Goa is home to as many as 10,000 licensed bars. Needless to say, one is spoilt for choice when choosing where to have a tipple. So, how does one pick the best bars in Goa? To make it easier for you and help narrow down options, we spoke with locals from Goa and asked them about their favourite bars. Here are their recommendations:
Srijit Kumar, a business consultant by profession, likes to frequent a mix of smaller, more intimate bars and larger ones. His first choice is the famous Joseph Bar in the heart of Panjim's picturesque Latin Quarter, Fontainhas. Run by Atish Antonio Fernandes, it was an old one-room bar from the 70s. It was due to shut down when Atish took it over and renovated it into a reimagined version of a traditional Goan tavern. The place is known for its bartender, Gundu, who is a legend in Goa's hospitality scene.
The bar sources local snacks made by women in the neighbourhood and is replete with oodles of old-school character. "I love meeting new and regular people at Joseph Bar. It's a great place for a leisurely feni cocktail in the evening. They play popular fados by Goa's legendary singer Sonia Shirsat before they switch to smooth jazz as the place fills up with wandering tourists after they finish exploring the Latin Quarter, and regulars like myself who come to chill after a hard day's work."
Next on Kumar's list is Hideaway in Anjuna. Run by three young guys Nathan Dcosta, Sheldon Abranches and Siddharth Bandal, it is a breezy, open space with good music. The bar owners used to work as music programmers, so they have a good ear for music. The place attracts a young crowd. Hideaway has a full-fledged kitchen offering fantastic food, great coffee and cocktails (including coffee-based cocktails).
"I like Hideaway if I'm looking for a leisurely afternoon drink while I read a book or to hang out with a friend, but it's also nice in the night when things get busier." The three hosts are very involved in the place and will go out of their way to accommodate your requests, like sneaking in a birthday cake for a surprise celebration.
Next on the list is Black Market Goa above Fab India at Dr Braganza Pereira Road. It's run by Prahlad and Sabreen Sukhtanker. Kumar recommends the stellar cocktails here. "They have a list of original recipes with local ingredients in a fancy Art Deco-styled space. I like to go there when I'm feeling indulgent. They never disappoint." The bar has joined hands with Black Sheep Bistro (BSB) of Panjim, which used to be a separate bar and restaurant. The two now operate out of the larger Black Market location.
Lifestyle blogger and fashionista Sinead McManus's list of favourites include Cuebebar in Assagaon and the newly-opened Casa Tito’s in Arpora. Big American-style sharing platters, chicken wings, classic burgers, local craft beer and smoked meats; that's what Cuebebar is all about. Cuebebar serves six different craft beer varieties on tap as well as in bottles. Selected homemade cocktails from scratch are a speciality here, and of course, a selection of whiskeys to go with the slow-smoked meat that Chef Arjun smokes for up to 16 hours.
The restaurant is in an American-style barn with loads of vintage bikes and plants. You’ll even find one on the bar. Besides a fantastic smoked meat platter, they are known for their steaks.
Sapna Shahani, who runs a social media marketing agency in Goa, is a regular in Goa's nightlife scene. She recommends Miguel's in Panjim. "I simply love the Art-Deco style of this place. Their cuisine is unique, especially the Portuguese tapas." Their drinks also have interesting ingredients and mixes.
Shahani's second recommendation is Rockwater in Morjim. "It's very spacious, and although they charge for entry, I love the music." The bar often invites international DJs to play. Shahani also mentions Prana in Ashwem because it serves its food and drinks in eco-conscious containers. "What I love about Prana is the world music, which is a different vibe from the electronic and retro music elsewhere. The cocktails are good here, and the food is well-presented. There's a good choice of cuisine from around the world."
Rajiv D'Silva is a famous architect in Goa. He prefers Escobar in Assagao for a quiet drink with friends. Set in an old structure with seating that spills over into the outdoors, it has more of the ambience of a traditional Goan taverna. "One big reason I go there is their excellent kaju feni. They stock the straight kaju and the masala, ginger and jeera-infused versions, which are all very good. The feni quality in Goa can be inconsistent. So I'd recommend this is the place for anyone who wants to get their first taste of feni."
His second recommendation is The Rice Mill in Morjim, situated in a renovated building that once served as a rice mill. "A big attraction for me is their jazz nights. They bring together an eclectic collection of musicians from around the world. They have a wide selection of alcohol, and their bartender is always ready to serve you something that's not necessarily on the menu. It can get quite crowded on some nights, so if I feel like being in the bustle of a crowd, that's where I head."
Writer-turned-entrepreneur Rene Verma loves FTR Vinyl Bar in Panaji. It's the first-ever vinyl bar in India and offers its patrons a dose of good jazz, courtesy of its enviable vinyl collection, alongside some artisanal cocktails. "It's a place to catch a whole bunch of musicians, artists and music lovers, huddle together and bond over feni concoctions that'll blow your mind."
Wholesaler Allan Pereira tells us that South Goa usually caters to a laid-back crowd. "You'd see fewer innovative concepts barring a few exceptions like Cazulo by Pedritos, who constantly innovate on their cocktails." When asked to choose his top two, he names Sheela Bar in Vasco and Firefly by Pedritos in Benaulim. He says the latter is into a lot of innovative bartending and provides a dynamic experience for the customer. "And the food is always on the mark." Pereira likes Sheela Bar, which overlooks St Jacino Island for the ambience. "I also love their uniquely mellow reproduction of Goan cuisine."
DJ Umar Khalifa was born and raised in Goa and enjoys the state's taverna culture. He fondly tells us how his father meets his old friends for an afternoon drink. "Apparently, they don't discuss politics, money or religion. They discuss ideas about how to make our diverse country better and more inclusive. And which were the best bars they visited since they last met."
The disco jockey's personal favourites include Starlight in Assolna and Bharat Bar at Baga. Beautifully located on the banks of River Sal, Starlight serves delicious seafood at amazing prices. "I love their crab masala, calamari rava fry and fish cutlets. I wash them down with a chilled Kings Beer. That's my go-to order when I visit Starlight." He is also a regular at Bharat Bar on the Calangute-Baga road. He recommends trying out their baby kingfish butter garlic and king prawns sizzler.
