Damascus Gate Restaurant

A nice place to eat. I stumbled across this place by accident but it was really Nice. Not very high standards when it came to The food. It seems like stepping back in time. The host was lovely. Very nice gentleman and lovely to talk to. I had the humus to start. This was fine. I had the mixed grill and I was disappointed. Very small amount of Meat for a mixed grill. Chicken on skewer. Lamb and a Kofta meat. Portions were v v small. The amount of meat to me seemed low. I'm used to seeing a nice big thick mix of chicken on skewer but my pieces were small. The lamb was tiny. The kofta was so so dry I had to use all the garlic sauce. I was convinced to do dessert. Baklava. I Heard the microwave ding and I know I was in trouble. The sugar in it had been cyystilized and it was hard and not good anymore. The filo pastry is supposed to Crumble. But after microwave it was like wet tissue. This was the worst part. Also this place is a bit expensive for what you get in my opinion. I spent 60 euros on humus, mixed grill, baklava and a coke and one beer.

Everything was perfect! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and beautiful. The food was incredibly authentic and flavorful, and the service was top-notch. Highly recommend.

While visiting Dublin, my Syrian family had the pleasure of dining at Damascus Gate—and it was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed like family by the owner, Ghandi Mallak, who is from Syria. He personally recommended each dish we tried, and every single one was exceptional. It was, without a doubt, the best Syrian food we’ve ever had at a restaurant. But what truly made the experience profound was Ghandi himself. He shared a part of his life story with us, and getting to learn about his journey and passion for food was incredibly moving. His warmth, generosity, and hospitality made the evening unforgettable—not just a great meal, but a deeply personal and meaningful connection.

Amazing restaurant, could not recommend more! The service was great, people were friendly. Music was authentic and ambience was cozy and warm. Loved the decorations too. The food was delicious, vegetables and salad freshly prepared. Meat was tender and very flavorsome! Incredible food, both vegan and vegetarian options available. Would highly recommend this restaurant for family and friends too!

I enjoyed a delicious meal here, just 2 mins from my hotel. I wanted something tasty and healthy and this ticked both boxes! The waiting staff were extremely attentive and helpful - thank you! I enjoyed every mouthful of my meal - tabbouleh to start, then a grilled chicken skewer with salad, rice and hummus. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place :)

We had a really delightful dinner at Damascus Gate - a big group of us too, 13. The staff were very accommodating too as our numbers changed a couple of times on the day, but they had no problem. Super welcoming, a nice introduction from one of the waiters about all the food options and some nice recommendations. The food was all tasty, especially the starter platter. The moussaka was decent enough. The main thing is that we had a really lovely time and there was a nice vibe throughout the whole meal. Thanks for looking after us so well!

The food was so good but the portions are very small for the price! The hummus and kabseh are so recommended!

Having eaten in Damascus Gate many times and having loved it, I was disappointed to see a note on the inside cover of the menu asking that, as 2.1 restaurants per day have closed in Dublin this year, patrons order a starter and a main so that they can keep their doors open. I completely understand that the hospitality is under terrible pressure but I don't feel that this is the way to highlight the issue. We had intended ordering the Mezze for 3, not out of frugality but because it's more than enough food. The Mezze is absolutely delicious but we found that this dish was a starter and because of the note we felt compelled to order a main aswell. Again the mains were delicious. However, after a couple of bites we couldn't finish and asked for a takeaway container. The food will be lovely for later. The bill came to €40 each which for lunch I consider expensive. Included in that was a tip, 1 glass of wine, 1 coke and a sparkling water. The server was absolutely wonderful. All in all though I wouldn't rush back.

We wanted something not fried as most of the pub food was starting to get a bit much so we found this gem about a 15-20min walk from our hotel. Here's how it went! Greeted and sat quickly by the owner who put us at his table and welcomed us himself. He apparently was a big local name in immigration as it took him 18yrs to get legal status apparently. From Syria and the nicest guy. We had great conversation for over 30min and he kept apologizing for "boring" us but we assured him it was wonderful to have such great conversation. He shared his family a bit and we ours and some books and educational conversations. He was very well read and super to speak with while at the same time his food was amazing. The hummus was the best I have ever had and I've had a lot over the years from different areas (Jordan, etc). Highly recommend for a nice evening and great conversation if you happen to get the pleasure to meet the owner!

The food is full of flavour and the service was great. The setting is casual but it was just what we were looking for on a warm summers night in Dublin. They have gluten-free options.

The service was great. Owner was kind and personable. The food was amazing and service was speedy. Would highly recommend coming here. The potato's were my favorite

Food was excellent. I ordered the Kabseh, the lamb was tender, the sauce tasty and the rice flavorful. My wife got the Loubieh B'zeit, the beans were perfectly cooked, and the tomato sauce was rich and the rice cooked to perfection. The place is rather nondescript from the outside, but there is culinary magic going on once you cross the threshold! Our host was soft spoken and made wonder recommendations from the menu. Oh and make room for dessert as the Basbosa, a sweetened semolina cake, is delicious.

The service was polite and informative. Explained the menu in a good way. Food was aromatic and all around good. Glad we had a good meal at this place. I wouldn't miss out on this food.

We really wanted to enjoy our dinner at Damascus Gate, and the food was very tasty. However, that did not overcome the bad taste left by the pressure to order more food than we could possibly eat. The gentleman serving us seemed very experienced, so should know what a reasonable number of his restaurant's plates was for a party of our size. And he certainly should not have become brusque when we declined his suggestions of more appetizers and dessert. Considering that we had appetizers, mains and a bottle of wine with our dinner, the check was large enough to us to avoid being pushed hard to spend more.

Emilio was the most welcoming person I have ever met! His positive and smiley demeanor I think was the best I have ever experienced in a restaurant, ever! It also helps that the food is delicious! We will definitely make reservations for next time we are in Dublin. Glad it is right across the street from our hotel too! Wish everyone was like Emilio! The young lady who served us too was also great, but I'm sorry that I can't remember her name.

Unassuming and charming Syrian food adjacent to a bunch of businesses. Lunch service was great - I was the only customer - so perhaps that helped. The yellow Lentils are lemony - different than the Indian ones - and the mansaf does not skimp on the ingredients. If you're looking for something beyond falafel and hummus, pay them a visit and try something you've not had before.

Excellent food at reasonable prices. Outstanding service and they had the best blues music playing.

This place is another neighborhood gem! Yes, it's quite crowded and a management seems a bit overwhelmed with the influx of patrons; but, it's worth the wait and knocking elbows with the guests at the next table... The food is fresh and fabulous! We ordered the hummus topped with lamb - fantastic! The falafels were incredibly tasty as well. We were pleased with every dish - and there's a dish for everyone from the fish of the day (which was sold out unfortunately) to the chicken and lamb to a number of vegetarian entrees. As for dessert, order the pecan white coffee cake - it's heavenly! And, be sure to have a cup of Turkish coffee with it. It's crammed, yes. And, there was a bit of a wait in spite of our set reservation. But, it's worth it if you want to be taken away to another world of flavors and culture. And, the ambiance adds to all of it - lovely. There are four dining spaces, outdoor, main area, middle section (a bit tight) and a back room for 'smokers'. If you get a chance to meet the owner, Gandhi, you will love him from the get-go. What a smile and warm nature. I practically hugged him when we departed! Tip: Order individual bowls of hummus, you'll want to lick the bowl clean, believe me.

After being back two more times,I have come to the conclusion that Damascus Gate appears to have dropped its standards, when it comes to the food anyway. On the last occasion I ordered chicken skewers as a main, I had tried it previously when it came as a part of a meat platter. I double checked with our server to make sure it was the same dish before I ordered and they said it was. It bore no resemblance to what I had tried before. It was dry and was lacking the tasty marinade I had experienced before. It's a shame. They started so promisingly.

I always have such mixed feelings about this place. I love that their menu has some nice cooked meals from the middle east (Kibbeh bil laban, Makloube etc), but they are never what I expect. I ordered the lamb mansaf, which I expected was a rice dish with lamb, and some yoghurt. That's exactly what it was, but the lamb was drowning in yoghurt, way too much. The yoghurt is also cooked in a different way than I know it should be? The food is pretty good, just not my favorite when it comes to the middle eastern restaurants in Dublin. I like the space, it feels authentic. There was also a belly dancer which was super fun. They serve sheesha outside, but only apple flavor. As an additional cool thing, the bakery right next to Damascus gate weirdly feels like a bakery from back home, the way they display the cakes I guess? It was funny to see as it's a bit different from the bakeries you see around Dublin.

Very good meal at this restaurant. Would recommend the Meshawy plate if you like to get a taste off chicken, lamb and beef kebab. Our waitress (Maria) was wonderful. Be prepared to pay a good bit for this restaurant.

This is hands down a local true find among Dublin. Talk about family owned, proud, authentic and farm fresh- this is the spot to go. Gandhi is the owner who takes pride in his business!! The food is top notch, order a mezza to start, the hummus, falafels, and samosas are among the most delicious I've ever tried. They also have a heated patio :) Thanks for always serving the most delish food with amazing staff. Cheers you guys, and good luck during these crazy times.

Solid 4 stars. It is a bit underspiced for my taste but good portions, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Meat was well cooked although it was in shorter supply then I would prefer.

Damascus Gate serves the best Syrian food I've had outside of Syria! It has a truly authentic feel all the down to the baklava. Don't pay any attention to star rating as of 10/1/17 this restaurant is easily a 5 star establishment. Try the kepseh it's delicious.

One of my favourite restaurants in Dublin. I have been there few times. The service is fabulous. They are serving oriental food. One of the my favourites are prawn and quail. Prices are reasonable for the good quality. In the background is very nice quiet oriental music playing. Thursdays are a special day at Damascus Gate a Belly Dancer is performing during you are dining. If you like oriental food and want to feel as in a another country, try it.

Very happy with my experience here, despite the mixed reviews! Will have to come back to confirm but happy to do so. Immediately upon walking in at 7:30 on a Friday night, I was greeted by an extremely friendly waitress who not only seated me immediately despite the fact I was still waiting for a friend, but chatted for a moment and complimented me on the simple necklace I was wearing. The atmosphere and decorations were perfect, very authentic and warm and friendly. Service was relatively quick and friendly, although I think they were waiting until we finished our appetizer (Fatoush) to bring the main dishes which I wish were not the case! The fatoush was simple and delicious, and (a different) waitress gave really comprehensive and helpful recommendations when we said it was our first time there. We were seated next to a bachelor party and they were excellent, festive but not obnoxiously loud, which I think was much due to the atmosphere of the place! There were also a few families and couples in and out so a good range of people who obviously enjoy the place. We both ordered lamb dishes - mine was the Syrian Mousaka and hers was I think one of the house specials - and both were delicious, hot, fresh, and rich in flavor. The rice was particularly good as a side, which was weird to say, but true! Flavorful without overwhelming the main dish, and the perfect amount. We declined dessert but they brought us each a small shot-sized thing made with coconut, rose water, and cream anyway - with raisins on top? - which was the perfect end to the meal. It is also BYO wine - no corkage for the first bottle but I think possibly fee for subsequent bottles. I did bring my own wine this time but will probably opt for one of theirs in the future as they looked delicious!

Best Middle Eastern food in Ireland!!!! The owner's pride in his food was amazing ! Try the Jerusalem platter.

In the search for a BYO restaurant within the city centre confines, I was directed towards Damascus Gate the other day. Oh Lordie. The restaurant itself isn't particularly laid out with comfort in mind. It actually reminded me a little of a fancy cafeteria (maybe in a boarding school - they always seem to have dark wood tables and chairs in boarding schools on TV?! Too much Hogwarting?!!). There's something about the hard wood tables and chairs squashed in together on top of the tiled floor (I think??), and the harsh lights - not conducive to a nice cosy meal. The harsh lights run all the way through the bar and into the kitchen so you can see everything that's going on, though not in the cool purposeful way in some restaurants. Everything just seems messy and squashy and harsh. Now for the food. My starter was the dolma (those vine leaves stuffed with rice). I asked for the accompanying salad sans cucumber which was delighted to see they pulled off when it came out. However, upon taking one bite of the salad and dolma together, I felt like I had taken a giant bite out of a lemon. They had been drowned in balsamic vinegar to the point that I had to put them inside some flatbread to try to be able to eat them. The flatbread was fine, though stone cold - I would be expecting it to be freshly made and warm to the touch. For mains, my friend had the moussaka and I had the fish tangine. Both were nearly identical - the rice was the same, the miscellaneous packet sauce on top was the same, the only thing that was different was the meat underneath. Honestly I didn't even want to finish it. At the end of the meal, I was then told that their card machine was broken, so I had to walk about 10 minutes down Camden St to find a bank. Surely they should have mentioned this from the outset? The saving grace of this place was the waitress. She was friendly, prompt, and polite, just what you need when Hogwarts goes bad!

I was a bit disappointed in this restaurant having heard so many good things about it. Bringing your own drink was great, but that was probably the best part of the meal. The dishes were on the slightly more expensive side, which would have been fine if they filled you up. However with a starter and main course down and my stomach still growling for more, by the time we had ordered dessert to fill the gap it had turned into a reasonably pricey dinner. The food was nice, the falafel was delicious and the fish I had for my main was ok, but everything was too small and too plain for the price tag. The atmosphere is a bit mad, we started off sitting in the back room on the couches before being moved to a tiny table in the corner. It was fine, but the place was just a bit too hectic and everyone was just slightly too uncomfortable for the price.

I've been to Damascus gate 3 times now. All three times the experience has been different. its quite a small restaurant in a great location and has a nice interior. Although some of the tables a little bit close to uncovered food for my liking. The food varies... The first time I had a lamb dish, which was basically Spicy Lamb Stew with some rice. 18 euro. It was nice but it was a basic dish for 18 euro's. The second time I had a selection of kebabs, chicken/lamb and kofta with rice and salads and sauce and bread. This cost 15 euros I think and was amazing. The last time I went I had a half roast chicken stuffed with lamb with rice and sultanas. This was ok, a very very dry meal. No sauces slightly over done chicken. There was also a bit of salad with no dressing. I had trouble eating it because of the dryness. This cost 15 euros as well. My girlfriend had the falafal dish there which I tried. that was amazing as well. That was only 11.50 euro. i think what I am saying is their doesn't seem to be the constancy of a good restaurant yet. The pricing has changed recently I think they realized they were a bit over priced on some of the dishes. Some of the food is amazing, some of its meh. Really if you are reading this, get your menu sorted out and you will have an amazing business. I don't care if a restaurant has only six main courses. If they are good then it doesn't matter. Don't have 15 main courses but only 5 are any good. The worst dish on your menu should be as good or as near as good as the best dish on the menu. a decision on what to eat should be based on personal taste only. I am only taking this time to write such a long review ( unusual for me ) because I really think some of the food is amazing and with a bit of work I could be coming back and re-writing this review with 5 stars.

Since I moved to Dublin it became one of my regular restaurants. Whether I go there private, corporate or by voucher they always treat me/us very well and respectful. The owner provides a fantastic service and alway creates a friendly comfortable atmosphere. The food is very good and guests are welcomed to bring their own wine which they serve to you if wished. I highly recommend this venue to all people who like authentic lebanese cuisine. We will come again!

This place is delicious. Like amazing amazing. Went with my sister. We both ordered pretty randomly, and WOW. Service was nice. Place was a little crowded, but that just added to the flair of the place. It's also BYOB, so that's great.

Really loved this place, staff were very kind, the food came quickly and it was delicious, I had cheesy sambooska as a starter and luvly syrian lamb stew for a main course, I will definitely come here again

Currently I'm kind of additicted to arabic food and was because place with Damascus gate. Very simple, good decoration and a great food. Huge quantities and in a good price. Is was 8 of us and we had 4 combos for 2px. And OMG it was so much food. Everyone got so full even me and my friend with vegetarian combo. They have a good selection of teas as well, that I didn't try because the staff girl forgot my order, but poor girl she was new in the business and should wear big "L" from learning in the front, although she was nice with us. And btw is a byob restaurant like the most of the arabic places.

Just had a wonderful meal at Damascus Gate. Warm, courteous and welcoming staff. Very pleasant intimate setting. Good variety of meals, both vegetarian and not. A real sense of authentic Syrian cuisine. Staff happy to help guide choices. Lots of customers during our visit suggesting the quality of the place. The restaurant was chosen by my friend - a real discovery and a great addition to the city.

Excellent experience. We had a table of 6. We each ordered different meals and all tasted wonderful. But the thing that won it for us were the staff, so friendly and helpful with any request. It was a Saturday and the restaurant was packed, but the staff were still on point. The owner came around a few times to check in all was ok and was very thankful when we left. If i can recommend anything on the menu it would be one of the starter platters. Oh and its only 2.50 corkage fee if you want to BYO.

I've never been in Damascus gate before, but fortunately they have a delivery service After 5:00 PM, I had tried The Lamb Mansaf , It was very good! but the mixed grill meats were not that good, Generally their food is worth a try.

Been meaning to come here for a while having passed it a million times on the bus. Arrived early for our 7.30 reservation but, as the place was empty, that wasn't an issue although it gradually filled up a bit as the evening wore on - largely with walk-ins so booking would appear to be unnecessary. As others have said, not the most comfortable or attractive room with tiny tables and old, tired and brown furniture. BYO wine was immediately produced and was beginning to look like the best part of the meal. However, that would be unfair. We had a mezze with lamb to start which was very good. The tabouleh and hummus were very tasty accompanied by very average flat bread set us up for mains. I had the mixed grill which was ok although the spice on the chicken was remarkably similar to the Nando sauce out of the bottle I habitually marinade chicken in for home BBQ. My other half has a lamb dish that looked like a stew with the shredded lamb swimming in liquid. I didn't take to it at all. Having quaffed our BYO Pinot Grigio by now, we each topped up with a large glass of the house white - provenance and vintage undetermined but potable nonetheless. Service was excellent with 4/5 tables all ordering at the same time to a single waitress. At one point, another guy rushed into the restaurant and went around the tables apologising for the poor service as he had had a 'family emergency'. Punters were generally bemused as this was the first they'd realised that service was bad (it wasn't. Prat). Life's rich tapestry for sure. I'd summarise the overall experience as just ok. Won't be rushing back and won't be wondering what the food is like next time I pass on board the Number 15.

Authentic, fresh food. Delicious! Wonderful warm, friendly, helpful service. Baba ganoush. Mezza. The chicken main with chick peas in tomato and garlic was particularly delicious. Everything was flavoursome without ever overdoing the spices. Just as it should be (except the delicious bread that came with the mixed grill. I reckon there were raw chillies in there). Short of flying to the Middle East, this is the place to go for authentic cuisine. Outstanding. They also have byob, but the wine by the glass is so amply proportioned, I wouldn't bother. Oh, the tables are too small.

We had wandered into this restaurant after looking at the menu posted outside, it was only as we were seated and looking at the menu, did I check into Yelp, and looking at some of the reviews, especially those posted by some of the more esteemed members, that I was questioning the wisdom of our choice. So therefore we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal we enjoyed. We did not have time for a starter and went straight to the main course, I had the Kibseh, slow cooked marinated lamb, cooked with lots of herbs and served with mixed nuts and a lamb sauce, very tasty. The lamb melted in your mouth, and was so full of wonderful eastern flavours, the accompanying sauce was so good! So having missed the starter, we had to try dessert! I had the Ferro Rocher Cake, really true to the name, excellent! I also stole a taste of my friend's dessert, the Knafeh, a cream cheese with a fine spaghetti topping, and walnuts in the centre, brilliant flavour and a tantalising texture, a texture similar to Turkish delight, a real winner! Yes the tables and chairs are somewhat squeezed in, space is tight, but we really enjoyed our meal, the key question is would we go back, absolutely, looking forward to trying some of the other dishes

I had a really good evening in Damascus. The staff are pleasant and although the place was packed the food did take a while to come out. This didn't bother me too much. The food was really good I got the chicken wings and the selection of skewers. My girlfriend thought the tables were a bit close together and the music too loud.

Damascus Gate. Coming here is just like going to Grandma's. I'd love to get sick of this place, but I keep coming back for more. The reason probably is this place is unapologetically authentic. It does not attempt to adjust to the modern palate. The flavours are unmistakably the timeless essence of the Levant. Most importantly, you will not leave Damascus Gate hungry - just as grandma never did. The portions are generous and for a homesick man with a ravenous appetite that's just an absolute must.

First night in Dublin and we stumbled on this gem. The food was amazingly flavorful and the service friendly and unhurried. Hoping to come back again before the end of our visit.

Amazing ME food at great prices, a superb, attentive staff guided by a total customer experience guru Gandhi (prop.) this is a must-to-go location in Dublin for fans of great food, friendly fast service, and attention to detail. A full menu of Middle Eastern food, from Syria to Iran is available, there is outside seating for smokers and the weather-immune, and a great drop-in location for coffee and dessert snafflers too.

I went there once, and i didnot like it at all. Maybe because I am a middle eastern so i find this place very tacky !!

Excellent value and some of the best service in town. The staff here cannot do enough for you. I have been in here with large groups on a number of occasions and nothing is ever a problem. The few times we've been celebrating a birthday they've made a big fuss of the birthday girl or boy and sung, played music etc. The food is delicious, good value and they have a BYOB policy.

Excellent service, forthcoming and thoughtful. Levantine mezze are fantastic, they are happy with you just having a selection of starters. Tea is offered at the end and you feel somewhat obliged.

The atmosphere is very exotic and the waiters are very polite Food is very different from the Lebanese cuisine. Meat is tasty but too much rice Good find better in the city I think A good point : a small delicatessen was offered at the end

The best Mediterranean food you can find in Dublin. I keep going there and I tried most of the entrees they serving, all great. A lovely stuff and friendly waiters. 5 stars without hesitancy

Excellent Syrian cuisine, very reminiscent of my favorite Israeli cuisine. Wonderful Hummus, excellent desserts, excellent service.

Came on a Saturday evening at 7:45pm for a Shisha on a fairly empty terrace and just told the person on the next table and as the last one. Not even slightly friendly. Not recommended. Definitely not a Syrian welcome. Very rude.

As visitors to Dublin, we're hitting a different restaurant every night. Damascus Gate is quite close to our guest house (I'll review Harrington House at the end of the week), and we kind of hoped it would be awesome. The food itself was quite good. Among the three of us, we had the lamb kebabs, the lamb lahmeh (braised boneless lamb in tomato stew) and the falafel platter. All were at or near the top, in flavor and presentation, of other Lebanese restaurants we've visited. The service left quite a bit to be desired. We literally had four different servers as all of them seemed overwhelmed as the place got busier. The falafel didn't come with the bread. Trying to order dessert seemed only to cause confusion. Admittedly, one of the servers was on his first night. The music was quite loud, and weird; we picked out Bizet and Vivaldi, among others, played on Middle Eastern traditional instruments. I joked that it was "Hookahed on Classics." Finally, the price seemed just a little high; that may be partially price stickiness as Ireland continues in its economic slump after the Celtic Tiger highs of a few years ago.

I had the best time I ever had in any restaurant! Food amazing ! deserts and coffee was the best finish of the night... And BYOB !! The best way to save your money ! I never tried this culture food before till I tried Damascus Gate. I can only say I WILL BE BACK again and again :) And prices was very good comparing to competitors.. The best part that you can order food to take away, so when I'm visiting my friends who lives in that area I always ask them to order something from Damascus Gate ! or bringing my friends there. I've been there about 6 times and they never disappoint me. service amazing 5*, Restaurant Owner amazing and very pleasant man. Well done , well done and once again well done ! :)

This is one of our favourite restaurants. We live nearby and eat here regularly. We have brought lots of different groups of friends to dine here. All have loved it and returned again bringing other friends in turn. Why do we love it? Delicious food, great value, a warm welcome and great service, and bring your own bottle. Damascus gate has a new menu, which we are still getting familiar with so it's hard to recommend exactly what you should eat - the Beirut mezze plates to share for starters we can certainly recommend. Being honest we have never had a poor meal here. The Irish Times , which is probably the most respected source of restaurant views also gave it a great review.

Great atmosphere and lovely service. Food made to perfection. Would definitely come here again.

I had an awful experience last Friday at the Damascus Gate. Although we had booked a table in advance, the place was not ready to accommodate our group when we arrived and the person who received us seemed surprised with our presence. The place was overcrowded, and our orders came at different times and some were wrong. And finally, I had my coat burned by the radiator and although I called back to inform them, the management took no responsibility for the occured.

Very disappointed with Damascus Gate. We had heard very good reviews but our experience didn't live up to them. Food was mediocre. Ordered a mezze which had a poor selection, certainly not enough to share. Then had a chick pea dish which was also tiny - and a little cold. Given the portion size I reckon the food is somewhat overpriced. Much better Lebanese restaurants in the area.