Are you looking for the best quirky bars in Manchester? We are here to help!
From speakeasies to unique bars, Manchester has it all! As you probably know, we have an amazing nightlife in Manchester and some neighbourhoods like Northern Quarter or Deansgate are particularly famous for their bars.
Amazing cocktails, live music, sports… you can find everything in our beautiful northern city.
This article is for all the people that are looking for unique and quirky places to go for a drink in Manchester.
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The Washhouse
One of the best quirky bars in Manchester that is also hidden is The Washhouse.
You will find (or will you) The Washhouse at 19 Shudehill.
But instead of a lively bar, you might be surprised to find a dilapidated exterior and a faux laundrette inside.
A tumble dryer, a washing machine and a detergent dispenser await you and you need to figure out which one is a hidden door!
You will need to state how many spin cycles you will need to be able to enter.
Once inside, there’s no sign of dirty clothes. Instead, you will find a speakeasy-style bar that’s dark and dingy but so much fun.
You can order cocktails from the industrial looking bar and sit at their comfortable and cosy leather booths.
The staff are really friendly and make your time there even better. The atmosphere is relaxed without being stagnant and the smaller enclosed space makes conversation bounce off the walls.
Alcotraz
Alcotraz is another of the best quirky Manchester bars. A play on words from the famous San Francisco prison Alcatraz, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is a super fun bar in Manchester.
You will find Alcotraz on Watson Street just off Deansgate.
Before visiting Alcotraz you head to the supermarket to pick up your favourite alcohol.
This is unlike any other bar in the fact that you bring your own booze!
But you cannot simply walk into the Alcotraz prison with your drinks in your bags. You must get creative and smuggle them in.
Actors play the role of prison guards and wardens and you will be handed orange jumpsuits!
Locked in a cell with your friends, guards will confiscate your alcohol and make your favourite cocktails on request. It’s like a prison with perks!
It is almost like watching a live performance, with waiters really getting into their roles.
Arcane
Arcane opened its doors back in 2016. This Manchester bar is in the basement of the historic Queens’ chambers building which is also a Grade II listed building.
You will find the bar on South King Street just off Deansgate. The entire bar is filled with Victorian charms from its original features to its décor.
The bar is creative and unique but certainly not pretentious.
The bartenders are always up for a new challenge to make a specific drink and are always inventing.
Their signature cocktails are unparalleled from the Cucumber & Chile to the Rhubarb & Vanilla and Peace & Thyme. They also have some excellent beers, ciders and wines.
Arcane has managed to create a super welcoming atmosphere that feels completely different to some of the trendy Manchester bars. Friendly staff also make the Arcane experience even better.
Matt & Phred’s
Matt & Phred’s is one of the best jazz clubs in the city and it certainly makes for something different from the same old drinking scene.
This laid-back basement club is on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter.
This is certainly one of the quirky places in Manchester for a drink.
Matt & Phred’s is a well-known and long running live music venue.
The venue is known for some of the best local and international jazz musicians. They have live music gigs practically every night of the week
You simply can’t beat the atmosphere of jazz and coupled with excellent cocktails, draught and bottled beer, an extensive wine list and good grub, what more could you want?
If you are feeling hungry be sure to order their pizza, it’s a real game changer.
Their pizza actually features as part of their happy hour.
You can utilize their buy two drinks get a free pizza and their 2-4-1 cocktail deals 6pm and 7pm on Monday to Thursday.
NQ64
NQ64 is a popular local joint tucked away on Northern Quarters Tib Street, there’s also the Peter Street location as well.
This is one of the quirky places in Manchester for a drink. Well, it’s not just drinking that’s on offer at NQ64 it’s also one of the best retro gaming bars in the city.
So, what games can you play at NQ64? There are around 30 games on offer, from retro classics to more modern offerings.
Were you ever obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pac-Man or Double Dragon as a kid? Well, you can relive your childhood with a beverage in your hand and try and beat your friends.
Guitar Hero, Mortal Kombat, Crazy Taxi and Robo Cop are just a few other games you can play. There are even Play Station, Super Nintendo and Nintendo GameCube games too.
Before you sit down to play be sure to order a drink first. They serve up some weird and wacky sounding cocktails from the Starbucks-inspired Iced Tweek-U-Cino to the Power Star Martini.
The Temple
If you consider the location alone, The Temple has got to be one of the quirkiest places in Manchester for a drink.
The Temple on Bridgewater Street used to be a Victorian public toilet!
When you reach the street, you descend the stairs into the bar. Admittedly this place is more than a little cosy but that’s half the fun.
These tight nit spaces always end up being a ton of fun because there’s more noise, more chatter and no matter the day always a fun atmosphere.
Cold beers on tap are a welcome reward after a long day at work or a busy week. The bartenders are some of the best in the city and will be happy to mix up your favourite cocktail.
Its charming quality is certainly its history but the clientele in addition make for a good change from the usual Manchester bars.
Three Little Words
Three Little Words has got to have one of the most aesthetically pleasing bars in Manchester.
Sitting at the bar looking at its beautiful renovated brick arch, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve hit the sophisticated bar jackpot.
You will find Three Little Words on Watson Street, close to Deansgate and just 5 minutes’ walk from Deansgate train station.
The bar sits alongside The Spirit of Manchester Distillery so you can enjoy drinks whilst watching the workings of the distillery.
The bar has the full Manchester Gin range on offer, so if you want to go for a classy tasting with friends this is an excellent spot.
To go with your drink of choice they also have an excellent food menu. Their nibbles and small plates are the perfect accompaniment for an evening of sophisticated drinking.
The Whiskey Jar
The Whiskey Jar is on Tariff Street in the Northern Quarter just five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly train station.
The Whiskey Jar is instantly appealing as it is housed within a Grade II listed building.
There are two bars inside and plenty of places to sit. There’s no lingering watching for a seat to free up here.
Their cocktails are some of the best drinks in the house.
Of course, there are some sensational whiskey-based ones but a ton of other creations too.
Talking of whiskey, they have a ton of different choices. From Scottish to Irish to Japanese Scotch and plenty more, you will have fun trying a few different types.
The Whiskey Jar also hosts live music weekends on Friday and Saturdays. They have hosted acoustic acts, duos, bands who play a mixture of cover songs and originals.
The Fitzgerald
You will find The Fitzgerald at Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter.
If you are searching for one of the cool bars in Manchester that is guaranteed to be atmospheric then look no further.
The Fitzgerald is inspired by 1920’s prohibition in America. Head through the back street entrance to discover this watering hole.
Inside you will find the place is moody, low lit, but oozing with character when it’s packed.
Head to The Fitzgerald on a Thursday evening as the venue really comes alive.
There are local musicians playing a range of jazz and blues songs all the way up until the early hours of the morning.
Check out The Fitzgerald on the weekend and you’ll be greeted by the sound of soul, funk and disco from an array of DJs. They also host their Bad Bunny Burlesque Bottomless Brunch.
Blind Tyger
Another of the cool bars in Manchester is Blind Tyger. You will find this cosy watering hole off St Ann’s Square in Old Bank Street.
This speakeasy cocktail bar is heavily inspired by 19th century prohibition. You will certainly feel like you have travelled back in time at Blind Tyger.
The whole place is covered in trinkets which make it feel more like a tavern. Dark furniture and mismatched mirrors line the walls.
Blind Tyger are known for their excellent signature cocktails which give classic favourites a modern makeover. They also have a wide selection of liquors and drinks on tap as well.
Blind Tyger also offers other activities like cocktail experiences. Did you know you can try your zodiac cocktail at Blind Tyger? Each month they have a new cocktail!
7 Sins
If you are searching for themed bars in Manchester where the main ethos is fun, then head to 7 Sins. You will find this bar in the Northern Quarter on Newton Street.
This is one of the best gaming bars in the city. There are so many fun activities to do alongside enjoying a drink.
There are shuffleboard tables, pool, darts, beer pong and arcade games. The graffiti covered walls give off a youthful and trendy vibe and the atmosphere is one of excitement as adults get back their competitive youthful streak.
For food they’ve got burgers, pizza, and a ton of mouth-watering fried treats like chicken wings and mozzarella sticks.
They always have their 2-4-£10 deal on cocktails every night until 7PM. From the vanilla vodka Harley Quinn to the white rum Mango Coco Swizz, cocktail lovers will be well catered for at 7 Sins.
Wolf at the Door
Wolf at the Door is another of the best cool bars in Manchester. You will find this bar on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter.
Wolf at the Door offers a cool vibe whilst serving good beer, cocktails and food.
Wolf at the Door isn’t like many other bars in Manchester in the fact that it offers a more subdued and relaxed atmosphere.
At Wolf at the Door, it’s all about beer, cocktails, wine and tacos and bao! They serve up tacos and bao which start at just £1.
They have a selection of tantalising bao from the Cajun Prawn Po’Bao to the Black Pepper Beef. There are also tacos and loaded fries. Vegans and vegetarians are also welcome here.
They have a selection of white, red, orange and rose wines. They also have a range of cocktails from signatures to classics as well as drafts and cans.
Dusk Til Pawn
Another of the cool bars in Manchester is Dusk Til Pawn. This secret bar is at Stevenson Square in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
This hidden speakeasy bar looks like a pawn shop at first glance.
There are guitars, old TV’s and jewellery in the window, making some people walk straight past.
The neon pawn shop sign is just a façade, head down into the basement and you will find a 1920’s style American bar.
Whether you are looking for a quiet date night spot or a hang out joint to enjoy with friends, Dusk Til Pawn has got you covered.
Music lovers will appreciate the bar’s free jukebox that offers a wide selection of music.
The bar has got you covered with an extensive list of spirits and cocktails from classics to their own creative inventions. Bar staff are always happy and willing to make just about any drink imaginable.
Corbieres Bar
Corbieres Bar is a bit of a hidden gem. You will find this low-lit haunt on Half Moon Street just down the road from the Royal Exchange Theatre.
In a city full of pubs, bars and nightclubs Corbieres Bar offers a touch of sophistication and some really awesome pizza and wine.
Where in Manchester can you get free pizza? Well, if you buy a drink at Corbieres between Tuesday and Friday between 4:30 and 7:30pm then you get free pizza! Yes, free pizza! There’s even vegan pizza.
Corbieres has been around for more than 30 years. It’s a popular local joint and a wonderful spot for music lovers who can utilize the jukebox.
For drinks their wine list is extensive and they also have a ton of beer choices as well. It’s slightly divey style brings nothing but good local clientele and an even better vibe.
Now that you know everything about the best quirky bars in Manchester, it’s time to go grab a drink!
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