Today, we give you an insider look at some of Goa’s favorite bars to visit. These will truly give you a Goan tavern vibe with a modern twist. Head to these bars where you can meet, mingle and make merry the Goan way.
1. Joseph Bar
This bar is located right in the heart of Panjim city, at Fontainhas. Joseph Bar is considered one of the famous bars in Goa. Whenever anyone visits Goa, they make it a point to visit this bar, and we think you should too. You will not be disappointed with its ambience.
The bar is owned by Atish Fernandes. He reimaged the old tavern but didn’t give it an entirely modern look.
It still has a 70s vibe when you enter. On entering, the first person you will meet is Guddu (a old jolly man), who is always there. He welcomes women like a true gentleman, never failing to present them with a flower on entry.
Coming to all that you can get your hands on at the bar. The snacks dished out at the bar are locally sourced from women in the neighbourhood.
They have a lot of Goan cuisine on their menu. And when it comes to drinks, they have it all. It’s a great place to grab a leisurely feni cocktail, a speciality drink that Joseph Bar is particularly known for. You must try it when you visit.
They play popular fados which later transition into smooth jazz. The music at Joseph Bar keeps customers in good spirits. Once in a while, they have solo artists perform at the bar.
DETAILS
WHERE: Gomes Pereira Road, Cortin, Altinho, Goa
WHEN: Every day except Monday
TIMINGS: 11 am-11 pm
2. Bar 51
This bar is located in Rua José Falcão, Altinho. On the outside, it has a very modern look, but on entering, it will give you the feel of a vintage bar. It has a stone and wood bar countertop with high bar stools, giving the bar a modern flair.
Bar 51 is considered a fun hangout joint. They have cocktails, food and music, which together create an evening to remember. Their menu consists of Goan, Chinese and fast food items. They have some in-house cocktails that are a must-try.
They have special days during the week like a ladies nights on Wednesdays and Techno Thursdays. Now you can plan your visit accordingly.
DETAILS
WHERE: BAR 51, Ghanekar Building, Rua José Falcão, Altinho, Panjim, Goa
WHEN: Every day
TIMINGS: 12 pm-12 am
3. K-Bar & Resto
K- Bar and Resto is known as city lights with small town vibes. Located in the heart of Panjim city, near the Immaculate Conception Church, on entering the bar, you’ll find a big light board that says 'HELLO'. What could be more welcoming than that?!
So what does the bar have to offer? You can have your choice of Goan cuisine. They also have a variety to select from when it comes to drinks. To enjoy that choice, you should visit the place. It’s all about food, drinks and hookah.
DETAILS
WHERE: K Bar and Resto, Church Square, Altinho, Panjim, Goa
WHEN: Every day except Thursday
TIMINGS: 11 am-3:30 pm and 6 pm-11 pm
4. Cajy Bar
Cajy Bar is considered the oldest bar in Arpora, serving delicious in-house appetisers. It is a family-owned bar where Eligio Fernandes and his sister Evelyn Fernandes handle the bar counter, and the kitchen is handled by their mother Philomena Fernandes.
Together, the trio really engage their clientele and give them an unforgettable experience.
The bar is a hangout for a lot of young Goans as well as tourists. The bar is a wonderful place to unwind, eat, drink and be merry. The setup of the place is pretty rustic and Goan. At Cajy’s, they serve you drinks and delicious appetisers like beef croquettes, beef and pork stew, tongue roast, vindaloo and the popular aad maas (Goan pork on the bone), which are all prepared by Philomena Fernandes.
When it comes to drinks at Cajy Bar, they have what their customers want. They do not prepare cocktails, but Eligio gives you a chance to be your own bartender and create a mixture that suits your spirits. To date. the place has always been run as a family business that has been passed down since 1970.
To catch a rustic Goan tavern atmosphere, you have to visit Cajy Bar.
DETAILS
WHERE: No 95, Mello Rosa Resort Road, Mainath Bhatti, Arpora, Goa
WHEN: Every day except Tuesday
TIMINGS: 6 pm onwards
5. Feli Tavern
This quaint bar is located in Benaulim, South Goa. Feli Tavern has a laid-back character to it; the interiors are a combination of old-world and new.
The exterior is how a tavern of the old days would look like, with a quaint, tiled roof. The interior has a bar counter with wooden tables and chairs.
The tavern is famous for its interpretation of authentic Goan dishes. As for drinks, they have a plethora to choose from.
But enough said, the only way to know for sure is to experience it yourself! So, head to Feli Tavern and take a look for yourself!
DETAILS
WHERE: Feli Tavern, House No1592, Vasvaddo Beach Road, Benaulim, Goa
WHEN: Every day except Monday
TIMINGS: 4 pm-11 pm