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When the air in Goa smells of a vacation and a good time, it’s only fair that unwinding with a drink or two is on the cards. Dotted with plenty of cafés, restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and fine dining restaurants – the beach state has hundreds of options when you decide to step out for a good time. Aside from the obvious scenic views and beach shacks that are the usual tourist attractions, what really makes Goa the kind of leisurely place that it is, is the many dive bars that one can spot almost all over the place.
Sure, they don’t promise you a breath-taking view or a personalised experience, but it certainly promises a good time like no other. Dimly lit spaces, cramped tables, people talking over one another, neon lights and the unending flow of drinks – what more does one really need to get the ultimate local experience? From feni cocktails to locally brewed beer, Goa’s dive bars make a drinking experience feel more complete on days when you simply want to dress down, stay away from your phone and really have a great time!
We’ve rounded up a list of places, with a little help from foodies who grew up in the city, to have you find yourself the best dive bar experience; and for a tipple or two, of course!
Feli Tavern – Recommended by Haima Simoes & Kanishk Shekhar (@bar.near.me)
Besides the usual need for a beer or glass of whiskey, Haima and Kanishk believe that Feli Tavern offers the best butter poi in town – you know, just so you’re not hungover the day after. Expect to be greeted by the usual fixings of a textbook dive bar, but leave with a good time in tow.
Phone Number: +918668360967
Address: 1592, Vasvaddo Beach Road, Benaulim, Goa
Timings: Daily, 4pm-11:30pm
How To Reach: via Dabolim-Cavelossim Road
Cost for two: ₹1000
Available Cuisines: Bar Bites
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Dinner
Bar Number 23 – Recommended by Haima Simoes & Kanishk Shekhar (@bar.near.me)
What looks like a beat up Goan home on the outside is in fact, Bar Number 23 that feels like you went back in time. Supposedly serving up some of the best home-cooked fish thalis, the duo mention that this dive bar also has a fine selection of alcohol to choose from. ‘Good vibes at a great price’ is what’s in store.
Phone Number: +919822989810
USP Dishes: Fish Thali, Rava Fried Chonak
Address: Near Benaulim Panchayat, Maria Hall, Colva Road, Benaulim, Goa
Timings: Daily, 11:30am – 3:30pm, 7pm – 11:30pm
How To Reach: via Benaulim Beach Road
Cost for two: ₹600
Available Cuisines: Goan
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Vijesh Bar – Recommended by @thatcheesygoan
For those seeking out Vijesh Bar, also known as Viraj Bar, this cute little spot is located at the Amona ferry point – giving you the best view of the tropical backwaters. Pour yourself an icy cold beer as you wait for your order of rava fried seafood of all kinds to arrive at the table. If your appetite permits, make sure to get the fish recheado too.
USP Dishes: Fish Fry, Rava Fried Squid
Address: GXMC+4HM, Amona
Timings: Daily, 11am–3pm, 7pm – 11pm
How To Reach: via Amona Bridge
Cost for two: ₹600
Available Cuisines: Goan
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Joseph Bar – Recommended by Soham (@soham.crazy_)
Although widly popular for its aesthetic appeal, Joseph Bar located in the picturesque Fontainhas locality of Panjim is practically always brimming with people who want to sample feni cocktails and have a chat with their ‘celebrity’ bartender. Their most popular drink, the Tambde Rosa is a kokum-based cocktail that is spiked with feni and finished with rose petals. Yum!
Phone Number: +918788432184
USP Dishes: Feni Cocktails, Prawn Rissoi
Address: E-250, Gomes Pereira Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Timings: Daily, 11am-11pm
How To Reach: via MG Road
Cost for two: ₹1000
Available Cuisines: Goan, Bar Bites
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
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Bar De Goa – Recommended by @wahhgoa
For a taste of true Goan hospitality, Bar De Goa is where you should be heading. From a glimpse of Portuguese culture to karaoke nights where you can sing your heart out, this cute dive bar combines well-made cocktails with delicious bar bites – perfect for a night out around town, with friends.
Phone Number: +919822160507
USP Dishes: Sausage Pulao, Pork Chilly Fry
Address: Khobra Vaddo, Siraj Dokadia Road, Baga, Goa
Timings: Daily, 6am-12am
How To Reach: via Calangute-Baga Road
Cost for two: ₹1300
Available Cuisines: Goan, Bar Bites
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Dinner
Guru Bar – Recommended by Urvashi Batra (@iurvashibatra)
Similar to Joseph, Guru Bar’s popularity has steadily been on the rise. Offering a stunning view of the beach while the wind blows through your hair, put your feet up and sip on a pina colada, as you allow yourself to be swayed by the music and the beautiful sunset you might get to experience if you’re lucky enough.
Phone Number: +919823383257
USP Dishes: Stuffed Calamari, Tandoor King Fish
Address: North Anjuna Beach Road, St Anthony Prise Waddo, Near Anjuna, Goa
Timings: Daily, 8:30am-12am
Cost for two: ₹1000
Available Cuisines: Goan, Italian, Continental
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Soro – The Village Pub – Recommended by Iram (@iram.bitious)
Need something that’s borderline fancy but still intimately dive bar-ish? Soro’s the place to go! The beautiful space that is often utilised for gigs might find you tapping your feet to some techno music, with a drink in hand. Be sure to sample some of their delicious Continental fare before you step out for a midnight walk on the quiet roads around the place.
Phone Number: +919881934440
USP Dishes: Prawn Salad, Sausage Chilli Fry
Address: 559, Badem junction, Siolim Road Assagao, Goa
Timings: Daily, 7pm-2am
How To Reach: via Aguada-Siolim Road
Cost for two: ₹1000
Available Cuisines: Goan, Bar Bites, Continental
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Dinner
Pablo’s – Recommended by @whatsupgoa.official
For seasoned visitors to the state, Pablo’s is almost sentimental in the value it holds among all the dive bars in the state. The tiny little spot with an ‘Escobar’ board hung on the wall is everything you imagined a trip to Goa would’ve been, and more. Find a corner to lounge by yourself or mingle with the many people who stand around, while you enjoy a beer and a bite.
Phone Number: +919890345291
Address: Junction, Badem Rd, Badem, Assagao, Goa
Timings: Daily, 5am-12am
How To Reach: via Aguada-Siolim Road
Cost for two: ₹1000
Available Cuisines: Goan, Bar Bites
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
