Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill — Restaurant in Ames

I did everything possible to ensure a smooth dinner at Dublin Bay. I called ahead to confirm service animals were allowed. The answer was yes.

I arrived alone to double-check. Yes, again.

I clarified my dog’s breed and certification and that my mother, who walks with a cane, would be with me. No hesitation. No issues.

We were given two seating options, one in the far back, requiring maneuvering, and another near the front, which was more accessible. Naturally, I chose the front to make things easier for my mother.

Three confirmations. No concerns.

My dog, wearing a red service harness, walked in calmly and settled beside our table. The surrounding patrons adored him. The high-tops beside us and the booth behind us had no complaints. He was well-behaved, taking treats like a gentleman and adored by everyone near.

At one point, my mother took a photo, and he let out one single bark. I immediately corrected him. Everything remained calm. Later, after our food arrived, she took another photo. Another single bark.

That’s when a man (John? Jason?) approached. No greeting, no inquiry, just, "You need to leave."

I was stunned. We had barely touched our meal. I explained that I had 'triple-checked' permission before even bringing my mother inside. That’s when the excuse changed, now, I was told service animals aren’t “true” service animals.

The GM (John? Jason?), who had to call the owner to confirm their own policy, left us waiting.

Next, I simply asked if we had to pay for food we hadn’t been allowed to eat.

Instead of a reasonable response, I was accused of trying to dine and dash.

I had never refused to pay. I never left my seat, I had simply asked a question, met with hostility instead of professionalism.

The GM’s solution? Tossing to-go boxes onto our booth and waving us off like an inconvenience. He never spoke to us again. Instead, a hostess awkwardly informed us our meal was comped, not as goodwill, but as a quiet request to leave.

What should have been a simple dinner became humiliating. All because a single bark was deemed too much. All because a restaurant with 'no clear policy' made a rash decision.

And the excuses? They only got worse.

(John? Jason?) claimed, "We can’t seat anyone near you." But we had been offered that table with no trouble. And the surrounding patrons had no issues.

Then the statement, "He’s barked countless times."

I asked, "How many?"

His response? "Countless."

No, sir. Not countless. Twice.

Not disruptive. Not excessive. Just. Two. Single. Barks.

And for that, we were asked to leave. despite confirming three times beforehand. A policy suddenly discovered after we were seated, served...

The shepherd's pie was awesome, I was kind of envious of the fish and chips when I saw them come out. They looked amazing and the fries were so delicious. Not to mention the Irish bread, that was the best authentic bread I've had in my life. Even better than what my grandma would make. But we always had it with stew and not so much anything else. Our server was awesome, I didnt catch her name but she was a riot. Cant wait to go back for another meal. Second meal was fantastic! Went for the onion rings as an appetizer, along with the fish and chips and Irish nachos. Fish was top tier, it's been a long time since I've had a wonderful balance of firm fresh cod and crispy batter without one or the other, sometimes both, causing it to be a bit lack luster. But these guys got it down! Perfect every time! If they dont know then they should be notified. Lol. Crispy, light, add a touch of salt or not this has the classic benchmark dish on the pedestal it has earned. The irish nachos were a wonderful treat as well. I didnt order them, but tried them off my friends plate. I wouldve ordered half portion on black olives and jalapenos if I wouldve ordered them for myself. Aside from that they were freakin good! I think the next time we get them we'll share them as a lunch or light dinner. The whole meal was very filling and reasonably priced. Too often do we settle for something that is too flashy, or too bland that we often forget the places like the Dublin Bay or even the Mucky Duck. I've not been to the Duck yet but look forward to an afternoon there soon. Thank you again guys for such a wonderful...

We visited for dinner as part of a larger group attending a nearby conference. Being from out of town, it was our first time. The restaurant did a great job handling the reservation for such a large group. Service was extremely friendly and helpful (hats off to Riley, she did a great job, especially with such a large group). I ordered the stout salmon. It came with brussel sprouts & bacon, with the salmon on a bed of rice. All very delicious! The salmon was cooked perfectly and the stout sauce on the salmon was especially good, it added a bit of a sweet flavor to the dish. My wife, being vegan, ordered the Impossible Burger. She also said that her meal was very good, we appreciate when restaurants offer a vegan option. Rolling on to desserts... my wife ordered the bread pudding and I had the salted caramel cheesecake, they did not disappoint! My wife loved the richness of the bread pudding and I loved the density of the cheesecake. I will add that they also pour a great pint of Guinness. Two thumbs up and I'd recommend Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill for a nice meal and...