A pork tenderloin breaded in crushed saltine crackers is pulling people off the highway and into an Irish pub.
The pork gets hand-cut and soaked in buttermilk first.
Then it lands on ciabatta with dill pickles and a dill pickle aioli.
That pickle double-up got my attention fast. I like how it takes a classic Iowa sandwich and gives it a little extra personality without turning it into a gimmick.
The building itself won’t stop traffic. Dark siding, a pitched roof, and a few wooden benches out front keep things modest.
Bright red doors with heavy iron rings are the only real hint of what waits inside.
I believe the best food often hides behind the plainest walls.
So what else is coming out of a kitchen that already nailed one of the state’s most argued-about sandwiches?
The Saltine-Crusted Sandwich Everyone Keeps Talking About
Crackers are the secret weapon at Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill. The kitchen breads its pork tenderloin with saltine crackers and spices instead of plain flour or crumbs.
Before that crust goes on, the pork is hand-cut and marinated in buttermilk. That soak is an old trick for keeping meat moist and tender, and it pairs nicely with a crunchy outside.
The finished tenderloin goes onto ciabatta bread, which is sturdier than the soft buns many Iowa spots use. It needs to be, because the toppings pile up fast.
You get dill pickles, dill pickle aioli, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
That double dose of dill is the move I find clever. Pickles already belong on a tenderloin, so adding a pickle aioli just leans harder into a flavor that works.
It brings tang without stealing the show from the pork.
The sandwich has earned nominations for Best Tenderloin, which matters in a state that takes this sandwich very seriously. People really do make the trip just to try it.
If you only order one thing on your first visit, this is the easy pick.
Bring a friend, though. You might want backup.
Those Red Doors Are The Only Spoiler You Get
Drive past too quickly and you could miss it entirely. The building has dark siding, a pitched roof, and a look that leans more humble than flashy.
Then those doors show up. Bright red with heavy iron rings, they look like they belong on an old cottage across the ocean.
It’s a small detail that sets the mood before you even reach the handle.
Wooden benches sit outside, which feels friendly and practical. They’re a nice spot to wait for the rest of your group or to catch a breath after a big meal.
In warmer months, flower boxes add bright pops of color against the dark walls.
I like that Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill doesn’t try too hard on the outside. It saves the charm for the doors, the flowers, and everything past them.
That kind of restraint makes the first look inside feel like a reward.
Snap a photo of those doors on your way in. They’re easily the most recognizable part of the outside.
Plus, they make a great background for anyone who wants proof they finally made the tenderloin trip to Iowa.
Inside, It Feels Like Somebody’s Overgrown Family Room
Dark wood covers the room in a way that instantly lowers your shoulders. The lighting stays soft, warm, and cozy, which is exactly what you want after a long drive.
The pub’s own goal is to feel like an overgrown family room or an authentic Irish home. That idea shows in the layout.
Stained-glass dividers break the space into smaller areas, so dining feels more private and relaxed.
Those dividers are a smart touch. Big restaurants can feel like cafeterias, but these pieces carve out little nooks for conversation.
You can actually hear the person across the table, which is rare these days.
The old-world decor fits the Irish theme without feeling like a costume. It’s classic pub style, built around comfort rather than showing off.
Families, couples, and friend groups can all find a corner that works.
If you’re the type who likes a quieter meal, ask about seating in one of the more tucked-away areas. If you want to be closer to the action, sit nearer the bar side.
Either way, the room makes it very easy to stay for one more round of soda bread.
Boxty, Bangers, And A Whole Menu Of Irish Comfort
Shepherd’s Pie, Lamb Stew, and Bangers & Mash all share a menu with that famous tenderloin. The Irish Fayre section is the heart of this kitchen, and it’s packed with stick-to-your-ribs classics.
Boxty deserves a special mention. These are Irish potato pancakes, and the menu builds dishes around them, like the Corned Beef Boxty.
If you’ve never tried one, this is a great place to start.
Corned Beef & Cabbage holds down the traditional end of things. Fish & Chips gives you a crispy option if you’re torn between Irish and pub grub.
Honestly, it’s a little of both.
Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill makes this food feel approachable rather than fussy. You don’t need to know anything about Irish cooking to order well here.
Pick what sounds cozy and you’ll be in good shape.
My advice is to split things up if you’re with a group. One person grabs the tenderloin, another gets a boxty, and someone else claims the Shepherd’s Pie.
Sharing turns dinner into a tasting tour, and nobody goes home wishing they’d ordered differently.
Save Room For The Bread Basket, Seriously
Fresh Irish Soda Bread gets baked every single day here. It comes with butter, and it’s one of the simplest things on the menu.
Simple doesn’t mean boring, though. Soda bread is a traditional Irish loaf that rises with baking soda instead of yeast.
That gives it a hearty, dense texture that’s perfect for a pub table.
It also makes a smart opener while everyone decides what to order. Tear off a piece, spread on the butter, and argue about the tenderloin versus the boxty.
Bread just makes those debates friendlier.
Sides at Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill keep that comfort theme rolling. You’ll find Steak Fries, Waffle Fries, and Garlic Mashed potatoes.
There are also Brussels Sprouts with bacon and red onion, which might convert a few sprout skeptics.
I can’t imagine skipping the bread on a first visit. It’s a little taste of the kitchen’s Irish roots before the big plates arrive.
Just pace yourself, because the main courses here are not shy.
A good rule is one slice before dinner and maybe one more if no one’s looking.
Not A Tenderloin Person? The Sandwich Board Has You Covered
So your buddy dragged you here for the tenderloin, but you’re craving something else. Good news, because the sandwich and burger list is surprisingly deep.
The classic Reuben uses slow-cooked corned beef, which makes sense at an Irish pub. There’s also a Turkey Reuben for anyone who wants a lighter spin.
Both feel right at home next to a pile of fries.
Burger fans get choices too. The Grilled Lamb Burger is a fun change from beef, and the Dublin Bay Burger is the house option.
An Impossible Burger keeps plant-based eaters in the game.
Seafood shows up in a big way. You can grab a Salmon Club or Blackened Tuna, which is not something every pub offers.
A Steak Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and Dublin Club round things out.
Starters are worth a look before any of that. Irish Nachos come served on waffle fries, which is a playful twist.
Buffalo Tenders, Dublin Bay Planks, and Spinach & Artichoke Dip also make the list.
That variety makes this an easy pick for groups. Nobody has to compromise, and everyone still leaves happy.
Grab A Seat Outside When Iowa Finally Warms Up
Summer in Iowa is short, so you have to use it wisely. One great option is the spacious outdoor patio at Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill.
The patio often gets called the best in Ames for groups. That reputation makes sense, since there’s plenty of room to spread out.
Birthdays, team dinners, and big family meals all fit nicely out there.
Eating a crunchy tenderloin in fresh air feels like a proper summer tradition. Add a basket of waffle fries and you’ve got a pretty perfect evening.
Warm nights are made for long meals like that.
The flower boxes outside add color during these warmer months too. It all gives the patio a cheerful, lived-in feel.
You get the pub’s comfort with a bit of sunshine mixed in.
Planning a group outing? Try to aim for a nice-weather day and ask about patio seating when you arrive.
The indoor nooks are lovely, but outside lets a bigger crowd sit together.
Bring sunglasses for early evening, because the sun doesn’t always cooperate. A little glare is a small price for a patio meal this good.
St. Patrick’s Day Here Is A Very Big Deal
Bagpipes, Irish dancers, and live music all show up when March 17 rolls around. Dublin Bay hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Iowa.
The day starts early, too. There’s early morning breakfast service, so the party kicks off before most people finish their coffee at home.
Talk about commitment to the holiday.
Iowa weather in March can be a coin flip. That’s why the heated outdoor garden area is such a smart addition.
It lets the crowd spread out without everyone shivering in their green sweaters.
The pub’s guiding idea fits this day perfectly. It follows the Irish saying that there are no strangers, only friends not yet met.
On St. Patrick’s Day, that feels less like a slogan and more like the actual plan.
Want to go? Expect a busy, festive scene and give yourself extra time.
Wear something green, obviously. Getting there early helps you catch the breakfast and settle in before the music really gets going.
Even if crowds aren’t your thing, it’s worth seeing once. Few places in the state throw this kind of Irish party.
Plan Your Tenderloin Trip With These Easy Tips
Finding it is the easy part. Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill sits at 320 S 16th St, Ames, IA 50010, with free parking right at the restaurant.
Street parking is available nearby as well. That’s a relief on busy nights, especially around Iowa State game days.
Nobody wants to circle the block with a tenderloin craving.
Doors open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. During the last hour, the kitchen serves appetizers, so plan ahead if you want that full sandwich.
Showing up at 9:30 for a tenderloin is a risky move.
Not up for dining in? Pickup and delivery are both options.
Happy Hour runs weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM if you like an early, relaxed meal.
Don’t forget dessert. Bread Pudding is a signature, and there’s a Bailey’s Pie or Cheesecake too.
Both make a sweet ending after all that crunch.
The pub also sells merch like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, and tumblers. Digital gift cards are available for friends who need convincing.
Since it opened in 2001, this place has given Ames plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
