There are a lot of bars in Goa that can get pretty crowded and noisy. If you’re looking for a quieter bar or maybe somewhere a little more laid-back, then the usual places might not be for you. Luckily, there are some awesome hidden gems in the state that you probably haven’t heard about before. It’s not just places like Anjuna and Vagator that have great bars—there are plenty of smaller locations elsewhere in the state with even better vibes than some of the more famous ones.
Here are our top recommendations for the best off-the-beaten-path bars in Goa that are worth your time, money, and energy:
Bar Santarita
The best feni in and around Panjim can be found at this tiny, traditional Goan bar. Many tourists drop by this bar after a long and tiring walk exploring the Old Quarter of Sao Tome. Black chana with a touch of masala, served hot from the pot, is one of the dishes you must try on your next trip. Wash it down with some delicious feni.
Address: Rua 31 de Janeiro, Bambolim, Goa
Time: 4pm-10pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 500
Joseph Bar, Fontainhas
This tiny but wildly popular Fontainhas hangout bills itself as a "Feni bar." There's always a lively crowd of drinkers here discussing everything under the Goan sun. The bar can only fit about 20 people at most. Gundu, the helpful bartender, endorses the feni and urrak cocktails and the local beers. Beef samosas and prawn rissois, along with other homemade treats, always sell out before nightfall, so be sure to place your order early. Goan craft beer, fine whisky, and the local gin are all available by the pint. Alternately, you could do a Feni, which is a local specialty made with Limca, salt, and a squeeze of lime.
Address: Gomes Pereira Road, Bambolim
Time: 11am-11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 700
For The Record, Panjim
High-quality sound and expertly crafted mahua and feni cocktails—what could possibly be the downside? Everything at For The Record, from the small-batch liquor used as a cocktail base to the fresh Bimli picked from their yard, is done with care and style. Feel out the vibe of the place with a mahua tonic or a GoenchoDukor (a blend of feni, cucumber juice, ginger ale, and cinnamon). Buland Shukla, the bar's founder and an architect, jazz musician, audiophile, and cocktail innovator, is likely to stroll up and offer samples of his latest concoctions. This establishment, the first of its kind in India, serves artisanal cocktails and a healthy dose of jazz from its impressive record collection.
Address: Jukebox, H no 49, Next to Audiophile Goa, nr. Maruti Temple, Bambolim
Time: Mon-Sat: 12:30pm-3pm &7pm-11pm. Sundays: 6:30pm-11pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Price for 2 people: Rs 1600
Esco Bar, Assagao
One of the hippest areas of Goa is the sleepy fishing village of Assagao, and among the many bars in this area, Escobar stands out as particularly noteworthy. Anant and Terrence are the owners; they're high school football buddies and are always hanging out with their pals, listening to music, playing carrom, and dishing out cheesy fries and potent gin and tonics. The graffiti on the walls and the skatepark in the back tell you everything you need to know about this bar being a potent blend of creativity and craft cocktails, and they occasionally have musicians, artists, and bartenders take over the space to try new things. Those who don't feel like cooking in the late evening can order takeout like Chicken Cafreal, Sausage Chilli Fry, or Fish Fingers and skip dinner.
Address: Junction, Badem Rd, Assagao, Goa
Time: Tue-Sun: 5pm-12am; closed on Mondays.
Price for 2 people: Rs 2000
St. Sebastian's, Arpora
In Arpora, just across the narrow road from Lagoa Azul Resort, you'll find this cozy bar-restaurant with an attached bakery. The decor isn't great, but the prices here are reasonable. The hosts are warm and inviting, and they have great conversational skills. If you're looking for a place to eat and drink in Goa where you can get a taste of the local culture while still paying a reasonable price, look no further.
Address: Nr Lagoa Azul Resort, Arpora, Goa
Time: 10am-9pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1500
Cuebebar, Assagao
If you’re craving an authentic barbeque experience in Goa, look no further than Cuebebar. Cuebebar specializes in large American-style sharing platters, classic burgers, chicken wings, local craft beer, and smoked meats. Cuebebar offers six different types of craft beer on tap in addition to bottled options. Craft cocktails made from scratch and a wide range of whiskeys complement the slow-smoked meats on offer. Don’t forget to request the barman Pankaj to whip up one of his specialties: a cucumber vodka cooler cocktail!
Address: Opposite SORO village, Badem junction, Vagattor, Assagao
Time: 12pm-11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 2000
You’ll probably notice that all the places on our list have one thing in common—they're all small, unassuming places that are off the beaten track. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter than the usual places, these are excellent choices. They’re not too busy or rowdy, and they’re great places to relax with a drink and some good conversation. They are definitely worth your time and are some of the best off-the-beaten-path bars in Goa.