Goa’s Best Bars: A Guide to the City’s Top Drinking Spots
Whether a spirits connoisseur or a teetotaler, one’s trip to Goa is incomplete without exploring its culinary and beverage scene. From chic rooftop lounges offering panoramic views to shacks serving sundowners, the Indian state’s bar culture is as diverse as the plethora of visitors that it attracts each year.
From exploring Salt and Pepper Prawns with craft beer to enjoying the music and staring at the setting sun with a chilled glass of margarita cocktail, Goa has a bar that caters to all specific requirements.
The staggering number of bars can often confuse first-time tourists who are not conversant with the social scene or aware of which pubs to visit.
Here is an easy-to-follow guide with five handpicked recommendations:
Tito’s Bar & Club, Baga
Tito’s Bar & Club at Goa’s Baga Beach is one of the most popular places for anyone trying to look for a good pub. One of the pioneers in Goa’s nightlife scene, it is best known to its patrons for catering to all—whether you are a fan of the classic or contemporary cocktails.
It is also the ideal place for music aficionados, for it plays old hits.
Soro – The Village Pub, Assagao
Located in the village of Assagao, Soro offers an authentic Goan appeal to a large customer base with a contemporary spin. Constructed inside a refurbished old Goan house, Soro offers a range of food items and drinks that aptly reflect Goa’s culinary legacy.
The pub has gained prominence for its live music nights, where many local and international artists routinely perform.
Gunpowder, Assagao
Gunpowder in Assagao offers an innovative mix of modernity and heritage. Set in a picturesque Portuguese villa, this restaurant and bar is known for its inventive cocktails and delectable cuisine.
The place’s lush garden setting also provides an atmosphere ideal for a quieter setting. The bar menu has a plethora of cocktail options that incorporate local ingredients as a token Goan twist.
Brittos, Baga
This eatery and bar in Baga offers a stellar food offering—which includes the likes of the Goan seafood platter with Crab Xacuti and Squid Rechado, and the iconic English Breakfast platter, as well as its signature pastries and desserts and its cocktails.
Pair the food with classics like Bloody Mary and Mojito or opt for one of the signature cocktails made with Feni, vodka and tequila.
Joseph’s Bar, Panjim
A small, no-frills pub, Joseph’s Bar has been in business for many decades now, serving everything from variants of beer to the classic feni (traditional Goan drink).
Beyond the culinary offerings though, the bar has a distinct old-world simplicity that is rare in the culinary landscape.
Do remember that like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Always drink and serve responsibly!
