Where Are the Best Pubs in Belfast
Okay, so you’re in Belfast and you’re ready to find the best pubs in the city. Let’s be real, this is the only reason you’re here, right? Who cares about the Titanic or the murals when you can just sit in a pub with a pint of Guinness and watch the locals argue about football?
But hey, if you’re going to do this right, you need to know where to go. Belfast isn’t just one pub town—it’s a mosaic of cozy corners, historic haunts, and places where the barista (yes, even in pubs) will side-eye your oat milk request. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of where to drink your way through Belfast without ending up in a puddle of your own tears (or someone else’s).
Top 10 Pubs in Belfast
Let’s cut to the chase. Here are the best pubs in Belfast, ranked with all the authority of someone who’s had three pints and a bit too much exposure to folk music.
- The Duke of York – This pub is as old as the Queen’s grandfather and just as stuffy. But it’s got character, which is code for “the bar staff will pretend they don’t know you if you’re late for your shift.”
- The Crown Liquor Saloon – A Victorian pub that looks like it was designed by someone who thought the 19th century was still the height of fashion. Pro tip: Avoid the menu. Order the steak pie. You won’t regret it.
- Clancy’s Bar – A pub where the only thing louder than the music is the owner’s voice when he’s trying to get everyone to leave on a Tuesday. Perfect for pretending you’re in a Netflix special.
- The Gresham Hotel – Fancy. Expensive. Full of people who still think they’re on a business trip. If you’re here for the view, the bar overlooks Castle Keep. If you’re here for the vibe, you’re here for the wrong reasons.
- The Bridge Pub – A riverside spot that’s either romantic or tragic, depending on how much you’ve had to drink. Great for making bad decisions and writing haikus.
- The Roebuck – A pub that smells like a mix of old books, stale beer, and the faintest whiff of regret. The kind of place where the barista will side-eye your oat milk request but still make it.
- The Royal Victoria – A pub that’s been around since the 18th century. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a spot by the window where you can watch the world go by. If you’re unlucky, you’ll be stuck next to a guy named Kevin who’s trying to explain why the 2002 World Cup was the best ever.
- The Harp – A pub where the only thing louder than the music is the owner’s voice when he’s trying to get everyone to leave on a Tuesday. Perfect for pretending you’re in a Netflix special.
- The George – A pub that’s been around since the 18th century. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a spot by the window where you can watch the world go by. If you’re unlucky, you’ll be stuck next to a guy named Kevin who’s trying to explain why the 2002 World Cup was the best ever.
- The Duke – A pub that smells like a mix of old books, stale beer, and the faintest whiff of regret. The kind of place where the barista will side-eye your oat milk request but still make it.
How to Choose the Best Pub for You
So you’ve got a list of pubs, but how do you pick the right one? It’s not like you can just ask a local. They’ll tell you “Oh, we’ve got great pubs here!” and then immediately start arguing with someone about the best way to boil a kettle.
Here’s the trick: Match the pub to your mood. If you’re in the mood for a serious night out, go to The Crown Liquor Saloon. If you’re in the mood for a serious night out, go to The Crown Liquor Saloon. If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, try The Bridge Pub. And if you’re in the mood for something that’s just a bit weird, then you’re in the right place in Belfast. We do weird well.
Still not sure? Ask a local. But don’t ask just anyone. Ask the kind of person who looks like they’ve already had two pints and is ready to tell you a story about how they once won a pub quiz in 2007. That’s the kind of person you want on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s answer some of the most common questions we get about Belfast pubs. And no, I haven’t had three pints while writing this. I’m just that invested in your well-being.
- What’s the best time to visit Belfast pubs?
If you want to avoid the worst of the crowd, go early. Before 8 PM is ideal. After that, it’s a free-for-all of drunken tourists and people who still think it’s 2010. - Are there any pubs with live music?
Yes. Clancy’s Bar and The Gresham Hotel both have regular live music nights. Just don’t ask us what kind of music they play. It’s almost certainly folk, and you’re not ready for that. - Can I find vegan options in Belfast pubs?
You can. But don’t expect them to be vegan. They’ll just be the vegetarian options with a label that says “Vegan” crossed out with a pen. Proceed with caution. - What’s the best way to get around between pubs?
Uber. Don’t try to walk it off like you’re in a John Wayne movie. You’ll regret it. And so will the locals.
Why Belfast Pubs Are a Cut Above the Rest
Belfast pubs aren’t just places to drink. They’re cultural institutions. They’re where people go to argue about politics, tell bad jokes, and occasionally start a fight over a spilled pint. And that’s what makes them special. They’re not just pubs—they’re part of the city’s soul.
So whether you’re a local, a tourist, or just someone who’s stumbled into the city looking for a drink, Belfast’s pubs have something for everyone. Just remember: The best part of any pub night is the part where you don’t remember what happened after the third pint. That’s how you know it was good.
Make Your Own Beer at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at homebrewing? At Strategies.beer, we’ve got everything you need to start brewing your own beer. From kits to advice, we’re here to help you become the next big thing in homebrewing. And trust us, it’s way more satisfying than trying to order a proper pint in Belfast.
Grow Your Business with Strategies Beer
If you’re a pub owner or a brewery looking to expand, we can help. At Strategies.beer, we offer marketing, distribution, and branding services to help your business thrive. Whether you’re a small pub or a big brewery, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed.
Sell Your Beer Online
Got a new beer you want to sell? Dropt.beer is the perfect platform for getting your beer in front of a wider audience. They’ve got a beer distribution marketplace that’s as easy to use as a pub quiz night. Just don’t forget to bring your A-game.
Conclusion: Embrace the Belfast Pub Culture
Belfast is a city that knows how to do pubs right. From historic haunts to modern hotspots, there’s a pub for every occasion. So grab a pint, sit back, and enjoy the show. And if you’re feeling ambitious, maybe even try to keep up with the locals. Just don’t ask them to explain the difference between the 2002 World Cup and the 2006 World Cup. You’ll never see that one coming.
Still not sure where to go? Check out our contact page for more information on how we can help you find the perfect pub for your next night out. Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, try making your own beer at home with our homebrewing kits. Either way, you’re guaranteed a good time.
