[Closed] Best pubs etc in Belfast?

What kind of pubs do you like? Operating on the assumption you don't want big flashy night club type places I would recommend the Garrick for a small pub with decent atmosphere and a good selection of beers.

Same goes for the John Hewitt and Duke of York (poor beer selection though).

The Crown bar is the tourist trap everyone ends up in as it's one of the oldest bars in Belfast and just across the road from the Bus/Train station...it's not bad.

Big pub with lots going on take a look at Laverys/The Woodworkers. Or indeed the Empire which is a nice big open bar which does decent pub grub.

I went to a cracker called Bootleggers Belfast, has a good craft beer and burger selection.

mattkkitch - Member

I went to a cracker called Bootleggers Belfast, has a good craft beer and burger selection.

They were fined £1000 after dead rats were found in their kitchen iirc 🙂

Thanks folks. Yeah nice food/beer and maybe live music more the order of the day than flashy nightclubs I would say.

I found this list (with The Crown at the top 🙂 ) - any good?

No problem with dead rats - just adds character.

I found this list (with The Crown at the top ) - any good?

Well as above, it's really just a tourist trap. Yes it's authentically old, but it's never had any kind of atmosphere when I've been in and I've never met anyone who drinks there nor have I ever heard anyone suggest having drinks there...ever.

The John Hewitt is probably my favourite tbh, good beer and live music every night. Katy Daly's can be a good laugh, bit of a rock/metal bar.

Empire or Laverys Pavillion would be my choice for actual pubs that serve decent food as opposed to restaurants that serve beer.

Whites Tavern, the Hudson, The Spaniard and the Sunflower should get an honourable mention.

Cheers - sorry was more meaning the rest of the list but that's all great info. Will let you know how we get on. 🙂

What list?

The first place I went to with a local in Belfast I believe was the Crown, probably only because it was opposite the bus station though. Also opposite the most bombed hotel in Europe, I was informed.

I'll second the John Hewitt

Crown's alight but agree it's not exactly full of atmosphere. I found myself in the Empire on Tuesday night when it has the open Mike/comedy club. It went from a few drinkers in a massive bar to being packed out and appreciably rowdy in about 10 minutes. It was great!

As I'm always staying near Queens Uni, I tend to wander into the pubs and bars around botanical station. Empire was the best.

I think the hotel is the Europa? Hard to believe when you walk into town now. Feels safer than London to me.

This list that I didn't actually post the link to. 😳

Gonna head to the Empire now. 🙂

The Crown is worth going to for a pint as it is a fine interior.

There are loads of good pubs in the Cathedral Quarter (like the Duke of York & John Hewitt mentioned above) a couple of good restaurants round that way too

Brewbot on the Ormeau Rd is good, a bit out of town though, only does beer but it has an insane selection. If you're a grumpy old bollox like myself you might like the Oak Room in the Errigle which is just across the road from Brewbot, Oak panels, table service, good whiskey selection.

There are loads of good pubs in the Cathedral Quarter (like the Duke of York & John Hewitt mentioned above) a couple of good restaurants round that way too

As above the Cathedral Quarter is the place to go - if so check out the Spaniard. Small but lots of charm.

mattkkitch - Member
I went to a cracker called Bootleggers Belfast, has a good craft beer and burger selection.

They were fined £1000 after dead rats were found in their kitchen iirc

Burgers were still good, I'm ok with it