Cool And Quirky Bars In Liverpool

• Location: Cains Brewery, Stanhope Street, L8 5XJ
• Price: ££
• Best for: AR Darts, retro nostalgia, and date night
• What to order: hugo spritz
• Why we recommend: located in the beautifully restored Cains Brewery, Hot Shots combines Augmented Reality (AR) Darts with a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia. We think that it's a cool venue where you can play interactive games while surrounded by Rubik's cubes and retro decor

Step out of the modern city and back into a world of Chopper bikes, Rubik's cubes and retro games at Hot Shots. With 10 AR dart lanes, two private karaoke rooms, shuffleboards and pinball machines, there's plenty to keep you entertained.

The drinks list is just as exciting, packing in shot paddles, signature serves and fiery cocktails. There's plenty of heat on the meat too, whether you tuck into spicy chicken strips or take on the 30 hot wings in ten minutes Inferno Challenge.

• Location: 36 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4BE
• Price: ££-£££
• Best for: immersive cocktail experience, stag or hen dos, and date nights
• What to order: it's a surprise
• Why we recommend: we think that Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six is a great pick for when you're looking for something a little different. It's a brilliant, theatrical experience that'll have you drinking in the middle of an illicit operation - will you hold your nerve? 

This list wouldn't be complete without the mention of Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Six. What to expect? A prison-themed immersive experience, where you'll need to dress the part, sneak in your own alcohol purchased before the event, and be interrogated by the warden - although with a cocktail to hand, of course. 

Tickets vary by experience tier, though all include four drinks each and time in your very own cell. If you choose the 'associate package' you'll leave with your own 'prison record card' souvenir.

• Location: 5-6 Kenyon's Steps, Liverpool City Centre, L1 3DF
• Price: ££
• Best for: Social darts and brunch
• What to order: salted caramel espresso martini
• Why we recommend: Flight Club has reinvented the traditional game of darts for the 21st century with its social darts concept. It's a top pick for a quirky activity bar, featuring automated scoring, mini-games, and a stunning fairground aesthetic

Interactive darts, anyone? Flight Club has completely revamped darts for the 21st century, offering six epic Social Darts games in a super cool bar. Their fast-paced multiplayer games bring people together and keep you entertained in a highly energetic environment.

Whether you're a pro or a newbie, everyone's got a shot at winning with a visit to this fun-filled bar. They've got some delicious cocktails up for drinking too, like their salted caramel espresso martini, Bakewell sour, and the vodka-based Peach Dreams. 

• Location: 41 Slater Street, Ropewalks, L1 4AU
• Price: ££
• Best for: great mixology, Caribbean soul, and a speakeasy experience
• What to order: Roots of Agave
• Why we recommend: Manolo is a sophisticated nod to the cocktail culture of 1950s Havana, tucked away on Slater Street. It's a cool cocktail bar in Liverpool for the discerning drinker, focusing on precision, quality ice, and reimagined classics

When it comes to quirky hotspots, Manolo is up at the top of our list. This speakeasy-style Ropewalks haunt is home to tasty drinks. It's an intimate Caribbean-inspired cocktail lounge, open until 1am from Wednesday to Sunday, and was voted Newcomer Of The Year at the Top 50 Cocktail Bar Awards. 

Feeling thirsty? Opt for a Roots of Agave, made using tequila, lime, agave, carrot and pineapple foam or choose between the classic cocktail menu - either way, it won't disappoint.

• Location: 36 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4BE
• Price: ££-£££
• Best for: immersive theatre, date night, and Wild West fans
• What to order: whatever the bartenders mix with the spirit you smuggled in
• Why we recommend: we have to admit, this is arguably the most quirky bar experience in the city. As soon as you arrive, you're fitted with a Stetson and cowboy gear before smuggling your own spirits past the Sheriff into an illegal moonshine operation

Located on Seel Street, Moonshine Saloon is a fantastic, Wild West-themed immersive experience where you'll smuggle in your own bottle of liquor for the talented mixologists to turn into four bespoke cocktails.

The live actors will get you involved in card games and other old-school entertainment, but make sure to avoid the Sheriff as he's out to shut down the whole operation. You'll even be dressed in a Western wardrobe by the tailor, making sure to blend in with the locals.

• Location: 5 Brunswick Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 0UU
• Price: £££
• Best for: theatrical drinks and impressive date nights
• What to order: Bong Voyage
• Why we recommend: located in a stunning Grade II-listed building, The Alchemist is all about molecular mixology. It's a staple for any list of great bars in the area because every drink is an experiment involving dry ice, fire, or changing colours

The Alchemist is guaranteed to add a touch of drama to your drinking session. Expect sultry surroundings, a cool soundtrack and theatrical cocktails that bubble, fizz, and surround you with smoke. If you're after the best bars in Liverpool city centre, this might just be the place, and it's a great pick for date night. 

Settle into a bronzed-coloured bar space underneath pendant lighting and order some of our favourites, like the gin-based Bong Voyage or High Voltage, made using strawberry and Sichuan peppercorn-infused Courvoisier VSO.

• Location: Radiant House, 18-26 Bold Street, Liverpool City Centre, L1 4DS
• Price: ££
• Best for: Alpine bier hall, cabaret performances, and beer
• What to order: a flight of Haus Schnapps (made in-haus)
• Why we recommend: head here for a cook haus, bakery, and bier palace all rolled into one. This sprawling Bold Street venue offers everything from live cabaret and music seven days a week to mountaintop-inspired fondue

Looking for a unique dining and drinking experience in the heart of Liverpool? Check out Albert's Schloss on Bold Street. 

This all-in-one bier house and pleasure palace has quirky live entertainment, Alpine-inspired menus featuring goodies like fondue and schnitzel, as well as a wide selection of beers and cocktail concoctions such as the Paulaner Munich and the Black Forest Gateau Martini.

• Location: 5-7 Victoria Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 5QA
• Price: £££
• Best for: glamorous parties and a girls' night out
• What to order: espresso martini 
• Why we recommend: if your idea of a cool bar involves ceiling-to-floor flowers and bright neon lights, Jaloux is for you. This Victoria Street haunt is famous for its stunning floral ceiling and plush booths, making it the most aesthetic club in the city

Fancy some tasty drinks in Liverpool? Jaloux is a Victoria Street venue that promises potent cocktails, alongside gorgeous floral ceilings and neon lights. Gather the gang for a few tipples, or head to this Instagram-worthy pink party palace on the weekends for a live DJ set.

What's more, all classic cocktails are £10, and signature concoctions are only £1 more. Take your pick from the likes of a Cherry Blossom Iced Tea, or the sharp and fruity I'm Jealous Of Me too and let your hair down to party anthems.

• Location: 87-89 Hanover Street, Liverpool City Centre, L1 3DZ
• Price: ££
• Best for: bottomless brunches and a girls' night out 
• What to order: London Lady
• Why we recommend: named after the iconic Josephine Bonaparte, this bar is a neon-pink explosion of girl power. It's widely considered one of the most Instagrammable bars in the city, featuring empowering slogans in lights and glitter-soaked interiors

With quite the reputation across the country, Tonight Josephine is bringing the very best girlie parties to Liverpool. It's a go-to for birthdays, hen parties and all your celebratory needs.

So, what to expect? This neon signage-adorned venue is not only home to vibrant interiors (think green and pink features), but also hosts bottomless brunches, happy hours and more. On the menu, you can look forward to sipping a fantastic pornstar martini, a killer espresso martini, and a tropical East 8 Hold Up.

• Location: 15 Blackstock Street, Liverpool City Centre, L3 6ER
• Price: ££
• Best for: comedy lovers, rooftop views, and varied cocktail bars
• What to order: a dram at Whisky and Water
• Why we recommend: this massive entertainment hub is home to the legendary Hot Water Comedy Club and the city's largest food market. There's a variety of bars to choose from, so you can pick your destination depending on your mood 

Looking for a spot that offers non-stop fun? Blackstock Market has it all: free entry, live music every night, and a vibrant atmosphere to match. With Hot Water Comedy Club's purpose-built theatres, you can enjoy live comedy from some of the most renowned stand-up acts.

It's Liverpool's largest food market featuring ten of the best street food vendors, and a recipe for an unforgettable time. Drinks-wise, you can have a dram at Whisky & Water, or head up to the roof garden for a beer.

• Location: 40 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4BE
• Price: ££
• Best for: immersive prison theatre and bespoke cocktails
• What to order: Post Rep Punch
• Why we recommend: Alcotraz's The Yard is a theatrical cocktail bar where you are the inmate. Here, you'll trade 'ciagrettes' for illicit libations, and every exchange tells a story. It's a very fun take on a bar experience 

Looking for something a little different in Liverpool? Step into the world of Alcotraz - The Yard, an immersive, prison-themed outdoor space where freedom and felony collide. Exchange contraband cigarettes for craft cocktails served in repurposed oil cans and modified prison boots.

Whether you're plotting escapes with your friends or enjoying a game of basketball, this spot is packed with quirky fun and thrilling vibes. Perfect for those who love a bit of rebellion with their drinks and an experience that's anything but ordinary.

• Location: 45-61 Duke Street, Ropewalks, L1 5AP
• Price: ££
• Best for: competitive socialising, rooftop sun, and group hangouts
• What to order: picante
• Why we recommend: we love the fact that this is a massive, multi-floor playground where you can play shuffleboard, pool, or bowl before heading to the roof for DJ sets and burgers

Elevate your night out by heading on over to Pins Social Club on Duke Street. Taking you from day to evening, this joint slings out fantastic brunches with flowing cocktails, alongside a fantastic selection of games, including bowling and shuffleboard.

They've got a fabulous selection of house cocktails like the tequila-based picante or The Little Lebowski, made using Tito's and coffee liqueur. You'll also find a lovely selection of spritzers, beers, and team drinks that can be drunk out of trophies. Literally. 

• Location: 89 Lark Lane, Sefton Park, L17 8UP
• Price: ££
• Best for: wine lovers, date night, and a neighbourhood drink 
• What to order: Amies De Rosie
• Why we recommend: moving away from the city centre to the iconic Lark Lane, Polidor 68 offers a slice of 1960s French bistro culture. It's a wine bar that feels lived-in and loved, with vinyl records spinning and candlelight flickering

Set on the bohemian stretch of Lark Lane, Polidor 68 is a stylish wine and cocktail bar serving up French bistro charm with a modern twist. From brunch to late-night jazz, the venue offers a rotating menu of small plates, vegan options and expertly mixed drinks.

With its dog-friendly policy and warm, intimate setting, it's perfect for date nights or laid-back gatherings. Look forward to cocktails like the Amies De Rosie, featuring vodka, Chambord, lemon, raspberries and Mediterranean tonic, or Naked and French, with St Germain, Lillet Blanc, Campari and honey. 

• Location: Cains Brewery Village, Stanhope Street, Baltic Triangle, L8 5XJ
• Price: ££
• Best for: adult mini-golf and date night
• What to order: The Claw
• Why we recommend: Golf Fang is a neon-lit, 18-hole wonderland of bizarre obstacles and street art. It's one of the most alternative bars in Liverpool, where you can putt through a mock-up Jeremy Kyle set or a retro bus while DJs spin hip-hop

Looking for something a little different on your next night out? Then make your way to Golf Fang in the Baltic Triangle, where you'll find a quirky, crazy golf course filled with graffiti and colourful decor, with a unique theme at every single hole.

They also offer karaoke and an interactive, AR darts experience: Throwies. While you're at it, munch on delicious street food and sip creative cocktails, such as the fruity gin-based The Claw, or the refreshing Golfers Paradise, made with vodka, passionfruit liqueur, and vanilla.

• Location: 21-23 Berry Street, Ropewalks, L1 9DF
• Price: ££
• Best for: rooftop drinks, cocktail masterclasses, nights out with friends, and date night
• What to order: Dirty Harry
• Why we recommend: Red Door has excellent ambience and well-priced drinks. It plays all sorts of music, from RnB to throw-back songs that'll make you feel nostalgic, and you'll find it by spying a little red hanging door at the top of the building, streetside - how illusive 

One of the best cocktail bars in Liverpool, Red Door is a rooftop venue that knows how to please a crowd. The late-night destination is keeping punters happy with a mix of excellent DJs, unique drinks and contemporary interiors. You'll find disco balls, pendant lighting and a warm glow to the main bar, with plenty of neon signage making it very aesthetic to take a picture of.

Drinks-wise, the menu is split into four categories: The New Era, Times Gone By, Classical Masterpiece, and Sobriety. These are all inspired by song names, and some of our favourites include Dirty Harry, featuring Wooford Reserve and ginger ale, as well as the prosecco and raspberry vodka-based Fizz Ya Bean.

• Location: 42 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4AU
• Price: ££
• Best for: bottomless brunch and live music
• What to order: the cocktail of the month 
• Why we recommend: Masons is a powerhouse of brunch and live music in the heart of Seel Street. With spectacular sparkler drops, live musicians, and a Mediterranean-inspired menu, we find that the atmosphere is electric from midday until the early hours

A stunning gem located on Seel Street, Masons is a lush bar and restaurant sporting quirky disco walls and neon decor. The venue feels like a chic greenhouse that met a luxury club, featuring hanging plants and plush velvet seating.

An all-day and all-night extravaganza, this party venue serves the best cocktails in town; from the raspberry vodka-infused Lai See You Later to the frozen limoncello Lemon Snow Drop, they've got all your boozy desires covered.

• Location: 82a Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4BH
• Price: £
• Best for: Johnny Cash fans and free pizza
• What to order: Hurricane
• Why we recommend: inspired by the legendary Johnny Cash, this Deep South-themed dive bar is full of character. It's one of the best bars in the capital for deals because, before 9pm, you get a free 6" pizza with every drink

The coolest and quirkiest bar in Liverpool? Mean Eyed Cat. This Deep South dive-inspired beauty not only has free pizza with every drink and a 'roll the dice' game (that's your round for free if you roll a six), but also a hidden tiki bar with 1950s Polynesian style.

Cocktails include 'mean classics' like the Rum Runner (with a hint of spice), Johnny's Marg, and a Maple Old Fashioned, which has got a real punch to it.

• Location: 79 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4BB
• Price: ££
• Best for: Steiny's, hot dogs, and late-night rock 'n' roll
• What to order: Salt Dog Millionaire
• Why we recommend: Salt Dog Slim's is a legendary Seel Street dive and stein bar. Known for serving world-class cocktails alongside American-style hot dogs, it's a quirky Liverpool bar that most definitely doesn't take itself too seriously

Salt Dog Slim's is a cool and quirky bar on Seel Street, fronting industrial NYC styling with exposed brick, taxidermy and graffiti to boot. Better yet, there's a speakeasy with a secret access code hidden upstairs.

Take your pick from signature cocktails like the Bacardi and apricot-flavoured Salt Dog Millionaire, and the gin and elderflower-based Pink Panther. They do classics really well here, too, as well as pouring Dortmunder Vier on tap.

• Location: 22 Seel Street, Ropewalks, L1 4AU
• Price: ££
• Best for: Botanical aesthetics, RnB nights, and floral photos
• What to order: prosecco
• Why we recommend: Overgrown is a lush, botanical paradise hidden on Seel Street, and it features seasonal floral installations that change throughout the year, creating an urban jungle feel

You'll find Overgrown Bar on Seel Street, decked out in gorgeous floral decor and neon signs. This quirky spot is known for hosting some of Liverpool's top DJs on a regular basis, making for great nights out from Thursday through to Sunday.

Sip delicious cocktails in an Instagrammable location, with a tasty menu up for grabs too. Think garlic chilli prawns, halloumi burgers, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and more, with brunch available on weekends too.

• Location: 62 Lark Lane, Sefton Park, L17 8UU
• Price: ££
• Best for: jazz music, French cocktails, and intimate dates
• What to order: a classic French martini
• Why we recommend: a sister site to the city centre favourite on Berry Street, this Lark Lane gem is all about the Joie de Vivre. It's a cocktail bar that focuses on jazz, fine wine, and a 'petit' menu of perfectly executed drinks

Looking for somewhere that feels a little different from the usual bar scene? Head to Petit Café, Lark Lane's effortlessly cool hideaway. This spot blends Parisian flair with Liverpool's creative spirit, with vintage décor, flickering candles, and jazz that floats through the air like poetry.

Grab an artisan cocktail or a perfectly poured glass of wine, settle in with a cheese and charcuterie board, and soak up the atmosphere. Cocktails include the classic French martini, as well as negronis, lychee martinis, and spicy margaritas. 

• Location: 45-51 Castle Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 9SH
• Price: ££
• Best for: speakeasy experience and intimate cocktails
• What to order: Mad Shark
• Why we recommend: tucked away in the historic Castle Street district, Tailors is a sophisticated nod to the era of secret drinking dens. It's a cool bar that leans heavily into its name, with decor inspired by a vintage haberdashery

Use the secret password at the unassuming haberdashery and enter a world of marvellous mixology at Tailors Liverpool, a sneaky speakeasy tucked away in the heart of the city. It offers a cool, intimate destination to try bold new tipples and is famed for its dry ice concoctions.

On the menu, you'll find the likes of the vodka-based Mad Shark, the Secret Garden made with cucumber-infused gin and even a Barbie-themed tipple.

• Location: 52 Bold Street, Ropewalks, L1 4EA
• Price: ££
• Best for: wild dancing, American BBQ, and rowdy atmosphere
• What to order: a bucket of beer or a Coyote shot
• Why we recommend: based on the famous movie, this Bold Street haunt is world-renowned for its Coyotes dancing on the bar, and you're encouraged to let loose and join the fun - count us in 

If you're looking for an elegant gin bar or sophisticated cocktail lounge, keep looking. This is the brilliantly boot-stompin' Coyote Ugly. 

The most famous bar on the planet gives you plenty of reasons to pay a visit. We're talking line dancing lessons, boozy bottomless brunches and entertainment just for hell-raising hens.

• Location: 9-11 Victoria Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 5QQ
• Price: £
• Best for: LGBTQ+ nights, drag shows, and dancing
• What to order: your favourite spirit and mixer
• Why we recommend: OMG is one of the most colourful and inclusive bars in the city. As a premier gay bar and club, it's famous for its incredible lighting rigs, booming sound system, and some of the best drag performances in the North West

If you're after an LGBTQ bar in the city, Omg Liverpool is a firm choice. Touting a fabulous range of live entertainment and music from some of the best in the business, this Victoria Street hotspot is bound to get hearts racing. Thirsty? They have an epic cocktail menu for that. 

Throughout the week, expect shows like Slut Drop To The Top, with lip sync and karaoke performances and £3.50 drinks, student nights on Thursdays, and the Big Gay Night Out on Saturdays with Kiki Pain and Regina McQueen. 

• Location: 8 Vernon Street, Cavern Quarter, L2 2AY
• Price: ££
• Best for: secret speakeasy, date night, and girls' night out 
• What to order: Blacklers Bramble
• Why we recommend: this intimate cocktail lounge is such a quirky find - if you know where the entrance is first. The mixology here is impressive and creative, with eye-catching drinks served in barrels and occasionally topped with retro sweets

On the hunt for secret bars in Liverpool? Ex Directory takes the cake when it comes to unique nights out. First off, you'll need to find the hidden red door to gain access to this illicit drinking den (top tip: it's a phone box). Once inside, you'll be able to enjoy its afternoon teas and high-end cocktails.

You'll be able to try everything from tipples served in disco balls to classics with a twist. The interiors are strong too - feast your eyes on glowing glitter balls and neon signs. The telephone box theme runs throughout, with murals and all.

• Location: 48 Berry Street, Ropewalks, L1 4JQ
• Price: ££
• Best for: a speakeasy experience, live music, masterclasses
• What to order: an old fashioned (they're famous for their whisky collection)
• Why we recommend: look for a black awning, then find yourself whisked away to a cocktail lover's dream at Berry & Rye. We love this spot for its live music and masterclasses, where you can make your very own blend of whisky to take home 

With notoriety to its name and quality cocktails on the menu, Berry and Rye makes this list for drinks alone. Not just a space for some of the coolest concoctions in the city, this Berry Street speakeasy envelops you in a truly decadent and vintage drinking world.

Its interiors have prohibition-style accents, and the bar has been pouring whisky since 2010, so it's safe to say they know how to make a mean old fashioned. Go with a friend or on a date and find something rare to tempt your taste buds with, or show up for some live music and an unbeatable sultry atmosphere. 

• Location: 82 Duke Street, Ropewalks, L1 5AA
• Price: ££
• Best for: magic enthusiasts, intimate drinks, and unique experiences
• What to order: Jewel Thief
• Why we recommend: we think that The Oracle is perhaps the most illusive bar in the city. Based on a 1900s gambling den, this speakeasy serves world-class cocktails and features close-up magicians who wander the room performing mind-bending sleight of hand at your table

The Oracle is the Duke Street spot combining magic and mixology into one exceptional drinking den, and arguably one of the best bars in Liverpool. Hidden behind a nondescript door, this Victorian-inspired cocktail bar offers a range of classic concoctions, alongside magicians who'll add sleight-of-hand to the sipping sessions.

Signature drinks include Rhubarb and Custard, featuring amaretto and custard syrup, as well as the zesty and citrusy Jewel Thief, which has a delicate air about it, contrasting the indulgent caffeine-fuelled Bounty Hunter.

• Location: 5-7 Fleet Street, Liverpool City Centre, L1 4AR
• Price: ££
• Best for: a dive bar, late-night karaoke, and alternative dates
• What to order: Solero
• Why we recommend: Motel Bar brings a slice of gritty, neon-soaked Americana to the Ropewalks. It's like a hidden film set, complete with local craft beers, cocktails, and a soundtrack of alternative anthems

Fleet Street has long been the place for finding unique joints, and Motel is holding up that reputation. An unrivalled space of urban interiors and industrial charm, this much-loved venue promises tongue-tantalising American drinks, alongside a lineup of smashing entertainment.

The drinks here are affordable and fun. Check out cocktails like the Captain Morgan spiced rum and peach liqueur-based Solero for £9.50, or the refreshing Tokyo Iced Tea - order two, and you'll get them for £15. 

• Location: 62 Castle Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 7LQ
• Price: ££
• Best for: bottomless lunch and glam clubbing
• What to order: Cherry Cola Bomb
• Why we recommend: Neighbourhood is where New York loft interiors meet Liverpool's signature glamour. Set in a stunning building on Castle Street, it transitions seamlessly from a chic midday brunch spot to a club at night, complete with live saxophonists and dancers

Cool Castle Street bar Neighbourhood is one to head to when you're after all kinds of fun, from bottomless brunches to popping interiors for your Instagram pictures. Plus, there's a live DJ and entertainment, plus VIP booths for bottle tables on a Friday or Saturday night.

Its signature cocktails start from £12 each and include Cherry Cola Bomb, featuring Tanqueray Nº 10 gin, Chase vodka, Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, Patrón silver tequila, Briottet cherry liqueur, and cherry vanilla syrup. We also love the gin-based 365 Days Of Summer for a fruity kick. 

• Location: Unit 3A, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AF
• Price: ££
• Best for: Dockside drinks, live pub music, and classic cocktails
• What to order: a freshly poured Guinness
• Why we recommend: named after the historic cannon fire that once signalled the time to ships on the Mersey, this bar nods to New York pubs in the heart of the Royal Albert Dock. It's one of the great bars in Liverpool, and it manages to balance maritime history with a contemporary edge

Do you know what time it is? It's The One O'Clock Gun time. An award-winning cocktail bar nestled on the Royal Albert Dock, this New York pub-style live music venue was named after the dockside gun fired daily from Morpeth Dock, signalling the start of lunch for thousands of city workers.

Boasting an imaginative cocktail list alongside wine on tap and plenty of beer options, they also offer honest grub and sharing plates to munch on. We'd recommend their signature cocktails like Sloe Collins and Prickly Pear, or a pint of creamy Guinness.