adminWhile Poland may be predominantly associated with vodka, Warsaw stands out as a hub for some of the world’s finest bartenders. The city pulsates with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering a spectrum of venues, from laid-back cocktail bars and lively live music venues to upscale lounges. If you relish the experience of sipping expertly crafted cocktails in an unparalleled atmosphere, explore our selection of Warsaw’s Top Cocktail Bars. The bars are listed in alphabetical order.
Aura – ul.Hoża 27
The Morocco Vibe
Heavily patterned carpets from Morocco and brass fixtures merge to form the rich interior of this tiny cocktail bar in Warsaw, designed by architect Kacper Gronkiewicz.
The name of the place refers to the Latin word “aurum”, which means gold, which is not lacking in the place. Brass tables, a bar top and the entire wall adjacent to it shimmer like precious metal which all make you feel like you are in Marrakesh. This is exactly the feel co-owner Rafał Rybak was hoping for.
Once you’ve stopped looking at the design of the place, your head then spins in the direction of the wall of bourbons behind the bar – a huge selection for such a small venue. The cocktails here, based on seasonal ingredients, are as delicious as the atmosphere.
In addition, sophisticated music, seasonality of products, the Zero Waste trend and of course the good aura that prevails in this place stays with guests long after leaving. It’s hard not to be impressed by such small places that pack a big punch.
Backroom – Koszykowa 49A
The Secret Bar
Head down ul. Koszykowa, just off from Plac Konstytucji, and at no. 53 on your left, head down to the end of the lane which looks more like a residential car park. Keep hugging the right-hand side, walking past a few restaurants, and voilà, you’ll reach the Back Room Bar – an appropriate name indicating how well hidden it is!
A smoky glow and a spicy scent welcome you from the doorway of a tenement house with no obvious sign. A gentleman takes your coats and then it’s time for your breath to be taken away. ArtDeco, crystals, crazy wallpapers, a fireplace, and some of the nicest bartenders you will ever meet.
The menu includes classics, but also many original creations inspired by old times and jazz, such as Goodman, Armstrong, or Coltrane. This decadent-looking bar has the telltale signs of legend in the making if it’s not already! This is a real cocktail bar and there are no doubts about that!
Charlie – Mokotowska 39
The Classy Joint
Fine-tuned to capture the essence of the 30s and ’40s, this first-floor courtyard bar has it all. Located in an apartment in a tenement building, the word ‘speakeasy’ comes to mind. With only a small plaque outside the building entrance, Charlie is about as close as you are going to get to the real thing.
With the talented ‘Managing Partner’ Karim Bibars running things behind the bar, you can expect only the highest level cocktails and service every single time you visit.
In addition to the regular menu with original compositions and classic cocktails, guests have the opportunity to try the world-unique Subconscious Menu, where you play with your senses using perfumes created especially for this menu and choose cocktails using only aromatic senses. A very classy cocktail bar where you will find the chicest girls in town and the best-looking crowd. Highly recommended!
El Koktel – Wojciecha Górskiego 9
The buzzer
Atmospheric and cozy, sheltered from the outside world by a heavy curtain and decorated in green and elegant wood, El Koktel is a unique experience in every way.
El Koktel can only be accessed by tapping the buzzer on the street and awaiting entrance. Once your call is answered, you will be rewarded with a trip to a fantasy land of cocktails, full of combinations, aromas, and flavors you may have never thought possible.
Owners Matuesz and Paweł form the backbone of El Koktel, reaching back on years of experience working in some of Europe’s top bars to pour drinks that leave you on the brink of applause. Certificates and awards testifying to their talent are on display, but your best bet is to see for yourself what they’re capable of doing.
The ROOTS Cocktail Bar & more – ul.Wierzbowa 11, Plac Teatralny
The Prestigious
The Roots Bar & More in Warsaw has been awarded by the prestigious World’s 50 Best Organization. This is the first bar from Poland in history, that has been included in an elite group of the best 50 Best Discovery list.
Behind the cocktails are Tomek Małek, a six-time World Champion in the flair bartending style and head bartenders Kristina Shanchuk and Pawel Hyba. Their cocktails are always full of Polish seasonal fruits, herbs and best quality spirits.
Add to this an intriguing collection of vintage and antique ‘tools of the trade’ and a library of antiquarian books on the subject of bartending/cocktail mixing and you know you are dealing with some hardcore and scholarly mixologists. The best of the best!
Woda Ognista – Wilcza 8
The Atmosphere
On entering Woda Ognista, you will find a bar decorated with a 1920s-30s interior decor with classy staff dressed up to match. The cocktail menu, both in its appearance and content, reveals the true atmosphere and the main idea of the place, which is pre-war Warsaw.
Inside, there is an atmospheric decor full of wood and brick, which distinguishes it from other venues and also has probably the largest collection of vintage shakers and bartending accessories in Poland, which are displayed in special illuminated cabinets.
We should also mention that the cocktail menu of “Woda Ognista” was recently recognized as the most beautiful in Poland. So, prepare to be impressed by their seasonal menu offerings, with fantastic Polish style cocktails and dishes that take you on a journey through Warsaw’s cultural history. Put simply, this is a wonderful place to experience a modern spin on pre-war Varsovian style and with some of the best bartenders in the city expect your tastebuds to explode!
