Written for Bristol Bites by Alejandro Martínez
There are plenty of places to dine out in Bristol, from your typical chain restaurants and high street brands to unique spots off the beaten track. The city has a wide variety of quirky cafes and international cuisine.
So if you’re looking for something a little different, here are some places you can try.
Atomic Burger
Located on Gloucester Road, Atomic Burger is a classic burger joint with plenty of options to choose from. Have your burger the way you like it: pick your bun, and then select among beef, chicken, or veggie patties, and then choose which side you’d like to accompany it with.
If you’d like something a little more quirky, there are other burger options on the menu. These include “The Bad Attitude,” which is a double-stacked burger with double USA cheese, double pulled pork and double bacon, topped off with plenty of BBQ sauce.
In true American diner fashion, you can wash your burger down with a milkshake as you have plenty of exciting options to choose from. For example, the “Charlie Brown” is made from chocolate and peanut butter and topped with cream.
To add to the atmosphere, the inside of Atomic Burger is covered, floor to ceiling, with comic books, cartoons, and toys.
Rainbow Casino
Rainbow Casino is one of several casinos in the city, but it’s the only one that offers £10 steaks on Tuesdays. With a choice of sirloin or ribeye, each dish is served with onion rings, sauteed mushrooms, salad, and your choice of baked potatoes or chunky chips. This is a great deal and gives you an excellent opportunity to brush up on your knowledge of poker hand rankings before you go and play a few games.
If steak isn’t up your street, there’s also plenty of other options, including several curry dishes, burgers, and many pub classics.
The Old Bookshop
If you love being surrounded by books, then The Old Bookshop on North Street is for you. Its quirky interior is made up of an eclectic mix of old brass musical instruments, odd canvas paintings, taxidermied animals, and other random bric-a-brac.
The menu is filled with a mix of classics like burgers and chicken wings, as well as more quirky dishes like BBQ jackfruit and kimchi.
It’s open seven days a week, with the regular menu operating Tuesday to Saturday, and special menus on Sunday and Monday when they offer traditional roasts.
If you have special dietary requirements like gluten or dairy-free, or you are eating a plant-based diet, The Old Bookshop can satisfy your taste buds as well. Just let them know in advance if you can.
Thali Restaurant
You’ll find Thali Restaurant in Montpelier on York Road. It serves a range of Indian dishes, cooked in a healthy way. Just like its meals, the restaurant is awash with vibrant colours thanks to its Indian styling.
Unlike some traditional Indian restaurants in Britain, the majority of Thali Restaurant’s menu is “thalis.” This is a similar concept to tapas in that you are served a selection of small dishes that give you a variety of flavours.
Warmley Waiting Room
Located at the old Warmley train station, the Warmley Waiting Room is a cafe and tea garden that’s run independently. You’ll find it located halfway between Bristol and Bath on an old railway line that has been converted into a cycle path.
As the name suggested, the Warmley Waiting Room has been built in the old waiting room of the former train station. Keeping with the railway theme, its “loyalty ticket” is styled like an old British train ticket.
It’s open every day from 10 am until 4 pm, serving delicious cakes and other baked goods alongside handcrafted coffee and tea. If that’s not enough, the restaurant has been included in the “Book of top 100 toilets in the world”.
Yurt Lush
You can’t get much more unique than Yurt Lush. This is a cafe and bar located inside a Mongolian Yurt, made of three interconnected tents. You’ll find it at Temple Meads, behind the train station.
It uses sustainable ingredients sourced locally, making it a great place for socially and environmentally responsible consumers.
It’s open daily, serving brunch from 10 am on weekdays, and 9 am on weekends. It’s open until “late” on Thursday and Friday nights, but closes at 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This makes it an excellent spot for cocktails and snacks after work on Fridays.
It’s also available for private hire if you’d like to host your party or corporate event inside a unique setting.
Spoke & Stringer
Spoke & Stringer is located on the waterfront on Bristol’s Harbourside. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat with friends in the summer months thanks to its outdoor seating area. In the winter months (or when summer is a bit disappointing), there are plenty of indoor tables with a view of the water.
It serves up a range of dishes from across Europe, including tapas dishes, and traditional steak and eggs.
Are you wondering why it’s called Spoke & Stringer? Well, its name comes from the fact that it also sells clothing and equipment for cyclists and surfers. This makes it a popular spot for lovers of these two sports.
No matter what your tastes are, there’s something unique for you in Bristol. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat while you’re out exercising, or want a great spot to relax with friends, these unique venues are all great options.