went to The Black Sheep around the corner, where the staff were friendly and welcoming - a totally different experience compared...