The Esplanade Bars & Restaurant in North Down

Love it. Took my family a few weeks ago and 3 of us went back tonight. Great food and great service in a lovely setting. Don't hesitate, just go there.

Another great Bangor pub and restaurant. Wonderful Guinness and sea views. Hard to beat!

Went to the rugby via the Eslanades bus, terrible experience... Bus left without us! Driver was the rudest most arrogant person I've had the misfortune to experience!!

Have t had a bad meal yet! Very pleasant staff & manager great craic! Knows his spirits!😉

First time visit for a family birthday and so dissapointed the food was cold & tasteless will not be back.

Not a great experience strictly pub grub first time won't be back location fantastic can't understand how they exist food was terrible

First time for a family dinner and not impressed at all, starter didnt show, chips were cold, burgers were dry with soggy bun For the price I was expecting a lot nicer, scampi was just ok.

Very friendly service, will be returning.

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal in Esplanade Bar .Thank you

Unsatisfactory Encounter with Management I have visited this establishment on multiple occasions and generally had positive experiences. Our party, consisting of eight individuals, had reservations for the 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm dining slot. Initially, a pleasant waitress took our drink orders. Subsequently, another staff member, possibly an assistant manager based on her attire, took our food orders. Unfortunately, her demeanour was less than welcoming, which created a sense of discomfort among us as customers. I ordered an 8oz steak cooked medium rare. Although our meals arrived promptly, upon inspecting my steak, I found it to be more towards well done. The steak costs 26 pounds so I think it is fair to have it cooked to my liking. I brought this to the attention of the waitress, who promptly apologized and offered to replace the dish. However, when the same plate was returned to me shortly after, I was given the option to either accept it as is and have it removed from the bill or have a fresh steak prepared. I chose to consume the steak despite the deviation from my original order. During dessert service, the waitress informed me that the single dessert we had ordered would be complimentary due to the steak mix-up. Dissatisfied with this resolution, I requested to speak with the manager. Upon engaging with the manager, she asserted that the waitress had informed me of a partial discount on my bill as a gesture of goodwill. Disagreeing with this account, I requested to have the waitress corroborate, a request that was denied by the manager. Insisting on the agreed-upon resolution, I found the manager's demeanour to be confrontational as she abruptly left to present the bill at our table, without any further dialogue. Compounding the disappointing experience, we were asked to vacate our table at 7:30 pm, despite our reservation extending until 8:00 pm. This premature request occurred shortly after we were permitted to order additional beverages. Subsequently, I had to approach the manager to retrieve my £40 deposit, which had been overlooked. Her demeanour during this interaction was visibly displeased. When questioned, she justified the well-done steak as her interpretation of a medium rare preparation, leading to a cessation of further dialogue from my end. While she eventually returned my deposit, the encounter left a negative impression, tarnishing an otherwise enjoyable meal. Most reputable establishments prioritize exemplary customer service, a quality that was regrettably lacking in this instance. As a patron, I believe that interactions with management should be conducted with professionalism and courtesy, rather than adopting an aggressive approach that blurs the lines between personal and business matters.

We received a warm welcome from the staff The place was packed, but the service and food was second to none. We were lucky enough to get a seat outside as the weather was fantastic Great views over Ballyholme bay Would totally recommend this place

Wonderful restaurant for food, great service and view .I had a fabulous Lamb Kofta for starters, out of this world 🥇 and hubby had prawn cocktail, brilliant 👍 Chicken escalope for mains. Perfect 👌👌 thanks chef and Faye also Leslie for everything 😄

Stopped by for a couple of soft drinks during our road trip along the coast. Immediately the blonde woman’s attitude was quite unfriendly which took me aback, as we had been friendly and polite. Regardless, we took our drinks outside to enjoy the view of the sea. We tasted our cokes and both realised they were flat, there were no bubbles, it was like drinking syrup. My partner took them to the bar and told the blonde lady who had served us, who had a bad attitude about it and said they’d come from bottles. This was a lie as I watched her pour them with the draught hose myself. We just decided to leave as we felt there was a bad atmosphere. Also noticed the strange passive aggressive sign telling customers not to be “C****” which wasn’t very appealing. Really disappointed and unfortunately won’t be returning. Staff members should not be taking their personal issues out on customers who have paid to have a relaxing drink by the sea

Monday lunchtime treat - enjoyed the nachos and antipasti from the Light Bites menu. Service was good, didn’t have to wait too long. Would recommend. We sat indoors as it was raining, but the outdoor area looks good too.

I love this place go most weekends great spot takethe dog but would be great if they invested in a automatic roof for inclement weather that would pay for itself by guests not having to run off when ot rains in this climate or you have to bomb burst away when the wet stuff comes but besides that fab place

Looked forward to drinks here for a long time. Made to feel like a hassle from bar staff especially the old one. Bad attitude when drink was unsatisfactory didn't finish just left. Wouldn't recommend.

The experience wasn't complete best as I was with my small kids, so that is not the exact place to be with them. But we really love the front restaurant and there were no places left so we had to go to the back. However the service and food were great. It is definitely a good place for a sports bar.

Not many places in Bangor you can have a drink and a good sea view! Thankfully this is one of them. Not had their food but it’s a lovely place for a drink!

Great venue with views over Ballyholme Bay and the food is fantastic. Will be making regular return visits.😎🍻🍴👍 Friendly wee back bar too 🍻

Food was very tasty and reasonably priced

We just called in to have a beer after a walk along the beach... It has a great beer garden and the restaurant has beautiful views looking out over the sea. Extremely clean and friendly bar. We will be back for food next time.

Lovely staff! There was a nice atmosphere as well, food was good quality and filling. Highly recommend as it's by the sea and has a beautiful view.

We both ordered the roast beef dinner priced at the top end of the range for bar restaurant food in the area, while the portion was ample sadly the roast beef was not at the top end of the range. It was served with a small jug of gravy and we requested some more a were brought a small boat of gravy. Unfortunately our bill had items on it that we had not ordered , no apology was given and our amended bill had the extra gravy at £3.25 !!! Not sure we would be back in the foreseeable future. So disappointing you can do better in such a beautiful setting

Everyone enjoyed the food and the specials were very good and a fair price . Staff were friendly . Relaxed atmosphere and interesting sea themed paintings.

Food was too drawer, I selected from the specials menu and it was delicious, the building is a bit tired inside but it's the food you're going for.

We had dinner here last night, the staff were friendly and attentive and the food was fantastic. If you're looking for a nice atmosphere and some good food, then I couldn't recommend a better place.

Lovely meal tonight ...food was exceptional...steak well cooked and lamb koftas with pomegranate and flat bread stunning !!! Highly recommend

Chief will try to meet special diets when asked. Excellent, friendly staff. Great food.

Great atmosphere, delicious food, friendly efficient staff.... nothing else needed and yet there is also excellent sea view and outside dining.

I call ocassionally to this pub. The drink is good Last time I was I'm I enjoyed 2 excellent pints of smithwicls and a lovely pint of Guinness. I think it was the owner serving. Good chat. Meals being served looked good

We went for breakfast here, I have to say this was one of the best breakfasts we have had in quite some time. We had a mix of eggs florentine and benedict, waffles and pancake stack. All the portion sizes were perfect, plenty of eating and the coffee was nice as well. The atmosphere was lovely, the fire was lit and the setting were great looking oit at sea. The staff were very friendly and gave us plenty of time to make up our mind. The bill was not expensive at all. This place definitely runs anywhere close in terms of excellent food and service. We worth a visit.

A lovely meal & service v.good ,took interest in my allergies ,v.attentive

We booked the Restaurant for a party of 9 for Mother's Day and the table was booked for 2.00pm. We were advised at the time of booking that there was another sitting at 4.00pm so we were aware that there was a 2 hour window. When the waitress came to take our order at approximately 2.15pm she did not welcome the party. Before she even took our order, she curtly and abruptly announced that the table had to be vacated for 4.00pm!!!! There were only 5 of the party that ordered starters. One asked specifically for the chicken wings with no onion or slaw. The waitress wrote this on her pad but when the starter came out it was covered in onions.!!! Having been told of the time constraint, we were very concious of the fact that we needed to leave for 4.00pm but despite this time allocation, 6 dinners did not arrive until 3.22pm and the remaining 3 dinners arrived at 3.30 pm. Again one of the party had asked for his roast chicken with no veg and no garnish but when the plate was served up this request was ignored.!!! The same waitress came to clear the dinner plates and did not ask us if we wanted to see the desert menu. When I asked her for the desert menu at 3.44pm she rudely stated that the table was to be cleared for 4.00pm. I advised her that we were aware of this but that she had not served us our dinner until nearly 3.30pm. When walking away from the table she announced that she had stated this when taking our starter order. She was hostile and unpleasant. I told her that we no longer wanted to order deserts and she simply dismissed us and continued to clear the table. We had taken my 90 year old mummy out for a nice treat and the service we received definitely spoilt the day. I did speak to the manager in charge when paying the bill to complain about the waitresses' attitude and she did apologise on her behalf. However, I do not feel that this rectified the situation. I have worked in hospitality myself and realise that you can't get everything right but one of the most important things is how welcome the customer is made to feel. Whilst the food was lovely the service we received made the party very uncomfortable. As a family, we like to suppport local businesses and like to try different cafes and restaurants. My mummy was really annoyed by the situation and as a result we will not be returning to the Esplanade.!!!

Lovely wee spot for a bite to eat and a pint, great views too

Returning to update my review after two consecutively poor visits, which is sad as I've been going here at least monthly for 10 years. Firstly my wife's rhubarb crumble was ice cold in the middle. Our roast dinners were £18 and had 2 slices of beef, a bit of mash and two carrots with a Yorkshire pudding, it was not worth £18. The temperature was all over the map, some of it was nuclear hot in the centre and was clearly out of the microwave, while the other half was assembled from presumably a pot that had been cooling down a while. On the previous visit I ordered a blue steak which I would describe as well done 3 minutes prior (infact I didn't want to order blue as its never done to a good standard in NI but the waitress encouraged me). It was also close to cold. The cherry on the cake was the very drunk 25 year old man at the bar in the front lounge next to our table at 3pm that dropped the F bomb every 10 to 15 seconds next to my 4, 6 and 9 year olds. While it doesn't bother me it was rubbish to see my daughter keep staring at the floor. The bar staff just let this continue despite I could see they were uncomfortable with it. I don't normally update reviews, so this is a real shame.

Sirloin, chicken gojons and mash Oinion rings,chips, brilliant!

A great New Year’s Eve at the Esplanade - seven us enjoyed a lovely meal. Despite the busyness our servers Freddie and Chloe kept on top of everything and were friendly, attentive and welcoming hosts. We would all go back.

Always a awesome experience and delicious food the service was absolutely 💯 professional and very inviting

I went in the late evening on Christmas Eve.It was cozi and I had a pint with some friends : can't comment on the food. They kept background music low so we could chat. Friendly staff and beautiful views.

Very small portions, charged for extra veg and gravy. No mocktails. Got 1 sprout and the other cut in half, which I then had to chase round my plate. Mash small and hidden under turkey. Carrot and parsnips was miniscule. Staff were passive aggressive. Wish I had spent my money else where. Plus had to stop on way home for a sandwich.

Following on from a decent lunch the previous week we booked dinner... big mistake. Ordered the terrine for my starter, resembled a congealed block of cat food. The bread that accompanied it was literally inedible. Ordered the battered cod for my main thinking they surely couldn't mess that up... wrong. A greasy slab of tasteless cod surrounded by a handful of tasteless chips without a hint of seasoning. All of which was compounded by the level of service which was laugh-out-loud bad. Am genuinely baffled at how places like this continue to draw people in (it was virtually full) when their customers are treated to such dire standards across the board. Bangor can do much, much better.

Thank you to the chef and our server last Saturday for my brother's birthday lunch upstairs. I'd had never been before but it's my brother's favourite, they catered very well for our group of 19 including excellent GF options, every single guest was delighted 😋. I will look forward to returning myself. Well done all and have a prosperous holiday season . Trish x

Excellent food and lovely surroundings

Great food and service! Well worth a visit!

Roast beef dinner, roast beef was rubbish, half was all fat.

One of the nicest meals I’ve ever had - scallops were large, juicy and cooked to perfection- an unexpected delight. My parents also enjoyed their meal too. I was expecting nice pub grub but got proper amazing dining

Excellant place for a good feed on a Sunday morning!

Good quality food and good portions. Staff were friendly and helpful. The surroundings were lovely too. Not a massive place so best to book.

I recently visited with my wife and parents for breakfast here as we live just down the road. First time I have been but won’t be the last! Food was really great - had the big fry and my mum had the French Toast with caramelised banana. So tasty! Service was brilliant as well! Thanks and certainly be back soon!

Was sitting down on our own outside so no expectation atmosphere would be good but we'll set up with heaters and service and food we're superb

Didn't have food as restaurant upstairs Only opens Fri an Sat not the same atmosphere as it used to be could not recommend

Had a lovely meal last night, food, service, value for money, and friendly helpful staff. I hadn’t been in a while but will definitely be back again soon.

Great place for breakfast. Extensive menu and all nicely presented. We had reserved a table which was good because the place was quite busy. The pancakes and Eggs Benedict were fabulous. The service was great and friendly and the prices very competitive. We will definitely be back.

Visited here on a very busy Friday evening. We had booked our table in advance and glad we did as I doubt we would’ve been accommodated without a booking. Staff were extremely pleasant, happy, friendly and helpful. Atmosphere was lively in the restaurant and the beer garden out the front was packed. Food was absolutely fantastic. I cannot fault one thing. We shared the goats cheese crumble starter which was beautiful and more than enough to share. Very fresh & tasty. We both had steaks, sirloin & ribeye. Both were cooked to perfection, they were so tender and the knife was barely needed. We had pepper sauce and blue cheese sauce alongside our steaks which were beautiful and creamy. Sides were chunky chips and Parmesan & truffle skinny fries. The wine list is fantastic, very good range of wines and the cocktails looked great. Views across the bay are second to none. We had a lovely evening here and would highly recommend popping in here for a drink or a bite to eat.

First visit in a long time. Very pleasantly surprised. Extensive lunchtime menu, very reasonable prices including wine. Food and service excellent, without going into detail, all four of us really enjoyed our lunch, plentiful and good quality. Will be back.

Called in for food on spec last Friday at 6.15pm, saw a free table in the front lounge but before we could sit down we were approached by a waitress who asked if we were eating or just having a drink. I replied that we would ideally like to do both. She informed me that the table was reserved from 7pm so we could only have drink there but not get fed. She stated that they were serving food in the back bar or we could try and find a table outside. I asked what the situation was in the back bar and was told it was busy. I asked for some advice as to what would be the best thing to do and at this the waitress reiterated the position, whilst turning her back and walking away again stating we could try and find somewhere to eat outside but we couldn't eat at the table we were standing beside. So we left without food or a drink. I emailed the establishment to complain. I described the waitress and her manner in the belief that she might be given some advice about customer service and we might get an apology, but bizarrely the respondent had a go at me and didn't have the common courtesy to sign their reply. Would it have been too difficult to get us a drink and look out for a table for two? Yes according to the Esplanade, their staff were far too busy. Never again.

Drop in meal for two but they found us a space. The menu looked a little limited than we were expecting, but the food was really really good. Would definitely visit again

Nice wee spot, good sea front location. I only ever go for drinks, they are very accommodating and friendly. No cold soft drinks though, only bad thing I could say about the place.

Lovely setting and very helpful and friendly food was great

Great place for outside food and great. Great views. Very friendly staff

Found this restaurant on bringfido.co.Uk After constantly being turned away from restaurants because we had a dog with us. We called ahead and the manager confirmed we could eat in the back bar.

Although website says they do takeaway, They DO NOT!

Lovely scenery and friendly staff food excellent

Fantastic sea view. Nice food and good service.

Was in the Esplanade for lunch on a sultry afternoon last week. I had the scampi and chips and it really was as good a scampi and chips as you'll get. Freshly battered prawns - not bread crumbed stuff out of the freezer - with proper fresh chips, salad and tartare sauce. Simple but perfectly done. My friend had a burger which he enjoyed too. The service was top notch, very friendly and efficient. We really enjoyed the Esplanade and would happily return.

First ever, the Ribeye steak we have had. Wow, flavour fantastic presentation first class, the sides were amazing too. Highly recommend this pub grub 10 out of 10 .

Delicious food and quick friendly service. Lovely table overlooking the bay😎

Lovely restaurant with great views. Food excellent. Seating inside and outside. Helpful staff. Highly recommend

Food good but perhaps use cornflour and GF rice crispies, where possible, for GF clients.

A long time favourite of ours. Food is consistently good with friendly and helpful staff serving. Coupled with beautiful views of Ballyholme Bay, the Esplanade is our go to bar all year round. Many thanks to the great team that work there!

I eat here regular. Food and service is always good. Need the crispy pork belly back on the menu . 😋

Lovely place right on the seafront. Went twice, once for drinks and again for food. Fitted us in even though they were booked up. The food was excellent and they made all three of us, two adults and an eight year old girl, very welcome. Surprisingly reasonable prices too. Highly recommended - if we come to Bangor again we'll be back. Edit: We came back, and it was just as good as the previous times.

Lovely food. Good prices. Scenery lovely

Went for dinner last night and was told inside was fully booked but outside and back bar was available. So we sat outside and got a drink. We were then told that there was a table of 15 upstairs eating so it would be half an hour to order food, which was OK.. I do feel some people outside got preferential treatment because they had dogs with them. They got served and drinks brought out to them. Also all tables were not cleared that needed to be cleared as the staff were more interested in the dogs.. I went inside to order a drink and asked if by chance there was a table free inside, the barman told me there was a table free.. We sat down and were able to order within 5 minutes.. I ordered a burrito from the specials board which stated it came with guacamole and sour cream, which it did. However, the amount of guacamole and sour cream that came with it was terrible.. To state that it came with this on the specials boards, you'd expect a bit more to be enough for all of the meal.. I was waiting on a member of staff coming over to ask if everything was OK so I could ask for more but no one came near us for the entire meal. Had to ask tontake the other half home with me.. Food was gorgeous, however, the waiting staffs work ethic leaves a lot to be desired.. All customers matter, not just ones inside with bookings or the ones outside with dogs!!

Smoked salmon with wheaton bread left a lot to be desired. Fish was tasteless & bread stale, not to mention that it was the heel of the loaf( something I bin at home).

Absolutely delicious! First time here and we will be back.

Disappointed with the food, raw fried chicken , steak over cooked will not frequent again although the staff were lovely

Great location but if you ask for an extra chair you are told no, if you want to order food outside you can’t because the kitchen is too busy. All customers want to do is to enjoy themselves and the views this location offers but it’s not really possible when staff aren’t able to offer good service. Anywhere else you go in town staff members would do their best to keep customers happy, it would be great if it would be the same in this location too

Good food and drink with friendly staff and very comfortable surroundings.

staff need to be shown how to pour good pints of Guinness got one in less than one minute world record

Went to the back bar as it allowed dogs,had a very nice lunch,place was somewhat quiet but you expect that where dogs are permitted

Delicious dinner and wonderful wine

Lovely food and friendly staff. Nice view of the sea.

Nice wee place. Staff are great, very friendly and always go the extra mile to accommodate unusual requests. Haven't tried the food myself, but as a bar it's top notch.

Good food, good service, good atmosphere.

Beautiful views ,good breakfast

Went for a family dinner on a Saturday evening and came away extremely disappointed. We shared a large portion of chicken wings for starters which were mediocre. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to my main course which was seafood linguine. When served the seafood linguine, the sauce was very bland and the only type of fish in the dish were chunks of a white fish (presumably cod). Surprised at the absence of a mixture of shrimp, clams, mussels and / or scallops in the dish which a typical seafood linguine comprises of, I enquired with the witness who abruptly and rudely told me they ‘advertise the seafood linguine as local seafood only’. I felt like I had been scolded for raising this query and overall quite embarrassed and that I was in the wrong in this situation. I then made a point of checking the menu which made no reference to this. I sent the dish back barely touched as overall it was really unenjoyable and I paid full price with no apology or offer to discount the dish from our bill. We asked the manager at the bar before we left and he said the seafood linguine will only contain ‘what has come in or what they can get’. This was not made apparent to the customer either on the menu or by the waiting staff. As a seafood lover I have had many seafood dishes and seafood linguines (at all times of the year / seasons) at various restaurants and to date this is the only dish I have not been able to eat and the only time I’ve queried the quality/content with the staff. I left very disheartened and will certainly not be back. To have poor quality dishes on the menu is one thing but the poor customer service on top of that made this a very disappointing experience.

Had the cod and chips- was amazing with a stunning view!

Best breakfast in Bangor by far,staff are very welcoming and the service was first class

Friendly welcoming staff, excellent food and service, great atmosphere in both bars, lovely view over ballyhome bay from the front alfresco eating area. Highly recommend this venue.

The decor is a bit tired, and could do with updating but the food was great and staff were friendly.

Food was delicious with generous servings. Friendly staff. A bit quiet but it was a Monday evening in February.

Excellent food, decent prices and friendly service.

Called in on way past from a walk. Had a look at menu and decided to come back for our evening meal. We both had the Chicken Escalope with pepper sauce, very enjoyable. Nice small intimate place and when we were there not noisy and about 3/4 of tables occupied. Will go again when next in the area

What a lovely friendly Pub/restaurant!! I was very impressed and I am a fussy so and so?? The food was amazing the nicest I have out in a long time in the Bangor area!! The staff are top class and the craic was 90 as they say!! Even the owner Ian came over!! Lovely guy!! Can't wait to go back! The mac'n cheese with black pudding was just gorgeous and the lovely girl recommended it!! My Sister's got the Sunday roast which was outstanding! The roasties were just like mine!! And my lovely Daughter got the ceasar salad 🥗 which she loved!! Fabulous wee spot right beside the sea!!

Super afternoon meal with great tastes . Lovely staff . Great views .

Not our first visit but we got a voucher from our friend for Christmas. The food, the atmosphere and the service were amazing you should be so proud of yourselves Excellent food and great staff and the table for 2 beside the fire just made it Thank you all you were amazing

We've been to the esplanade several times, always a friendly spot. We've had our dogs with us before, for coffee @ their outside area(amazing views) which is great. Welomed into the back bar with our dogs, a 1st for them both being in a restaurant/bar. Staff we're wonderful brought them water chatted for a while, we had food which was lovely. Highly Recommend.

Needs a lot of work, the building smells like my grandparents house and the food wasn't great. The staff were excellent but investment into the business is needed

Staff were lovely but my battered cod was oily and greasy. Couldn’t eat the batter as a result and then the fish itself on the inside was oily too. The portion size was huge (fish and chips) but the tartar sauce and mushy peas were in tiny ramekins.