30 Best Bars in Manchester
With so many places to choose from, you can easily become dizzy when it comes to choosing where to drink in Manchester. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best bars in Manchester that you can’t afford to miss.
Known for its vibrancy and rich culture, Manchester’s individuality is reflected best through its trendy cocktail bars and craft ale pubs alike all across the city. We’ve put together an extensive list of some of the best spots that this exciting city has to offer, no matter how you want to celebrate!
30 Bars in Manchester to Visit
1. Bunny Jackson's
Priding itself on being the “home of the 10p wing”, Bunny Jacksons Manchester is the perfect spot to enjoy the chilled out atmosphere of an American sports bar with some fantastic comfort food and live music.
If you’re looking to make a change from the usual British bar/pub atmosphere, then this is a fantastic choice!
2. Arcane Manchester
Boasting some of the most weird and wonderful cocktails on their menu, Arcane Manchester may be hidden away beneath an old Victorian building, but it packs a real punch when it comes to making great drinks in a warm and cosy atmosphere.
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3. Science & Industry
Science and Industry Manchester describes itself as an experimental drinking and dining experience.
Located in the popular and vibrant Northern Quarter, this bar prides itself on having an in-house “drinks laboratory” where their main goal is to trial and create some of the most interesting cocktails around!
4. The Briton's Protection
Known for being one of the oldest pubs in Manchester, The Britons Protection is everything you would expect from a cosy traditional English pub.
However, don’t be fooled by its size or age; this popular spot holds over a whopping 300 varieties of whiskey, so if that’s your drink of choice, this pub is a great choice!
Check out the best bars in Leeds if you fancy another city up North.
5. Twenty Twenty Two
Science and Industry Manchester describes itself as an experimental drinking and dining experience.
Located in the popular and vibrant Northern Quarter, this bar prides itself on having an in-house “drinks laboratory” where their main goal is to trial and create some of the most interesting cocktails around!
6. The Pen & Pencil
Another Northern Quarter bar that definitely earns a mention, The Pen and Pencil Manchester is an exciting bar and eatery that combines the chilled out atmosphere of a bottomless brunch breakfast spot and a late night spot to enjoy a great atmosphere and even better drink choices!
7. Tattu Manchester
Right in the heart of the city, Tattu Manchester is a contemporary Chinese restaurant that not only boasts a fantastic modern Chinese menu and an award-winning interior, but also a one of a kind drinks menu that features eastern-inspired signature drinks and cocktails you definitely won’t find anywhere else!
8. The Liquor Store
Right in the heart of Manchester just a stones throw away from Deansgate, The Liquor Store Manchester is a quirky venue that prides itself as being a two-time winner of the “Best Late Night Venue” award.
Serving a host of amazing liquors from around the world and featuring a lively atmosphere, this bar isn’t one to miss if you find yourself around the area.
9. The Liar's Club Manchester
Living up to its name with its location on the Manchester Canal next to a lock, Lock 91 Manchester is a small, quirky yet exciting bar that lays claim to some of the best cocktails the city has to offer, including a range of quirky mixes and classic cocktails alike.
This isn’t a place to be overlooked for any of you cocktail lovers out there! After you've been to some of these bars try out one of the best clubs in Manchester.
10. Lock 91
Living up to its name with its location on the Manchester Canal next to a lock, Lock 91 Manchester is a small, quirky yet exciting bar that lays claim to some of the best cocktails the city has to offer, including a range of quirky mixes and classic cocktails alike. This isn’t a place to be overlooked for any of you cocktail lovers out there!
11. Impossible
Open from midday to midnight and staying open until the early hours of the morning on weekends, Impossible Manchester is a fantastic bar that can be found right opposite the Great Northern Warehouse to the south of the city centre.
Housed inside a modern and unique building, this Manchester bar has a bright and welcoming atmosphere inside. It also combines modern décor with industrial features, making it a truly unique place to enjoy a pint or a cocktail in this exciting city.
Being only a 5-minute walk away from St Peter’s Square tram stop, this bar can be quite easily reached if you’re hopping around Manchester on the Metrolink.
12. Brickhouse Social
An extremely diverse venue right in the centre of the Oxford Road station area, BrickHouse Social Manchester has everything you could think of all in one place.
Combining a “brew bar” on the roof terrace serving bespoke tea and coffee to bottomless brunches, a great range of cocktails and pale ales and even an underground event space, this is a bar you don’t want to miss no matter what time of day it is!
13. Revolution Oxford Road
Known for its fantastic selection of tasty cocktails, delicious food menu dishes and atmosphere, Revolution Oxford Road is everything you would expect out of a Revolution bar apart from its location in one of Manchester’s best party hotspots.
This popular bar offers an incredible number of delicious cocktails to choose from! If you're searching for a lively bar with tasty food and drink, Revolution is a must-visit!
Revolution is also featured in our best bars in Chester!
14. Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn
Another nod to the up-and-coming vibrancy of the Northern Quarter; Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn is a California-Mexican inspired bar and restaurant that hosts a great selection of tequilas, beers and cocktails, with an especially fantastic choice of margaritas to choose from!
15. Speak in Code
A stylish and cosy speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the heart of the city, Speak in Code is one of the best bars in Manchester for an award-winning experience.
If you’re into bars that are atmospheric with moody lighting then this is the place to head to. With an extensive cocktail menu as well as serving spirits and pints, this is a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle.
Best Beer Gardens in Manchester
Enjoy the warmer months with friends and make your way down to one of Manchester's best beer gardens! There are so many amazing ones dotted all around the city and we have done all the research for you and put together a list of the best ones to visit
16. The Rising Sun
For those who want to try a taste of some of the local beers from this great city then The Rising Sun is the place for you.
A classic no-frills pub in the city centre, this is also a great place to tuck into some old-school pub grub with your drinks.
This old-world style pub is also situated right on the doorstep of Deansgate, so you won’t be very far from the rest of the action here either!
17. Black Dog Ballroom
Another fantastic location in the arty Northern Quarter, Black Dog Ballroom Manchester is an authentic New York inspired venue that combines a bar, diner and pool hall all into one stylish and vibrant venue.
Hosting resident DJs and live acoustic performances each week, this is definitely worth a visit for a laid back American-style bar experience.
18. The Dog Bowl
Sister venue to the Black Dog Ballroom, the Dog Bowl Manchester hosts five ten pin bowling lanes, a fantastic New York-inspired interior and delicious food menu items and a great range of drinks all under one roof with an electric atmosphere. If you’re looking to have a few games of bowling with a few drinks in a classy alternative bar, then this should be one of your top choices!
19. Dirty Martini
A truly unique venue that oozes class, Dirty Martini Manchester is an all round great place for food, drinks and partying throughout the week.
Serving some of the best cocktails that Manchester has to offer all in a vibrant atmosphere that brings in people from all over the city, Dirty Martini is a great choice of venue for both celebrations and chilled drinks.
20. Flight Club
Boasting an electric atmosphere in a truly unique and authentic darts bar, Flight Club Manchester has earned a name for itself because of its fantastic take on classic pub darts, bringing the sport to the focus of its venue, bringing a real social element to the entire experience at this venue.
Serving some delicious bespoke cocktails, spirits, beers, wines and almost everything in between, you’ll have a blast at this award-winning bar.
21. Foundry Project
A rustic bar that combines modern elements with classic early 20th century features, Foundry Project Manchester is an interesting venue to say the least! Claiming to have the “Happiest Menu in Town”, their wide variety of ales, beers, spirits, cocktails and more will leave you spoilt for choice.
22. Be at One Manchester
Be at One Manchester offers the perfect setting to enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails in a modern and trendy venue. With 100+ cocktails to choose from, your sure to find the cocktail you have been dreaming of. This thriving venue also offers happy hour, which is ideal for those on a budget. If your looking to host a birthday party or special event, this venue also offers private hire making your weekend one to remember.
23. Cane & Grain
A partner to the previously mentioned Science & Industry Bar, Cane and Grain Manchester pays homage to the skateboarding scene of the 1980s with its relaxed atmosphere, brilliant selection of craft beers and ales and serving its signature ribs throughout the day, you will feel right at home in the cosy eccentric bar in the Northern Quarter that has no comparison!
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24. The Washhouse
Having to pass through a laundrette façade and through a secret door to get in, The Washhouse Manchester is one of the most talked about new “secret bars” in the city, known for its stylish contemporary atmosphere and interior that’s a big hit for local drinkers. If you’re a fan of secret bars and an even better drinks menu in the busy Shudehill area, then you’ll love this place!
25. Gorilla Manchester
From the creators of the extremely popular Deaf Institute, Gorilla Manchester is a brilliant drinking and dining experience combined with an electric club and live music space that has become a huge success in the area. Whether it's relaxed drinks with your friends at the cosy contemporary bar or enjoying some classic comfort food, this is a great location you don’t want to miss!
26. Terrace NQ
This industrial-inspired bar in the Northern Quarter is a cosy rustic bar that features warm low lighting and exposed brick walls that really give it a welcoming feel, with a huge variety of cask ales, draught beers and guest beers.
If you’re looking for something different, this bar also stocks some amazing cocktails and spirits that you can indulge in at this one of a kind venue!
27. NoHo Manchester
Sister bar to Dusk Til Pawn, NoHo Manchester in the lively Northern Quarter takes inspiration from its surroundings with a tasteful street art interior and inspiration from the states with its New York-inspired cocktail menu, including its own signature NoHo cocktail! If you find yourself in the area and fancy yourself to be a lover of great street art and even better cocktails, stop by here for a great experience.
28. Dusk 'Til Pawn
Hidden behind a pawn shop façade, Dusk Til Pawn Manchester is a fantastic cocktail den inspired by the prohibition era of the early 20th century, meaning that you could easily miss tghe entrance if you walked past it on the street without knowing! With authenticity and great drinks at its heart, you should stop by here if you can find it!
29. The Alchemist
The Alchemist cocktail bar on New York Street is the perfect place to head to if unique cocktails are right up your street! This lively bar serves distinctive cocktail concoctions you need to try. If you find yourself in the area and fancy a night of non-stop fun and delicious cocktails, stop by here for a great experience.
30. Three Little Words
Three Little Words Manchester is a fantastic cocktail den situated near Deansgate. As you enter this delightful bar, you're sure to fall in love with their incredible interior. Their menu includes a range of creative cocktails that will leave you wanting more. With authenticity and great drinks at its heart, you should certainly stop by here!
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