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Empire Music Hall

4.2 (48 reviews)
ModeratePubs, Music Venues
Open 11:30 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

Empire Music Hall Photos

EMPIRE MUSIC HALL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Live music
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Empire Music Hall

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Reviews With Photos

Robbie B.

An eclectic blend of music, comedy, booze and food is what you get from the Empire. One of Belfast's most famous and well established music venues, the bar is also one of Belfast's most loved and well liked drinking holes for tourists, students and everyone in between. Situated on Botanic Avenue, just down from Queen's University and right beside Botanic train station The Empire is perfectly situated for a quick pint, a quick bite to eat or a big drinking session if you need to get the last train home. As well as music, the Empire has an extremely popular comedy night on Tuesdays which is great for a date or just to chill out. Just don't sit close to the front if you don't want the piss ripped straight out of you. Its not cheap, but certainly not expensive. Last time I was in you could get a lovely ice bucket full of Corona for a tenner, which I think is pretty decent value. Excellent bar for music, comedy and a bit of a session.

Conor K.

On a night out, we never ever think about The Empire as a good choice for a night out. Although every time we go there, we have a good night. The last time I was there was to watch my favourite football team (I won't mention names, but we came fourth, wear white and will win the champions league next season). The stage/come big screen TV makes sure everyone can see without the usual pub distraction of anyone with a head larger than yours. The staff are good people, they enjoy the bar they work and so don't make it look like much of a chore whenever they work. Their genuine smiles might even make you forget that it's possibly one of the most expensive bars in Belfast. The bar also host some very, very cool tribute acts on a regular basis which always make a good night out.

Upstairs in the comedy club
Caoimhe M.

I'd forgotten about the Empire once I finished uni but recently revisited it for one of their comedy nights These take place every Tuesday upstairs and always attract quite a big crowd so you need to get down early if you want a seat. It's a really fun different night out and there are comedians from all over the world. The Empire is situated in an old church in Botanic right beside the train station so it's handy if your from outer Belfast. Upstairs is the main music hall and downstairs is a bar setting with a stage. Out the front has a few picnic tables for drinks in the sun or a smoke. They run lots of different nights with bands from various music genres. They also serve food during the day but I haven't sampled it since uni so it would be unfair to comment on it. I'd definitely recommend the comedy night though for a few giggles and a catch up with friends.

Laura C.

The Empire is one of the handful of bars in Belfast I always feel really comfortable and chilled out in, whether I'm just there for an hour over lunch with a newspaper or out for the night with a group. The downstairs bar is properly dark and cosy, and gets extra points for the Narnia style streetlamps inside. Here you can see live acts or watch the footy on the giant screen at the back of the bar. During the day though there seems to be constant Sky Sport on recently rather than the usual music videos which were much more preferable - I've nothing against sport, or Sky Sport, but think a music channel is more probable to cater to all customers rather than a handful, or, as is possible, a couple of the bar staff hogging the remote. Upstairs is excellent for gigs, with several different spots and levels to watch from, and the comedy night on Tuesdays is worth a look, even if I do think the rude types who start talking over the acts after their fifth drink should be grabbed by their Twinbrook pineapples and bucked out. Three stars rather than four or five though for the food - it used to be really good, and great value, but the last three times I've eaten here it's been awful and now I've given up. I actually prefer pub food to restaurants most of the time, but I don't think it's asking too much for chips and potato wedges to be cooked, and for pizza not to be soggy. Also, last time I was there, only having time for one drink and deciding to splurge on a Bloody Mary, the staff serving me said abruptly, 'We don't do Bloody Marys in here'. A quick check of the cocktail list confirmed she was right, and further investigation revealed that the Empire doesn't stock tomato juice, not that day, but at all. Come on, Empire. It's a well-known cocktail and a perfect hangover cure - pull your finger out.

Upstairs or down below, The Empire is the place to go.
Jules S.

Since being a student at Queens back in the day, I've always had a soft spot for The Empire. Whether for a quick one while waiting for a train or a good laugh at their comedy nights, it always has such a chilled, unpretentious atmosphere. Also, if you are tight on cash or need a little packing for a pub crawl, they do a pretty reasonable pizza to stave off the drunkeness! A highlight for me has to be their live venue upstairs. The architecture is wonderful, and I've enjoyed everything from rock, hiphop and maudlin shoe-gazing singer songwriters, and if you head up to the balcony even a short-ass like me can have a brilliant view. If fact, just writing this now is making me wonder what gigs are coming up, so I'll just have to go check...

Waiting on the show to start
Nicola S.

Great venue for live music events and everything else in between. Be sure to keep a look out for what's happening here as there is always something weird and wonderful on whether it's a cover band or a drag queen competition or the regular Tuesday night comedy club it has something to entertain anyone and everyone.

@ The Empire Music Hall
Ciara S.

I'm a huge fan of The Empire - have been for years. It's a cosy, individual spot showing a vast range of live music, comedy and even salsa dancing. A relaxed atmosphere permeates. I believe it originally was a church and has a real music hall appearance. Upstairs there's a great stage and lay out. Downstairs is a cool, dark bar. However, my top priorities (in my old age) are that I don't want to have to queue to get in somewhere and I don't want to stand all night. Unfortunately due to The Empires popularity it's often the case that you have to queue and you don't always get a seat - therefore get there super early to avoid this. Brilliant music hall - one of my all time favourites.

Brian C.

Situated on Botanic Avenue, The Empire is a terrific little venue for live music and comedy. Famed for its Stand Up Comedy nights on Tuesdays, The Empire is an alternative night out to the usual pubs and pints which many students do. The Empire also specialises in some of the finest music events, hosting Duke Special and Snow Patrol, as well as some very talented tribute and cover bands. This place has something for everyone, ranging from Jazz nights to the odd Hypnotist now and again. It is hard to beat a pint and some food during the day and the Empire is perfect, with different offers on, depending on term time or special events. Despite having a great affinity with this quirky, yet traditional venue, my one problem with The Empire is the price of alcohol. As a student, I can get a pint for £1.80 in the Student's Union whilst the Empire is nearly double the price. The food however cannot be faulted and the burgers must be tried. Perhaps it is for this price that The Empire remains undiscovered by many students, and perhaps for this reason it is why the Empire remains a little jewel in the Belfast crown.

Geraldine D.

Holy Smokes, I love this bar. First of all, I trust this bar. Unbeknownst to me I once left my mobile phone sitting on a table and left the pub. When I came back hours later to look for it there it was! Secondly, obviously it is a great pub offering all your usual pub-wares; great food, great beer and spectacular entertainment. Upstairs attracts many local bands as well as some truly awesome tribute bands. The attire is dark and old and I would say slightly gothic with velvets mixed, brass and dark wood. We used to attend comedy stand up nights here, they are still on every Thursday though I would advise you ring ahead as they get busy and are sometimes cancelled - I've only had one bad comedy night when I saw Paddy Kielty and personally thought he was dier! - totally subjective really! On a Sunday from 12 to 4.30pm the downstairs seating area hosts the very popular Northern Ireland Vintage faire where you can get your hair coiffed, get your make up done or buy lots of little vintage bits and bobs from vintage furniture to vintage underwear. It's a great day out for only a few pounds entrance fee. All in all, what more can I say? - I love this bar.

Magz G.

Ooh, I really love Empire! It's a fab place on Botanic Avenue with an enviable location amongst the student area of Belfast. The bar is on two levels, upstairs being for gigs and downstairs is the traditional bar. The gigs range from music to comedy nights and they really do attract a lot of talent here so worth keeping an eye on their line ups. The bar downstairs is where I often like to go during the day for cheap food (which is really great) and a few beers. They serve things such as burgers, chicken, goujons and other pub grub usuals and the general atmosphere is really relaxed and fun. They also boast a massive screen great for watching live football which generally attracts a lot of people. Great place, really laid back and very entertaining!

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3 years ago

Great fun as a venue, saw 3 good bands on one night. Hope they get the audience numbers up. Guinness was cool.

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Review Highlights - Empire Music Hall

It's a cosy, individual spot showing a vast range of live music, comedy and even salsa dancing.

Mentioned in 12 reviews

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The Tap House

The Tap House

3.8(6 reviews)
0.1 mi
£

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.

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The Tap House
The Tap House

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Red Devil Bar

Red Devil Bar

4.0(2 reviews)
1.1 mi

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.

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Red Devil Bar

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The Parlour - from website

The Parlour

3.5(22 reviews)
0.3 miQueen 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.

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The Parlour - From website

From website

The Parlour - From website

From website

The Parlour

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The Crown Liquor Saloon

The Crown Liquor Saloon

3.8(215 reviews)
0.5 miCity 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

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The Crown Liquor Saloon - Wooden Dragon

Wooden Dragon

The Crown Liquor Saloon
The Crown Liquor Saloon - Margarita

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Margarita

The Botanic Inn

The Botanic Inn

3.3(40 reviews)
0.5 miQueen Quarter
££

I used to go here all the time, but now I avoid this place due to concerns about management and…read moreownership decisions. A widely reported case involving a manager included allegations of inappropriate comments toward a 16-year-old; while he was cleared of certain charges, a judge still criticized his behavior in court. That alone is enough to make me uncomfortable supporting this business. I won't be returning.

Am I getting old or does the current generation of students have lower expectation of a pub/night…read moreclub. Hmm, I suspect that questions answers itself. Shame on me for even asking. I am the wrong side of 30 after all. OK, 40. God knows how but a few weeks ago I ended up upstairs in the Bot after a few gins to many with dinner in the Barking Dog. It seemed like a top idea to dance like an complete $%^& among the 17 and 18 year olds. I should have known better when I heard the guy taking money at the door talking about his A level choices. So we parted with our £5 each just to get in. The cheek of it. For this we were rewarded with cheesy music, sticky floors and nowhere to sit. Did it put us off? Heck no. We had a total blast and managed to blank out the pitying looks from the people who were young enough to be there. We paid over the odds for unchilled wine, downed it as if it was the finest chablis and danced out little eldery socks off. Fantastic. The Bot is unsophisticated, unpretentious and a great place to really let your hair down. I believe there may have been a DJ, out couldn't swear to it in court. What I do know for sure is that we had a great time with a jovial crowd, no hint of trouble whatsoever. The large bar had the full range of beer, cider, alcopops and cocktails and despite the crowds, service was quick. We were finally kicked out about 1.30am which means the bar closed at 1.00am. Then it was on to the Kremlin. But that's a whole other review.....

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The Botanic Inn
The Botanic Inn
The Botanic Inn

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Empire Music Hall - pubs - Updated May 2026

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