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Fork In The Road, Waterford (2026)

15/01/2026

Ruby Lounge + kitchen & Monaco Tom's Bar
The Ruby Lounge & Monaco Tom’s Bar is located at the Ardkeen Roundabout on the Dunmore Road in Waterford. Recently under new ownership, it has moved on from its former life as the Uluru, with Waterford’s old Ruby Lounge now reborn in a fresh location. There’s free parking outside, which is always a welcome start.

Inside, the décor is warm and cosy, with comfortable seating throughout. A lot of the tables are high-top style with stools, though there are a few standard-height tables available. Lighting is on the dim side, but not dark or gloomy — overall it creates a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.

On arrival, we were immediately greeted by a very friendly member of staff who asked if we were having breakfast, waited while we chose where to sit, and then brought menus while offering tea or coffee. Shortly after, another server came to take our order, again in a prompt and friendly manner. A caddy containing cutlery and condiments was then placed on the table.

Now, this did briefly raise my suspicions. Anyone who’s ever looked into the bottom of one of these caddies knows they can sometimes harbour a frightening amount of hidden grime, and the idea of cutlery living in there can be unsettling. That said, I didn’t actually check this one, so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming it was spotless. Past pub-related trauma involving a straw and a bar-top caddy still haunts me, but that’s a story for another day.

Tea, coffee and breakfast arrived promptly and were all very good — well cooked and good quality. The tea and coffee came with Biscoff-style biscuits, which is a small but thoughtful touch. It would be very easy to leave these out to save a few cent, as nobody is really missing a biscuit when they’re about to eat breakfast anyway, so fair play for keeping it.

The menu offers a decent range, although I did notice that the menu we were given had fewer items than the one shown on their website. Acai bowls, pancakes, French toast, smashed avocado and similar dishes didn’t feature. We didn’t ask about this, but it’s a pity — a friend who had been here previously said his wife loved their acai bowl. Prices on the in-house menu were also slightly higher than those online, which is understandable given rising costs, but it would be worth keeping the website and socials up to date. Most people check online before visiting these days, and mismatches can lead to disappointment.

At €15 for a full breakfast, it’s definitely at the upper end of the scale, but it was generous and good quality.

Overall, good food, friendly service, and a nice atmosphere, though slightly on the pricey side. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit, but having been once, I’d happily return if I was in the area. It’s good to see a pub under new ownership doing things properly.

04/01/2026

J&J cafe restaurant

While in Waterford City, we decided to stop off somewhere for breakfast. After a couple of false starts — thanks to festive opening hours being a little unpredictable — we found ourselves passing the Hypercentre and decided to give J&J’s Café Restaurant, located upstairs, a try.

There’s plenty of parking available on site, and the café is easily accessed via the main SuperValu entrance, sitting at the top of the stairs or escalator. As far as I’m aware, there is lift access too, although this is reached via the Sports Direct entrance around the corner, where both the entrance and café are on the same level.

The café itself is bright and airy, and having previously visited their sister café, Moon in Kilmeaden, which we found very pleasant, we were expecting something similar here — and in many ways, that expectation was met.

On arrival, orders are placed at a deli-style counter. This setup won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does have the advantage of allowing you to pick exactly what you want on your plate. Before we ordered, a very pleasant staff member asked if we were having breakfast, and once confirmed, asked whether we’d prefer white or brown toast before plating up the items we chose. Service was friendly, efficient, and moved along at a good pace.

I didn’t spot any fried eggs or rashers at the counter, though it was edging towards midday and the start of lunch service, so that may explain it. To be fair, there were three sausages available, I claimed two, and almost instantly a fourth appeared so my companion could also have two — so perhaps I should have asked about the eggs and rashers as well. Still, I was only looking for a small breakfast and was perfectly happy with what I got.

Most of the tables around the edge of the café were occupied, and like many people, I’m not overly fond of sitting in the middle of a room if I can avoid it. We opted instead for a raised section just past the till. The table had clearly been cleared but not wiped down, with a few crumbs and liquid marks still present — nothing excessive, but noticeable nonetheless.

The seating itself was a bit of a mixed bag. The chairs in the centre of the café looked practical and comfortable enough, although more in keeping with what you’d expect in an Asian restaurant — an interesting contrast given both cafés are owned and run by an Asian family. However, where we were seated, the chairs were more of a hotel carver-style, and the upholstery had definitely seen better days. They also sat far too low in relation to the table, which ended up being chest height once seated. Scatter cushions had been added to compensate, though they didn’t really solve the issue. While we were there, two other tables sat down, realised the same problem, and promptly borrowed cushions from nearby chairs to boost themselves up a bit.

As for the food, it was good quality and well cooked. The baked beans were a little on the cold side, but aside from that, I couldn’t fault it. And perhaps it was just the day that was in it, but the tea went down perfectly too. Price-wise, it was fair value for money, with the plate pictured coming in at €10.50.

Overall, J&J’s does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s perfectly adequate, good value, and ideal for a casual drop-in breakfast or lunch. Speedy service, friendly staff, and decent food are all positives in my book. If you’re in this part of town and looking for a good-value feed, it certainly fits the bill.

29/12/2025

Had a really enjoyable breakfast at the The Holy Cross Bar & Restaurant in Butlerstown, a visit made even more meaningful following the announcement of the pub’s sale to local businessman Garreth McCarthy. There was a great atmosphere in the place, with a real sense of appreciation and nostalgia among customers. The breakfast itself was excellent — beautifully cooked, fresh, and full of flavour, showing the care and consistency the Holy Cross has always been known for.

It felt like a fitting and heartfelt farewell to the Bohill family, who have run the pub with dedication, warmth, and pride for the past 30 years. Their hospitality has clearly left a lasting mark on the community, and this visit was a lovely way to say thank you for decades of hard work. Great food, and a genuine sense of local history — wishing the Bohill family all the very best, and every success to Garreth McCarthy as he begins this next chapter.

26/11/2025

The Square Grill
Dungarvan is absolutely spoiled for places to eat, but this time around we were on the hunt for somewhere new for breakfast. A quick online search later and we landed on the Square Grill on the Square — the name doesn’t lie, it’s exactly where you’ll find it.
It’s a small, cosy, café-style spot with solid, comfortable tables and chairs. As soon as we stepped inside, one of the servers was right there with a warm welcome and a smile. No fuss, no fluster — just directed us to a table with menus in hand. A short while later, another staff member arrived to take our order, just as cheerful and relaxed.
Teas and coffees landed quickly (and the cups were preheated — the simple joys!), and the full Irish even came with a glass of orange juice. I did find the juice a bit on the weak side, but plenty of places don’t include it at all, so it still felt like a nice touch.
Throughout the visit, we asked for a few bits — another coffee, a teapot top-up, a little extra butter — and everything was sorted straight away, always with a smile. There’s a genuinely friendly vibe in the Square Grill; the staff seem to really enjoy what they do, and it shows.
Food-wise, service was fast but not suspiciously fast — maybe ten minutes from ordering to plates arriving. In that time, we’d already been given our drinks and toast, so it all flowed nicely. The breakfast itself was well cooked and good quality. If I’m nit-picking, the baked beans seemed a little dry / lacking in sauce, but they still tasted grand.
All in all, choosing the Square Grill turned out to be a great call. It’s a warm, welcoming café right in the heart of Dungarvan, with lovely staff, good food, and fair prices. It doesn’t pretend to be anything fancy — it’s a family restaurant/café, and it leans into that in the best possible way. Honest, friendly, and exactly what it promises to be.
Hope it never changes. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

17/11/2025

The Wooden Pestle Bar & Restaraunt Hotel Waterford
The Viking Hotel is located just outside Waterford City on the N25 towards Cork, nestled among car dealerships and commercial units. There’s plenty of free parking, which is always a plus.

The hotel itself has a minimalist, functional design, clearly catering more to business and professional guests than to tourists — and for that purpose, it works perfectly well. According to the hotel’s website, The Wooden Pestle Bar & Restaurant was designed by Hugh Wallace from RTÉ’s Home of the Year. It’s a relaxed and comfortable space, perhaps a little contemporary for my taste, but exactly what you’d expect from a modern hotel restaurant.

On arrival, we were greeted by a very pleasant member of staff who took payment in advance (as we were non-residents) and kindly showed us to the dining area, pointing out where breakfast was served.

Breakfast was buffet-style with an impressive selection: cereals, juices, yoghurts, granola, fresh fruit, pastries, toast, and a full hot buffet including pancakes, beans, sausages, rashers, pudding, fried eggs, and hash browns. No mushrooms or tomatoes were available, but that didn’t bother me personally. A self-service coffee machine offered tea, coffee, espresso, and lattes.

The food was absolutely delicious. Despite being buffet-style, everything tasted fresh and well-cooked — nothing was dried out or overdone. The hash browns, in particular, were golden, crispy, and perfectly done. My only small criticism would be the toast: the conveyor toaster left it more like warm bread than actual toast. It could probably do with a higher setting or an extra pass.

For the quality and choice, the price was excellent — under €15 for a full hot breakfast and around €12 for a continental option. With unlimited tea, coffee, and juice, it offered great value for money.

Overall, we left very satisfied. The food, service, and value were all excellent, and we’ve certainly paid more elsewhere for less. Well done to The Viking Hotel — a bit of a hidden gem that’s well worth visiting for breakfast, even if you’re not a guest.

09/11/2025

Comeragh Bar — Breakfast Worth the Buzz
The Comeragh Bar sits right on the Main Street in Carrick-on-Suir. There’s on-street parking and a few nearby car parks, but like anywhere, the on-street spaces can be hit or miss. Luckily, we managed to nab a spot close enough, just a short stroll away.
We decided to give it a try because it’s definitely been getting noticed lately. Earlier this year, The Comeragh Bar was rated 4th best place for breakfast in Ireland, scoring 86.8 out of 100 in a survey that analysed Tripadvisor and Google Maps reviews — including the percentage of five-star ratings. The data came from the team at Best New Bingo Sites (yes, really), and more recently, it was also voted 3rd best business in Carrick-on-Suir by the local enterprise board and Tipp FM. With all that going for it, we had to see for ourselves.
From the outside, the place has a lovely old-school traditional look. You’d half expect to walk into a small, stone-walled pub that’s been there forever — something like T&H Doolans or J.K. Walshes in Waterford City. We were convinced we’d open the door to find a tiny bar with a couple of regulars nursing their morning pints of Guinness. But no — completely wrong on that one!
Inside, The Comeragh Bar is the total opposite of what the facade suggests. It’s far bigger than it looks from the street, bright and modern with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere — almost a hint of a cocktail bar about it. The walls are dotted with amusing signs and old pub-style jokes, like the classic “things that are difficult/very difficult/impossible to say when you’re drunk,” which gave me a good laugh, along with a few other favourites like The Mouse on the Barroom Floor.
The place is spotless, clearly well-loved, and it’s easy to see why it’s a breakfast hotspot (and probably a lunch one too). The tables are proper dining height, the seating comfortable, and the staff are on the ball. A sign at the entrance asks you to wait to be seated, but we were greeted instantly and shown to a table, menus in hand. Within ten minutes of walking in, we were seated, had our teas and coffees, toast on the table, and food arriving. Top marks for speed and efficiency — and not a bit of quality lost in the process.
Despite being busy, every staff member was friendly, professional, and constantly on the move, keeping everything ticking along perfectly. You could tell there’s good management and solid staff training behind it.
As for the food — absolutely delicious. The black and white pudding was a little dry for my taste (though, to be fair, I’m not the biggest pudding fan), and I’d have liked the toast a bit crispier — but that’s really nit-picking. Everything else was spot-on. There’s a great range of breakfast options, and for just €2 more than the Full Irish, you can get an extra egg, a hash brown, and mushrooms — fair value in my book.
The toilets were clean and tidy too — though I’ll admit, the hidden hand basin behind the door threw me for a second!
All in all, we’re definitely glad we stopped in. For our first breakfast in Carrick-on-Suir town centre, The Comeragh Bar set the bar high — and it’s easy to see why it’s getting all that well-deserved attention.

30/10/2025

Cafe Tramore
It’s been a while since I visited the Vee, for a few reasons, If visiting with someone with limited mobility, parking nearby is available, but not guaranteed, so we do tend to go to places where we know accessing wont be any issue. That being said, it was well overdue a visit, so we decided it was time we did.
Admittedly, I will say that I went with a bit of a pre conceived idea, as over the past while, I have heard several people relay stories about poor service, and over the top pricing, from people who would have been semi regulars, and now go elsewhere due to their personal experiences. The only way to be sure would be to make my own mind up.
It was busy when we arrived, but we were seated quickly. We did note that the menu’s could have been provided a little quicker, but to be truthful, historically, I have always found the service here a little on the slow side. Nothing wrong with it, but everything seems to be done at a set unhurried pace. In fact, while we were seated waiting for menus, two staff members were just standing around the till area, not particularly doing anything until after a few minutes, one of them strolled over with the menus.
The Vee Cafe has a nice cosy atmosphere, although I’m not a fan of aluminium patio style chairs inside a restaraunt, there is other seating options available, and there is a water station at the front window for customers to help themselves to glasses and carafes of water as required. Our orders were taken in a friendly manner, and the tea and coffee was delivered to the table, while we awaited our food. Once again, the slow service kicked in, as the pot of tea was empty by the time the food arrived, although there was nothing at all wrong with it when it did. Good quality ingredients, well cooked, there was 2 decent thick slices of toast and at €13 it was perfectly good value for what you get. Also worth noting that when asked the teapot was refilled without question, and for once, when the fresh pot arrived, we were also supplied with a fresh jug of milk, and you would be surprised how many places dont do this, leaving you to ask for it.
Also worth noting is that any substitutions are charged at €1.50.
All in all, it was an enjoyable visit, and reasnalby good value for money, the service although a bit slow, the staff were very pleasant. I definitely have left it too long since I went here, and I certainly would go back again based on this experience, even if we had to wait a bit, it was certainly worth it. Glad we went.

24/10/2025

The Pantry – Now Open at The Vee, Waterford

The Pantry has expanded with a second outlet in Waterford, adding to their existing café in City Square in the Town Centre. The new location is on the Cork Road, right at the Tramore Road junction, in what used to be the Ramen building. It’s an easy spot to get to by car, with a small car park right outside. Admittedly, during our visit it was quite busy—understandable for a newly opened café—so parking was limited. That said, there are several other parking options within a short walking distance if their own car park is full.
The interior closely mirrors the City Square outlet, suggesting The Pantry has a consistent design theme across locations. The cosy, country cottage vibe is immediately evident, with old-fashioned cups and saucers mounted on the walls, and even a vintage bicycle for added charm. The furniture is solid and comfortable, and thanks to high ceilings, the space feels airy and welcoming, even when full.
A large, clearly visible menu is displayed outside, which is always a plus—it gives you a chance to think over your order before stepping inside. Once in, the process is straightforward: grab a menu at the counter, place and pay for your order, receive a number for your table, collect your cutlery and condiments, and wait for your food to arrive.
The only small drawback was the placement of the cutlery and condiment station—right by the entrance—so after paying, you have to backtrack through the queue to get your utensils. It’s a minor annoyance, and one easily avoided by grabbing them first (though I suspect most people won’t)
The breakfast menu is served all day and offers a wide variety, from the traditional full Irish to omelettes, scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, and a vegetarian option. The lunch menu looks equally appealing, featuring soups, wraps, toasties, pizzas, pastas, and burgers—portions we saw being served looked very generous.
Our tea arrived first, served in a good-sized mug and impressively hot—it stayed that way for ages, unlike many places where it’s lukewarm after five minutes. A definite win on the tea front. Also a nice touch: orange juice is an option with breakfast instead of tea or coffee. The full Menu is available to view here > https://thepantryofficial.com/menu/
Breakfast itself was delicious. The full breakfast is priced at €13.95, which is fair for what you get, although it would have been better value if they included at least a second slice of toast—rather than just one slice halved. Still, the quality made it well worth it.
This new Pantry location has great potential. While service was a bit rough around the edges during our visit, it was clear that some staff were new and still learning. To their credit, a supervisor or manager was clearly hands-on, helping staff and keeping things moving smoothly.
With easy access, competitive pricing (especially compared to McLeary’s Café nearby), and an attractive menu, The Pantry at The Vee is poised to do well. I can see it drawing in a strong crowd once it settles in. McLeary’s, while known for its speedy service, is on the pricier side, so a bit of competition could benefit both spots.
Interestingly, this new location is branded as “The Pantry at The Vee,” referencing the junction. It made me reflect on how the old name of the area—Castle—seems to have quietly disappeared. Once home to the Castle Service Station and possibly a Castle B&B, the name now seems to be fading into history.

Pantry Wexford

27/09/2025

Massimo's Takeaway – Strand Road, Tramore
After a disappointing takeaway experience elsewhere in Tramore, I went in search of something better — not exactly a high bar to clear! That’s how I ended up at Massimo’s on Strand Road, right by the arcades. A queue of about 15–20 people was already inside when I arrived, which felt like a good sign (especially compared to the empty place next door). Just a heads up if you’re driving: parking charges in Tramore run until the end of September, so don’t get caught out.
The setup is what you’d expect from a traditional takeaway — a wide space in front of the counter for customers, a spotless interior, and the menu clearly displayed overhead alongside meal deals on a flatscreen. My only gripe is that there’s no printed menu or online version to browse from home.
Ordering was easy, with a cheerful member of staff taking my choice and passing it back to the kitchen. To keep things fair, I ordered the same as I had at the other place for a direct comparison.
And honestly? No contest. The first thing that stands out at Massimo’s is the vinegar — sharp, tangy, and downright addictive. Open the bag for a sniff and it’ll practically bring tears to your eyes (in the best way). Then comes the food: a generous portion of chips — easily twice what I’d been served elsewhere — and a battered sausage that actually had a proper crispy, golden batter. Everything was piping hot, well cooked, and packed with flavour.
Verdict: Massimo’s Takeaway is a clear winner. It gets a big thumbs up from me — and judging by the crowd and the locals’ chatter, I’m not the only one who thinks so.

22/09/2025

Jack Meades Bar and Restaurant
It had been quite a while since my last visit to Jack Meades! Situated just outside Waterford city on the road to Faithlegg House Hotel and Cheekpoint, it’s easy to find with plenty of parking on site. The newer section of the bar/restaurant is very accessible for wheelchair users, though the original old pub at the front is less so.
The original pub itself is a charming, cottage-style spot full of character and period features. On this visit, however, we opted for the spacious outdoor area, which includes a large bar, covered seating, a riverside walk, a historic ice house, and a playground — plenty to keep the kids entertained.
From the moment we arrived, service was spot on. We were warmly welcomed, given menus right away, and our order was taken promptly. The food arrived quickly too, but it never felt rushed — Jack Meades is well used to handling big crowds, and the kitchen runs like clockwork without compromising on quality.
I’ve never had a bad meal here, but the standout dish has to be the bacon ribs with colcannon. The ribs are melt-in-the-mouth tender, perfectly balanced in flavour, and paired with creamy mash and cabbage — proper traditional comfort food. The menu also offers plenty of variety, from BBQ ribs and seafood chowder to scampi, lasagne, and more. They even provide half portions, though I did feel the pricing was a bit steep (for example, a full dish at €16 compared to a half at €14).
Overall, Jack Meades is a fantastic spot for families, whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a longer stay with food, drinks, and fresh air. It really does have something for everyone.

19/09/2025

The Gingerman Pub
I don’t often find myself in Waterford city these days, and almost never in the morning, but here I was. The question was: where to go? A quick online search threw up a few options, but I settled on The Gingerman after a friend recommended it. Truth be told, I hadn’t even considered it—mainly because they have little to no online presence, and I wasn’t sure if they even served breakfast.
The Gingerman is a traditional pub, though these days it feels more like a food-led venue. That said, you’d still feel perfectly comfortable popping in just for a drink. The period features and old-style décor make it a warm, pleasant place to visit.
Despite the pub’s age, everything looked clean and well presented. Some of the furniture was a little worn, but it suited the character of the place. The table I sat at had wobbly legs, which kept me conscious not to lean too heavily on it, but it wasn’t enough to spoil the atmosphere.
Arriving just before 11am, I didn’t see any clear sign that breakfast was on offer—the blackboards all advertised lunch specials. It was only when I noticed several people tucking into breakfast that I realised it was indeed available. A pity, really, as anyone passing by might assume otherwise. Within half an hour the place had filled up, and by 11:30 there were barely any tables free.
I was greeted by a friendly staff member who handed me a menu. Despite a “wait to be seated” sign, she told me to sit anywhere as it was still quiet. Tea and toast arrived quickly after I ordered, which is always welcome while waiting for the main plate. The wait was about 20 minutes in total—long enough for me to empty the teapot, though it was happily refilled without fuss.
So, was it worth the wait?
Yes. For €12.95, the breakfast was exactly what you’d expect at that price point: two sausages, two rashers, two puddings, hash brown, egg, beans, tea and toast. Nicely cooked and presented. My only quibbles—more observations than criticisms—were that the beans came in a stainless steel milk jug, which looked odd and was awkward to scoop from. I like separate beans, but the jug’s inward lip makes it tempting to pour them out onto the plate, which rather defeats the purpose. The rashers also had quite a bit of fat and gristle, and weren’t cooked as much as I’d prefer, but still, nothing unacceptable.
I did check out the toilets, which were reasonably clean but very much “pub toilets”: tired, dated, and in need of a refresh. It’s worth noting that many people judge a kitchen’s cleanliness by the state of the toilets, so an update here could really lift the impression overall.
All in all, I was glad I called in. At least I now know The Gingerman does serve breakfast. It’s not somewhere I’d make a special trip for, but if I were in the area again, I’d happily return. Fairly priced, decent food, and a pleasant spot to spend a morning.

15/09/2025

McCarthy's Takeaway Lower Promenade Tramore
Heading for a takeaway, McCarthy’s Takeaway on the Lower Promenade in Tramore was not actually on my radar, but as I drove past, I noticed it was quiet inside, and even better there was a “set down” area vacant right beside it, which permits up to 15 minutes, so on a whim, I pulled in and decided to give it a go.
This takeaway has recently been taken over by new management in recent times. Upon entering the premises, everything seemed to be spotless, clean and in good order, which I’m sure for a takeaway right on a beach, at times it might be hard to maintain, so initial impressions were quite promising.
Once I decided that I would opt for a Battered sausage and chip, I approached the counter to order. There was a single member of staff behind the counter, up towards the back of the shop, scrolling through his phone. Once he had finished what he was doing there, he strolled over, took my order and payment, put the food on and returned to his phone. Definitely gave the impression of someone who either did not want to be there, or certainly of someone who had no interest in what he was actually doing.
My order took quite a while to be ready, but I always argue that despite it being called fast food, you are better to wait that little bit, than just have something thrown out at you. About ten minutes later, I got my order, jumped in the car and headed away getting ready to quench my appetite.
What a disappointment. That is all I can say. The chips seemed to be the cheapest of the cheap frozen chips, and the sausage likewise. As for the batter on the sausage, well… there was more of it missing than there was there, as the picture will confirm. To top it off, the entire thing seemed undercooked, and bland, the sausage and chips were soggy and certainly (despite the wait) looked and tasted like they needed a good bit more time in the fryer.
I don’t like giving bad reviews, but in this case, I have no option. Given the fact there are so many other takeaways nearby which offer far superior food and service. I certainly won't be rushing back here.

Fork In The Road

15/01/2026

04/01/2026

29/12/2025

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17/11/2025

09/11/2025

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