The Waterloo Bar

We booked a table to watch the Champions Cup Final and The Waterloo looked after us so well. We were given a free round of Heineken and the food was great. The staff were so accommodating and put a game on the tv beside us that we wanted to watch after the final which was very much appreciated.

One benefit of being a Twitter addict (btw are you following me yet?) is that sometimes you win things – and recently I won brunch for two in The Waterloo on Baggot Street.

I had been to The Waterloo once for drinks, and genuinely hadn’t given the possibility of lunch there much thought past maybe some decent pub grub. However, I’m someone who won’t mind being proven wrong – and wrong I was proven!

The Waterloo is right in the middle of everything, less than a minute from Baggot Street bridge. The shops and bars around here are noteably long – as anyone who’s been in to Sinnotts could tell you. The Waterloo is no different. The bar runs all along one side, the ceiling is more than 2 stories high. Interior-enthusiast Boyfriend was loving it; contemporary yet timeless borrowing from classic-pub design meets comfortably modern. He’s not often subjected to my brunch obsession but he was on this occasion.

The menu is quite varied. Himself has become fixated on Eggs Benedict so his order was an obvious choice. Served a little like sliders, the perfectly poached eggs rested on crispy bacon between a brioche bun. He’s still talking about that bread and how sweet it was but how it worked so well. If it was lacking anything, he says, it would be some hollandaise sauce – but he’d be more than happy to order it again just how it was. It’s the bread he says!

My eyes were drawn to the salad selection, super salads to be precise of the Greek and Moroccan variety. The watermelon in the Greek salad was calling to me, but the chill outside meant I went for the Moroccan. Chickpeas, sweet potato, peppers with shaved carrots and sesame dressing. I swapped the goats cheese for feta – and honestly didn’t want it to end. I want to make this salad at home but I’m afraid it couldn’t taste as good. Too often salads are unsatisfying, lettuce-laiden side-dishes – not this one my friend. Also, it’s only €9, how is this possible?

I’m not one to overstay my welcome, and while we are graciously offered sides I bashfully ordered a cappuccino and agreed with Boyfriend that we’d be back again to stuff our faces.

Perfect for casual brunch if you’re in the area and don’t want the fuss of french toast.

The Waterloo Bar on Baggot street was the first pub I visited in Dublin. It's really a very nondescript bar, but the food can be surprisingly good. Their fish & chips, in the middle of the week, or towards the weekend, is really nice. I specifically mention middle of the week or weekend coz at the start of week, the fish could be a lil old - tips from Anthony Bourdain :)

The beef slider is quite nice too, but was a little dry. They have a mixed grill board that has bacon, sausages, and pulled pork, along with baked beans and eggs sunny side up. This is an option that should be opted for only if you're really, really hungry, coz it can be really filling.

Overall, The Waterloo is quite a decent option for a lunch or dinner if you're anywhere near Baggot street and are in the mood for some pub grub.