The Best Dive Bars in Leeds

After a bit of stripped-back American realness? Here’s where you can get it.

Leeds is no stranger to a good-old no-frills bar, especially of the American sort. These well-loved dive bars have a certain je ne sais quoi about them that keeps punters coming back for more. You can grab a pint of something nice or a glass of something harder for a reasonable price, all the while soaking up the cool and calm atmosphere and rock ’n’ roll tunes of yesteryear. So without further ado, allow us to introduce you to the best dive bars in Leeds.

The East Village

Thirsty or bored or thirsty and bored? Head to The East Village to get your fill of crafty cocktails and have a go at their selection of boredom-banishing board games. This is the hottest New York-inspired dive bar over in Headingley, giving off the vibe of a shabby chic NYC loft, all exposed brick, vintage rugs and neon lights. Draught nitrogen espresso martinis, Amaretto sours and mojitos are all worthy options, or a schooner of draught beer could be yours. While you’re here, give their chicken wings a try – they’re the stuff of local legend.

The East Village, 47-49 Brudenell Grove, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1HR.

Call Lane Social

Directly opposite Oporto sits Call Lane Social, with its undeniable dive bar feel. From the dark lighting to the stripped walls, it doesn’t get much more authentic than this. You can shake your tail feather (or head bang if you prefer) to all manner of rock, soul and indie jingles, drink in hand. There’s plenty of the hoppy stuff for beer fiends, every liquor you could think of (have it straight, shoot it or mix it) and a lengthy list of cocktails to suit every taste – will you go sweet, sour or salty? A Tommy’s Margarita is a great place to start.

Call Lane Social, 38 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.

Oporto

If Coyote Ugly were filmed in Leeds, it would have been at Oporto. This Call Lane institution is a dive bar through and through, bringing together the holy trinity of good music, good people and good drinks. From the speakers comes a rotation of indie and classic rock anthems and from the bar comes all the craft beers and spirits you’d expect, with an excellent line-up of cocktails. But this is not just your average dive, you can catch live music here on a weekly basis and even enjoy a selection of Portuguese delights fresh out the kitchen.

Oporto, 33 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT.

Mean-Eyed Cat Bar

Mean-Eyed Cat Bar is a fabulous spot for a tipple or two in Leeds. This quirky dive bar is decked out with obligatory red lights and has a drinks menu that’ll make your tail wag. We’re talking ice-cool pints and perfectly poured cocktails – oh you’re in for a treat. You can sip on their signature Hurricane, a 1940s New Orleans classic which combines Havana Especial and Goslings Black Seal rum with orange and passion fruit juice, or give the American Pie a try – a rum and apple liqueur match made in Deep South heaven.

Mean-Eyed Cat Bar, 14 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PQ.

Wax Bar

Love rock ’n’ roll? Love cocktails? Wax Bar is the dive bar for you. It may be small, but it’s full of character – the walls are covered with the likes of old-school stereos, gig posters and record sleeves. It all comes together to form the perfect setting for casual drinks any day of the week, but the weekend is when it really comes to life, as DJs blast tunes from vinyl-only sets. While you trip the light fantastic, you can enjoy a few beers, which come served in a chilled glass, fresh from the freezer, or go for one of their tried and true cocktails.

Wax Bar, 20 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 6NU.

Santiago Bar

When it comes to dive bars in Leeds, Santiago is a stalwart. This old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll venue pays homage to guitar legends, from the decor to the playlist, with everything from Guns N’ Roses to System of a Down blaring from the speakers. Prefer your music live? Plan your visit around one of their many gigs to check out riffs from local talent. You’ll find all your favourite brews behind the bar, from Neck Oil to Heineken, but this is a place known for its whiskey, so a dram or two is a must. Will it be a Jameson, Red Stage or Fireball?

Santiago Bar, 1-3 Grand Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PG.

Howl Bar

It doesn’t get much more no-frills, rock ’n’ roll than Howl. This is a Leeds dive bar where alternative music lovers will well and truly feel at home. Vintage signs adorn the walls, alongside Harley Davidson memorabilia and vintage gig posters, giving it that proper all-American, metal feel. There’s a good mix of punk, rock and goth tunes on blast and of course, a bar stocked with the good stuff. We’re talking Tetley’s and Iron Maiden’s Trooper Ale on cask, alongside keg beers like Brooklyn, plus plenty of the harder stuff too.

Howl Bar, 112 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.

Mojo

Mojo is the original rock ’n’ roll dive bar in Leeds. Inside, music icons plaster the walls, providing a suitable backdrop for a night soundtracked by non-stop soul, rock and funk melodies. As for the liquid persuasion, you can sup everything from bottled lagers to cocktails made with every sort of liquor, every which way. There are the classics – your porn star martinis, Long Island iced teas and margaritas three ways (spicy, sweet or frozen) – and fun twists, like the Limon Chiffon Pie, which combines Limoncello with white chocolate and vanilla vodka.

Mojo, 18 Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PQ.

Cover image credit: adamstealslight.