When in a city as high spirited as Macau, the best way to jump-start a lively evening is by having a glass of wine at its bars. Just like a perfect drink, the bars of Macau are prepared by meticulously balancing three ingredients- spectacular views, buzzing crowds, and sparkling collections. While some are lounges inside lavish hotels, some are lined along the streets in the heart of the city. Whether new or old, the pubs and bars in Macau host a multitude of classy spirits like wines, beers, whiskies and champagnes.
Here is the list of top 15 pubs and bars in Macau-
1. The Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge
You know they are connoisseurs of cocktails when their drinks menu extends to 43 pages. High above in the clouds, on the 51st floor of an extravagant hotel, lies Ritz-Carlton Bar in Macau. With modern decor which is elegantly lit and decorated with colourful stained glasses, this interactive bar concocts fresh ingredients into cocktails of gin, champagne and much more. Try tasting 'Barrel of the Month' cocktails which are prepared by ageing the drink in barrels. A special feature is its Portuguese-styled pool bar which opens only from April till September.
Location: 51/F, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança
Timings: 2:00 pm – 1:00 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 2:00 pm – 2:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
2. Vida Rica Bar
With the sun rays pouring through its huge windows during the day and the view of dotted city lights during nighttime, Vida Rica enjoys the advantage of being at a sublime location. Cinematic not only in its wine collection but also its decor, this Macau bar has marble floors with crystal lights and chromatic interior. Categorized into a cocktail bar, a champagne and tapas bar, and a coffee bar, these three distinctive bars caters to the diverse mood and choices of its customers. White, red, rose, port, sweet and sherry are the lasses of sparkling wines stored in their collection. Starting from Cognacs and Aperitifs all the way up to Irish and Scottish whiskies, the specially tailored drinks menu of this bar has it all.
Location: 2/F, N.945, Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen
Timings: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am (Monday to Thursday), 3:00 pm – 1:00 am (Saturday) and 3:00 pm – 12:00 am (Sunday)
3. The St. Regis Bar
Inside the luxurious St. Regis Resort lies its solemn bar. Decked with an enormous colour stained glass fresco by Gil Araujo, a Portuguese artist, this lounge has an opulent interior lined with comfy leather chairs in chestnut and mauve colours. The entire lounge is divided into three sections. 'The Bar' is for passing a lovely evening listening to the serenades playing in the background, 'The Decanter' is for tasting the sparkling wines in their vintage collection, and 'The Vault' is for a more personalized experience.
Location: The St. Regis Bar, 1/F, The St. Regis Macao Hotel, Cotai CentralTimings: 2:00 pm – 1:00 am (Monday to Saturday) and 11:00 am – 1:00 am (Sunday)
4. Prem1er Bar and Tasting Room
The minimalist interior of this bar in Macau is dimly lit and has a cosy ambience making it ideal for private gatherings and parties. Located in Taipa Village, Prem1er Bar and Tasting Room is always in talks because of its assorted range of spirits it has assembled from different corners of the world. The premium collection is displayed on the shelves of its 'Bottle Bank'. Be it the craft beers from Ireland and Belgium, or the fine 1421 Export Silver wines of China, you can enjoy your pleasant conversations as their sommeliers pour you a bottle of their best liqueur.
Location: 86 Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio, Chun Mun Hin, TaipaTimings: 5:00 pm – 4:00 am
5. Bar Cristal
With crystal chalices, glassy interior, and a glittering royal chandelier from France perched in its ceiling, the antique yet sparkly setting of Bar Cristal does every nit of justice to its name. Its uniqueness from the contemporary hotel lounges is what sets it apart from the rest of its kind. For a refreshing evening or an intimate meeting, this place is perfect. From traditional Chinese teas and fresh juices to Bourbon Whiskeys and Calvados, from aperitifs and cocktails to rose champagne and shots of tequila, the range of drinks and spirits offered here is fulfilling.
Location: Rua Cidade de Sintra Wynn
Timings: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
6. McSorley’s Old Ale House
Bustling with lively crowds of tourists visiting the gambling city, McSorley's Old Ale House is a prominent bar in Macau. Since it belongs to a historic chain of Irish pubs, you will find Irish and Scottish whiskies dominating its drink menu as well. With friendly bartenders brewing you traditional drinks, you can enjoy your glass as you sit in the pub's immaculate cushiony chairs. Apart from whiskies, you can find a range of ales, craft beers, ciders, wines and signature cocktails being concocted and served over here.
Location: Shop 1038, Level 1, Near Café Deco, Shoppes at Venetian
Timings: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
7. The Macallan Whisky Bar and Lounge
A paradise for whiskey and malt lovers is Macallan Whisky Bar of Macau. Spectacular chandelier brightens its Scottish inspired decor as a tempting burning fireplace warms up its interior. A mini-library is present in the corner for you to have a nice read while sipping your glass of champagne. Peppery tapas and cheesy croquettes are served to go with your large glasses of drinks. Besides a host of whiskies, you can also find classic cocktails, wine, champagne, rum, gin, vodka, aperitifs and many more such spirits in its assorted collection.
Location: Galaxy Hotel, Level 2, 203, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca
Timings: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
8. Goa Nights
Nestled in Taipa Village of Macau is its renowned cocktail bar named Goa Nights. Serving delicacies from the tangy cuisine of India, this bar has an antique Portuguese style interior which exudes the festive vibes of Goa. The names of its signature cocktails narrate the story of Portuguese sailor Vasco Da Gama's voyage. Starting from the city of Lisbon, through the ports of Mozambique, all the way up to the beaches of Goa, the extraordinary taste of these nine cocktails is what drives people to this bar.
Location: 118 R. Correia da Silva
Timings: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Thursday to Sunday only)
9. Old Taipa Tavern
Walking in the Taipa Village, just around a cosy corner, lies the little Old Taipa Tavern. A modest interior generally occupied by cheerful crowds of sports fans watching live games on a big screen, this bar in Macau is ideal for spending a lovely evening finishing your pint while interacting with new people. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. The pub is charming in terms of location as well as the spirits served here. Beer, wine, champagne, cider, aperitif, everything is served cold here.
Location: 21 Rua dos Negociantes, Taipa Old Village
Timings: 2:30 pm – 2:30 am (Monday to Friday) and 1:00 pm – 2:30 am (Saturday and Sunday)
10. Sky 21
On the top of a skyscraper, from where you can catch the dazzling skyline of Macau city, lies Sky 21 Restaurant and Bar. Though its lounge has a romantically lit modern decor, nothing compares to the panoramic views offered during nighttime from its seating on the rooftop. Sky 21 not only charms you with its setting but also with its selection. With imported champagnes and wines from France, New Zealand, Italy, Spain and many more, you'll be amazed by the exquisite taste their drinks leave in your mouth. A must-try, however, remains their unparalleled signature cocktails like Cookie Monster, Victoria Secret, and Peach and Passion Madness.
Location: 21/F, AIA Tower, 251A – 301 Avenida Comercial de Macau
Timings: 11:30 pm – 3:00 am (Monday to Thursday), 11:30 pm – 4:00 am (Friday and Saturday) and 12:00 pm – 3:00 am (Sunday)
11. 38 Lounge
Red and purple velvets line the cushioned couches and chairs of its gigantic main hall, while its window walls overlook the beautiful city of Macau. Atop Altira Macau, 38 Lounge is an upscale bar of Macau beloved by tourists and locals alike. Its cabinets house a selection of wine, whiskies, cognacs, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and beer. Served alongside platters of cheesy and peppery snacks, with soothing melodies playing in the back, drinking at this pub is the best way to enjoy a pleasant evening. You can enjoy the scenic views of the city below by taking your glasses of signature cocktails up to its terrace.
Location: Av. de Kwong Tung, 38 Lounge, Level 38, Altira
Timings: 6:00 pm – 3:00 am. Closed on Tuesdays and Sundays
12. Macau Soul
Revolving around aged port wines from Portugal, Macau Soul is a little bar situated in a quaint corner of a busy street. Housing some of the finest label wines and vintages, Macau Soul is the place where one can experience the authentic taste of sour Portuguese wine. The relaxing atmosphere of its modest seating is complemented by performers singing groovy tracks live in the backdrop. And whatever you order, from wine and malts to cocktails and beer, you are served with fancy portions of chillies and olives for a complete experience.
Location: 31A R. de São Paulo
Timings: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and 3:00 pm – 12:00 am (Friday and Saturday). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
13. The ABA Bar
Within the lavish halls of MGM resort lies a fancy lounge decked with satin couches, pots of pastel flowers, and low hung chandeliers. Styled like a contemporary living room, the AGA bar is classy and posh in every manner. From its prestigious selection of liquor to its dedicated sommeliers, you will be impressed by every intricate detail. The drinks menu of this bar begins with its collection of different classes of wines and tonics and goes all the way to its variety of mocktails and special teas. Martinis of gin and vodka, or whisky from Scotland and Canada, or the classic cocktails crafted from scratch, all options are one of a kind.
Location: Grande Praca MGM Grand Hotel
Timings: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
14. China Rouge
Imbuing traditional Shanghai vibes in the glamorous casino city of Macau is China Rouge, a popular lounge inside the hotel of Galaxy Macau. Vibrant with frescoes and artworks of Bu Hua and Chen Men, China Rouge delights its customers with a soothing ambience and attentive service. A band performs evergreen melodies as the sommeliers present bottles of their vintage collection. In fact, the crafted cocktails of this Macau bar have received notable awards as well. On special occasions, grand performances by skilled artists are also organized in its premises.
Location: Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca
Timings: 9:00 pm – 3:00 am (Friday and Saturday) and 9:00 pm – 2:00 am (Sunday to Thursday). Closed on Mondays.
15. The Roadhouse Macau
A musical twist to the contemporary hotel lounges is the rocking bar of Roadhouse Macau. Walking through its doors, you'll feel like entering a Broadway with the posters of legends like Elvis Presley. The bricked walls of this pub are lined with posters, guitars and a television for watching the sports games. With a band performing rock and blues inside, and lovely dining outside, this upbeat place is the go-to place for the young generation to hang out with their friends.
Location: Broadway Food Street, E-G016-G019, Broadway Macau, Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus
Timings: 4:00 pm – 4:00 am (Monday to Friday) and 12:00 pm – 4:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)
Having laid down the top 15 bars in Macau, all that is left now is for you to rush into one of them and comment about the one that delighted you the most. So next time, when taking a break from the jazzy casinos of this town, head to a buoyant pub, chat with total strangers. But don't forget to clink your glasses of alcohol, because as the famous saying goes, no great story ever started with someone eating a salad.