In the heart of Dublin, Shanahan’s merges the traditions and history of America and Ireland to create a steakhouse with noble vibes and top-notch beef
In the streets of Georgian Dublin resides Shanahan’s On The Green, home to the best steak in all of Ireland. Shanahan’s is a unique find in Dublin, as the restaurant blends American and Irish culture and political history to create a fun yet elegant setting. The culinary experience at Shanahan’s is truly as respectable as its archival ambiance, and we enjoyed every minute of it! If you are a true meat eater, appreciate fine butchery and love washing everything down with a dirty martini or a fine glass of red wine, Shanahan's is a must while in Dublin.
The man behind Shanahan’s On The Green is John M. Shanahan, an American entrepreneur with dual citizenship in Ireland. He founded Shanahan’s to combine his love for cooking, appreciation for gourmet dining, and pride of Ireland. His steakhouse aims to create an experience that expresses authentic Irish-American character through food, ambiance, and service. Shanahan’s focuses on providing fresh Irish seafood, high quality beef, and fine wine. The restaurant takes its meat so seriously that it even has a meat specialist and a beef program to ensure that every steak is essentially flawless.
We could see a lot of pride in every facet of Shanahan’s, and it created a fun and memorable experience. The hospitality was professional and kind, while emphasizing a sort of Irish friendliness that authenticated the personality of the restaurant. It makes sense that Shanahan’s has been given several awards, including Best Restaurant in Leinster and 9th Best Steak in the World.
Irish-American Style With Political Flair
Our evening at Shanahan’s started in the Oval Office Bar, with a few cocktails and light snacks as we tried (almost helplessly) to ignore the wonderful scent of grilled meat wafting through the dining room. Eventually we took our mind off the aromas and focused on the classic cocktails being made and all the little details, that made this bar fascinating.
Kitsch décor surrounded us, an ode to American presidents with Irish ancestry, and original memorabilia adorned the walls. One of JFK’s rocking chairs, which used to sit in Air Force One, even sat pristinely behind the bar to admire. Dark leather sunken chairs line the room and polished oak furnishings reflect soft yellow lighting. It seemed like this room belonged to the inside of The White House. I imagined people sitting back, puffing cigars and sipping bourbon neat while unwinding from a day of political endeavors – it just has that feel. Think presidential museum, but with cocktails!
“It seemed like this room belonged to the inside of The White House. I imagined people sitting back, puffing cigars and sipping bourbon neat while unwinding from a day of political endeavors”
Upstairs is where the main dining room is which has a much more elegant appearance, with Georgian and period style decoration. We sat in red velvet chairs before smooth white tablecloths and admired decorative odds and ends that made the stately dining room feel like an aristocrat’s home. We felt like we were getting a taste of royalty amongst our lavish surroundings, like the big bold fireplaces and twinkling chandeliers reflecting in gold-framed mirrors. We watched the manager graze from table to table, chatting with guests and offering recommendations….it was obvious, we would be in great hands.
“The restaurant takes its meat so seriously that it even has a meat specialist and a beef program to ensure that every steak is essentially flawless.”
The Perfect Meal At Shanahan’s
A perfect meal at Shanahan’s goes like this. To start, order the garlic shrimp sautéed in white wine, herbs, capers, and butter, and the Castletownbere scallops, served with cauliflower purée, pickled cauliflower, and curried shallots. Dip the freshly baked bread (stuffed with cheese) into the garlic shrimp sauce, but pace yourself, because there’s much more amazing food to come. For your entrée, order your steak of choice and a few sides – like the whipped potatoes with butter and chives or creamed sweet corn. Let the sommelier choose a wine for you - they know best! If you still have room, you can move on to dessert, or do what I did and have another slice of bread for dessert :)
If you’re going to dine at Shanahan’s, you simply have to get a taste of their certified Irish Angus beef, sorry Vegetarians this might not be for you. Each steak at Shanahan’s is hand-selected, carefully aged, and prepared to honest perfection. Start to finish, our experience at Shanahan’s restaurant was wonderful. The only thing missing was my dad – the other big steak eater in my family – who would enjoy this experience even more than I did!
For more information about Shanahan's, make sure to visit their website: