Looking for the best cocktail bars in York? Then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together a guide of 20 must-visit York cocktail bars, combining personal favourites and recommendations from our readers.
Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer something a bit more unique – there’s something here for everyone.
Cheers!
The King’s Inn
Serving up ‘quintessential British’ cuisine, the fun and inventive cocktails include a Phone A Friend, with strawberry vodka, tequila and liqueur, milk and cream shaken and topped with whipped cream – and served in a British phone box!
Or why not try the Paddington-inspired Paddington’s Marmalade Tipple, with marmalade vodka, orange liqueur and apple juice, and served with a marmalade sandwich slice.
- 15 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
- Website
The Hi Ho Club
This secret speakeasy in York is hiding some delicious cocktails! You’ll need to become a (free) member to get the password to enter but once you do you will be swept away to a world of delights…
- 2B King’s Sq, York YO1 8BH
- Website
Social8
Situated in the heart of York, Ate O’ Clock’s Social8 lounge bar offers food, world class cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.
- 13 High Ousegate, York YO1 8RZ
- 01904 675350
- Website
Impossible Wonderbar and Tea Rooms
Have you tried the weird and wonderful cocktail creations from Impossible? Situated in the famous Terry’s chocolate orange building on St. Helen’s Square, this theatrical bar offers cocktails such as Terry’s Orange Martini and the Mad Quacker – complete with rubber duck!
- Impossible York, 3 St. Helen’s Square York YO1 8QN
- 01904 864410
- Website
Sora Sky Bar
Now this will is a cocktail with a view! Located on the seventh floor in the Malmaison hotel, you can sit back and sip on cocktails against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline. Some of their signature cocktails include a Peach & Lychee Spritz, Cherry Blossom Negroni, Sesame Old Fashioned and more.
- Malmaison York, 2 Rougier St YO90 1UU York
- 01904 946060
- Website
Evil Eye
Definitely the most popular with our readers! And it’s understandable why – this is a cocktail haven. With so many tasty cocktails to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s a huge list of classics, as well as the Evil creations, and a huge mocktail range too.
- 42 Stonegate YO1 8AS York
- 01904 640002
- Website
Dusk
My personal favourite cocktail bar! This is a friendly and cosy bar that is beautifully lit by soft fairy lights. The cocktails are all named after celebrities or fictional characters – will you go for a Graham Norton, a Stormtrooper, or maybe a Lucy Liu?
- 8 New Street YO1 8RA York
- 01904 634851
- Website
The Ivy
Situated in the beautiful St. Helen’s Square, this is the perfect place for cocktails for any occasion – whether it’s brunch with friends or an evening celebration.
- 2 St. Helen’s Square YO1 8QP York
- 01904 403888
- Website
Manahatta
If you’re looking for a taste of New York in Old York, look no further than Manahatta! With cocktails separated into boroughs of New York, will you get a taste of Manhattan or Brooklyn? Whatever your tipple of choice, Manahatta is sure to serve.
- 3 Little Stonegate YO1 8AX York
- 01904 635146
- Website
Fancy Hanks
Visit this bar and kitchen ‘inspired by two brothers travels through the 11 states of America’s Deep South.’ And yes, there’s a cocktail inspired by each state such as Pretty as a Peach for Georgia and Charleston Fizz for South Carolina.
- 39 Goodramgate YO1 7LS York
- 01904 655068
- Website
The Cosy Club
You can’t miss this stunning building down Fossgate, and the inside is worth more than a look. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, a quick bite, brunch or simply drinks, this classy bar has lots of delicious sounding cocktails to choose from.
- 17-22 Fossgate YO1 9TA York
- 01904 395056
- Website
Fossgate Tap
Situated on the corner of Fossgate, this bar and restaurant boasts a menu of cocktail classics – with a twist. Prepare to be tempted by a Mojito or a Raspberry Ice Tea while watching the York shoppers go by.
- 54-56 Fossgate YO1 9TF York
- 01904 625226
- Website
North South
One of our readers said, “Incredible cocktails with the best music and sharing boards to accompany it.” I’ll have a Rhubarb Negroni please!
- 25A Bootham YO30 7BW York
- 01904 654088
- Website
The 1906 Bar
Located inside the Grand, this intimate bar and whisky lounge is perfect for when you want a bit of decadence. Sip on an Aperol Twist while relaxing in one of their loungers or try their signature – the Mandarin 1906. There’s some indulgent bar snacks on offer too…
- The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
- 01904 380038
- Website
Fossgate Social
This independent café and bar on Fossgate is the perfect place to transition from day to evening. Make sure to visit its sister bar the Micklegate Social too! One reader commented, “Fossgate Social do the best Expresso Martini.” I know what I’ll be ordering.
- 25 Fossgate YO1 9TA York
- 01904 628692
- Website
Lucia
As well as great food, Lucia also does great cocktails! Head upstairs to their elegant cocktail lounge and settle in for the evening. My personal favourite is the Paradise in Yorkshire but there are plenty of tempting delights to choose from.
- 13 Swinegate Court East, York, YO1 8AJ
- 01904 731599
- Website
Plush Café
‘The most instagrammable café in York’ might also have the most instragrammable cocktails! You’ll have to find out for yourself. Will you try a colour-changing Nightshade or a tropical Flocking Fabulous?
- 6 Stonegate YO1 8AS York
- 07534 524167
- Website
Thor’s Tipi
Thor’s Tipi has got not just one, but two locations in York this summer. Visit the luxe-Ibiza inspired location at the Milner Hotel and also the Orangery on Parliament Street. As well as a long list of delicious cocktails to choose from, there’s also lots of yummy street food to tuck in to! Summer has officially started.
- The Milner Hotel Gardens and Parliament Street
- Website
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