13 Of The Best Cocktail Bars In Belfast For A Sip Tonight

There are some excellent cocktail bars in Belfast. But there are some, ehm, not-so-great ones, too!

With this guide, we’re going to help you discover the best of the bunch, with a mix of chilled bars and very fancy spots for cocktails in Belfast.

In the guide below, you’ll discover the best cocktail bars Belfast has to offer, from swanky rooftop bars offering mighty views to cosy dives.

Our favourite cocktail bars in Belfast

The first section of our guide is packed with the places that we think do the best cocktails in Belfast.

These are places that one or more of The Irish Road Trip Team have been to, and have raved about.

1. Santeria Belfast

Industrial décor, bare brick walls, and Mexican-style artwork on the walls make Santeria a charming spot for cocktails in Belfast.

Focusing on contemporary and classic cocktails, this fabulous venue on Fountain Street is a great place to enjoy drinks with friends.

The drink list is quite extensive and includes everything from a great choice of cocktails to whisky, vodka, and gin. If you are in the mood for a hot drink on a cold winter day, order the Baileys hot chocolates or go for the Irish coffees.

2. Rita’s

You will find Rita’s in the vibrant Linen Quarter in Belfast. This exquisite cocktail venue boasts a stylish interior décor including a cosy fireplace, some amazing retro art on the walls, and comfortable velvet chairs.

Alongside its deluxe interior and awesome live music, Rita’s offers an extensive menu of signature cocktails, gins, beers, and spirits. Order the classy fruity Mai Tai cocktail.

If you are feeling adventurous, ask the friendly bartenders to mix up a Jose Cuervo. If you’re looking for cocktail bars in Belfast for a date night, give Rita’s a go!

3. Liquor XXX

Get your Caribbean cocktail fix at Liquor XXX! With cosy seating, antique interiors, and a secret back door, this cool little hideaway in Belfast has a nice selection of Latin-inspired drinks ranging from cachaca and pisco to tequila and more.

The cocktail list takes you on a journey to the Caribbean with favourites such as Michelada and Cuba Libre. Make sure to visit on the weekends when local DJ’s are spinning Latin music.

4. Bert’s Jazz Bar

With a 1930s New York City vibe, Bert’s Jazz Bar is a cocktail bar situated within the Merchant – one of the finest 5 star hotels in Belfast.

Inspired by post-prohibition times, the venue boasts a stylish interior with velvet and red leather sofas and dim lights. Whether you are craving a Daiquiri or you wish to try the old-fashioned Bramble, Bert’s offers an extensive cocktail list.

In addition to amazing cocktails, the bar hosts live jazz and blues performances. If you get hungry, there is a French bistro menu available with favourites like toffee baked Alaska to moules frites.

5. Margot Belfast

Open 7 days a week, Margot Belfast is a stylish cocktail bar with warm, funky interiors. On the menu, you will find a range of creative cocktails and spirits, an extensive wine list, and daily food specials.

Try the bar’s signature Irish coffee or go for very tasty Strawberry Daiquiri. You can also order innovative cocktails such as Let it go Cosmo and Lust for Life.

If you fancy grabbing a bite, the flatbread chicken and the Cesar salad are both well worth a shot.

Unique spots for cocktails in Belfast

Now that we have our favourite cocktail bars in Belfast out of the way, it’s time to see what else the city has to offer.

The next section of our guide is packed with unique places for cocktails in Belfast, with a mix of swanky restaurants and rooftop bars on offer.

1. The bar at the Merchant Hotel

Located in the historic Cathedral Quarter, the AA 5 Red Star Merchant Hotel is one of the finest 5 star hotels in Belfast. From a luxury spa and a rooftop fitness centre to an amazing jazz bar, this property has it all.

If you are in the mood for cocktails, drop by their award-winning cocktail bar where you will find a large selection of drinks ranging from old spirits and wine to vintage champagnes.

Their cocktail menu is spectacular and includes options such as Pina Colada, Nui Nuis, and Grasshopper. As for the interior, expect to find luxurious seating with lavish furniture, swish chandeliers, and warming fireplaces.

2. The Perch Rooftop Bar

Situated inside a converted Victorian warehouse, the Perch Rooftop Bar is well-known for its adorable décor, fabulous city views, and innovative cocktails.

Step inside this garden-like venue where you will find cute plant pots and small bird cages hanging from the ceiling. 

Fruity cocktails are served in small plant pots and the baked pizzas are delicious. The views of the night sky through the glass windows are simply breathtaking.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best bars in Belfast (it’s packed with old-school pubs and historic bars in the city)

3. Babel Rooftop Bar and Garden

We first came across Babel several years ago when writing a guide to the best bottomless brunch in Belfast (they no longer do it), and we’ve been coming back every since!

Located on the top floor of the magnificent Bullitt Hotel in Belfast, the Babel Rooftop Bar and Garden is an ideal place to grab cocktails with friends in the evening.

This elevated restaurant and bar boasts a lovely terrace and offers everything from artisan cocktails and live DJ performances to tasty foods from their seasonal pop-up kitchen. Make sure to try their summer slushies and homemade pizzas.

4. The Bar at Fitzwilliam Hotel

Make your way to the cocktail bar at the popular Fitzwilliam Hotel. Well-known for its fabulous décor with low lighting and orange seating, the bar at the Fitzwilliam Hotel offers an extensive list of superb cocktails and top-notch service.

Their brand new cocktail menu allows you to taste unique flavours, textures, and aromas. Try the Pineapple Fizz which mixes Belfast-made Jawbox Pineapple & Ginger Gin and Prosecco.

If you’re looking for the best cocktails in Belfast, we’ve heard good things about their ‘Leading Lady’, which combines Grey Goose La Vanille vodka with Chambord and peach liqueur.

More popular spots for cocktails in Belfast (with excellent reviews)

The final section of our guide to the best cocktails in Belfast is filled with several more cocktail bars that have racked up solid reviews at the time of typing.

Below, you’ll find the brilliant Revolución de Cuba Belfast (you’ll get some of the best brunch in Belfast here!) to the popular Sweet Afton.

1. Revolución de Cuba Belfast

If you wish to experience Cuban culture in Belfast and enjoy tropical party vibes, pay a visit to Revolución de Cuba Belfast.

Expect a Latin-inspired food menu with plenty of tapas dishes and Cuban delicacies such as homemade meatballs made with beef, pork belly skewers in rum sauce, and chorizo and pork in tomato sauce.

On the drinks list, a range of dazzling handcrafted cocktails is available. Try their signature Zombie cocktail if you like a drink that packs a punch!

2. Sweet Afton Belfast

Sweet Afton Belfast takes its name from one of the poems written by Robert Burns. Located in the Linen Quarter, this bar and restaurant is famed for its relaxed atmosphere and elegant décor with dark wooden features.

On the menu, guests will find a range of craft beers, spirits, delicious food, and most importantly, tasty artisan cocktails mixed by professional staff.

With numerous televisions and screens in highly visible areas, Sweet Afton Belfast is also a great place to watch sports.

3. The Tipsy Bird

One of the newest additions to the cocktail bar scene in Belfast, the Tipsy Bird is located a stone’s throw from the Waterfront Hall in the centre of Belfast.

Guests will have an opportunity to enjoy fabulous cocktails prepared by expert mixologists and a lively atmosphere with live music every night of the week.

The bar also offers delicious and crispy stone-baked pizza prepared using only the freshest authentic Italian ingredients.

4. The Chelsea

The last on our list of the best cocktail bars in Belfast is Chelsea. Located in Lisburn Road, this slick urban gastropub offers a great range of cocktails designed by the world-famous mixologist Wayne Collins.

Guests like signature cocktails such as the Chelsea Spritz and the Chelsea Cooler and add that the French Martini, Bramble, and Dark and Stormy are also mixed to perfection.

There is also a fabulous food menu that includes a mixture of light bites, Asian classics, locally sourced meats, and seafood plates. For starters, get the Korean chicken wings or chilli king prawns.

The best cocktails in Belfast: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places for cocktails in Belfast from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best cocktail bars in Belfast

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where does the best cheap cocktails in Belfast to which cocktail bars in Belfast are the fanciest.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Where can you get the best cocktails in Belfast?

In our opinion, the best cocktail bars in Belfast are Bert’s Jazz Bar, Liquor XXX, Rita’s and Santeria Belfast.

What are the fanciest cocktail bars in Belfast?

The bar at the 5 star Merchant Hotel is arguably the fanciest spot for cocktails in Belfast (the interior is incredible!).

Are there any rooftop cocktail bars in Belfast?

Yes! There’s the Babel Rooftop Bar and Garden and The Perch Rooftop Bar. Both of which are well worth checking out.