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    Brennan's Bar

    3.4 (25 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, British

    Brennan's Bar Photos

    BRENNAN'S BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Brennan's Bar

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    Great music!
    Mark C.

    My son and I went in to listen to music and sip some whiskey and beer! We really enjoyed! Sat at the bar with a great, friendly bartender. Great pub experience!

    A good pint
    Kanchan B.

    This is a nice dive bar and good customer service. A Pint of Guinness cost £3.25 at the table. There was 80s music playing in the background and a Olympic match on the Telly. Nice mix of local and foreign accents. Also plenty of women so very unlike a previous review. Went on a Monday evening so not sure if that made a difference? Only disappointment was that had gone in for a dessert and coffee but sadly they don't serve any desserts! Note: #223 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

    Robbie B.

    This bar used to have the best name in Belfast - 'The Beaten Docket' and is a popular haunt for those who enjoy a flutter on the sport of kings. There is usually a horse race on the big screen, which isn't for everyone but I think its pretty good for a bit of a change. The food, served all day, is a decent price with ok quality. Don't be expecting to write home about it but it will certainly fill a hole and not leave you hungry. The pints and other drinks on offer and pretty standard and so is the atmosphere but it can liven up a bit later on in the evening as it gets going with some karaoke and a bit of craic. Situated right in the city centre and really near The Crown it is a good stop off on a pub crawl but also has a bit of character that will make you want to head back.

    Jeff D.

    It has everything you need for a drink and some fish and chips, but it's dead. The bartender and staff seemed very uninterested to be working there. Three times while I was there I saw people walk in, take a look around, and walk straight out . Just doesn't have much atmosphere or character to it. They only take cash if your just buying alcohol, and they don't accept Euros. That throws convenience out the window. What did me in was sitting at the bar for about an hour forced to stare at a posted sign with 14 items of how one is suppose to behave in the bar. Photo attached.

    Brennan's is a funny old bar. In its previous incarnation it had a reputation as being a 'gamblers pub' which I always found a bit off putting. On a recent visit there for a quick catch-up with friends I realised it still hasn't shaken off this image. The bar itself is nice but completely dominated by large screens showing sport (this day it was the dreaded golf) and a small smattering of barflies watched the game with something approaching disinterest. Hardly an inspiring start but after a few beers the place started to look a bit better and we actually had a most enjoyable afternoon. The beers and good and fairly priced so everyone was keen to get them in and the quiet room meant we were able to catch-up without interruption or too loud music. Pros: Nice bar, friendly staff. Cons: Older more boring crowd.

    Suzi B.

    After unsuccessfully trying to get a seat at Made In Belfast (very sad!) discovering Irene & Nans was closed for refurbishments, finding the Crown absolutely packed, we eventually decided to cut our loses and take advantage of the £7.95 meal deal for a pint and fish & chips at Brennans Bar. Now I know this isn't bad by any standards but I was fully let down by the food. Ok, I hear you ask, what did I expect gourmet food? No, but not slimy batter, burnt chips or hardly cooked peas... So, I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan, though it's probably Ok for quick pint. Yes the food is cheap but personally I'd rather pay more and get more out of my experience. The beer wasn't bad and admittedly the wee bar maid was good fun. If I hadn't eaten here I probably would rate it higher but as far as food goes I was disappointed.

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    2 years ago

    Excellent food and great specials. The waitress and bartenders were helpful and super friendly

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    8 years ago

    Great food, great beer, and great service. The best beef and mushroom pie I had in Ireland or Northern Ireland! Really loved the place!

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    Review Highlights - Brennan's Bar

    Really a fantastic spot for a drink, food, good music playing but not too loud that you can have a nice chat with a friend.

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    The Tap House

    The Tap House

    (6 reviews)

    £

    I'm gonna take the opportunity to give a little bit of praise to a great bar that has an…read moreunfortunate connection to a terrible night club, known as scratch. I'm talking about the Tap House. The Tap House is a tiny little bar which is decorated is tonnes of kitch little pictures, pop art and football memorabilia. The bar provides a relaxed atmosphere which to enjoy a drink in interesting and comfortable surroundings. The pool table is almost vintage compared to the usual pool tables in pubs. It has leather pockets and stands on awesomely carved legs (maybe I like this table a little to much). There's no charge, all there is to do is hope its free and enjoy a game. In terms of cost, a pint is around £3.10 which is reasonable for Belfast (sadly!) and food is served until 8pm. The Tap House proudly sports a Taste of Ulster plague on its walls so you can be confident the food is locally sourced.

    A really top-notch bar with great prices, a pool table and always a good atmosphere to go and chill…read moreout and catch up with friends. As other reviewers have mentioned, this bar is unfortunately associated with Scratch Nightclub, but this place couldn't be further from it. It has a lovely look and I love the decorations and the entire vibe of the place. The prices are excellent if you are going in for a bite to eat and a pint as you get a free drink with any main meal served. Its such good value you will wonder if they have under charged you but it really is that good. The pool table is a good addition as it allows a bit of banter and gets the conversation going, as does the dartboard. Not many people know about this place, despite its brilliant location just off Botanic Avenue, so there is always a seat and a nice, laid back atmosphere.

    Red Devil Bar

    Red Devil Bar

    (2 reviews)

    The Red Devil was our second stop on our West Belfast pub tour. After having a couple of pints in…read morethe Beehive, we made our way over to the Red Devil. We stepped inside and new right away that we were in a "local" pub. The regulars were all talking to each other and everything grew quiet as soon as we stepped in. The silence, however, was short lived. As soon as we ordered a couple of pints, the bartenders and a couple of gents at the bar were chatting our ears off. Guinness seems to get cheaper the farther away you move from the City Centre and the Red Devil was no exception. I don't recall if they have a full bar available, but there is an off license run by the bar right next door. It was one of those types of places where you walk into the off license and it turns out to be the bartender that you were just talking to a few seconds before.

    If your soft, I'd say tread lightly. If you're a loyalist I'd tell you to start running now…read more Politics aside, this is one of the most genuine bars in Catholic West Belfast. It's a Celtic and Man U pub, but it's even more local than that. The local football club Willowbank "The Bank" consider this home. And the Cliftonville FC is also strongly supported. The clientele are tough 'Salt of the Earth' Catholics who will warm your heart or beat you to a pulp depending on your behavior. I guess the highest praise I can give the Red Devil is if I'm ever in Belfast this is where I'm going. Great down to Earth people.

    The Parlour - from website

    The Parlour

    (22 reviews)

    £

    Queen Quarter

    I really like The Parlour. I've only ever visited during early evening and lunch time, so can't…read morevouch for its credentials as a night time spot. However, there's a tranquil vibe to this place, the staff are amiable and I just feel right at home here. I've also only ever visited outside the main student times, so I don't view it as a student bar at all - which it probably is. The decor is pleasant with super comfy sofas, armchairs and huge sturdy wooden dinning tables. Food is perfectly good pub grub - burgers, wings, pizzas etc (the goats cheese pizza is especially delicious - and amusingly named 'Pure Class' on the menu - only in Belfast haha!). Prices are low, drink is good and there's a superb, sun-trap of a beer garden out back. All in all, a prime spot to relax with friends and enjoy a reasonably priced, informal and easy-going few hours. Love it!

    My first trip to the Parlour was way back before I ever made it to University. Coming from a small…read moretown, any pub in the bright lights of Belfast shone brighter than anything I had ever seen before. It is only three years after which I feel my judgement on what is good and what is bad in Belfast can actually hold some resonace. The Parlour is quite literally a stone's throw from the front of Queen's University, one of the most prestigious universities this side of the continent. Obviously with Queen's, and in turn the Student Union opposite, you are more than likely going to bump into a student or two. Chances are they will be very friendly. The loutish students tend to go elsewhere. Upon entering the Parlour, you will notice how clean and spacious it is. Pubs tend to ram in as many people as possible, yet the Parlour has a more relaxed atmosphere. The tunes are pumping, but not at the sort of level where your ears bleed and the only way to speak to anyone is through a series of dangerous hand gestures. I have been in many places where drinks have taken a tumble because people cannot understand my erratic gestures. Thankfully, for both me and my friends, The Parlour poses no such difficulty. Upstairs usually hosts themed club-esque nights where most of the scantally clad clientele would go. It is free in which is a massive benefit to anybody and the music varies throughout the week so there is guaranteed to be at least one night where you bring your dancing shoes. A recent introduction has been the smoking area/lounge area out the back, complete with bbq, picnic benches and mini beach. The Parlour, unlike many other pubs I have stepped into, makes actually nice food!! Fancy that?! The food is far from the microwavable, cheap rubbish you would usually associate with pubs. Here, the food is tasty, reasonably cheap, and made infront of you in a huge stone pizza oven. The menu specialises in the £5 meal and portions tend to be well stacked but from personal experience, you cannot beat a pizza. The Parlour has offers on a variety of drinks, from wines, cocktails, beers, etc. Something for everyone, whether you are a student after a "hard" day's work, or a 9-5 person who has actually earned a drink! The Parlour in that respect has something for everyone. No matter what you go in the door for, you are likely to enjoy it and recommend it to your friends.

    The Crown Liquor Saloon

    The Crown Liquor Saloon

    (214 reviews)

    ££

    City Centre

    On our last day in Belfast, I said I need to experience dining in or have a drink at The Crown Bar…read more I was lucky enough to get a reservation at the dining room upstairs. The ground floor bar area was packed and busy! It was a good vibes. We sat and had dinner in a quiet setting upstairs. We enjoyed our food and drinks. My margarita was delicious. The lamb irish stew was yummy, finished it. It was a great experience!

    I wanted a place where I could try multiple classic traditional Irish dishes, and I found this…read moreplace - a very popular spot! During the time I visited, it wasn't very packed so I was seated swiftly. The kind staff accommodated my request to get a corner table. The vibe can be describe is a classic. I really enjoyed all the dark stained wood furniture - gave it such an "old Irish saloon" vibe...maybe because it is haha. I did not have much time to spend in Belfast, so I tried to taste as many traditional dishes as possible with being just one person. With that being said, I ordered a few of their notable dishes - Crown Bar Irish Stew, Steak & Ale Pie, and to finish it off, the Sticky Toffee Pudding served with both the custard and ice cream (really thankful the server offered to give me two toppings, and they were both delicious). All the dishes were great, and are definitely hearty. The stew as well as the pie filling had a rich roux - nice, thick and flavorful. I will say, the pie pastry was not as flaky as I would have liked it; kind of too thick. Overall, it was a great taste of Ireland

    Brennan's Bar - pubs - Updated May 2026

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