Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen is a casual dining venue situated along Bristol's historic Harbourside. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring breakfast items, tapas, gourmet burgers, and more. Guests can enjoy a selection of premium draught beers, real ales, cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The establishment provides both indoor seating and an alfresco terrace overlooking the water, accommodating up to 190 guests. The interior boasts tasteful decor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons seeking a relaxed dining experience.
What each source says
- Google Places 3.5 1,772
- Tripadvisor 2.5 632
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Dog-Friendly Atmosphere It's a welcoming place to bring your dog, adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This is a significant bonus for pet owners looking for a place to dine.
- Friendly and Accommodating Staff The staff is frequently mentioned for being kind, welcoming, and helpful. Many reviewers noted specific staff members who went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.
- Good Value for Money Many reviewers feel that the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food offered. The restaurant also offers deals on certain days, enhancing the value.
- Great Harbourside Location Enjoy your meal or drinks with a lovely view of the Bristol Harbourside. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot no matter the weather.
- Tasty Food The restaurant serves hot, flavorful food with varied options, and many mention the quality of the burgers. Reviewers enjoy having breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this location.
Criticised
- Cleanliness Issues Several reviewers mention unclean tables, indicating that cleanliness can sometimes be an issue. A clean dining environment is essential for a comfortable experience.
- Inconsistent Drink Quality Some customers have received drinks that did not meet expectations, such as an Earl Grey tea that was unidentifiable. While many enjoy the cocktails, tea drinkers might be disappointed.
- Inconsistent Food Quality There are reports of food quality being inconsistent, with some meals being overcooked or not as fresh. Some customers experienced issues like crusty sausages or solid eggs, suggesting variability in the kitchen.
- Music Can Be Loud Some customers have found the music to be too loud, particularly during midday, which can make conversation difficult.
- Slow Service at Times While some reviewers praised the prompt service, others experienced slow service, especially when ordering through the app.
The longer read
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen is situated in a prime harbourside location in Bristol, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the water. Many reviewers appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for casual meals, drinks, and gatherings with friends and family, including those with dogs as the venue is dog-friendly. Multiple reviewers highlight the good value for money, particularly noting the reasonable prices for both food and drinks. Several reviewers specifically mention the quality of the burgers, steaks and breakfast options and the plentiful portions, some noting specific dishes like the garlic butter mushrooms and steak. A recurring theme is the friendly and helpful staff, with specific mentions of team members like Liam, Meg, Billy, Pru, Millie, Charlotte, Matthew and Kieran who are repeatedly praised for their welcoming and efficient service. Many reviewers enjoyed the 2-for-1 cocktail deals available from 4-9pm and other promotional food deals. The speed of service receives mixed feedback; some reviewers found the service to be quick and efficient, especially when ordering through the app, while others experienced delays, particularly during busy periods with only one chef on duty. However, staff usually communicate any potential delays upfront. A few reviewers mentioned issues with cleanliness, such as unclean tables and mouldy muffins, but these appear to be isolated incidents. Some reviewers commented on the music volume, finding it too loud at times. Although generally well-received, a small number of reviewers reported issues with food quality, such as overcooked items or underwhelming taste, but other reviewers were satisfied with the quality of the food. A few reviewers mentioned that the QR code ordering system can experience issues. Overall, Mackenzies is recommended for its location, atmosphere, friendly staff, and value, with the majority of reviewers expressing a desire to return.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 117 922 5496
- Website
- mackenzies.co.uk
| Mon | 9:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 1:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.2 against a median of 4.5 across the 14 places to eat we hold for Bristol, where the most-reviewed is St Nicholas Market.
Still deciding?
- What is the experience like on the alfresco terrace overlooking the Harbourside at Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen?
- Which breakfast items are most recommended on Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen’s diverse menu?
- Does Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen require reservations for indoor or terrace seating, and how far in advance should they be made?
- Are there specific family-friendly dishes or amenities at Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen for children?
- What premium draught beers, real ales, or cocktail specialties are most popular at Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen?
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.