It's no surprise that Sheffield's bar scene is currently thriving. The past decade has seen the nightlife landscape expand dramatically and now the city boasts some of the most exciting going-out spots in the North of England. Everyone's got their favourites though, and we're no different. We've sorted through the many fantastic watering holes, from the places for top tier craft beer, to award-winning cocktail basements, and put together our own round-up of the best bars in Sheffield.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 17th February 2025
Housed in the former Abbeydale Theatre, this unique bar and restaurant is the ultimate social hub for those who like a pint and a bit of ping pong. Alongside their top-notch craft beer selection, you'll find great cocktails and a menu of Italian street eats.
Located within the Fountains Precinct in the city centre, Manahatta is a two-storey cocktail bar and restaurant inspired by New York City. The Instagram-worthy space features plush velvet seating, disco balls and colourful murals on the walls, and there's a private room available too.
There are two-for-one cocktails up for grabs from Sunday to Friday, as well as bottomless brunches and dinners every single day of the week. As for the food, think sticky chicken wings, loaded nachos and smoked pancetta-topped burgers, alongside a weekday lunch offer for just £8.
Whether you head to the games room or check out the 70s social club-styled main space, this place is wall-to-wall nostalgia with vinyl patterned floors, wood cladding and maroon stage curtains. Better yet, Neepsend Social Club and Canteen has a beer garden to boot and The Gravy Train Poutine are serving up fried chicken alongside the Canadian classic.
Looking for craft pints and pub grub on Kelham Island? This gorgeous boozer promises all that and some pretty waterside views. Head over to the Riverside where you'll receive a warm welcome and an excellent selection of craft pints to get stuck into.
Head down to Abbeydale Road where Shuffle Shack has taken over the ballroom of Picture House Social. This quirky activity space is letting you shuffle your heart out with a set of spacious lanes and a fun cocktail menu.
Food, drink and music are the key cornerstones of this Division Street bar. Their menus come packed full of burgers, beers and handcrafted cocktails, while their stage has been graced by the likes of Wolf Alice, Yung Lean and Mick Jenkins.
When it comes to the best cocktail bars on Ecclesall Road, it can only be The Lost & Found on your radar. Expect a botanical-themed joint with the cool cocktails to match, alongside bottomless brunches if you fancy it.
A traditional pub just a short walk from Ecclesall Road, The Lescar has got classic comfort down to a fine art. The friendly neighbourhood bar offers the perfect location for a post-work chinwag and sipping down some fresh-pulled pints, as well as a place to catch live music and comedy.
The original sports bar in Sheffield, The Common Room can be found on Devonshire Street in the city centre. They show everything from football to rugby and Formula One, promising a lively atmosphere throughout.
Get involved in some competition of your own with their 11 full-sized American pool tables or the interactive darts experience. There's a diner-inspired menu of pulled pork wraps, nacho cheese hotdogs and Cajun-spiced buttermilk chicken burgers to dig into as well.
One of the most iconic live music pubs in Sheffield, this city centre watering hole has had more than its fair share in terms of local history. Formerly a stomping ground for the likes of Pulp and The Human League, these days The Washington hosts some of the most exciting new acts and DJs on the scene.
Sat in the heart of Sharrow, this Ecclesall Road bar is home to some sensational drinks. From classic cocktails to their signature selection, Monk is covering all taste bases whether you're in the mood for a casual kir royale, or a Kraken-laced Beast of Bakewell.
A fantastic food hall in Sheffield, Cutlery Works is one of the best bars in the city to grab a drink. Head in and sample a few clever cocktails made by their talented bartenders, or head over to craft specialists Boozehound for fresh pints.
One of the most unique bars in Kelham Island, this former factory venue fronts vegan eats and some very cool interiors. Tuck into juicy burgers and classic comfort grub surrounded by all manner of religious icons and artwork.
Rumoured to be one of the first bars in Sheffield to serve real ales, The Fat Cat is a Kelham Island icon and home to the Kelham Island Brewery. Swing by to sample some great beers at a historic pub, and catch some rays in their pretty beer garden.
