The best bars in the Northern Quarter

A trendy destination for drinks, food, and fun, 7Sins offers shuffleboard and pool, plus it hosts events like quizzes and live music. Drinks here include cocktails and craft beer, whilst the food menu centres on tacos and quesadillas. The interiors are decorated with street art and graffiti that give the space personality.

Public is an on-trend bar with a bright industrial interior and an expansive outside terrace. This neighbourhood venue has an easygoing atmosphere and is a popular destination for bottomless brunch in the Northern Quarter. It's friendly and welcoming too. This place serves cocktails and Asian-inspired snacks like noodles and sandos.

Mean Eyed Cat serves up cocktails, pizza, and a fun atmosphere in a dive bar setting. The exterior is decorated with a distinctive flaming heart, whilst inside it's colourful and evocative. There's a hidden rum bar too. Creative cocktails are available, and every drink purchase before 9pm gets you a free six-inch pizza with original American toppings.

It's all about having fun at Crazy Pedro's, an easygoing venue with eclectic decor on the walls and ceiling. The bar is vibrant and casual, serving colourful cocktails, including frozen margaritas by the litre. This place is also known for pizza, served by the slice or whole pie and topped with far from traditional ingredients.

Manchester's whisky drinkers will love The Whiskey Jar. The bar has a wide range of whiskeys and whiskies, plus cocktails based on the spirit. Events like tastings and whisky festivals are also held. Live music is on every weekend. This comfortable venue is based in a former textile mill and has two separate bars.

The Fitzgerald brings the glamour of the roaring 20s to the Northern Quarter. This speakeasy-style bar is enhanced with eclectic vintage decor, glassware, and a dark and moody style. There's live music every weekend too. Cocktails are the speciality here, but the venue also hosts monthly bottomless brunch parties.

A diverse NQ venue, at Cane & Grain you'll find a rum bar, craft beer taproom, and a menu of American cuisine. The distinctive decor is inspired by 1980s skateboarding culture. A private room is available too. There are beers on tap and generous steins of cocktails, plus food like burgers, ribs, and chicken wings.

A Parisian-style bar in the Northern Quarter, The Daisy is a stylish subterranean drinking spot with moody lighting and comfortable decor, with lots of framed prints on the walls and plush places to sit down. A sophisticated collection of cocktails is served here and local DJs add to the atmosphere every weekend.

Behind Closed Doors is a speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an underground setting. You could easily miss this bar as you walk past, but inside it's a low-lit and lively venue where anything goes. Creative cocktails are served, and DJs provide the soundtrack. It's known for having phone lines in each booth so you can call other tables to chat.

From the outside, Dusk Til Pawn looks like an unassuming pawnbrokers. Step inside and you'll uncover a trendy hidden cocktail bar with a timeless vintage style. The venue is intimate and relaxed, with a free jukebox. Visit to try out vibrant house cocktails and other drinks like beer and wine.

You'll spot Common in the street thanks to its vibrant and colourful exterior. Inside the bar, there are exposed brick walls with colourful art hanging on them – the venue has its own gallery space. Creative cocktails, including frozen cocktails, are available, plus you can get pizza here courtesy of local favourite Nell's Pizza.

Have some drinks and play ping pong at Twenty Twenty Two. This spacious bar is fuss-free, decorated with wall art, and has a lively atmosphere. There are table tennis tables where you can get competitive, plus the bar serves various drinks, including cocktails. DJ sets and events like tournaments and darts nights keep the fun going.

Hold Fast Bar reopened at the end of 2023 after a long absence. The theme remains the same though, with low lighting, nautical decor, and curiosities all around the venue. Exciting original cocktails are the speciality here. There's entertainment too, in the form of frequent game nights and DJ sets.

Visiting Lost in Tokyo will make you feel like you're in Japan without leaving Manchester. This comfortable Japanese cocktail bar is decorated with on-theme murals and paper lanterns. In this atmospheric space, guests can try out Japanese beers and Japan-inspired cocktails with ingredients like Midori, matcha, and boba pearls.

Cocktail bar Wolf At The Door stays open from lunchtime until late. It's a bright and contemporary venue with exposed brickwork and lots of plants enhancing the space. There are classic and signature cocktails, a concise wine list, and street food is served. Budget-friendly tacos and bao are served here with creative fillings.

Visit Nightcap for late-night drinks in the Northern Quarter. The bar opened in 2023 and is a subterranean spot with low lighting and a vibrant atmosphere. Cocktails are served here and DJs are playing music to keep the mood going. Themed parties are on regularly - it's an ideal spot for your next afterparty.

Craft beer drinkers can check out Pelican Bar, the first permanent bar from local brewery Squawk. Housed in a listed building, it's a cool and modern space with music from DJs. The bar offers a changing selection of beers and other drinks, plus pizza. Events like quizzes and open deck sessions are also on offer.

The Corner Boy has a sleek and modern aesthetic and a lively atmosphere. This Irish bar serves cocktails, Guinness, and hearty food like ribs and burgers. It stays open late and hosts a range of fun events like comedy acts, live music, and DJ sets in a smart and vibrant setting.

At Terrace NQ, you can enjoy al fresco drinks in leafy surroundings. The bar's interior features exposed bricks and wood panelling, plus there are three outdoor terraces with plenty of plants. Cocktails and craft beer are offered here, and food is also served. DJ sets regularly enhance the atmosphere at the venue.