Is York one of the prettiest cities in the UK? We think so. As well as boasting quaint cobbled streets, charming Tudor houses and gorgeous countryside in the surrounding area, this place is one of the best areas for drinking in the North. Explore our pick of the best York Bars, from romantic date night destinations to relaxed craft beer havens, right here.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 4th November 2025
Looking for cocktail bars in York city centre? Manahatta is a fabulous venue spread over two floors, with disco balls among dangling warm light fixtures and velvet teal booths. It's incredibly spacious with almost a warehouse feel and is the ideal spot for a bite to eat, a couple of drinks or even a party. Join them for two for one bevvies throughout the days or perhaps even head down for a speed dating night.
Located within the famously gorgeous Terry's Chocolate Orange building, Impossible is a stylish restaurant bar on St Helen's Square. This striking space is filled with dark red walls, unique pops of colour and lots of pretty plants, with plenty of cosy seating.
They've got a huge selection of cocktails on offer - our favourite is the Lavender Haze. On the food menu? Everything from roasted chicken supreme to lamb and mint burgers or halloumi bites, as well as fantastic Sunday roasts.
If you're after affordable sports bars in York, Keystones is sure to hit the spot, thanks to multiple screens showing all the action and pool tables to keep you entertained. This city centre drinking den offers a range of delicious meals from breakfast to dinner, including stone-baked pizzas and gourmet burgers, alongside craft beer and a crackin' weekly quiz.
Great for a night out with friends, Kuda is a swanky late-night spot kitted out with futuristic tech like LED screens, CO2 blasters, confetti machines, and a state-of-the-art sound and light system. Dance the night away to all the best pop, hip hop and RnB tunes, while sipping on a wide range of drinks.
Situated on Fossgate, housed in the city's first ever cinema, Cosy Club York is a stylish bar and restaurant that's open for all-day drinks and dining. Expect a unique mix of modern and traditional interiors, from patterned red walls to comfy armchairs and quirky chandeliers.
They offer a unique selection of signature cocktails, from the Cherry Bakewell to a gin-based English Garden. Hungry? Expect all kinds of international plates, from Thai green tofu curry to Spanish chicken and double smash burgers, both meat and plant-based.
One of the best bars in York for couples and friends alike, make sure to pop along to The Botanist in the historical city centre, for floral themes and nature-inspired features. This hotspot caters for all your needs, from cute date nights to bottomless brunches and big group meet-ups. Feeling hungry? Tuck into their signature hanging kebabs filled with crispy halloumi, chicken, vegan meatballs and more, while sipping on gin-based cocktails.
Fronting colourful dancefloors and shimmering disco balls, Flares in York is a great shout for birthday gatherings, catch-ups with pals and group nights out. Hit the dancefloor until the early hours and stay well-watered with a range of lip-smacking cocktails, while boogieing to the cheesy tunes that we all know and love.
With its vintage industrial interiors and long list of craft beer on tap, Tank & Paddle is one of the best places to drink in the city. Avoiding the hoppy stuff? You'll be impressed by the collection of speciality gins and cocktails, as well as the interactive drinks masterclasses. They don't disappoint when it comes to food either, serving up everything from banging brunches to tasty tacos, loaded doughballs, gourmet burgers and sourdough pizzas.
One of the coolest places for a craft beer has to be BrewDog. Not only does this bar offer a hefty selection of signature sips, but there's a mouthwatering menu of American-style goodies (the burgers are a must) alongside a packed event schedule. They offer bottomless brunches here too, and every Monday you can take advantage of their two for one offer on meat-free mains like halloumi pizzas and cauliflower wings.
One of the best bars in York city centre, you won't want to miss out on riverside spot Yates. The laid-back boozer not only boasts gorgeous views of the water, but it also has trendy interiors, mouthwatering pizzas, juicy burgers and tasty tipples aplenty like the signature Blackcurrant Blast - two for one cocktails anyone?
When it comes to 2 for 1 cocktails in York, Slug and Lettuce's Back Swinegate and riverside locations are sure to hit the spot. Order two of the same concoction from the list to qualify, so you can sip delish drinks on a budget. Plus, there are bottomless brunches and tasty mains like crispy teriyaki tofu with noodles, bacon cheeseburgers or sizzling steaks.
Need a top-notch York boozer? Then make your way to O'Neill's on Low Ousegate, boasting welcoming interiors and a sunny terrace area for the warmer months. This much-loved venue is not only home to live sports screenings, but they also serve up a range of tasty grub from burgers to bao buns and three for £15 small plates.
Wondering about quirky bars in York? Known up and down the country for their bold, colourful decor, affordable drinks and banging DJ sets, Popworld should be top of your list for a night out. You can expect all the cheesy classics and throwback anthems to get you on the dancefloor, with cheap entry and plenty of tipples on offer that won't break the bank.
