A Review of Dublin Coffee Shops: Part 2
Date
November 5, 2019
Currently Studying at: University College Dublin, Ireland
Homeschool: Trinity University
Welcome back to the Dublin Coffee Shop Review! Coffee out is one of my biggest ‘treats’ in my budget. I think it’s worth it because coffees hops are about more to me than just what you’re drinking. Each place I’ve visited thus far has a little something special that makes me happy to do my homework or read a book there. Since my first post, I’ve made it to nine more fantastic establishments, to be reviewed here.
Kap
Location: 31 Drury St, Dublin 2; east of Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty.
Unique Factors: Steep stairs to a secluded second floor walled in mirrors; lots of planetary imagery; dark painted downstairs walls.
Favorite Item: Mocha.
Overall Vibe: Cool and hipster; perfect for the busy student on the go in the city, either for carry out or an intense study session.
3FE Coffee
Location: 7 Sussex Terrace, Dublin; just south of the Canal, near Dartmouth Square.
Unique Factors: Wide retail selection of coffee products, white countertops, multiple coffee bars to accommodate coffee tastings, and location tucked away on a back street.
Favorite Item: Brownie Hot Chocolate (made with homemade brownie bits).
Overall Vibe: Bright, modern, friendly, and local; filled with students, young parents, and businesspeople alike.
Café Boulevard
Location: 132 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin; between Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green.
Unique Factors: Blue walls, checked floors, a crystal chandelier, attentive waiters, and a menu featuring food suitable for all three meals.
Favorite Item: Custom omelet (egg whites, peppers, bacon, onions).
Overall Vibe: Very Parisian and classy without being too expensive; polished.
Joe’s Coffee: Leeson – NOW CLOSED
Location: 5 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2; right at the southeast corner of St. Stephen’s Green.
Unique Factors: Lots of windows framed in white paint form the façade, and several high tables with stools make the most of the small space. The menu is hand-written on the chalkboard.
Favorite Item: Red juice with beets, celery, berries, and ginger.
Overall Vibe: Productive, friendly, well-located, and quaint; I was so disappointed to find it had permanently closed when I went to look up the address!
Joe’s Coffee: Liffey
Location: Arnotts Liffey Street Upper, North City, Dublin; in the shopping district that’s immediately north of the Liffey.
Unique Factors: Located in the atrium of an upscale department store; colorful mug and saucer sets; funny baristas; red metal accents on the wooden stools and chairs; great for people-watching.
Favorite Item: Fresh squeezed orange juice.
Overall Vibe: Industrial yet bright; well-placed color feels quirky and inviting; a pleasant balance of feeling welcome without being forced to be known.
Perch Coffee Kiosk
Location: The Kiosk, Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin; right across the canal from 3FE.
Unique Factors: Brick standalone building, well-designed logo, warm lighting, outdoor seating on a nice day and counter seating in front of fogged windows on a rainy day (like when I went).
Favorite Item: Herbal tea.
Overall Vibe: A refuge from rain, wind, traffic, and stress; the building seems perfectly crafted for the purposes of a coffee shop. Despite never feeling unsafe in Dublin, I felt a conscious sense of safety and comfort in here.
Shoe Lane Coffee
Location: 7 Tara St, Dublin 2; north of Trinity College, near the Liffey.
Unique Factors: World map showing the journey of their coffee beans, wood paneling on dark paint, and memorabilia from old-times bands including the Beatles; I went here right before the UCD Symphony Orchestra concert with The Bootleg Beatles. What a coincidence!
Favorite Item: Chai Latte— one of the best I’ve had!
Overall Vibe: Dark and homey; trendy design and friendly workers. Easy to be productive without feeling harried.
CocoBrew
Location: 5 Bedford Row, Temple Bar, Dublin; a hop and a skip from the Liffey.
Unique Factors: Houseplants, tables made from recycled materials, an abundance of Organic and Vegan options, interesting wall art and a theme of Monkey décor.
Favorite Item: Peanut Butter Muffin.
Overall Vibe: Earthy, homey, relaxed; there is a clearly evident commitment to creating quality environment, food, and drinks.
Java Republic
Location: 37 Molesworth Pl, Dublin 2; west of the National Gallery of Ireland.
Unique Factors: Old-timey white wood storefront with a lot of history, lots of natural light, comfy seating, and inspirational quotes from the owner emblazoned on the walls and the tables
Favorite Item: Cappuccino.
Overall Vibe: Bright, focused, busy; extremely comfortable; versatile for the student, family, or worker.
These pieces were created by student contributors. The views and opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Arcadia Abroad.