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Ask any Goan for their prefered hangout spot and they will probably hand you a list of some of their favourite local taverns and pubs. While those should definitely be on your must-visit list, some of the new bars which opened this year in the land of the sun and beaches deserve your patronage too.
From craft cocktails to some of the most unique flavour combinations, these new bars in Goa are buzzing with innovation and technique, not to forget, stunning views and pulsating music.
1. Isabella’s Tapas Bar, Panjim
Taking a deep dive into the culture of Spain and Portugal is this new tapas bar in the heart of Goa. The 40-seater bar focuses on in-house prepared Vermouths, Amaris and craft cocktails. It also boasts an extensive tapas list with Spanish and Portuguese dishes to satiate your hunger. We say, raise a glass of sangria and say Arriba to Isabella!
2. SOPO, Assagao
In September this year, SOPO opened its doors in Assagao and welcomed patrons to sip on their easy-going inspired cocktails and Burmese cuisine. SOPO’s drinks find the right balance of flavours and being one of the rare Burmese restaurants in Goa, this is one place that should definitely be on your must-visit list.
3. Elephant & Co, Anjuna
One of Pune’s most buzzing hotspots, Elephant & Co made its way to the land of the beaches this year with an outpost at Anjuna. The beverage menu is an ode to the Goan culture with drinks such as their signature ECO in Goa made with gin, grapefruit and tonic, Wife Won’t Slap with vodka, pineapple and basil, and the Feni-Groni, a creative twist on the classic Negroni among others. The ever-evolving food menu and whimsical bar surprises are enough to turn you into a frequent ECO-goer.
4. Felix Beach, Morjim
With a view of the sea and the magnificent Chapora fort, the newly-launched Gin Bar at Felix Beach is where you want to be, especially if your go-to poison is gin. With 13 gins from popular distilleries and different tonics to pair with them, there is no dearth of creativity here when it comes to cocktails. What’s more, you can even take your turn behind the bar and create some crazy concoctions of your own!
5. Taboo Sunset Bar & Grill, Vagator
There’s something special about watching the sunset with your favourite cocktail in hand. Taboo Sunset Bar & Grill is where the OG Thalassa used to be, so you know that the view is taken care of. The party goes on way after the sun has set making way for boozy cocktails and delicious bites with bold flavours.
6. Lollo Rosso, Anjuna
A scenic paddy field, miles and miles of greenery and a cocktail in your hand – the tropical jungle-themed bar area of Lollo Rosso makes for a setting like no other. Ahmedabad’s Lollo Rosso has made its way to Goa with some cool cocktails such as the spicy and sour vodka-based Roji-Niwa, and a gin-based concoction with fermented tea leaves and lemongrass called Myanmar Mime, among others. Don’t forget to gorge on some of the delicious bowl meals on their menu.
7. Half Pint, Little Vagator
Shower some love on Half Pint – India’s first collaborative taproom by two breweries including Great State Aleworks and Arbor Brewing Company India. Inspired by local and international tavernas around the world, the intimate 22-seater taproom has 12 beers on tap, ranging from Great State Aleworks, Arbor Brewing Company India, collaborative beers with local breweries and seasonal and local Half Pint beers including Persimmon Wheat, Kokum Sherbet and Tamarind Wheat.
8. Morii Bar, Morjim
Hearty conversations over-indulgent cocktails are what you can expect at Morii Bar where a spectacular view of the sunny beach awaits you. Soak in the vibe with their Blue pea-infused cocktail with rosemary, lavender and chamomile or the Sweet Honey Bee with vodka, hibiscus syrup and a mint chocolate honeycomb garnish. Drop in on a Thursday night for their ‘Disco by the sea’ sundowners with resident DJs spinning some cool house beats.
Photo: Shutterstock; respective restaurants