Gatsby's

You climb the stairs to the first floor of this Park Street institution and suddenly you're somewhere properly special. All dark wood panelling, period details, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look brilliant—this is what cocktail bars should feel like, honestly. The bartenders know their stuff and won't judge you for ordering a Negroni, but they'll also push you towards something more interesting if you're game. It's the sort of place where you can have a serious night out without feeling like you're paying for Instagram aesthetics, which counts for something in Bristol's increasingly tryhard bar scene.