11 Best Spots for a Wholesome Booze-free Brunch in Dublin
Forget boozey brunches, we want wholesome, nourishing food with deep chats and plenty of time left for weekend activities.
We’ve all had a few too many at brunch, stumbled onto the street only to be humbled by the cold, harsh light of day. Flash forward 24 hours and you’re waking up with an empty bank account, kebab sauce on your phone and all-consuming hanxiety.
Brunch and booze go hand-in-hand, especially for the gays and the girlies.
But brunch with your pals doesn’t have to come with a side of bottomless cocktails. One benefit of being off the booze is, you can make the most of your weekend mornings. Instead of sleeping off your hangover, you can enjoy a cosy morning filled with good food, great conversation, market strolls, or a refreshing walk in the park.
With that in mind, here are the best spots to enjoy a wholesome, delicious brunch—without the headache!
1. Twirly Gate
Chapelizod
The breakfast at Twirly Gate in Chapelizod is so good. There’s also an entrance to the Phoenix Park just around the corner for a post-breakfast stroll, so don’t forget to grab pastry and a coffee to go on your way out (a little breakfast dessert is encouraged when brunching).
2. Ian’s Kitchen
Kimmage
I dream about the food at Ian’s Kitchen. The buffalo Benedict is unreal and if you decide to pay a visit, it would be criminal to go without trying the lemon meringue pancakes - trust me.
3. BaaBaa
Chapelizod
Another Chapelizod favourite, Baabaa has delicious lunch and brunch options with some of the best cakes in the city if you fancy a sweet treat. Just like Twirly Gate, the Phoenix Park is next door, so you can go pay the deer a visit.
4. Tang
Locations around the city: Dawson Street, Abbey Street, Cumberland Place
The food at Tang is freshly made with the best ingredients, that’s probably why you’ll often find a queue out the door. You can almost feel it nourishing your body as you eat it! If you’re looking for something sweet after the main event, I’d highly recommend their cinnamon babka (oh, and their coffee is amazing!)
5. Bang Bang
Phibsborough
When I lived in Phibsborough, I visited Bang Bang almost every week. While it can be hard to get a seat, if the weather’s nice, you can sit on the kerb and watch the crowds of hungover people queuing up for the breakfast sambos. I’d recommend bringing your food to the canal for a sit down by the water - their iced matcha latte is my fave on a sunny day.
6. Krewe
Capel Street / Charlemont Square
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, Krewe has a delish NOLA-inspired brunch menu with a few really tasty mocktails to choose from. Krewe offers more of a buzzy atmosphere brunch vibe if that’s what you’re after. If you’re visiting either location, there are plenty of charity shops nearby worth dropping into on Capel Street (Krewe north) and Camden Street (Krewe south).
7. Cake Cafe
Camden Street
While it’s not quite brunch, Cake Cafe is a queer-owned cafe nestled in the back of The Last Book Shop, that offers a very cute afternoon tea. It does come with a Prosecco, so make sure to request it without if you’re avoiding alcohol.
8. Metro Cafe
William Street
Metro Cafe is a busy spot in the heart of the city. While it’s perfect for meeting a friend for a catch-up, it’s also a really nice spot to sit al fresco with a good book if you fancy a solo brunch date.
9. Lemon Jelly
Millenium Walkway
I’ve been visiting Lemon Jelly with my family for decades. They offer the usual breakfast and brunch items like pancakes, and sandwiches. It’s a good choice if you need a last-minute bite to eat since you’re almost always guaranteed a seat with just a short wait time on the weekends.
10. Urbanity
Smithfield
The food at Urbanity is super healthy and fresh. They have a really tasty weekend menu - it’s the perfect place to go following a yoga session or a sauna session if you want something tasty and nutritious.
11. Two Pups
The Liberties
Located on Francis Street, Two Pups is a cute little place to visit for breakfast with some quirky little shops nearby. Drop into Hopeless Botanics, or browse the many adorable antiques shops afterwards.
I’ll be sharing more alcohol-free activities, venues and communities, so don’t forget to subscribe for more! Let me know if I’ve left out your favourite in the comments.
Byeeee
Steph (she/her)