Good expat bars/pubs/drinking spots?

Just looking for a really good bar with a reasonable number of English speaking expats, good quality beer/drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

So far I have been into the Oliver Twist pub a few times, handy as it is pretty central, and also Paddy Reillys in Stauffacher which was pretty disappointing for me at least in terms of the beer quality there. I know there are lots of other Irish/English bars but I have no idea which are the best ones to try.

The International is my favourite.

http://www.theinternational.ch/

For a good selection of beers - here's what Erzbierschof has on tap:

http://blackrider.erzbierschof.ch/on-tap

I'd go to the International alone as the vibe is really fun. Erzbierschof is a bit hit and miss with the vibe but I would definitely go with a bunch of beer loving friends. There's not much there if you're not a beer lover as it's a very beer-centric place. Mind you, I've only been a handful of times so maybe I've been missing its lively moments.

No need to comment on The International. Erzbierschof has an excellent range of beer and friendly staff, but I wouldn't really call it an expat hangout.

It would probably help if you told us how old you are, as the different pubs appeal to different crowds...

I far prefer Kennedy's to Paddy's, but that may be because I'm mid 30s not early 20s. The beer is better in Kennedy's, but still a very mainstream offering. It's also ridiculously busy these days which could be a good or bad thing depending on your viewpoint. As it has got so busy, I'm spending more time in The Lion, as it's a bit quieter and the new(ish) manager John is doing a great job of injecting some life into the place.

Cool, thanks. Will have to try those two out Had heard of the International but it looked a bit out of the way so I didn't make the effort yet.

I agree that Kennedy's beer tastes better than Paddy O'Reilly's. For meeting new people the Nelson Pub near Main Train Station / Bahnhofstrasse may be worth visiting. The have happy hours from 5-8 (different prices 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8+). But on a sunny hot evening it is quite empty and boring, but on not so nice days it can get quit crowded and I found the background music makes a good atmoshpere. The women/man ratio varies but is sometimes much better than in other bars/pubs. The nearby Lady Hamilton is similar and belongs to the same company, but even more empty on sunny summer evenings.

IMO the beer quality in The Nelson is worse than Paddys!

Yeah , very true. The normal "drafts" are not very drinkable but if you take a Hoegarden, Grimbergen or Erdinger it is ok.

Kennedy is good to meet after-work if you are a group of expats working together and prefer to stay alone among each other. There are about 90% british/commonwealth visitors. If you are alone and like to meet new people I still prefer Nelson where you find a good mix of all nationalities (expats, swiss, exotic countries, people of all kinds and social status) . Movie Bar near Main Train Station is also a nice place to meet people.

Does anyone know how good The Lion is?

Define good... What are you looking for?

And the Mousetrap is back under its old management.

Cosy, fun, friendly service, tasty snacks, beer that tastes fresh and good.

I don't think any of them offers all of that to be honest.

I would mark Kennedy's down on cosy (and time of day dependent, fun - it's better at the weekend than the after-work crowd)

Nelson loses out on beer quality. Wins points for happy hour though. I haven't eaten there, but doesn't look great

Lion isn't cosy and most of the staff aren't great

Paddys beer is so so and crowd a little too young and crowded for my taste

Oliver Twist is a bit dingy imo and food is average at best

International is (intentionally) very different in style to the others - it's more of a craft beer place. They don't really do food and frankly if you are asking about hospitality jobs in other threads the prices are going to make you eyes water.

I think that covers the main places. If there's any others, I've probably forgotten about them, but could give a view.

The hospitality job idea is for a second job. I have already eaten out a bit here, but for sure not in the super expensive spots but bars are cheap in any case. Looked into Cooper's at Oerlikon the other day

Just saw there is a new Irish/English Pub in Uster right by the Bahnhof called the Porterhouse. Haven't been there yet, but might be worth a try.

I like Kennedy's as well. Oliver Twist (Pickwick's ) in Niederdorf isn't bad either, just a bit small.

hmmm CHF 9.80 for a pint of Murphys Red ? hey it is Uster and not Zurich !

Hi there,

I think that Paddy Reilly's can be super fun on a Friday night for more of a party atmosphere.

Kennedy's, as said before is really cool for after work, they also have a decent menu.

Oliver Twist has had some live bands which I miss from bars in the US.

There's a bar called Cooper's in Oerlikon, it's a bit understated and not crazy at all, but perhaps a bit cheaper and lower key since it's not directly in the center of Zürich.

However, no matter where you go, you'll be paying a decent Rappen for your beer

Cheers!

Hi guys!

Do you know any place where US sports matched (NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB) are generally broadcasted?

Thanks for any tip!

Darione

Haven't found one decent Irish/English pub in Zürich. Won't be wasting my time again! Nelson Bar is being discussed in another thread for homophobic staff as well and I found staff there insincerely friendly with one tall-ish blonde barwoman lingering desperately for tips as someone pays and made my partner feel like they had to leave one as she would hardly give them back their 2 francs!