Cool And Quirky Bars In Manchester

From bourbon-laced cocktails and classic concoctions to a choice of live jazz music or DJs, Blues Kitchen is bringing a taste of America's deep south to Manchester. You can also pair your drinks with low 'n' slow cooked meat or juicy burgers. As for fun events, check out their RnB and Afrobeats nights every Friday or the hip hop orchestra brunch come Saturday, both of which promise non-stop bangers while you party.

A cool and quirky bar in Manchester city centre, Alcotraz is bringing together smuggling, supping and speakeasy vibes in one fun prison-themed 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, while snapping mugshots in your orange jumpsuits and dodging the warden.

Looking for a cool and quirky bar to meet your mates at? Head to Mean Eyed Cat Manchester, a Johnny Cash inspired hangout that oozes 1950s Polynesian vibes, featuring secret tiki bar downstairs and rum runner cocktails coming with your very own mini cowboy hat. Tuck into buffalo chicken pizzas and try wild flavoured shots like chocolate chip cookie and pecan pie.

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This spot has quickly become a favourite hangout in Manchester. The competitive social bar offers a unique twist with interactive darts, various game modes, and tech shuffleboard, where scoring is automated for a seamless experience.

With plush surroundings, personal table service, and music-inspired decor that pays homage to Manchester's rich history, you'll never miss a moment of the game. And with food crafted by the chefs behind El Gato Negro, including mouthwatering small plates, pizzas, and burgers, plus a curated drinks selection, it's the ultimate spot to spend the entire day (or night) in style.

Boasting stylish private dining pods, an outdoor bar and an ivy-laden terrace that's perfect for summer, The Lawn Club is the perfect spot for alfresco drinks whatever the weather. Located in the heart of Hardman Square, this place is a wonderland of outdoor seating, with two-for-£12 cocktails from 5 'til 8pm Sunday to Thursday - from the Candyfloss Martini to a blackberry mojito. You can even nab a bottomless brunch here, featuring mouthwatering pizzas and endless mimosas.

One for the dram lovers amongst us, this Tariff Street spot is whipping up all manner of heady concoctions, spread across two floors in a Grade II listed building. Fronting some moody lighting, live entertainment, cocktail classes and even a terrace for barbecue grub come summer, there's plenty to sink your teeth into at The Whiskey Jar. Fancy a boogie? Head downstairs to their basement bar for DJ sets and disco balls galore.

Gather your friends and get down to NQ64 on either Peter Street or Manchester's Northern Quarter for a fun-filled, nostalgic evening packed with all your favourite games from your childhood. Enter the glowing neon playground to find an array of retro consoles and pinball machines, as well as the likes of Guitar Hero and Super Mario Bros. Feeling thirsty? There are themed cocktails for that, like the Kirby, made with Beefeater pink gin.

On the corner of Blackfriars Street and Parsonage, you'll find the neon signs and exposed brick walls of The Liquor Store. With cocktails named after The Walking Dead, the globe's best liquors and martinis as big as your head, this place sure knows how to get a party started - with late-night music and drinks until 3am every single night. This spot is great for private parties too, thanks to their cosy booths and bespoke outdoor areas.

Start stretching out those arms, make sure that lunge is in check and (most importantly) get practicing your victory strike dance; Wynwood Lanes is a playground for the city's big kids. The kitchen is open 'til 1am, meaning you can chow down on tasty burgers, pizzas or loaded fries from Smash and Dash whatever time your game finishes. This Oxford Road watering hole is strictly a competitor's zone, so bowl on.

After cool bars with DJs in Manchester? Inspired by uber-luxe spots of New York, LA and Miami, BLVD is a venue like no other. Mosey over to the Spinningfields venue for a mix of international small plates and expertly mixed cocktails at this Instagrammable spot. Once the sun goes down? The live entertainment and late-night fun come out to play, with some of the UK's top DJs playing on a weekly basis.

Vintage charm meets cocktail finesse at this unique bar. A wonderland for those who love a dash of 20s-style debauchery, Fitzgerald is primed for Prohibition-inspired evenings of sipping craft cocktails, curling up in romantic nooks and swooning over live jazz and blues musicians every Thursday night, alongside DJ sets on the weekend. They even offer bottomless brunches here too, complete with buttermilk chicken, halloumi or classic beef burgers.

Quirky cocktail bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter are topped off by On The Hush, a place where smoking drinks comes served in stiletto-shaped glasses and dishes include wild mushroom pasta with creamy truffle sauce and spicy chicken or halloumi burgers. Not only that, but there's bottomless brunches on Saturdays or Sundays and all sorts of fun interiors, including a full-sized phone box, colourful furniture and lots of greenery.

On the hunt for a cool, laidback cocktail bar? Make a beeline for Project Halcyon Distillery, which was voted 21st in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars for 2024, despite having been open for less than 18 months. Oozing slick, 1920s speakeasy vibes while playing modern jazz hits and shaking up a range of quirky liquid libations, using unique ingredients like Ming River Baijiu, it's simply perfect for intimate date nights and relaxed evenings with pals. And if you prefer a more straightforward drink, try out their range of wines and rotating beers on tap too. What's more, they've even got their very own absinthe parlour.

When it comes to the best bars in Manchester city centre, Salt Dog Slims is right up there. There's bespoke cocktails like the Instant Power Sour or an elderflower-infused Pink Panther, alongside classic and loaded hot dogs, a cool playlist, pool tables and a beer vending machine if you want to skip the queues. They're not short on entertainment here either, from resident DJs on the weekends to a legendary monthly quiz night with some seriously crazy prizes.

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 or pool tables through to darts, beer pong and arcade classics. Feeling thirsty? Fill up on 'Gram-worthy shakes and creative cocktails which are two-for-one until 7pm everyday - we're talking a boozy Disco Iced Tea or the bubblegum-infused Carn-Evil, as well as delicious burgers from Smash and Dash.

Gunning to get on the crease? Sixes Cricket lets you do just that in their high-tech batting nets, with plenty of drinking to be done while you're at it. They've even got a state-of-the-art AR bowling simulator at this fun-packed spot too. Better yet, they're fronting classic dishes like burgers or loaded fries and a swish Champagne bar to boot, so you can really make a night of it.

Hosting vibrant drag shows, live DJ sets every weekend and the creative cocktails to accompany, Via is not to be missed on the city's nightlife scene. Sashay your way to this venue in the Gay Village and you won't be short on friendly vibes or entertainment. And if you fancy a bite to eat before the wild nights here, check out their menu of stone-baked pizza, gourmet burgers and three for £12 tacos.

How does a Salford Quays bar with its very own gin school sound? Brought to you by the team behind beer brand Seven Bro7hers and gin brand Four Sis4ers, 11 Central is a top joint with lots to offer, including a mouthwatering menu featuring beef Wellington with smoked pomme puree, plus curried monkfish. It also comes equipped with its very own large terrace overlooking the waterfront, industrial interiors and live entertainment throughout the week.

Bringing you some bold signature cocktails, tasty pizzas and tech-savvy dartboards for you to challenge your friends on, this cool watering hole on King Street is an experience like no other. The interiors are fairground-themed, adding a little whimsy as you challenge your friends at a huge range of quirky games. Looking for the best boozy brunches? Check out Flight Club's weekly socials, which feature unlimited pizza paddles and a whole bottle of prosecco each while you play.

In need of the quirkiest activity bars in Manchester? Then Deansgate's Electric Shuffle, from the team behind Flight Club, is calling your name. Expect a similar twist on a classic bar game, complete with high-tech, automatic scoring, but with shuffleboard instead and across a retro-industrial space. Better yet? Upgrade your experience to a boozy weekend brunch complete with one hour of gaming, two hours of unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco each.

With three bars across the city, The Alchemist is a great choice for scientific-looking cocktails which incorporate everything from dry ice to smoke, like a citrussy Foam Alone or the Zombie Apocalypse, served in a laboratory-style beaker. The New York Street venue is a favourite, with a party atmosphere come the weekend and a menu of international eats such as Korean fried chicken burgers and crispy halloumi flatbreads.

A classic cocktail bar created by brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, Schofield's Bar is a top choice for date night or sophisticated drinks with friends. They focus on traditional drinks made with quality ingredients, with a real focus on hospitality.

You'll find this place on the corner of Sunlight House, a famous, art deco-style building in Spinningfields. Choose from a wide range of tipples, from a daquiri to the elderflower and Cointreau-based Sunflower.

If your cocktail tastes lean toward the experimental, you've found your happy place in Finders Keepers. With a team of mixology PHDs behind the bar, every drink is a work of art. 

We're talking the Sharon's Picante, an elegant twist on a spicy margarita, the Champagne On Ice, a dreamy blend of vodka, pear and vanilla ice cream, and the Forest Fruit Sbagliato that arrives with a sculpted iceberg. Pair your concoctions with Gordal olives or a balsamic snack mix and you've got the makings of a great night out.

Founded by Dan Berger, who has worked as a bar manager for The Ned and Gordon Ramsay's restaurant group, Blinker is one of the best cocktail spots around. The cool venue features up-cycled furniture and sleek white tiled walls, perfect for a few drinks with friends.

They've got a huge drinks menu to choose from, featuring both classic and signature cocktails. Our favourite? The Picante Verde, made with lime, agave and pineapple.

Albert's Schloss Manchester offers the finest tankards of beer from across Europe, Bavarian-inspired Cook Haus cuisine, and live performances every night of the week. It also has a killer cocktail menu and "push for prosecco" buttons at every table. What more could you want?

Formerly a private members' lounge, The Daisy is a sophisticated spot in the basement of Evelyn's in the Northern Quarter. The Parisian-inspired destination is decked out in cool artwork and comfy sofas.

they're whipping up tea and coffee during the day, and by night you can sip on elegant cocktails aplenty. Our favourite is the Strawberries and Cream, featuring wild strawberry vermouth and whisky.

If you take your vino seriously, you're in good company at the Ad Hoc Wine Shop. The shelves are absolutely stacked with classics, up-and-comers and low-intervention bottles from all over the world. 

This is the stuff the importers drinks themselves, so expect a top quality drop whatever your budget. Pop in for a glass or few and grab some bottles to take home.

Taking its inspiration from the prohibition era, Blind Tyger is a speakeasy-style bar found hidden underneath Sandinista on Old Bank Street. This sultry spot is decked out in all sorts of trinkets, as well as intricate glassware and dark furnishings. As for the drinks, expect all the classics as well as signature serves like a custard-themed Lisbon Tart or the White Jamaican, putting a Caribbean twist on the traditional white Russian.

Boasting shuffleboard, karaoke, 'crazier' golf and axe throwing, Boom Battle Bar in The Printworks is certainly up there on our list of quirky Manchester bars. The cocktails here are oh-so Instagrammable and delicious too, from the Fruit Bomb to a spiced mango margarita. And if you worked up an appetite? There's a crackin' menu for that, including pizza, loaded fries, nachos and wings.

Flawd is by no means an ordinary wine bar. Run by a collective of industry heavyweights with Michelin‑star credentials, it serves up sensational British produce along with some of the world's best vino.

The drinks list focuses on low‑intervention bottles from small‑scale producers across Europe and beyond, with many sourced directly from independent vineyards. Meanwhile, the menu is designed to pair with every sip, packing in wonderful wood-fired creations, fermented dishes and seasonal small plates.

If its live music and alfresco drinking sessions you're after, check out what the folks at YES on Charles Street are up to. Expect some of the hottest global artists performing live across the iconic pink gig room and cool basement stage, with past names including Wings of Desire, Yard Act, Giles Peterson and Ghoulish. You'll also find quirky art exhibitions, pop-up screenings and plenty more on the suntrap terrace space. As for refreshments, enjoy affordable pints and classic cocktails galore, as well as street food from We Can Be Gyros or Pepperoni Playboy Pizza.

For cool places to drink, Dusk Til Pawn is unbeaten. Hidden behind the pretence of an old pawn shop window, this quirky watering hole is made up of comfy sofas, a blasting jukebox and top-notch cocktails, including a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned. DesignMyNight awarded this spot as Manchester's top hidden gem in 2015, so be sure to swing by for concoctions and killer tunes in a unique setting. 

This popular live music venue is pumping out the tunes until 2am Monday to Saturday, with performances every single night of the week. They've hosted everyone from Jessie J to The Manic Street Preachers in the past, so there's something for everyone to enjoy while sipping on a cracking choice of beer and craft ales. And if you swing by in the daytime? Expect a traditional pub atmosphere with delicious pizzas to top it all off.

After cool rooftop bars in Manchester? Head up to the seventh floor of the Hotel Gotham, where you'll find exclusive cocktail den Brass, featuring original 20th Century glazed tiles, art-deco furnishings, bespoke light fittings and speakeasy vibes. This private members club certainly has an exclusive feel to it, as well as elegant drinks and fantastic views of the city.

Promising regular live music and Cuban-inspired drinks, Sandinista is a quirky cantina bar named after The Clash's Fourth album. You can find plenty of other rock and roll influences at this place too, from album covers on the walls to the bands that play here. Enjoy tasty tapas too, alongside a fantastic choice of cocktails, wine and beers on tap.

On a cosy corner of Chorlton's Beech Road, 97 is a neighbourhood cocktail bar that packs a mighty punch. All marble finishes, candlelit ambience and high-end spirits, it's sleek, chic and all kinds of sophisticated.

With the team behind Tariff & Dale and The Lead Station at the helm, you're sure of show-stopping flavours with every sip. Expect reimagined classics like a raisin-and-apricot–sweetened house spritz and sensational seasonal twists featuring cocoa-butter–washed pandan rum or IPA-reductions.

Owned by bartending brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, Sterling is a stylish cocktail bar hidden in a subterranean bank vault. The sultry, dark space is full of elegant wooden furnishings, with a vast selection of spirits behind the bar.

They're whipping up every cocktail you could possibly think of here, ranging from vintage classics to unique signature sips - our favourite is the strawberry and coconut-based Lava Flow.

A glam little seafood and cocktail lounge on New York Street, Bar Shrimp is all low lighting, plush red banquettes and sweeping drapes that cocoon the room. With a hi-fi rig and dedicated music director the vibe is laidback yet highly luxe.

Following a mantra of seafood, drinks and sound, it serves up oysters and small plates of tuna crudo, Cornish crab and more alongside sensational signature serves, all to the tune of a painstakingly picked playlist.

Bringing New York vibes to Spinningfields, Speak In Code is a tucked-away, cosy drinking den touting exposed brick walls, low lighting and botanical decor, which has secured itself a place on the official Top 50 UK Bars list. Their menu is entirely plant-based, with cocktails named Track 1 through to Track 12 and featuring everything from shiitake mushrooms to tobacco-spiced liqueur, as well as some twists on classic serves like the SiC Old Fashioned.

Named in memory of the owners' mum, The Jane Eyre is a neighbourhood bar with a whole lot of heart. Stylish, sleek and intentionally simple, the decor is designed to make you want linger, with a vibe to match.

Over on the menu, you can expect classic cocktails crafted with care, inventive twists and a curated selection of keg and bottled beers alongside world-class wines. There's plenty here to pair with your tasty tipples too, like British cheeses, charcuterie and nibbles sourced from local suppliers.

American rock 'n' roll joint MOJO takes inspiration from the best New York dive bars, with some of the finest cocktail classics and unique creations Manchester has to offer. Step into this neon-lit haven of rock 'n' roll for late-night parties complete with live DJs and tasty concoctions. Are they serving up the most potent zombie around? Just maybe. 

A firm choice for live music, Jimmy's has got rock 'n' roll running through its veins. Band posters decorate walls, there's knickknacks collected from touring artists, and a long list of acts taking to the stage. The support? Great beer, classic cokctails and comfort food, including crispy fried chicken burgers, fish finger butties or loaded fries, with bottomless brunches available every Saturday too.

From the same minds behind Crazy Pedro's, Bunny Jackson's is a hopping and rockin' live music bar. Billed as Manchester's greatest 'juke joint', it plays hit after hit, as well as having Americana vibes in the menu and interiors. Tuck into hotdogs, chicken wings and Southern-style burgers here, accompanied by a cracking selection of bourbons and whiskies.

Laundry day getting you down? With more than just soap suds and wash cycles on offer, this pick of quirky secret bars in Manchester is a hideout for those in the know. Go for a tumble through the dryer, where you'll discover a lair of potent libations, banging house tunes and late-night antics. Though it may be a bit of a competition to secure a space here, we promise it's well worth the queue.

With a marble-topped bar, exposed brick and snug nooks, Stray is the kind of place you want to spend some time even before you've looked at the menu. Intimate and unfussy in the corner of Mackie Mayor's Grade II‑listed food hall, it's perfect for shopping trip pit stops, post-work drinks and long nights over cocktails.

Despite only opening in 2023, it's already gained national acclaim, featuring in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars. Its USP is precision without pretension - think tomato vine margaritas and vino coladas.

Northern Monk Refectory MCR is a laidback dining room and cosy basement bar all in one, situated in the Northern Quarter. This spot is a top choice for craft beer, thanks to 18 keg lines, four cask lines and a fridge full of refreshing bottles from all around the world. Even better, you can find delicious street food from Cardinal Rule, a quirky South American vendor which is one of the only places in the UK that serves US-style biscuits.

Take a trip to this cave of French wine on King Street, where you can enjoy delicious drinks, mouthwatering pizzas and regular live music sessions. Corbieres Wine Cavern specialises in vino as you might expect, but the hidden bar also boasts a great selection of beers from around the world and cracking cocktails to boot. They've even got an old-school jukebox, and when you spend a fiver here between 4 and 8pm Tuesday to Friday you'll get a free pizza to enjoy too.

1UP is a cool game bar that's arrived in Didsbury, bringing with it a whole load of cards, consoles, arcade machines and pinball. Not only that, but the cool space itself follows the theme - think an eight-foot Donkey Kong, Pac-Man garden and Tetris blocks in the toilets, almost all of which is custom-built. And if all that gaming has made you hungry, you can munch on everything from chicken wings to plant-based burgers here.

From its craft beer down to its juicy burgers and roast dinners, Trof is a casual but fun place to settle down. Toting its own vintage vibe, retro furniture and exposed brickwork, this place has a chilled out aesthetic, which switches into a party atmosphere when night falls. The cocktails here come in at £10 or less too, from a Smoked Ice Tea to the Gingerberry Highball.