Belfast’s cocktail bar scene is a range of posh rooftops, vibrant jazz bars and eco-conscious lounges.
When we think of Belfast’s nightlife, public houses come to mind, especially legendary institutions throughout Cathedral Quarter. Although, when it comes to a growing cocktail bar scene, the capital city of Northern Ireland surely has more than a few.
Underground speakeasies, jazz bars, sustainable lounges are captivating both locals and travelers. Here are some of the most interesting and delectable cocktail bars in Belfast, drawing crowds while creating inventive and flavorful concoctions.
View this post on Instagram
Rattlebag
Twelve is the magic number at Rattlebag. Inside Bullitt Hotel, this creative and mod cocktail bar presents a seasonal cocktail menu which changes every 12 weeks and focuses on 12 spirits that are spotlighted in 12 meticulously produced drinks. The eco-conscious bar is entirely sustainable by using zero plastics, solely recycled paper and even LED lighting. The ecological mindset also reflects upon the staff’s collection of ingredients foraged from nature, like beautiful wild plants and fresh berries.
FACEBOOK RattlebagRita’s
Located in The Linen Quarter of the city, The Linen House is a hub of Belfast’s best bars, inside a historic building. Don’t miss Rita’s Cocktail Bar starring “Rita’s Boys,” aka: the bar’s brilliant lineup of master mixologists. The festive hotspot also features pop-up menus just as often as lively events, including: Date Night and Jazz Night. For hungry customers, there are tasty small plates for quick nibbles.
FACEBOOK Rita’s Belfast 
Bert’s Jazz Bar
To some, it may come as a surprise that several jazz clubs are dotted throughout Belfast. One great spot is Berts Jazz Bar which encompasses Art Deco-style decor reminiscent of 1930s New York. To discover the Jazz Age in Northern Ireland, enter The Merchant Hotel where premium cocktails perfectly accompany a worldly menu, categorized by cities: London (Joan Collins, Marmalade Martini,) Paris (French 75, Boulevardier, Champs Élyseés,) Havana (The Daiquiri, El Presidente, Old Cuban) …etc.
FACEBOOK Berts Jazz BarThe Tipsy Bird
Known for coming up with imaginative cocktails, The Tipsy Bird carries a wide variety of drink options. But, for those who cannot make up their minds, mixologists here are experts at coming up with your customized concoction on the spot. In addition to delicious drinks, there’s live music every night. Since it’s located right in city center, the bar is often crowded with both locals and travelers.
FACEBOOK The Tipsy BirdThe Bar at The Merchant
Another graceful gem inside The Merchant Hotel is The Cocktail Bar, where vintage Baccarat chandeliers light up a handsome setting bolstered by refined dark woods. The bar offers a complimentary Browsing Drink, made from Jawbox Gin – a dry Belfast gin distilled in small batches and hand bottled not too far from the hotel. The cocktail menu is compartmentalized by palate and texture: toasty, savoury, creamy, rounded, fiery, velvety, electric refreshing, zestful, boozy, piquant, clean, sharp, fruity, floral, tropical and vibrant.
FACEBOOK The Merchant HotelAngel And Two Bibles
Angel And Two Bibles might be the most quirky on this list, as the name of the bar humorously implies. There are two menus: Old Testament, and New Testament. The first features the team’s own take on classic cocktails while the latter includes drinks unique to Angel And Two Bibles. You’ll know what to expect, more or less, with the Old Testament menu. But the New Testament contains experimental tastes, flavors and ideas. Music is evidently a massive inspiration, hence the names of cocktails that range from Nirvana All Apologies Paloma to Taylor Swift Lavender Haze.
FACEBOOK Angel And Two BiblesMargot
Margot is another popular yet somewhat secluded cocktail bar, celebrated for bespoke and artisanal cocktails, like the Clover Club (Tanqueray No. TEN Gin, Bajan Vermouth, Absinthe, Strawberry & Rose Cordial, Lemon Juice, Whites,) or Harvey Wallbanger (Boatyard Vodka, Gran Marnier, Spiced Syrup, Whites, Three Cents Bergamot & Mandarin Soda.) Every weekend, there’s live DJ spinning until 2 a.m., with a busy kitchen which serves brunch until 4 p.m.
FACEBOOK MargotObservatory
On the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel is the Observatory – an elegant cocktail bar that truly encapsulates the entire city of Belfast from high above. What a sight for sore eyes to be there at night, to witness the city’s sparkling lights. For sky high sips, check out its cocktail menu with signature drinks named after the city’s famous neighborhoods, including: Queen’s Quarter, Golden Mile, Napoleon’s Nose and Titanic Quarter.
FACEBOOK Grand Central HotelOrisha Belfast
For a funkier and soulful energy, Orisha Belfast is it. During the day, it’s a cool café, at night, it shifts to a relaxing Bodega bar with live music and DJs. Order an Espresso Martini, or the Orún variation (Disaronno, Triple Sec, Kahlua, cane syrup, fresh espresso.) If you prefer a hot drink similar to an Irish Coffee, then try the Mexican Coffee (Ojo de Dios Cafe Mezcal, Chilli, fresh espresso, brown sugar, fresh cream, grated dark chocolate.)
FACEBOOK Orisha BelfastThe Perch Rooftop Bar
Every city needs a fun rooftop bar, and The Perch is where you need to be. Similar to Rita’s (see above,) The Perch is also situated inside the Linen House. The transformed Victorian warehouse is now adorned with birdcages painted in vibrant colors, in addition to a breathtaking view of the city from above. Come here for events, group parties and fruity cocktails!
FACEBOOK The Perch – Rooftop Bar