Bittles Bar, established in 1868, is a historic pub situated in a distinctive flat-iron-shaped building at 70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast. Originally known as 'The Shakespeare,' it was frequented by the city's theatrical community. The interior is adorned with portraits of Ireland's literary and sporting legends, including Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, George Best, Alex Higgins, and Barry McGuigan. The bar is renowned for its exceptional selection of over 100 different whiskeys and is particularly famous for serving some of the best pints of Guinness in Belfast. Despite its compact size, Bittles Bar offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Irish pub experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.3 1,877
- Tripadvisor 3.5 339
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attentive and Efficient Service Staff are noted for their attentiveness, ensuring patrons are quickly seated and drinks are promptly served, even when busy.
- Exceptional Guinness Bittles Bar is renowned for serving a perfectly poured and creamy pint of Guinness, considered by many to be the best in Belfast.
- Unique and Cozy Atmosphere The bar's quirky triangular shape, historic building, and walls adorned with local art create a memorable and authentic Irish pub experience.
- Welcoming to Locals and Tourists The bar strikes a balance, creating a friendly atmosphere for both regulars and visitors looking for a genuine Belfast pub.
- Wide Selection of Drinks Beyond Guinness, Bittles boasts an impressive array of Irish whiskeys and craft beers, catering to diverse tastes.
Criticised
- Can Be Expensive Some reviewers have found the drink prices to be on the higher side compared to other pubs in Belfast.
- Limited Space and Seating Bittles is a small bar, which often leads to overcrowding, making it difficult to find a seat, especially during peak hours.
- Limited to Drinks Only Bittles Bar does not serve food, so it's not suitable if you're looking for a place to have a meal along with your drinks.
- No Standing Allowed Due to its small size, standing at the bar is not permitted, which might be an issue if seating is unavailable.
- Potential for Abrupt Service Some visitors have described the owner/staff as occasionally being direct or unwelcoming, particularly if the bar is busy or if patrons don't meet expectations.
The longer read
Bittles Bar is a unique and historic pub in Belfast, known for its distinctive flatiron-shaped building and cozy interior. Many reviewers consider it a must-visit destination for an authentic Belfast pub experience, mixing both locals and tourists. A standout feature consistently praised is the quality of the Guinness, often described as the best in Belfast or even the best ever tasted. The bar also boasts an impressive selection of whiskeys, including rare and aged varieties. The walls are adorned with interesting artwork, including portraits of local figures, adding to the bar's character and charm. The service at Bittles Bar receives generally positive feedback, with staff often described as attentive, efficient, and friendly. Many reviewers highlight the table service, where drinks are brought directly to customers. The atmosphere is frequently described as lively, welcoming, and friendly, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors. The bar can get crowded due to its small size, which contributes to the intimate and bustling atmosphere. Some reviewers suggest arriving early to secure a seat, or being prepared to stand or sit outside. A few reviewers have mentioned negative experiences with the owner or staff, describing them as abrupt or unwelcoming. However, many others praise the owner's management and the overall professionalism of the establishment, also noting that the owner maintains the quality of the establishment. A few reviews mention that the bar does not serve food, but they have a great drink selection to choose from. Overall, Bittles Bar is highly recommended for its great Guinness, extensive whiskey selection, unique atmosphere, and friendly service. Its status as a landmark pub makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Belfast seeking an authentic Irish pub experience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9031 1088
- Website
- bittlesbar.com
| Mon | 11:30 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What historic features make Bittles Bar unique for visitors?
- What types of beers are included in Bittles Bar’s over‑100‑choice selection?
- What food menu items are offered at Bittles Bar and how do they complement the drinks?
- Does Bittles Bar host live music or theatrical performances reflecting its Shakespeare heritage?
- When is the most convenient time to visit Bittles Bar to experience its atmosphere and avoid crowds?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.