The Tobacco Factory in Bedminster has some great theatre productions, so it's not too bad for a quick drink before that. That area wouldn't really be my first choice for spending an evening out though unless I'm going to see something.
I quite like Small Bar in town, it's mainly craft beer, but they do have two different types of cider. The fact that it only comes in two thirds of a pint mugs means that you tend to appreciate the drink more and the prices are pretty cheap compared to some other places (although you can obviously pay more for specialty beers etc).
If you are going to the Stokes Croft type of area, I'd recommend going to the Bell, which is one of the few decent pubs around there. Other places are kind of ok if you can put up with the certain types of people you'll meet. No. 51 is ok for food, but can get a bit wanky.
If you're prepared to go a little out of the way, then the Volunteer Tavern behind Cabot Circus in St Judes is excellent and although popular, is out of the way enough to not be frequented by utter wankers (mostly).
The Duke of York in St Werburghs is alright enough for a few pints, but they really need to sort out the lighting iirc.
Any of the Thali Cafés are good to grab some food, but try to get to the Easton or Montpelier ones if you can.
If you're going further east, then the Whitehall Tavern is quite nice, or the Red Lion, both in the Whitehall area.
I quite like the Star and Dove in Totterdown too, which has a good selection of bar snacks and food. Quite a quick walk from Temple Meads if you're that way.
Clearly there's loads more, but you might struggle to find places that aren't full of wankers if you go to the more widely publicised places in the trendy parts of Bristol. Avoid Clifton for the most part as it will be almost entirely full of cunts, but if you insist, then there is the odd decent pub - the Alma Tavern's alright (and has a small theatre upstairs) or the White Lion for the views across the Gorge.
Hope that helps.