This historic Scottish city may be best known for its majestic grey stone buildings and sandy coastline, but did you know that it's got a great nightlife too? There are all sorts of unique and unusual venues that make Aberdeen special, and we've rounded up the hottest ones out there.
From edgy bowling alleys serving fun drinks to super-sleek cocktail bars and even a party spot inside a church, there's something for everyone here. To find out where they are, check out our guide to Aberdeen's coolest and quirkiest bars.
Quirky And Cool Aberdeen Bars
1. BrewDog DogTap
- Address: Balmacassie Drive, AB41 8QR
- Best For: craft beer lovers
BrewDog is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts up and down the country, and they've got three different venues in Aberdeen, including their Gallowgate and Union Square outposts. But it's BrewDog DogTap that's their quirkiest location, complete with its own interactive beer museum that you can learn more about the brewing process from.
There are multiple zones to explore, from a cosy firepit and outdoor terrace to their upstairs social area, which offers arcade games, shuffleboard and a photobooth. And if you're bringing kids along, there's even a playground area too. While you're here, sip from countless different taps of beer, paired with tasty eats like crispy chicken burgers, sourdough pizzas and loaded fries.
Sip craft beer and play shuffleboard at BrewDog DogTap.
2. Lane7
- Address: 1 Shiprow, AB11 5BY
- Best for: competitive socialising
If you love to get competitive with your friends, family or partner, then Lane7 is just the place for you. This Castlegate location features boutique bowling lanes covered in colourful neon graffiti, as well as other fun activities such as shuffleboard, pool, ping pong and retro arcade games.
Bowling starts from £9.50 per person, and everything else is pretty budget-friendly too. Sip £10 cocktails while you're here, ranging from a classic mojito to the creative cinnamon and grapefruit Baby Turtle.
Lane7 Aberdeen promises bowling, arcades and cocktails all under one roof.
3. Motif
- Address: 363 Union Street, AB11 6BN
- Best for: alfresco drinks
Inspired by Budapest's ruin bars, which are housed in ruins or abandoned buildings, Motif is an urban oasis in the heart of the city. It's tucked in between tall buildings, with plenty of outdoor space to drink and dine in. You'll find regular live music and DJ sets here as well, both outside and in the tent.
Sip craft beers, spirits and frozen cocktails - particularly great for the summer. Feeling peckish? They also serve everything from breaded chicken burgers to loaded nachos and haggis bon bons.
Sip frozen cocktails in the garden at Motif Aberdeen.
4. SOUL
- Address: 333 Union Street, AB11 6BS
- Best for: late-night parties in a church
Found inside a former church called Langstane Kirk, SOUL is certainly one of the most unusual bars in the city. The building is more than 140 years old, previously owned by the Church of Scotland, before becoming the venue it is now in 2005. And though it has been converted, many original features remain, including the organ and its original stained glass windows.
They host regular events here, from live music and DJ sets every weekend to cocktail masterclasses for anywhere between eight and 24 people. There are all sorts of refreshing drinks on offer, alongside a scrumptious food menu of fish tacos, barbecue chicken burgers, vegetable fajitas and more.
This quirky Aberdeen bar is housed inside a church.
5. Under The Hammer
- Address: 11 North Silver Street, AB10 1RJ
- Best for: live music and DJs
If you like your cocktails a little on the unusual side, then head to Under The Hammer, which has been around for over 40 years. This is a perfect choice of quirky bars in Aberdeen for couples, thanks to a romantic vibe and unique sips like the Nuts For Bananas or a Teaches of Peaches, created by expert mixologist Lisa MacLeod and her team.
There are also more than 30 different wines to choose from, alongside a selection of tasty sharing platters. Enjoy these in their relaxed, dimly lit space, or head down on Saturdays to boogie to a live DJ from 11pm onwards. What's more, there's an open mic night every Tuesday.
Sip quirky cocktails and dance to DJ sets at this welcoming bar.
6. The Tippling House
- Address: 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JE
- Best for: sleek basement vibes and quirky drinks
If you're after a cool bar in Aberdeen city centre, look no further than The Tippling House. This trendy basement bar has been a firm favourite for cocktail lovers since 2012, promising a delightful blend of Italo-style décor, cosy booths and tweed fabric. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere, and some of the best bartenders in the game.
Their cocktails all cost just £10, including signatures like the gin and sherry-based London Calling or an Aperol-infused Lavender Town. Pair these with small plates such as buttermilk fried chicken bao buns and sweet potato falafel, or opt for their Champagne brunch on weekends instead.
This sultry bar is perfect for date night.
7. 21 Crimes
- Address: 254 Union Street, AB10 1TN
- Best for:
This secret bar on Union Street is inspired by the convict ships that were sent to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. 21 Crimes is a cool basement space, taking its name from the (you guessed it) 21 crimes that landed people on these boast, from arson to stealing a sheep.
Expect sultry, sophisticated interiors and plush velvet seating, alongside a criminally good cocktail menu. They also offer mixology masterclasses for groups of four to 12 people, starting from £45 per head.
This sultry cocktail den is inspired by a unique period of British history.
8. Dusk
- Address: 45 Langstane Place, AB11 6EN
- Best for: totally unique cocktails
Absolute experts in mixology, Dusk is one of the coolest bars around. This is an intimate, sleek lounge that specialises in classic and signature cocktails, as well as boutique spirits and unique craft ales. Each bartender has got an in-depth knowledge of their craft, resulting in some deliciously bespoke blends.
Available to drink in and sold online, their drinks list includes everything from a White Choc 'n' Raspberry Fizz to the classic French martini. They're open until 11pm Friday to Sunday - weekend plans sorted.
Tantalise your tastebuds at Dusk.
For more fun food and drink, check out Aberdeen's best restaurants.
