Temple Bar

If bars were people, Temple would be a total nerd. With the simplest wood fittings, it doesn't even try to look stylish. Beyond the horn-rimmed spectacles, however, is a witty personality that breaks through as you join the crowd for some live music. Opened by three music lovers, this place breathes melodies and beats. In addition to an enjoyable playlist of bar songs, the owners' connections guarantee decent (and free) acts on weekends: rock, folk, jazz, electronic, everything. And despite the fact that the Gulou crowd mostly survives on staple drinks, Temple makes a valiant stab at variety, with over 15 types of beer and some wild cocktails and shooters.