The Central Bar, Ballycastle at 12 Ann St, Ballycastle BT54 6AD, serves hearty Irish pub food with a modern, approachable touch. The current menu combines locally sourced meats, seafood, burgers, chicken dishes, pasta, comforting sides, desserts, and a full bar experience, alongside tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and alcoholic coffees. Standout choices include the 10oz Sirloin Steak, North Atlantic Beer Battered Cod, Chicken Curry, 8oz Smash Burger, and Classic Chicken Stack.
Prices offer good value for generous pub-style portions: starters are mostly £5.95–£9.95, mains generally £14.95–£17.95, with the premium sirloin at £31.95 and desserts at £6.95. Locally sourced ingredients, freshly prepared proteins, crisp vegetables, creamy sauces, and punchy seasonings create a satisfying balance of richness, freshness, and texture.
Dietary flexibility is a strong point, with dishes marked for gluten-free, gluten-free-option, vegetarian, and vegan alternatives. Lighter choices include Chicken Caesar Salad and seasonal vegetables, while a dedicated children's menu offers burgers, sausages, chicken bites, fish fingers, and pasta. With the kitchen operating from noon, the menu is best suited to lunch, dinner, family dining, casual drinks, and group meals rather than breakfast.
Menu Highlights
10oz Sirloin Steak – £31.95
A substantial sirloin is served with grilled tomato, flat mushroom, crisp tobacco onions, a side, and sauce. The quality cut and customizable accompaniments make it the premium choice for steak lovers.
North Atlantic Beer Battered Cod – £17.95
Fresh-tasting cod is coated in crisp beer batter and paired with chunky chips, mushy peas, and lemon. Its crunchy exterior and flaky centre deliver classic coastal pub comfort.
8oz Smash Burger – £14.95
An 8oz beef burger comes in a toasted brioche bun with melted cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and Ballymaloe relish. Juicy beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy relish make every bite rich and balanced.
Classic Chicken Stack – £14.95
Pan-fried chicken fillet rests on creamy colcannon and is finished with peppered sauce and crispy tobacco onions. The contrast of tender chicken, buttery potato, and crunchy onions gives this dish plenty of texture.
Chicken Curry – £14.95
Chicken, peas, and onions are coated in the kitchen's homemade curry sauce and served with rice or chips. Warm spice and a smooth, savoury sauce make it an easy-going comfort-food favourite, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options indicated.
Salt & Chilli Chicken – £14.95
Crispy chicken strips are tossed with onions, peppers, and salt-and-chilli seasoning, then served with chips and curry dip. It stands out for its crunchy texture, savoury heat, and lively seasoning.
Sticky Toffee Pudding – £6.95
Soft, rich sticky toffee pudding is paired with cold ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast. Its deep caramel sweetness makes it a comforting finish to a traditional pub meal.
