From the Doomsday Book to a bustling 2019 social hub, Smithdown Road is the chameleon of Liverpool suburbs.

Most know Smithdown Road as a popular student area of the city with a wealth of shared housing, cheap ale pubs and many an off-license. Foodies in the know also rate Smithdown Road as one of the most up and coming area to dine out with more restaurants and bars popping up in the last few years than ever before.

Boasting one of the city’s few remaining laundrettes, post offices and it’s very own cheesecake bakery (Oh Dafna!) Smithdown Road is also a true community hub. Something to be championed in a city overrun with soulless housing estates.

The student population may make up a bit chunk of the local community here but with house prices reaching almost £300,000 and private rents topping almost £1000 pcm, Smithdown is most definitely on the up. A short bus ride into town, Sefton Park and Wavertree’s Mystery and Sports Park on either side and hello, a cheesecake bakery, there’s more to Smithdown than just student bar crawls.

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Smithdown Road Lifestyle

Life on Smithdown is anything but dull. There’s spinning classes at Rise Cycle Studio, sustainable shopping with retro shops including sweet vintage furniture at Oxfam, fresh fruit and veg markets and lots of places tom hang out, enjoy a coffee, glass of wine or a fully fledged pub crawl.

There’s also the brilliant, family friendly annual event, Smithdown Road Festival. Three free to attend gathering pairs local, up and coming artist with local venues so everyone has access to new music and an enthusiastic audience. The weekend long festival also provides fun sessions for kids at the Mystery Park, ensuring there’s something for all to enjoy.

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Everyone knows the best way to soak up the atmosphere of a place is to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. Influenced by its diverse mix residents, shop, restaurant and business staff and owners, there’s something for everyone on Smithdown Road. Date night venues, big family feasts, local ales, live music and even a bit of belly dancing on a Friday night, what’s not to like?

Here’s 11 of the best Smithdown Road bars and restaurants…..

1 – The Handyman

This former cinema and handyman supermarket is now a pub and microbrewery and every day of the week it’s buzzing. Stop in for a gin, Neighbourhood coffee, Handyman beer or a doggy treat if you’re out for a pint with the dog. More here. 

2 – Belzan

A neighbourhood bistro and wine bar serving humble dishes and drinks they’re truly passionate about. Inspired by places they’ve travelled to, Belzan has legions of fans thanks to its gorgeous daytime brunch dishes and chilled atmosphere. More here.

3 – TriBeCa

Family and group dining on Smithdown Road has never been so popular and with a kick-ass garden and big, hearty pizzas to feed your brood, Tribeca has to be our first choice. Menus here. 

4 – Little Furnace

Two brothers with an amazing work ethic and a dream to create the best wood-fired pizzas have claimed their own little part of Smithdown Road and its damn tasty! Get to Little Furnace Pizza and thank us later! All the carby-goodness. Menus and more here. 

5 – Craft Taproom

If you’re into craft beers, ciders and spirits (who isn’t) a lively atmosphere and amazing live music, drop in at the Craft Taproom and discover a new favourite pint. Staff are fab too. More here. 

6 – The Tavern Co

When it comes to brekkie on Smithdown, it has to be The Tavern Co. There’s a reason there’s often a queue on a weekend morning. Fluffy pancakes, full English, eggs on, coffee and tea refills and the best place to pour over the Sunday papers. Menus here.

7 – Portland Street

Get your salt n pepper fix at Portland Street 358. We’re talking chicken and crispy sui mais, brekky burittos, beef curry pizza fries, oh my days! If you’re going to cheat on your diet, do it here. Menus and more. 

8 – Tiny Rick’s Cafe

Now when we said there’s something for everyone on Smithdown, we meant everyone! Tiny Rick’s is all about that bowl life and stock some of the most amazing cereal combo’s. Find out more here. 

9 – Evil Eye Burrito Shack

If you’re looking for a quick bite that packs a real flavour punch, head to Evil Eye Burrito Shack and tuck into a fully loaded burrito and a pint for just £10. There’s live music on too. Find out more here. 

10 – Maggie Fu

Everyone is raving about Maggie Fu on Smithdown. If you like a good ramen bowl, char sui bao buns, sweet and sour, choi sum, okay we’ve started drooling already. Check out the menu here and get booking. 

11 – Naked Lunch Cafe

Summer lite bites (and hearty burgers alike) are the name of the game at Naked lunch Café. The stuffed red peppers and harissa rice and a gin fizz is exactly the kind of combo we like. The coffee is fab too. Find out more here. 

What’s your favourite Smithdown Road venue and why? Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.

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