'Best pint of Guinness' in Belfast revealed according to City Tours
The top bars and pubs across Belfast for grabbing the 'best pints of Guinness' have been revealed.
A study conducted by City Tours Belfast has mapped out the best spot for a good pint of the black stuff to mark National Beer Day this weekend.
The tour company conducted a comprehensive analysis of reviews of pubs in the city to identify where to get the best Guinness in Belfast with The Crown Liquor Saloon coming out on top.
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According to the data, it is the top-rated spot for Guinness in Belfast, with 391 reviews praising the quality of the Guinness served.
Of these reviews, an impressive 96 described it as “good”, 115 rated it as “great” and 76 reviews claimed the Guinness was either the best in Belfast or the best they had ever tasted.
In second place is Kelly’s Cellar on Bank Street, with 75 positive reviews for its Guinness.
City Tours Belfast said: "Kelly’s Cellar is one of the oldest pubs in Belfast and boasts the second-highest number of reviews rating the Guinness served as the “best” ( 29 ), and that described it as a “good” pint ( 15 ).
"Bittles Bar, located on Upper Church Lane and famous for its unique architecture, ranks third with 60 positive reviews for its Guinness. Bittles Bar received 21 reviews which noted the Guinness served as the “best” they had ever had, and 14 highlighting it as “great”.
"Ranking fourth is The Morning Star on Pottinger's Entry, with 43 reviews praising its Guinness. The pub earned consistent positive feedback on its Guinness, including 12 reviews calling it “great” and 10 declaring it the “best”.
"Rounding off the top five ranking is The Duke of York , boasting an impressive 41 positive reviews for its Guinness.
"Located on Commercial Court and famous for its picturesque umbrella street, The Duke of York received 17 reviews commenting that the pint is “great”, the second highest among all the pubs."
Culinary entrepreneur , Gabrielle Marie Yap , explains what to look out for to get the perfect pour and why Belfast is one of the best places to travel to for a Guinness.
She said: "The perfect Guinness starts with a meticulous pour. It begins at a 45-degree angle, which allows the nitrogen bubbles to create that iconic cascading effect.
"The glass should be filled to about three-quarters of the way, then left to settle before the second part of the pour, which fills it to the top. This step is often rushed, but the waiting period is essential to get that dense, creamy head.
"A good Guinness should have a compact , tight foam —almost like whipped cream—that sits just above the rim without spilling over. A key indicator of quality is “lacing,” where the foam leaves rings along the inside of the glass as you sip. This tells you that the Guinness was poured correctly and is in optimal condition."
Why Northern Ireland is one of the top spots to visit for a Guinness, she continued: “Northern Ireland is an incredible destination for enjoying a Guinness because it offers a unique , immersive experience that goes far beyond what you’d find elsewhere.
"Pubs in Northern Ireland aren’t just focused on pouring a good pint—they treat it almost like a craft, with a deep understanding of what makes a Guinness exceptional.
"Beyond the technicalities, there’s a cultural aspect to enjoying a Guinness in Northern Ireland that’s hard to replicate. The pub scene here is an integral part of the community, acting as a social hub where locals and visitors connect over shared stories and traditions. This means when you order a Guinness, you’re not just getting a drink; you’re stepping into a living narrative where every pint has a story attached.
"There’s a rich heritage behind each sip, from the ancient walls of pubs like The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast to smaller, off-the-beaten-path establishments where the locals know each other by name. This atmosphere adds authenticity , enhancing the overall experience of drinking Guinness in Northern Ireland.”
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