With cosy gastropubs, dynamic cocktail bars and glorious riverside steakhouses, it's no wonder more and more people are considering Waterloo a great place to go out and enjoy themselves. And if not for that? There are plenty of great places to take off the load after the working week. Check out our recommendations for the best bars in Waterloo whatever the weather.
For the peckish? Check out some great restaurants in Waterloo.
Inject a little fun into your night out with Lucky Voice, the newest venue under the karaoke brand's belt. This snazzy spot boasts eight private rooms where you can your friends can sing your heart out all night long, with a 2:30am closing time from Wednesday to Saturday. They've got thousands of songs to choose from, alongside a stylish bar filled with neon lights and leather booths, serving all kinds of creative cocktails.
With views out over The Thames, Skylon is a slick restaurant and bar in Waterloo. This is a great choice for everything from dates to mates and client meetings, with all-day dining that includes smart dinners, vegan dishes, weekend brunch and seasonal menus.
With a focus on sustainability and award-winning architecture, The Green Room is the perfect spot for a late-evening tipple or a spot of pre-theatre dining. The menu is made up of slow-cooked meat, tasty burgers, gourmet desserts and quaffable cocktails.
Craft beer lovers and street food fanatics welcome to The Understudy - your new favourite South Bank hangout. With a carefully curated menu of drinks from brands like Black Lines Cocktails, East London Liquor Co., and Gipsy Hill Brewing, this lively spot takes your sipping experience up a notch.
But that's not all - KERB's street food lineup brings a rotating selection of top traders, currently featuring Meltdown's indulgent burgers, Sen Noods' steaming bowls of ramen, and Sireli's Middle Eastern wraps.
Tonight Josephine has set tongues wagging with its neon decor, bad-ass slogan signs and brilliant cocktails. Decorated in bright pink, find this basement bar moments from Waterloo for a night of dancing, drinking and causing all sorts of trouble.
A casual pub in Waterloo, The Mulberry Bush is primed for those that want to grab a quick pint once off the train. Grab a drink or two... or stick around for longer and enjoy their roster of delicious, Brirish gastro plates.
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Founders Arms is a gorgeous little spot for a refreshing drink with a view. The vast array of tasty tipples includes craft beers, award-winning real ales, local gins and international wines.
Calling all foodies and cinema lovers. Head over to Benugo at BFI Southbank for lunch, dinner, or drinks with a stunning view of the River Thames. Their menu has everything from sparkling wines to stunning cocktails and a wide selection of beers and ciders.
All Bar One should be your number one stop if you are around the area. Whether you want to drink some cocktails with friends, or are craving an after-work feast from their menu of classic British dishes, they can provide everything in a fun, care-free environment.
Tucked away under the railway arches, Jack's Bar is a hidden gem that features a spacious outdoor terrace, plus a stylish bar and dining area. Expect exposed brick walls, industrial-looking ceilings and long wooden tables, where you can enjoy a cracking selection of beers and cocktails.
They host live music here on a regular basis, and it's the perfect place to party. If you're feeling peckish, Thai street food vendor Johnny Rice is serving up everything from sesame chicken wings to tofu stir fry seven days a week.
Hidden down the backstreets of Waterloo, The White Hart is an old school boozer with plenty of style. If you're in the area, make sure to pop by this charming haunt for a load of scrumptious British grub, as well as premium ales, wines and spirits.
Situated on Roupell Street, The King's Arms is a homely pub boasting rustic interiors like wooden beams and vintage posters. The charming spot has won Pub of the year multiple times, probably thanks to the eight pumps of real ale and a rotating selection of guest beers.
You'll find delicious Thai eats on their menu, thanks to Kanchana's Kitchen. Expect everything from butterfly prawns to mixed vegetable stir fry or massaman curry here.
Looking for a place for a pint without straying from the city? You've found it at the Chaplin Bar. All parquet floors, warm lighting and stylish finishes, it's perfect for post-work drinks, date nights and long catchups over cocktails.
Expect all kinds of signature serves, fine fizz and a wine list specially selected by the in-house sommelière. Need a little nibble while you're here? There's hearty pastas, curries and sticky wings to see to that.
Looking for a place to drink near Waterloo, but simply hoping for something chilled, relaxed and humble? Then why not head on down to Steam Engine for their burger roster, craft pints and laid-back atmosphere.
With an open-plan kitchen, alfresco terrace, and industrial sophistication, The Refinery on Southwark Street packs a punch. Boasting an innovative menu that's all about organic ingredients and class tipples featuring cocktails like the Arabian Nights and the Moon Mule, this spot is perfect for catching up with the fam or work pals.
The clinking of Champagne glasses, the chattering of city folk and the scoffing of grand gastro grub? It can only be Champagne Charlie's. Heralded for its classic interiors, exposed barrels, worldwide bottles of bubbly and bespoke plates, this is a must-try.
You don't need to head far from Waterloo to find a proper local's drinking spot; The Duke of Sussex is a boozer that serves up pints of real ale, wine and seasonal cocktails. As well as a huge beer garden perfect for summer, the pub is winter-friendly with roaring fireplaces and hearty roasts.
Head over to Mercato Metropolitano where you'll find one of the best bars near Waterloo. The German Kraft Brewery will be serving up fresh pint of authentic beer, so all you have to do is nab a spot in the massive beer garden and let the sun shine down upon you.
Found under the formerly disused railway arches in Waterloo, Draughts is the activity bar that offers one of the biggest selections of board games you ever did see. And while you play? Sip delicious craft beers or cocktails and chow down on top grub.
Situated in the new station, BrewDog Waterloo is a first-class bar ideal for sinking bevvies with pals. Make your way in and you'll be met with industrial-style interiors, a cool bowling alley alongside a menu touting American-inspired plates or lip-smacking concoctions. Topping it off? 1920s-style speakeasy from award-winning bartender Rich Woods, Lost Property Office, is hidden away inside too.
When it comes to rooftop bars in Waterloo, Circe's has replaced Bar Elba as the big hitter. Think gorgeous views alongside a Greek-style theme, spanning Olympians-inspired cocktails, Mediterranean small plates, and a stunning look with pops of pink and yellow. There are bottomless brunches galore rounding off the whole package.
Hop off the train at Waterloo and over to Slug & Lettuce, where you'll encounter a venue that offers great value for money and a dynamic party atmosphere. Perfect for a pit-stop on a day of sight-seeing, the venue serves up everything from burgers through to super salads.
Tucked away above the city, Waterloo Sky Bar is one of Waterloo's best-kept secrets - a stylish rooftop bar offering a calm, upscale vibe just minutes from the South Bank and Old Vic.
Inside, you'll find sleek lounge seating and a warm, wood-decked terrace outside, perfect for sunset views over London. The bar specialises in Mediterranean-inspired tapas and cocktails, making it ideal for a pre-theatre bite, date night, or quiet drinks with friends. With attentive service and breathtaking views, it's a standout option for those seeking something a little more refined in the Waterloo bar scene.
Situated on Sandell Street, Auberge is a French-inspired bistro and bar in Waterloo worth visiting if you're on the hunt for yummy European eats. Whether you're popping in for a few drinks on the rooftop terrace or for the fillet of salmon with potato gratin and creamed spinach, this venue has it all. Head over to sip craft beers and international wines while taking in stunning vistas across London courtesy of their pretty rooftop.
