Going out in Dublin can be expensive, but BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) offers a smart and fun alternative. From bars and restaurants to creative workshops, Helena Avetisjan tells you about the venues that let you enjoy your favourite drinks without overspending.
In a world where renting a single room can cost over 1,000 euros a month, utility bills are soaring, and grocery prices keep climbing, going out is becoming a real challenge for young people, especially when cocktails start at 15 euros, wine at 8 euros and beers at 6. Socializing and enjoying time with friends is an essential part of life, but when most of your salary disappears as you try to just to get by, sacrifices are inevitable, and many young people end up staying in, and this can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, and even a decline in mental health.
Some people try to find creative ways to cope with this situation, such as having a few drinks at home before going to a club, attending free local events, or organizing gatherings and cooking nights with friends at home. Others resort to sneakier tactics as well, such as hiding their own drinks to take into clubs and festivals. This has even become a social?media trend: users post creative methods for concealing alcohol, and products designed for this purpose (for example, chunky bangles that double as hidden flasks) are being sold. While this behaviour is understandable given the high cost of drinks at nightlife venues, it is also likely to get you removed from the venue if you’re caught...
But there are some good alternatives worth considering, such as Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) venues. These are places where you can bring your own drinks, ranging from bars to billiard halls and arcades to restaurants, making socializing more affordable while still allowing friends to meet, have fun, and spend quality time together, without worrying too much about their bank accounts.
In Dublin, there are several different options to choose from, and together we’ll explore some of the most popular ones.
The Hideout: The Hideout is a BYOB pool hall in Dublin City Centre, featuring British and American pool tables and a relaxed atmosphere. The BYOB fee is €5 per person (tables charged separately). Booking ahead is recommended!
Bray Bowl: Bray Bowl hosts BYOB nights every Friday and Saturday, offering a fun and affordable night out with bowling, pool, and arcade games. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-booking is recommended for larger groups.
The Hill: The Hill is a bar where you can bring your own food, though drinks must be purchased on-site. Every Tuesday at 8?PM, they host quiz nights with free entry, making it a fun and budget-friendly option for an evening out.
Leisureplex: Leisureplex is a popular entertainment venue with locations in Tallaght, Coolock, and Stillorgan, and occasionally hosts BYOB nights. Guests can enjoy bowling, billiards, and other games while bringing their own drinks. Since the schedule isn’t fixed, it’s a good idea to watch for announcements about upcoming BYOB events.
Additionally, there are occasionally music events, nightlife events, and festivals where you can bring your own drinks, but always check the event guides and rules beforehand to make sure it’s allowed.
If you prefer a more creative night out, there are BYOB creative events, such as making custom charm jewellery, creating your own mosaic artwork, painting nights, or attending ceramic and pottery sessions. These events are usually bookable through the Eventbrite website.
If you’re in the mood for dinner with friends, there are some BYOB restaurant options available as well:
Dada Restaurant: Dada Restaurant is a Moroccan restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes while bringing your own wine, offering a more budget friendly and relaxed dining experience.
The Wine Cellar: The Wine Cellar is a cozy spot where you can bring any wine from their retail selection for just €1 corkage from Sunday to Tuesday. It’s a great way to try new wines or enjoy your favourites without paying the usual high prices.
Zakura Restaurant: Zakura is a Japanese restaurant on Baggot Street, serving sushi, ramen, and other traditional dishes. Guests can bring their own bottle of wine or other drinks for a corkage fee of €8.
Keshk Restaurant: Keshk is a Mediterranean restaurant in Dublin, offering dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey. Guests can bring their own drinks BYOB, free of corkage, providing a relaxed and enjoyable experience for dining with friends or family.
When it comes to going out in Dublin, BYOB can be more than just a way to cut costs, it’s a different way of experiencing the city. Interestingly, this kind of practice is not very common in many other European countries. In places like France, Italy, or Spain, restaurants, bars, cafés, and venues in general, don’t usually allow you to bring your own drinks, and in some cases even bringing a bottle of water is discouraged. Dublin’s BYOB culture therefore stands out as more open and flexible, giving people the freedom to shape their night the way they want it.
Of course, the places mentioned are only a small selection of what’s out there. In a city where the cost of living can sometimes feel overwhelming, BYOB provides a chance to enjoy yourself without spending too much. And with such a variety of options, everyone can find something that suits their own tastes and the type of evening they’re looking for, whether that’s a quiet dinner, a lively game night, or a creative workshop. It’s also an opportunity to discover new flavours, favourite spots, and unique events, making each night out feel personal and memorable.