The Crane Lane Theatre

Cool venue, solid music. But there’s something theatrical behind the bar, like everyone’s playing a part. Great place if you enjoy performances with your pint.

One of our friends, the only black member of our group, wasn't allowed in because she was 'too drunk'. She wasn't.. it was 9pm and we had just come from dinner. When I noticed she wasn't with us, I went to find her (she had been trying to call us but we didn't hear our phones) and she told me the bouncer wouldn't let her in to tell us. She was apparently too drunk to enter the pub but not to isolate from her friends. When I looked over at the bouncer, he had a smirk on his face.. and we knew he would have loved the opportunity to escalate it if we argued. All five of us (women in our 30s and 40s) have worked in pubs over the years and we know this type of dude... The type who enjoys his job because he gets to exercise power and discriminate. I got my friends and we left. I'm from Cork and my friends were visiting with me. I'm so embarrassed they experienced this in my city, and my friend, so used to experiencing racism her whole life, was subjected to it in Cork. I've read the other reviews and this appears to be an issue that no one is addressing at these venues.

Great spot, door staff friendly. Band comes on at 12 and they were REALLY GOOD. ‘Two time Polka’ have a DJ in one section, live music out back. Really good experience after a gig in the marquee.

Was walking in but a bouncer who was smoking not even at the door called after me and my boyfriend. He then pointed to all of me and said I wasn’t dressed well enough. The establishment itself seemed pretty empty as well. Wouldn’t waste my time here!

I live overseas and hadn’t been to The Crane in about 20 years. Out of nostalgia, I wanted to go back. We got cocktails upstairs, each with a jaw-dropping price tag of €14! After wiping away my tears and having a lengthy discussion with the bartender about our preferences, we agreed on two drinks. Mine was delicious. My sister’s, however, wasn’t to her liking and didn’t match what she had described to the bartender. Given the high price, we expected there might be an option to have the drink replaced. Absolutely not—we were told it’s the bar’s policy to never replace a drink. For prices that steep, this policy is ridiculous. If a venue is going to charge premium prices, there should be gold-standard guarantees that the final product aligns with the customer’s expectations. In this case, it didn’t—and unfortunately, the staff couldn’t do anything to help. In fact, I overheard the bartender say that replacing a drink could jeopardize their job, which is really sad. If you're looking for a cool place to enjoy amazing cocktails, avoid this one. There are far nicer places in Cork that serve better drinks and actually appreciate their customers.

This was a nice enough place which has a big outdoor area if that is what you want. We didn’t as it was cold but they had enough chairs inside and it is one of the only places round that was open late enough after the pubs were closing you wanted a couple more drinks. We went here a couple of times once was really not busy at all but may have been earlier in the evening and then one was very busy and honestly bit nicer as you could enjoy the atmosphere. Overall if your looking for somewhere to carry on after the pubs have all closed at 11 then it’s grand

Threw out for having a casual fag on my own in the smoking areas , told to step outside , I explained that my girlfriend was inside , caused no hassle, stepped outside and rang the girlfriend to tell her , she came and pleaded with them, I was told to remain outside ……. Was later told that they like to remove all men so they have all the women inside , no man is welcome to my woman, have manners and tell me this is the protocol in the club, she will remove herself then , we also had €30 of drink left in drank so I dunno, security letting this place down because they think they can women , it takes work, not just getting the. Drunk and vulnerable and

Errrrr this was a theatre? Went here for later night drinks on a Tuesday, people at the bar were really chill, those I met were super cool, and one of the few places open late (after 12:30). Good times!

A very cool vibe in this place, with two stages and a bar inside, and a seating area outside. We went on a Tuesday night with improv jazz groups playing which was fantastic. We had to move quickly for seating as it got crowded very quickly. A good heavy pour in our drinks though!

Crane Lane is one of those places that can satisfy anyone. It's huge and has multiple personalities. There are quiet bars and a narrow alley way to drink in and as you make your way further into the complex it becomes more ornate and clubby. You can see a concert, go dancing, or just get a few pints with some friends all within the same bar and not be disturbed by the other two activities. They have almost the full slate of Rising Sons beers here as well as the usual suspects that can be found at any Cork bar.

Killer place for some local live music. The stage was awesome and had a vintage feel. Great selection of beers on tap including Rising Sons Brewery. Loved the vibe and the option of indoor or outdoor seating.

This place has it all! What a fun area to visit in Cork! Loved the different bars. Didn't take too long to get service, considering how packed it was.

I've been to music venues all over the world and this is one of the best. The vibe in this venue is amazing. It has a fantastic sound system throughout. Friendly staff. Good collection of local microbrew on tap. Cool intimate stage area with a separate backroom for a DJ to spin records. The covered courtyard area is rather loud and smoky, but the gem of the venue is the interior.

Great space for live music and dancing. Open late and that's a plus. Rising Sons beers on tap are excellent.

I was a Crane Lane regular but this was 3 years ago before I moved to London so not sure where it stands now. I saw previous reviewers complain about rude staff but to be honest, I can't remember the last time I had much interaction with any staff of a pub/bar aside from when ordering drinks. Surely the point of a night out is to chat and socialise with your friends not the bar staff?! Personally, I like the style of this place - the lux red curtains and spaciousness. Maybe I need to go back on next visit.

Located in what's left of an old Gentleman's Club in the center of Cork City which, their website claims, "has been the scene of many a notorious event over the last 100 years", the Crane Lane Theatre has certainly been the scene of many a notorious event involving my friends over the last few years, which is - to my mind - the mark of any Irish pub worthy of the name. Comprised of four bars - the Theatre itself, which has played host to a wide range of performers as well as an even larger range of drunken dancers, the traditional pub-styled Stage Door, the cosy Crystal Room and, of course, the airy Garden bar, lauded as the only beer garden in Cork's city centre, and perpetually occupied by Cork's young artists, writers and musicians. And that's where the true beauty of the Crane Lane lies; not in its excellent pint of black, its uniquely Corkonian style and outlook, or its impressive musical line-up, although it has all in spades. It's in the eclectic mix of people to be found wandering through, and the breadth and variety of the conversations and activities to be had within. Whether it's their usual weekend crowd in for the nightclub, or one of their extra-special events, it's always going on at the Crane Lane.

Like many on here, I must say I enjoy the venue but the bar staff are horrific. I have rarely come across such unhelpful and blatantly mean bar staff in my life. It has turned me off the place and I won't be returning. I think management should have a good look at who they are employing. Maybe they should mystery shop their own bar to see how customers are treated. Really awful.

rude racist staff. was refused entrance perfectly sober twice and was very confused. when i started asking around it was explained to me that if you are not white and english speaking you are unlikely to be welcome