The Tap House

I feel like I shouldn’t like this bar, but I’m pretty sure I do! It’s a bit nu rave, which would normally turn me off, but it has a good vibe about it generally speaking. That said, I wouldn’t go near it on a Saturday night because it will attract punters who will later go on into Scratch. In fact, you’re probably best avoiding it after dark altogether — stick to daytime pintage!

This is one of the few bars in the city that I’ve really been turned off by the clientèle and the general vibe of the place.
It feels like a little piece of modern Americana, modern styling, a low American 9-​ball table and general memorabilia covering the walls.
The atmosphere is just odd, a strange mix of oddities sitting at the bar, awful seating (there is a table towards the back which can only be accessed by asking the person in the neighbouring table to actually get off their seat and let you through.
The toilets are sometimes in a terrible state, even during the week when it’s dead. They have a recent inclination to have a ‘world beers’ list available. Now, as a beer snob I can tell you that it’s a selection of macro lagers from every continent, each of which are almost indistinguishable… not good.

I stumbled upon this place one Friday evening and with a few friends decided to give it a go. We previously written it off as being ‘too studenty’ but soon realised we were mingling with more of a ‘post work’ crowd.
The bar was quite busy but we got a seat pretty easily and soon were relaxed on the chunky brown leather seating. The interior itself was lovely and dispelled any spit and sawdust notions that we may have had. The large screens had golf on which lean’t towards the more sedate pace of the bar and we soon had another round on the go.
It’s that kind’ve place… very relaxed, very chilled and a great way to spend a few hours drinking and chatting,
Pros: Quiet, central, good pricing on drinks.
Cons: Noisy nightclub next door and probably gets busy when football is on.

Taps is a really cool relaxing bar right next door to it’s noisier neighbour– Scratch Nightclub. The bar is the complete opposite of the club. Its really a great spot for a bit of daytime pintage and they have a great pool table there for you to pass a rainy afternoon away… and we have plenty of em! I’ve never eaten here but the food is served until 8pm and it always looks pretty good! Reasonably priced too! I’ve popped in afew times during the day and its been very relaxing and inviting. Its in the Queens University student quarter too so it does attract students but on a smaller and less crazy scale compared to say the Globe or the Union.

A really top-​notch bar with great prices, a pool table and always a good atmosphere to go and chill out and catch up with friends.
As other reviewers have mentioned, this bar is unfortunately associated with Scratch Nightclub, but this place couldn’t be further from it. It has a lovely look and I love the decorations and the entire vibe of the place.
The prices are excellent if you are going in for a bite to eat and a pint as you get a free drink with any main meal served. Its such good value you will wonder if they have under charged you but it really is that good.
The pool table is a good addition as it allows a bit of banter and gets the conversation going, as does the dartboard. Not many people know about this place, despite its brilliant location just off Botanic Avenue, so there is always a seat and a nice, laid back atmosphere.

I’m gonna take the opportunity to give a little bit of praise to a great bar that has an unfortunate connection to a terrible night club, known as scratch. I’m talking about the Tap House. The Tap House is a tiny little bar which is decorated is tonnes of kitch little pictures, pop art and football memorabilia.
The bar provides a relaxed atmosphere which to enjoy a drink in interesting and comfortable surroundings. The pool table is almost vintage compared to the usual pool tables in pubs. It has leather pockets and stands on awesomely carved legs (maybe I like this table a little to much). There’s no charge, all there is to do is hope its free and enjoy a game.
In terms of cost, a pint is around £3.10 which is reasonable for Belfast (sadly!) and food is served until 8pm. The Tap House proudly sports a Taste of Ulster plague on its walls so you can be confident the food is locally sourced.