So Bar And Eats
Tucked away at 36 Otley Road in Harrogate, So Bar And Eats is the kind of place you discover once and keep coming back to. It's not just a bar, and it’s far from just another place to grab food - this is where personality meets a punchy menu and an all-round feel-good atmosphere. Whether you’re swinging by solo, gathering the crew for a quiz night, or looking for something a bit different in your usual pub fare, So Bar And Eats has something genuinely memorable up its sleeve.
Let’s start with the food - because that’s half the magic here. Think hearty, unapologetically bold dishes, with just the right twist of creativity. If you're into comfort food with a playful edge, the Double Bubble Burger and Fries is the showstopper you didn't know you needed - big, juicy, messy, and totally worth every bite. For those looking for a gluten-free option that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Gluten-Free Yorkshire Pudding Wrap is a local legend. It’s proper Yorkshire, but with a modern, inclusive flair.
Craving something with a spicy kick? The Katsu Curry Burger hits that sweet spot between savory satisfaction and fusion fun, while the Korean Mushroom Balls add an unexpected, addictive twist for plant-based eaters. And for the kind of sharing platter that turns heads when it hits the table, the Dirty Bird Platter brings together wings, sauces, and sides with reckless, delicious abandon.
Vegetarian or gluten-free? No worries - the menu does a great job of offering flexible, inclusive options. The Phish Food Burger is a cheeky nod to those who want all the flavor without the meat, and the Sweet Potato Fries GF are a crispy, craveable side that works with just about everything on the menu.
And then there’s drinks - oh, the drinks. So Bar And Eats is known around Harrogate for its great beer selection, and it’s easy to see why. Craft, local, or international, the taps are flowing with variety. Not a beer fan? No problem. The wine list is solid, the cocktails are on point, and if you swing by during happy hour, you’re in for an extra treat. There's even a good range of spirits and free water refills, so you're always sorted.
If you're the kind who enjoys atmosphere as much as appetizers, this place really shines. From the outdoor seating that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon pint to the quiz nights that bring in locals and trivia buffs alike, there's always something going on. It’s the kind of joint that doesn’t try too hard - it’s just naturally buzzing with energy.
The accessibility here is another win - wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and toilets make it easy for everyone to enjoy what’s on offer. That kind of thoughtful design adds to the overall welcoming vibe. Whether you’re just popping in for a quick bite, settling in for a night out, or grabbing a takeaway, they’ve made sure the service options are as flexible as the menu.
Let’s not forget the little things that set So Bar And Eats apart from the usual pub circuit. You can grab a Chicken Sandwich and a So Garlic Bread, pair it with a chilled pint, and still leave room for the Yorkshire Poutine - which, trust me, deserves a spotlight of its own. Feeling snacky? Go in on the Loaded Nachos GF, or order up some Onion Rings and Chicken Wings - because here, even the sides don’t feel like afterthoughts.
In a town like Harrogate where traditional tea rooms and high-end dining dominate the scene, So Bar And Eats brings a refreshing balance of laid-back, loud-flavored, full-hearted pub energy. It's not trying to be anything it’s not - just a good-time spot where the beer is cold, the burgers are bold, and the quiz nights are never dull.
If you’ve got a soft spot for standout burgers, clever pub grub, and a drink selection that respects your palate, So Bar And Eats should be firmly on your radar. It’s the kind of place where food meets fun, and every visit feels just right.
Reviews
Ate dinner here on early May Day bank holiday. My daughter saw that they had a full vegan menu, as opposed to the couple of offerings that a lot of spots offer, and it all looked amazing. We were served by a really friendly and helpful chap called William, who brought some menus over to us and then took our order - checking with us for any allergies. I had hummus & pitta to start and then caesar mushroom to follow. The food was just amazingly good - we will definitely be returning soon.
One of the best places to eat if you have a Gluten intolerance or are Coeliac. Found this place on Google when passing through Harrogate as some reviews mentioned it had a gluten free menu but we weren't prepared for how much choice we would have. There is a full size Coeliac safe menu as nothing containing gluten goes into their fryers so from the fries to the fried chicken and onion rings, all are Gluten Free and safe for Coeliacs as the entire menu is designed to be Gluten free. We had an amazing meal which tasted like normal food. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and would check with the chefs about and extra requirements. We will definitely be heading back when over that way.
Dropped in for the wing Wednesday and got a very warm and friendly welcome. The wings were hot, crispy, tasted good and they were very generous with the sauces chosen for those. Also went for the katsu chicken burger which was oookayish the burger itself was nicely presented and tasted ok but the katsu curry sauce was on the bland side and quite pale... If the wings weren't on point this would have been a 3* review.
I found this place from a recommendation in a Gluten Free group and I was not disappointed! Pretty much the entire menu is gluten free and you wouldn’t even know it! The food was absolutely incredible and everything was presented and tasted fabulous! Although I wanted everything (because the menu itself is so good and everything sounds delicious!) we opted for a range of starters and sharers between the 4 of us and one of our party had the double double bubble burger which was massive! Great atmosphere, awesome staff, incredible food.
The team at so! Bar and Eats were fantastic yesterday while hosting our wedding reception. The PDR's were beautifully set up and really made our day even more special. Could not recommend them enough