The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is a irish pub in St Georges Market, Belfast. Rated 4.4 stars from 5728 Google reviews. Known for rotisserie chicken and bbq and live music and atmosphere. Best for groups and live music nights. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated May 2026
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
Across 5,704 Google reviews, 87% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
A dual-venue pub-and-rotisserie landmark where live music, expertly cooked chicken, and genuine warmth outweigh the crowds.
You want rotisserie chicken, live music, and a genuine Belfast pub experience without pretence.
About The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is a dual-space institution in St George's Market that fuses a vibrant pub downstairs with a rustic restaurant upstairs. The Dirty Onion side anchors the experience with daily live music, an expansive beer selection, and a casual-cozy atmosphere that draws college students, tourists, and groups seeking authentic Belfast energy. The Yardbird restaurant focuses on rotisserie chicken, ribs, wings, and loaded sides—executed with precision and speed. Reviewers consistently praise the quality-to-value ratio: generous portions of succulent chicken and perfectly charred ribs arrive quickly without inflating the bill. The fireplace, live performances, and friendly staff create a warm, unpretentious vibe. Dogs are welcome inside and out. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly entrance, restroom, and seating. The venue accepts reservations (recommended for lunch and dinner) and offers counter service, table service, and outdoor seating. Cocktails and wine round out a drinks programme anchored by the beer list.
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is the neighbourhood spot done right — unhurried, unpretentious, with a wine list that gives it an edge over most of its category.
What Stands Out
Rotisserie chicken and BBQ
Multiple 5-star reviews highlight perfectly roasted, succulent chicken and ribs as standout; one reviewer called it 'the best casual BBQ-style experiences on this side of the Atlantic in Ireland'.
Live music and atmosphere
Reviewers consistently cite brilliant live music, vibrant energy, and a pumping atmosphere as defining features; one noted 'the atmosphere and quality of live music here is amazing'.
Value and portion size
Reviewers praise the combination of quantity, quality, and affordability; one noted it 'hits the Holy Grail of quantity, quality, affordability AND atmosphere' with friendly staff and quick service.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Ribs, wings, chicken, loaded fries, chicken burgers, sweet potato fries.”
“Great place tasty food and great Atmosphere friendly Staff”
“We also enjoyed the variety of beers and the service was very kind with us.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is The Dirty Onion and Yardbird?
Across 5,704 Google reviews, 87% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Dirty Onion and Yardbird among St Georges Market's most reliably rated irish pubs.
Do you need to book The Dirty Onion and Yardbird in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for lunch and dinner — The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is a popular choice in St Georges Market and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Does The Dirty Onion and Yardbird have outdoor seating?
Yes — The Dirty Onion and Yardbird offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Is The Dirty Onion and Yardbird family friendly?
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
Yes. Daily live music and performances are a signature feature. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and energy of the live shows, making it a standout venue for music nights in Belfast.
Yes. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside the venue, making it a pet-friendly choice for a drink or meal in the city centre.
Yardbird specialises in rotisserie chicken, ribs, wings, and loaded sides. Reviewers highlight succulent, perfectly cooked chicken and charred ribs served quickly with generous portions at fair prices.
Lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups. The venue accepts reservations and can get busy, particularly on weekends and evenings.
Yes. The venue has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making it accessible for guests with mobility needs.
Casual, cozy, and trendy. The Dirty Onion downstairs is vibrant and social with live music; Yardbird upstairs is more restaurant-focused but retains the warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
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