Tom Kennedy's Bar — Restaurant in Dublin

First time in Dublin - consumed 18 pints of Guinness over the course of 2.5 days and without a doubt the pints drawn here were by far the best.

I was on my way to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour when I came upon this place. They had a huge banner out front saying they were voted the best pub in Dublin and I scoffed as I figured this was some sort of ploy to hoodwink tourists into their bar. So I walked in to test this claim (clearly it works). Penny greeted me kindly and I ordered my pint. I had only come in for Guinness but when I commented on the large crockpot, she told me of this lovely lady who makes it fresh everyday and drops it off. And without a second to lose, she pours me a bowl. I looked at her confused as I had not ordered it. But she smiled and said I looked like I needed some. And wow, was it great. Highly reccommend! Their kitchen isn't huge so the menu isn't extensive. But the stew is to die for. In fact, if I could have one wish, It would be to be sitting at the bar again ordering another pint. I will be back. Thanks for the great hospitality and you really do live up to your title. Until I...

Was walking down Thomas Street, Tom Kennedy's caught my eye, I'd heard positive things, so said I'd venture in for one pint.

It was quite a disappointing experience.

Upon politely asking the barwoman for a pint of Guinness, I was sneeringly told that I "had too much already". Having previous experience working in the bar sector as a security guard, I knew this was code for "We just don't like the look of you". I also knew from previous experience that arguing my sobriety was a pointless endeavour, and as such, I left immediately - which, as I also know from previous experience, surely deflated the ego of said barwoman, as people with such attitudes usually expect you to beg to gain entry or service in their respective venues.

Thankfully I continued on to my regular haunt of The Liberty Belle on Francis Street - a far more hospitable and welcoming establishment than what I experienced in Tom Kennedy's - and had a brilliant night.

A far better experience than Tom Kennedy's that promotes a welcoming atmosphere, yet has a clique-ish, clan-like...

I've been hanging at this place for the last few days and things had been alright until I came in to grab a meal before I headed to the airport. A couple came in (one was in a wheelchair) and after a few minutes of them getting settled, the old man behind the bar came over to them and told them that the pub wasn't accessible to them because he "didn't want to deal with it" and didn't serve them. It's a damn shame that one man stained the pubs review because I've spent a fair amount of euro here and received spectacular service from the women and other men working at the bar. The pub was not busy, they were not blocking the doors. This was around 1-2pm on 20/12/2023...