Esplanade Bar & Restaurant

I wish I could win the lottery and buy the esplanade, id simplify the menu to basic pub dishes and make a bit more room between tables, it’s pretty cool that a Victorian house has been made into a bar and restaurant and it still has character. The glass windbreaks in the front garden are a great idea still allowing you a view and you can walk your dinner or drink off along the beach after. There’s potential for easy improvements to be made as its not really suitable for wheelchair users or people with children. I reckon very little could make this five stars from me and must do venue in Bangor. Views are good and location unbeatable. If they did promotions like pie, chips and a pint or fish chips and a pint, burger chip and pint they would be onto a real winner.

A real mainstay of the Bangor bar/​restaurant scene, although all that was in doubt a few months back when it temporarily closed. I’m
glad to report its open again and serving some of the best pints on Guinness in NI!
There’s a few reasons why the Esplanade is one of my favourite bars. Firstly its in close proximity to where I live, secondly it’s one of the most welcoming bars around. Finally it’s food and drinks offerings are always great.
The views aren’t too bad either. Be warned the back bar gets rowdy for sporting events!

Until Christmas Eve I hadn’t been in the Esplanade for around four years. After a brief closure the Esplanade is now live and kicking. I always associate the bar with friendly faces and it was the same vibe on Christmas Eve! The whole bar has a real family feel.
The views over the Irish Sea and Ballyholme bay are second to none and if you’re not from the area of highly recommend you bring your camera.
Cosy at winter and a real sub trap under the rate summer sun and a local bar with a welcoming feel — The Esplanade really is a jack of all trades!

Since the new management takeover food, service and décor has improved 100%. There is some competition from nearby restaurant but I’m sure they’ll meet their standard.

Great spot with sea views and good beer. Does a good bar menu for all the usual favourites and a more refined restaurant upstairs.
I had a sharing breads and chicken wings to start burger for main. All worth getting again. Would recommend for a cheap relaxing night as it was priced.

In our wee country there are some talented interior designers, skilled bar refurbishment companies, expert colour /​theme specialists and really gifted chefs … Sadly none of the above were involved in this project .
Myself and a few buddies had a disheartening experience a few weeks ago, with some food a ravenous dog would have left, and a laisse faire attitude so spectacular from a waiter /​barman (don’t know) that I went back a few days later to complain (with no alcohol in me) to the manager, only to find it locked tight. A passing dog walker (best sources of info) told me that it was suddenly closed one morning and staff refused entry to work as it was closed (locks broken and changed by building owner allegedly?)
Too late for my corrective suggestions then? Oops
Some weeks later the paint pot makeover fairy has had a few hard days glossing over, and I’ll let you make your own mind up about the aesthetic lean it now has .
It’s now dramatically been catapulted forward to a freshly recoloured copy of what it was before with the obligatory overpriced tag on fair to middling same old same old. But what a quick calculation shows is that if you take your eye off the individually priced menu and see what the final outcome is, probably the heftiest price tag in town. 3 courses and a coffee, some water (and trio of sides) despatched almost 80 of queens finest pounds .
(No drink !)
Ah well, it’s my fault. I can still read and rudimentary arithmetic skills have not totally departed this spirit .
Locally, it’s as dear as it gets and devoid of any luxury, refinement and culinary expertise .
My fault. I can read and see in the window)
The hope that it had changed for the better rapidly dispersed … An average night out, but poor value considering there are at least 3 classy joints close by with top flight chefs and sumptuous surroundings for a lot less money, if you’re truthfull to yourself and compare apples with apples .
The upside. Pleasant staff. Stunning views. Great place for a pint but wouldnt suggest eating here .
Certainly on a rare sunny evening .
Waiting staff I’d give good marks to .
Décor and the atmosphere a good whole round zero. Poor effort. No investment at all. You don’t have to look too far in Bangor and area to find a lot more effort made, by owners who don’t have stunning view over the see at their disposal .
This place could be a Ramore of Portrush in Bangor !!! Really !!
Could be really good. And it’s got such a great location. Not my bag I’m afraid but don’t take my word for it. Try it and others around you. Then call it.

In my opinion The Esplanade is now one of the nicest places in Bangor to eat. Food is tremendous with large portions and an amazing view to go with it over Ballyholme bay. Even if you aren’t having food, it is a great place to hang out with friends and catch up. Highly recommended!

I have had to review my review for this place. In the last few months since there has been a refurbishment, and a lot of changes to the staff and the food they have served. It has gone from great to terrible and then back up to pretty decent (thank goodness!!). The anticipated and exciting refurb turned out to be a fairly big flop. It will remind most of a hotel lobby downstairs, and the ‘quirky granny look’ upstairs — ya know, with velvet, gold and leopard print everywhere. Ugh.
Until tonight (26^th Feb 16), I have felt fairly letdown with the place, but we tried yet again and were pleasantly surprised. Food was great, service was great and we had a really nice night here. I am excited to see the place has changed their attitude and getting back to what works well.
My old review, just before refurbishment —
In my opinion The Esplanade is now one of the nicest places in Bangor to eat. Food is tremendous with large portions and an amazing view to go with it over Ballyholme bay. Even if you aren’t having food, it is a great place to hang out with friends and catch up. Highly recommended!

This place holds a place in my heart for many different reasons.
The location of the bar/​restaurant, about 10−15mins walk from Bangor town centre, may put some punters off, but trust me, on a summers evening there is no better place to enjoy a refreshing pint whilst gazing across the glistening North Channel. The view from the beer garden on a clear day is outstanding. Ballyholme beach, with it’s golden sands and tranquil coastal path makes a fine neighbour for this exceptional establishment.
I have dined in the restaurant on many occasions and must say the food was exceptional each time I ventured. The staff were extremely helpful and most accommodating.
Whilst writing this I am craving a pint of Harp and a perch in the Esplanade beer garden… perhaps I need help? Roll on the summer I say!

A bit of a local favourite and no frequented too often by those who don’t live in the surrounding area. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t nice or well worth popping in to grab a pint while watching the football or to have a bit to eat.
The pints on offer are pretty standard and the Guiness on tap is nice enough without being world beating. The food is excellent, its pub grub but it is really top notch. You can’t go wrong with a burger and chips in this place. The burger will be big and beefy and the chips will be thick and fresh.
There is usually football on at the weekends in the back bar and this leaves the front bar a little bit quieter if you don’t want to watch the footy. Something for everyone.