Cool And Quirky Bars In Birmingham

Barbara's Bier Haus is a Bavarian basecamp built for unforgettable nights out. With long, communal tables, live music and plenty of schnapps, it brings all the fun of the apres to Broad Street. 

With all kinds of (un)serious fun on offer, no two visits here are the same, whether you're dancing to the sounds of oompah or draining giant cocktail towers. The food is well worth a look too, with delicious pizza and German-style hot dogs up for grabs.

A top-notch basement spot, this unique St Paul's Square offering brings together darts and dive bar vibes. Dip down below 180 Club at The Rectory and get ready for the night to fly by as you lob darts and sip on drinks until the early hours.

Dead Wax Digbeth is an amazing vinyl bar with a casual ambience and a spacious beer garden. While munching on delicious burgers, you and your pals can also check out a wide selection of brews or cocktails. Or, pop by to catch a gig and watch some incredible bands and DJs take to the stage. 

Looking for some fun bar action in Digbeth? This sprawling, open-air space is the one to check out. Luna Springs is bringing more than just creative cocktails and tasty street food. It's got a packed programme of live events and bottomless brunches to boot.

If you're seeking a quirky drinking den, Boom Battle Bar on Broad Street is sure to hit the spot. Not only does this venue offer a range of cool activities, such as karaoke, beer or prosecco pong and axe throwing, but also a delicious food menu to boot.

One of the best bars in Birmingham, this St Paul's Square spot is literally dripping in cool. Founded by none other than Jools Holland, The Jam House keeps music at the forefront of everything it does, offering a unique space for full bands and unplugged acts.

A gaming and cocktail bar, this unique, neon-splattered offering down at the Custard Factory brings you a whole range of fun retro consoles, alongside all your favourites. NQ64 Birmingham's drinks menu also happens to front the kookiest cocktails in town, craft beers and nostalgic snacks to go alongside.

If history is your thing and you go crazy for quirky cocktails, then Lost & Found should be on your agenda. Decked out in vintage fixings and based on the Victorian adventurer, Hettie G. Watson, it's hands down one of the best bars in Birmingham city centre.

Spend your evening sipping a Screwball and other bizarre concoctions at this Brindleyplace bar. Home to an array of theatrical tipples, The Alchemist can sort you out with smoky, bubbly and colour-changing libations - all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

For one of the coolest bars in Birmingham to check out, Tonight Josephine showcases pink neon interiors and crazy good cocktails. Head over to The Burlington where this quirky watering hole will be serving up some of the best nights out in the city, thanks to its lineup of karaoke sessions and Mamma Mia brunches.

Head over to Temple Street where you'll find one of the quirkiest, most fun, and best bars in Birmingham for a date. Book yourself an oche, grab a couple cocktails, chow down on pizza, and prepare to engage in some highly competitive and totally interactive darts.

Less than five minutes' walk from Birmingham New Street Station, Bacchus Bar is one of the oldest in the city. With wrought iron decor, vintage furniture, an Egyptian themed room complete with hieroglyphics and a French-styled dining room, it's fair to say this place is one of a kind too.

Named in honour of the Roman God of Wine, it serves up an enormous selection or red, white, rose, champagne and sparkling, as well as classic cocktails and cask ales. The menu's just as intriguing, packing in sharing platters, pub grub classics and juicy burgers.

If plants are your thing, then this Gas Street Basin offering is the spot to seek out next time you're looking for something a little different in Birmingham. Covered in vintage knick-knacks and lush foliage, this bar whips up snacks such as baked camembert and calamari, alongside fabulous floral cocktails.

Home to neon signs and some of the UK's most iconic pints, BrewDog is a must-visit if you're searching for craft beer. Perched over on Beak Street, you'll find this cool and urban bar in Birmingham serving up a serious array of top-notch brews alongside delicious comfort bites.

00s-themed bottomless brunches? Adventurous concoctions? The Cocktail Club Birmingham is here to curb your quirky cravings with its epic space. Enjoy exploring the drinks menu (which includes 2-4-£14 on everything until 8pm every day apart from 7pm on Mondays and Saturdays), all while taking in the vibrant interiors. 

F1® Arcade is the Birmingham destination for lovers of racing who want to try an official simulator, alongside those who just want to get stuck into something new. Expect full motion and audio-visual effects while speeding round the track, alongside food and drinks behind the bar.

Pizza, pints, and playful competition - Newhall Street Tavern has all the ingredients for a top-tier night out. This city centre gem is a go-to for craft beer lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and foodies alike, with a menu packed full of tasty options to keep you fuelled for the night.

And if you fancy adding some action to your evening, grab your friends and hit the shuffleboard tables for a little friendly rivalry.

Part of the O'Neill's in Solihull, Arrowsmith's is a cool activity bar that offers high-tech digital dartboards. 90 minutes of gameplay starts from only £9 per person, with all sorts of fun minigames to get competitive over with your friends.

There's a brilliant cocktail menu to make the most of while you play - which you can pair with tasty small plates, sharing boards or stone-baked pizzas.

A cutting-edge virtual reality venue that allows you to explore eight different worlds, Sandbox VR can be found in the Grand Central shopping centre. Immerse yourself in the Squid Game arena or slay zombies, before heading to their futuristic bar.

You'll find the UK's first ever robotic bartender here, who'll shake up cocktails for you while you watch your performance back on their screens.

A stunning entry on our list, Vagabond Wines deserves a shoutout because of its quirky machines featuring over 100 different types of wine. Plus, the gorgeous venue has plenty of snacks, including charcuterie spreads and sumptuous pizzas.

A Bavarian-inspired beer hall that's full of fun goings-on, Albert's Schloss can be found on Chamberlain Square in the city centre. They offer a cracking range of European beers, international wines and signature cocktails, as well as German-style dishes such as pretzels and schnitzels.

There's also a weekly lineup of events here, thanks to the central stage. Think live music from house bands and pianists, as well as cabaret shows.

When it comes to fun-loving activity bars in Birmingham, Felson's is blowing it out of the water. This Broad Street boozer hosts a range of fun games, including shuffleboard, table football and pool - the perfect accompaniment to craft beers and themed burgers.

One of the city's wildest bars, Coyote Ugly on Broad Street is a Nashville-themed venue that's all about amazing nights out. Expect great tunes and line dancing lessons from their World Famous Coyotes, all in a vibrant, colourful setting.

You can also nab tickets to their bottomless brunches for as little as £25 per person, including 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and all-you-can-eat pizza.

One of the best rooftop bars in Birmingham, Sky By The Water is all about the stunning surroundings. From its chic and colourful interiors to the igloos on its hugely popular open-air terrace, there's nothing about this vibrant venue that won't catch your eye.

Pinball and pints? You don't need to ask us twice. Tilt is a quaint little cafe by day and lively bar by night, serving hot coffees until 5pm and post-work beverages aplenty. They've also got a big selection of machines and classic consoles to get competitive over with your pals.

Hunting for low-key style and high-brow brews? Head down to the arches of Moor Street Station and you'll find this chic little craft beer bar offering a mammoth line-up of exceptional sips, as well as some of the best cheese toasties around.

Quirky bar Mama Roux's is on hand for all your late night partying and disco dancing needs, thanks to a lineup of world class DJs and top performers. Better yet, the glitter ball and gorgeous botanical ceiling in the yard are pretty easy on the eye too.

Offering a taste of the warmer climes in the heart of Digbeth, Birdies Bar features the best beverages and top-notch BBQ. In the heart of the Custard Factory, they're letting you get stuck into tropical sips like a Banana Punch, Life's A Peach, and a pink Flamingo Cooler all for £8.20 each. 

Popular celebrity haunt The Ivy has brought its brasserie brand to Birmingham. More relaxed that the flagship restaurant, it's open to walk-in as well as bookings. The decor is sure to catch your eye before you've even taken a seat. Think vibrant colours, art deco touches and murals on every wall.

The drinks are just as eye-catching. Grab a seat at the bar or settle into a plush booth for fine fizz and seasonal classic cocktails, from the Hot Honey Margarita to the Champagne and Pear Mojito.

Beautifully decorated with vintage records, disco balls and kitsch furniture, Digbeth's Night Owl is a homage to all things retro. The bar and nightclub specialises in funk, soul, ska and reggae, and they've got charm, quirk and style by crate load.

Noel's Bar & Restaurant serves up a slice of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Midlands. Its huge open kitchen, gorgeous greenery and statement charcoal grill gives plenty to grab your attention. 

With floor-to-ceiling windows right opposite the canal, it's a top spot for a glass of fizz, classic cocktails or a delicious bite to eat. Settle into this riverside retreat for homemade specials packed with fresh ingredients, from hearty risottos to perfectly charred skewers and traditional tiramisu.

A modern Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of the city, The Mayan is a feast for every sense. The decor is sleek and stylish yet packed with nods to ancient culture and civilisations. It's little wonder this place was shortlisted for the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2024.

With one of Birmingham's largest collections of mezcal, cocktails are the order of the day here. Alongside all the classic concoctions are sensational signatures like the smoky Coffee & Cigar and the super sophisticated El Respeto.

A cool neighbourhood bar in Stirchley, Couch is an intimate cocktail spot that was founded by local duo Katie Rouse and Jacob Clarke. The interiors are dark, moody, laid-back and filled with pretty plants, with a charming outdoor space for the summer months.

They've won multiple awards, from a place in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars to Bar Team of the Year. Their cocktail menu changes regularly, with creative themes like iconic women in music, films or TV.

For one of the best bars in Birmingham, this unique gaming hub promises activities to help you release the child within. Head down for ping pong, bowling, pool and shuffleboard, alongside zesty cocktails and American-inspired eats.