The Front Door Sonny's Bar and Restaurant
+353 91 563 757+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 22:00
Mon
12:00 - 22:00
Tue
12:00 - 22:00
Wed
12:00 - 22:00
Thu
12:00 - 22:00
Fri
12:00 - 22:00
Sat
12:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Irish, Bar, European, Pub, Vegetarian friendly
Special Occasion Dining, Groups, Bar Scene
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
Details
About
A great night always starts at The Front Door Pub! Spread over two floors and stretching across two streets, The Front Door is located in the heart of The Latin Quarter and also incorporates Sonny Molloy’s Whiskey Bar on High Street, and Tigh Nora Gin Bar on Cross Street. This large but intimate venue boasts five bars and is built with dark wood, textured walls, stained glass and features cosy alcoves and hidden nooks where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a tipple from an extensive drinks menu. By day, The Front Door is also a bustling restaurant offering a menu based on traditional Irish flare with an international twist. It’s your typical friendly local renowned for its welcoming staff members attracting both Galwegians and visitors to the city. In the evenings, The Front Door is a hive of activity with live music every night ranging from popular bands to well known DJ’s. The bar is open to explore seven days a week until 2am and it’s the place where Galway’s party people come
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, European, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
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4.5
1,325 reviews
Excellent
783
Very good
374
Average
77
Poor
23
Terrible
70
Noel Rowsome
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
Me and my Girlfriend went into the front door spontaneously we got a waitress named Emma who look after us so well, she never left us waiting for a drink or for food. She was on the ball constantly with both food and drink. She was friendly and very welcoming I would recommend any couple to visit here. Also the bouncer on the door was very nice and made us feel welcome !!!
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobbyJean
78 contributions
Jan 2022 • friends
This pub has a great protocol in place - a one way system from entrance to going to toilet or for a cigarette to leaving again. Covid certs checked at the entrance which caused a slight delay but well worth it when it comes to being fed. Great choice from catch of the day to roast of the day to chefs special as well as a full menu of starters, mains and deserts. After sharing two starters between five of us we then had a selection of fish, turkey & ham, roast chicken and 2 steak sandwiches with vegetables, mashed potatos and chips. No room for desert - but they looked divine. Great staff and service too. Would highly recommend and will def be back.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • couples
The food was so nice and reasonably priced. It was a really relaxed and comfortable vibe. And the blonde haired waitress who served us was really nice, friendly and helpful, especially considering it was her first day (7/12/20)
Written 7 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren M
Limerick3 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
My boyfriend went into the front door to book dinner for us later in the day, the girl he was greeted by told him dinner spaces are available but refused to give him a booking and told him just to walk in at 8 o clock the time we wanted to book for and that we would get a table no problem. When we arrived we were greeted by the same girl, who was very obnoxious towards us and insisted we needed to have a table booked, after explaining we had met her earlier in the day and tried to book and being told to walk in we were told well its not my problem , I MIGHT have a table in an hour if you want to wait outside, bear in mind it was pouring rain at this stage, we got no apology only agro off of this girl, which was extremely disappointing as we were looking forward to going here. I would definitely not be looking to return after the way we were treated. I would give 0* if I could
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrontDoor
Dear Lauren M,
Needless to say we are disappointed to read your review.
As explained at the time when you called in we were operating a walk-in system, bookings weren't available as it was extremely busy. We did suggest calling back at the time you wanted to dine and we'd try arrange a table for both of you. But it was extremely busy then and a table wan't available at that exact moment you wanted to eat.
Unfortunately, with Covid restrictions things are a little different with everyone trying to adjust. In normal instances we'd have said grab a seat at the bar, have a drink and we'd try arrange a table as soon as one became free.
Hopefully you can understand the changes in light of Goverment guidelines and appreciate everyone is trying to adjust as things are not the same as previous.
Of course if you'd like to give us a call to disucss further, we'd be happy to chat with you.
Written 7 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KM
3 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
Disgraceful experience. Party of 8. Queues everywhere in Galway so we were v happy to actually get tables, albeit one was indoors and one was outdoors. After spending 250 euro on food and drinks, management decided they didnt like one member of our group and security asked for him to leave. Reason given 'management feel you have had enough', he had one drink. It was 8.30. Our night was effectively over as queues were so long everywhere. Management were not willing to speak to us. Security apologised and was embarrassed.
We were robbed. The Front Door were happy to take 250 euro off us, send us on our way and fill the seats with more unfortunate tourists to exploit. SHAME ON YOU MANAGEMENT. Will not be in a rush back to Galway. More importantly, we have let friends and family know about our experience in Galway.
'Shut The Front Door' they said in shock.
Yes Shut the Front Door is right!!
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Front Door Pub Galway
Hi Km3484,
Thank you for your review, however we are very disappointed by your feedback. Our aim is for everyone to have an enjoyable experience in the bar.
However, we do have to keep regulations on alcohol consumption for the safety of all our customers. If you would like to contact us and discuss the issue further, do let us know.
Thank you.
The Front Door Team.
Written 29 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vinnybeirne
Galway12 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
Went to Sony Molloys quay st for food with four friends. Was told we would get a table in an hour. Two hours later we were still queuing. People came and from interaction with door staff they were let jump queue.
It was very unfair and greedy of Sony’s to keep people in a queue for over two hours. We were then told when we would get in we would be brought to a counter let have a drink and have to queue inside until a table became free. Very poor on their behalf. They should have being upfront from the start instead of wasting people s time and peeing people off. We are five business people in a Galway and will not be supporting this bar again the way we were treated. Other people in the he queue felt the same. The decent thing would have being to tell us at the start they could not accommodate us but being greedy they were hedging their bets in case their tables got quiet and we in the queue were led a Merry dance. Shame on ye guys.
Written 12 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john doe
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • friends
We were told we could only queue if we were ordering food. We hence queued for an hour at the top of the queue only to be given a table were ‘food could not be served’. There was food being served literally 4 metres beside our table. Waitresses were very dismissive and would not listen when we explained that the only reason we queued for so long was because we were told that we were guaranteed food. We were told the kitchen was closed at 6pm as things were ‘too messy’. However we were sitting at the table since 5pm. Very disappointed overall.
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Front Door Pub Galway
Hello, we have read your review and needless to say are disappointed to hear your feedback. Of course we want everyone to enjoy their visit and apologies for any confusion caused. When the bar is busy there can be a queue to get a table and food service can finish early, especially at weekends. Hopefully we can welcome you back on another occasion to enjoy our usual friendly service.
Written 7 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Candy4366
6 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
This is a deceptively large, busy pub which serves typical pub grub. Loaded fries as a starter were served ok- we’d have preferred them warmer. Mains are again ok. Nothing special. I’d read good reviews and thought this would be a decent option but left underwhelmed. There are lots of other pubs serving food in the area and suggest there’d be better. To me it felt like a chain pub meal.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Front Door Pub Galway
Hi Candy4366.
Thanks for your message. We are disappointed to hear you weren't completely satisfied with your meal and always encourage our customers to inform us if we can improve any of the dishes ordered. It's no problem to ensure food it served warmer. We'll certainly take your comments on board and we'd love to welcome you back on another occasion.
Written 9 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael Y
Massachusetts336 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
On our second night in Galway, we stopped into the front door as it had been recommended to us at another restrung that was closing for the evening as we arrived.
We were seat fairly quickly but then waited to get the first glimpse of our server, a trend that would continue.
The mixed drink ‘set menu’ was good the three of us settling on their Old Fashioned and Black Barrel (Jameison) Whiskey Sours.
While the food was good - 2 Shepard’s Pies and a (very) spicy pepperoni pizza, the service left a lot to be desired. Different order takers vs food servers vs drink servers likely did not help. We also had to make an effort to track someone down, and often it was someone who’s role wasn’t tasked with what we were looking for (i.e. someone bussing dishes and not taking new bar orders).
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annika M
2 contributions
May 2022 • none
The food was incredible! I ordered a Guiness Stew and a side salad, and it was fabulous. The atmosphere was quiet during dinner, and the staff was lovely. When I mentioned that I had a nut allergy, they took extra precautions and double checked food items to ensure there was no cross contamination. I loved their diligence and the care they provided to me as a customer. Totally recommend!
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loves2travel86_12
Nenagh216 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
We randomly walked by the front door while out shopping and the menu outside enticed us in. We had two sandwiches mine had king prawns on a ciabatta roll with a tomatoe relish with lots of herbs and a huge green salad with pickled red onion, it was yum! My partner had a chicken melt that came with coleslaw and a salad. It was excellent value for money, €8.95 and €7.95. We will definitely be back for a visit the next time we're in Galway. Definitely drop in if looking for a lovely lunch, there was seating outdoor and a big cocktail menu available.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trail66510700582
5 contributions
Jun 2024 • friends
Very disappointing service. We wanted to have dinner but couldn’t book so we turned up at 5pm and said we wanted to have a quiet drink and then go through for a meal. Got told that would be fine and to come back to the hostess when we were ready to eat. At 6pm we approached her for a dinner table and she told us it would be an hour’s wait despite the fact that there were hardly any diners in the place. We asked why there were tables with Reserved signs on them when we were told we couldn’t make a reservation. She just shrugged her shoulders. We figured that they don’t want tourists. Perhaps keeping tables for the locals.
Written 12 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aisling Cattle
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
We had a lovely night in the Front Door and our waitress Emma made sure we were taken care of the entire time! So accommodating and made us feel so welcome lovely girl. Cocktails and food were absolutely delicious, will definitely be coming back and would recommend to anyone going to Galway.
Thanks Emma!
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren M
Galway12 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Me and my wife went in to the front doorr for some food. I got the Bundee Burger 🍔 on the menu it said that it came with large chips and it cost 19.95. So when the Burger came it had a small portion of chips so I said to the waitress that it said the my burger came with a large chips she said no that's the size for all. I said it says large and again she said there isn't a large that is the size. So I said if ye don't do a large chips don't put it on the menu then as that is false advertising. She agreed with me that the large isn't a large and that it shouldn't be written like that. Now the burger was nice and tasty but not worth €20 for a few chips and a burger that's it no salad or anything that could make it look like it's worth the €20. Very disappointing with portion size of chips
Written 1 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma Walsh
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
The staff were friendly and obliging, even with us being a few minutes late for our reservation. In particular, Aoife, our server made the experience very enjoyable. Aoife made sure our drinks were topped up throughout the night and was patient when it came to all 10 of us splitting the bill! Great choice of food and drink, gorgeous interior and lovely atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone coming to Galway for a staycation or otherwise, thanks guys! Will definitely be returning thanks to the great food, great pub and in particular Aoife a fantastic server
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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