Macau still has some hidden gems laying around, especially if you explore and look close enough. People tend to stick to their tried and true favorites instead of finding someplace new so we did the legwork for you! We went searching for cool spots in town to have a beer or a cocktail (or two) and found some pretty good joints. Have a read to find out where to have a relaxing drink outside the casinos and hotels of the city.
Babar Beer Bar
(See featured image above. Source: Babar Beer Bar Facebook page)
With one of the most comprehensive beer menus in town, Babar Beer is both crafty, artisanal (like its beers) and soulful. Hidden away in an alley in Macau side, it is the perfect spot to take friends for a quiet catch up session. Enjoy one–or several beers–and choose wisely: it might be difficult, since there is such a wide array, with more than 20 different beers and ciders on the menu. Boasting rock and pop hits all night long, it is also a great place to sing your heart out, away from known faces.
Opening hours: 8:00pm–3:00am
Babar Beer Bar 5 Rua de Abreu Nunes, Macau, +853 6669 6188
Source: Breathers Bar Facebook page
The Breathers
Located on the ground floor close to a residential building in Taipa (near Greenville), it is a great spot to be at peace and listen to some live music by local and foreign artists. Gin is a must-have in here, but there are also several whiskeys to try out. There are really good jam sessions happening here, as well as great playlists when the stage is not on fire! Also, feel free to hit the stage if you feel like taking the mic into your own hands. Check their Facebook page for more info on those jamming sessions and when they’re taking place.
Opening hours: Friday–Wednesday, 7:30pm–3:30am
The Breathers 129 Estrada Coronel Nicolau de Mesquita, Taipa, +853 6635 0231
Source: Mugs Facebook page
Mugs Bar
We love Nam Van Lake and all the serenity that comes with it and we’re betting you do too! Fortunately, the area isn’t burdened by heavy construction, so there is still peace and quiet, something very precious and dear in Macau. Let yourself go and head to Mugs Bar, one of Macau’s longstanding spots to have all kinds of drinks, including good quality whiskey, cocktails with vodka and gin and, of course, beer!
They also have a comprehensive food menu, including pizza, teriyaki chicken skewers, nachos, garlic bread, pan fried calamari and much more. The layout is nice and cosy with plenty of seats, so take your friends or a date out to Mugs Bar. If you’re lucky, you can catch a live music session too! Check this place’s Facebook page for more info.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–3:00am
Mugs Bar 12 Praça de Lobo de Ávila, Macau, +853 6350 4858
Source: Food Truck Company Facebook page
Food Truck Company
In Macau, it is forbidden to sell food from a truck. However, a Portuguese man, who always wanted to bring a bit of his country to the region, had a vision: to open a food truck inside a shop. That’s precisely what you’ll find in one of Rua de Tercena’s ground floors. With two tables and a seating area outside, it is the perfect spot to have a really Portuguese meal, accompanied by beer or a glass of wine. They serve very good steak on bread and Portuguese beer, which is easy to find in Macau, but drinking it at home is never the same as having it outdoors with friends! Super Bock–normal and Stout–are a must have here, as well as Portuguese wine, including red and white Monte Velho and Estrela, respectively.
Open until 10:00pm on weekdays and until 3:00am on weekends, it usually attracts a fun and laid-back foreign crowd who enjoys meeting friends and knocking back some beers without the casino lights in their eyes. Tucked away in the old Macau peninsula area, it has the greatest and most authentic beef sandwiches in Macau! For more updates, check their Facebook page here.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday, 12:30pm–10:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 12:30pm–3:00am
Food Truck Company 26 Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, Macau, +853 2821 0312
Source: 2048 Facebook page
2048 Brewing Bar
Yes, Macau finally has a local-brewed beer! 2048 Brewing Bar was opened by a group of locals who are lovers of beer and eager to show that the city has much more to offer than gambling. With a mixing table, decor taking us back to memory lane and retro accessories all over the place, this is a great spot to go unnoticed and have the night of your life! Tucked in Rua da Nossa Senhora do Amparo, it is located in the region’s latest and most modern arts and crafts district. Makes sense, right?
The company is committed to improving traditional European beer technology and also the unique tea elements in Guangdong. The traditional tea, flower tea, and herbal teas are skilfully and creatively blended. 2048 is Macau’s first craft beer brewed locally and it is the perfect combination, when ordered with some snacks and even dinner. Stay longer and you might even be able to watch a live music concert! Find out more here.
Opening hours: 8:00pm–2:00am
2048 Brewing Bar 10 Calçada do Amparo, +853 6632 6026
Source: Agora Taproom Facebook page
Agora – Taproom
With lots of food and booze on offer and promotions during sports seasons, it is the perfect place to hang out with friends or watch a soccer match. It can be quite difficult to find a place in Macau to watch sports on TV while drinking and this might just be the perfect bar! Besides homemade cocktails, they also serve craft beers and less known ones, like a mix of beer with milk and pineapple! Check for more information here, including schedules for the next game showings.
Opening hours: 6:00pm–5:00am
Agora – Taproom 45 Rua de Madrid, Wan Yu Villas, Macau, +853 2875 7243
Source: Bottles Facebook page
Bottles
Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, it is usually frequented by the residents of One Oasis. Located between Cotai and Coloane, it’s not the easiest or fastest bar to reach, but that also allows cocktail lovers to appreciate their drinks without being bombarded by strong neon lighting or loud music. Catering to the neighbourhood’s residents, it is usually packed with expats looking for some peace while drinking an originally crafted cocktail. If this has spiked your curiosity, head there around dinner time and get something to eat as well. From oysters to sandwiches, healthier options like salads or steaks, there is an array to choose from. Check for more information here.
Opening hours: 5.00pm–2:30am
Bottles Estrada de Seac Pai Van, One Oasis Shop 1, Coloane, +853 2877 2618
Source: Che Che Café website
Che Che Café
With a great menu of wine, artisanal beers and original food dishes, this is the go-to place for dinner and late-night drinks with friends. Hidden in a street behind Kiang Wu hospital, it exudes a relaxing atmosphere, unlike most spots in town. It’s sometimes full of people, but the crowd is good, outgoing and local. Take the opportunity to meet new people while trying their cocktails as well!
Che Che Café 70 Rua de Tomás Vieira,Edificio Lai San, Macau, +853 6288 0857
