A study by City Tours Belfast has looked at reviews of pubs in Belfast to find where to get the best pint of Guinness in the city.
The stout ranks as one of the UK’s best selling draft beers, accounting for one in every nine pints pulled.
The tour company has conducted a study which found that The Crown Liquor Saloon, located on Victoria Street is the top-rated spot for a pint of the black stuff in Belfast, with 391 reviews praising the quality of the Guinness served.
115 described it as “great” while 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.
Bittles Bar, The Duke of York and The Morning Star rank in the top 5 for the best Guinness.
| Rank | Pub | “Good Guinness” | “Best Guinness” | “Great Guinness” | “Lovely Guinness” | Total positive Guinness reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Crown Liquor Saloon | 96 | 76 | 115 | 22 | 391 |
| 2. | Kelly's Cellar | 15 | 29 | 9 | 5 | 75 |
| 3. | Bittles Bar | 6 | 21 | 14 | 6 | 60 |
| 4. | The Morning Star | 9 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 43 |
| 5. | The Duke of York | 6 | 8 | 17 | 3 | 41 |
| 6. | Maddens | 9 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
| =7. | Whites Tavern | 10 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 33 |
| =7. | McHughs Bar & Restaurant | 10 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 33 |
| =7. | Robinsons Bar | 8 | 5 | 13 | 2 | 33 |
| 10. | The Garrick | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 23 |
Culinary entrepreneur, Gabrielle Marie Yap, explained what to look out for to get the perfect pour.
“It begins at a 45-degree angle, which allows the nitrogen bubbles to create that iconic cascading effect,” she said.
“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.
“Temperature plays a huge role in how the flavours are perceived. A Guinness served too cold can dull its complex flavours, masking the subtle notes of roasted barley, coffee, and dark chocolate. Serving it too warm, on the other hand, can highlight the bitterness, making it taste harsher than intended. The sweet spot is around 6-8 degrees Celsius. This range allows you to fully appreciate the intricate balance between the malty sweetness and the slightly bitter finish.”
Gabrielle Marie Yap added that the north is an “incredible destination” for enjoying a pint of the black stuff.
“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.
“This atmosphere adds authenticity, enhancing the overall experience of drinking Guinness in Northern Ireland.”
