Lush Guide: Best Bars in Dalston, London

Dalston has quietly become one of the best nights out in London, and honestly, it deserves way more credit for it. Grab your favorite people and get ready to fall in love with this East London spot .

What Makes Dalston Such a Great Night Out

Kingsland Road is the heart of it all, a stretch that somehow packs in everything from candlelit cocktail dens to full-on dancefloors within a few blocks of each other. Dalston pulls in a mix of longtime locals, creatives, and visitors who’ve heard the buzz, and every single one of them ends up having a great time. Whether you want a quiet drink or a night that goes until 2am, this neighborhood delivers.

Getting to Dalston

Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland stations are both served by the London Overground, so getting here from most of the city is simple and quick. If you’re coming from Central London, Highbury and Islington on the Victoria line connects easily too, followed by a short bus or walk. Most of these bars sit within a few minutes of each other along or just off Kingsland Road, with High Water a short stroll further up on Stoke Newington Road, so you can easily hit two or three in one night without much travel time at all.

392 Kingsland Road

This one has no sign outside, just a dark facade you’d walk right past if you didn’t know to look for it. Once you’re in, you’ll find whitewashed brick walls, candlelit tables, and a soundtrack of vinyl that owner Angelo’s dad used to spin at his own clubs in Italy back in the 80s. The cocktail menu is playful and confident, think tequila with sweet pepper shrub and chartreuse, or white rum blended with hojicha and coconut. It feels like the kind of spot a Dalston local would only tell their favorite people about, and now you’re one of them.

Bar Lotus

Bar Lotus brings serious East Asian flavor to its cocktail list, with drinks like a yuzu margarita or a salted plum and shiso highball that you won’t find just anywhere. The space is minimalist and calm, all soft curves and clean lines, and the fried chicken lollipops with peanut chili oil are worth ordering twice. This is a walk-in only spot, so show up ready for a fun, high-energy evening.

Ellie’s

Ellie’s has become one of the most talked about bars in the city, and it earns every bit of that attention. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, the martinis are famously fair on price, and the pavement seats out front are some of the best people-watching in Dalston on a warm evening. It never closes before midnight, and on Thursday through Saturday it stays open until 2am, so it’s a fantastic anchor for a longer night out. There’s no food menu yet, but there’s plenty of energy to go around, plus a rotating lineup of literary nights and launch parties that keep things interesting.

Hacha

If you love tequila and mezcal, Hacha is going to be your new favorite place in the city, not just Dalston. It was London’s very first agave focused bar, founded by tequila expert Deano Moncrieffe, and it takes agave spirits seriously in the best possible way. The signature Mirror Margarita comes straight from a fountain finished with a citrus mist, and there’s a rotating shelf of mezcal, tequila, and other agave spirits to explore by the glass or as a flight. Pair it with the Mexican sharing plates and you’ve got one of the most fun and educational nights out on this whole list.

High Water

With its dim lighting, vintage furniture, and eclectic cocktail menu, High Water offers a cozy yet stylish escape from the busy streets outside. The bar prides itself on its creativity, with its mission of “supporting local businesses, and concocting cocktails with the freshest locally sourced ingredients that will tantalise your tastebuds.” So make sure you don’t miss it when visiting the neighborhood.

Map Maison 

Map Maison does double duty as a chic afternoon tea spot by day and a buzzing cocktail bar by night, and both sides of that story are worth your time. The interior is gorgeous, with patterned tiles, dark wood cabinets, exposed brick, and warm copper fixtures throughout. The cocktail list ranges from playful house creations to one of Europe’s largest Japanese whisky selections, so there’s something here whether you want a classic or something completely new to you.

Ridley Road Market Bar

If you’re after dancing more than sipping, Ridley Road Market Bar is where the night gets going. Set right in the middle of Ridley Road Market, it’s part tropical bar, part disco throwback, with DJs and a dancefloor that fills up fast on weekends. Entry is free, walk-ins are always welcome, and the whole thing feels wonderfully unfussy and fun.

Three Sheets Dalston

Three Sheets started right here in Dalston before opening spots in Soho and Crouch End, so this is the original. The concept is clever too, drinks are organized as one, two, or three sheets depending on how strong you want your evening to go. Having been on the The World’s 50 Best Bars list, brothers Noel and Max Venning know their way around a cocktail. With its minimalist interior and straightforward approach to drinks, this bar is all about delivering the best cocktails. Expect seasonal ingredients and a carefully curated selection of spirits! It’s a great choice if you’re bar hopping with a group that has different tolerances, since everyone can order exactly what fits their mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book ahead for Dalston bars?
Most of these spots welcome walk-ins, especially Ellie’s and Ridley Road Market Bar. If you’re going with a larger group or want a guaranteed table at 392 Kingsland Road, Bar Lotus, or Hacha, it’s worth reaching out ahead of time since all three are smaller venues.

What’s the best area of Dalston for bar hopping?
Kingsland Road is your best bet since most of these bars sit right on it or just a short walk off it, making it easy to wander between a few spots in one night.

Are Dalston bars good for groups?
Absolutely. Ridley Road Market Bar and Three Sheets are especially group friendly, with plenty of room to spread out and menus that work whether everyone wants something light or something strong.

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