Evil Eye

Reviews

• Laura K.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  My friends and I took a day trip to York and stopped in for an early afternoon drink. I was first pleasantly surprised by their gin shop in the front of the bar. The inside of the bar itself is very funky. The reason to go here is for the cocktails. They have pages and pages of delicious creation. I had the green fairy and loved it. After that, I ordered a gin and tonic with Monkey 47 gin. Thrilled to see that they carried this.
  
  This place is a must for a unique drinking experience when in York.

• Rowena H.

  star star star star star_border 12 June 2026

  During my jaunt out with a friend to York, we decided to grab a quick drink before heading home, and having read some glorious reviews of Evil Eye it made sense to stop by here. As soon as you enter, there's a sense of how cool this place is. To begin, you've to wander through the little off license shop to get to the bar. There you can purchase all manner of specialist things, such as proper beers, wines, cigars and other fine liquors. Once past the shop, you'll find the bar, low lit with spaced out groovy vibes, funky décor and quirks and oddities all about. Beyond the bar there's an extremely well heated and sheltered outdoor patio, perfect for those who like a few cigarettes, or to escape to during the warmer months.
  
  I bought my friend one of their specialist beers, and for myself, perused the utterly extensive cocktail list. They don't just cater for the standard crowd; here you'd do yourself a disservice not to try one of their home made creations, and just a cursory glance at the back bar is enough to impress any more discerning drinker. The menu is a bit tricksy to read, being as it's in psychedelic colours, but I identified two different creations that I wanted to investigate, and so asked the bar man his professional opinion.
  
  Initially, the music was a bit loud for him to hear me, and so as soon as I asked what he'd recommend, he said, "One minute," and disappeared off the other end of the bar. He served another chap a bottle of beer, turned the music down and came back over! For a second, I feared I was being snubbed. Not the case, he wanted to properly see what I wanted! So, I explained the two drinks I liked the sound of, he gave me a sniff of the Chartreuse to check if I'd like it, and I opted for their Swish Mojito in the end. It's a mix of tanqueray gin, elderflower liquor, muddled mint, lime, gomme, and some other bits. In a flash my drink was ready, and off I went.
  
  It was fantastic. So delicious and wonderfully made, I was sad not to stay the duration and drink there all night. Whilst there were the odd 'too cool for school' types, the majority of the bar seemed lovely, and there were lots of friendly smiles and faces. Plenty of banter with the bar staff, cool customers and one hot drinks list are three of the reasons that I'm certainly coming back. The other reason is that I've yet to make it upstairs and check out their famous beds! The Evil Eye is damned cool, and I totally recommend you check it out.

• Alex B.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  I love this place, great prices, yummy cocktails, good food, quirky venue, friendly staff, and a wide selection of non alcoholic too.
  
  I've been here of a weekend afternoon to find a quiet spot upstairs to read the paper and people watch. As well as on a busy Friday night. Sometimes the music could do with a little variation, but as value for money goes this place is hard to beat in the centre of York!
  
  The bar uses mainly premium spirits, which is nice to see, and the food as Asian fusion. Good sized potions, and very tasty too.

• Paul B.

  star star star star star_border 10 June 2026

  You either love it if hate this place
  Beer - bottles only but a wide  selection from around the world.
  Wine yes they do sell some
  Cocktails - the reason to visit pages and pages all very well made.
  Shots. Yes a full page. Play traffic lights and try s red yellow and green one.
  
  Outside area at the back of the bar covered with heaters so you dint get wet.
  
  Bar area has a few tables but there is seating and lounging on bed rooms on the upper floors.
  
  Food oriental take on food which is excellent and sone unusual dishes.
  
  Atmosphere. Usually it is is busy it takes ages to bag a table but it had a great vibe.
  
  Not a place to take the mother jn law - well not mine as it is loud brash and fun.

• Emily B.

  star star star star star 27 May 2026

  I really loved Evil Eye, as evidenced by my visiting twice in one day and then again the following day. The decor is eclectic and definitely warrants the use of the word lounge rather than just bar. During the day you enter through a shop and at night you sneak in through the side door, feeling like a rebel.
  
  When I first arrived I was disappointed to see no beers on draught, but there is a pretty large and interesting selection of bottles. At first I opted for an Erdinger weissbier and then studied the extensive cocktail menu. Later on that evening I returned and had a Persian Carpet Ride - delicious, fruity, and very boozy without being overpowering.
  The next day I returned for lunch. I had the Pad Thai which was tasty although possibly overpriced at £10 with prawns. I couldn't finish the huge portion and wanted some of it in a doggy bag to take home but as I was unable to find a member of staff this did not happen. My boyfriend had a spiced chicken wrap which I believe he enjoyed and I ordered a portion of gyoza to share which were really tasty (although I rarely don't like anything dumpling themed).
  
  The food took a really long time, around one hour. While ordering at the bar I overheard a staff member talking about there being a wait but wasn't actually informed personally. Fortunately this just gave me time to drink more cocktails. My choices that day were a watermelon mojito (very good, way too drinkable) and something called a Dick Turpin which included frangelico, Goldschläger and lemon juice among other things (tasty but very strong and far less easy to drink). Most cocktails are £6 which I think is very reasonable although I admit that a few years ago I would have balked at paying that much so it depends what you're used to.
  
  Overall I really liked this place and would happily head back next time I'm in York to work my way through more of the cocktail menu and generally chill out.