Fodor's Expert Review Bewley's Grafton Street

The granddaddy of the capital's cafés, and an essential part of the character of Grafton Street, Bewley's Oriental Café has served coffee and sticky buns to Dubliners since its founding by the Quakers in 1840. A major renovation has brought back some of the old grandeur associated with Bewley's, including the exotic picture wallpaper and trademark stained-glass windows, designed by the distinguished early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke. The place is worth a visit if only to sit in the comfortable seats over a cup of quality coffee, and people-watch just like Dubliners have for well over 150 years.