It’s not hard to come across Riverside bars in York worth visiting with the magnificent River Ouse running through the centre of the historic city. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite haunts when we take a trip to York in the summertime for some inspiration for your next visit. Afterall, summer isn’t summer if you’re not drinking something alcoholic next to a body of water in the sunshine.
Star Inn The City

Star Inn The City is brought to you by Chef Andrew Pern, who is the man behind The famous Star Inn at Harome. The beautiful waterside bar and restaurant in York city centre overlook the spectacular River Ouse, whilst also sitting next to one of the world’s most beautiful bridges Lendal Bridge.
Found in the city centre, a stone’s throw from all of York’s famous sites, it’s the perfect place to sit and while away the hours in summertime. The food is delicious and pays homage to nearby North York Moors and the North Yorkshire countryside. The Star Inn The City, Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York, YO1 7DR.
Find out more here.
Pitcher & Piano



Found off the busy Coney Street, Pitcher & Piano is renowned for its unique cocktails and beautiful decor. A popular one for visitors to the city, its beer garden overlooks the River Ouse and is always full of revellers looking to catch some rays. It’s secret garden vibes make it a gem away from the busy city where you can sip on cocktails and enjoy each time spent with friends.
The riverside bar never fails to disappoint and is an incredible sun trap perfect for those summer days where you want nothing more than to chill along the riverside and enjoy a few drinks. Staff are always really friendly and it’s a firm favourite when The Yorkshireman visits York. Pitcher & Piano, Coney St, York YO1 9QL
Find out more here.
Revolution York



Known for their quirky cocktails, it may be a chain, but there is manage to make each bar have its own unique sense of style and feel and this Rvolution’s bar is one of the best riverside bars in York for sure. Found next to Pitcher & Piano it has two main outdoor seating areas. One can be found facing the Ouse, whilst the other is at the side and is great for those that want a bit of shade as it offers some cover from the sun at points in the day.
Revolution is not only a great York riverside bar, but their cocktails never leave you disappointed, always themed and creative, and not to mention 2-4-1 during happy hours – in our eyes it’s a hard one to beat when you’re looking for some fun in the sun in York. Revolution York, Coney St, York YO1 9NA
Kings Arms



A Sam Smiths pub, Kings Arms is an oldie and a goldie. On a summer’s day you’re best getting there early as it tends to fill up pretty quick. There is always a great atmosphere as people fill up the garden which sits right on the river. Cheap beer, and great weather are a perfect combination and not only is Sam Smith beer cheap it’s bloody good as well. We’ll have a Taddy Lager if you’re getting them in please.
The riverside bar in York is a good ol’ fashioned pub and although you won’t spend much time inside it, it has such a fantastic feel inside with the woodbeams, classic bar and bench seating. Outside, the River Ouse does the talking and helps make it one of the best Riverside pubs in York.
The Lowther



You don’t get much closer to the river than The Lowther, the pub is known for flooding when the river water levels get high that it has stone seating to deal with it. The pub has riverside seating and offers a range of great drinks including fantastic student deals.
Our year’s at university in York, we’ve knocked back a few triple vodka and Vimto’s in our time to know that it is a pub that is not to be missed. They also do a range of beers, spirits and wines to enjoy by the riverside in York. The Lowther, 8 Cumberland St, York YO1 9SW
Find out more here.
Tank & Paddle



On the otherside of the river from the pub we’ve mentioned in the list so far. It faces the Kings Arms and is a riverside bar & modern pub in York that serves fresh tank beer, cask & keg craft ales, large. It ha a stunning balcony where you can chill out and watch the world go by net to one of York’ most busiest bridges. 1 Bridge St, YO1 6DD York, UK.
Find out more here.
Riverside Cafe & Bar



Found inside the beautiful City Screen cinema the Riverside Cafe & Bar is a great place to chill next to the river and enjoy a nice bevvie. It looks out over the old Aviva building that is an architectural wonder making your view towards Lendal Bridge that much nicer. We highly recommend soaking up the sun on the outdoor terrace with a glass of vino or an ale from one of York’s local suppliers.
Find out more here.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside



The kings of two-for-one cocktails, Slug & Lettuce is a great place along the River Ouse in York City Centre if you’re looking for somewhere with atmosphere this is one of the best riverside bars in York. The open up the full length windows on the riverside in nice weather giving you a feeling of being outside, but been nice and close to the bar at the same time. It’s definteil a must if you’re on a fun day outing York with friends. It’s a modern riverside bar in York that offers something for everyone. Slug & Lettuce York Riverside, 1 Bridge St, YO1 6DD York, UK
Find out more here.
Read More: 15 Of The Best Beer Gardens In York To Enjoy