From the cool bars in its Baltic Triangle to old-fashioned boozers and snazzy bistros, Liverpool's nightlife has a late-night licence to whet your whistle, whatever your tipple

Everyman Bistro

A Liverpool institution, the Everyman Theatre – which launched the careers of Bill Nighy, Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite and Antony Sher – reopened in February after a £27m refurbishment … in fact, a complete rebuild. Downstairs, the bistro and bar attracts a diverse local crowd, as well as more serious theatre-goers. The bistro has tables and banquettes with adjustable lights that can be moved up and down to suit diners' moods and the bars are made from old school chemistry desks. The Wi-Fi is second to none, which is important in a city where bars don't take it seriously enough.

• Williamson Square, 0151 708 3700, everymanplayhouse.com. Open daily from midday, closes at 10.30pm, Mon-Thurs and at 1am Fri-Sat, Sunday brunch midday-4pm

Motel

A new addition to Liverpool's bar scene is Motel, where the cocktails are good, the staff are friendly and the jukebox is full. The owners used to run Korova – in my opinion Liverpool's (and the north-west's) best bar. The rough-but-polished industrial feel of the place almost makes you forget where you are and, after several of its strong cocktails, you definitely will.

• 5-7 Fleet Street, motelbar.co.uk. Open daily 5pm-3am

District

Photograph: Waxxx

This was the first venue in the city's Baltic Triangle – once the city's workshop, now its self-styled creative hub. District is run by Jayne Casey, of Big In Japan fame, and brings some amazing live acts to an area densely populated by electronic music nights. Set in a warehouse shed, it's actually a lot more prepared for every event(uality) than others in the area and with a much more permanent feel. The drinks menu is varied and the outdoor space is an attractive and comfortable addition. The capacity is small so don't expect to see Kings of Leon play, but the selection policy is very tight and the quality is high.

• 61 Jordan Street, Facebook page. Open Fri-Sat 7pm-4am

24 Kitchen Street

Photograph: Toby Bachra

Another addition to the Baltic Triangle, 24 Kitchen Street is a multi-purpose events venue – electronic music, arts and a new gallery – offering a cosier experience to the usual warehouse space. The converted Victorian industrial building has only recently opened, and the DIY approach to design is proving popular with new local electronic music promoters and DJs.

• 24 Kitchen Street, Facebook page. Open Fri-Sat 9pm-4am

The Kazimier

Photograph: Keith Ainsworth

Offering an artistic and musical experience in the city centre, the Kazimier started as a temporary project but is now five years old. Its gardens offer a sublime refuge in the chaotic centre of Liverpool's nightlife venues. Loved for its unique dining, cinematic and music offerings – alongside real wood fires and lush greenery – its programme is diverse and accessible.

• 4-5 Wolstenholme Square, thekazimier.co.uk. Check website for event listings

Constellations

Art by: Cranio

One to watch in 2014… Constellations will offer a long overdue outdoor events space in the now-thriving neighbourhood of the Baltic Triangle. A hidden garden space – due to open its gates this summer – it will offer a green haven in a former recycling yard. This temporary events space is keeping its cards close to its chest but promises a festival experience in the heart of the city.

• 25 Greenland Street, constellations-liv.com. Open daily midday-midnight

Berry & Rye

Photograph: Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy

Knock on the door of this supposedly closed shopfront on Berry Street and a man will open a curtain. If he likes what he sees – and there's space inside – you're in. Once inside, you'll be ensconced in the city's smallest bar with top-notch table service, serious cocktails and intimate musical offerings.

• 48 Berry Street, Twitter feed. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 7pm-1am

Santa Chupitos

Photograph: Amy Faith Photography

The cocktails at Santa's may look like novelty items but the bartenders take their business seriously while managing to have a bit of fun. You'll be hard pushed to find a table due to the bar's popularity but the buzzing atmosphere (every night of the week) more than makes up for it. There is a small smoking area out back that, for some, will make the perfect place to sit and chat until the wee hours.

• 41 Slater Street, santachupitos.com. Open daily Mon-Wed 5pm-2am, Thurs and Sun 5pm-3am, Fri-Sat 5pm-4am

Peter Kavanagh's

On the outskirts of Liverpool's Georgian Quarter (Liverpool has the most Georgian buildings in the country outside London) is Peter Kavanagh's. The unique pub interior is the result of an eccentric refitting in 1929 by Peter himself. There's a main bar with a mosaic floor, a panelled bar front with a copper top, and a large collection of knick-knacks hanging from the ceiling, and two snugs – in true northern tradition. Each room has a log fire, and the snugs are decorated with magnificent wall paintings.

• 6 Back Egerton Street, no website. Open daily 11am-11pm

Ye Cracke

Liverpool's best "proper" beer garden. The atmosphere is at its best in summer when people chase the sun around the garden. The decor and furniture can hardly have changed since it opened 150 years ago, and rumour has it this was John and Cynthia Lennon's favourite watering hole when they were at art college.

• 13 Rice Street, no website

Joshua Burke is head of Waxxx, a publishing and events company that puts on parties in clubs and warehouses, and publishes a monthly arts and music magazine

For more information, go to the Visit Liverpool website