We had an amazing time at Dolph's, to Christine, our wonderful bartender. She's not only awesome at her job but also fantastic at sparking engaging conversations. The outdoor area truly shines – it's so welcoming, with a great selection of activities and a genuinely authentic Irish atmosphere that enhances the entire experience. While there are other places to explore in the area, Dolph's is by far our favorite for its unbeatable environment. And even though they don't serve their own food, it's super convenient to grab a bite right next door in the same building
Lauren Minert
5 stars – The PERFECT event space!
I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick.
The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests.
It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it unforgettable!
Lauren Michelle Minert
5 stars – The PERFECT event space!
I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick.
The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests.
It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it unforgettable!
Cody Wagner
I recently went in and absolutely loved how the staff treated me, they were very helpful and knowledgeable. I know they just went over new ownership but this experience made this my number one bar!
Jessica Keil
I was looking forward to checking out this place. Instantly the bartender was rude when I asked for something she didn't know how to make and then said they didn't have sweet and sour. What kind of a bar doesn't have sweet and sour? Sorry, Dolph...you can do so much better
Nathan Tricky Allen
Good drinks, friendly service, and a fun & chill atmosphere! Recommended!
M Leeseberg
I had an absolutely abismal experience here, I waited over an hour for very simplistic food, but the root cause for the experience was the most maddening food order app ever! I was not only double charged but we recorded our food late and either whole dishes were incomplete or missing. Very poor experience. Also very agitating vocal talent.
Shalini Joiner
Came here after an event. Brought our driftless pizza along with us, and had beers while sitting in the big open area. Atmosphere here is fun, lively, and of course the big screen TV had everyone hyped up with sports. A fun place to hang out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jean Pinney
We had a wonderful time! Thanks ? Jean Pinney
Parking: Meter machine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Bentalha
I 100% recommend this spot! This past weekend they were able to accommodate me in about 20 friends, for a surprise birthday after another place fell through last minute. Garrett and his staff were so hospitable. The band was great. The courtyard is something special 🤩they even put the prelim UFC fights on the big screen for us!
Went in May after work and ordered 2 Old Fashioned.
I asked the bartender how he makes them. This is a common question because we live right next to Wisconsin.
He said bitters, sugar, bourbon and soda water or sprite. I asked for soda water or sprite to be added because that's not an original OF.
I asked if they had Cedar Ridge Bourbon and he replied he had idea what that was. A bar that is 90 min away from an Iowa distillery doesn't have Cedar Ridge.
I looked at the shelves and all the spirits where on one shelf. I saw Knob Creek and just ordered that.
He made them l, handed them to me, and said $44. I was that what? He said that's the price. I was dumbfounded. Knob Creek is $35 bottle at best.
I paid it, then took them to my wife. Then we noticed they were red. He must of put in half the bottle of bitters. They were awful.
I went back in to order something else and made a joke about the $44 OF and the other bartender said that's normal for too shelf bourbon. I said I don't care what shelf it's on Knob Creek isn't top shelf and that I know how to price out cocktails.
I shook my head and will never buy anything from them again.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amber B
Omg, the inside outside is the absolute coolest. Its like a little court yard that had a bunch of games set up out there. My fiancée (very poorly) taught me how to play chess in the inside outside on a giant board ? its a memory I'll hopefully have forever. Very cool place, the vibe at night in the inside outside is unmatched.
Atmosphere: 5
Dan Hughes
Awesome Adventure For All Of
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Pearson
My friend and I came here from out of town. We ordered two old fashioneds with Woodford bourbon. We got the same drink at a nearby place the night before for $10 which I thought was a tad pricey for a small drink. This place charged us $18 apiece for the same drink. The bartender didn't really know how to make it and even asked us how. It was basically bourbon and syrup with an orange slice thrown in, no muddling or anything. I don't fault the bartender because he clearly wasn't trained well. It comes down to ownership/management. Great looking place, but I felt completely ripped off.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Shane Van Sickle
Amazing space downtown. In the same building as Back Pocket Micro Brewery. "Dolph's" has an amazing courtyard surrounded by beautiful brick buildings, with seating, outdoor games, an outdoor bar and a giant HD TV to catch the game. Food had to be ordered through the micro brewery though. We went twice!
We had an amazing time at Dolph's, to Christine, our wonderful bartender. She's not only awesome at her job but also fantastic at sparking engaging conversations. The outdoor area truly shines – it's so welcoming, with a great selection of activities and a genuinely authentic Irish atmosphere that enhances the entire experience. While there are other places to explore in the area, Dolph's is by far our favorite for its unbeatable environment. And even though they don't serve their own food, it's super convenient to grab a bite right next door in the same building
5 stars – The PERFECT event space!
I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick.
The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests.
It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it unforgettable!
5 stars – The PERFECT event space! I hosted my 30th birthday party at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar, and I truly can’t say enough good things. The space itself is incredible—versatile for any weather (which is huge in Iowa), cozy yet open, and full of charm with string lights and exposed brick. The staff went above and beyond—from the band to the caricature artist to the bartenders, every single detail was thoughtfully handled and perfectly executed. I felt so taken care of, and so did all of my guests. It was more amazing than I ever imagined, and I’ll be recommending this venue to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, a casual get-together, or a private event, this is the spot in Dubuque. Thank you again to the team at Gary Dolphin’s for making it unforgettable!
I recently went in and absolutely loved how the staff treated me, they were very helpful and knowledgeable. I know they just went over new ownership but this experience made this my number one bar!
I was looking forward to checking out this place. Instantly the bartender was rude when I asked for something she didn't know how to make and then said they didn't have sweet and sour. What kind of a bar doesn't have sweet and sour? Sorry, Dolph...you can do so much better
Good drinks, friendly service, and a fun & chill atmosphere! Recommended!
I had an absolutely abismal experience here, I waited over an hour for very simplistic food, but the root cause for the experience was the most maddening food order app ever! I was not only double charged but we recorded our food late and either whole dishes were incomplete or missing. Very poor experience. Also very agitating vocal talent.
Came here after an event. Brought our driftless pizza along with us, and had beers while sitting in the big open area. Atmosphere here is fun, lively, and of course the big screen TV had everyone hyped up with sports. A fun place to hang out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful time! Thanks ? Jean Pinney
Parking: Meter machine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I 100% recommend this spot! This past weekend they were able to accommodate me in about 20 friends, for a surprise birthday after another place fell through last minute. Garrett and his staff were so hospitable. The band was great. The courtyard is something special 🤩they even put the prelim UFC fights on the big screen for us!
Restaurantji Recommends
Went in May after work and ordered 2 Old Fashioned.
I asked the bartender how he makes them. This is a common question because we live right next to Wisconsin.
He said bitters, sugar, bourbon and soda water or sprite. I asked for soda water or sprite to be added because that's not an original OF.
I asked if they had Cedar Ridge Bourbon and he replied he had idea what that was. A bar that is 90 min away from an Iowa distillery doesn't have Cedar Ridge.
I looked at the shelves and all the spirits where on one shelf. I saw Knob Creek and just ordered that.
He made them l, handed them to me, and said $44. I was that what? He said that's the price. I was dumbfounded. Knob Creek is $35 bottle at best.
I paid it, then took them to my wife. Then we noticed they were red. He must of put in half the bottle of bitters. They were awful.
I went back in to order something else and made a joke about the $44 OF and the other bartender said that's normal for too shelf bourbon. I said I don't care what shelf it's on Knob Creek isn't top shelf and that I know how to price out cocktails.
I shook my head and will never buy anything from them again.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Omg, the inside outside is the absolute coolest. Its like a little court yard that had a bunch of games set up out there. My fiancée (very poorly) taught me how to play chess in the inside outside on a giant board ? its a memory I'll hopefully have forever. Very cool place, the vibe at night in the inside outside is unmatched.
Atmosphere: 5
Awesome Adventure For All Of
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My friend and I came here from out of town. We ordered two old fashioneds with Woodford bourbon. We got the same drink at a nearby place the night before for $10 which I thought was a tad pricey for a small drink. This place charged us $18 apiece for the same drink. The bartender didn't really know how to make it and even asked us how. It was basically bourbon and syrup with an orange slice thrown in, no muddling or anything. I don't fault the bartender because he clearly wasn't trained well. It comes down to ownership/management. Great looking place, but I felt completely ripped off.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Amazing space downtown. In the same building as Back Pocket Micro Brewery. "Dolph's" has an amazing courtyard surrounded by beautiful brick buildings, with seating, outdoor games, an outdoor bar and a giant HD TV to catch the game. Food had to be ordered through the micro brewery though. We went twice!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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