Why we love Liverpool’s Castle Street and 22 places you should visit while you’re there

Castle Street is steeped in history and now home to some of Liverpool’s best loved dining spots.

From its fascinating history to its iconic architecture and incredible food venues, Castle Street is a beauty to behold in Liverpool.

Headed by the Town Hall which signals the start of one of the busiest and most vibrant roads, Castle Street is a well-worn path for people heading into town or flocking to its popular bars and restaurants.

As well as an amazing heritage, Castle Street has created a fabulous food and drink culture, with alfresco seating areas that have given it a European café-style vibe.

Did you know Castle Street houses the oldest store front in the city, McGuffie’s?

Its history dates back to 1795 when ‘Edwards and Penny, Druggists & Chemists’ first opened its doors at Number 58 before J.R. McGuffie, whose name the company bears today, was even born.

Before Liverpool was even a city and still a medieval town, Castle Street was an important route to and from the port, and the castle that sat at the top of today’s Lord Street.

Of course, one of the city’s most significant historical buildings stands at the head of Castle Street – Liverpool Town Hall.

The Town Hall is a Grade I listed building described as one of the finest surviving 18^th Century town halls and boasts a rich past.

Believe it or not, the final act of the American Civil War took place on its steps when  Lieutenant Commander James Waddell presented a letter to the city’s mayor surrendering his vessel, the CSS Shenandoah, to the British Government in November 1865, six months after the war had ended.

But as we said earlier, Castle Street has evolved into one of our most beloved food and drink spots in the city… so here’s a list of places you need to check out next time you stroll down this iconic street…

Pho

Vietnamese street-food restaurant, Pho on Castle Street, is loved for its delicious twelve-hour broths and variety of Vietnamese street food including crispy baby squid, fresh summer rolls, decadent curries and the star of the menu, their extensive phở menu including classic Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Super Green Soup and King Prawn Curry Noodle Soup.

More info here.

Elif

Elif, which has transformed the historic former NatWest bank building in Castle Street, has only recently opened its doors to the public.

But already they have had to change to phone bookings only after availability for tables for the entire month of August had been virtually taken.

Elif serves exceptional-quality Turkish cuisine, featuring grilled meat, fish and seafood dishes, and other traditional dishes.

More info here.

Spice Thai

Spice Thai specialises in Thai street food, they prepare your order using only fresh ingredients and exotic herbs and vegetables sent directly from Thailand.

Their interior design resembles a real street food market in Thailand to immerse you into a proper Thai experience.

More info here.

Mi To

Brought to you by the brains behind McGuffie’s – Mi To is an Italian inspired cocktail bar serving everything from your favourite spritz, to great wine and beers.

It’s even a fab place to pop in for a coffee.

More info here.

Cactus Bar

Castle Street’s resident tequila bar, Cactus serves up fantastic cocktails with a Mexican twist.

Expect to find all the greats from a Spicy Marg to classic beers and agave.

More info here.

Ezra & Gil

These guys are passionate about their food and coffee, originally opening in Manchester back in 2014, they wanted to become a “favourite neighbourhood hangout”.

Serving up amazing food like a classic bacon butty to ‘nduja scrambled eggs… there’s something to suit your mood every morning.

More info here.

The Underground Gin Society

The Underground Gin Society on Castle Street in Liverpool is a trendy, subterranean bar known for its extensive selection of gin and stylish, speakeasy interior.

Nestled below street level, the venue boasts a cozy, dimly lit interior with exposed brick walls, vintage furnishings, and a lively atmosphere.

More info here.

Riva Blu

Whether you’re meeting your mates for a morning catch-up and Bottomless Brunch, getting the family together over a bowl of pasta, or getting glammed up for the evening to join the Cocktail Club, Riva Blu’s the perfect place.  

Situated on the corner of Castle Street and Dale Street, it’s an authentic Italian restaurant. It’s in the beautiful Grade II listed building which used to be the Midland Bank, but these days it’s less about base rates and more about fabulous food from pastas and pizzas, to grills and fabulous fish dishes.

Book your table here.

Rudy’s

Once voted 10^th best pizza restaurant in the world, Rudy’s is one of THE best places for fresh Neopolitan pizzas, and Castle Street was the first of three in the city (you can also find Rudy’s on Bold Street and at The Albert Dock).  

It specialises in fresh and traditional pizzas, following the artistry of pizza from Naples, and offering a relaxed and chilled atmosphere to enjoy them in.

Check it out here.

Point Blank Shooting

A state-of-the-art simulation shooting range, there are no real-life targets or graphic imagery, it’s all about speed and accuracy, giving you a chance to test your aim and trigger reflexes against your mates or your own personal best.

You can get a drink or a bite to eat, with American classics likes pizzas and wings, and an extensive drinks menu including cocktails. 

Book in here.

Castle Street Townhouse

Castle Street Townhouse has become the heart of this great destination area, whether you’ve arranged cocktails with the girls, a romantic meal for two with your other half, or a fun night out with the family.

You can’t beat its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, great food and drink – it’s Sunday Roast is a must – it’s amazing pavement seating area, surrounded by twinkling lights (and outdoor heaters!), and regular live music.

Check it out here.

San Carlo 

Popular with a few famous faces, this classy Italian serves all of your favourite dishes with fresh fish a speciality and a great grill section on the menu too – and it’s about to get even better. The restaurant on the corner of Castle Street and Cook Street is closed for around 12 weeks while it undergoes a £3.5million makeover to become the first of San Carlo’s new-look venues. Watch this space!

Book your table right here.

Bacaro

Offering small plates with meat, fish and veggie dishes, to little pizzas, breads and desserts, you’ll rarely see this restaurant anything other than full.

It’s another perfect place for any occasion, like a night out with friends and family for food or just a glass of wine or beer. The vibe is always chilled and the staff super-friendly.

Check it out here.

Neighbourhood

Drink, dance, and dine with Neighbourhood.

Famed for a party atmosphere with live entertainment every weekend, it’s got bottomless brunches, bottomless roasts, and bottle tables for big nights out (and a Happy Hour to brag about).

Book your table here.

Liverpool Gin Distillery

Set across four floors, Liverpool Gin Distillery offers visitors the chance to see its distillers in action – it produces its own Liverpool Gin on-site in a custom-built 600ltr copper still – while relaxing with a drink at the bar or taking a tour and making their own bottle of gin.

Check it out here.

Co.Co.

Co.Co. is a new speciality coffee and cocktail venue on Castle Street.

They are currently using the site as a private venue hire, so if you’re looking for a glam place to host your next event or party… then Co.Co. is there for you.

Take a peak.

BOBO

Serving Spanish and Portuguese-inspired drinks and snacks, menu highlights of this Iberian wine café include chorizo sausage rolls, fresh pastel de nata custard tarts, charcuterie and cheese boards, and jugs of sparkling sangria.

With contemporary art and prints on rendered walls, it’s a modern take on the traditional tapas bar – and it does a weekend bottomless brunch with a twist.

Have a look.

Viva Brazil

A meat-eaters’ paradise where you can enjoy a meal that’s a bit of an occasion – and a lot of fun. Passadors (meat carvers) move from table to table, offering cuts of meats all slow-roasted over a charcoal barbeque and expertly carved at the table. You control the service with a small double-sided disc on your table: green tells the passadors to keep bringing meats, while red says you’d like to take a break. 

Book your slot here.

Pasta Cosa

If a candlelit dinner is what you’re after then Pasta Cosa might not be for you, but if good Italian food at affordable prices is on the menu, then you can knock yourself out.

It was launched in 2016 to offer just that with fresh pasta made to order and created ‘with a little bit of love’. It’s basic, bright and delightfully casual – and very busy.

Book a table here.

McGuffie’s

Proving the old adage, they don’t make diamonds the size of bricks, McGuffie’s is a small but beautifully created cocktail and coffee bar behind that ‘oldest shop front’ (it still bears the name of pharmacist John Rowland McGuffie who took over the shop in around 1840).

If there was an award for cosiest venue, this would be right up there, and it’s got wine, cocktails, and the perfectly-pulled pint.

More info here.

Black Barrel

The Black Barrel rum bar was inspired and created to give an introduction to the world of rum. 

You can expect everything from white rums, to deep caramelised sipping rums, as well as versatile punchy rums like Dead Man’s Fingers – alongside a Caribbean and Latin-inspired small plates food menu to go with them, a laid-back vibe, and live music.

More info here.

So Salsa

Another family-run restaurant adding to the mix of eateries on Castle Street, this time with quality fresh tapas dishes from cuisines across the globe, not just Spain.

So Salsa first opened its doors in 2010 in Crosby, and over the last decade the restaurant has grown, leading to a new chapter and the second So Salsa which is creating a new fun and friendly vibe in the city and ‘aiming to always exceed customer expectations’.

More info here.

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