The Student Guide: 8 Best Bars In Aberdeen You Need To Visit

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As the weather starts to turn cold and blustery, you’ll probably be switching out the rooftop bars for a cosy, indoor setting – right?

The last thing we need is to be getting frostbite on our toes just ‘cos we’re in denial that summer is nearly over…*weeps inside quietly*

Oh well, it’s time to turn that frown upside down as we’re giving you a full list of some of the best bars in Aberdeen you need to visit.

If you’re spending your uni years in the Granite City, you’re in for a treat. There’s a plethora of places for you to go to to socialise with your new coursemates and take your parents when they come to visit.

Interested? Keep on reading to see what bars made the cut…we just know you’re going to love them!

1. BrewDog Aberdeen

17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1EB

bars in aberdeen you need to visit

@brewdogaberdeen – Instagram

You’ve probably heard of the brand BrewDog if you’re living in the UK (especially in Scotland as it’s a Scottish brand, born and bred). 

It’s one of the most popular breweries for students to visit and always provides a vibrant atmosphere!

With a sledgehammer in one hand and a spray can in the other, this pub chain has been decorated to give a rustic vibe…something you don’t want to miss.

For drinks, enjoy a selection of BrewDog favourites and curated guest beers from some of the best craft breweries across the globe. 

Not only do they offer delicious drinks, you can also purchase something from their delectable food menu if you’re feeling hungry. 

From Vegan Mondays, to Wings Wednesdays, you’re spoilt for choice and there will always be a range of options for all your pals.

Customer Reviews

‘Staff were lovely beer was excellent loved the kola I got with my vodka! It was clean and covid safe, the dogs enjoyed it too 😀 would recommend 👌’

‘This being the first Brewdog bar it is a bit on the cosy side but none the less, the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked pizza, there are great tunes playing and dogs are more than welcome. As you would expect the bar is full of Brewdog’s awesome produce so you are spoiled for choice. You can also buy shares at the bar and the place is all on one level so it is wheelchair friendly. Live bands also play here and it can get very busy.’

2. Ninety Nine Bar

1 Back Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1JN

cocktails in a bar

@99barandkitchen – Instagram

Ninety Nine Bar is your haven for all things cocktails, coffee and wine. 

Situated along a quirky cobblestone road, it’s the perfect place to come and lounge with your flatmates after a long day of uni!

One thing everyone raves about when visiting Ninety Nine is their exceptional service from all staff members – what’s not to love?

It offers a unique drinking and dining experience with an exquisite interior design that’s defo one for the insta!

With a mixture of foods for both meat lovers and vegans, you can find dishes to suit everyone here. 

Customer Reviews

AMAZING food!!! Fab cocktails, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Also good safeguarding against spread of covid. I will definitely be back!!’

‘Been 1st time and I like it. The food was great and very tasty… definitely will recommend 😉’

3. Krakatoa

2 Trinity Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5AA

krakatoa bar aberdeen

@krakatoa_bar – Instagram

For an unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll experience, you need to visit Krakatoa. 

Boasting a quirky interior with striking neon lights, this authentic tiki dive bar is one of the best places you can visit for a tasty drink and a bite to eat. 

It was named after the volcano, which reputedly made the loudest sound in recorded history, when it erupted back in 1883 – wow!

Grab yourself some delicious cocktails from here, our fave has to be the sStrawberry Sacrifice for £6, or the Totem Of Doom for £6.50.

Maybe you’re not in the mood for cocktails and would prefer another beverage? If so, Krakatoa offers 42 draught product lines, dispensing 10 imported world beers, 7 imported belgian and fruit beers, 7 cask & keg ciders, and up to 12 cask ales…what more could you want?

It’s seriously unmissable if you’re here for uni, so get booking ASAP!

Customer Reviews

‘Love this place, welcoming environment, lovely ciders and cocktails, Jukebox and music events. My go to for a fun time.’

‘Best dive bar in town. Bar staff are excellent, know their stuff, great choice of drinks, ciders, beers and top juke box…cheaper duringg the week…’

4. College Bar

9 Alford Pl, Aberdeen AB10 1YD

gins from bars in aberdeen

@thecollegeaberdeen – Instagram

Desperate to watch the latest sporting highlights or the big game on Saturday? Don’t worry – with a trip to College you’ll be sorted throughout your time at uni.

This exclusive bar has a custom built viewing system around the building and even a cube on top of the bar to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

They have a premium drinks and cocktails menu you just have to try. Some of our faves include the classic Mojito and the Amaretto Sour. 

They even offer College pitchers, which consists of 4 pints of Camden Hells Lager, Camden Pale Ale or Heineken…one to choose for all the group!

Customer Reviews

‘Loved this pub, they had a great drinks menu and very city centre I would definitely go back it was great inside with TVs in each booth and a large sports screen.’

‘The decor is great and the place is buzzing on Fridays ans Saturdays. This place can accomodate all types of people and groups. From booths for small parties to long tables for larger groups. Failing that you can stand at the bar or shake your stuff on the dancefloor.’

5. The Spiritualist

67 Langstane Pl, Aberdeen AB11 6EN

cocktail bars in aberdeen

@thespiritualistaberdeen – Instagram

Located in the centre of Aberdeen, The Spiritualist is a independently owned and designed bar. It has a drinks list that is in equal parts creative, experiential, experimental and whimsical.

Fancy a cute insta moment? They offer a huuuuge cocktail tree, perfect for a group outing at a small price of £80 (9 separate cocktails). 

If you’re looking for something a little different, their range of draught and bottle beers is something you don’t want to miss!

Feeling hungry? There’s so many options of food to choose from – you’re spoilt for choice!

Our faves include the tear and share flatbreads, and the chick tikka skewers…how divine!

Customer Reviews

‘Good service, good food and fine cocktails served by a young and enthusiastic team.  Service without intrusion.’

‘A great selection of cocktails and beers available here, the staff were very friendly and able to recommend drinks from the extensive menu. We didn’t eat here but the food on offer looked really good and at a competitive price’

6. No10 Bar And Restaurant

10 Queen’s Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL

no10 bar

@no_10_aberdeen – Instagram

Formerly home to an Aberdeen-based solicitors, No10 is now known as one of Aberdeen’s most prestigious bars. 

In the summer months, they have a huge outdoor marquee littered with real plants and hanging fairy lights – an earthy dream!

The interior of the granite building features exposed brick and cosy booths, perfect for unwinding after a long day of uni.

They offer a wide selection of food and drinks for you to choose from, which are frequently evolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and the best Scottish produce. 

Top picks include the chicken and haggis ballotine and whole baked lemon sole!

Pair these dishes with a Scottish orchard cocktail, or one of their draught or bottle beers. 

Customer Reviews

‘Fab drinks – frozen gin cocktails are my favourite.  Ate outside so comes in takeaway boxes, nacho starter is very big and would do as a main!’

‘We enjoyed this lunch so much! Everything was delicious, fish was melting in my mouth.’

7. Revolucion De Cuba 

Academy Centre, Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1LB

decuba aberdeen

@decubaaberdeen – Instagram

Everyone loves a trip out to Revs De Cuba, it’s a bloody brilliant place with a fantastic atmosphere – especially the Aberdeen branch!

Nestled in the Academy Centre Courtyard, Revs De Cuba offers Latin-inspired food, tapas, classics and newly crafted cocktails.

Their brunch & lunch menu is one of our faves, featuring a marinated chicken burrito bowl, a chimichurri chicken sandwich and an avocado brunch. 

To top off your fancy day out here, you can enjoy an espresso rumtini or a non-alcoholic sunshine sizzle…you’re bound to fall in love!

Customer Reviews

‘Great food and friendly staff. Currently using an app to order food. Ordered the Meat Tapas and it was great. Plenty of dishes to try. Rum based cocktails were great. Highly recommend going here.’

‘Cocktails and food were top notch , went for tapas and a few cocktails with a friend and Will definitely be back. Easy enough to order what you want via your phone and pay for less contact as they are cash free’

8. O’Neills 

9-10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1JN

bars in aberdeen you need to visit

@oneills_aberdeen – Instagram

O’Neills is one of those bars in Aberdeen which you’ll probably find yourself hanging out at least more than once. 

It’s an extremely friendly venue, where you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and exceptional bar service.

Most nights, O’Neills offers live music and the latest sporting events for you to enjoy.

Not only do they offer an array of original cocktails, it’s also the perfect place to grab yourself your fave spirits, wines and whisky!

Customer Reviews

‘Incredible pints , good craic and nice music 🎶’

‘Cracking Night monday, great to see a pub lively with Live music again! The singer was fantastic and will be returning’

Oh my, all of a sudden we feel QUENCHED! If you’re as desperate as we are for a drink, make sure to book as soon as possible. Looking for other things to do in Aberdeen to keep you busy on your days off? Don’t worry, we have the perfect blog for you. Check it out here