On the outskirts of York's historic center, we found The Mason's Arms, a small pub/inn with an even…read moresmaller parking lot - but we found a spot ... HOOAH! The staff were very friendly and made us feel welcome from the start. We decided to go local with two pub classics, the Homemade Mason's Steak and Potato Pie (£12.95) and the Homemade Sheppard's Pie (£14.95), along with a shandy and a pint of cask ale. The steak and potato pie was massive, a huge slice that nearly filled the plate surrounded by chips (fries) smothered in brown gravy and fresh veggies. It was filled with loads of steak and a few potatoes, one of the best savory pies I have had in the UK and that is quite a few. My wife's shepherd's pie was nearly as large, coming with a boat of brown gravy and a cup of vegetables. It was also superb. We met a very nice family from Newcastle at the table next to us with two sweet children and the cutest little dog named Bobby, making the night even more special. We had eight dinners in England during this trip and this was not only the best, it was a terrific TravelValue and we shall return the next time we're in York ... OOH-RAH! CombatCritic Gives The Masons Arms 10 Bombs Out Of 10 And A Spot On My ¨WALL OF FAME¨ ... More Bombs Are Better!

About eight of our group of American tourists ate here and all agreed the food was good or very…read moregood at this pub/restaurant. I had the lamb shank on the bone and my wife had the chicken with risotto. This was one of those times I was pleasantly surprised by pub food. Partly also because our room was not in the same area as the bar, so it was quiet and felt much more like a restaurant than a bar. Obviously, we're not talking about burgers or fish and chips. Service was pleasant. It was a short walk from the hotel on Piccadilly from our Holiday Inn.

Our first stop in York. We loved the atmosphere and the…read moreauthenticity of the pub, including the uneven floor. Ordered some chips and gravy and soup with our pints. Friendly service, felt like a neighborhood pub.

Food was solid and the beer & cider selection is quite good. Service was ok. When in town, I will…read moremost likely return.

Stopped in on a wet and miserable Thursday lunchtime in January. First impressions were that it…read morewas empty but there were a few customers in an adjacent eating area. Ale selection was fantastic and reason we selected (thanks CAMRA). We had beef burger, fish and chips, madras turkey pie, and a dish my wife ordered that I can't recall but she said it was spicy and delicious. Everybody was delighted with their meals and eldest son proclaimed the fish and chips the best he has had in UK on this trip.

We had lunch at this restaurant (recommended by our concierge) and had a great experience. The…read morestaff was super friendly and helpful. They had a good tap selection and the bartender offered some really good suggestions and tastings. I settled on a strawberry (light) cream ale. We had a couple of small plates (crispy beef and fish cakes) which were more than enough for a meal. The pie that our daughter ordered was really savory. The prices were very reasonable and I would recommend going to this place while in York. There are a lot of restaurants in York, but this one is a place to visit.

This place was a really nice time. I'm very late posting this, but better late than never…read more.. because this spot deserves a shoutout. A group of us stopped here around Halloween while making a drive from London to Scotland. One of my friends loves anything spooky, so I sought out what's rumored to be one of the most haunted pubs in the area (I think we were in York... forgive me if I'm off, travel brain ). From the moment you walk in, the place is dark, moody, and mysterious with a very cool vibe. You seat yourself, and we had a table reserved. The atmosphere was lively and social, almost speakeasy-like. There's no traditional table service, you scan a QR code, order food on your phone, and it magically appears at your table. Drinks are ordered directly at the bar, which we learned is pretty common here. Fun surprise: the bartender was actually from California, so it was great chatting with someone from the States while abroad. The crowd overall was lovely, mostly locals, and everyone was super friendly and chatty with us Americans, which really added to the experience. Halfway through our meal, a live band set up right in front of us and absolutely killed it. Think Rolling Stones meets a gritty Seattle grunge band. They were phenomenal. They even invited me up to sing... but sadly, I hadn't had enough shots yet, so I declined. Maybe next time Food-wise, we ordered butternut squash, a few burgers, chicken wings, and a few appetizers. The food was just okay, not bad by any means, but not the highlight. For a pub in the middle of York, it was perfectly acceptable and hit the spot. Did we feel a spooky, haunted vibe? Honestly... not really, which was a bit of a letdown. But hanging out next to the little skeleton sitting at the bar (which I think someone has already posted photos of) was still fun. The memorabilia and décor throughout the pub are great and give you plenty to look at. Overall, The Golden Fleece is a very cool stop for a quick bite, drinks, and fantastic live music. The atmosphere and camaraderie made the night, and I'd absolutely recommend popping in if you're nearby, especially if there's a band playing.

The Golden Fleece is such a fun spot to check out in York! It's got that perfect blend of…read moreold-school English pub charm and a slightly spooky vibe (it's supposed to be haunted, after all!). Even if you're not into ghost stories, the place just oozes character with its low beams, creaky floors, and dark cozy corners. The drinks were exactly what were we're looking for and expected...classic pints and spirits to choose from. Honestly, it's the kind of pub you want to spend a couple of hours in, just soaking up the atmosphere and imagining all the stories those old walls could tell. If you're in York and want a pint somewhere with a bit of history (and maybe a ghost sighting or two), The Golden Fleece is definitely worth popping into.

Nice pub with good food. Service was a little slow but the staff were friendly so that made up for…read moreit. That and the nice cold beer.

Great roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding and roasted vegetables. Service was good. Warm…read morebrownie with ice cream for dessert. Beautiful restaurant in York.

Other location in town is better. Inside is so cool!! Order one of many delicious drink options and…read morechoose a seat most comfy for you; by the fireplace, by the window, in a small room with a leather couch, etc. the food was also very good. The carnivore plate definitely feed two hungry adults. So happy we chose to stay after not being impressed by the bottle shop.

This place was a little hard to find. Look for the liquor store on the ground floor that says…read more"trembling madness" on the window. Pub is upstairs. Pub was fairly cool. Saw some reviews saying something about a Harry Potter vibe, but I didn't get that at all. It has some cool elements, but definitely did not live up to those expectations. Had a nice beer selection on tap. And prices were quite reasonable. Ended up picking up a few interesting beers on my way out.

Lovely historic pub with good brews and service My husband…read moreand I throughly enjoyed the experience of having a late lunch while looking at the old timbers and fireplace but be warned, the Yorkshire pudding is only a Sunday lunch menu item

American Review: fantastic place for a old old old pub. I felt like singing some pub tunes with the…read morelocals who were hanging out. Food was just ok but atmosphere made up for everything. Super glad I stopped by!

I was getting slightly grumpy and hungry and not looking forward to the prospects of a sad chilled…read moresandwich from York station at the start of a journey back on Sunday evening when I walked right into the York Tap and its glorious selection of ales and stained glass with views over the wall and nearby Royal York Hotel. Bf was v impressed with the beers, I had a Malbec so was happy. I also really enjoyed the pork pie with stilton and the cheese board contained a revelation: charcoal cheddar. Normally I prefer soft cheese but I basically ignored the brie (well not exactly of course: I still ate it) in favour of the cheddar which has a great flavour (truffley? smoky?). We rounded this off with some pate (all served with just the right amount of oatcakes) and decided to get the later train.

I'm really surprised I've never reviewed this place and that's because it's so awesome I'd have…read morethought I wanted to share it with the world straightaway! But anyway, a 5 star review is here just because I've been a number of times and it's always done the business in being a perfect place to catch a pint (whether catching a train or not). Owned by the same guys as the Euston tap, Harrogate' Sheffield ones etc - they have a great niche in being able to offer a quality product at a place which usually struggle to do average well (think airports, most train stations...football stadiums...anywhere you're isolated basically...) A great selection of domestic and imported beers on tap - plus loads of bottles, the York Tap is a great opportunity to keep missing that train!