Younger sister to the excellent Hartes of Kildare, brothers-in-law Ronan Kinsella and Paul Lenehan have built up another modern classic here just off the N7, in the attractive village of Kill - and this one has its own craft brewery too.
With its exposed brickwork, beamed ceilings, warm lighting and inviting seating areas, the Dew Drop offers the pair's trademark combination of comfort and style, matched by a warm welcome and relaxed professionalism from the excellent staff - and, as you would expect, great cooked-to-order local and seasonal food, prepared by a keen kitchen team.
Chef Alexander Adams's carefully constructed menus (lunch, early dinner, dinner and an all day Sunday menu that introduces some roasts to the mix) tempt with all the favourite dishes which - when based on quality ingredients with many of the suppliers named, as they are here - make for the very best of casual fare.
Tasty renditions of classics like warm black pudding salad with bacon & poached eg (available in two sizes), or chicken liver paté with pear & clove chutney sit easily alongside the Dew Drop beef (or lamb) burger, served in a brioche bun with perfectly cooked golden crisps on the side - or a delicious fish pie topped with an abundance of indulgently creamy mash...
Evening menus bring a wider range of mains, such as braised lamb shoulder or blade of beef and some classy fish dishes, and vegetarian dishes are no afterthought either - just try theToonsbridge halloumi fritters with a Morocca style chickpea and sweet potato tagine.
Desserts follow the pleasing pattern of variations on old favourites like brownie and cherry sundae or Eton Mess, and there's also a surprise 4th dinner course offering pairings of their own Dew Drop Brewhouse craft beers with Irish cheeses - a nice local variation on the traditional cheese and port combination, it's well worth exploring.
And to round it all off, an aromatic Bell Lane coffee from the Mullingar roasters - perhaps accompanied by something from the Irish Whiskey Corner - should send the pickiest of punters home happy.
While understandably popular with the lucky locals, the Dew Drop is also a great destination for Dubliners and travellers on the nearby N7 - and their craft beers are an added attraction.
