Cool and Quirky Bars in Manchester

With a cracking cocktail list filled with innovative mixes, Foundry Project is one top spot for drinks in the Northern Quarter. And if hunger strikes? There's an extensive food menu taking you from brunch through to late night dinners, set against a backdrop of swanky interiors.

When it comes to cool and quirky bars in Manchester, there are very few places as impressive as ONE EIGHT SIX. Serving up some of the most inventive cocktails in town, this basement bars pairs its sips with vibrant live music nights and some seriously Insta-worthy interiors.

Boasting stylish private dining pods, a well-stocked bar and swish jungle-themed interiors. The Lawn Club is the perfect spot to soak up the sun in Manchester. Located in the heart of Hardman Square, this place is a wonderland of alfresco drinking with private pods and deckchairs for grabs. 

Impossible is one of the coolest restaurant bars in Manchester, offering guests an array of entertainment that goes from theatre to cabaret. Take your dinner plans up a notch at this Deansgate spot, where an inventive menu of fine dining and handcrafted sips take centre stage.

When it comes to rule breakers and noise makers in Manchester, there's no quirky bar quite like Albert's Schloss. From steins and sausages, to heaped plates and heaving live performances, you'll be dancing on tables at this fun-loving haunt before you know it. 

Electric Gamebox is serving up a whole range of interactive activities to choose from at its quirky entertainment spot. Spend a night smashing block and catching coins in your own immersive private pad.

A must-visit for any gin fan, Three Little Words is the sleek restaurant that neighbours the Spirit of Manchester distillery. Head here to learn all about the science behind the perfect G&T before feasting on a mouthwatering menu of international plates and classic Sunday roasts.

If its live music and alfresco drinking sessions you're after, check out what the folks at YES are up to. Expect some of the hottest band in the UK and beyond, quirky art exhibitions, pop-up screenings and plenty more on the suntrap terrace space when the weekend kicks off.

For something a little different, head to the American-inspired Cane and Grain. The quirky Northern Quarter bar offers the city's hungry revellers a characterful place for scoffing Southern-style bites and a neat selection of handcrafted cocktails in its secret bar upstairs. 

Candy colour schemes and Instagram vibes are the name of the game at this unique haunt. Sunset by Australasia is one of the top bars in Manchester with outdoor seating; perfect for warm summer days with its leafy terrace, platters of sushi and frozen cocktails to keep you hydrated.

A cool and quirky bar in Manchester city centre, Alcotraz is bringing together smuggling, sipping and speakeasy vibes in one fun experience. Your task? To sneak a bottle of your favourite spirit past the guards so the talented inmates can turn it into a tasty tipple.

Start stretching out those arms, make sure that lunge is in check and (most importantly) get practising your victory strike dance because Dog Bowl is a playground the city's big kids. One of the coolest bars in Manchester, this lave is strictly a competitor's zone, so bowl on.

One of the coolest cocktail bars in Manchester city centre, Dirty Martini always promises a winning night out. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour pre-drinks, a boozy brunch or one of their famous afternoon teas, this place is sure to blow you away with its siganture sips.

This basement bar is a den of Mexican libations, tacos and wings. With a huge neon sign, exposed brick and colourful tiles, El Capo is a quirky for something a little low-key; plus they've got a huge tequila and mezcal choice if you fancy taking things up a notch.

Bringing you some very quirky signature cocktails, tasty pizzas and tech-savvy dart boards for you to challenge your friends, this cool Manchester bar is an experience like no other. Looking for the best boozy brunches in Manchester? Check out Flight Club's weekly socials.

With three bars across the city, The Alchemist is a great choice for cocktails. The New York Street venue is one of our faves, with a party atmosphere come the weekend, so make sure to check out their incredible mixes which incorporate everything from dry ice to smoke.

Another Northern Quarter staples, Behind Closed Doors is a speakeasy bar serving potent signature cocktails. With naughty vintage images dotted around the space, telephones on tables, DJ decks in a shopping trolley and a hidden location, this quirky joint is ticking all the right boxes.

Laundry day getting you down? With more than just soap suds and wash cycles on offer, this secret bar in Manchester is a hideout for those in the know. Dump your clothes in exchange for a tumble through the dryer where you'll discover a lair of potent libations and late night antics.

Disguised as a bog standard newsagent, Convenience Store might not initially strike as a top place to grab a cocktail. But find the 'not another fucking Tesco Express' sign, and you're in for a treat as the bar mixes up arcade games, slushy drinks and a banging playlist.

One of the best bars in Manchester, Allotment Bar is bringing a slice of countryside charm and botanical boozing in The Printworks. Expect to find an English garden-inspired haunt made up of shrubbery and picnic benches, perfect for casual daytime drinking sessions.

From the same minds behind Crazy Pedro's; Bunny Jackson's is a hopping and rocking live music bar. Billed as Manchester's greatest Juke Joint, the bar plays hit after hit as well a offering Americana vibes in the menu and quirky interiors to match.

This fab Northern Quarter haunt is a jazz joint famous for live music, tapas and Prohibition-style interiors. Follow the neon sign signalling to the entrance of Matt and Phred's and you'll find a rowdy bar that champions raucous nights of drinking, dancing and rule-breaking. 

With Asian small plates and cool industrial interiors, Cottonopolis is a top choice for date night in Manchester. Pop to try their comprehensive selection of sake, or if you're seeking something a little different, the bartenders knock up a range of stunning handcrafted concoctions. 

Hidden behind the pretence of an old pawn shop window, this top secret bar in the Northern Quarter is made up of comfy sofas, a blasting jukebox and top-notch cocktails. Swing by Dusk 'Til Pawn for quirky concoctions and killer tunes in a unique setting. 

More than just a cool cocktail bar in Manchester, Project Halcyon is a prime drinking destination and distillery all in one. Taking over a renovated warehouse space, this gin palace is bringing you handcrafted cocktails, take home bottles, informative masterclasses and unmissable tastings.

Phones at the ready, this is one seriously Instagrammable spot. Located in a former Salford office block, Menagerie boasts pretty interiors that include bird sculptures suspended from the ceiling, neon signs and plenty of floral features to accompany your cocktail sipping.

From its craft beer down to its juicy burgers and roast dinners, Trof is a casual quirky bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Toting its own vintage vibe, retro furniture and exposed brickwork this place has a chilled out aesthetic, which switches into a party vibe when night falls.

A firm choice for live music in Manchester, Jimmy's has got rock 'n' roll running through its veins. Band posters decorate walls, there's knickknacks collected from touring bands, and a long list of acts taking to the stage. The support? Great beer and comfort food.

When it comes to cocktail bars in Manchester city centre, Sandinista is a go-to for Cuban cocktails, live music and quirky interiors. Named after The Clash's classic album, this place oozes cool vibes from its libations and tapas-style dishes through to its 3am closing time.

One of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields is sure to add a dash of exclusivity to your nights out in the city. Start off in the brasserie for classic British bites before heading to the Asian-inspired bar space or to the very top of the building for alfresco sips.

If you want a game, chances are that this neon-lit subterranean den has got it. 7 Sins is an underground world hiding all sorts of fun, from shuffleboard and pool through to arcade classics. Feeling thirsty? Fill up on creative cocktails and Insta-worthy freakshakes.