Categories > Guides and Tips
Exploring the 10 Most Magnetic Manchester Bars That Draw the Crowds After Dark!
I absolutely loathe late nights out. Really, every time I step into a bar, my feet just start tapping, my heart syncs with the baseline, and, well, one drink turns into a tour of the taps. Next thing you know, I’m part of the furniture, and they’re naming a cocktail after me!
Alright, pulling your leg a bit there—I’m actually one of Manchester’s most devoted night owls (not really, but let’s roll with it). And I’ve got a social circle that thinks a night in is a crime against humanity (exaggeration? Maybe a smidge).
But I’m dead serious when I say I’ve explored every nook and cranny of Manchester’s bar scene—from the swanky spots where you need a secret password to the down-to-earth dives that smell like history.
So, if you’re looking to find out where the real magic happens after the sun sets, stick with me. Here’s the lowdown on the most magnetic bars in Manchester that pull in the crowds night after night.
MOJO Manchester
Media from mojomanchester
Website: MOJO Manchester
Address: 59 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 834 2223
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-4AM
Right on Bridge Street, MOJO Manchester is a solid gold choice for anyone keen to soak up a bit of rock ‘n’ roll after clocking out. This spot’s a massive hit with the post-work crowd—proof it’s doing something right.
New Year’s Eve here? It’s a no-nonsense bash with killer music and heaps of booze. Their NYE table package sets you back just £20.00 each for groups of six, chucking in a welcome cocktail, two drinks vouchers, a cheeky mini Jäger, and a bottle of prosecco for the table.
Feeling peckish? Top up £5.00 for some grub—either a main or two starters. And remember, last orders for food at 9 PM, drinks at 10:30 PM. Make sure you’re sorted before then!
| Pro tip: Snag a bar seat to catch the bartenders in action—it’s as entertaining as the tunes! |
The Liquor Store
Media from theliquorstore.sp
Website: The Liquor Store
Address: Maybrook House, 40 Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 834 6239
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat 12PM-3AM
- Sun 12PM-1:30AM
Tucked just off Deansgate, The Liquor Store is where Manchester’s vibe meets Americana cool. This place isn’t just slinging drinks; it’s an all-out party till the wee hours, every night.
With space for up to 150 souls and a private outdoor garden, it’s perfect for anything from a low-key drink to a full-throttle celebration.
They’ve got booths for a bit of privacy and a team ready to throw you the bash of your dreams, with custom drink packages, tasty snacks, and even the option for a bespoke BBQ. Need something special? Just ask—they’re all about making magic happen here.
| Pro tip: Their private booths are top-notch for a snug night out. Plus, they’re perfect for when the crew’s all here and you want to keep it tight. |
Whiskey Down Manchester
Media from whiskeydownmanchester
Website: Whiskey Down Manchester
Address: 18 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5WA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 672 7406
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat 8PM-6AM
- Sun Closed
Whiskey Down isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience. Hidden behind a purple door off Albert Square, this place offers a nostalgic nod to the ’70s private clubs, but with a modern twist.
Spread across two floors, it’s got the Cabaret Lounge for your whiskey tasting escapades and the ‘Super Luxe Playground’ for when you’re feeling fancy. Fancy the Bruce Wayne vibe? Book “The Games Room.”
Or maybe something a bit more risqué like “She Wants Revenge”? They’ve got rooms for every mood and occasion, making it the ultimate spot for a swanky do or a top-tier tipple session.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on booking one of their themed rooms for an event—it’s a game-changer for any special occasion. |
Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint
Media from bunnyjacksonsmcr
Website: Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint
Address: 1 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 228 2182
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-3AM
Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint, lovingly known as BJ’s round here, kicked off its journey at B.Eat Street, but now it’s fully rooted down at First Street—a buzzing cultural hotspot.
This joint is a proper crowd-puller come evening, all thanks to its infamous 10p chicken wing deal that’s got the town talking. Imagine a place splashed with neon and echoing with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll—this legendary bar is fast becoming a classic in the Manchester nightlife scene.
The vibes are top-notch, lively, and perfectly suited for anyone looking to chuck back a few and enjoy some tunes in a spot that feels like a raucous party at a mate’s.
| Pro tip: Those 10p wings? Absolute steal. Swing by early if you don’t wanna miss out—seriously, they’re almost nicking them at that price. |
The Liars Club
Media from theliarsclubmcr
Website: The Liars Club
Address: 19A Back Bridge St, Manchester M3 2PB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 834 5111
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-4AM
Descend the steps just off Deansgate and enter The Liars Club, a neon-lit gateway to a tropical haven that feels miles away from the rainy Manchester streets.
This bar’s got a vibe that’s dark and mysterious, decked out with terracotta tiles, lush leather seating, and more bamboo than a panda could dream of. It’s a true tiki bar with a rum selection that’s as extensive as it is exotic, boasting over 100 varieties.
Fancy a cocktail? Their menu features classics and house specials crafted by the legendary ‘Captain’ Higginson. It’s the ideal place for night owls looking to sip on something sweet and potent while soaking up some serious island vibes.
| Pro tip: Their cocktail masterclasses are a blast—grab your mates and learn how to whip up some tiki favourites. It’s a perfect start to a night out here. |
Cane & Grain
Media from caneandgrain
Website: Cane & Grain
Address: 49 -51 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 839 7033
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-1AM
Cane & Grain isn’t just any bar; it’s a triple threat. Picture this: a ground floor decked out for the skater crowd with laid-back vibes and tap beers, a first-floor speakeasy that transports you right into the prohibition era, and a chilled rooftop space perfect for those warmer nights.
Each floor boasts its own distinct atmosphere and menu, making it a versatile pick for any sort of night out. The decor’s a mad mix of wooden crates, tailor-made leather banquettes, and even a novelty swordfish—it’s like stepping into a totally different world on each level.
| Pro tip: Take a tour of the place, one floor at a time. Each offers a unique experience, so mix it up and find your favourite—whether it’s ribs on the ground floor or cocktails upstairs. |
The Alchemist Manchester – Spinningfields
Media from thealchemistuk
Website: The Alchemist
Address: 3 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3HF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 817 2950
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 8AM-12AM
- Thu – Fri 8AM-2AM
- Sat 10AM-2AM
- Sun 10AM-11PM
The Alchemist, smack in the middle of Spinningfields, is that spot you go when you fancy a bit of razzle-dazzle with your pint. By day, it’s buzzing with folks dropping in for a business chat over coffee or a laid-back brunch with pals.
Come evening, it morphs into this bustling social hub where the drinks are as much about the spectacle as the taste. Thinking of going big on the weekend? Their ‘After Dark’ tables are a proper shout from 10PM onwards—pre-order your fancy drinks and you’re sorted.
And hey, if you’re all about that brunch life, their Alchemy Cocktail Brunch on weekends is a steal. Imagine this—three theatrical cocktails and your choice of brunch for 30 quid, and you can even go bottomless for a tenner more.
| Pro tip: The Bubblebath cocktail? It’s not just a drink; it’s a piece of art. And those Chorizo and Cheddar Dough Balls? They’ll change your life, swear down. |
Dirty Martini Manchester
Media from dirty_martiniuk
Website: Dirty Martini
Address: 1 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 241 0781
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 3PM-1AM
- Thu 3PM-3AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-3AM
- Sun 12PM-1AM
Dirty Martini on Peter Street is where you head when you want your night to have a bit of sparkle. Spread over three floors, this place has got a bit of a glitzy vibe, perfect for a night out that’s a touch posher than your usual pub crawl.
It’s the kind of place you’d take someone you want to impress with a fancy cocktail or two. And speaking of deals, their Happy Hour is legendary—half-price cocktails and decent prices on prosecco and beer.
It’s usually buzzing with a crowd that’s ready to kick off their evening in style or end it with a bit of a dance as the DJ ramps up the tunes.
| Pro tip: Hit up Happy Hour. Great for trying a bunch of different martinis without watching your wallet too closely. |
Salt Dogs Manchester
Media from saltdogsmcr
Website: Salt Dogs
Address: 17 Bow Ln, Manchester M2 4FW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 834 0080
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2AM
If you’re after a laid-back spot with a bit of an edge, Salt Dogs on Bow Lane is your place. It’s all about ‘brines and steins’ here—good beers and better hot dogs, with a vibe that’s as relaxed as it is lively.
They’ve got a vending machine stocked with beer, which is perfect for skipping the bar queue. Fancy leaving your mark? There’s a graffiti wall just begging for your doodles.
And if you’re up for a laugh, their monthly quiz night is infamous—prizes range from the hilarious to the downright bizarre. Plus, every other Saturday, the place is buzzing with tunes from their resident DJ, making it a top choice for a night out with the crew.
| Pro tip: Definitely swing by on quiz night. It’s a right laugh and you might just bag yourself something unexpected. |
The Whiskey Jar
Media from whiskeyjarnq
Website: The Whiskey Jar
Address: 14 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 237 5686
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 4PM-1AM
- Fri 4PM-4AM
- Sat 12PM-4AM
- Sun 12PM-1AM
The Whiskey Jar is a bit of a gem in a city that’s not short of great bars. Housed in a Grade II listed building, this place sprawls over two floors, giving you the choice of vibing it out upstairs or heading downstairs where it gets a bit livelier.
The upstairs bit is perfect when you’re in the mood for a chilled drink with mates, maybe trying one of their standout whiskeys or local ales. Downstairs, though, that’s where the magic happens if you’re up for more of a do.
They’ve got a private event space that’s seen everything from raucous birthday bashes to the odd wedding. It’s kitted out with a large dance floor, booth seating, and a DJ booth surrounded by enough disco balls to make Saturday night fever blush.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a night out with a difference, book a tasting session upstairs then finish off with a dance downstairs. It’s the best of both worlds and lets you make a proper night of it. |
