Whether you’re after craft beers, exquisite cocktails or just your favourite bottle of plonk, these are the best bars in Leeds.
Okay, so here’s a conundrum. You’re planning a night out in Leeds city centre and are in need of a spot where you can enjoy top notch booze, in comfy surrounds, with a cracking atmosphere and maybe a couple of tasty nibbles to boot.
But where do you go? Don’t fret. We have all the answers. Whether you want cool craft beers or creative cocktails, good ol’ Yorkshire boozers or secret subterranean sips, here are the best bars in Leeds. Your favourite missing? Check out our guides to the best pubs and cocktails bars in Leeds too.
How we made this list
Our team have made it their mission to personally try every bar in Leeds. We visit new bars as soon as they open and regularly revisit old favourites to make sure they’re as good as we remember. And that’s the basis of this list. It’s been written from experience – which means it’s curated, and to a certain extent, it’s subjective – but it’s honest and from the heart because we genuinely think these are the best bars in Leeds.
Bundobust
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They’re known for their mighty fine Indian street food, but Bundobust surely doubles as one of the best bars in Leeds. This cool-as joint is all long tables and shabby chic furniture, perfect for settling back with pals and working your way through their tipples.
Their own brews are the only place to start, made over at their Manchester brewery, taking you from Dhania Coriander Pilsner to the Mango Lassi Pale. But that’s not all – there’s plenty of wine, alongside tempting cocktails, like the pineapple and coconut-led Dirty Lopez.
In a nutshell: Perfectly-paired craft beer and Indian street food.
Address: Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ.
The Maven
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Leeds’ original speakeasy joint, hidden away behind a mysterious, unmarked doorway on Call Lane, The Maven is a hidden gem worth discovering. Once you’ve ascended the stairs, you’ll walk into a game-changing 1920s drinking den, where smartly-dressed bartenders whip up an alchemic storm like a scene from The Great Gatsby.
There’s a stream of classic cocktails for you to choose from, but it pays to be adventurous at The Maven, with delights like the Raspberry Ripple, a twist on the Negroni, finished with Campari foam.
In a nutshell: A secret speakeasy hidden away above Call Lane.
Address: The Maven, 1 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH.
White Cloth Hall
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White Cloth Hall is a Leeds institution at this point. The all-day eatery is set within a Grade-II listed building behind Leeds Corn Exchange, where inside, the interior is almost – almost – as impressive as the food and drink offering. Think super-high ceilings, old brickwork and warm browns and greens.
As it’s headed up by the brains behind Whitelocks, you can expect a stellar beer offering, from Kirkstall Brewery’s finest to Anthology and Five Points. Vino more your thing? Head to the dedicated wine bar to enjoy a glass or two of everything white, red or rosé.
In a nutshell: A trendy all-day food and drink hall.
Address: White Cloth Hall, 27 Crown Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DA.
Galleria
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Chill, trendy and laidback, Galleria is everything you could want and more in a bar. It’s a little bit out of the city centre, just next to Project House, but it’s well worth the visit – especially when you see the lineup of drinks.
The wine list is stacked (they even have orange!) but it’s the cocktails and spritzes that keep us coming back. The smoked Bloody Mary pairs perfectly with a breakfast dish, but if you find yourself sat outside on a sunny day, it’d be rude not to enjoy an Aperol Spritz.
In a nutshell: A chill bar that’s perfect for a pre-gig tipple.
Address: Galleria, Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2DR.
The Domino Club
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Any bar with a secret entrance grabs our attention, but The Domino Club takes it to another level. Head down the stairs at the back of Lord’s Barbering in Grand Arcade and you’ll descend into a subterranean drinking den.
In fact, you’ll enter the coolest underground jazz club around – throw down shapes on the parquet dance floor, take a pew in the wood-panelled leather booths and head to the bar for oh-so-sophisticated cocktails. The final piece? Free live music. That’s why it’s one of the best places for a night out in Leeds.
In a nutshell: A cocktail-loving underground jazz joint.
Address: The Domino Club, 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG.
North Bar
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What can you say about North Bar that hasn’t already been said? No one will argue it’s not one of the best bars in Leeds and has been since it brought craft beer to the masses in 1997. It’s still leading the way, a cosy, narrow hideaway where you can admire local art on the walls, get your snaps in the photobooth and make your way through an epic beer list.
They have over 150 different brews on at any one point, whether it’s their own classics or rarer tipples from as far as Japan or Australia. Not a hop lover? The gin, rum and whisky offering is just as good.
In a nutshell: The biggest craft beer offering in the city.
Address: North Bar, 24 New Briggate, Leeds, LS2 6NU.
Sela
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A mainstay of Leeds’ nightlife scene for over two decades, Sela Bar is the home of jazz, funk and soul music in Leeds. Head down the stairs off New Briggate to find a cool subterranean joint where music rules the roost.
There’s DJs, yes, but they also welcome a medley of local, national and international bands to their stage. That’s the soundtrack, but what about the drinks? There are keg beers aplenty on the taps and more brews in the fridges, but you can’t go wrong with cocktails like their Cherry Bakewell. Hungry? Pizza is served!
In a nutshell: Jazz-loving underground bar with added pizza.
Address: Sela, 20 New Briggate, Leeds, LS2 6NU.
Oporto
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A night out in Oporto is a Leeds rite of passage. Why? For many, a quiet one here ends up descending into bar-top dancing, endless shots and all manner of rowdiness. Sounds fun right? For nearly three decades it’s nailed its holy trinity of good music, good drinks and good people like nowhere else could.
Indie and rock anthems soundtrack an epic line-up of craft beers, spirits and cocktails. There’s live music on the regular, but want to know a secret? The gig room, which doubles as The Irish Bar, is a Guinness-pouring, Pogues-playing place for craic.
In a nutshell: The most raucous of all the Call Lane party bars.
Address: Oporto, 33 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.
Wapentake
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For a taste of Yorkshire, pay Wapentake a visit. This unpretentious bar is full of rustic, vintage charm, where the finest food and drink from God’s Own County takes centre stage. First up, beer.
They have cask and keg brews, with a few Kirkstall Brewery favourites, but if you’re less about hops, they have plenty of spirits to work your way through. Peckish? Their bar snacks are worth visiting for alone, whether it’s filled Yorkshire puddings, crisp butties or loaded wedges. Top tip – upstairs is a bit of a secret spot to watch big sports games.
In a nutshell: A proper taste of Yorkshire.
Address: Wapentake, 92 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ.
Smokestack
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One of the most legendary Leeds bars, Smokestack is a speakeasy where you can strut your stuff on the dance floor, drink-in-hand. DJs and live music will soundtrack your nights out on a regular basis, creating the party vibes it’s earned a reputation for over the years.
As you dance away, you’ll need fuel, and you have plenty of choice. Cocktails cover classics, like the French Martini, and signatures, like the Margarita-inspired Mother Mercy. Beer lovers are catered for too, with loads of choice to keep you grooving until the early hours.
In a nutshell: Legendary jazz joint for cracking cocktails.
Address: Smokestack, 159a Lower Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6LY.
Belgrave Music Hall
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Not content with just being one of the best bars in Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall is a multi-level destination you can spend all day and night in. Downstairs is a vast space, perfect for supping craft beers, real ales and spirits.
It’s also home to a pair of esteemed street food slingers – Patty’s for burgers and Dough Boys for pizza. Come the weekend they have DJs setting the tone, particularly at the monthly Belgrave Feast, while upstairs is home to one of the city’s finest gig venues and a cool, leafy roof terrace with covered areas and heaters.
In a nutshell: Three floors and a roof terrace of food & drink fun.
Address: Belgrave Music Hall, 5a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP.
Headrow House
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If you’re looking for a bar that offers something for everyone, head to Headrow House. It’s spread across four fun-filled floors. On the ground, you’ll find a beer hall, stocking an incredible list of craft beers, tank-fresh Pilsner Urquell included, alongside spirits and wine, while the lauded Ox Club grill restaurant sits next door.
Upstairs, you’ll come across their gig and event space, while another floor up takes you to the stylish cocktail bar and not one, but two roof terraces. Rain or shine, this is one of the coolest places to spend your nights out in Leeds.
In a nutshell: Beer, cocktails and a pair of roof terraces!
Address: Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU.
Wax Bar
To put it simply, Wax Bar is an institution. It’s only a slither of a bar, but it’s got a massive personality and there’s no doubting it should be on your list the next time you’re going out in Leeds.
Scan the walls to spot all the pop culture references, from old gig posters and classic record covers to framed homages to Shane MacGowan. There’s a touch of his wild rock & roll spirit in Wax, particularly on the weekend when it’s jumping as DJs spin vinyl-only rock classics and revellers get on down with ice cold beers or cool cocktails in hand.
In a nutshell: Craft beer and cocktails served by vinyl heads.
Address: Wax Bar, 20 New Briggate, Leeds, LS2 6NU.
Outlaws Yacht Club
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There’s not much that Outlaws Yacht Club doesn’t do, that’s why it’s one of the best bars in Leeds. It’s an exhibition space, a record shop, a cafe and a gaming spot. It’s kid and dog friendly, open for workers in the day and revellers at night. It’s a bit of everything to everyone.
And folk keep on coming back to take a pew on their comfy sofas, supping on the most quaffable of craft beers from Leeds and beyond or tempting cocktails. Add in the venerable line-up of DJs who’ve manned the decks here, there’s never a reason not to visit.
In a nutshell: A super-cool all-day hangout.
Address: Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DY.
Below Stairs
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When it comes to the best bars in Leeds, Below Stairs might just take the biscuit. It’s an underground escape from the city above, providing a cocktail-centric sanctuary, complete with table service.
It’s got a stylish, throwback feel, with a real attention to detail on the menu of concoctions, something that changes regularly. In fact, each menu and every cocktail has a different theme. Whether it features twists on classics or new creations, they’re all designed to challenge your expectations, like the seaweed-led Seafood.
In a nutshell: Experiential cocktails served underground.
Address: Below Stairs, 12 South Parade, Leeds, LS1 5AL.
Call Lane Social & Tiki Hideaway
Okay, here’s two of the best Leeds bars, all under one roof. First up is Call Lane Social, a rock and roll dive bar where hard liquor leads the way into dancing to old school indie anthems until the early hours, craft beer or whisky in hand under the watchful eye of the mounted stag on the wall.
The stairs at the back take you somewhere else entirely, into a 1950s-inspired Tiki Hideaway, a Polynesian paradise full of bamboo walls and creative mixologists. Our pick would be the Beachcomber, served with a flame you’ll never forget.
In a nutshell: Rock & roll and a Tiki paradise, all under one roof.
Address: Call Lane Social & Tiki Hideaway, 38 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT.
The Northern Market
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It might not have been around for long, but The Northern Market is firmly one of the best bars in Leeds. It’s the city centre taproom of Holbeck-based Northern Monk and the bar is well-stocked with 10 lines for keg beers, including favourites like Faith and The Great Northern Lager, alongside four cask pumps and a vast selection of wine and spirits.
And not only is it a brilliant place to enjoy a few drinks, you’ll be well fed too, with a medley of street food vendors, including The Falafel Guys, Six Slice, Big Buns and Yuzu Streetfood.
In a nutshell: Local craft beer paired with street food heaven.
Address: The Northern Market, 12 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3DW.
Brownhill & Co.
If you’re a proper craft beer lover, Brownhill & Co will seem like a little slice of heaven. It’s from the same people behind Little Leeds Beerhouse, who have their bottle shop in here, but you should pull up a seat in this cool little hideaway to go on an adventure of hop discovery.
There are 10 rotating keg lines, showing off everything from pilsners to stouts, alongside a couple of cask pumps, and even more in bottle and can form. Whether it’s Burning Sky, Runaway or Rothaus, you’ll find plenty for your tastes here, to have in or to go.
In a nutshell: Craft beers and cask ales in a proper hidden gem.
Address: Brownhill & Co, 30 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE.
Farrands
Farrands is one of Leeds’ best kept secrets, but we’re unravelling the mystery for you. This petite bar is just a stone’s throw from Leeds Station, but packs a big punch. The exposed brick bar leads out onto an indoors-outdoors terrace and cosy leather booths for a few tipples you can enjoy in style.
The drinks list will just give you another reason to visit – their hand-picked wines can be recommended to suit your taste by their expert team, while the cocktails promise a medley of delicious originals alongside any classics you desire on request.
In a nutshell: One of Leeds’ best kept secrets for wine and cocktails.
Address: Farrands, 18 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG.
Tabula Rasa
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Treat yourself to a night of class with a trip to Tabula Rasa. This is the brainchild of Filippos Filippopoulos, formerly of The Watermark, who has created the ultimate cocktail hangout. Deep green walls, velvet bar stools and art deco finishings create a sense of old-school style that’s brought into the modern day with a truly exceptional line-up of liquor.
Fine wines sit alongside craft beer and Guinness, but it’s the cocktails we keep coming back for – take the Crime & Punishment, which smokily blurs the lines between a Manhattan and the Penicillin, using Laphroaig 10 whisky and applewood.
In a nutshell: A cool cocktail joint with old-school style.
Address: Tabula Rasa, 8 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7JL.
Roland’s
Amid the chaos and carnage of Call Lane, Roland’s is an oasis of calm (most of the time), a sophisticated spot to kick back with friends, whether you’re tucked away in one of the cosy booths or out on the roof terrace under the sun’s rays.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a craft beer nut or a cocktail aficionado, Roland’s has a tipple to suit. There’s copious for the hop-focused, while Guinness lovers should pay a visit, but not just for a pint of the black stuff. In fact, it’s one of the secret ingredients that goes into making one of the city’s best Espresso Martinis.
In a nutshell: Call Lane’s most sophisticated spot for Guinness or cocktails.
Address: Roland’s, 39 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.
Hello Music Lounge
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House of Fu is a much-loved Leeds restaurant, but did you know it’s hiding one of the best bars in Leeds just above it? Hello Music Lounge is a proper hidden gem and a guarantee for a brilliant night out.
This almost-secret watering hole can be accessed by a buzzer next to the restaurant entrance, then you’ll head upstairs into a cool, Scandi-chic spot where you can knock back craft beer and wine, but we recommend the cocktails, like the Bourbon, coffee and salted caramel blend of the Good Morning. Oh, and it has karaoke booths you can book out to belt out a few tunes – if not, DJs spin cool tunes on vinyl until late.
In a nutshell: A vinyl-spinning cocktail bar with karaoke booths.
Address: Hello Music Lounge, 15-19 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU.
The Brew Society
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It might be a coffee hotspot to start the day, but The Brew Society will end it proving they’re one of the best bars in Leeds. Not far from the train station, it’s a really cool spot, full of stripped-back charm, where craft beer rules the roots.
There are 13 different beer lines to choose from, covering keg and cask – go for a Kirkstall staple, explore Arbor’s hoppy goodness or try Deya’s latest celebration of creativity. There’s even more fun to be found in the fridges, but wine and spirit lovers are well catered for too.
In a nutshell: Coffee by day, beer by night near Leeds Station.
Address: The Brew Society, 26 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT.
The Brunswick
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Right on the northern tip of the city centre, The Brunswick has cemented itself as a must-visit for nights out in Leeds. A narrow, two-floored palace of craft beer awaits, and all away from the hustle and bustle of city life down the road.
Their beer selection changes regularly, so no two visits ever have to be the same. Kirkstall are a reassuring presence, whether on cask or keg, but plenty of experimentation awaits, with the likes of Deya, Pressure Drop and Mikkeller appearing. Hungry? Their stacked burgers are the perfect pint partner.
In a nutshell: A proper beer bar with ever-changing brews.
Address: The Brunswick, 82 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN.
Neon Cactus
Call Lane is awash with drinking spots, but the next time you’re going out in Leeds, why not enjoy a touch of the fiesta? That’s right, Neon Cactus is a Mexican joint, full of semi-psychedelic, Day of the Dead decorations, and an atmosphere that would rival many a popular bar.
Alongside the craft beers on tap and in the fridges, this is really tequila central, whether you’re having a shot or sampling one of their boozy cocktails – the Paloma’s blend of blanco tequila, grapefruit and lime is a dream. Their tip-top tacos are the perfect pairing.
In a nutshell: Margaritas and tacos in the heart of Leeds.
Address: Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.
Water Lane Boathouse
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Nestled right on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, Water Lane Boathouse is the perfect spot to catch up with pals when you’re next going out in Leeds. Exposed brickwork meets minimalist Scandi design, setting the tone for what tends to be a laid-back but atmospheric night out in Leeds.
Whether you’re inside or out in their water-view beer garden, there are craft beers and artisan gins to suit all tastes, but don’t go hungry. Their kitchen does a fine line in pizzas, sarnies and burgers, keeping you fuelled for the rest of the night.
In a nutshell: Riverside drinking spot for beer and cocktails.
Address: Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Leeds, LS11 5PS.
