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The Universal Bar, Galway, County Galway

The Universal Bar

4.8
4.8
7 Reviews
€31 to €50
Irish
9 William St W, Galway, County Galway H91 H5R9

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for craft beers
Welcome to The Universal Bar we look forward to serving you.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Contemporary European, Gastro Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (091) 728 271
  • Website
    http://www.theuniversal-bar.com/
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

Menu

The Universal Bar's menu was last updated 2025-04-20.

Sample Menu

Small Plates

  • Cheesy Toast€15.00

    Tomme de Savoie, sourdough, Dijon mustard, pickles

    • Charred teardrop cabbage, wild garlic, parmesan & walnuts€14.00

      chestnut mushroom vinaigrette

      • Iona Farm baby beets€15.00

        whipped St Tola goats cheese, hazelnuts

        • Doonbeg crab€20.00

          espelette, cucumber, brown bread

          • Seared King Scallops, red chicory, halkidiki olive tapenade€22.00

            • Castletownbere monkfish, Basque style piperade €24.00

              • 6oz Roast Roacommon lamb chops, spring veg, Perigourdine sauce €24.00

                • 8oz Gilligan's Farm striploin€33.00

                  watercress, foie gras butter

                  • Irish baby spuds€5.50

                    spring onion butter

                    • Steve's spring leaves€6.50

                      fennel, balsamic vinaigrette

                      Sweet

                      • Belgian chocolate torte€8.50

                        creme fraiche, maraschino cherries

                        • New York style cheesecake, orange caramel€8.50

                          Irish Farmhouse Cheese

                          • Irish Farmhouse Cheese€24.00

                            Young Buck Blue, Boyne Valley Ban Goat, Sinan Galway, Sourdough Crackers, Sliabh Aughey Spiced Honey

                            Last updated: April 20, 2025

                            What 7 people are saying

                            The Universal Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                            Overall ratings and reviews

                            Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                            4.8
                            4.8 based on recent ratings
                            • 4.8Food
                            • 4.6Service
                            • 4.6Ambience
                            • 4.5Value

                            Noise • Moderate

                            Loved For

                            • Galway City

                              Most Booked

                            7 Reviews

                            1. Philip VIP

                              Dublin1 review

                              5.0

                              Dined on April 4, 2025

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 4
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Fantastic food, wine and ambience, will be returning!

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                            2. OpenTable Diner

                              Chicago3 reviews

                              4.0

                              Dined on March 15, 2025

                              1. Overall 4
                              2. Food 3
                              3. Service 4
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Food was tasty but over priced for portion size. First time I’ve eaten sole on the bone the size of two fish fingers

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                            3. Damien

                              Dublin1 review

                              5.0

                              Dined on February 21, 2025

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Amazing gem in the city!! 10/10 have to say gorgeous

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                            4. Emmett

                              Connacht1 review

                              5.0

                              Dined on February 16, 2025

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Easily my favourite restaurant in Galway. Plates of elegant, delicious food and quiet, unassuming, friendly staff make The Universal a joy to dine in. I recommend this place to everyone who asks and will continue to do so.

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                            5. Colm

                              Connacht1 review

                              2.0

                              Dined on February 15, 2025

                              1. Overall 2
                              2. Food 4
                              3. Service 3
                              4. Ambience 1
                              Food good but portion sizes too small and tables way too close together. Wine prices extortionate

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                            6. John

                              Dublin1 review

                              5.0

                              Dined on February 15, 2025

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Incredibly tasty food, very attentive staff, all in a lovely and calm setting. Cocktails were amazing and Cian was very helpful with his knowledge of each one! Would highly recommend for a date night or even just for a few drinks with friends.

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                            7. Patrick

                              London8 reviews

                              5.0

                              Dined on February 7, 2025

                              1. Overall 5
                              2. Food 5
                              3. Service 5
                              4. Ambience 5
                              Lovely evening. Cool bar, tasty food, great drinks selection, strong cocktails!

                              Is this helpful?

                            FAQs

                            The Universal Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 7 OpenTable diners.

                            Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                            1. Home
                            2. Ireland, Republic of
                            3. Connacht
                            4. Galway City
                            5. The Claddagh

                            Make a reservation

                            2 people
                            7:00 PM
                            Booked 5 times today
                            Google Map for The Universal Bar

                            9 William St W, Galway, County Galway H91 H5R9

                            Additional information

                            • Neighborhood
                              The Claddagh
                            • Hours of operation
                              Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
                            • Price
                              €31 to €50
                            • Cuisines
                              Irish, Contemporary European, Gastro Pub
                            • Dining style
                              Casual Dining
                            • Dress code
                              Casual Dress
                            • Parking details
                              None
                            • Payment options
                              Mastercard, Visa
                            • Additional
                              Beer, Cocktails, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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