Maybe you plan to mark Cinco de Mayo with tacos and margs or perhaps a more chilled, restrained affair is called for. Whatever your pleasure, here are just a few worth serious consideration …
El Silencio, Dublin 2
On the subject of tacos and margs, there’s no better way to mark Cinco de Mayo than a visit to the very cloak and dagger El Silencio to indulge in their two house specialties. The ambiance verges into dive bar territory, the drinks are strong and the music is loud, but once you take a sip of the legendary Smoky Rita you won’t notice or care. There are margaritas of all persuasions (eleven in total), the corn tacos are gluten-free, and if you need a post-bank holiday pick-me-up Tuesday night is Tacolicious Tuesday with all tacos just €6. Lean in, it’s worth it. @el_silencio_fff
The Chili Club, Dublin 2
Located on Anne’s Lane just off Grafton Street, The Chili Club has been a firm favourite among Irish restaurant goers since opening its doors in 1991. Over the years, it has amassed legions of fans who return time after time for dishes such as the comforting classic Thai green curry, tamarind duck or one of the zingy Thai soups. Neatly falling between fine and more casual dining, the candlelit space is cosy and intimate with a touch of retro charm, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long weekend. @chiliclubdublin
Brighton Road, Dublin 18
The location of Brighton Road has seen a lot of flux in recent years with Bistro One and Pala, but this restaurant appears to have settled into the space just fine. The neighbourhood restaurant of dreams, its wild garlic chicken Kyiv special is the perfect example of my kind of comfort food, but the entire menu is appealing. Lucky locals can avail of a small collection menu that runs five days a week and includes a pink rhubarb pavlova that I would brave the M50 at rush hour to try. Worth a trip this week. @brightonroad18
Greenes Restaurant, Cork
The menu here is like perusing a who’s who list of Cork producers with dishes such as beef and Beamish stew, English Market chicken supreme and Jack McCarthy’s spiced beef – you get the idea. With produce like this on your doorstep in a converted 18th-century warehouse with high ceilings, we can’t think of anywhere better to end a weekend. @greenescork
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