Not a traditional pub, yet not a style bar either, Ryans Bar and Grill draws a diverse crowd and is generally busy both at weekends and during the week.

The Venue
Situated on the lower end of the Lisburn Road, Ryans Bar and Grill has a large glass front window with seating for the smoking area by the entrance outside. It's spread over two floors with the bar on the lower level and restaurant on the upper.

When you go in, the bar is deceptively large with only part of it visible from the street. There's somewhat cramped low seating and tables at the rear of the room but there's ample standing room at the front. The bar is in the middle with a service area at both sides so staff are usually quick and there are an adequate number of bar stools to perch on.

Music is always on which lends to the atmosphere and this is never too loud nor simply in the background. Dark wood floors and furnishings also create a lived-in feel.

The main window at the front is obscured by the stairs so little natural light reaches the lower floor, meaning there is the ever present feel of dimmed artificial lighting, even at daytime. This combined with the fact that most of the low slung leather seats and black tables are hidden at the back of the room makes it feels anything but open plan and minimalistic.

Ryans Bar and Grill is a modern bar which is intimate enough for couples but relaxed and informal enough to be treated as a regular pub by groups and regulars.

Another plus point which should be mentioned is that Ryans often doesn't have any door staff as it's not renowned for trouble. There's no formal dress code but football tops and sportswear aren't allowed, but trainers are fine.

The People
It's popular with 20 to 30-somethings, professional types and students, and it has enough middle-of-the-road appeal to attract older customers as well. It works either as a pre-club bar or as place to eat drink and chat the night away with friends.

It's popular with groups and couples but the friendly bar staff mean you’ll not feel out place nipping in on your own for a drink. Quizzes on Monday and Wednesday nights are popular and an acoustic singer and guitarist cover both classics and more recent hits on Thursday nights.

The Food and Drink
As there's a restaurant upstairs Ryans Bar and Grill has an extensive wine list. Bottles go from £12.95 to £45. The food is a major part of this bar's appeal and boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake, is their speciality.

They also offer deals such as a starter and a main for £10 or a starter and a steak for £14. A snack menu is available in the downstairs bar and another plus point is that food is served late at the weekend.

Drink prices are fairly standard for Belfast. Pints range from £3 to £3.15 with Carlsberg and Guinness looking like the tipple of choice for many. Spirits start at £2.40 and glasses of house wine are £3.25.

The Last Word
Ryans has a mainstream appeal which some may consider bland but its steady stream of punters have no such concerns.

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