Ciarán Howley reviews La Pausa Caffe Blessington Street, Dublin’s most unique spot for coffee and brunchingtons.
When it comes to going for brunch in Dublin, there are a few places that come to mind. Angelina’s on Baggot St, Póg on Bachelor’s Walk or Brother Hubbard on Capel St are all excellent choices for a bit of midday wining and dining. But as we all know, brunching has become an expensive habit these days and it’s hard to find a spot that serves grub that’s just as wallet-friendly as it is delicious. Look no further than La Pausa Caffe on Blessington Street.
Tucked away just off Dorset St on the corner of Blessington St, you can’t miss it as you walk by. It’s covered in eye-popping graffiti art and an inviting sign outside promising diners “the Best Brown in Town.” La Pausa Caffe has a snug but homely interior that offers a great spot for a catch-up with an old bestie or a spacious outdoor area for a group trip on a warm summer’s day. The walls are splashed with colourful street-style art that will make you grin and the tables inside are dotted with adorable little antiques and knick-knacks. While the location is not incredibly central, just by walking in the door you’ll appreciate having made the trek to this little slice of twee heaven. If you want to get a quick coffee to go, they’ve also got a smaller location ‘La Pausa Piccola’ on Townsend St.
The coffee however, is La Pausa’s real winner. It’s no exaggeration that this is some of the best coffee Dublin city has to offer. It’s the kind that warms you right down to your belly with frothy foam as light as a feather and espresso with a kick, but not too much.
The menu is packed with breakfast and lunch classics for eaters of all persuasions. Creamy Avo and Toast with either Bacon or Salmon, Eggs Benedict with Salmon or Bacon, a crunchy Granola Bowl and even a full Irish Breakfast with a vegetarian option too. Price-wise, you’re looking at between eleven and thirteen euros, depending on what add-ons you’re in the mood for. On the cheaper side are La Pausa’s scrumptious bagels, between four and eight euros - and on the yummier. The Tunacado Bagel is the one to beat, with melt in your mouth tuna and avocado and seasoned with thyme, black pepper and baby leaves.
The coffee however, is La Pausa’s real winner. It’s no exaggeration that this is some of the best coffee Dublin city has to offer. It’s the kind that warms you right down to your belly with frothy foam as light as a feather and espresso with a kick, but not too much. For sweet treat girlies, you can pretty much get any kind of warm drink here; hazelnut latte, toffee nut latte, chocolate cookie latte, caramel latte, Belgian hot chocolate and the almighty Tiramisu Latte. It’s as divine as it is unheard of!
So if you’re looking to take a Good Judy out for brunch this week or need a calm spot to work on your assignments this week, you won’t regret visiting La Pausa. I can safely say every time I’ve brought a friend there, they never shut up about just how whopper it is. The staff are unbelievably sound, there’s always great music and the food is to die for.