This large bar is located in the Victorian redbrick block best known for the George's Street Market Arcade. It's an attractive space with lofty ceilings, including a mezzanine floor and simple, stylish furnishings - unfortunately the wooden floor and hard surfaces bounce noise around and there's precious little to absorb it.
It was an immediate hit with young Dubliners and the food, which is cooked in an open kitchen, has earned The Market Bar a reputation for serving some of the best tapas in Dublin.
The menu is loosely Spanish, offering nibbles like olives, smoked almonds and anchovies, and more substantial dishes which can be ordered as small or large portions and include appealing renditions of Spanish classics like tortilla, morcilla inchos and patatas bravas.
Allowing a little licence for local tastes, and providing you don't mind eating in a busy bar, this could be a good choice for casual eating while socialising - a great place for a group of friends, not recommended for a conversational twosome.
Toilets wheelchair accessible, bar access via ramp; children welcome before 7pm; air conditioning. Food daily: Mon-Sat 12-10; Sun 4-10. Closed 25-26 Dec, Good Fri. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
