About This Pub
Ah, Racks Bar & Kitchen – it's one of those places in Clifton, Bristol, that really knows how to pull off a great night out. From what I've gathered chatting about it with mates, the staff are absolute stars; they're quick on their feet and go out of their way to make you feel welcome, whether it's sorting out a special birthday or handling dietary needs like a pro. The cocktails are a highlight too – fresh and full of flavour, perfect for kicking back with friends. And the atmosphere? It's all warm, rustic charm with those lovely stone archways, making it feel like a proper cosy hangout for everything from a casual drink to a full-blown celebration. They've got heaps of events lined up, like bottomless brunches or pub quizzes, and some cracking deals that make it even more appealing. On the flip side, though, the food isn't always up to scratch; I've heard tales of overcooked meats and cold sides that can put a dampener on things, and it does take a bit longer than you'd hope sometimes. Plus, with prices on the higher end, it's not the go-to for a budget-friendly pint. All in all, it's a solid choice if you're after good vibes and service, but maybe pair it with lower expectations for the grub to keep things balanced.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The service is top-notch and really attentive, like how they made a friend's 30th birthday feel extra special with quick and friendly help.
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Cocktails are absolutely spot on – I've heard they're a solid 10 out of 10, perfect for a fun night out.
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They've got a warm and inviting atmosphere with beautiful rustic design, making it a great spot for groups or a casual catch-up.
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Plenty of options for different diets, like being super helpful with coeliac needs, which is a real bonus for those with restrictions.
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Loads of events on offer, from bottomless brunches and pub quizzes to sports screenings, plus great deals like 2-4-1 margaritas and mains.
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It's well set up for parties and celebrations, with options for private dining and even free venue hire for larger groups.
Cons
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Food quality can be inconsistent; some dishes like the beef or pork on a sharing board have come out overcooked or dry, which is a bit disappointing.
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Waiting times for food can drag on, leaving you feeling a tad peckish before it arrives.
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It's on the pricey side, so you might want to keep an eye on your wallet if you're planning a visit.
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Not every meal hits the mark, with complaints about cold veggies or soggy sides, making it feel like a gamble sometimes.
Contact Information
St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LX
+441179741626
Bar
Closed today
Opening Hours
Monday | 07:00 - 22:00 |
Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 07:00 - 00:00 |
Saturday | 08:00 - 00:00 |
Sunday (Today) | 08:00 - 19:00 |
Recent Reviews
Jason was absolutely amazing! It was my friends 30th birthday and he made sure to make her feel special. Such quick services and the cocktails were 10/10! Would highly recommend
A great Sunday roast! I have coeliac disease so eating out can be a challenge sometimes. However, not here. As soon as we walked in and explained I was coeliac the person that met us went straight into the kitchen to find out what I could/couldn't have. Then went our waitress took our order she explained that her brother had coeliac disease which was so reassuring and she also explained that the kitchen staff were cleaning everything down. Brilliant service, thank you! The food was lovely, would absolutely recommend
My Mum and I have just paid £44.95 for this. We ordered a sharing a board. The beef was over cooked, the belly of pork was hard and dry, the vegetables were cold, the red cabbage was soggy and there was no crackling. My Mum was really hungry as we waited quite a while to be served so she ate two small dry pieces of meat, two greasy potatoes and a very small amount of veg whilst waiting for a new one to be cooked. The new board came to the table. it was much the same as the first. But This time the cracking was added to the board but looked inedible. The veg and gravy left on the table whilst waiting for the new board was now stone cold. I asked the waiter to please take it back as I didn’t want it and I was happy to pay for the small amount of food my Mum had consumed. He replied that he would discount the bill by a few pound because of the cold vegetables. Even though a very small portion of the meal was eaten.. i said if this was the case please put the food in takeaway boxes so at least the dog would benefit. Although I could only give her the beef as the rest was far too salty. This is absolutely shocking as I’ve eaten there many times before but definitely won’t be going back. So disappointing.
We came here, as we were looking for a cheap eat January restaurant offer (2 for 1 on mains) and expected it to be quite nice.
But, it by far exceeded our expectations with a warm, inviting and rustic atmosphere. The restaurant design and architecture was beautiful, the old stone archways featured throughout the building created a real charm alongside the warm blazing fire by the bar.
The staff were fantastic, very hospitable and excellent at checking in and explaining the menu.
We ordered the steak sandwich with fries and the ham and chicken pie with hand cut chips and seasonal veg with homemade gravy. The steak was topped with a delicious sauce and caramelised onions, adding a lovely sweetness. Although the steak was a little tricky to eat. The fries were well seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The pie was filled to the brim with meat that was tender and delicious, I would prefer a little more sauce, but that might be personal preference. It was accompanied by sweet baby carrots, green beans and a rich homemade gravy. But, the star of the show was the hand cut chips. Beautifully cooked with a crispy exterior and the most fluffy interior. Fortunately, the portion size was rather large, so those extra chips certainly didn't struggle being consumed.
I would certainly recommend coming here if you are looking for an affordable, rustic spot to eat with excellent service and very good homemade British pub classics.
Our workplace Christmas Do was a roaring success here this year. We had a 1230hr sitting for 15 people in our own little area happily situated near the bar. The staff were excellent and attentive and we wanted for nothing. The menu was varied with something for everyone and the food did not disappoint. I highly recommend the salmon and chocolate orange torte....scrumptious! Despite it being lunchtime, there was a terrific crowd of other work done party goers and this contributed to a very merry atmosphere indeed. A big thank you to all the staff at Racks, see you next year.
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