Pub spy: Danny Doolans

Danny Doolans in Auckland's Viaduct. Photo / Getty Images

Address: Auckland Viaduct
Ph: 09 358 2554
Website: dannydoolans.co.nz

Ah, Danny's - the most Irish of all the "Irish" bars that sprung up in the early 2000s.

Bedecked with signs, pots, pans, posters, prayers and pretty much everything short of the kitchen sink, it's still surprisingly spacious for such a full place.

Once you get past the paddywhackery, though, there is the heart of a fine bar at Danny's. The staff tend to be polite and friendly, the music is usually good and the food and drink tend towards the very good indeed.

A word of caution, however. It's not a cheap place to visit. The food menu is excellent, as is the quality of the food, but the prices look like someone thought of a number, doubled it and added GST. Yes, it's in an expensive part of town, but there is a limit surely.

However, the drinks selection is great. It's a DB pub, so don't expect any Guinness. Instead it stocks Murphy's, Ireland's second-favourite stout and one that attracts quite a big following here, mostly because it isn't as "acquired" a taste as Guinness. There is also Murphy's Red Ale, a surprisingly good ruby ale. The Irish whiskey selection is outstanding as well and the wine list is well thought-out.

The main issue I had with Danny's was that upon ordering a pint of Murphy's (and paying for a pint at that) I got a 420ml glass, or about three-quarters of a pint. Pints, it would appear, are off the menu, which is fair enough, but I object to paying full whack for a smaller beer. I could feel the tiny glass in my hand crying "Where's the rest of me?"

Scores

Service: 4/5
Drink: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5