Bristol's 10 coolest bars

Rosa Tapas & Bar is located on the popular Whiteladies Road, Bristol. Housed over two floors, adorned with candles, vintage typewriters, and flowers, Rosa Tapas & Bar promises world-inspired food to share and drinks to sip in a romantic, cosy, and stylish setting; perfect for those looking for decent drinks, music, and a bite to eat.

The venue exudes a relaxed vibe, making it the perfect place for more casual meet-ups.

With interesting and playful dishes and drinks, this bar is a must-visit for those seeking a tantalising taste of global cuisines and delicious drinks in a comfortable and cool tapas bar environment.

Racks is a popular bar and restaurant located in the centre of Clifton. Having been at the heart of the community for 30 years, Racks is renowned for its friendly and relaxed vibe.

The bar is home to The Terrace, which transforms into a fully heated après ski lodge in the winter months, with long tables and cool vibes. However, if après ski isn’t your style, inside you’ll find an inviting restaurant with cosy alcoves, warming fireplaces, and a friendly atmosphere.

Racks is a cool, stylish bar that is perfect for grabbing a drink (or two) with friends or for relaxed after-work socials.

With a reputation for some of the best drinks in Bristol, The Milk Thistle is a cool, prohibition-style bar perfect for any occasion - including casual drinks, decadent dinner parties, or cocktail and spirit masterclasses.

Dispersed across four floors and hidden in plain sight in one of the most spectacular historic buildings in Bristol’s city centre, The Milk Thistle is a haven of stunning architecture, eclectic décor, and award-winning cocktails.

The relaxed atmosphere and exceptional drinks, combined with top-notch service from some of Bristol’s best bartenders, make The Milk Thistle the perfect bar if you’re searching for cool vibes.

A former German cargo ship, now moored in Bristol’s Floating Harbour since 1984, Thekla is an award-winning and world-famous live music bar and club.

Thekla is one of the most unique and coolest bars Bristol has on offer, which is probably why it has served as a popular bar, nightclub, and live music venue since the 1980s.

Showcasing a very diverse mix of music genres (limited only by the size of the hold), from house to break beats to contemporary indie and so, so much more – the crowd attracted is always a good mix.

The Clockwork Rose is the fictional drinkery of the adventurer Captain Sebastian Commodore. When Captain Commodore would return to England, he and the crew of The Nautimore would gather at The Clockwork Rose to tell the tales of their travels.

To help remember the tales, skilled mixologists at The Clockwork Rose have expertly transformed each account into delicious, handcrafted cocktails for you to enjoy in Bristol’s only steam-punk-inspired cocktail bar.

The fantasy-focussed cocktail bar is located near Bristol City Centre, making it an easily accessible and cool venue for celebrations, socialising, or post-work drinks.

Flight Club is a popular bar that has reinvented the traditional game of darts for the 21st century – combining a social darts concept with a classic night out.

Located on Corn Street in Bristol city centre, the bar offers guests the chance to play a fast-paced version of darts alongside a menu offering a range of cocktails, drinks, and foods.

Inside, the bar boasts a cool, sport retro-inspired décor, decked with fairground horses, twinkling lights, carnival furnishings, and stained glass windows. Whether you’re an experienced darts marksman or a complete beginner, this bar is sure to give you a fun night.

The Florist is situated on Bristol’s iconic Park Street, and the bar makes use of its Victorian heritage. High ceilings, wood panelling and an original orangery roof, combined with modern floral décor and plush pink seating, makes it easily one of the coolest cocktail bars in Bristol.

The aesthetic and prettily presented cocktail offering is also inspired by all things sweet, floral, and botanical, with an extensive menu separated into English Summer Garden, Ikebana, and Modern sections. With spacious rooms, regular DJ nights and flower-based entertainment experiences, plus a cool vibe, The Florist is a perfect bar for groups or post-work socials.

Gloria was (and still is) known for throwing the wildest parties and crafting the best drinks – including her famous Flaming Zombie cocktail which David Bowie claimed was like drinking rock in a glass.

Blame Gloria is a cool, trendy cocktail bar for all Bristol party people, with a beautifully eccentric interior, carefully curated cocktail menu, and a playlist guaranteed to get you dancing and singing along by the end of the night.

The bar hosts a number of cool events, including ABBA, Mamma Mia, and Power Ballads themed bottomless brunches, perfect for all celebrations and get-togethers with friends.

Tasty cocktails, bartenders, and atmosphere, The Bootlegger is one of our top picks for cool bars in Bristol. Located on lively Cheltenham Road, the bar encapsulates the same energy felt on the 5th December 1933, when Prohibition ended.

This popular speakeasy has over 90 cocktail concoctions for you to enjoy. All cocktails are made with locally sourced fruits and botanicals, ranging from signature classic drinks to cool creations influenced by the Prohibition era.

Decked out with exposed brickwork, vintage lights, and deep-buttoned leather sofas matched with live music and in-house swinging DJs, The Bootlegger is well-worth a visit.

The Square Club is Bristol’s most refined members’ club with a public cocktail bar and an award-winning restaurant, supplying a seasonal and locally sourced British menu.

Upstairs, The Square Club restaurant serves delicious food in a contemporary yet classic Georgian townhouse setting. Heading downstairs, you’ll find their lower-deck cocktail bar which has been tastefully decorated to create a cool, stylish environment. The bar boasts a dance floor, large bar, DJ booth, and access to a heated terrace.

A fantastic venue, talented team, and great location make The Square Club the perfect bar to grab a drink with friends.