Looking for the best bars in Liverpool? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after a chilled-out bar with great drinks and friendly locals, or somewhere more lively with a killer cocktail list, we’ve got the perfect spot for you. From hidden cellars to secret speakeasies, this list of the best bars in Liverpool has them all. Read on to discover our top 8 watering holes and get ready to drink up! Red Light is one of Liverpool’s most unique bars. Hidden away beneath the famous red-lit statue of William Brown or ‘Billy’ as he has colloquially known it can only be accessed through an old drainpipe outside The Cavern Club. Keeping things simple with just a few tables and stools around them, there isn’t much seating… but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best bars in Liverpool!
1. The best bars in Liverpool: Grand Cavern
Walking through The Cavern – the world’s most famous Beatles bar – takes you back to the iconic time when The Fab Four played here every night. But, if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, head away from the bright lights and towards the Grand Cavern, a dimly-lit, underground cocktail spot. The cocktails are exceptional, the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the drinks are reasonably priced. There’s music and a DJ every night, and, on weekends, the place really lights up. The Cavern has become synonymous with the Beatles, but there are plenty of other iconic bands that have also played there over the years including the Rolling Stones, The Police, Oasis, and Arctic Monkeys. So, if you want to sample the atmosphere of a bygone era, head to the Grand Cavern, and get ready to get your dancing shoes on!
2. The best bars in Liverpool: Art Club
Liverpool’s hidden art space is a great way to experience something different from the city’s usual nightlife offerings. While it’s open only on the first Friday of each month, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. The entrance is a nondescript door in a small side street and, once you’re inside, you’ll find yourself in a large, open-plan gallery space. The exhibitions change every month and there’s usually a theme, so you’ll get to see both local and visiting artists’ work. There is no bar, so you won’t be able to sample the usual Liverpool nightlife cocktails, but there are plenty of craft beers, soft drinks, and cool, themed cocktails on the menu. The music tends to be pretty eclectic, so you never know what you’ll get. And, as the venue is open until 2 a.m., you can stay as long as you want, making Art Club one of Liverpool’s best bars.
3. The best bars in Liverpool: Berry & Berry
If you love cocktails, you’ll love Berry & Berry. With a huge cocktail menu, you’ll struggle to choose just one favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the Pink Flamingo (a mix of tequila, strawberry, and lime). It’s a small, friendly bar that’s popular with both locals and tourists, and the staff is very welcoming and friendly. If you’re after a quiet drink, this isn’t the place for you. It’s a lively, upbeat bar with a young, vibrant atmosphere, and there’s often a DJ playing. Be aware that there is often a queue on weekend nights, so be prepared to wait if you’re hoping to get in. If you go midweek, though, you’re unlikely to be waiting long. There are two Berry & Berry bars in Liverpool – one in the city center and one in the Baltic Triangle.
4. The best bars in Liverpool: Oddfellows
If you want a bar with a different feel – something a little more unique – Oddfellows is the place for you. It’s a beautiful, old-style, dimly-lit bar with a super relaxed atmosphere. There are board games on the shelves and tables, an open fire, and a huge selection of cocktails. The drinks menu is huge, so you’re bound to find something you like. If you’re after a quiet drink, avoid the evenings and weekends, when it’s usually pretty busy. You can also eat here, although the menu is limited, so you’re best off coming for a drink. Oddfellows is unusual in that it’s not a chain bar – it’s independent, so you won’t find one anywhere else in the country. It’s a great place to relax and chill out with friends, and it’s one of Liverpool’s best bars.
5. The best bars in Liverpool: Smile Please
If you’re after a bar that’s a little more low-key, but still has a great atmosphere, Smile Please is for you. It’s a small, friendly bar with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. You can sit at the bar or grab a table, and the drinks menu is reasonably priced. There are daily deals and happy hours that are a great way to save money, and you’ll often get complimentary nibbles while you’re drinking. On Sundays, there’s also a DJ playing and it’s a great place to start your weekend. It’s open all day, so you can drop in for a quiet drink before heading out to explore the city, or you can stay until the last orders at midnight. It’s a great little bar with a friendly atmosphere, and it’s one of Liverpool’s best bars.
6. The best bars in Liverpool: Grog Shop
If you’re looking for a bar with a bit of character, Grog Shop is for you. It’s a traditional Liverpool bar that’s been in the city since the 1940s. It’s a tiny, old-fashioned bar with roll-up shutters on the windows, a friendly atmosphere, and a welcoming staff. The drinks are reasonably priced and there’s a daily special. Grog Shop is one of the best bars in Liverpool for watching football. It’s the unofficial home of Liverpool FC, and it’s a great place to watch live matches with like-minded fans. It gets extremely busy when there’s a match on, so you’re best off arriving early. It’s open until late every night, so you can drop in for a quiet drink any time.
7. The best bars in Liverpool: Merchants Tavern
If you’re looking for an authentic Liverpool bar, Merchants Tavern is the one for you. It’s a real, old-style Liverpool bar with sawdust on the floor, low ceilings, and lots of old photographs, knick-knacks, and newspaper cuttings on the walls. It’s a friendly place with welcoming staff, and you can sit at the bar, at a table, or on a bench at the back. The drinks are reasonably priced and there’s a pool table, a dartboard, and a jukebox in the corner. Merchants are open from 8 a.m. until late every day, so you can pop in for a quiet morning coffee or come in after work for a few drinks. It’s one of the best bars in Liverpool for an authentic, real Liverpool experience.
8. The best bars in Liverpool: The Langham Hotel Bar
If you’re staying at The Langham Hotel, you’re in luck as you can pop down to the hotel bar for a drink. It’s a lovely, elegant bar with a glamorous feel and a luxurious ambiance. There’s live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and there are cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers on the menu. It’s a great place to start your evening, or you can drop in for a quiet drink at any time of the day or night. It’s a beautiful bar, with
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