From Mexican grub and cocktails at Neon Cactus to fighting to get to the bar at Call Lane Social and dancing the night away in Jake’s Bar, the street boasts some of the best bars in the city – and I inevitably end up there at least once a month. It’s Leeds’ best party street (IMHO) and despite the knockbacks of Covid, the venues are thriving.
Here is my ultimate guide to a night out on Call Lane, with 20 bars and restaurants to choose from – and I’ve been to them all.
. Ultimate guide to Call Lane
Here are 20 brilliant bars and restaurants to choose from Photo: National World
. Revolución de Cuba
We're starting at the bottom of Call Lane at Revolución de Cuba, a huge Latin-American style bar split over two floors. They do everything - lunch, dinner, bottomless brunch, live music, DJs and even cocktail masterclasses. The signature rum cocktails are so good, particularly the mojitos which are hands-down my favourite in Leeds - they don't hold back with the rum. Photo: Steve Riding
. Baracoa
A wander down the road and we're into Baracoa Luxe Bar - it's very boujee here with plush furnishings, large chandeliers, private booths and bottle service. A hidden gem is the bar's sheltered rooftop terrace, where you can watch the Call Lane mayhem unfold below you while sipping on a cocktail. Photo: Steve Riding
. The Backroom
If you want music you can actually dance to, Backroom is the place to be - and I spent many a night out on The Backroom's two dancefloors as a student. The Friday Fiesta events are my favourite, with a soundtrack of Latin and Reggaetón in the downstairs room and R&B, hip-hop and garage upstairs. Meanwhile Saturday nights showcase the best DJ talent of the north. Photo: Steve Riding
. Brooklyn
New York-inspired Brooklyn bar is worth a visit for the food alone, the current kitchen residents are The Badboy Bagel Co serving succulent smash patties, bagels and sharing platters. There's a range of hip-hop inspired cocktails - like the 99 problems (but the drink ain't one) and the White Iverson (you gon' think about this cocktail when it's gone). They also screen the best in live sports from both sides of the Atlantic. Photo: Steve Riding
. Revolution
Revolution (or Bottom Revs, to avoid confusion with its Millennium Square sister bar) is a guaranteed good time - and where I inevitably end up at 4am in the morning for the last boogie before hometime. They have themed bottomless brunches once a month too, coming up this month is the Independent Ladies brunch with two hours of 'independent women hits'. I'm there. Photo: Steve Riding
. If Bar
My favourite new addition to Call Lane is IF Bar (formerly IF At Night) from the team behind the legendary coffee shop opposite the road. Opened in May last year, the decor is slick and simple with warm LED lighting and greenery on the walls, classy furnishings and wooden floors. It's more laidback than some of its Call Lane counterparts which I love, and the staff are lovely here, too. Photo: Claire McClean Photography
. Call Lane Social
Call Lane Social, and its upstairs Tiki Hideaway, is arguably the street's most popular bar - part of the brilliant Escapism bar group in Leeds. Downstairs there's indie anthems and hits guaranteed to get you singing along and if it's a lively atmosphere you want, you've come to the right place. Upstairs the Tiki Hideaway has a little more space to dance and it's home to the infamous 'Amputated Zombie' cocktail. Don't say I didn't warn you. Photo: Steve Riding
7. If Bar
My favourite new addition to Call Lane is IF Bar (formerly IF At Night) from the team behind the legendary coffee shop opposite the road. Opened in May last year, the decor is slick and simple with warm LED lighting and greenery on the walls, classy furnishings and wooden floors. It's more laidback than some of its Call Lane counterparts which I love, and the staff are lovely here, too. Photo: Claire McClean Photography
8. Call Lane Social
Call Lane Social, and its upstairs Tiki Hideaway, is arguably the street's most popular bar - part of the brilliant Escapism bar group in Leeds. Downstairs there's indie anthems and hits guaranteed to get you singing along and if it's a lively atmosphere you want, you've come to the right place. Upstairs the Tiki Hideaway has a little more space to dance and it's home to the infamous 'Amputated Zombie' cocktail. Don't say I didn't warn you. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Power Corruption and Lies
I visited Power Corruption and Lies on its opening week in 2019 and have been back many times since - it's super classy and chilled out, with a soundtrack of disco which isn't too loud to hear your company speak. I'd say it's one of the best date-night venues in Leeds. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Doner Summer
Walk past the Corn Exchange and we're now over on the other section of Call Lane, home to the vegan junk food spot Doner Summer. Open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, it's the perfect place to start or end a day sesh - there's burgers, doner teller trays, vegan kebabs and fried chick'n combo platters. And it's delicious. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Wire
Some of my best nights out to date have been at Wire, an underground club which hosts big-name DJs and events. Taking over the club next Saturday are Brown Excellence, who infuse bollywood slammers and Arabic melodies with new-wave techno and UK rave sounds. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Istanbul Kebab
What better way to end a night out on Call Lane with a kebab or chicken shawarma, and Istanbul Kebab opens until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays. It's got the thumbs up from me, but if you don't take my word for it - Rate My Takeaway superstar Danny Malin reviewed the place last year. The staff left him "full of joy" and he described the food as "absolutely gorgeous". Photo: Steve Riding