Get into the spirit of welcoming the New Year at any (or as many) of these 44 bars in Goa for a smashing New Year’s Eve party.
Image: Shutterstock/Lucky-photographer.
It’s the jolliest time of the year. And what better way to celebrate it than by imbibing some delicious, handcrafted spirits, that enhance the dining-out experience. Here’s a guide to some interesting bars, and restaurants with fun bar programmes, where you can celebrate a spirited New Year’s Eve.
1. Antares Restaurant & Beach Club
Popular for its view — overlooking Vagator beach — and for being the birthplace of Australian MasterChef finalist Sarah Todd’s venture into hospitality, Antares Restaurant & Beach Club dishes out fruity cocktails and classics, seafood grills, and bar bites.
At Vagator.
2. Antonio@31
A cosy space in Fontainhas, this bar and restaurant serves innovative takes on Goan food and drinks, which includes urrak and kokum cocktails, and gin infusions.
At Fontainhas, Panjim.
3. Bo-Tai
The fourth outlet of Bo-Tai, in Vagator, is a massive space with a view of Vagator, a menu that offers modern Thai Bar and Italian Grills, and an 80-feet long bar with exciting and Instagram-friendly cocktails. It morphs into a party space come sundown.
At Vagator
4. Cajy Bar
This family-run taverna — now bar — is where you go to eat good, homecooked Goan food, drinks from the range of liquors available in Goa (no cocktails), listen to good music, and enjoy a homely, comforting vibe.
At Arpora. Open from 6 pm onwards. Call 9370437069
5. Elephant & Co
This Pune import sits beside an empty field, and is adorned with origami art. A central bar dishes out some lovely cocktails; there’s delicious food, live music, events, and two resident puppers, Tira and Misu, as well.
At Anjuna.
6. EscoBar
Once a taverna, this is now a bar with a skate park out back, which hosts events, bar takeovers and gigs. There’s Goan snacks for food, and local brews and liquors to imbibe.
At Assagao.
7. Flying Goat
A bookstore, café and bar, Flying Goat is where people go for relaxed vibes, art shows, to buy second-hand books, listen to music, watch films, pick up a skill or two, and drink some good cocktails.
At Anjuna. Open from 8.30 am to 9 pm.
8. For the Record-Vinyl Bar
This vinyl bar is not just a sensory experience. FTR does innovative cocktails using agave, cane rum, feni (also, urrak), and Goan-made gin, and has a food menu that pays tribute to all things fermented.
At Mala, Panjim.
9. Feli Goa
This taverna-inspired space is small and interesting enough without trying too hard. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and a range of feni and gin cocktails, and hearty small plates.
At Benaulim.
10. Felix
It is a coffee shop, co-working space, and cocktail bar rolled into one, and set in an old villa. The impressive looking bar dishes out beautifully presented classics and signature drinks.
At Anjuna. Open from 9 am to 11.30 pm.
11. Guilté
This newly-launched cocktail bar emphasises spirit-forward small batch cocktails, paired with wholesome plates of grills and skillets.
At Assagao. Open from 7 pm onwards. Call 7887889118.
12. Half Pint
Started by Great State Aleworks and Arbow Brewing Co, this all-black taproom has innovative collaborative brews (made with leftover poees, or persimmon), 11 beers on tap, and delicious, wholesome plates of food.
At Vagator. Open from 5 pm to 12.30 am. Call 8837248273.
13. Hideaway
A café, bar, and performance space, Hideaway is one of those gems that are popular because of their exemplary service, good food, and a bar menu that is exciting and delicious.
At Anjuna. Open from 12 pm to 4 pm; 7 pm onwards. Call 8605219351.
14. Hosa
Image: Courtesy Hosa.
Offering a redefined South Indian dining experience, this new restaurant is certainly pleasing to the eye. Beyond stellar food and service, the drinks (divided according to the best time of the day to have them) are fun, playful, and innovative.
At Siolim. Open from 12 pm to 11 pm. Call 08326747212.
15. Isabella’s Tapas Bar
The 40-seater, two-floored tapas bar is the place for tapas, homemade amari, vermouth, and barrel-aged cocktails. The bodega-style bar also serves hearty Spanish and Portuguese dishes by the side.
At Panjim. Open 7.30 pm to 11 pm. Call 8805818805.
16. Izumi
Look beyond the sushi, yakitori, ramen bowls and Japanese fare, and this Mumbai import does some stellar drinks, using Japanese ingredients, and of course, sake.
At Assagao. Open from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm; and 7 pm to 1 am. Call: 9923645569
17. Jamming Goat
Image: Courtesy Jamming Goat.
This beach bar encourages all day drinking with drinks that are fun, look beautiful, and feature many local spirits. The food menu offers favourites, but with a modern twist.
At Majorda.
18. Joseph Bar
The tourist-friendly space was the first to showcase how Goan tavernas could be updated to keep up with the times. This ‘feni bar’ serves a mean feni cocktail, tambde rosa (kokum and rose), along with local brews. For munchies, there are snacks (sourced from neighbourhood aunties), and food like xacuti and fried fish.
At Panjim. Open from 11 am to 11 pm.
19. Juju
The new, redefined Indian restaurant in the South, Juju offers familiar Indian fare, and cocktails that pay tribute to ingredients from different states.
At Colva. Open from 12 pm to 3.30 pm; 6 pm to 11.30 pm. Call 8956691430.
20. Kasa & KooX
The newly-launched Bali-themed restaurant and bar, Kasa & KooX has three components. The Speakeasy Bar will be an exclusive members-only space with small plates, Robatayaki grills, and vintage-style craft cocktails.
At Casa waters, House number 588, Ozran beach, Vagator. Call 99491 40798.
21. Kopi Desa
The gastro-restaurant has an extensive cocktail menu, homemade pizzas, and a buzzy pop playlist. Look out for live music nights too.
At Agonda.
22. Miguel’s
Image: Courtesy Miguel’s.
A cocktail and petisco bar serving contemporary food, this is where you go to try classic drinks of the 1920s and ’30s. The food is Goan and Portuguese-inspired and follows a ‘nose to tail’ approach.
At Panjim.
23. Miski Bar
Joseph Bar’s less popular sister sits a little distance away, announcing itself with a peeling blue wall and a bright sign. Apart from local drinks and brews, the emphasis is on old Goan classics like salted tongue, mussels, beef steak, and serradura.
At Panjim.
24. Petisco
Image: Courtesy Petisco.
The gastro-bar serves small plates of European fare using local ingredients, paired with fun, smoked, and some feni cocktails. They have live music nights, and screen matches too.
At Panjim.
25. Pinch
The capital’s newest bistro bar screens matches, hosts game nights and parties, and serves comforting and familiar global food.
At Panjim.
26. Pisco by the Beach
Image: Courtesy Pisco by the Beach.
Located right on the beach, and designed like a resort, this restaurant has a food menu that transforms from day to night, and a well-stocked bar with bright and colourful cocktails.
At Anjuna. Call 9833313903.
27. Purple Martini
It is one of those venues affording great sunset views, along with local liquors, some fiery, and some smoky drinks.
At Anjuna. Open from 11 am to 11 pm.
28. The Rice Mill
The café by day, bar and lounge by night offers jazz evenings, fun food, and a full bar.
At Morjim.
29. RockPool
Set upon a cliff with a stunning view of Vagator beach, here is where you can sip some signature cocktails while dancing late into the night.
At Vagator.
30. Saz on the Beach
This seaside venue pairs views of Morjim beach with live music, barrel-aged and fun cocktails, and food ranging from sandwiches and burgers to tacos and pizzas.
At Morjim.
31. Southern Deck
This beach bar and bistro is known for its multi-cuisine menu, fun feni cocktails, and a chill ambience.
At Benaulim.
32. Soro
One of those popular trendy spots, this retro village pub is known for its event nights, good bar snacks, live bands and DJs, and late-night parties.
At Assagao.
33. SOPÓ
The art-driven space serves Burmese food (cold platters, grilled fish and meat, curries, khow suey bowls) with classic and signature cocktails.
At Assagao. Call 8830329902.
34. Slow Tide
Inspired by shacks of yore, and paying tribute to Anjunkars, this new spot serves coastal fare, shack food, and has two bars: Andy’s Joint named after the local Anjuna bar; and an interactive infusion bar in the Community Dining Room.
At Anjuna.
35. Thalassa
This waterfront property is abuzz through the year, affording stunning views, dance music, and the party vibe that attracts most tourists. The food is a combination of grills, seafood, and some Greek specialties, with wine, and fruity and fun drinks.
At Siolim.
36. Titlie
Another tourist favourite, this ‘culinary bar’ does global fare, cocktails ideal for every part of the day, and some gin specials.
At Vagator.
37. TeQuiero
The focus is on highlighting the flavours of South America — from the food to the cocktails — which include signature blends highlighting tequila and agave spirits.
At Vagator. Call 8055525855.
38. The Warehouse
Morjim’s newest bar offers modern gourmet cuisine, classic progressive cocktails, and an alternative music experience.
At Morjim. Open from 9 am to 12 pm.
39. Totem
The modern tribal-themed restaurant and bar occupies 6000 sq-ft of space with a 40-ft bar serving tequila and gin cocktails. By the side are salads, tacos, and global fare.
At Ashwem. Open from noon to 10.30 pm. Call87938 68232.
40. The Den Bar & Lounge
Image: Courtesy The Den Bar & Lounge.
This is the place for those seeking premium cigars, handcrafted cocktails, and global food. The smoking room also has a menu of cigars with cocktail pairings.
At Navelim.
41. Uddo Sunset Bar & Kitchen
On the Chapora river bank, this open space offers great views, Goan food and other nibbles, and local craft spirits. They also host events and offer live music.
At Siolim.
42. Uno Más Tapas Bar Kitchen
42. Uno Más Tapas Bar Kitchen
The Spanish gastro-bar does Spanish Tapas, with some Mediterranean fare paired with sangrias, and innovative signature drinks. There is live music, flamenco, and long Sunday brunches.
At Vagator.
43. Vedro
Image: Courtesy Vedro.
Tropical vibes and food that is India-inspired but uses Japanese and French techniques is on offer at this restaurant. Their bar dishes up classic cocktails and some signatures in which rum and gin are predominant.
At Fontainhas. Open from 12 pm to 3 pm; 7 pm to 11 pm. Call 9325363193.
44. Zeebop By The Sea
Image: Courtesy Zeebop By The Sea.
Another beach destination, this open-air restaurant plays catchy music, serves some fresh fruit cocktails, fresh seafood, and some Goan fare.
At Utorda.
Read more.
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