10 Off-beat Bars Goans Swear By: From Handcrafted Cocktails To Gourmet Food

Vagator explorer, want to dodge the touristy scene? Well, check out Ida – your post-sunset haven, away from the sundowner madness. This boutique bar and kitchen is a hidden gem nestled in greenery, offering a mostly outdoor vibe where bird serenades are the background music. Family-run and dishing-out drinks mixed by a self-taught bartender, plus fresh local ingredient-infused eats – it's a local love affair. So, if you're after a laid-back, non-touristy spot with good vibes and even better flavours, Ida's got your back. Skip the crowds and embrace the local charm!

Price for two: INR 1,700 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.3/5

Location: Vagator

Opening hours: Friday to Tuesday, Noon to 3.30 PM and 7 PM to midnight; Thursdays, 7 PM to 11.30 PM

LBB Picks: Mushroom Galouti, Pineapple Express, Coco Negroni

Panjim's latest sensation, Praca Prazeres in Fontainhas, is causing quite a stir. There's everything you ever dreamt of, from a hidden bar to beautifully crafted cocktails to insanely delicious European treats, all in one spot! And here's the scoop – it's Ralph's brainchild, the mastermind behind the local fave Padaria Prazeres. They have a swanky hidden bar upstairs, so you better believe it's a double-win situation. If you're up for a culinary adventure and some top-notch cocktails, snag yourself a table at Praca Prazeres – because missing out on this flavour fiesta is not an option!

Price for two: INR 2,400 (approx)

Location: Panjim

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7 PM to 11 PM

LBB Picks: Mama Sita, Roast Chicken, Scotch Eggs

Ready to wind down near Panjim Church? Look no further than Petisco – this three-floor gastrobar is your post-Latin Quarters exploration haven. Straight from the legends behind Cafe Tato, these guys are nailing it with food that's creatively curious, cocktails with a cheeky twist, and an ambience that screams good vibes. Plus, they've got the live music game strong. Word of advice: Reserve that table unless you're up for the sold-out surprise – nobody wants FOMO on a night this good.

Price for two: INR 1,400 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.6/5

Location: Panjim

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Noon to 12.30 AM

LBB Picks: Smoked GnT, Golden Molases, Petisco Friend Chicken

Craving a chill spot that feels like home but isn't yours? Look no further than YOUR Second House – where your pets are VIPs too! Seriously, it's like an extra-pet-friendly haven showering your furry pals with love. More than just a place, it's a combo deal – bar, restaurant, and visual arts space. Brace yourself for mouthwatering food and exceptional drinks, including some top-notch coffee from Subko. And let's talk about the outside-now-outside space with a glass ceiling – pure genius! It's like a breath of fresh air, with a view of trees, sun, and sky. Home away from home, anyone?

Price for two: INR 1,800 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.3/5

Location: Saligao

Opening hours: Everyday, Nood to 1 AM

LBB Picks: Charred Carrot Tostada, Virgin Jalapeno Picante, Clarified Signature Autumn.

Craving a local gem in North Goa? Well, buckle up because we've got Hideaway– recently crowned the 5th best bar in India by 30 Best Bars India; this spot's a total crowd-pleaser. It's not just any bar; it's a cocktail haven and a performance hotspot that crafts liquid magic at various joints. It's a perfect spot for a fantastic evening. It's time to dive into the hype and savour the vibes!

Price for two: INR 1,100 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.4/5

Location: Chapora

Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, Noon to 3.30 PM and 7 PM to 12.30 AM

LBB Picks: Beer Batter Fish and Chips, Botanique, Cold Brew Negroni

If you're looking for a tapas bar in Goa that serves lip-smacking food and drinks all day long then Isabella's is THE SPOT for you. Expect chic interiors and immaculate vibes here. The cocktails are exceptional! And the small eats? Pure perfection, pairing like they were meant to be. Tucked smack in the city centre of Panjim, it's a breeze to roll up to, with ample parking to boot. Isabella is the real deal – where Spanish flair meets India's love for a good time. And we bet you'll be coming back for more!

Price for two: INR 2,000 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.1/5

Location: Panjim

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Noon to Midnight

LBB Picks: Cabala Patata De Pimiento, Mango Mamba, Smoke Negroni

Did the whole Aguada Fort, Port, and Jail Trust scene? Time to park it, cool down, and sip away at Seven Rivers – the microbrewery sensation that kicked off in Bangalore and is now owning Goa. Awesome beers on tap, killer finger food, and live beats set the perfect vibe. If you're looking to dance the night out, then lace up those dancing shoes for Sonic Saturdays, with crazy deals on unlimited beers. Oh, and don't skip the brewery tour – it's a game-changer. Seven Rivers is where the cool crowd goes to chill, dance, and drown the heat in style. Get ready for a brew-tiful time!

Price for two: INR 1,900 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.4/5

Location: Candolim

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 11 PM

LBB Picks: Coffee Stout, Belgian Witbier, Prawn Rissois

Craving some off-the-beaten-path adventure? Moira's your spot, especially the hidden gem 7 Short 1 Long – an absolute blast and a local secret. Live music? Almost Every day! And karaoke? Yep, that's the other day's jam. Peep their Insta for the deets and join the sing-along session. Housed in an old-school Portuguese-style crib, they're dishing out both world and Goan cuisine. But what really seals the deal? The drinks! So, if you're up for good vibes, great tunes, and even better drinks,7 Short 1 Long is calling your name!

Price for two: INR 850 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.3/5

Location: Moira

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7 PM to 11 PM

LBB Picks: Butter Garlic Poie, Homemade Chocolate Cake, Chicken Liver Pate

Meet the OG favourite - Down The Road, also known as DTR, holding court in the Latin Quarters - Fontainhas, flaunting killer views of the Atal Setu bridge and the water scene. Picture this: a bunch of drinks, killer grub, and live tunes – that's your night sorted! The vibe? Unforgettable. Prices? Total bang for your buck. No kidding, folks of all ages are kicking it here. DTR is the real deal – where the views are as epic as the vibes. Trust us, you'll be soaking in the good times, surrounded by the perfect blend of good food, good drinks, and good beats. Cheers to a night to remember!

Price for two: INR 1,200 (approx)

Zomato rating: 4.1/5

Location: Panjim

Opening hours: Everyday, Noon to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM

LBB Picks: People’s Lager on tap, batter-fried Calamari

Sangolda's newest hotspot, Grumps, is where everyone's flocking to catch the freshest vibe in town. Since its recent opening, this neighborhood gem has been making waves with its cool take on classic cocktails and mind-blowing Asian sharing plates. They’ve got cocktails named after songs, complete with the Spotify code for an instant jam session – how awesome is that? Breaking through Goa's food scene, Grumps is the go-to for a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled among jackfruit, chickoo, and mango trees, it's the perfect spot for hanging with friends or a romantic date night.

Price for two: INR 2,000 (approx)

Zomato rating: 3.9/5

Location: Sangolda

Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 7 PM to Midnight

LBB Picks: Avo Wonton Tostada, Mo Money Mo Problems, The Less I Know The Better