I stopped into Paddywagon Irish Pub the other night planning to have one Guinness, relax for a few minutes, and then head home. Several excellent conversations and one perfectly poured Guinness later, I began seriously considering whether I was Irish and simply hadn’t checked my ancestry report recently. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighborhood Irish pub—comfortable, welcoming, and filled with people who seem genuinely happy to be there. The bartender was fantastic, with a great personality, excellent service, and the rare ability to make everyone feel like a regular even if it’s their first visit. One thing I also appreciate is that they stay open until 3:00 AM. Not that I stayed until 3:00 AM, of course. I merely found great comfort knowing that if I suddenly felt the need to discuss world events, sports, or the mysteries of life over a Guinness at 2:47 in the morning, Paddywagon would be there for me. Great service, great atmosphere, and a terrific place to unwind after a long day. If you’re in Dunedin and looking for a friendly local pub, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Five stars. The Guinness was excellent, the bartender was outstanding, and I left in a significantly better mood than when I arrived—which is probably the highest compliment you can give an Irish pub.
