Established in 1728 - making it the second oldest pub in Dublin (after The Brazen Head) and the oldest in Dun Laoghaire - this attractive old place has seen some changes, but its essential character remains, with dark wooden floors, atmospheric lighting, large mirrors and a good buzz.
This county Dublin restaurants well set up for enjoyment of the bar food for which it has earned a fine reputation, with shiny dark wooden tables (a candle on each) and inviting menus which still have some old favourites like the famous Purty Seafood Chowder and traditional Mussels Marinière.
But, although best known for seafood - and a wide range is offered, including Prawn and Crayfish Pil Pil, Caribbean style Crab Cakes and tender calamari and Pacific Rock Oysters - there are other choices, including a separate vegetarian menu.
Head chef Jacqueline Foster has brought her American experiences to the kitchen: butcher's block selections include chargrilled fillet steak, North Star short ribs and Hereford Beef Burger. Fresh food with a home-cooked flavour, presented attractively on different shaped plates, make this an unusually enjoyable informal dining experience.
A list of House Favourites also includes some dishes that have stood the test of (considerable) time, such as a traditional breakfast, home-made beef burgers and seafood quiche, all at reasonable prices.
A garden terrace offers a pleasing outdoor alternative in fine weather, and the Food & Wine Emporium next door specialises in artisan Irish foods.
Restaurant Dinner two sittings 7pm & 9pm, reservations advisable. No reservations in bar but names taken when you arrive and you can wait at the bar.
*There is a newer Purty Kitchen Temple Bar in the city centre (see entry).
* The Purty Café, next door to the pub, now offers coffee, cakes and sandwiches. A la carte menu available Mon-Fri 12-9.45, Sat-Sun, 12.30-9.45. Vegetarian menu also available. Purty Kitchen Food & Wine Emporium open every day (pub hours). Toilets wheelchair accessible. House wine from about €16.50 (€4.50 per glass). Live music Tue & Fri evenings. Closed 25 Dec, Good Friday. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
