19 of the Best Bars in York
19 of the Best Bars in York
You could sample experiences from all over the world just by visiting some of the best bars in York. Globetrot from an authentic Spanish tapas bar experience to partying up New York style into the early hours of the morning, right down to a sophisticated evening at a Parisian-style wine bar.
With all the classic bar snacks and some signature spins on the formula, black pudding macaron, anyone? Whatever you desire, York has the right bar for you.
SORA
Sitting above the Malmaison in York city centre lies SORA, a Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant boasting amazing views of the city’s skyline. Sip on one of their tasty cocktails such as their Cherry Blossom Negroni or Toki Mule on their gorgeous terrace.
Every Saturday they also have resident DJs and musicians providing the best soundtrack for your next night out. Why not treat yourself to a spot of sushi on the side at one of the best bars in York?
2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU – 01904 946060
Pivni
Topping the list of our best bars in York is Pivni, just off the famous historic street of Little Shambles. It’s impossible to miss this gorgeous two-storey, 16th-century free house. Drinks have been served at this spot for hundreds of years for a reason. And now is no different. Serving up some of the best in real cask ales from local brews or around the world. And they’ve got lots of it. Also boasting a huge selection of cans and bottles of the best beers around, and all the wines you could desire. With gluten-free and alcohol-free options available too, so there’s something for everyone.
6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB – 01904 635464
Market Cat
Market Cat describes itself as a traditional city centre pub with a modern twist. They’ve stacked their shelves with all of your favourite craft beers from cask to keg. Even stocking some of the finest in sustainable and organic natural wines you could find. With 17 gins to choose from and even more spirits and liqueurs, not to mention they’ve homemade Milanese style pizzas to soak up the booze.
6 Jubbergate, York, YO1 8RT – 01904 637023
Sotano
Take a walk three minutes from the Minster and you’ll find yourself a small eatery on the Mediterranean coast. Ok not quite Spain, you are still in York. But, Sotano could really have you second-guessing yourself. Serving some of the best in imported Spanish produce. You must try any of their bespoke cocktails; the spicy ‘Ancho Sour’ made with Ancho chile liqueur, Dirty Negroni and Viva la Vida are memorable favourites. Or any of their delicious sherry’s. And you’d be a fool to not try some of their fantastic tapas, serving all the classics from Iberico pork with rosemary and garlic to a selection of mouthwatering sharing boards.
1 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX – 01904 620230
The Fossgate Social
Fossgate Social sits at the heart of Fossgate, an up-and-coming scene in York for live music and socialising. If you’re looking for that independent charm and spirit, filled with vintage industrial furniture and a sun trap back garden to boot, then this is the place for you. Try their renowned SpaceCraft ale courtesy of their very own Ice Cream Factory brewery! Amongst other local ales and all the classic offerings. Don’t miss this place, certainly one of the best bars in York.
25 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA – 01904 625844
Evil Eye
Never would you be more spoiled for choices of drinks than walking into Evil Eye. Having won the Guinness World Record for the ‘most varieties of gin commercially available’ with no fewer than 1,028 different options for sale. Yes, you read that right. But, somehow, that’s not all. Offering an absolute wealth of cocktails from all the classics you know to their signature ‘Evil Creations’ which use all of their best spirits and liqueurs. Some of our favourites include ‘Blue Valentine’ with Tanqueray gin, crème de cassis, pomegranate, blueberries and lemon and The ‘Black Flag’ with black magic spiced rum, xante pear brandy, crème de mure and lime.
42 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS – 01904 640002
The Drawing Board
The Drawing Board has been a York institution for over 20 years. Showcasing some of the best events and live music means The Drawing Board has absolutely earned its place as one of the best bars in York. This is the place to come for taking the party into the early hours.
10, 10a New St, York, YO1 8RA – 01904 621081
Kennedy’s Bar and Restaurant
Right above Spanish eatery Sotano, you’ll find a cool atmosphere upstairs at Kennedy’s Bar and Restaurant. A laid-back spot by day perfect for a glass of any of their fantastic wines on the sun terrace. Or even better for sipping cocktails into the night. Enjoy their ‘Tried + Tested’ classics or mix it up with their ‘Kennedy’s Own’ creations like Lady Penelope’s Iced Tea with rhubarb pink gin, Chambord, Aperol, passoa and lemonade.
1 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX – 01904 620222
House of Trembling Madness
For the past 170 years, 14 Lendal has housed the old saddlery & harness maker, Robson & Cooper, and so it’s only fitting that an existing York “institution” takes up the reins of this magnificent Georgian building. The Trembling Madness crew has managed to transform this neglected building, with help from the York Considerations Trust, into a magnificent craft beer Mansion. The bar is equipped with a whopping 22 kegs of craft beer and ale, so it’s the perfect place if you want to delve into the depths of the craft beer world, or just enjoy some good quality beer with family and friends.
14 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA – 01904 848998
Brew Dog
BrewDog is a favourite all across the nation for a reason, and the York branch is absolutely no exception. A short walk from Micklegate Bar, the historic entrance to the city. Serving all your favourite Brewdog’s own, Rustic lager, Clockwork and Triple Hazy all on draught. It’s the perfect place to enjoy relaxed and friendly vibes and catch up with friends.
130-134 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX – 01904 620773
The Botanist
The Botanist creates a quiet ambience, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s easy to forget you’re actually in the city. Sipping up your favourite drinks in this shabby chic hideaway. Mixing up twists on classics such as ‘The Botanist Pornstar’ made with Stoli vodka, passion fruit liqueur, pea shoot, rose cordial and pineapple. When you’re peckish chow down on some of their great nibbles and starters, salt & pepper chicken wings, truffle camembert fondue or calamari.
15-19 Stonegate, York, YO1 8ZW – 01904 541177
The Biltmore Bar & Grill
Right in the heart of York, inside an impressive, converted church you’ll find this family-owned bar and grill which has been a city favourite, and one of the best bars in York for the last 10 years. Enjoy some slow drinks midweek in their relaxed, intimate atmosphere or head back for a weekend boogie with their resident DJ. Make sure to try from their fantastic range of Champagnes, they’re Northern Ambassadors for Moët Hennessy for a reason!
29 Swinegate, York, YO1 8AZ – 01904 610075
Pavement Vaults
South of Parliament Square, Pavement Vaults are bringing mouth-watering BBQ and smoked meats to York. And with a top-drawer range of drinks, offering some of the finest craft casks and kegs of ale. For one, the Czech brewery, Bernard’s unpasteurised, internationally renowned beer is a sure-fire winner. And their customer favourite in house brew, the Landlord.
2 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9NU – 01904 670777
Brew York
Brew York is a favourite amongst beer fans renowned for its variety of offerings, great independent spirit, and fantastic atmosphere, making this one of the best bars in York. You can enjoy the view of the fermenting vats of ale currently brewing while you’re sipping some of their namesake creations with everything from creamy milk stout to tart rhubarb beer.
Unit 6, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TT – 01904 848448
Valhalla
There’s nothing the Viking’s knew better than a good drink. Valhalla is no exception, having everything a fierce drinker would need. You’ll find no cocktails or fluff here. Fill your chalice with the finest keg and cask offerings like Odins Judgement, a brew made just for Valhalla by Half Moon brewery. They’ve even got mead! And if you’re feeling like a true Viking you can enjoy drinking from real horns! Step back in time and check out one of the best bars in York.
4 Patrick Pool, York, YO1 8BB – 01904 653999
Pairings Wine Bar
Pairings Wine Bar is the place to go for fantastic… pairings! Looking for a little more than just a lone drink? Enjoy any of their absolutely stacked curated wine lists. A spiced and complex red like Matarromera Crianza can be taken to the next level with their fantastic cheese and charcuterie boards. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve got a great selection of signature house cocktails, anyone for a ‘Pink Lady’? Apple schnapps, ginger and cherry syrup, maraschino liqueur. Yes, please!
28 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RP – 01904 848909
Spark: York
Spark: York is the place for all you indecisive lot out there. Bringing together a fantastic variety of local and independent businesses offering food and drink from all over the globe. Have your fill of your favourite beers at Piccadilly Tap’s up-cycled shipping container bar! Or if beer and cider don’t do it for you, head to Bohemian Bar for all your favourite classic house cocktails! Better yet, you can also grab a drink from The Outpost, Piccadilly Tap and York’s first exclusive Spritz cocktail bar.
17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB – 01904 217555
Dyls
Dyls found in Skeldergate Bridge is a family-run business set within one of York’s most iconic buildings. As well as serving up an appetising selection of food, they’re a popular spot for day drinking whether that’s indoor or outside on the heated terrace. During the spring and summer months, it doesn’t get much better than sipping on a cocktail looking out onto the River Ouse and watching the world go by.
Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ
22 Yards Wine
22 Yards Wine on High Petergate is perfect for those who love a glass of wine or two. Looking out onto the York Minster, this beautiful and relaxing space is ideal for all the seasons of the year. With a good knowledge and expertise of wine, their team are happy to talk you through their selection. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine, nibble on some food and have some fun, memorable times. So if you’re a lover of wine, this is certainly one of the best bars in York for you.
21 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN – 01904 651215
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Written by
10/04/2023