Every city has that one cool district that becomes a haven for weird and wonderful ventures. London has Shoreditch, in Liverpool it's the Baltic Triangle, and Manchester boasts this happening area. Bursting with trendy types and creative minds, it's a goldmine for unusual places to drink. To help you find your next favourite spot, we've rounded up the best quirky bars in the Northern Quarter.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 26th February 2025
One of the best bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter thanks to the vast collections of its namesake spirit, The Whiskey Jar does exactly what it says on the tin. From scotch to bourbon, Irish pours and cocktails, there's everything you could ever need here.
Fancy immersing yourself in a neon-lit world of arcade games? Us too. So, head on over to NQ64 in Manchester's Northern Quarter or pay a visit to its sister site on Peter Street to find a wide selection of retro delights such as Guitar Hero, House Of The Dead and Street Fighter. Hungry? Crazy Pedro's is on hand to serve up some cracking pizza and there are themed cocktails such as the fruity Full Tilt or Lara's Lost, a delicious spritz.
Thanks to cocktails served in glass slippers, a life-sized phone box for snapping picks and foliage decorations, On The Hush will have you feeling like the belle of the ball. Plus, it's got the lively bottomless brunches to match.
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Bunny's Karaoke brings you the ultimate dive bar karaoke experience, loaded with the same energetic vibe as Bunny Jackson's and Junior Jackson's. Relish in 25p wings, free karaoke, and a selection of American beers. Don't forget about pool or the option to reserve a private karaoke room, available for just £50.
The Fitzgerald is one of this city's hidden gems. With gorgeous Art Deco interiors and handcrafted cocktails, the speakeasy bar makes for a fabulous spot to relax with a glass of the strong stuff. It also doubles up as a swoon-worthy location for romantic date nights.
Firmly on the list of quirky bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter is 7 Sins, the neon-lit Lever Street spot decked out with graffiti and all kinds of cool vibes. Think unique cocktails, arcade games, pool and a lineup of comfort food to keep you ticking over.
Shack Bar & Grill really has got a little bit of everything, from disco-themed bottomless brunches to resident DJs every weekend. Head down to the basement for live sports coverage, ping pong, pool tables and darts, or nab fully loaded burgers and refreshing cocktails to wash it all down.
From morning 'til night, this quirky little number has all your drinking and dining needs sorted. There's bottomless brunch, a killer happy hour and plenty of signature concoctions in store, all served up in a variety of unique spaces.
Having established itself as one of the original places to catch live music in this part of the city, Band on the Wall oozes charm and soul. Topping it off? A brand spanking new bar and a continued global reputation for finding new bands.
This Northern Quarter haunt has a little something for everyone. With a great wine and beer selection to soothe the post-work drinkers, a delicious food menu for the date night crowd, and a weekend late license for a party vibe, there's no occasion Trof can't rise to.
Found tucked away underneath Evelyn's Cafe Bar, The Daisy is a slick hidden gem that's shaking up all kinds of cocktails inspired by its name. The Parisian-inspired den is a looker too, fronting cool wall art, tiles and velvet sofas.
A top pick of unusual Indie bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter, Lost In Toyko not only has a playlist of bangers, but also a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails to sip through across the underground space. If that's not your thing? Expect the usual lineup of beers, spirits and more.
Quirky live music bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter don't get much better than Night and Day Cafe. Known for its roster of affordable (or totally free) nights out, this place will have you munching by day and grooving once the sun goes down.
Fashioned from the outside like an old-timey pawn shop, this secret spot is also one of the most unique cocktail bars in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Full of vintage TVs, musical instruments and other debris, this is an absolute must for fans of weird and wonderful interiors.
From late-night partying and popcorn-topped cocktails to table tennis, beer pong and darts, Twenty Twenty Two has unique offerings by the bucket load. Whether you're looking for a chill one getting competitive with your mates or a blowout bash, here's where to head.
An achingly cool destination, Jimmy's is known for budget wings, rock 'n' roll and its own lager courtesy of London Brewery Portobello. For a fun time that won't break the bank, this is where to get over to.
