BallycastleBest cheap restaurants
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The 16 best cheap eats in Ballycastle
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedSep 17, 2025
Updated • updatedSep 17, 2025
Nestled along the stunning Causeway Coast, Ballycastle is a charming seaside town that offers a delightful mix of breathtaking views and mouthwatering food. Whether you're strolling along the beach or exploring the local shops, you'll find that this quaint destination is home to some fantastic dining options that won't break the bank. From cozy cafes to bustling pubs, Ballycastle is a haven for food lovers seeking delicious meals at affordable prices.
As you wander through the town, you'll discover a variety of eateries that showcase the best of local flavors. Picture yourself savoring homemade dishes at Thyme & Co Cafe & Pizzeria, or indulging in freshly baked sourdough from Ursa Minor. For those craving classic fish and chips, Morton's and Golden Chip are must-visit spots that promise to satisfy your cravings. With so many hidden gems and beloved favorites, Ballycastle is the perfect place to embark on a culinary adventure without stretching your budget. So grab your appetite and get ready to explore the best cheap eats this charming town has to offer!
Why trust us
We scoured through the internet and read through 3 reputable sites and blogs like restaurantji.co.uk and The Irish Road Trip. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place.
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Other best of categories in Ballycastle
Restaurants
Attractions
Cheap eats
Family restaurants
affordable
Irish pub
Anzac, an Irish pub with wooden interiors and a simple decor, offers a menu featuring seafood delicacies, meat dishes, and homemade desserts. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with excellent dish presentation. The food is delicious and well-seasoned, catering to both plain eaters and vegetarians. The staff are courteous and helpful. The prices for the amazing food made from high-quality produce are reasonable. Additionally, they offer a promotion where buying a main meal gets you complimentary starters and desserts.
Wow! The best meal of our 3 week trip. Elevated food. Good service. Reasonable for what you get. The sirloin steak was the best I've ever had - large, tasty, and tender. Order 1 step rarer than you typically do (i.e. if you like medium rare, then order rare). The tomato and roasted pepper soup and the salmon were perfect. The duck noodle salad, the house side salad, and the salmon base were all a fantastic combination of flavors that were well balanced. Your choice of about a dozen sides with your main. The banoffe pie was decadent - 1 was enough for 4. The only complaints are atmosphere based. The dining room was quite loud, and there was a funky (not good) smell in the bar area downstairs and half of the upstairs area that had the bathrooms and overflow seating. You need reservations!
Brian B — Google review
This restaurant had rave reviews online. Seemed to come up as one of the best in the area, so thought we would try. Welcoming, nice atmosphere although a little loud for my taste. Variety of food on the menu was good, one of the reasons I chose them. The staff were very nice, great customer service from everyone who attended to us, especially Peter, who was very patient under the circumstances. The food was nicely presented. Healthy portions. However, our dishes were a little salty. One was manageable but the other unfortunately not so much. They were kind enough to offer a substitution for the one that was not manageable but the salt issue remained. The desserts were however lovely. A nice bistro restaurant for families.
wonderful dinner at Anzac. made a reservation through Facebook with no issues. even showed a little early and we were able to be seated.
they have a very beautiful set up. seems like typical Irish pub from outside but definitely more of a chic bistro inside. really lovely.
service was very nice and checked in just enough. menu had good amount of choices and they had a dedicated kids menu. food was all very very good - including dessert sticky toffee pudding! yum. my husband said the herb crusted salmon was the best he's ever had !
highly recommend
Berkeley and Claire, owners of An Caislean Corratavey B&B, arranged for our dining experience during our Ballycastle stay. Our server, Peter took care of us with great menu suggestions. We chose the lamb and cod, apple and cinnamon crumble dessert and Coole Swan coffee. Our dishes were both savory and flavorful. The chef needs to be commended! Get your reservation early! You won’t want to miss the chance to dine here.
If I could rate this a 6 star I would, came here after travelling over from London to visit family, and can comfortably say it’s the best steak I have ever had, the price tag is beyond reasonable if not cheap, I’d happily pay substantially more for it. Service is incredibly quick and everyone was so polite and welcoming. Would honestily travel back over just to eat here, my only complate is that I couldn’t get enough of it, probably ruined steaks for me now as I won’t get one better. And the cocktails are also incredible had the French martini, it was gone in minutes.
Been trying to get a table here every time we've been to Ballycastle and we finally got one on Saturday night. We weren't disappointed, the food was delicious and the place was buzzing. Overall we had a lovely meal and the price was excellent for what we had. We will be back- I highly recommend.
Unreal. Food was superb. Service excellent. Cannot recommend high enough. Tx.
Super service from all staff! Super food! Highly recommend and will be back! A must visit.
5 Market St, Ballycastle, BT54 6DP, United Kingdom•
affordable
Pub
Three elderly individuals decided to embark on a leisurely drive along the North Coast and indulge in a delightful Sunday dinner at The Diamond Bar in Ballycastle. Despite initial concerns arising from negative reviews, they were pleasantly surprised by the scrumptious meal and the enjoyable company of the staff, which truly enhanced their day.
Stopped off for lunch on a drive round the countryside on a recent visit from Essex. Staff were friendly & attentive, the food was exceptional & huge portions. Both my mum & I could not finish our main meal, although my mum did insist on dessert, it was Mother's Day after all. We were very lucky to get a table as it was packed out. An excellent find, great food at a good price.
Sarah-Jane J — Google review
Called I'm on way home from the NW200 ..what a find .. Fabulous Food ..Amazing Guinness and Great People ..my Roast Beef was delicious..Really Reasonable Price with amazing Quality in a lovely pub
Definitely recommend
Excellent pub food more like restaurants than a bar. Better than alot of restaurants and type of food was not just your typical bar food either. Everything was great and fresh. Beers were good as well. Quiet even though there was a game on.
Recommend booking if you want a table in the restaurant although they were serving food in the bar area. We went Monday evening and it was busy with a great vibe. Staff all helpful and friendly. The young women running the restaurant were great, it was busy but they kept their cool. The food was delicious and we came away having to loosen our belts. We shared the Irish nachos for starters then had the chicken stack and diamond Savoy chicken 😋😋
Stopped in on Sunday Sept. 7, 2025. It was by chance as the place we were headed was closed. My wife and I each had the potato and leek soup with roast beef dinner and washed it down with a Guinness. The food was fantastic and the people were great. Thank You for the great experience. If you get the chance, I highly recommend it.
Empty plates all round. (Sorry for the terrible pic). Thanks for all the previous reviews guys, that was unreal. I got the scampi tacos, that were amazing, as were the red pepper and sweet potato starter 🤙🤙🤙
We had an amazing meal for my mums 70th, there was 11 in our party and we all had an absolutely wonderful experience! The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect throughout the meal.
The food was fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, the portions were really generous, and the prices were more than reasonable for the quality and quantity we received.
A real North Coast gem!
Friendly efficient staff, had 3 course Sunday lunch. About 8 mains to choose from. Had roast beef dinner, two large thick slices so tasty. For dessert Huge pavlova with berries all for £20. Amazing food so tasty definitely worth a visit
8 The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW, United Kingdom•
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cheap
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Family restaurant
Restaurant
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Ballycastle, Thyme & Co Cafe & Pizzeria is a delightful culinary gem brought to life by the passionate duo, Eimear and Tom. This award-winning cafe prides itself on serving an array of dishes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Whether you're craving a light salad or a comforting twice-baked potato, each dish reflects their commitment to quality and flavor.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Absolutely fantastic! Thyme & Co in Ballycastle is a hidden gem. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, pastries, and mouthwatering dishes. The staff are genuinely friendly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The place is spotless, and the attention to cleanliness is top-notch. It’s without a doubt the best spot in town for anyone who loves great food and a cozy, inviting ambiance. Highly recommend!
Neal A — Google review
We ate at Thyme & Co just last night. They offer a Pizza menu on a Saturday night only and are closed for late dining during the rest of the week. We shared a garlic bread as starter, my partner had a pepperoni pizza & I opted for the Dexter beef burger, which was absolutely superb. The beef was beautifully flavoured. They have no alcohol licence so it's Bring Your Own and there was no corkage fee. All in all, good atmosphere (the restaurant was very busy as of 18:30), good service and nice food. I've had Dexter beef before but never in Burger form and it was delicious. Recommended.
Lovely little cafe tucked in at the corner of the town on quay street. Inside seatings are cosy and there are outdoor seating for sunny days as well. Food was all fresh and done nicely the award winning Wheaton bread is fresh and tasty. Coffee is nice.
Lucky that the cafe is somehow open on Wednesday, contrary to what’s written on the map or the board outside.
Probably my first time seeing a latte art in a glass glass. Rich and nutty.
Croissant is warm, stretchy, and buttery. Sausage roll is pretty tasty and flavorful, not too oily either.
Open prawn sandwich is delightful. The prawn salad is light and fresh, with crunchy peppers and a hint of spiciness. Wheaten bread is one of the best I’ve had. Moist yet full of grains and only mildly sweet. Just wish the potatoes were warmed too.
Lemon chicken is also quite good. The tortilla wrap is especially nice, soft and elastic.
Friendly staff and cheap price.
What an amazing cafe! The food here is truly something special, so original, full of flavor, and made with top quality ingredients. I had the vegan breakfast and it was absolutely beautiful!
I am really fussy with coffee andy flat white was stunning.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are just as lovely as the food and drinks. They’re friendly, attentive, and make you feel right at home.
This café is a real gem—I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who appreciates delicious food, exceptional coffee, and a genuinely welcoming vibe
Traveling through Ballycastle, we wanted to get some pizza after touring through Ireland and Northern Ireland for almost two weeks… we stopped in and placed an order ‘for takeaway’.
Most important, the pizza was great! And to our absolute delight, they delivered the pizza to us, right to our rental, unrequested!
The staff was very friendly on a busy night, great choices of toppings.
We will be back for breakfast pastries for the next several days… as long as we are in town ❤️
The regular who ordered before me said " everything" when I asked for her recommendation. I had a cinnamon scone, and it was just perfect! Moist, with apple and the perfect amount of icing drizzle. A shame about the building works. Noise not noticeable inside but I'd become a bit overwhelmed by it whilst walking up from the beach, not helped by Google misdirections.
I bought homemade Shepard's Pie and Lasagne, both made in the morning. They were both delicious. The portions are big enough to divide in two. I have frozen the other 2 portions. All natural ingredients. Thank you. Deirdre
5 Quay Rd, Ballycastle, BT54 6BJ, United Kingdom•
cheap
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Restaurant
Our Dolly's is a popular breakfast spot that has gained quite the following. Despite the wait, visitors are not disappointed with the delicious meals and friendly service. The sausages are particularly noteworthy, and the Big Fry comes highly recommended. The staff is accommodating and attentive, making it a great place to start your day. With its pleasant atmosphere and emphasis on quality food cooked to order, it's no wonder this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Great food. Great service. Very reasonable prices. We can strongly recommend the Benedict Royale (with salmon), and the pancakes with stiped bacon. The hollandaise sauce and syrup were excellent.
Brian B — Google review
Great service and food. Been for both breakfast and lunch and each were great
Restaurant is busy at time we went (11am). Outside looks small but theres are plenty of sitting space inside. We get seated quickly, order taken, drinks came and few minutes later our food order. The on-street parking is only for one hour and in our case we managed to get back to our car in around 45-50minutes otherwise you can use one of the Parking place thats well sign posted. The food we ordered (eggs benedict) taste good. Staff are friendly and the price is very reasonable. Would recommend.
Highly recommended
We had a very tasty breakfast here and staff was also very friendly
The food was absolutely delicious, I got eggs benedict and my fiance got pancakes with bacon and they were some of the best we've had. The service was great, we had a little wait to be seated because it was so busy but they got us seated as soon as possible and we got served very quickly. They were really friendly and always had a smile. Very clean. Definitely stop off here for a breakfast. Two decently portioned breakfasts and two glasses of orange juice all come to under £20 which is amazing pricing.
I had a wonderful experience at Our Dolly's! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home as soon as I walked in. The food was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care.
On top of that, the prices were very reasonable for the quality you get. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area!
Had a lovely meal when we visited the last week of July. Staff were friendly and service was good. Nice sized portions and not over priced. It is cash only which isn't a bad thing. There is a sign stating this as you enter the cafe.
Yum! Had a delicious brunch here with my Mum—she tried the Eggs Benedict Special and I had the full fry up!
Food was delicious and portions were perfect 🤩
The staff were absolutely wonderful and so lovely!!
22 Ann St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AD, United Kingdom•
affordable
Fish and chips takeaway
Fast food restaurant
Fish store
Morton's in Ballycastle is a must-visit for the best fish and chips. The charming chip shop has been consistently delivering delicious, perfectly cooked fish and chips for locals and tourists. The fresh fish and chips are served hot and are highly recommended. The friendly service adds to the experience, with options like chicken fillet burgers also available at great prices. Visitors can enjoy their meals in the covered seating area, making it a perfect stop while touring the causeway coast.
Fish and Chip shop right on the harbour. Has a dedicated Gluten Free fryer and so you can get a Coeliac safe fish and chips (and many other options). Food was good and portions large. Price a bit on the high side for a chippy but worth it for my mum to be able to eat safely. Staff not the friendliest but you hardly interact with them so its not really an issue.
Kait S — Google review
The fish is always incredibly fresh, and perfectly cooked with a wonderfully crisp batter that isn’t greasy at all. The chips were thick, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly golden. The shop and sitting area are always spotless, and the staff are so friendly. A must-try for anyone in the area!
Lots of gluten free options. My understanding is that the batter is dairy free also, although I didn’t feel 100% sure after asking. After ordering, it’s a 10-20 minute wait. There are tables in the small building next door.
We ventured here on a recommendation, and while it was decent enough, that's all it was. I've given three stars as by Google maps definition that's "it's ok" and that's exactly what my thoughts were. Nothing to complain about but nothing great either. Portion sizes for fish and chips (or fish supper as sold here) were just ok, every bit polished off by both adults and children in my party. The fish bites portion was pretty decent.
Chips were similar to oven chips and the batter was dry and crispy. This might be a matter of taste and some might love it. Personally I have had better and worse in the world of fish and chips. I waited around 5 minutes to order and a further 15-20 to collect.
Salt, vinegar, tomato sauce sachets and plastic cutlery were all free which was good.
I always go for Fish and Chips when I've taken a trip to the sea and these didn't disappoint. 4.3 on Google, but easily a 4.7 or higher.
Cooked fresh to order, clean, crisp and super tasty.
Did my usual fish test, broke it in two, checked fat retention (low), batter thickness (lite), batter on bite (crisp), fish consistency (moist). Pretty much perfect..
Yes we had to wait, but all good things are worth waiting for.
Certainly, one of the nicest Fish suppers I've had, and a definite if you're in Ballycastle.
Incidentally, Ballycastle is my new favourite beach too 😁
Family took me here after hearing of all the good reviews. I found it really poor. Chips were hard and tasted like they had been cooked a couple of times. Fish was very thin. Curry sauce was decent. Lady taking the order was quite abrupt. You order and then have to leave and wait in another building as where you order is quite a small space.
We Made a stop before heading towards Giant Causeway with my sister and her family. The quality, the taste, the portion size and price 😮 is much cheaper than what I pay in London. The second time I've tried fish and chips one time in Leeds and this fell in love with it.
Highly recommended.
Bit underwhelming to be honest. Firstly had to endure a long queue and then wait once ordered (probably 40 minutes in total), then the fish and chips wasn't that great I'm afraid. And fish and chips is not cheap. I think the issue is there's not much competition in this small area. If there was I think they'd have to improve. Wouldn't go again.
9 Bayview Rd, Ballycastle, BT54 6BT, United Kingdom•
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affordable
Seafood restaurant
Fish and seafood restaurant
Nestled in a unique subterranean setting, The Cellar offers an intriguing dining experience with its charming church pews and a cozy fireplace. This establishment serves up local seafood alongside classic pub fare and refreshing drinks. However, some guests have expressed disappointment regarding the quality of food and service. For instance, one diner found their chicken wings to be frozen and served cold inside, while another's chicken main was undercooked.
Perfect meal!
We chose a selection of small plates to share. The fish cakes were beautifully balanced with a light mustard sauce. Scallops on black pudding with a tomato based sauce were so delicious. The star was the chowder; creamy, fresh and homely. Absolutely divine!
Couldn’t recommend highly enough!
Julia W — Google review
We decided to eat out last minute and thankfully the Cellar was available. I ordered this Vegetarian pasta with onion and pepper sauce and it was delicious! Staff were nice and friendly. The only downside for me was the dessert. I had chocolate cake and it wasn’t great. But overall it was a nice experience!
It has been 5 month since I ate fish n chips at this exact restaurant. It’s the best fish n chips in the entire UK. The fish is actually fresh and juicy but the best part is the batter. I still think about it everyday. I thought I owe the store/service/chief a 5 star review. So I am making up for it. Sorry I don’t have a picture because I ate my food way too fast
This was one of our favorite stops in Ireland. The location is really cozy and the food was good.
The favorite dish of the table was the lamb chops. The sauces made the dishes.
We loved it here, especially the wine menu, he has a great selection and it went perfectly with my steak, which was cooked to perfection 🥰
This was our first experience of the Cellar restaurant and it was a good one. The food was wonderfully prepared and importantly tasted great. Service was excellent. Best to book as there wasn't a free table when we arrived at 7pm. Highly recommend.
10/10 meal
Will be recommending to family and friends! Brilliant service, friendly staff and fresh food
Ate here this week and had an excellent selection of small plates. Food was lovely and all served with a smile. Seafood chowder was exceptional. Good value and a nice restaurant
11B The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW, United Kingdom•
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Nestled on the charming high street of Ballycastle, The Promenade Cafe is a delightful spot that captures the essence of local dining. Just across from the picturesque harbour, this cafe boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by friendly young staff eager to serve you. Their menu features classic café fare with an Irish twist; patrons rave about their hearty Irish stew served alongside traditional soda bread—an absolute must-try!
With so many places offering fish and chips, only a few truly get it right, and this is one of them. Fresh fish with a perfectly crisp, buttery coating, great chips. And they also offer a creamy, well-balanced delicious chowder. A standout experience.
Peter N — Google review
Ordered homemade fish cakes as the picture outside sold it to us. They were the smallest worst fish cakes iv ever had. £12 and when I asked staff about the size she said well I don't make them. Total rip off rubbish.
Excellent Cod Fish and Chips.. agree with other reviews the best I have had so far all over Ireland and Nothern Ireland. Super yummy Irish stew and chowder too. Thoroughly enjoyed all the food and service
Great food, needs better menu display on the front - wouldn't have gone in if it weren't for the reviews. But it was a delightful discovery. Would recommend trying out the delicious Irish stew here!
The place is quite congested but it's crowded for a reason.
We desperately needed coffee and cake and this little cafe was a godsend! They even had 2 safe gluten free cake options!
Happy service, clean, friendly.
Hubby and I tried fish and chips in 21 different counties on our month-long tour around Ireland and The Promendate wins hands-down for best battered fish of our trip! Chips were good. Very homey little cafe with good service and reasonable prices. Wonderful spot for lunch.
Great wee place. Staff friendly doing best job. Ordered famouse homemade fishpie, cod with chips and salt chilii chicken and chips.
Portions are normal. Cod and fishpie need a bit more spices and taste but good overall.
What a gem of a find, just on the little high street across from the harbour.
Lovely young staff serving simple, classic cafe food. We had the lunch time Irish stew with soda bread and it was absolutely delicious (£6.50). Fresh chunks of carrots and potatoes with melty soft meat. Very warm and nourishing, much needed after a chilly ferry crossing.
Very good prices and clearly popular with the locals.
Cash only.
Harbour View, 7 North St, Ballycastle BT54 6BN, United Kingdom•
affordable
Bakery
Ursa Minor in Ballycastle is a must-visit for those looking to experience traditional bread-making. The bakery prides itself on using only three main ingredients - flour, water, and salt - to craft their bread. Visitors have praised the establishment for its culinary expertise and warm atmosphere. The owners, a husband and wife team, are known for their passion and dedication to creating artisanal bread, particularly sourdough.
A great local bakery and café, with a large selection of sourdough bread and pastries. The best coffee we've had in the area too. The cafe area has lots of seats in a bright, airy space which feels chilled. Definitely a local gem and well worth a visit
Faiza H — Google review
Excellent selection of sour dough breads, a little too well fired for my liking. The option to have it sliced is a great addition. Coffee was good, the best flat white I’ve had for while. Although don’t go if you are in a hurry, there were more staff behind the counter that folk in the queue, waiting to be served, still took ages to get my order. This does give a relaxed staff vibe although I found it a bit frustrating.
Food wise there were two plant based options. Both were sweet pastries. It is a cool spot and they should definitely step up the game when it comes to plant based food. It is 2025 and there are tested and proven recipes to bake delicious food that is free from eggs, dairy and honey.
Love this place. Came here for the first time last year and was excited to visit again now I am back. Staff are super friendly and there is an incredible array of both fresh baked goods as well as their very well stocked pantry items. Coffee is very good and I always come away with one of their delicious sourdough loaves. I have seen others complain about the queue/slow service but I never think it's a bad thing to be to slow down a little, plus its always worth the wait.
Possibly the most amazing bakery in the country. The cinnamon buns are exceptional, as is the focaccia. The choice is amazing and the coffee first class
Lovely food and setting, great decor and vibe. Sadly it falls down on being a very slow service unable to cope with any busyness. Shame as all the food is cold (pre made sandwiches and pastries etc) so there’s little else to provide. A lot of these hipster places are like this…
Absolutely fantastic focaccia sandwich with an unusual combination of fillings! Also the mini quiche was fantastic. All so tasty. Lovely shop- wish I could have spent longer sampling all the different options! Plenty of vegetarian things on the menu.
OVERCHARGED or just EXPENSIVE??? £9.30 for 3 danishes seems outrageous. They were good, but not that good. We got 3 danishes at the bakery on the other side of town the morning prior for less than £4 that were as good or better. I could have gotten eggs Benedict with salmon at Molly's for less than this.
45 Ann St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AA, United Kingdom•
Pub
The Boyd Arms is a fantastic pub with excellent Guinness and friendly staff. It stands out as a rare example of a pub interior that has been minimally altered. Inside, there are two parlours and two snugs, including one self-contained wooden cubicle that can seat four people. The bar exudes an old-world charm and is run by a welcoming proprietor. Despite its appeal, it seems to have been overlooked for years.
Very good Guinness and friendly staff, and a rare example of a minimally altered pub interior, with two parlours, off a central corridor and two snugs - one of which is a little self contained wooden cubicle which seats four people.
Penny M — Google review
Quick pint was anticipated but stayed for much longer. The bar is lovely and old
-worldy inside with a welcoming proprietor. Why have I missed this bar for years?
Traditional Irish pub,great atmosphere and pint of Guinness
Excellent pub, quality guinness, great bartender.
Could sit there all day
Nice pub. Nice pints of Harp too
We absolutely love The Boyd Arms. Great atmosphere and lovely Barman! Couldn’t recommend enough!
Charming pub and the bartender is always so accomadating!
Best pub in Ballycastle with the best Guinness in town. Great atmosphere and cosy.
4 The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW, United Kingdom•
affordable
Irish pub
O'Connor's Bar offers excellent cuisine, a delightful ambiance, and exceptional staff. The establishment also features impressive live acoustic performances on the weekends. However, it is worth mentioning that the ladies' restroom was out of order. The bar is particularly renowned for serving the most exquisite Strawberry Daiquiri in a considerable amount of time. It is highly recommended to pay a visit while in Ballycastle as it becomes quite vibrant around 11:30.
Good food and nice atmosphere. We stopped in for lunch and it wasn’t busy. Beer was good and food was good.😌
Robert V — Google review
Called in the other day as we were passing through Ballycastle, the small frontage and door way is quite deceiving of the size of the pub when you walk through the doors.
Staff were very pleasant and seated us almost immediately. ( I say we were quite lucky as they were extremely busy)
We ordered drinks and food. My Guinness was dubious looking with plenty of bubbles and a collar the papacy would be proud off, but tasted great. When the food arrived it looked as good as it tasted.
Hope to visit again if we are in the area again.
This pub went above and beyond when it came to service and atmosphere. We were reserved a seat up the back with cheerful service, and the performance of musicians around the same table was quality and so fun! What a great irish experience!
We had such a brilliant experience thanks to one of the staff members here, Clodagh. She went above and beyond, not just serving us but actually sitting down at the table for a bit of craic and chat. It felt like catching up with an old friend rather than just being in a bar. Genuine, funny, and full of good energy. She really made the night for us. Can’t recommend her (and the place) enough!
One of my all time favourite places.
Situated in the heart of Ballycastle, this is one of the most spectacular restaurant/bars you will ever come across.
The staff are fantastic craic, and the food is of an excellent standard.
Choice is diverse, and cocktails are, once again, top-tier quality.
The only downside is that live performances can be a slight bit too loud at times, but it’s not major enough to hinder the well-deserved 5-stars, unless loud music is a major turn-away for you.
I recommend this place to everybody!
Great food and friendly staff. We stopped here on our drive around Northern Ireland. The steak and Guinness fantastic. My wife had the salt and chili squid and it was good as well. We would certainly go back.
O’Connor’s is one of those places you nip into “for one” and crawl out hours later full of Guinness and bad decisions. Staff are dead on, the craic’s mighty, and the music’ll have you thinking you’re in The Dubliners by closing time. Avoid sitting near the band unless you fancy ending up with a tambourine in your hand.
I had the fish and chips. Fish didn’t taste fresh and the batter was kinda soggy. There was also not many chips served but the chips were good. I also had the squid and it was just ok.
9 Ann St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AA, United Kingdom•
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Pub
The Anglers Arms is a charming and welcoming local pub, situated in Ballycastle. This family-run establishment, owned by Terence, Kate, and Bert, exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. It comes highly recommended for anyone visiting the area. The pub offers an excellent ambiance that will make you feel right at home. Their Guinness is renowned as being the finest pint in this vicinity.
Friendly owner great hospitality with generous measures on the whiskey and Baileys. Decent pint of Guinness highly recommended place
M D — Google review
Back in N.I. again in Ballycastle. Visited the Anglers Arms in the afternoon, so it was quiet.
Nevertheless tbe barmaid said that it busier on a night. So the atmosphere would be better. The prices are comparable with other pubs.
I have to say that the pub is small, but it can add to the atmosphere.
The toilets are out back, but clean.
They don't serve food but the drinks were nice and the lady behind the bar was pleasant.
Stopped off for a quick one (April 30th) turned into a quick three for me, as was such a lovely experience. Great craic with local lads at the bar, delightful lady working the bar, and the BEST Guinness I’ve had in a very long time.
If I was able to leave a review without awarding stars I would. This place treated my sister and her partner appallingly yesterday, all for speaking up regarding a moulded pint glass. They were greeted with extremely rude staff. First time in the place and most definitely the last. Warning of you come to ballycastle on a first visit & for a first pint, avoid this place.
Perfect pub for location. Pints were perfectly engineered, generous drink pours and space to spread out and refresh. Wonderful atmosphere and staff.
A really friendly quaint local family run pub that offers a great ambiance. The owners, Terence and Kate along with Bert are always friendly and they have a great knack of making you feel welcome. I would really recommend a visit to “Tessies” when you visit Ballycastle. The Guinness is the best pint locally! 😊👍🏻
Michaelmcgeown
Always have an amazing time. The family is great, booze is cheap and laughs all around.
It’s cash only, dogs and kids are welcome and the beer garden in the back is great on a warm day.
12 North St, Ballycastle, BT54 6BN, United Kingdom•
Pizza restaurant
Al's Pizzeria & Bistro is a welcoming and accommodating restaurant in Ballycastle, offering great food and friendly service. The chef is known for being lovely and the vegetarian options are varied. Visitors have praised the establishment for its excellent pizzas and smash burgers, making it a fantastic find for families with kids. Despite arriving close to closing time, guests were warmly welcomed and enjoyed delicious meals with generous portions. The staff has been described as patient and accommodating, particularly during celebrations or larger gatherings.
Was very tired and looking for good food to fill out tummies. Arrived here and they were about to close. Still they allowed and we had such a wonderful time. Good tasty food with portions enough to fill your tummies, polite owner and staff, colouring books for children, What else you need. Will visit again.
Anurag S — Google review
Great wee spot in Ballycastle. Pizzas are reasonably priced and good quality. All food we had was very good, no complaints! Tasty, well cooked, not too long a wait. Solid 8.5/10 meal. Friendly staff, sit in or takeaway. Worth a meal if you're in the area.
Some of the best pizza I’ve had in awhile - such fresh ingredients, truly amazing crust, the place was so lovely inside and warm. Service was so great, it was so clearly a family run establishment from people who really cared to serve great food. Pretty sure I saw Al (Alicia) in the kitchen which made me love the place even more. Would come again! Also the garlic mayo was to die for.
While the food was good and I'm sure would be great takeaway, the dining in experience wasn't great at all. Given the high wooden divides between the seats, the staff couldn't see us, or us them, and we were forgotten about for long periods. The staff are pleasant when you get their attention. You can BYO wine, which we did. It just took an age to get glasses. Although they said they were busy, we like saw one other table the whole night and were in for a couple of hours.
In short, good food for takeaway. Skip the dining experience.
Absolutely great pizzas, all fresh ingredients, freshly made! Lots of choice. Bring your own drinks as well..
Lovely home made pizza, lovely staff, price reasonable. You can bring your own wine in. Enjoyed it and eat all.
Lovely spot, top class pizza, we were in Ballycastle for the weekend and were recommended Al’s Pizza, it did not fail to satisfy, pizza was beautiful and the staff were so welcoming! Family run business,
Had a beautiful family meal in Als. The pizza was amazing!! If you don't try the jalapeño parcels then it's your loss! Staff were brilliant and you even get to write on the walls!!!
41A Castle St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AS, United Kingdom•
Bakery
The Bakery Ballycastle is a beloved spot known for its delectable treats and friendly service. Visitors rave about the amazing potato bread, chocolate orange scones, and light, fluffy sausage rolls. The family-run bakery has won hearts with their delicious offerings and warm hospitality. Customers also appreciate the delightful custom cakes that add a special touch to celebrations.
A staple in Ballycastle, with lovely pastries, bread and much more! They've got very helpful and friendly staff who are great crack. Perfect place to grab a wee treat. I recommend the caramel squares or the apple pancakes!
Quinn — Google review
Delightful staff. You can tell they love their town. Delicious baked goods. Their handles were scrumptious. Worth a stop!
Really nice bakery with friendly service and top notch products. Very reasonably priced. We can recommend the scones, apple turnovers, and caramel bars.
Edit: we visited the more popular bakery on the other side of town and paid 3 times the price for similar items.
I called into The Bakery today, to get some "buns" as a thank you for the Cancer Centre, Belfast. They had an amazing selection of buns and beautiful fine pastries. The young lady was soo helpful, even when the shop got quite busy, she called on the pastry chef to help out. I noticed they sanitised their hands between every customer. Given my personal situation, this is so important! I want to thank them and I'll definitely be back! Thank you so much 😊
Lovely fresh bakes and biscuits, and lovely staff! Definitely recommend
I bought The Bakery wheaten bread in The Rinkha coming home from the North Coast. It was delicious, the nicest I've had in years, reminded me of the wheaten from my childhood.
We had spent the day in Ballycastle, if I'd known that The Bakery was there I would have called in...
I love this bakery! Every time I come home, The Bakery is the first stop to get potato bread - which is amazing! Their chocolate orange scones are to die for (especially if you get them warm) and sausage rolls have light and fluffy pastry and a tasty filling. The family that run it are also lovely - they are really friendly and helpful!
I would post a picture - but I enjoy eating it too much to take photos!
Got to try the ulster fry; yummy.
28 Ann St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AD, United Kingdom•
Restaurant
Hillside Tavern is a popular dining spot, often visited alongside the Salthouse. It stands out for its exceptional food quality and outstanding staff. The friendly and accommodating service adds to the overall appeal of this restaurant, making it a favorite among patrons.
3.7
(112)
2.9
(63)
affordable
Fish and chips takeaway
Fast food restaurant
My partner and I recently took a drive along the coast and stopped at Bally castle to try out the popular fish and chips takeaway, Golden Chip. This was our second visit to this establishment, as we had enjoyed our first experience immensely. On both occasions, we ordered two chicken burgers accompanied by curry chips topped with cheese and served with a tangy tub of pepper sauce. The food at Golden Chip is truly exceptional, with their pepper sauce being particularly noteworthy.
Absolutely delicious!! The pop chicken was the best i’ve personally ever had, the flavour is incredible and the price is extremely reasonable for the large portion. The chips and normal nuggets are also very good, would highly recommend 👍
Kayla M — Google review
The shop is fairly modern and the service friendly.
Food was cooked fresh to order so about a 10 minute wait which was fine.
Unfortunately the chicken fillet burger 🍔 did not match the friendly service. Price wise it was not too bad being under £5. My initial view was it was massive and looked great. Sadly the fillet was very thin, the batter was greasy, and the chicken fillet tasted a bit of fish - I am guessing it was dipped in the same batter as the fish. Good quality bap and generous helping of salad and sauce.
In my opinion you can get better locally.
Myself and my friend went for food I got a fully dressed chicken fillet burger was delicious and he got chip cheese and gravy which he said was very good and a hotdogs
Chips soggy, batter not crispy, peas not mushy, apart from that it was great! Staff were very nice though.
Outrages price for what we got and food was awfull and burger was disgusting near 45 euro for two adults and a child to eat absolutely ridiculous wouldn't recommend here at all not a hope would I go back battery horrible chips soggy burger dry disgusting
I work in customer service and I was completely blown away with the poor customer service at this takeaway.
No interest in the customer, no smile and everything too much trouble!
When I asked for a plastic fork you’d think I’d asked for a takeaway for free, the horror on the assistants face was comical!
The food was cooked fresh however I felt 10 minutes to make two chip butties was a tad too long!
The butty was toasted and filled with a generous portion of chips but I’m being honest when I say it wasn’t enjoyable to eat due to the roll being so dry.
This chip shop doesn’t use butter, £4.20 for a dry role and chips in my opinion is very expensive and not worth the 10 minute wait! Would I return no I don’t think so😢
Food was freshly cooked to order. Staff were pleasant and extremely helpful. Prices are very reasonable.
We are in ballycastle for a few days and decided to call in for some lunch. The food was delicious. I got the spicy chicken burger and it did not disappoint. My brother and my daughter got the chicken goujans and my daughter said they were the nicest she'd ever had. My son got the children's chicken nuggets meal which was very good value as he got a drink with it. Will defo be back again. The girl behind the counter was very friendly and welcoming
67-69 Castle St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AS, United Kingdom•
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3.8
(76)
2.7
(36)
affordable
Chinese takeaway
Chinese restaurant
Fast food restaurant
The Chinese takeaway, Red Dragon, offers a pleasant and satisfying dining experience with delicious food options. The menu may be challenging to locate, but ordering by phone is uncomplicated and stress-free. The staff members are welcoming and amicable, providing friendly service. The store maintains a high level of cleanliness and provides ample seating for customers. The spicy sweet and sour dish is particularly enjoyable, while the fried rice is also exceptionally tasty.
In the heart of the kitchen, where flavors ignite,
A treasure awaits, a true culinary delight.
Oh, Red Dragon Spice Bag, how you make my heart sing,
With your vibrant allure, you’re a magical thing.
A sprinkle of warmth, a dash of the bold,
Each bite tells a story, a wonder to behold.
The fiery embrace of paprika and zest,
In the realm of my taste buds, you’re surely the best.
With each crispy morsel, I savor the thrill,
Your spices dance wildly, a flavor-filled drill.
Golden and crunchy, you tempt me each night,
In the glow of the kitchen, everything feels right.
From the first little nibble to the last joyful crunch,
You transport me to lands where the spices all punch.
Oh, Red Dragon Spice Bag, my heart’s true delight,
In the world of flavors, you’re my shining light.
So here’s to the moments, the joy that you bring,
With each tasty bite, my soul starts to sing.
Forever I’ll cherish this love that won’t lag,
For nothing compares to you, my dear spice bag.
Oisin O — Google review
Absolutely awful experience from Red Dragon, first off when the food was ordered the gentleman who answered the phone was not the friendliest.
When the food was delivered they messed up the order and when I contacted them about it the person who answered argued that I was wrong, even though I was right.
Eventually he realised his mistake and agreed to correct his mistake and deliver the right order.
But again they screwed up and when the order arrived it was awful, the rice wasn't cooked correctly, the chips were burnt and the curry sauce was so thick I could tar the roads with it.
If you value good food DO NOT EAT HERE.
Absolutely shocking service waited 2 hours and 15 minutes on this order phoned a hour after the delivery was made and was told the food was on its way waited another hour still no sign so I tried to phone and cancel it no answer so I went my own way and collected something else. I understand weekends can be swamped but to lie on the phone and send freezing cold food out is a disgrace. Wouldn’t not recommend if with the wife and kids waiting on some food.
Red Dragon's call, a feast untold,
A sizzling plate of stories bold.
Chicken balls in crisp delight,
Golden treasures in the night.
A dance of flavor, sweet and spice,
Sauce like fire, hot as ice.
Battered, fried, with magic spun,
Each bite a victory, second to none.
In the steam and shimmer, joy does swell,
With every taste, the senses tell:
This supper, rich with savory bliss,
Is a secret shared, a perfect kiss.
Red Dragon's name, it whispers loud,
A feast beneath the evening's cloud.
Chicken balls, with zest and cheer,
A supper cherished, year by year.
Ordered whilst we were here on a trip and saw some photos on Facebook. Phoned up and collected 10 minutes later. Went for a spice bag; £8 for chicken and chips that will easily feed two. Tasted absolutely incredible, one of the nicest we’ve had. Anyone heading up to Ballycastle, this is the Chinese to order from!
Absolutely fantastic Chinese takeaway. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The sweet and sour chicken was crispy, the chow mein was packed with fresh vegetables and tender meat, and the spring rolls were some of the best I've ever had. Portions were generous, and everything arrived hot and well-packaged. The staff were friendly and efficient. This is easily the best Chinese takeaway in the area definitely our new go to spot. Highly recommend to anyone craving Chinese food.
Went here on Friday night and ordered 5 special box meals. Been waiting almost hour on food.2 other customers cane and went. When I asked if mine was going to be much longer was told hey ran out of chicken and had to cook more. Not good enough and far Too long a wait for a takeaway.
Food and customer service very good definitely a place to try
Castle St, Ballycastle, BT54 6AS, United Kingdom•
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What's the weather like in Ballycastle?
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Ballycastle throughout the year
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Best cheap food in nearby cities
- The best cheap eats in Dublin
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Best attractions in nearby cities
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Best restaurants in nearby cities
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Dublin
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- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Derry
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Oban
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- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Newtownards
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Bushmills
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Brodick
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Campbeltown
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Ballymoney
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Portstewart
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Holywood
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