The state that was once synonymous with psy parties and King’s beer debauchery at beach shacks, has seen a significant change in the last 2–3 years. Big dance music names continue to dominate the party scene still, but for those who do not like to party too hard, thankfully, the focus has shifted to innovative cocktails and craft beers in grungy local pubs.
Read on to know the best pubs to hangout at when in Goa!
Situated near MG Road in Panjim, Cafe Mojo is popular with the beer drinkers. You can pour your beer on tap on some tables, and the card system for beer here makes it convenient for you to keep refilling. The ambience is cosy and fun, the service is great and their cocktails have a fan base too. The best part? This pub is open till 4am! Old school music lends a groovy vibe to this pub, and they even have live music performances and DJ nights. Susegado, their signature cocktail comes highly recommended, and don’t forget to eat the chicken cafreal, calamari recheado and Goan sausage pizza on your next visit.
Featuring fantastic live music events, fusion cuisine and signature cocktails, Cohiba is undoubtedly one of the best drinking haunts in Goa that comes recommended by both tourists and locals. An al fresco seating and an indoor space give you ample space to enjoy the ambience of your preference, and the bar comes loaded with a wide range of spirits that ensure you’re here for a good time. The pub is open till around 1:30am, and usually picks up post 9pm. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer live music gigs.
#LBBTtip: Ensure you’re wearing club-appropriate clothes! Men, no chappals or shorts allowed.
Leda is a casual dining bar and restaurant located in Colva in South Goa, and is popular amongst those in the neighbourhood who like to enjoy a night of live music. It’s located inside a bungalow, and the home-style seating and comfortable setting lend a nostalgic vibe to the experience at Leda. The appam, steak and chicken ghee roast come with great reviews, while their potent cocktails and finger food make for a fine combination too. If you’re planning a casual date night with bae or want a not too touristy bar night, walk right in.
This cute pub with its quirky decor and colour pop stands out in the hustle bustle of Candolim, and is a great place to plan a drinking session with your friends. Spacious and airy seating, old-school music, great service, mouth-watering food and booze at affordable rates make this a popular hangout. They also have a live band 3–4 times a week. So, if you’re in Candolim and in the mood to unwind with music and beer, check out Watson’s. Make sure you order the chicken satay and Watson’s Doritos!
Dali fan or not, a visit to this pub in Anjuna will introduce you to the ‘cool underground’. If you like deep, dark music (trance, psy trance, techno) Dali Bar is for you. A dimly lit ambience with an al fresco seating and a small bar inside, this pub is great for those who enjoy late-night plans (did someone say afterparty?). The vibe is trippy, but also super casual. The affordable rates on the menu card will bring a smile to your face, and the fact that this bar is open till 4am will definitely put you in high spirits. Order a pint (or few) and a burger that comes with a massive order of French fries, and sit back to unwind with your crazies.
Cape Town Café is located 100mt before the famous Tito’s club in Goa, and is a popular pub in the neighbourhood. Don’t be mistaken by the name — this buzzing space is by no means a café. This haunt is known for serving a wide variety of cocktails and beers, and the food menu is quite exhaustive too. The bar is thronged with customers all evening, but thanks to a dance floor indoors, party-goers love to drop by around midnight too. This pub also screens matches on large LCD screens. Don’t miss their batter fried prawns, and keep an eye out for their daily deals.
Showbar Exchange is the first-of-its-kind in Goa, where you buy booze at rates that are decided as per the demand. Located right next to the popular nightclub SinQ, Showbar wears a rustic vibe, and is almost hopping throughout the week. Weekends are special since they also have DJ nights. The interiors with the brightly coloured furniture and yellow lights lend a comfortable vibe to the night and great service ensures that you’re well taken care of. Try the lamb shank if you’re looking for dinner, and if you’re in the finger-food and booze mood, the kalmi kebab is quite a hot-seller. The pub shuts at 3am.
Taverna in Panjim is a popular pub that is a great option for those spending the day in Panjim. The pub might not be the biggest, but that does not stop it from being a chill spot. You’ll walk in to find yourself in a typical European pub-like atmosphere with high wooden tables and bar stools and a few tables with chairs. There is an upstairs seating arrangement and an outdoor section too. Wednesdays are for karaoke nights while Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for DJ nights. You can choose form beer, cocktails and other regular alcohol, and a great Goan food menu keeps you good company. The pub is open till 2am.
Located in an old Goan house in Assagao, Soro is a popular pub that is a huge hit with both locals and tourists in Goa. Their fusion cuisine has won a loyal set of fans over the years, and their music nights and sangrias are loved with a passion. This pub has a rustic, old-school vibe, and is packed on almost every night, with Thursday-Saturday being the busiest (we recommend reserving a table!). They even have salsa nights on Sundays which are awesome if you’re in the mood for a groovy evening.
If there’s one place in Goa you need to have the cocktails at, it’s got to be Firefly. They bagged the Best Bartender Award at a recently concluded food award fest, and one sip of their extremely potent and unique cocktails will justify this win. Firefly is an expansive space in Benaulim that is popular as a venue for parties too. While you’re here, make sure you sample the prawn rawa masala and bbq pork ribs! They have live music and DJ nights too, and if you’re a music lover looking out for interesting gigs, Firefly is a worthy option down South.