There are two modes when visiting Brew Lab, in central Dublin. The commuter 'grab and go' mode and the linger mode - no in between! In a compact space they’ve made smart layout choices: a main bar for espresso, cakes and pastries, a separate bench dedicated to V60, and a few shelves packed with retail beans and gear ranging from mugs to grinders. It’s tidy, busy, and well considered—exactly how I imagine an ideal small footprint café should feel.
Beans at the main ordering station are marked clearly washed vs natural, so it’s easy to pick a profile if you know what you're looking for. I'm a washed guy, and so I appreciated the touch of having this detail on the main menu. I firstly ordered a straightforward Americano to sit in. It arrived on a branded tray with water and milk, in a thick, weighty mug that keeps the heat and feels solid in the hand. The flavour was clean and sweet rather than heavy. You’ll also spot a rotating selection for the brew bar, so filter fans can chase something seasonal without needing to decode a lecture.
A compact space that still gives you room to look, choose, and enjoy—espresso on one side, V60 theatre on the other.
Milk drinks are balanced and not over-foamed. Almond and oat both play nicely here; the lighter roast style holds its shape with alt milks and doesn’t turn bitter. It’s the kind of menu where you can confidently order the thing you always order, or try the filter of the day and feel looked after either way.
Cakes and Pastries
A great range and tidily displayed. Flaky croissants, cakes and thick sourdough sandwiches already out for lunch time. I would be in here at least twice a day if I worked nearby.
Service & Room
The team seemed super friendly and professional - clearly this place is managed well. Hover by the brew bar and you’ll get a quick, useful recommendation. There is probably room to seat around 20 people - stools at the window and opposite the counter, and 6-7 tables at the back. I visited at 9am on a weekday and it was busy (there was a queue out the door at one point) which proved its local popularity, but there was always room to sit since a lot of customers ordered to-go. There’s a lot to look at; I caught myself doing laps with the cup, browsing beans and watching the pour-over - this is not my usual behaviour, so clearly this place had something different.
Why It Matters
Dublin has plenty of good coffee; Brew Lab feels engineered. Clear choices, clear flavours, and an extremely well designed layout. If you’re short on time but still want something carefully prepared—espresso or a clean V60—this is an easy top-three pick in the city, and quite possibly the one I’d send people to first.