Coney Street area:
Goes from st helens square along coney street turning right to the edge of ouse bridge. pubs & bars are a lot more upmarket and it takes in 3 bars on coney st overlooking the river ouse.
York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country supposedly one for every day of the year. You shouldn't have any problem finding somewhere to get a drink. There are three key City Centre areas for Drinking depending on your taste:
Micklegate area:
Which includes rougier street: young, loud, brash, boozy, hen & stag nights abound. wall to wall pubs in a very small area serving a younger clientele intent on getting well oiled and having a good time until 3 - 4am.
Goodramgate, Swinegate area:
Probably the best area for those who like a mix of traditional pubs, nice continental bars and 2 good swanky modern bars for dressing to impress. the atmosphere is the most laid back in this area and has the widest age range appeal.
The Quarter
Which includes little stonegate & grape lane, houses several nice bars such as pivo, stonegate yard, bobo lobo, slug and lettuce chain bar, 1331, wilde's & oscar's to name but a few. tends to be slightly more chilled out but more expensive than other areas. still rowdy on a weekend but more relaxed during the week where salsa lessons take place in a couple of the bars. the area is sometimes referred to as the 'latin quarter' due to the nature of some of the bars and restaurants.
An excellent map of York bars, complete with reviews, is available here: (http://maps.google.co.uk/...)
Clubs
Bars and pubs
The Ackhorne
Ye Olde Starre Inn
the oldest pub in York, nice and cosy, with a beer garden that, just, overlooks the Minster.
The York Brewery Pub
Brewery and pub.
Biltmore
Probably the plushest upmarket bar in York and this is reflected in the clientele who don't mind paying extra for the scenery. Huge bar drinks menu comprising cocktails, premium spirits, bottled beers and wine. Usual mass produced beer brands on Draught.
The Blue Bell
Tiny but unforgettable. Real beer. A locals' favourite.
The Brigantes
The Charles XII
Cheap beer and full of students.
Dusk
another great place for cocktails, with 2-for-1 Monday through Thursday.
Evil Eye
the best place in York for cocktails, and the south east asian food is out of this world, too! Limited capacity due to fire regulations so you may have to queue to gain entry.
The Hansom Cab
A Samuel Smith's pub right in the centre of town, with cheap local ales.
The Keystones
A Yellow Card pub beneath Monkgate Bar.
Yates's
The King's Arms
Another Samuel Smith's pub but a few pence dearer than the Hansom Cab. It's traditionally flooded every winter.
Lendal Cellars
Yes, it is underground.
The Living Room
The Lowther
Overlooking and occasionally in the River Ouse; highly recommended - try the diesel.
The Maltings
absolutely cracking real-ale pub close to the train station.
The Windmill
The Minster Inn
confusingly not that near the Minster at all. As it's slightly off the tourist trail, most of the people in there are local regulars, but you're guaranteed a warm welcome, some local colour and an excellent pint.
The Priory
often to be found serving a well-known Irish stout at a very reasonable price.
The Three Legged Mare
a York Brewery Pub
Pitcher and Piano
The Postern Gate
a J.D. Wetherspoon franchise otherwise known as The Wetherspoon's, or simply "Spooooooooons"
The Punch Bowl
a Wetherspoons franchise
Roman Baths Inn
Frequently has open-mic nights.
The Rook and Gaskill
a Tynemill pub just outside Walmgate Bar. 12 ever-rotating cask ales available.
The Rose and Crown
an Australian-run pub just outside Walmgate Bar, home of the Auzzie Burger.
Slug and Lettuce
Orgasmic
The Winning Post in York
Voted the pint best Lager York 2009 keeps Head and Effervescent longer then other pubs in the City. Free event venue for new bands
Bar 38
KoKo International Bar
Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster serving 10 draught rare imported lagers & UK ales, over 200 bottled continental beers & 300 Spirits.
The Bedroom
The Micklegate