Here are Gothenburg’s 15 best bars

What is it? A semi-secret underground cocktail bar with a distinct speakeasy vibe.

Why we love it? If you manage to find the entrance, by restaurant Tranquilo, it’s not just a case of walking in. At Stranger, you have to ring a doorbell, with a video camera, to be let into the venue down a rough basement staircase. In short, the place breathes an illegal drinking den à la 1920s America.

Inside the dimly lit and tastefully decorated cave, they know their cocktails. With an ambitious and innovative menu, your taste buds travel to different regions of the world. They happily experiment with ingredients like pesto, gochujang, miso and caramelised olives – but without the result ever feeling forced or artificial. The drinks are top class and the staff are both knowledgeable and friendly. The selection rotates well, with three to four new drinks introduced roughly once a month.

Time Out tip: Don’t be put off by the seemingly illicit drinking den vibe! Very lively atmosphere after midnight.

Kungstorget 14. Opening hours Wednesday–Sunday: 18.00–03.00. Monday and Tuesday: closed.

What is it? A modern hideaway behind Avenyn serving flavour-packed cocktails in a refreshing way.

Why we love it? At the solid bar counter, you have the perfect vantage point to watch drinks being mixed and food prepared. At Adamo, the focus is on cocktails and there are around 30 to choose from.

The ‘Takeout Turmoil’ theme offers food-inspired drinks à la Thai food, döner kebab and American pancakes. Fun and tasty! There are also wines, a couple of sparkling options and some beers. To go with your drink, you can order snacks like olives, almonds and oysters, and there are also several pizzas. In the sleekly designed lounge there are plenty of sofas and armchairs to sink into. At the back of the venue you’ll find the adjoining bar Klubb Klar.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss Cacao Herbs, which resembles a houseplant with edible soil made of biscuit crumbs. Sure, it’s a gimmick, but very tasty. Booking is required for both the bar and the lounge.

Södra vägen 3. Opening hours Sunday–Friday: 16.00–01.00, Saturday: 13.00–01.00. Expect to pay around 170 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? A delightfully buzzing hole-in-the-wall bar with both traditional and inventive cocktails.

Why we love it? In harmony with the engaged staff, the intimate space with its dark reddish tones creates a wonderfully cosy and welcoming feel – a kind of mix between big-city buzz, living room and house party. You’ll happily stay all evening!

Bar Bruno is run by the same owners as the neighbouring Champagnebaren, and shares the cosy courtyard with neighbour Café Imperiet. Outdoors there are 55 seats as well as a few in the entrance vault. During summer, it’s in full swing.

Time Out tip: It’s often crowded and lively here. To secure a spot, it’s best to arrive early – or possibly very late.

Kyrkogatan 13. Opening hours Tuesday–Thursday: 17.00–02.00. Friday–Saturday: 16.00–02.00. Sunday: 20.00–02.00. Monday: closed. Expect to pay around 160 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? An unpretentious pintxos bar, like in the Basque Country, focusing on craft cider, wine and beer.

Why we love it? Lively chatter, warm lighting, tiles and stone floors. Basque is often crowded but cosy, with a genuine feel. The staff are helpful and happy to let you sample drinks before ordering.

In a huge fridge in the middle of the bar sits a carefully selected range of wines, beers and ciders, which are constantly rotating. Basque really excels at cider, with both Swedish and international varieties, several from Spanish Bereziartua. There’s no menu, but on the bar counter you’ll find plates with around ten different pintxos, Basque pinchos. Just grab a plate and help yourself. You pay afterwards. However, at 50 kronor each, it can add up if you’re hungry.

Time Out tip: No table bookings, and Basque also has outdoor seating. Noisy when it’s busy. The door to the toilet leads into neighbouring restaurant Puta Madre. Make sure you remember where you came in! Otherwise it can turn into a small adventure finding your way back.

Magasinsgatan 3. Opening hours Tuesday–Thursday: 17.00–late. Friday: 16.00–01.00, Saturday: 14.00–01.00. Monday and Sunday: closed. Expect to pay around 60–90 kronor for a beer.

What is it? A small bar with its own brewery in the kitchen which, despite its super-central location near Avenyn, remains something of a hidden gem.

Why we love it? At 3 små rum, Persian rugs, jazz music and craft beer create an environment that is as tranquil as it is unexpected – and it works perfectly. The house beer is brewed in the kitchen, just 3.5 metres from the bar. That distance has even given the in-house brewery its name – 3.5 m. Talk about locally produced! Alongside their own beers and some from other breweries, there’s also a finely curated selection from Belgium.

Time Out tip: Visiting this small taproom feels like stepping into another world, far from the city’s hectic pace. Always has Tripel Karmeliet on tap.

Kristinelundsgatan 4. Opening hours Monday–Saturday: 16.00–late. Sundays: closed.

What is it? A homely, centrally located brasserie with ambitious cocktails, wines and dishes.

Why we love it? Familjen is an expanded living room that since 2009 has been a combination of neighbourhood restaurant, bar and fine dining spot. The setting is spacious and cosy, and from the bar you’ll find classics like Bloody Mary alongside creative cocktails. The wine list is extensive and includes some labels they import themselves. Here, modern West Swedish gastronomy meets a warm and personal atmosphere. The high ambitions have also been recognised by both Guide Michelin and White Guide.

Time Out tip: In summer, the large outdoor terrace is a real asset.

Arkivgatan 7. Opening hours Monday–Thursday: 17.00–23.00. Friday–Saturday: 17.00–01.00. Sundays: closed.

What is it? Modern beer styles and sourdough pizzas in lively Linné.

Why we love it? Welcome into a home! The venue, half a flight up, resembles an old apartment, with wooden floors and turquoise-painted details that help create a relaxed living-room feel. At Brewers Beer Bar, you can settle into smaller rooms or, during warmer months, on the large outdoor terrace along the pedestrian street under development.

A large chalkboard behind the bar lists what’s on from the 14 taps. It’s mainly modern beer styles such as American IPA, light lager, heavy imperial stout and the occasional sour. The rotation is high. There’s also a bottle list, cider, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. On the food menu, grown-up sourdough pizzas dominate. There are vegan options, and all pizzas can be made gluten-free.

Time Out tip: There’s another Brewers Beer Bar in town! It has the same owners but different beers and is located on Magasinsgatan.

Tredje Långgatan 10. Opening hours Monday–Thursday: 16.00–23.30. Friday: 16.00–00.00, Saturday: 13.00–00.00. Sundays: closed. Expect to pay just over 200 kronor for a pizza.

What is it? A bold and colourful hotel bar reminiscent of times gone by.

Why we love it? The whole of Hotel Pigalle breathes mystery. It’s like an old painting that evokes warm feelings and imaginative dreams. This is especially true of Bar Pigalle, whose expressive décor with real rugs, chaise longues and fringed bar stools brings to mind 19th-century Paris – or perhaps a short story by horror master Edgar Allan Poe.

It’s hard to take in that the transport hub Brunnsparken is just outside. The bar’s offering is small. Besides wines, there are a few craft beers and a limited number of drinks: some Gin & Tonic variations and a handful of house cocktails. But that doesn’t matter. You come here for a moment of stimulating escapism.

Time Out tip: You can order drinks at Bar Pigalle and take them up to the restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace on the fourth floor.

Södra Hamngatan 2A. Opening hours Sunday–Thursday: 15.00–00.00. Friday–Saturday: 13.00–23.00. Expect to pay 174 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? Cocktail bar and neighbourhood restaurant with Nordic elegance.

Why we love it? Essentially, Bruk is a cocktail bar. But it’s also a lively neighbourhood spot serving snacks like vendace roe, padrón peppers and fried oysters, as well as creative dishes – some in appealing mid-size portions.

Everyone is meant to feel welcome here – and they do. The place is still relatively new and offers Nordic elegance with an unpretentious atmosphere. The fairly extensive cocktail menu includes both classics and innovative house creations. Try Äpple & bergamott, with calvados, Italicus, punch, agave and green pepper.

Time Out tip: A mid-sized dish and a snack will satisfy most people. Also serves a rustic lunch.

Friggagatan 4. Opening hours Tuesday–Friday: 11.30–01.00. Saturday: 17.00–01.00. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Expect to pay 169 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? Pilsner, pasta and techno music in a run-down industrial area just a short tram ride from the Central Station.

Why we love it? Unpretentious Ivans Pilsnerbar is located on Ringön and shows another side of Gothenburg. The bar itself is a jumble of plastic plants, computer screens and vintage furniture – and great beer! Here you’ll find high-quality pilsners from Germany, Sweden and other European countries, while electronic music creates a subtle soundtrack.

The atmosphere is warm, and on weekends DJs and artists raise both the mood and the volume. The menu is small and Italian-inspired, always including vegetarian options. Always has Pivot Pils from local O/O Brewing. Outdoor seating available.

Time Out tip: Explore the area! For craft beer lovers, there are several taprooms nearby: Vega brewery, Två feta grisar and Stigbergets Bryggan. You can easily spend several hours on Ringön.

Järnmalmsgatan 4. Opening hours Thursday: 16.00–23.00. Friday: 16.00–03.00, Saturday: 13.00–03.00. Closed other days. Expect to pay just over 210 kronor and upwards for a pasta.

What is it? A homely hole-in-the-wall bar with its own-produced wines.

Why we love it? Stepping in here, having a glass of wine and simply feeling alive is wonderful. The setting is intimate, bright and lively, with high wooden tables for just over 20 guests. The pavement terrace is charmingly tiny.

At Wine Mechanics, around 20 house-produced wines are served by the bottle, along with one wine and one beer (from local Beerbliotek) on tap. The menu also includes snacks like cheese, charcuterie and olives, plus a number of small dishes. For those wanting a full meal, there’s a ‘Skrovmål’ option.

Wine production takes place in the Gamlestaden district. The grapes are transported there in refrigerated trucks directly after harvest from selected vineyards in southern Europe. On site, they are crushed, pressed and fermented into wine.

Time Out tip: There are two more Wine Mechanics venues in town: in Gamlestaden and Stora saluhallen.

Linnégatan 7. Opening hours Tuesday–Thursday: 16.00–23.00. Friday–Saturday: 15.00–23.00. Sundays and Mondays: closed.

What is it? A hotel bar with great cocktails and a natural meeting place.

Why we love it? The setting is modern, lively and relaxed, with plenty of seating. The bar attracts hotel guests, but mostly passers-by who use it as a meeting point.

The classic drinks may not stand out, but Avalon’s own cocktails certainly do. They have a somewhat lofty connection to the art hanging on the walls and are boldly designed. How about mezcal, ancho chilli, raspberry – and duck fat? At the same time, Say Cheese Larry is a tribute to JR from the TV series Dallas, with bourbon, parmesan and peach. Avalon has been named one of Sweden’s best bars several times.

Time Out tip: Large outdoor terrace. Simpler drinks menu in summer.

Kungstorget 9. Opening hours Monday–Thursday: 12.00–00.00. Friday–Saturday: 12.00–01.00. Closed Sundays. Expect to pay 175 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? An unusual cocktail bar in a Victorian steampunk setting.

Why we love it? Drink colourful, smoky laboratory cocktails straight from Erlenmeyer flasks! In the dark Victorian setting, it’s all about steampunk, with décor details like cogs, maps, small zeppelins and robot-like mannequins.

Steampunk is a literary genre based on steam engines, hot-air balloons and mechanical technology from the industrial revolution. It often includes futuristic technology as imagined by people in the 19th century. At Victorian Steampunk Lab, a range of cocktails and drinks are served, along with standard classics. Try Potion of Inferno with mezcal, rhubarb, passion fruit, vanilla, chilli, lemon and grenadine.

Time Out tip: The venue has a sister bar on Kungsgatan with more beers and around 520 types of gin.

Viktoriagatan 2B. Opening hours Tuesday–Thursday: 16.00–late. Friday: 16.00–01.00, Saturday: 14.00–01.00. Sundays and Mondays: closed. Expect to pay from 149 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? The Gothenburg bar of Sweden’s oldest gin producer.

Why we love it? Gin lovers will really get their fill at Hernö Gin Bar! The extensive drinks menu includes nearly 40 different cocktails, and you can also order gin on its own to taste, including some exclusive varieties.

One standout cocktail is Spice, with Hernö Dry Gin, nashi pear, ginger, coconut cream and habanero, served with a grilled marshmallow. The fresh and spacious interior follows a Nordic style with light wood and earthy tones. There are plenty of seating areas and the environment feels like a furniture showroom. The bar counter is long and the gin selection neatly displayed.

Hernö Gin was founded in 2011 and is the country’s oldest and most famous gin producer. In addition to the Gothenburg bar, it runs a destination hotel in Härnösand and a gin bar in Stockholm.

Time Out tip: Try some snacks or small dishes from the small but ambitious menu.

Västra Hamngatan 16. Opening hours Monday–Tuesday: 16.00–23.00, Wednesday–Thursday: 16.00–00.00, Friday: 16.00–01.00, Saturday: 12.00–01.00. Sundays: closed. Serves lunch Wednesday–Friday. Expect to pay from 175 kronor for a cocktail.

What is it? High-quality cocktails in a conceptual La Belle Époque setting.

Why we love it? Step into another world: Hotel Dorsia is like a kitsch interpretation of 1920s Paris with bold colours, sculptures, ornate wallpaper and gold-framed paintings. There are plenty of inviting sofas, chairs and armchairs, both by the bar under the glass ceiling and half a level up.

Alongside champagne and a number of decent wines, the drinks menu includes some beers from local breweries. But it’s for the cocktails you come here! Classics, champagne cocktails and six different Gin & Tonics, each with a different gin, are served. Among the house creations, Ciel de Göteborg impresses, with sake, cherry and rose. On the snack side, there are snails, razor clams and caviar.

Time Out tip: You don’t just burst into the bar here – you wait to be welcomed by staff.

Trädgårdsgatan 6. Opening hours Sunday–Thursday: 16.00–late. Friday–Saturday: 12.00–late. Expect to pay from 179 kronor for a cocktail.