While planning a beautiful night-out, most of us fancy a hard to book, an exclusive bar that serves knock-out cocktails made from handcrafted mixes. And while we may get the latter at these low-key bars, we need to ensure that there are no VIP lounges or extra money to be paid to score the best seat in the house.
The liquor scene of Goa has witnessed a renaissance of sorts, much like its food culture. Craft beer gets brewed inside over 100-year-old homes; local gin is tip-toeing into everyone’s afternoon drinking plans, cocktails are relying on local ingredients sourced from Mapusa market. New restaurants are happily adding Feni and Urrak concoctions to the menu. So, next time when you visit the Sunshine state, instead of trying out the usual beer, try mad varieties of alcohol offered by the locally brewed bars in Goa.
Joseph Bar
The Feni bar always bustles with merry drinkers engrossed in diverse conversations like yoga, literature, films, etc. Gundu, the main man, is the kooky bartender who is always ready for conversation. Run by Atish Antonio Fernandes, Joseph Bar is located in the heart of Panjim’s picturesque Latin Quarter, Fontainhas. Other than local gin, fine whisky and Goan craft, the bar sources local snacks made by women in the neighbourhood. It offers foods like Egg Chop, Mint Chutney Sliders, Prawn Rissois or everyone’s favourite, Choriz, etc., which are worth tucking into while you chat with a group of friendly strangers.
For The Record Vinyl Bar
Started by architect and audiophile Buland Shukla, this vinyl bar is located inside a Portuguese-style home that always hums with music by jazz greats. The bar is one of those places that gives the vibes of low pretension and highly chilled out. Take a seat in its open courtyard under the bimbli tree if you want to chill out throughout the night. The tangy local fruit is used in many cocktails on its extensive feni menu.
Soho, The Capital Bar
Soho is one of the latest bars that has made its way to every party goer’s Instagram. The double-storey pub-club-bar was a decrepit lodge, but this has been refurbished by Raya Shankhwalker, one of Goa’s best architects and restoration experts. You can visit Soho on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday as its dance floor gets packed on these weekdays. If you choose to visit on the remaining days of the week, go early to relax on the balcony with cocktails, and its must-not missed delicious Thai prawn cakes and the rawa-fried vegetables.
Soro, The Village Pub
Soro is more like a bar that gives a cool and industrial-chic vibe. It is not only popular with visitors but also among residents of Goa. Its Sunday Salsa night, which is one of the biggest events on Goa’s social calendar, is a must-attending event. The bar offers an outdoor section, pool tables, and great bar snacks like Cheese, Jalapeno Poppers, Tex-Mex Nachos, pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, etc.
C’est La Vie
This water-facing bar was opened during the pandemic. It is mostly busiest during sunset hours, and its catch is sundowner cocktails like Peruwala and Cucumbah (made from guava and cucumber, respectively). These are often paired with lo-fi music sessions on the weekends. When you enter C’est La Vie, you will see people playing the game of darts that gets competitive. To satisfy its vegetarian and meat-eater visitors, it serves honey glazed chicken, mushroom-basil pizza and chilli garlic wings along with locally sourced alcohol.
