Bars in Manchester aren't hard to come by, but how about bars that dazzle, impress and dabble with the rules? We've got plenty of those too. From destinations toting their own bowling lanes, and bars breaking cocktail boundaries, to South Pacific lairs and lush botanical haunts, check out our recommendations for some of the most unusual bars in Manchester, weaving your way through a wonderland of some of the city's most unique hangouts.
Last updated on 3rd January 2018
@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Monday 16 October 2017
Try something a little different in Manchester with this fun treasure hunt around the city. Follow the clues on the map until you reach your final 'treasure' - a pub where you'll receive 20% off food and drink.
With dwellings in the Northern Quarter and on Oxford Road, Black Dog Ballroom is the ultimate hub for some raucous revelry. Pop down for some pool tournaments, take to their basement dedicated to DJs and dancing, mooch on their rooftop bar or even hire your own private karaoke booth for some no limits singing with mates.
Cabana puts the fun back into Brazilian styled bars with their vibrant interior and playful cocktails. They serve a selection of Brazil-inspired drinks, such as the flavoured Caiprinhas to the blended Batidas. While drinking their tasty array of cocktails, why not sample some of their food: everything from grilled spicy Malagueta Chicken to sweet potato fries, all while sitting in their cool up-scaled interior.
For something a little different in Manchester, head to the American inspired Cane and Grain in the Northern Quarter. The venue offers the city's revellers a number of different areas to indulge in. Whether you're tucking into some great Southern-inspired grub in the 'Ribs Joint' or knocking back a few Tiki-themed concoctions in the venue's 'Liar's Lounge', you are sure to leave this quirky venue with a huge smile on your face.
If a simple bar crawl just isn't cutting the mustard for your night out in Manchester then pop into Dog Bowl, the late night bowling venue from the team behind Black Dog Ballroom. Combining a New York style diner with an innovative drinks menu and five ten pin bowling lanes, Dog Bowl is the ideal destination for a fun night out in Manchester with a difference.
For something a little different in Manchester, look no further than Manchester235; a spectacular Vegas casino right in the heart of the city. With previous events including burlesque shows as well as plenty of poker tournaments - this venue has everything you could need for a great night out; with a fantastic drinks selection added in for good measure.
Looking for a unique night out in Manchester with a dose of entertainment to boot? Look no further than the ping pong wonderland that is Twenty Twenty Two. Not only an urban art space, Twenty Twenty Two promises a roster of ping pong nights and DJ sessions.
A Northern Quarter pad for Ping Pong challenges, film nights, American style nosh and basement tunes bringing the strong party vibes. Kosmonaut is the champion of cool drinking and laid-back vibes with its exposed brickwork interiors, hefty spread of craft beers and bar staff mixing up some signature cocktail blends.
A unique sporting haunt in the heart of the city, The Green is perfectly primed for all sporting whims. Looking for something a bit different to do on a night out? They've got it. Whether you're busting a ballad in their karaoke rooms, gunning it on their golf simulator games, or just out with the chaps to watch the football match, there's something for everyone.
Doused in speakeasy style and sultry decadence, The Fitzgerald is a space of 1920s luxe where period cocktails are mixed under a low-it ambiance and served smoky or smooth. Punchy prohibition mixology is the craft at this bar, throwing back to the Golden Age era of America's most notorious party years
The concept here is certainly unique: make a booking, enter a launderette, pick up a phone and be let into one of the coolest speakeasies in the city. But inside you'll find a menu of experimental cocktails that'll take you on quite the tasting journey, with options like a blue cheese cocktail and massive candy-themed sharers.
These guys need to be on your 'something different in Manchester' list for one reason: the pizzas. Only offering the weirdest and most wonderful toppings - from cream egg to Thai curry - your taste buds will go on the strangest adventure of its life. Meanwhile, you can enjoy their cool forever-student atmosphere and late night partying.
Manchester may well be well known for its gloomy weather, but step downstairs into The Liars Club and you'll be transported to a tropical Tiki Paradise that feels a million worlds away from the city streets above. This brilliantly designed paradise of flames, rummin' drinks and bangin' tunes brings the party game strong.
