Best & Cool Bars in River Ouse

"They say location is everything, and whether you’re in York for a romantic weekend break, or to explore the city’s historical past, Greys Court Hotel makes the ideal location from which to base your activities. Steeped in history, and with parts of its architecture dating back to the late 11th century it appears squeezed between the Minster and the Treasurer’s House. However, once through the hotel’s entrance, the connotation with squeezed ends, and you can enjoy the luxurious, historically romantic ambiance that Greys Court Hotel offers, along with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a high-end establishment."

"An unexpected pleasure in the heart of York, this 16th-century mansion hotel's small restaurant focuses on British, locally produced food, some of it plucked from the house gardens. As well as multi-course..."

"Even if you stand in the ground-floor off-licence (its stock of over 600 beers will leave you slack-jawed), it is quite possible not to notice that upstairs lies one of Britain's most idiosyncratic beer bars. Tucked into the exposed eaves of a 12th-century Norman house, decorated with animal skins and ancient taxidermy, the House of Trembling Madness is a tight, friendly squeeze where hop-heads linger over two cask ales (both from the wonderful Wild Beer Co on this visit), specialist draft Belgian beers and an amazing, ever-changing selection of bottled brews (on top of which, you can drink anything that is for sale downstairs, paying £1.25 corkage). If the staff can't surprise you with something – say, a Japanese Hitachino Nest Classic Ale – you've officially exhausted the possibilities of beer."

"If you cross a 12th century Norman dwelling with a taxidermist’s lounge you’ll get an idea of the diverse character of this lovable trinket of a bar situated on the first floor which is bustling any time of the day and any day of the week you visit. The three cask beers regularly rotate with the likes of Great Heck, Brass Castle and recently the likes of Wild Child. 6 well chosen craft keg lines treat imbibers to juicy IPAs from the likes of Deya, Verdant and Odyssey as well a Belgian and German beers."

"Just like the name suggests, this eccentric restaurant offers something a little unique. It is designed to resemble a medieval ale house with stuffed animals sprawn across the walls and Belgian beers on tap. Food is served all day long with bar snacks, authentic Yorkshire ingredients, and craft beer all round."

"From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996. The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks."

"Housed in a cavernous old warehouse, half the floor space in this craft brewery is occupied by giant brewing tanks while the rest is given over to simple wooden drinking benches and a bar with rotating keg and..."

"Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink, with kids or without, and a good option if you’d like a range of food and drink to choose from and take away (or eat there). There’s a changing rota of pop-up bars and restaurants, but if you imagine craft ales, edgy cocktails and some of the best street food in town, you’re not too far from the mark."

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."

"The Phoenix prides itself on being a traditional institution, retaining so much of its old charm this independently run pub is steeped in history and is known for its fantastic ales and hosting some of the best live jazz around. You’ll not find a tv or jukebox here. This charming pub that sits alongside the York city walls is great for those looking to get away from the rabble and enjoy a pint of great ale in peace."

"Valhalla is York’s only traditional Viking pub and just being there is an entire experience in itself!. You’ll find people drinking strong, strange ales and mead out of a real Viking drinking horn!. The do also serve regular beers, lagers and spirits as well, but no cocktails unfortunately!"

"Fancy Hanks is a welcome addition to York, serving American deep South good mood food. They have an excellent all day breakfast menu that includes an American Breakfast (Two Rashes of Streaky Bacon, Homemade Sausage Pattie, Two Eggs, Home Fries, Toast), Chorizo Hash (Chorizo, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Roasted Pimento Pepper and Scallions stir fried and topped with Chipotle Mayo & a Fried Egg) and Mushrooms On Toast (Sauteed Mushrooms, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Mixed Herbs, Spinach, Guacamole and a Poached Egg on top of toasted bloomer.)"

"Eat & Drink, Chinese, Thai & Asian"

"Dusk always reminds me somewhat of Evil Eye as it has a quirky and unique vibe to it. I’ve had many a night out that ended with drinks in Dusk and there’s also an elusive magician that often pops in to perform magic tricks right in front of you; it’s even more impressive when you’re quite a few cocktails in!. The cocktails also have the coolest names including the ‘Phil Collins’, ‘Graham Norton’ (a personal favourite of mine) and the ‘Britney Spears’."

"Toby Carvery do a quick and easy all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. “Whether you fancy tea and toast or want to go all out with our unlimited breakfast buffet including eggs, bacon and our famous breakfast Yorkies — here at Toby Carvery, we’ve got everything you need to give you the perfect start to your day.”  We have eaten breakfast in our local Toby Carvery lots of times. It’s a help yourself buffet with all the usual full English goodies."

"Does a premier champagne weekend with resident DJ and fabulous meals set in an urban chic venue sound good to you?. If so, make your York nightlife venue of choice The Biltmore Bar & Grill. The Biltmore’s lively bar has a club vibe at weekends with great cocktails."

"Eat & Drink, Fish & Chips, Restaurants"

"Chiquito is a lively, family friendly Mexican chain restaurant. They serve breakfast, available every day until noon. Breakfast items include the Breakfast Sizzler, Breakfast Chimichanga plain tortilla, Mexican eggs benedict and the Breakfast feast."

"08/04/2021: A warm understated welcome greeted me from a kind lady who promptly served me a pizza and coffee for my walk home. Both were on point and with service like that I’ll be returning for ice cream and cake as I pass by, next time."

"Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato is an artisanal gelato offering freshly made gelato every day for you and your family. Also serving coffee, cakes, pastries and tasty pizzas. Open for take-away and deliveries everyday 10am-5pm."

"Choose from a variety of unusual flavours like Orange Blossom and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Sit in or takeaway for a stroll along the city walls. Savoury treats also available."

"This ice cream truck is to the rescue – and serving straight from an ambulance window. Located in the beautiful Museum Gardens, this is the perfect pit stop before lounging in the sun. Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR"

"Rarely does one come across a church with so much personality. The 15th century building, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town, has a marvellous architectural design. The Goodramgatearea comprises of some of York’s oldest structures."

"Step back in time at this beautifully restored, fully operational windmill. This Grade II listed icon has been lovingly brought back to life by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, a collection of local residents who rallied together to secure its future and rescue it from disrepair. Dating back to the late 18th century, the windmill supplied flour from Holgate to York, just over a mile from the city centre."