Goa – a state that offers a multitude of experiences to domestic and international travellers. A state that gives you pristine beaches, lazy shacks, delectable cuisine, warm people and a host of offbeat experiences (hikes, animal shelters, river rafting, waterfall hunting) is also known all over the world for its unbeatable nightlife.
There are a number of restaurants that offer good music to dance to (or sing to!) and good folk to mingle with. Avoid the usual hotspots and catch a break at the below gig spaces for an evening to remember:
Cantare, Saligao
Set in a beautifully restored building with a cosy vibe, this bar’s location makes it a well-kept secret. Walk down a few tiny cobbled streets studded with Goan houses to reach this live music bar. Grab a corner table to have a drink and enjoy a view of the dark but delighful bar with a vibe of music and dancing – a proper susegado experience.
Address – 7/72, B, Cruz Vaddo, Saligao, Goa 403511
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 6.30PM to 1AM
Pro-tip: Mondays and Fridays are Jazz Nights and head in on Wednesday for Quiz nights.
Cavala, Calangute
May not be intimate, but Cavala is a hotspot for some hot live music and a true Portuguese atmosphere. For a twist, they set up Piano Sundays for a different experience. Various bands perform regularly at this hideout, like, Tidal Wave, Rhythm & Blues, Crimson Tide, Smooth, etc. The seafood platter is the ultimate recommendation to go with your beer & cocktails at this watering hole!
Address: Calangute-Baga Road, Baga-Saunta Vaddo, Goa 403516
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 7.30AM to 12.30AM
Pro-Tip – Visit on a Friday for a phenomenal experience!
Stone House, Candolim
This restaurant was uniquely named so because of the volcanic laterite stone it was made from. The property is 150 years old and the restaurant was started in 1989, which comes highly recommended for its Swedish Lobster and live music most of the nights in season. Grab a seat at the leafy front yard and enjoy some tunes with a cold one!
Address: Souza Vaddo, Fort, Candolim, Goa, 400013
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 10AM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Saturday nights – head in for a fun night!
Down the Road, Panjim
A quaint bar on the corner of a road in Panjim, DTR is one that you can pop into at any time whether it is for lunch or an evening out. Evenings usually bring in live music and impromptu dancing. Head in for some chilled beer, a bit of dancing and some good food!
Address: Near old Patto bridge, 99, Rua de Ourem, Panaji, Goa 403001
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 12PM to 1AM
Pro-Tip – This is a good place to end your day visit to Fontainhas, the Latin quarter of Goa. They have live music mostly on all days of the week.
Mahe, Anjuna
Modern dining with home-grown recipes make Mahe a perfect pick for an evening in Goa. This restaurant gives you coastal cuisine beyond the regular – seafood thalis and coconut-based curries. A grey exterior and a cool interior bring this splendid restaurant in the spotlight for eclectic design. Hop in for some mouth-watering dishes displaying Kerala, Bengali, Sri Lankan Coastal fare.
Address: Orchard Stores, 1111 Mazal Waddo, Near Anjuna, 403509
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 12PM to 3.30PM / 6.30PM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Saturday nights – head in for a fun night!
Café Cotinga, Anjuna
With an aesthetic layout and décor, this café is a winner among pretty cafes of North Goa. With indoor and outdoor seating, this dreamy café is here to serve you wide varieties of drinks and some luscious desserts. Live music sessions are hosted every Wednesday. Grab a seat here for some wonderful music, delectable global fare and a cool ambience!
Address: 1286, Kumar Vaddo, Opposite St. Michael’s Church, Goa – 403509
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 8.30AM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Saturday nights – head in for a fun night!
Royal Enfield Café, Baga
This one is for all – bikers, foodies, history buffs, locals and travellers. With chilled beer and a showcase of vintage and new bikes, the café is a thrilling place to be. Expect to be served thin-crusted pizzas, some fresh salads, pastas and burgers! The café hosts music gigs regularly so pop in while you visit Goa for an eclectic experience. Do not miss our the Royal Enfield store on your way out, grab a jacket or a helmet as a memento!
Address: 560, Villa Rodriguez – Baga Creek Road, Arpora, Goa 403516
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 9AM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Friday nights – head in for a super night!
Antares, Vagator
A seaside smasher, Antares is a hit with tourists as well as the locals. Staff dedicated to making your experience blissful and a laid-back set-up with the perfect menu for your evening – Antares also has one of the best live music scenes in Goa. Do not miss this on your next visit!
Address: Small Vagator, Ozran Beach, Goa 403509
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 12PM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Head in on a Sunday for live music!
Soro, Assagao
A recent addition to Goa’s splendid bars, this quiet little hideout is soon getting on the favourites list of locals and tourists alike. Live music, fantastic music and a parking space (trust us, this is important in Goa!), Soro has a quaint and eccentric décor – village meets modern – with a stage area and cosy bar.
Address – Badem Junction, Siolim Road, North Goa, Assagao – 403507
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 6PM to 2AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Friday nights – head in for a memorable one!
The Fisherman’s Wharf, Panjim
For a short ride away, you have Fisherman’s Wharf with the perfect traditional Portuguese setting with amazing live music on weekends and a lip-smacking seafood selection. Make sure you have a reservation, waiting lines can be long! PS – taste their tempura prawn, prawn curry and tiger prawns for a lip-smacking meal. Any shrimp dish is also a good choice!
Address: 12/13, 18th June Road, Campal, Panaji, Goa 403001
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 12PM to 12AM
Pro-tip: Live Music is on Saturday nights – step in for some good food and a superb night!
Swirl to the tempo and jazz it up in the confines of these quaint and hip bars for a magical evening in Goa. Clap along with the locals and enjoy laughter with delectable cuisine while staff swings over your heads like a rhythm – nothing spells “Amchem Goem” like live music and fun-tastic evenings!
Written By Taryn Rodriques
Week 49, December ’20
