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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 20:30
Mon
12:00 - 20:00
Tue
12:00 - 20:00
Wed
12:00 - 20:00
Thu
12:00 - 20:30
Fri
12:00 - 20:30
Sat
11:00 - 21:00
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
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, European, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
features
Is this a seafood restaurant?
Details
About
Family run business since 1911. Simpson’s Bar & Restaurant is a well established bar and restaurant throughout the north west. Awarded bar food of the year 2024 at the highland radio awards ceremony & Eatery of the year 2024. Our bar has a unique and warm atmosphere throughout from the stain glass windows on the ceilings to the finely crafted detailed wood around the bar. Our team awaits to welcome you to our establishment for the very best customer service experience. We look forward to seeing you in the near future.
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, European, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Dog Friendly, Family style, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
270 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
46
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
11
Darron M
Derry111 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
Passing through after spending a night in Malin, my wife whose been here a few times dragged me in for a spot of Sunday lunch. She swears I've been here before, but I've no recollection of it at all, but anyway...
Asked for a table and was advised it could be up to 30 minutes waiting time and to find a spot at the bar if we were interested in hanging about. The place was rammed, which is a good sign in my book. Found a spot at the far end corner of the bar and waited the full 30 minutes, even though tables were freed up, but no matter. We were seated and handed a one-sided simple menu, which again, is a good sign.
When you get a Sunday Lunch menu and it's full of random 'stuff', you can only assume the kitchen is going to be slammed and you'll be waiting for ages for your food.
They do a 2-course lunch which basically covers the starter and a main, desserts aren't covered in that, which is fine, it's actually cheaper that way as the dessert only adds €2.50 to the bill. I ordered breaded mushrooms with a garlic mayo dip, the First mushroom was beautiful, the second, however, I took a bite and was instantly scolded by boiling hot mushroom juice squirting over my top lip. I'm currently sporting a lovely scab as I write this 3 days later.
Who is to blame for this? I have no idea, if I was of a litigious nature, I'd say the restaurant, for the simple reason that the bowl they served the mushrooms in didn't offer any sort of space to slice them properly without tipping the contents out. But... I didn't complain (nor will I) as I probably should have been more aware and therefore will take personal responsibility.
Anyway...
There was a long wait for the second course. I'd ordered the roast beef, my wife the turkey and ham. They both came as a standard 'seasonal veg' (in this case, carrots), mashed potato and a dash of gravy. My wife hates mashed potatoes, and even though there was no mention of chips on the menu, she asked for them, and they kindly provided her with the alternative (probably the cause of the delay). We asked for an extra gravy boat, which they promptly served us with.
The staff, albeit young and inexperienced for the most part, were attentive. The majority of the elderly patrons were greeted by the more senior staff by their names, so that goes to the local popularity of the establishment.
The food was great, my wife also ordered the banoffee pie to take away with her for later, which she did indeed declare that it was the best banoffee pie she'd tasted in a very long time (and she knows her banoffee).
In summary, would I go again, maybe, no, yeah, yes I would. The Guinness was great, the food piping hot (obviously) and the ingredients and seasoning were spot on. Simple, unpretentious Irish fayre that is quickly dispatched and at a very reasonable price.
Written 13 September 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.
Simpsons Bar & Restaurant
Dear Darron,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We are glad you enjoyed your meal with us “apart from the mushroom incident”
We hope to see you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 14 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KatQKids
Tomball23 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
Excellent service, great food! We stumbled upon Simpsons on our way to Malin Head. This local favorite was full with locals and our group of 7 didn’t rattle the manager as he assure us he would accommodate our large group. He took our food order before seating us to ensure prompt service. Food was delicious! Thank you!
Written 24 February 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear Kat,
I am glad that you enjoyed your experience with us on Saturday evening. Thank you for your kind words I will be sure to pass this on to the rest of our team.
Enjoy the rest of your trip in Ireland and we hope to see you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ogriofa76
Belfast33 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
Our host recommended eating here and boy was he right! We absolutely loved it. The food was great, the pint was lovely, it was a cosy, warm environment but the best part of all was the staff. They were so unbelievably nice. Our fantastic waitress gave us top tips on places to go and things to do while we visited for the weekend, the manager actually gave us a lift home afterwards as it was so cold and icy although we could have walked! We went back again for another lovely meal the same weekend. The kids loved their food and no matter what we ordered all dishes were perfect. We both commented if only we could have a local like this where we live - we’d never cook again! Top class.
Written 14 December 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear ogriofa76,
Thank you for your lovely review it really is appreciated.
It was lovely speaking to you all on your visit.
We look forward to seeing you back again in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 21 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne Crosbie
31 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Music seriously loud and ridiculously inappropriate. Music wS teenage disco music whereas diners were families of mixed ages or senior couples. I have chicken Maryland which was like cardboard cooked in fish batter. Veg consisted of overcooked, frozen peas, runnerbeans, mixed veg. My husband had some other chicken mush... Staff friendly and efficient but did not query my mostly uneaten meal..
Written 13 July 2023
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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, feedback is very important to us.
I have messaged you privately for contact details to call and discuss your recent review.
I would be grateful if you could get in contact with us regarding your recent visit as I have spoken to our team and they have had no complaints of the above matters.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 21 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eamo2014
17 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
We didn't have a table booked for a party of 4 and my first impressions are very good after being told they had a table for us so fast. That didn't last long as the table was made for 2 people and giving us the next tables drinks very unorganised when our food came out I had to put my plate on my lap and eat from my lap. We had to send our undercooked chips back when we asked for the Bill they had charged for two extra drinks when we explained we only had 5 cokes not 7 we told they were brought to the table I had to mention the mix-up earlier on with the drinks then they left us sitting there for 20 mins and people look over at us I was never so embarrassed even the next table to us said they didn't like the way we were treated I wouldn't write the review otherwise not a place for me
Written 3 March 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.
Liam Farren
Dear Eamo2014
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
I am very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your experience with us.
I would be very grateful if you would like to give me a call on (074) 93 74 499 so I can investigate further into this.
Written 3 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sabrina D
Leixlip16 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
I am a coeliac I had told my many different servers this, and despite this the message either never went to the kitchen staff or they didn't care about cross contamination. A few hours later after eating at this restaurant I am puking in the toilet of the holiday home I am staying in. Now I am in for a rough night of going back and forth to the bathroom. This place needs to educate their staff on the consequences of allergens. People who have allergies are not being awkward when they say they have an allergy, it's because we can end up badly sick and even worse.
Written 1 September 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.
Simpsons Bar & Restaurant
Dear Saby,
Firstly thank you for taking the time to leave your review,
I am very disappointed to hear that you did not enjoy your experience with us.
All our menus are listed with all allergy’s labelled on each dish.
I would greatly appreciate if you could contact me on (074) 93 74 499 to discuss this review.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 14 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmcCDerry
Derry7 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We were a walk-in on Sunday afternoon. Reviews all seemed to be so good so out on a Sunday drive thought we would give it a go. Staff lovely and very pleasant. Starters vol-au-vent wasn’t warm at all and tad too much garlic. Roast beef was extremely dry and tbh small portion of Sunday roast. Yorkshire’s definitely not home cooked bit like frozen ones from supermarket. Oh and roasties? Who doesn’t have roasties with Sunday roast…. Disappointing if I’m being honest 😔
Written 13 October 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear AmcC
Firstly thank you for taking the time to leave your review, feedback is importance to us, thank you for recognising our hard working team members work tirelessly to make our customer service experience exceptional.
We are very sorry to hear that your starter Vol au vent wasn’t warm enough for you, if you would have mentioned this while you were in the restaurant one of the team could of quickly resolved it likewise for the beef if you thought it was “dry” we would of being more thank happy to help resolve your concerns, I have spoken to the rest of the team and they have had no complaints of the above issues that you listed above.
We are very sorry that you were “disappointed” with your experience.
We hope to see you in the near future again.
Kind regards
Management
Written 15 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rosaleenf1974
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • family
Wonderful experience. I took myself and my family of 5 in for Sunday lunch. We had no reservation but the staff assured me it would not be a long wait. To our surprise we were seated within minutes and the staff was very pleasant and attentive. Every single dish had a taste of its own and it exceeded all our expectations. Even with the busy buzz about the place there was a great ambiance. Could not recommend more definitely will be back when my family returns home from their travels. 10/10 experience all round!!!!!
Written 11 April 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear Scenic,
Thank you for taking the time to write your review.
We are pleased to hear that you and your family enjoyed your Sunday lunch meal.
We look forward to seeing you and your family in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 23 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francois S
Dublin18 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
While I had nothing to complain about the food and the service, we should have seen the writing on the wall here for my wife, who is a celiac. We are in the habit of clearly stating her dietary requirements and querying the items on the menu to be suitable for a celiac. Even so, when finally ordering, making g sure to mention that my wife is a celiac and that "gluten free" needs to be absolutely gluten free. Now most restaurants understand that requirements and will inform if there is a risk of any cross contamination, but we should have known something was a miss here after having to send back her desert 3 times after querying each time if the desert was suitable for a celiac. Each time another option was brought on, it had the lovely gluten rich wafer stuck on the desert. Finally she was offered something "safe" - or at least we thought so. Now wether the desert or any part of her order did contain gluten we will never know, but what was clear that an hour later, when we supposedly to be enjoying our evening, my wife's digestive system went into full rejection mode. And no, she didn't eat anything else somewhere else. One would expect a chef in these times to be aware of the ingedrients of their menu or the waiting staff to effectively communicate dietary requirements. And while I myself enjoyed the food, I find that spending 75 Euros on a game of celiac roulette is a bit steep, so celiacs beware!
Written 2 September 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.
Simpsons Bar & Restaurant
Dear Francisco,
I am very disappointed to hear you didn’t enjoy your experience with us.
We hope to see you and your wife (review below) again in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 14 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathtrina F
Dublin4 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
This is a great spots to rock up in your camper van and park over night . Great supermarket to stock up and then a lovely restaurant and bar next door. The place has a lovely family feel , the staff were very welcoming and chatty
We could not fault the food , we had mussels and chilli squid for starters and the variety for the mains was extensive with vegetarian options included.
I would highly recommend Simpson's bar and grill . 👌
Written 16 September 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear Voyager,
Thank you for taking the time to write your kind words, it is much appreciated.
We welcome camper vans to park in our large car park, we will be sure to pass your kind words on to the rest of our team.
We hope to see you in the near future again,
Kind Regards,
Management.
Written 27 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel R
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • couples
Lovely little cozy bar, but.. the food was awful tonight I’m afraid. I looked at reviews before coming as we are only in the area for the weekend. I had the chicken and my partner had a burger. My chicken was dry and the sauce congealed on it and the burger was rock hard and tasteless. Not the chefs finest work tonight
Written 24 February 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.
Simpsons Bar And Restaurant
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your experience with us.
I have messaged you privately and would be grateful if you could contact me on (074) 93 74 499 to discuss your experience with us as I have spoken to the rest off the team and we have had no complaints about any of the issues you have mentioned in your review.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Management
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol E
Dublin60 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Although the staff were friendly and the resturant was busy we were left slightly underwhelmed by the experience. Firstly, we ordered drink, soft drink for me craft beer for him. The beer when it arrived was two months out of date judging by the date on the bottle. We called the waiters attention to this and he immediately apologized and went to get a new beer but alas all of that particular beer had the same date. My partner settled on a draught Guinness instead.
We then placed our food order, two starters and two mains. While we were waiting we discovered that we hadn't been told the days specials, we overheard the people at the table across from us being told. Still, we decided not to make a fuss out of that. The staff were busy and more than likely we wouldnt have ordered them. The starters arrived at the same time as the main courses. The starter were chicken wings and loaded potatto skins, both of which were nice. For mains I had a pepperoni pizza which was nice but nothing special and hmy partner had a dish called Black and White (strips of beef and chicken in a creamy pepper sauce), it was nicely presented but he said he wouldn't order it again.
Overall, we werent too impressed with the the meal but the staff were hard working and very pleasant. The whole place was quite busy when we arrived, with plenty of locals dining there.
Written 24 July 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.
Liam Farren
Dear Carol
I am very sorry that you were disappointed with your visit to Simpsons.
We do regret that you got the kinnegar beer which was past its sell by date due to an error with one of our suppliers sending us out of date stock which we have now amended with our supplier.
We do not understand how your started and main courses came to your table at the same time.
I am very sorry that you were not satisfied with your visit to Simpsons.
We hope to see you in near future again.
Apologies again.
Written 26 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pauline f
Culdaff4 contributions
Nov 2021 • family
Whenever my 9 year old son and I decide to treat ourselves to a high quality meal, we head to simpsons where we know we will be taken care of with all covid concerns addressed.
The food is diverse, the menu changes, always delicious and served quickly by smiling professional and very helpful staff.
Throughout all the changes in the past 18 months, my son (who refuses to eat anywhere else) and I always feel like we are coming home when we go to the cosy lounge and get comfortable. Immaculate facilities and super fast service, always. Family atmosphere.
Written 11 November 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.
Liam Farren
Dear Pauline,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
Thank you for being such a loyal customer.
We appreciate your outstanding feedback we will be sure to pass this on to our hard working team.
Written 8 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trek472294
Dublin7 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
Visited here last week with our kids. Food was fabulous. Great portions. We had the burger, chicken curry and the kids split an adult lasagna between them. Husband had a Guinness which he said was good. Too full for desert but saw other guests have them and they looked great. Staff were lovely too.
Written 13 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.
Simpsons Bar & Restaurant
Dear trek,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your lovely review,
We hope to see you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Management
Written 18 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sinead Garry
Letterkenny2 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Food was gorgeous, first time eating here & will definitely be back. Service was first class (especially a blonde haired girl that served our food, sorry didn't get her name). Very reasonably priced too :-)
Written 28 June 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.
Simpsons Bar & Restaurant
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review.
We really appreciate you taking the time to leave your lovely review.
Kind regards,
Management.
Written 14 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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