The ‘Two Pups’ started trading from a coffee van on the festival and market circuit. Here they met Dee Macken, who suggested they occupy a corner of her vintage clothing store on Francis St. Their massive popularity led to them taking over the whole building, and the one next door. The cafe now offers a full food menu.
Comfort foods such as lentil dahl, stews, and toasties are popular at lunch time, and signature brunch dishes such as Avocado with Garlic Peanut Butter and Fried Eggs with Miso Butter Toast merit a visit by any food enthusiast.
Coffee is by Square Mile (UK), but 3FE (IRE), and others are being featured for filter and espresso enthusiasts.
Owner Kevin Douglas, having previously worked in construction and built his own house, was well poised to fit out this homespun, woody space. He and partner Zoe Ewing-Evans are nearly always on hand and take the time to get to know their regulars, be they students, locals or tourists.
There are three distinct rooms, each with its own vibe and there is a small amount of street seating, which catches the sun all day. Those with a penchant for salvaged furniture might notice the UCD exam hall tables. Coffee nerds will acknowledge that these guys use some of the best coffee machinery money can buy.
The cafe also features evening gigs in conjunction with the nearby music college – everything from Parisian jazz to local indie bands.
74 Francis St, Dublin 8
@twopupscoffee
Mon to fri: 8 – 5
Weekends 9.30 – 5