Six of the best bars to check out in Dundee

Here are six of our favourite bars in Scotland's city of discovery for you to check out

Published 8th Jan 2016
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

Dundee, the city by the silvery Tay, has a selection of bars to suit a wide range of palates, budgets and interests.

When you’re done examining the city’s cultural hangouts such as the McManus gallery or Dundee Contemporary Arts, take a rest and a welcome drink in one of our six favourite bars.

Drouthy's

(142 Perth Road, Dundee D1 4JW)

Drouthy’s unpretentious, cosy surroundings are perfect for a winter-warming drink. With a focus on beers brewed in Scotland, this bar offers 20 draught and approximately 50 bottled varieties alongside classic pub fare such as burgers, fish and chips or even haggis.

Where else in Dundee would you find a rum and cheese tasting? Picture: Drouthy's

Where else in Dundee would you find a rum and cheese tasting? Picture: Drouthy's

Pints range from just under £4 to £4.50 in price, while those who wish to try something sparkling or invigorating can plump for any of the establishment’s wide range of wines, rose, cocktails or ciders.

The Wine Press

(16 Shore Terrace, Dundee DD1 3DN)

Enjoying its status as Dundee’s sole wine bar, The Wine Press opened in 2015 to popular acclaim, thanks in no small part to its library of just over 70 wines.

Dundee

With over 70 wines, they have something for everyone. Picture: The Wine Press

Sitting in a prime waterfront location where Legends bar once stood, bar founder and owner of Aitken Wines Patrick Rohde plans to capitalise on the crowds coming to visit the redeveloped area and the future V&A Museum of Design.

Enomatic machines keep uncorked wines fresher for longer, while a selection of whites such as Reisling and Semillon are available alongside the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape red over the winter season.

Jute Café Bar

( Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4NY)

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Right in the centre of Dundee’s cultural offerings lies the Jute Cafe Bar at DCA. Housed in a converted brick warehouse, Jute is dripping with industrial cool illuminated by tall windows.

Cocktails anyone? Picture: Jute Cafe Bar

Cocktails anyone? Picture: Jute Cafe Bar

It’s a quiet place to to catch up with friends through the week, but it can also double as a racuous venue during the weekend as various DJs take to the decks.

It isn’t just about the atmosphere, though, as there’s also a restaurant and cinema on-site to distract you from the myriad of lagers, beers and cocktails on offer to suit student and professional budgets.

The West House

(2 West Port, Dundee DD1 5EP)

West House touts itself as being located “at the heart of the City of Discovery’s cultural quarter”. Another bar that caters for a mixed crowd, fast wi-fi and great views of the West Port keep long-lunchers content during the day, while its famous Red Bull Curve with vodka and fruit starts the party at the weekends.

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The ever popular West House. Picture: The West House

The ever popular West House. Picture: The West House

Those wishing to take things a little easier can try the range of pitchers and cocktails on offer, including the aptly-named “Absolut Shambles” for £15.00 or the Stormy West Side with Havana Especial amongst its ingredients.

The Phoenix

(103 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DH)

A stellar stalwart in Dundee’s drinking scene comes in the shape of The Phoenix, which is over 150 years old. With an atmosphere best described as bustling, this bar fields a mix of clientele from all walks of Dundee life.

Local artworks line the walls, with stained-glass windows offering another thing to contemplate while you’re cradling any one of the bar’s wide range of beers or lagers in your hands.

Brewdog Dundee

(Panmure Street, Dundee DD1 2BW)

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Continuing the Ellon-born takeover of the craft beer market is BrewDog’s offering in Dundee’s Royal Exchange Building. Opened in 2014, the bar offers the now-familiar combination of BrewDog-developed drinks, including the Hardcore at 9.2 per cent.

Dundee

Try a flight of great beers at Brewdog Dundee. Picture: Brewdog

Passionate staff members are all too willing to talk you through the drinks on offer, while the Exchange’s neo-Gothic architecture and board games on offer will keep the designated driver interested until drinking-up time.

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