Empire

You'll find Empire tucked away on Bridge Street, that stretch that's quietly becoming somewhere worth actually spending an evening. This is where locals come when they want a proper drink—think classic cocktails, decent spirits, the kind of place that knows what it's doing behind the bar. The 4.9-star rating isn't accidental; people are clearly impressed by what's on offer here. It's the sort of spot that doesn't need to shout about itself, which probably explains why it hasn't been absolutely rammed yet. If you're tired of chain bars and looking for somewhere with actual character in town, this is the one.