York’s Hot Spots And Hidden Gems

York might feel rather small, but that may not be because of the city’s size - rather it’s because you haven’t expanded your portfolio of bars, eateries and evening venues, to make your time in York all the more exciting and varied. Here are a few recommendations to switch things up from Salvos or Spoons.

Starting off we have Bluebox, a name that might be unheard of by some or a familiar venue for others. It offers a night out with different genres of music to keep you groovin’. There’s no run of the mill club tunes to be found here, instead expect regular DJ events, wild technicolour lighting and heavy bass.

Bluebox is conveniently found above Drawing Board and next door to Dusk, two late night bars. It’s a 3 in 1 deal, you have 3 spots to choose from all in the same place. Dusk, renowned for its 2 for 1 cocktail deals and a big selection of drinks to choose from, and Drawing Board, expect loud rock music and a fantastic outside area to cool off, drink, chat and smoke - offering a brief respite from dancing.

Two spots that offer a more low-key way to spend your evening are Micklegate and Fossgate Social, brother and sister bars. Micklegate being the larger of the two locations, has a downstairs seating area, plenty of dimly lit couches, and some great music to soundtrack your night - it is an amazing spot off the beaten track in York, perfect for a date or to take a mate. You also have the smaller more intimate Fossgate Social, the sister bar. It has an upstairs seating area often closed, a cool smokers out the back and serves pints in schooners, (2/3rd pint glasses) making your alcohol seem cheaper than it is, which is a brilliant façade. Definitely worth checking out, but be warned it does fill up quickly.

Next we have the Crescent Community Venue, the O2 Arena of York. This venue has pulled in some big DJ names, from Ben UFO, to Call Super and Aroop Roy, it offers Boiler Room names at a fraction of the cost. But it doesn’t only host DJ events, bands too, with the DMA’s playing there last year. The Crescent offers a plethora of weekly events guaranteeing something will appeal to you.

Moving away now from all things bars, pubs and venues, we also have some affordable eateries to recommend. Firstly Cresci’s Pizzeria, a really cool tiled restaurant serving some of York’s best affordable traditional Neapolitan pizza. £8 for a margherita pizza of this quality should be a crime, but at Cresci’s it’s just the way they like to do things. Using fresh ingredients you won’t find better pizza anywhere else in York.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat in York, then look no further than Thomas the Baker. If you thought Greggs was good value, then you might shed a tear here, with 2 for a pound sausage rolls, chicken and stuffing rolls and spinach florentines, as well as a massive selection of sandwiches, savoury and sweet pastries and loaves of bread, this Yorkshire business definitely knows there’s plenty of students in town.

Finally, we have Little Italy, an Italian sandwich deli in the day and a restaurant open upstairs in the evening, if you fancy a treat then stop by. Albeit a little pricy, it is a great place for a rustic Italian sarnie. From only speaking Italian to you and making the sandwiches in front of your hungry eyes, Little Italy offers you a quick bite experience unlike any other in York. Sandwich price varies from £5 to £9 but if you want a reward from studying, Little Italy is the spot.