Recommended Pubs and Restaurants in Belfast North
There are a total of 14 premises in this area.
The Kitchen Bar
1 Victoria Square(028) 9032 4901 (T)
(028) 9024 5268 (F)
The original, dating back some 150 years, was knocked down to facilitate the building of the new shopping centre. Gone at the same time was a piece of Belfast history and, as ever, the everyday folk had to find somewhere else to drink & chat. The good news is that it is by far a cleaner place, the ale just as good though not as varied and the food is excellent. Still a favourite place for business lunchers but catering for a new generation of customers experiencing the KBS (Kitchen Bar Special) now touted as the Paddy Pizza. Crowded and exuberant at night it has succumbed to the the quest for customers by the lure of loud music.
Bittles Bar
Victoria Square(028) 9031 1088 (T)
John Bittles, another real character, has done away the the Irish Literary & old Belfast themes that were well loved and respected, only to move into the "club" scene. Some of the paintings are still there - along with the good food and beer.
McHugh's
29-31 Queen's Square(028) 9050 9990 (T)
mchughs@botinns.com (E)
A fascinating part of Belfast's history is in this area. This pub has been gutted and rebuilt. However, the original house, fireplace and street level have been discovered and listed so time and care has gone into the renovation. Given that Botinns has also taken over the next door property, once infamously known around the world as DuBarry's - a house of ill repute known by many a sailor around the globe (and quite a few young people strapped for cash!), this will be a must for visitors. Glad to see that the cask ale is back. It is a real pity that the collectibles have long since disappeared when DuBarry's shut down years ago!
Portside Bar
Dargan Road, BT3 9JU(028 9037 0746) (T)
A very high roofed, horse shoe bar serving excellent food every day. Very popular with people from the local industrial estate, houses and ferries. Can get very busy. This pub started in the middle of nowhere and has now built up a reputation for good food.
The Rotterdam
54 Pilot Street(028) 9074 6021 (T)
One of the few remaining back street bars not raped by the superpub group. Almost claustrophobic inside, it hosts great music from traditional folk to blues. The tiled floor is a bit uneven. The pub has been sold so we shall have to wait and see what happens to it.