Alcotraz is a jail-themed bar with a plot twist! Here, you and your companions would need to bring your own bottle of alcohol past the staff posed as wardens, and if you’re successful, you’ll be able to enjoy that drink as your own personalised mix!

What we love about this bar’s concept is that it breaks the ice for its customers, and the fun starts even before you get to the drinks. Indeed, this is a very quirky and exciting idea for a fun night in Manchester!

From what we experienced in Alcotraz, the servers can really be creative in their drink mixes, which isn’t something you see every day. 

We’re just a little iffy that there are no alcoholic drinks available in Alcotraz, and you must “smuggle” your own liquor. Although, we noticed that some people found this aspect exciting and in line with the concept.

Indeed, the more knowledgeable lads will enjoy bringing their own alcoholic drinks, but we recommend sticking to smuggling base spirits, such as Vodka, Gin, and Rum. 

On the other hand, we do appreciate the expert mixologists at the bar. Their Pimms and Frozen Daiquiri will surely keep you coming back for more.

As for the prices, we think the costs of around £30 to £50 for a night in Alcotraz are pretty reasonable. 

On the downside, you might want to find another place to continue your night out since this place does not offer any music or comfortable seats. 

Ultimately, we think that the main selling point of Alcotraz is that it can be a great night starter. Because of its unique concept, we believe this place is a must-try for those looking for a memorable night in Manchester.

If you love private setups for your nights out, The Wash House is an ideal spot. Although, at first glance, it’s not exactly what you expect as one of Manchester’s highest-rated bars because it is fronted by a modest laundry shop.

We appreciate the establishment’s privacy and luxurious ambience, and we think this is due to its unique entry mechanics and excellent service. Its servers are also noteworthy, as they are all accommodating, knowledgeable, and always ready to greet guests warmly.

They offer a fantastic range of cocktails and delicious nosh that can awe anyone. Also, we think its ambiance makes this place a solid choice if you want a more cosy night out with your mates without many distractions. 

Another thing we appreciate is that the prices of food and drinks are affordable, given the wide variety.

As for their cocktails, we were delighted to see they made it into an art form. They offer drinks that include roasted marshmallows and some that are inspired by summertime ice cream flavours.

However, one thing that we found pretty iffy is that it only has one toilet for both the ladies and gents. Nonetheless, because reservations are required, we’re delighted that The Washhouse is never overcrowded.

Also, we think the entry mechanics to get into their place are a bit unconventional and could use more explanation to unknowing people like tourists. The only thing keeping us positive about this is that you can enjoy your space without too many distractions.

Although their drinks give great value for money, it’s still quite expensive for a night out. The one-of-a-kind drinks at The Wash House call for a more special night out than your usual weekend party.

The bottom line is that we think The Washhouse might be Manchester’s best-kept secret for a unique spin on your next night out. 

Be At One in Covent Garden on Russell Street is one of Manchester’s highest-rated bars for a good reason. 

We absolutely love that their location is easily searchable and is fairly near other nightclubs. We also appreciate that you can come here for happy hour drinks before skipping to other places or simply to have a good time on your night out.

When you drop by their bar, we think there’s something for everyone. We have to give it to them for having one of the industry’s most extensive cocktail lists, and this diversity in the menu helps bring something different to a night out.

The only thing that we were iffy about was their price range. Although you get what you pay for quality-wise, they range from £9 to £15 depending on the alcoholic drink of your choice.

With all of the rave reviews for Be At One in Covent Garden, our only concern is that there are multiple reports of bouncers not letting in customers on a whim. For instance, some customers we spoke with claimed that the security staff refused them entry for no apparent reason.

Ultimately, with all factors considered, we still think the place can lead to fabulous memories and great stories for the next day.

Known as Manchester’s “Party Palace,” New York New York, Manchester really lives up to its name. So if you want a hands-in-the-air night filled with music you can dance to, you should consider adding this to your plans for an exciting night out!

We appreciate that this establishment takes pride in being inclusive to all genders, races and ages. But, of course, we have to give it to them for their drag performances, which keep the audience engaged, and their music choices create a lively atmosphere.

Regarding location, New York, New York is conveniently situated within Manchester’s gay village, which we think is accessible if you’re planning to do a bar hop night since it’s also around the same area as Deansgate.

As for its prices, we honestly think this place offers an affordable range of drinks and finger foods. Our best pick would be their signature Serendipity, and a close second is their Raspberry Collins, which will run you an approximate £4 for each.

On the downside, we were a bit iffy about how the place can get so crowded and rowdy, especially during weekends and peak hours. There is little to no crowd control, which can possibly cause one or two drunken mishaps.

All in all, we think New York New York is the place to be if you want to party to your heart’s content. As a safe abode for the LGBTQ+ community, this fabulous glitter ball club will accept you wherever you are on the spectrum.

Cloud 23 boasts a sophisticated and elegant signature style. It is so-named because it is located on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower – making it Manchester’s highest bar.

We were impressed to see how luxe and high-class the place is. We have to give it to them for their cosy yet fashionable interiors to really feel like a VIP.

It’s no surprise that they also offer a range of drinks you can’t get anywhere around Manchester. They have an extensive and original beverage menu that we think is a big plus for the price you pay. 

Given how indulgent the place can be regarding the ambience, food, and drinks, we think the heftier cost is still reasonable.

Another thing we found noteworthy is that their service staff are all quite knowledgeable about the menu. Furthermore, they also provide good recommendations if you’re a first-timer.

If you are unsure what to get, we think their Ena Sparkles is a safe bet since it’s a fruity champagne-based concoction. For a more serious drink choice, we like how ‘The Industrialist’ is a combination of bourbon and bitters balanced with a sweet candy-floss topping.

On the flip side, it may take months to get your slot, and we think this may be due to their booking system. We found this aspect quite disappointing since it might be a deterrent to some due to the limited availability of schedules.

Finally, since Cloud 23 wants to keep its high-class image, a strict dress code must be followed. Otherwise, you may be refused entry even if you have a reservation, which can be another drawback to those who like a casual and comfy night out.