Best Bars near V&A Dundee

Abandon Ship is a vibrant cocktail bar located at 2b Whitehall Crescent in Dundee, known for its unique interior, creative drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. Open from midday on Saturdays and evenings the rest of the week, it offers a moderate price range and a lively yet cozy setting perfect for socializing or relaxing with friends.

Bird & Bear is a stylish cocktail bar and Italian restaurant located on Whitehall Crescent in Dundee. Known for its creative cocktails, pub fare including pizza and brunch, and striking interior design, it offers a vibrant yet casual atmosphere. With outdoor seating available, it’s popular for both daytime meals and late-night drinks, blending a cozy ambiance with a lively social scene.

Located in downtown Dundee, St Andrews Brewing Co. Caird Hall offers a vibrant craft beer experience with stunning views over Slessor Gardens and the V&A. Featuring a hi-tech 20-tap bar, a 70-seat restaurant serving contemporary Scottish cuisine, and private dining options, it blends modern design with local brewing heritage in a lively setting ideal for casual dining, drinks, and celebrations.

Located in the heart of Dundee at 7/9 Union Street, The Bank Bar is a traditional city centre pub housed in a former bank building. Known for its warm atmosphere, wood furnishings, and bare-boards floor, it offers a selection of award-winning real ales, home-cooked food, and live music events featuring local talent. It hosts popular weekly sessions including an open mic night and bluegrass jam, making it a vibrant cultural hub for both locals and visitors.

The Salty Dog is a lively and welcoming pub located at 9 Crichton Street in Dundee. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu and an exceptional selection of drinks, including local craft beers. Open from mid-afternoon to midnight daily, it is a popular spot for socializing, enjoying live music, and experiencing Dundee’s friendly nightlife.

The Pillars Bar & Lounge is a historic and welcoming pub located on Crichton Street in Dundee. Known as one of the city's oldest pubs, it features a cozy traditional interior with original paintings and a friendly atmosphere. The bar offers a fine selection of drinks including well-poured Guinness and regularly changing ales, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled in the narrow Couttie's Wynd in Dundee, Draffens is a cozy and intriguing cocktail bar famed for its creative drinks and intimate atmosphere. Paying homage to the former Draffens department store, this speakeasy-style venue offers expertly crafted cocktails with flair, making it a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts and night owls in the city center.

Trades House is a lively city-centre pub located at 40 Nethergate, Dundee, housed in a beautifully converted historic bank building. Known for its ornately carved bar, decorative floor tiles, and marble-topped tables, it offers a warm atmosphere with a beer garden and multiple big screens for sports fans. Open daily from 10am, it serves British and Scottish pub fare with vegetarian and vegan options, welcoming families and visitors alike.

Nestled in the heart of Dundee’s city centre and student district, the Nether Inn is a lively pub renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable drinks, and vibrant social scene. With big screens for live sports, a varied menu featuring pub classics and sharer plates, and regular events like quizzes and live music, it’s a favourite spot for locals and students alike. Dog-friendly and open late on weekends, it offers a dynamic experience blending casual dining and entertainment.

Tickety Boo's is a lively pub and restaurant located at 51 Commercial Street in Dundee, known for its warm atmosphere, hearty Scottish and British cuisine, and distinctive stained-glass windows. Open daily from late morning to midnight or later, it offers a full bar, outdoor seating, and live music, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The venue is family and pet friendly, with vegetarian options and free Wi-Fi, blending traditional charm with modern hospitality.