Great British Pubs

County Antrim

Best Pubs in Belfast

Belfast's Pub scene blends Victorian gin palaces, traditional Irish bars, and a thriving craft beer culture across the Cathedral Quarter and beyond. From long-established locals to busy town-centre bars, drinking out in Belfast reflects the wider Pub culture of County Antrim. Whether you want real ale, Pub food, or a quiet corner for a pint, Belfast's best hostelries are a fine introduction to the area.

The best Pubs in Belfast

  1. Placeholder image for The Crown Liquor Saloon
    VictorianNational TrustGin palace

    The Crown Liquor Saloon

    Must visit

    46 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7BA

    National Trust-owned Victorian gin palace with ornate gas lamps, cosy snugs, and mosaic tiles. Belfast's most iconic Pub.

    • Website listed
    • Find us online
    • Local favourite
  2. Placeholder image for The Duke of York
    RecommendedCathedral QuarterLive music

    The Duke of York

    7-11 Commercial Court, BT1 2NB

    Cathedral Quarter institution down a cobbled alley, plastered with vintage mirrors and Belfast memorabilia. Live music most nights.

    • Memorabilia
    • Local favourite
    • Traditional Pub
  3. Placeholder image for The Harp Bar
    Really good

    The Harp Bar

    48 Hill Street, BT1 2LB

    Lively traditional bar on Hill Street with a packed programme of live Irish music and a warm, convivial atmosphere.

    • Live music
    • Traditional
    • Hill Street
  4. Placeholder image for The John Hewitt
    Arts bar

    The John Hewitt

    51 Donegall Street, BT1 2FH

    Named after the Belfast poet, this bar supports local arts with regular gigs, exhibitions, and a fine selection of Irish whiskeys.

    • Whisky
    • Donegall Street
    • Local favourite
  5. Placeholder image for The Kitchen Bar
    Historic

    The Kitchen Bar

    36-40 Victoria Square, BT1 4QG

    Historic Pub dating to 1859, rebuilt after the Blitz. Excellent food, well-kept stout, and a central Victoria Square location.

    • Food
    • Victoria Square
    • Local favourite
  6. Placeholder image for The Dirty Onion

    The Dirty Onion

    3 Hill Street, BT1 2LA

    Converted warehouse Pub with a huge beer garden, open fires, and one of the best outdoor drinking spaces in the Cathedral Quarter.

    • Beer garden
    • Warehouse
    • Cathedral Quarter
  7. Placeholder image for The Garrick Bar

    The Garrick Bar

    29 Chichester Street, BT1 4JB

    Belfast's oldest Pub, established 1870. A classic Victorian bar with stained glass, snugs, and impeccable pints.

    • Oldest Pub
    • Victorian
    • Snugs
  8. Placeholder image for The Sunflower Bar

    The Sunflower Bar

    65 Union Street, BT1 2JG

    Famous for its security cage on the door, a relic of the Troubles. Now a beloved community Pub with great beer and live music.

    • Iconic
    • Live music
    • Union Street
  9. Placeholder image for The Errigle Inn

    The Errigle Inn

    320 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GE

    South Belfast institution since 1935. A proper local with sports on the telly, quiz nights, and a loyal Ormeau Road crowd.

    • South Belfast
    • Community Pub
    • Ormeau Road
  10. Placeholder image for The Spaniard

    The Spaniard

    3 Skipper Street, BT1 2DZ

    Stylish Cathedral Quarter bar in a 17th-century building with a rooftop terrace, craft cocktails, and a curated beer list.

    • Rooftop terrace
    • Craft beer
    • Historic building