Northern Quarter Bars

A cool craft beer bar in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building, Head of Steam is a spacious venue for all occasions. Inside, you'll find exposed brickwork and a circular bar in the centre, as well as a regular lineup of live entertainment - think darts, sports screenings, live music and DJ sets.

There are 30 lines of beer - 24 keg and six cask - focusing on UK and Belgian brews. You can enjoy cocktails and premium spirits too, alongside award-winning smash burgers from local legends That Burger Place.

If you're on the hunt for Northern Quarter bars to book, then Walkabout in The Printworks is a great bet. This relaxed sports bar has all the live screenings you could ever need, plus a lineup of sharing food, hearty fare and beers for you enjoy with mates.

Whatever you're in the mood for, Shack Bar & Grill have got it. Their burgers are truly to die for, paired with an extensive selection of cocktails, beers and soft drinks. What's more, they host resident DJs every weekend, or if you head down to the basement you can find TV screens, pool tables, ping pong and interactive darts.

A sultry basement bar on Oldham Street, Behind Closed Doors is a unique choice for nights out in the Northern Quarter. It's decor is very unique, featuring mannequins, vintage TVs and vibrant pink lighting.

Not only are their drinks packages amazing, but they've got a private karaoke room too. This is bookable in 50-minute slots, with up to 10,000 songs to choose from.

You can find the super cool retro arcade bar NQ64 in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter or over on Peter Street in Deansgate. It's famed for its incredible range of arcade delights such as Time Crisis, Pac-Man and Guitar Hero. Adorned with neon graffiti, it's a super quirky watering hole to grab a bite to eat thanks to Crazy Pedro's supplying the pizza. Plus, there are also themed tipples like a Kong Island Iced Tea.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, Wilson's Social is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great drinks. Open daily from early until late, this all-day bar and restaurant boasts a fantastic courtyard, a pool table, and a buzzing atmosphere.

Whether you're in the mood for a cold craft beer from one of their 18 taps or a handcrafted cocktail from their extensive list, Wilson's offers something for everyone. With regular happy hours, live DJs, and weekly quiz nights, it's the ultimate spot to enjoy the best of Manchester's bar scene.

It's all in the name kids, really. A top-notch nook for those that like their liquid wares with a bite, this is one of the best bars in Manchester's NQ. Housed within a Grade II listed building, The Whiskey Jar totes a huge selection of scotch, bourbon, malt and more... you name it, they've got it.

Searching for a secret speakeasy in the NQ? Then get down to one of the best Prohibition-style dens in the city. Plush, swanky and effortlessly cool, The Fitzgerald is a members-only hangout, attracting an exclusive crowd thanks to its clandestine vibes and impressive cocktails. 

Wiggle your hillbilly booty down to the Northern Quarter for Mean Eye Cat Manchester, a Johnny Cash inspired bar with an exciting range of quirky cocktails. Think cheesy hot dog pizzas and sweet concoctions like the vodka-based, punny tipple I Walk The Lime.

Located in The Printworks, this swanky venue serves up a fierce spread from morning to night. Split across two levels, there's a restaurant and a cocktail bar space for dancing too. Whether you dig into bottomless brunch, burgers or just mosey down for drinks, you're in for a treat.

Fancy big beers, wild cocktails and some mighty meats to accompany them? The Crafty Pig has you covered for cheap bars in Northern Quarter Manchester, thanks to their menus of pub grub and affordable drinks to wash it all down with. 

All about the entertainment, Kahiki Soundhouse is a bustling spot for both live music and cocktails. With frequent performances from DJs and all kinds of talented musicians, plus a central stage and immersive audio, it delivers a high-energy experience all round.

On weekends, a Showtime bottomless brunch takes place, offering entertainment, interactive fun and plenrty of singing along. Private karaoke rooms are also available, and with a 4am closing time you can keep the tunes coming.

With its Mad Men vibe and killer cocktail list, The Pen & Pencil is the stuff of New York fantasies. Start the day with one of their American-style breakfasts, have brunch at the weekend, or go in the evening to try their delicious burgers and other delights.

On The Hush is a fun Northern Quarter bar where wall murals, a life-sized phone box colourful foliage combine to create a vibrant drinking destination. Whether you're here for weekend bottomless brunches or just fancy cocktails, here's where to head. 

This late night party spot boasts table tennis, beer pong and DJs every weekend. From the leg shakin' bangers to battling it out on the darts boards, Twenty Twenty Two is a fab pick of Northern Quarter bars for groups.

Hidden behind a pawn shop facade, Dusk Til Pawn is one of the best Manchester bars on Stevenson Square. Get cosy on one of the sofas, hit up the jukebox, and relax with a drink or two from their menu of classics and twists on old favourites.

Charming Tapas restaurant Evuna flaunts exposed brick, dark wooden furnishings, chalk boards and walls lined with bottles of wine for a stripped-back dining experience that shines a spotlight on the food. 

The authentic Spanish menu is all about small plates, from garlic prawns to chorizo and patatas bravas – all cooked with care, attention and quality ingredients. The bar serves a long list of drinks, including unusual wines, sherries, cava, and sangria – which you're free to sip on the street-side tables when the weather permits al fresco dining.

While many of the area's best bars may be known for their urban flecks and industrial stance, there's one bar that's turning that all on its head with a Japanese edge. Get over to Lost in Tokyo for stunning whiskies, wall murals and incredibly unique cocktail mixes.

Not just a darling den of whimsy, cakes and brunch, Sugar Junction is also serving up some killer concoctions at their bar. From rum-laced mai tais to espresso martinis, they've got a lineup of classic cocktails and some signature sips in store.

Opened in 2020, the Ad Hoc Wine Shop has fast become one of the Northern Quarter's sparkliest gems. Part shop, part bar, its shelves are piled high with some of the world's best vinos, from certified classics to modern creations and low intervention bottles. 

With a window seat, you can watch the world go by as you sip your way through reds, whites, bubbles and rosés. When it's time to head home, be sure to grab a bottle or two for your travels.

For the team behind Crazy Pedro's is Lost Cat, a speakeasy-style joint for sarnies and cocktails in this cool part of town. As cool as they come, this one is a bustling staple for bottomless brunches and partying 'til the AM too.

Live music bars in Northern Quarter Manchester don't get much better than Night and Day Cafe. Whether you're one for dancing to disco DJs or getting down on the dancefloor with indie bands, this place has a little something for all.

Merging shabby chic with an urban edge, Tariff & Dale is a cool and relaxed watering hole where the most popular table is hidden away in an old lift shaft. Here, cocktail offerings toy with classic inventions by adding a signature twist and craft beers are plentiful.

It may have only opened its doors in 2023, but Stray has already taken its place on the official list of the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars. One look at the place and it's easy to see why. 

All marble finishes, exposed brick, velvet seating and big windows, it's cool and cosy all at the same time. The menu demands just as much attention, packing in refined classics alongside a changing choice of signature serves like the Vino Colada or Tomato Vine Margarita.