The eponymously named Simon's Place was established in 1997 after the owner set up on his own having spent 11 years in the nearby, but long gone, Marks Brothers. Marks Brothers was a teenage hang out of mine on Saturdays and even now Simon's remains reminiscent of those days. It is still a meeting place for an eclectic bunch of people including students, bicycle couriers and buskers.
The food is unashamedly simple with just four types of sandwiches served on their own homemade bread alongside a choice of two soups and some salad options. There's a fantastic, friendly atmosphere here but be warned there's often a queue out the door at lunchtimes. Outside of this time there are any number of old wooden chairs for you to pull up as you flick through a free Dublin event guide over your lunch.
The walls are plastered in posters advertising music and theatre events happening around the city. Just as they were all those years ago when this hapless student relied on them to find out what was going on around the city. And today I'd recommend it to anyone looking for the same.
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Apples and Atoms" -or 'silver balls!- in Dublin is a sculpture in Trinity College that very few people, even knowledgeable locals, know the story behind.
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I have visited a lot of different restaurants in Dublin, and I certainly have my favorites, but for sure "The Ramen Bar" is my all-time most cherished!
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"The Tram Café" in Dublin City is the perfect example of a great idea that came alive in the most elegant, beautiful way. This tram has really been around!
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"The Black Sheep" in Dublin is a perfect location to visit after the cinema nearby. I love their main Irish craft beers... Try the cherry one!
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The "Visitor Centre of Phoenix Park" in Dublin reveals the secrets of one of the largest parks in Europe, unknown to most casual walkers!
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"Blackbird" in Dublin is a dimly lit, dive bar delight. Whenever I'm in the area, I always try to stop here for a drink - it's always 5 o'clock somewhere!
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"Music Under the Bridges" allows you to discover Dublin and its river Liffey from the water by kayaking and listening to music!
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"Farmleigh House" in Dublin was built in the late 18th century and was home to the Guinness family. It's accessible from Phoenix Park. Such a discovery!
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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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