Simon's Place, Dublin

Such a nice place to come and relax away from the constant pace of Dublin city centre. It’s quaint and a pared-down in an 'alternative’ kind of way and the walls are covered in band posters and fliers. The staff here are so nice and the sandwiches are always fresh and tasty. Downstairs feels like a real home-from-home even on your first visit.

Why aren’t there more places like this in Dublin? Hot chocolate and tuna sandwiches are my staple diet here.

Every poster for every band seems to have something to do with old friends, and every face seems like it’s got a good conversation behind it.

The staff are lovely too - the guy carries my tray downstairs because he knows full well that I’ll drop it.

Totally unique.

Simon’s is a part of the alternative lifestyle that many Irish people pursue. The decor is basic and perfect, the walls refreshed often with band posters and events around Dublin.
Upstairs has a few tables outside which are hard to come bay, and some lovely old wooden bench style tables around the service counter.
But to wander downstairs is another experience entirely. School kids study here, others read, it is more like visiting an old library with food! This is the place to sit and catch a breath from the bustle of the Georges Street Arcade.
All of the food is cheaply priced and made that day, if you are after lunch it is best to be on time as they often sell out of their wholesome sandwiches quite quickly, limiting your choices.
One thing that I love about this place is that most of the time Simon is there, working with the others. To see an owner in amongst it is always a sure sign that they are about their business, and considering it is coming into its 11 year I think it will remain a must visit for anyone in Dublin.
Opening Mon to Sat 8:30am- 5pm.

Avoca is home grown Irish brand that has grown from the Avoca mills. The Avoca outlets are made up of woolen garments and a restaurant and the food has become so popular that there are Avoca cookbooks now available. The restaurants always feel very homely and the food is the finest produce around. The clothes can be on the pricey side but they are original and well-made.

My all time favourite cafe in Dublin since I slipped on a patch of ice one new years eve and landed outside its door, desperate for a cup of tea to warm my frozen hands.

The cinnamon buns are to die for, although they only tend to appear after noon-ish, so don’t expect them for breakfast.

Wonderful home made sandwiches and soup as well - cheese, egg or avocado for the vegetarians (or anyone really, the cheese is gorgeous), ham, chicken and prawn for the meat lovers. The usual vegetable soup is accompanied by a different partner every day - you’re particularly lucky if its a broccoli day.

By all means eat quickly, but you can lose hours here reading the papers and enjoying the atmosphere. Upstairs is buzzy, you can sit at ledges or share tables amongst the chattering crowd. Donwstairs is the best though. Its a wonderful smelling cavern, eternally papered by posters and fliers for local bands and clubs. You can plan your night out, while sipping coffee.

It’s cool, it’s arty, but most of all it’s cosy. Go with friends, or take yourself and a battered paperback!