Hey, it's Paddys day again. So here I am. We are a small independent bar operating on Thomas Street in the Liberties area of Dublin City. The Thomas House bar has been under our management for 8 years now. I suppose this reddit thing has become a tradition at this stage. I'm here to answer your questions so hit me with your best shot!
Gar. The Thomas house pub.
**Answers are short because in in work. But keep them coming. Interesting questions get interesting answers.
*** I'm now drinking. Answers may increase in abuse/weirdness. Instagram thomashousebar village.elder
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomashousedublin
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/thomashousedub
Proof at : https://www.instagram.com/p/BvG_W5kHGGk/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=15c75vcfm32eg
Oh my god I thought I just read wrong.
My best friend and I have been to your bar last November/December and came in 15 mins before you closed down, we actually stayed for another 2 hours and chilled with your employees. By that time we we‘re quite drunk and could not bear to come back the next day because it was just too embarrassing. I talked to I think your door guy Connor about the UFC fighter Connor McGregor and he told me that Connor McGregor was not a nice person which lead me to ask in the UFC subreddit about it. Turned out that was true. But this night really made our weekend and I will always look back and just laugh. It’s a great bar with really cool people!
Whoops I didn’t ask a question and my comment got removed:
So how is Connor doing? And could you please let your team know that they are awesome? Thanks
I'm here to answer your questions so hit me with your best shot!
I see what you did there.
What's a drink that you personally think is underrated -- a sort of hidden gem that doesn't get the love it deserves? If you had to impress someone with something that they'd never tried before, what would you put in front of them?
(Best of luck for the rest of the day, and thanks for answering questions!)
I’m American and my birthday is today, so I’ve always embraced the kitschiness of the US celebrations. But now that I’m older, I need to buckle down and focus on the more important things in life... so what’s your recommendation for the best whiskey (whisky?) for beginners?
I live in Boston and the drinking crowds are completely insane/obnoxious. Everyone thinks they’re Irish. On a weekend like this bars make the whole weekend a green celebration. What’s it like in Ireland on this day? Are there a lot of shenanigans or are people typically over the hype?
What places do you recommend near your bar?? I’ll be in Dublin for the first time in two weeks and definitely want to stop by as I love these AMAs every year.
I had a quick visit back to Dublin last Christmas after emigrating a few years ago, and thought it was crazy that they had like a cupcake shop on Thomas St. Would not have expected that at all.
Do you think the place is being gentrified? For better or for worse?
100% it's on the up. I feel like it's more being brought into line with the rest of the city more than gentrification
How many pints of Guiness will you sell today? And why is Smithwicks an underrated gem?
Edit: this is now a Smithwicks appreciation comment chain!
Why don't you let Jay handle the AMA for once? Everyone knows he's the best barman the Thommo has....
Do you look forward to St. Patrick's day every year or panic as it starts to come closer?
Gday, In your experience where are the most troublesome/annoying tourists from? - also where are the friendliest/best tourists from? Good luck and thanks for the AMA!
Hi, man with really nice beard. What's your least favorite drink (both to serve and drink?)
Any sort of shitty shot like baby Guinness or car bomb. Most of the time I just say we don't do em
Do you remember having a lock in, after a Dropkick Murphys gig in Vicar St 5 or 6 years ago? I was there, was an awesome night
Why is the Guinness not so much cheaper in Dublin? I'm outside Belfast and if I paid those prices in Belfast for a pint, I'd freak out haha
I was told when in Dublin to go to the Brazen Bull pub. Why is that place such a big deal?
Good luck to you, friend! Upstate NY, here, and I've no desire to leave my couch this day. How's the weather?
I'm watching the live stream of Temple Bar, when does the public BJ's and barfing usually start?
A snooty Irish-American told me that Irish in Ireland do not go out getting shit-faced on green beer, but treat the day as the religious holiday that it is. Are there more Irish in church today, at the pub, or both?
The first time I went to a Dublin pub, years ago, I didn’t know that one apparently doesn’t leave tips at the bar.
I was pointed at and laughed at by the bartender. “Look at the Yank, lads!” and so forth.
Why was getting free money given in good faith taken as such a personal affront, and is it still that way?
How do you feel about Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale? Had it while I was in Dublin last month and it’s now my favorite beer of all time.
In the US St Pats is one of those amateur night events, meaning you get all the people who rarely drink come out and get shit-faced. Is it the same way over there?
What do you think about the possibility of a hard border between the republic and northern Ireland?
Here in the states we are hearing that the troubles could start again. Do you get the same feeling there?
What do you Mainly serve? Guinness?what snacks are typically served during St Patrick’s day?
I appreciate your AMA every year. It’s become a tradition for me. I’d love to visit someday but I don’t drink brown liquor. Would it be frowned upon to drink vodka there???
How do you handle people that ask for an Irish Carbomb?
(Because I know people are stupid and I want to be the first to ask this question today.)
Hey! I was in Dublin in November and stayed at the Harding, wish I had known you were right down the street!
Anyway my question is: how does Ireland support SO many pubs? Is there a high turnover rate? We spent most of our time in Galway and Dublin, but it seemed like there was a pub on every corner!
I'm honestly curious after seeing a couple comments in here talking about it, but is Teelings really that huge for Dublin? Kathleen Teeling was my great grandmother and just this past year my ma decided to finally tell me that we had a family distillery, not to mention one that makes some of the best fucking whiskey I've had. I'm super curious as to how huge of a deal it actually is.
Is there a Holiday that only Irish folk know about that's always a good time and doesn't bring out the tourists?
Man, used to have some mad craic in the Thomas House back in the day, dancing on tables, the whole 9. Does it still get like that these days?
Do you drink on the job? Ever had an employee get a little too wasted during their shift?
What are the 3 things that an American tourist in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day should NOT do.
For example, I was visiting a bar in the UK and I ordered an "Irish Car Bomb" (which is a drink in the States, not at all thinking about the words that I was using and the history behind them) I got an extremely frosty response from the bartender and he refused to wait on me for the rest of the night. Can't blame him, it was ignorant of me. Are there other things that tourists have a tendency to do without thinking that they should avoid?
Rules are the same the world over. Be respectful to the staff and the customers around you. You arent to know about local culture until you have experienced it.
Long story. Short version is that I worked as a promoter and DJ here for years and ended up taking the lease.
Is Ireland facing the same problem of pubs closing as we are in England? How's business generally?
It’s my birthday today! Usually there are inevitable meltdowns and fist fights every year. Have you had to kick people out or call an ambulance?
I always toy with the though of going to Dublin on Paddys day (Czech guy here). If I do next year, will I encounter only drunk people or is that day as atmospheric as I imagine it to be?
Powers is great and all, but what about the newer Irish whiskies? Seems to be some more expensive stuff available the last few years. Any favorites for an Irish single malt?
Any suggestions or recommendations of food or alcoholic beverages for those of us in areas without Irish pubs to visit today?
I heard mad tales about " Thomas the Skank Engine" nights from years ago. They were extreme by the sound of it. Can you confirm ?
Sorry for the late question. In the US, restaurants and bars claim that they operate with extremely tight margins, and still they say they can’t afford to pay anything more than minimum wage.
With this in mind. Are pubs like yours in a similar situation? Or are there reasons why things are different for you and your pub?
St. Patrick's Day used to be more of a religious holiday in Ireland. When did the country really embrace the party aspect of the day?
Being in the Liberties area, do you get much trouble? Also, what do you think of Liberties whiskey?
I was very impressed by it.
I went to the launch and drank none of it, only Dubliner whiskey. It also hasn't been offered to any pub in the Liberties that I know of. I was also the only person from a pub in the Liberties at the launch. I wish them the best and the bottle looks great but the first place they should be pushing liberties whiskey is in the Liberties.
I've heard a lot of pubs in the UK have been closing down of late. How's business for y'all and your competitors? Better for you than the competition, I'm sure.
Because we are an alternative music bar our competition is limited. But yeah there are a lot of bars closing all over the country.
Were you busy for the rugby yesterday as-well? Was sat next to a few Paddys in the stadium, great laugh.
Have you always worked in bars or had different jobs as well? If the latter, what was the best?
This was the first bar I'd ever worked in. I was a promoter and DJ for years before. Still am I suppose.
How many hours a day do you hours a day do you hours of the day do you day hours of the day of the hours do you. How many Americans ask if you have ever met a leprechaun?
I'm a bartender in a major resort town and have become so jaded. I find myself saying things to customers I never would have said a couple years ago. How do you keep a good attitude towards guests? Or do you just let the asshole flag fly?
Is it rainy today? What makes a typical Irish day? Did i tell u i loove wishkey wkishey wiskey whiskey?
what is a beer that us Americans should know about but don't because its local to you?
Do you get annoyed about how a billion $/£/€ brewing company co-opted not only a festival but also basically branded itself all over an entire city? (I know that has always really frustrated about Dublin, I don't really know why, but it does.)
If it makes money for the the pub. I'm in. As bad as that sounds. Staff need wages, bills need paying.
Yo I used to frequent Thomas House quite a bit! I love this spot.
Question: Of all the local bands that have played a gig at your bar, who is your favourite?
Local bands? There's been so many I honestly couldn't pick out. Maximum respect to anyone to start a band and play live.
How do you feel about the inevitable group of guys singing the chorus to ‘Come Out Ye Black and Tans’?
I really enjoy Irish Rebel songs like "Come Out Ye Black and Tans." Are those popular in Ireland or are they bad taste considering the history?
In The Boondock Saints, one of the characters said, "Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's day". Do any non-fictional Irishmen share that sentiment?
It doesn't sound like you have an Irish accent.... what gives? Also, do you serve any food dishes? And what is the most popular on this day?
We don't do food. It's a nightmare. I think most staff here would eat a boiled baby by 8pm they'll be that hungry.
What is the best time of year to come visit Dublin? Is there a time when the weather is still decent but tourists are not all over?
Does this St Paddys day feel any different with the looming fallout of Brexit fast approaching?
How much does the rugby add to the festivities? Is it just dialed up another notch or is it just biz as usual?
hey there!
- together with friends we're looking to visit Ireland next year for St Patricks. We have 2 options available - would you recommend Dublin or Cork? Are there any differences in the celebration etc?
- how different Dublin is compared to normal day? could you shed the light for just a commoner who never had opportunity to be in Ireland in that time? is it worth it ? ;)
- on your bar fb page you wrote 'This is it. The weekend that irish people hate, tourists love and bar staff fear ' - is it really that bad? is it just a total chaos? together with my friends we'd really want to see how it is in real but seeing such posts make me double-think that hehe
cheers, good luck today
It's not real at all. It's very oriented at tourists. Both Dublin and Cork are great cities and worth a visit.
My buddy is heading over to Ireland as part of a trip next month. What non-touristy/off the beaten path things do you recommend checking out in Dublin?
I bought canned Guinness stout here in the states. Why the hell is the head so heavy?! How should I pour this? I'm going at a hard angle on the pint but it's all head.
Although, it is still a delicious thing. Maybe I should just enjoy it.
How many times have you been to America?
Are there any beverages you think Americans should be drinking that they aren't?
Anything that Americans drink that you think more Irish (or Europeans in general) should be drinking?
Yesterday my Irish band played three shows totaling about 8 hours of music. I will probably be dead for a few days. How long will your recovery be after a crazy day like today?
Also, wanna fly a 6 piece band out to play at some point? Or for cheaper a trio? While almost all members of both have been to Ireland multiple times, none of us have ever played music there
It's nice that you keep this tradition! Thanks for that! If you didn't have work on this day/evening what would St. Patrick's day be like, for you?
Cheers
Does the fact that you cater mostly to tourists help the fact that you've been operating for 8 years?
Follow up question: How long do you plan on doing this for?
We cater to everyone. It's just that this time of the year we deal with a lot of tourists. I'll do this until I can't do it anymore.
Why is "Patty's Day" such a faux pas? How does St. Patrick's day get shortened to "Paddy's" and not "Patty's"?
You said "Paddys day is for tourists now," so you're getting overrun by snakes again? :D
Why do so many people support the Roman Catholic Church on this one day? Do you feel the Roman Catholic Church is an organization that should be celebrated?
Do you guys find it annoying when people come to your bar and brag about their Irish last name and some obscure connection to Ireland?
I worked at an Irish pub in Newfoundland for a few years and this was pretty frequent (and super annoying). Everyone's wearing tweed blazers and flat caps screaming their last names at eachother over pints of Guinness in an attempt to be the most Irish person in the room, even though we all have Irish roots. Is it like this in Ireland? And do the Irish fucking hate us for going around telling everyone that we're Irish?
What's your biggest seller that's not Guinness, Jameson or Bailey's?
Also good luck to you and your staff tonight, I still have nightmares about working the bar on Paddy's Day.
Honestly. Theres nothing wrong with celebrating your roots. Especially this time of year. It gets a bit old when it's all directed at you but you know what? That's the job.
How many more pints do you reckon you have left in you? Or is it a falling off the barstool night?
Is it blasphemy over there to say you don't like stouts? I tried a Russian imperial the other day and halfway through I needed a break. That's a real man's beer. Also thoughts on sour beers or goses?
I'm part Irish and wanting to celebrate the day properly. What booze should I get to get the proper Irish hammered?
American of Irish descent here, is it true that St. Pats was a religious holiday that we fucked by turning it into a debauchery of green beer and flashing tits?
Yeah I think so. Generally you are well liked. Your credit cards are a pain in the arse though.
You mentioned your favourite whiskey is Powers John Lane. As a fan of Scotch diluted smoke juice, I haven't tried much Irish whiskey outside of the basics (Jamesons, Bushmills, Teeling). What else would you recommend?
What happened to Messrs McGuires, The Waxy Dargle and The Quill? I leave the place for 5 minutes and you guys close down all the good places.
Admittedly the Waxy was a bit of a shit hole - but we fucking loved the Quill. Such a tragedy.
Is it still primarily a religious holiday for Ireland? Do people still observe it? I remember reading once that the devout go up Mount Kilpatrick on their knees to mark the occasion.
It will really depend on the person. I for one respect his ambition and effort over the years. However he has really let the nation down with his personal actions recently.
Appreciate the AMA but why do it if you are just going to give stilted responses? Some people are asking open ended questions qnd you just say one word or o e quick line.
Hey Man, my fiancé and I are eloping to Ireland next *year - any non-touristy recommendations for us?
Also congrats on another successful AMA!
*Edit- forgot to say when haha
I actually realised It's St. Patrick's day earlier today and I thought it didn't make sense "cause that barman always do an AMA".
To ask a question, What is your preferred drink after a long day of work?
I’m an American who’ll be visiting my cousins in Dublin this summer. I figure at some point we’ll go to a bar. Is there anything I should know in advance? Things not to say or ask for? Irish drinks or cocktails I can’t get anywhere but in Ireland? Also, I love stout but I’m not a huge Guinness fan. Is that something I should prolly keep to myself?
How often do you get bar fights? How do you respond when one breaks out, and what's the fallout to your business?
Honestly it's a very very rare thing for a fight to break out. This place is very self policing. You gotta separate them and get one out while holding on to the other. No point it putting both out at the same time. It'll just kick off outside.
Late to the party but I've been trying to look this up for a while and can't get a straight answer. What do you call an Irish car bomb drink in Ireland? I know its pretty offensive to name a drink after something like that so what's the alternative name?
Being across the road from Vicar Street and getting many pre gig drinkers coming in has there ever been an act playing you've hated so much you've thought fuck it lets just close so we don't have to deal with their fans ?
I'd do it for Damo dempsey if I could. His music itself is great but a lot of his fans are terrible people.
Is it true people get served when they shout “SERVICE” at the bar? Or is it some bs those fooking peaky blinders came up with?
I am heading to Dublin on Wednesday. This will be my first time across the pond from California and I absolutely can't wait! I have been making notes of places to check out so I'll add you to it and try to stop in. Should I ask for anyone in particular for great service? JK😁
Why does it take so long for me to get a drink? It's not like you guys are busy or anything. (This is sarcasm, FYI)
I’m visiting Dublin in a few weeks time and staying nearby Thomas Street, mind if I stop by?
Way too many comments and I’m sure someone already said this joke, but if I drop in and say I’m from Reddit can I get a free pint?
People drink a ton in America for St Paddy's day, how is it over there and what's the profit like?.
Is it basically just one of those "oh yeah it's another day" holidays, akin to something like "flag day" or "president'day" where nobody really pays too much attention to it over there?
Because in the states, everyone gets batshit crazy about it... for instance last year I went to a Pub and there was a Korean guy wearing a green hat and matching suspenders shouting into a microphone in the worst fake I-stole-this-Irish-accent-from-movies-where-the-actors-were-trying-to-sound-irish-but-were-obviously-bad-at-it accents, while giving a Saint Patrick's Day toast, as he held and swirled a glass of Chardonnay...
It's a big national holiday. Maybe not quite as over the top as the states but it's a big deal
Is that South African guy still scamming money off people on the streets of Dublin?
Or the dutch guy who was sneaking his way into hostels, pretending to be staying there to steal phones and laptops?
What’s your views on the American celebrations supposed to celebrations in Ireland?
Edit: I meant to say “opposed” instead of “supposed”
They are OTT but fun looking. I experienced Chicago once and Detroit twice for Paddys. Both were different but interesting
How do you feel about half the people here reading your responses with Jacksepiceye's voice in their head? And is it annoying when Americans imitate an Irish accent for the holiday?
I've got a 12 hour layover in Dublin in a week on my way to Frankfurt, can I buy you a coffee or pint or both while I'm there? I want to thank you for your service 😅
What’s your personal opinion on Clontarf 1014?
It’s easily my one of my favorite cheaper whiskies but not too many people I know will try it.
While it makes perfect sense that this would be a very heavy tourist season, what time of year does that seem to slow down the most?
Scandinavian here. What's St. Patrick's Day? (I only know that you pour green color in your lakes and rivers.)
Drinking, violence, destruction of property. Are these the things we think of when we think of the Irish?
You said "independent bar," and I realized that here in the US I've never heard of a bar chain. There are restaurant chains that have bars, but they're really not the same.
Does Scotland have branded chains like that? Or do you just mean that you're not owned by a corporation that owns multiple different bars?
Both. This is our only bar. There are large companies and people that own multiple bars, then there are chains.
Smithwicks red, or Guinness for you?
Just got home from Ireland last week. Beautiful country, great beer and food.
Top of the morning to you my friend. May the beer flow like a wet waterfall and the Shillelaghs stay locked up until the late evening, if at all.
What’s on the supper plate tonight?
How often to people think they're having the craic with strangers but are just acting the maggot?
We called them people mutants. Folk who impose themselves on other people without invitation. Usually found changing seats every ten mins and looking at people longingly for attention. 100% of a time a dude on his own.
You still got the mame arcade machines? I've not been in since I moved out of Thomas Street a couple of years ago. Loved stopping in for a couple of pints and a round of metal slug. Have a good one horse.
My brother and sister are visiting Dublin right now. Wonder if I could get them to stop in? If so, how do you feel about pranks at the expense of tourists?
I'd never prank a tourist. They saved their hard earned money to visit the country and then decided to drop in to us.
2 questions...
What's you opinion on Slane Whiskey? I'm in Ireland next month and won't be too far from their distillery, is it worth a visit?
And were definitely stopping by your bar when we're in Dublin, you need anything from the States?
Opinions on Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale?
I think that’s the best beer out of your great country. Tough to find here, but it seems it’s gained popularity in Canada. Hoping it continues to gain momentum.
Roughly what percentage of people drink Guinness there? Is it a tourist thing or do locals really think it’s the best beer made? Or is it a general misconception.
Do you do anything special for the holiday? or is it just business as usual but a bit more hectic
It's a case of making sure you have the correct amount or staff on and stock in. It's basically a day long Saturday night.
have you ever been to Chicago to celebrate the holiday? If so, what are the differences you've seen?
I've been to Chicago for it yeah. The parade there was bigger and it was mayhem on a larger scale than here.
Was there a point in time where tourists didn’t rule this day in Ireland? If so how long ago would you say and what was it like when there were less tourists?
What's a better name for an Irish Carbomb?
My fiancée's family is Irish and hates the name because of how insensitive it is, so we've taken it calling it a 9/11 (kinda tongue-in-cheek) or an Irish Creampie.
Are they even a thing in Ireland, or is it more of a Americanized thing?
I like a lot of Belgian beers but I'm partial to a decebt American pale ale from time to time. St Bernados apt 12 is a top one for me.
Has Conor McGregor ever stepped into your bar, or have you ever seen him in the neighborhood?
In Canada many bars colour a lager green in celebration of St. Paddy's Day. Is this common in Ireland/your establishment?
It doesn't really matter.. Most people are off work tomrrow so it's just another weekend night to them.
Greetings from Oklahoma City! Are you having live music at your bar? If so, can you post some videos?
Not sure how to put it, but from afar, the impression I have is St Patrick’s is more an Irish-American thing. Is it?