by admin10 Best Bars in York
Everyone knows one of the best ways of exploring a new city is by sampling its bars! Whether it’s your first time in York, or you’re a seasoned regular, rest assured you’ll never be short on places to stop for a pint of beer, classy cocktail, or craft gin.
And, if you’re in need of some inspiration on where to go for a drink or two, then you’re in luck, because we’ve given the lowdown on what we believe to be the best bars in York, here.
1. Fossgate Social
You could literally spend the whole day at Fossgate Social: in the morning, sample their coffee and breakfast menu, and then come the afternoon, you can move onto their harder stuff.
Considered one of the hipster bars of York, situated right in the centre of the city’s foodie scene, if you do pay a visit, make sure you order a pint of their SpaceCraft ale, made at the Ice Cream Factory brewery.
Fossgate Social: 25 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA
2. Impossible Wonderbar & Tea Rooms
If you want to celebrate a special occasion, then this is one of the best cocktail bars in York to do so. Located within an imposing Grade II-listed building, step inside and you’ll be transported back in time, with its decadent setting and high ceilings.
The cocktail menu at Impossible is vast, and filled with the bar’s own concoctions, as well as all the classics. If you’re looking to line your stomachs, then you’ll be pleased to know they serve breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, as well as a selection of cakes and pastries in the tea room.
Impossible: 3 St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QN
3. Sotano
If you’re a sucker for a secret bar, then make a beeline for Sotano, an unassuming bar that’s tucked behind an imposing metal door. Venture inside, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a quirky underground bar, home to an impressive selection of beer, gin, and cocktails.
Sotano also offers arguably the best tapas in York, so why not make an evening of it and pretend you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean?
Sotano: 1 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX
4. 22 Yards Wine
If you love nothing more than a crisp glass of vino, then 22 Yards Wine will soon be your new favourite bar.
Located right by York Minster, choose from a vast selection of red, white, and rosé, as well as champagne, sherry, and port. Struggling to decide what you want? Their staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and can give you their recommendations.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, make sure you try one of their roasts, complete with decadent desserts such as crème brulee, and chocolate bread and butter pudding.
22 Yards Wine: 21 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN
5. Fancy Hank’s
Opened by two brothers who took inspiration from their trip across America, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the USA as soon as you step foot through the door.
Each of their cocktails are named after a state they visited (our favourite is the classic Alabama Slammer!), although you can find a selection of beer and soft drinks too.
Pair your drinks with the southern-inspired street food served here, with Taco Tuesdays offering extremely good deals on both food and drink. Once you’ve visited Fancy Hank’s, you’ll see exactly why it’s classed as one of the best bars in York!
Fancy Hank’s: 39 Goodram Gate, York, YO1 7LS
6. 1906 Bar
Located inside The Grand Hotel, sink into a sumptuous red armchair and admire the artwork as you peruse the extensive cocktail menu, which contains all of the classics, as well as a selection of signature drinks.
However, the one thing 1906 really excels at, is its whisky, which they’ve sourced from all across the globe, from Scotland to Japan, to the USA and Sweden.
1906 Bar: The Grand, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
7. Valhalla
York’s rich history centres around the Vikings, and if you’ve already spent part of your time in the city at the Viking Centre, then why not head to a viking-themed bar afterwards?
If it’s an upscale, refined cocktail bar that you’re after, then give Valhalla a miss; but if what you’re really craving is a pint of beer served in a horn, whilst you’re surrounded by (fake) skeletons, then this is the place to be.
A bit of a tourist trap, be prepared to wait for a table, as it’s walk-ins only, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
Valhalla: 4 Patrick Pool, York, YO1 8BB
8. The Botanist
Floral cocktails at their finest, the drinks are so delicious at The Botanist, that you might be surprised to hear it’s a chain. Don’t let that put you off though – the wooden interiors are charming, and you can sip on all sorts of botanical concoctions, with ingredients including everything from quince and poppyseed, through to rose and elderflower.
Another thing you need to try when you’re at The Botanist is its famous hanging kebabs – one visit here, and you’ll be desperate to go back.
The Botanist: 15-19 Stonegate, York, YO1 8ZW
9. Dyls
Another favourite on the York cocktail bar scene, Dyls is located by Skeldergate Bridge, and has one of the best outdoor drinking spots in York, right by the riverside.
The drinks menu has an impressive selection of cocktail, beers, and wine, and during the day, it operates as a café, so you can tuck into delicious brunch dishes, as well as their quirky pizza wraps.
Dyls: Skeldergate Bridge, York, YO1 9WJ
10. The Biltmore Bar & Grill
Rounding off our list of the top 10 bars in York is The Biltmore, with its interiors one of the most impressive in the city – you can find it in a converted church!
Inspired by the open lofts of New York, sink into a sumptuous booth as you work your way through the drinks menu, or head up to the champagne bar on the first floor, if you want to make a toast.
When it comes to food, you can’t get much better than here – using local produce, expect Asian-inspired plates, alongside their own freshly baked bread.
The Biltmore Bar & Grill: 29 Swinegate, York, YO1 8AZ
For more inspiration on the Yorkshire food and drinks scene, why not discover our pick of the best restaurants in York , as well as our favourite rooftop bars in Leeds ? And, if you want to extend your stay and see more of what Yorkshire has to offer, discover our holiday lettings in York , as well as our holiday rentals in Harrogate – perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends.
