Manchester's Best Craft Beer Bars

Pork and pints, you want some? Home to industrial interiors, foamy brews and meaty dishes, The Crafty Pig is coming up trumps in the foodie department. Make your way through their roster of impressive craft beers too. 

Boasting their very own craft beer, the Alabama Slim, across vending machines, this American dive bar offers up a unique late-night experience of craft beer in Manchester city centre. Topping it off? Pool, a graffiti wall you can sign and bespoke cocktails.

Built on the site of the old Gaythorn Gas Works, The Gasworks Brew Bar is a prime spot for craft beer right in the heart of the city. Brought to you by the team behind The Dockyard pubs, this industrial space features rustic interiors with a modern twist.

The in-house brewery is slinging out some of the freshest pints around, served directly from tank to tap. Whether you're playing shuffleboard or just coming along for a few drinks, you can also enjoy tasty food from Thief Street - think Korean barbecue waffle fries, chicken katsu curry or juicy burgers.

Taking craft beer bars in Manchester city centre to a whole new level is Doghouse, a carbon-negative hotel dedicated to the stuff. Not only does the ground-floor taproom boast 30 different brews, but the boutique rooms also have booze fridges, mini-bars and taps for you to take advantage of.

Local craft ales and spirits make up the main portion of the menu at The Bank, a neo-classical style pub with the original library still upstairs. Get over to this gorgeous watering hole to enjoy pints paired with British pub food.

With artwork-adorned walls, bench seats and the warm glow of neon bar signs, The Good Rebel is the perfect spot for a casual pint or two of cracking craft beer.

There's a strong line-up of local staples and changing guests on draft, as well as fridges packed with an eclectic mix of pales, stouts, ciders, lagers and more. Ale soakers come in the form crisps, nuts and classic bar snacks.

Stables Tavern in Manchester's St John's blends history and charm inside the original Rovers Return set from Coronation Street. Enjoy local pints, homemade sausage rolls, and Great North Pie Co. pies.

With live music Thursday–Sunday and a dog-friendly vibe, it's your new favourite for relaxed craft beer and comfort food.

Located on Oxford Road is BrewDog Outpost Manchester, one of its many bars across the city including Peter Street and Doghouse. It's the perfect haunt to hit up for craft beer enthusiasts, as it offers a beer school where you can learn more about the process behind its signature sips, as well as the art of food pairings. You'll be able to enjoy on-off creations here too, from its onsite microbrewery. 

To get behind the scenes at some of our favourite craft beer breweries in Manchester? This tour doesn't only take you to the taprooms - have a guided look at each unique brewhouse while sipping through plenty of pints.

Housed in a beautifully refurbished Grade II-listed building, Head of Steam is a spacious craft beer bar suited to every occasion. You can choose from 24 keg and six cask lines of beer, both UK and Belgian brews, alongside premium spirits, wines and cocktails.

The interior features exposed brickwork and a circular bar in the middle, while entertainment ranges from darts and sports screenings to live music and DJ nights. Food comes courtesy of That Burger Place, renowned for their award-winning smash burgers.

When it comes to craft beer on Deansgate, few companies are flying the flag higher than BrewDog Manchester. This brilliant bar is a must-visit for any fan of hoppy brews, with a menu that's always adding new gems and great food.

If you're looking to sip some seriously good craft beers, then you're going to want to hit up 11 Central. Overlooking the waterfront, this special joint is in a league of its own, with a menu featuring modern British cuisine and a bar whipping up bespoke cocktails along with a pint of the finest. Come for one and stay for the live entertainment or gin school.

To wash a pub meal down with premium craft ales, The Woodstock Arms is the place to head. This favourite in West Didsbury's drinking and dining scene also offers period features or a mega beer garden to settle down in, so you can be sure of a relaxed setting too.

For some of the best craft beer in Manchester, hit up The Old Wellington. This traditional ol' boozer is not only quite the looker with its period features, like exposed beams and brick, but it's also got all the real ales you could ask for, alongside a hearty menu of pub grub.

Wilson's Social is a haven for craft beer lovers in Manchester. With over 18 beer taps featuring a fantastic selection of local craft beers, this bar in the Northern Quarter is a go-to for anyone who appreciates a good brew.

Whether you're after something from Manchester's own breweries or a fresh, exciting pint from elsewhere, Wilson's has it covered. Combine this with a laid-back atmosphere, tasty bar bites, and regular events like live music and quiz nights, and it's clear why Wilson's is one of the best craft beer bars in Manchester.

Another craft beer bar in Manchester doing exactly what it says on the tin, this Salford Quays hide-away is primed for those after a unique pint. Craftbrew is the ultimate chilled-out location, so head across for an afternoon of hops and more.

The Marble Brewery is an institution in Manchester, and The Marble Arch is their original pub that delivers it all. With a bar pumping out fresh craft beer, it's the perfect place to grab a pint in the city. Expect cosy vibes in the winter and beer garden feels come summertime.

After craft beer near Manchester Piccadilly? Cloudwater Brewery Co is a local favourite and their taproom is no exception. Mosey on over for a range of unique sips fresh from the brewhouse, alongside cool events, collabs with big names and kitchen takeovers.

Offering some of the most popular beer in Manchester is Northern Monk Refectory, who made their way down to the city from Leeds. These craft pints are second-to-none, and the rotating kitchen residencies have offered everything from huge wedges of lasagne to succulent chicken and waffles.

This Northern Quarter stop-off is sure to cater for all your drinking needs. With a list that would take you a few weeks (and livers) to plough through, Port St Beer House is one of the city's finest venues for craft beer drinkers.

Cafe Beermoth Manchester is an eden of ales and pints at Spring Gardens in the city centre. From ageing stouts to a rotating selection of bottles and ten keg lines, the cool venue caters to every kind of beer-lover.

The home of craft beer and food in Manchester, Bundobust is dishing out Indian veggie burgers, paneer tikka and egg burjhis. But drinks don't go unnoticed either, with a cracking selection of pints for all palates. We're talking cask ales, chai cider and rotational keg lines pouring different kinds of brews.

Ever tried a stroopwafel stout? How about a soft serve frozen pint? This Northern Quarter haunt is anything but ordinary. Check out Beatnikz Brewery to soak up an unusual selection of drinks in the right heart of Manchester.

Formerly The Beer Studio, could you expect anything less than great drinks from here? Snagging their name as one of the best places to drink craft beer in Manchester, this charming favourite is churning out beloved and favoured names, alongside independent bottles. 

If the name wasn't a giveaway, this Manchester staple is famous for two things. Pie & Ale is situated in the Northern Quarter of this great city, combining a slick modern interior with traditional food and beer, so expect a selection from local micro-breweries paired with handmade grub.

To find your favourite brewery in Manchester, check out our guide to the city's local taprooms and pints. Whether you want home-grown lager or a local craft ale, this list has all the best places to drink.