The ultimate Belfast guide to Dry January

A truly unique cocktail bar with a speakeasy-style vibe at the heart of the city, Angel and Two Bibles is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a few drinks or celebrate a special occasion. Taking inspiration from various time periods and cultural shifts throughout history, these guys offer two cocktail menus: The Old Testament, which features timeless classics, and The New Testament, which offers exciting, new, and wacky creations. So no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something that will transport you to somewhere new here. If you’re abstaining from liquor, then you’re also in luck as Angel and Two Bibles offers a vast array of non-alcoholic cocktails for those who want to enjoy the fresh and fruity flavours without the alcoholic hit.

A popular Asian fusion restaurant at the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, House of Zen is the perfect spot for a delicious (and great value) lunch or a romantic date night with your significant other. Offering a vast array of delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from all across the continent of Asia, you can expect everything from Dim Sum and Crispy Aromatic Duck to Crispy Shredded Chicken, and much more. Established in 2012, it has become one of the most popular Asian fusion eateries in Belfast welcoming both locals and tourists into its exquisitely decorated dining area time and time again. When it comes to drinks, you can expect a creative menu of Asian-inspired concoctions such as the Cherry Blossom, the Chunky Geisha, and the Orient Express, alongside western classics, beers and wines. If you’re staying off the alcohol, there’s also an extensive list of non-alcoholic cocktails that taste just as good as the real deal. You can’t go wrong with the tasty Sumo Sister, the Apple Martini, or the Lazy Buddha.

Another Asian-inspired eatery in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter owned and operated by the same guys behind House of Zen, Dumpling Library is another fantastic spot for delicious Asian food, creative cocktails and mouthwatering mocktails. To accompany the fantastic selection of Chinese dumplings, Korean snacks and Japanese delicacies, you can choose from a vast array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including The Library Garden, which includes passionfruit, apple juice and pineapple juice, The Lazy Buddha, which comprises of watermelon juice and apple juice, or the Fiery Dragon, a concoction of strawberry, grapefruit juice and orange juice. Fresh and delicious, you’ll not even notice they don’t include any alcohol!

One of the best-loved cocktail bars in the city centre, The Perch is a stunning rooftop bar that you need to check out during your time in the city. With beautiful, feminine decor, top-class hospitality and an unrivalled menu of creative cocktails and tasty food, this is the perfect place to enjoy a girls’ night out. It offers an extensive drinks menu, featuring a vast array of beers, wines and spirits, as well as a whole host of house-made cocktails that change with the seasons. So, whether you’re in the mood for a summer spritz or a winter berry fizz, this is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious seasonal drink at any time of the year. When it comes to alcohol-free options, you can take a look at the ‘Nos and Lows’ menu, which includes tasty creations such as the Spiced Cranberry Cooler, Crimson Sunset, and Island Oasis. Our mouths are watering just at the thought of it!

Located in the heart of the city centre on Fountain Street, Santeria is a true hidden gem when it comes to epic cocktail bars in Belfast. Offering a laid back vibe, this late night cafe bar is known for live music, great coffee and cocktails, and good vibes. Open seven days a week, this is a great spot for all occasions, whether it’s some casual after work drinks with your colleagues, a weekend catch up with friends, or a Friday night date night with your significant other. Focusing on classic and contemporary cocktails, Santeria is  friendly and laid back throughout the day and comes alive at night with DJs and live music. Stripping away rigid formality, focusing on quality drinks, warm service and relaxed, casual ambiance, you can expect a truly unforgettable experience here.

Located on the Lisburn Road, The Crafty Vintner Wine Merchant is an absolute wine lover’s paradise. Aside from the gorgeous array of delicious eats, available all day, this spot is also home to state-of-the-art wine dispensers, as well as a collection of over 500 bottles of wine. The unique self-serving wine dispensers offer a truly unique and interactive way to taste a wide variety of wines from all around the world. Also in stock is a fine collection of alcohol-free bottles, from bubbles and sauvignon to rose and shiraz. There’s also a very good low alcohol pale ale for all you beer lovers. 

This rustic two-floored bar, located beside the popular Lavery’s Bar and Restaurant, is the perfect place to hang out with pals. It’s all about the food for us here, as the kitchen serves up traditional Irish cuisine, light bites and a fine array of contemporary fare – all made using fresh ingredients sourced in Northern Ireland. Whether it’s a traditional Irish pub, sport on the TV, pool tables, candle lit private dining or otherwise, the team here will have you covered.

Housed in one of Belfast City Centre’s most distinctive buildings, Bittles Bar is known for its fantastic atmosphere. This historic, family-owned bar boasts lively craic as well as unique interior decor, as the walls are lined with stunning paintings of well-known Irish personalities. Talk about celeb spotting! Located near Victoria Square, this is the perfect place to head after a day spent shopping and owner John will ensure you are very well looked after. 

Hidden away on Franklin Street, this cosy, upscale bar boasts an extensive collection, with everything from classic serves to flavoured gin liqueurs. With a wide range of cocktails, friendly welcoming staff, and music playing late into the night, this is the perfect place for a night out with friends. Located just below the Perch, why not head here after for drinks on the roof?