Not unlike Croatia, the eastern European country of Georgia is known for its wines. While the country has more than 8,000 years of wine-making experience, they also make a brandy called chacha. The capital city of Tbilisi is a highly diverse and resilient place. Once a stop along the Silk Road, the city enjoys the influence of many cultures, traditions, and flavors from around the world. Perhaps it’s no surprise that there are some incredible cocktail bars in Tbilisi. I would highly recommend visiting and here are four that you should try when you’re there.
1. 41 Gradus (41 Degrees)
- Address: 19 Galaktion Tabidze Street
- Hours: every day, 7pm-2am
- Scores:
- Hospitality: 5.0, warm and genuine service
- Atmosphere: 4.9, just a quick turn off the street into an alley, and down a few stairs will have you in this sweet hideaway
- Drinks: 5.0, excellent cocktails served elegantly
Located in the historic centre of the old town, 41° is a cozy bar that seats up to 25 people. Founded four years ago, the bar aims to serve not only their guests but also gives back to charity. Inside the bar you’ll find an inviting environment for regulars and guests. They’ve written every menu in one notebook and pass it around so guests can order their drinks. You can look back through to see their history. Visitors will especially enjoy the fact that almost every cocktail features a local spirit.
- Tsotne: Midamo, Strega, Campari, and Dolin blanc
- Chokha: gin, chacha, Lillet blanc, kummel, Pernod, and orange bitters
- Sarajev: chacha, Sarajishvili VS, Campari, Martini Ambrato, and Peychauds
- Golden Fleece: gin, matsoni, triple sec, tkemali, lemon juice, sugar, and soda
2. Barbar’a
- Address: 33 Kote Afkhazi Street
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-3am | Closed Mondays
- Scores:
- Hospitality: 5.0, when you post on Instagram that you’ve arrived somewhere and the manager comes to find you, love
- Atmosphere: 4.8, cute bar with a cafe-style atmosphere
- Drinks: 4.9, nicely balanced drinks with interesting flavors
Definitely one of the best bars in Tbilisi, Barbar’a is one not to miss. When you arrive, just head up the stairs to this beautiful, historic space located just three minutes from the Bridge of Peace. Once inside, you’ll find a laid-back place for a drink solo or with friends. The menu is available in pictures in case you want to preview what you’re having. They have lots of interesting signature drinks, along with plenty of classics. Plus, if you’re looking for some food, they have a great selection of dishes to choose from. Keep an eye on their Facebook page as they also feature live music and DJs.
The cocktail on the left is the Pop Sour. It’s a delightful concoction of rum, popcorn syrup, and lemon. It was delicious and the caramel corn on the top was amazing. The other drink I enjoyed was the Spicy Summer. Although summer had passed when I had it, it definitely evoked the flavors of a sultry summer night. It is made with tequila, orange cordial, saffron liqueur, lime and ginger juices, caramel syrup, and chili oil.
3. The Lobby Bar at Stamba Hotel
- Address: 14, 0108 Merab Kostava Street
- Hours: every day, 10am-2am
- Scores:
- Hospitality: 4.8, friendly service
- Atmosphere: 4.7, an interesting space with plenty to look at
- Drinks: 4.7, solid drinks with fresh fruit flavors
Nestled in the former publishing house of Tbilisi, Stamba Hotel’s Lobby Bar was recently converted from a co-working space into a bar and lounge. The building highlights the industrial features of Soviet-era construction and is lauded as a flawless fusion of vintage and contemporary. Green plants, modern lighting, and large windows abound. The hotel draws visitors from around the globe, making the bar the perfect spot for a drink. Due to the large number of books and lamps, people mistake the bar for a library, but it’s easily both. Grab a seat and get comfy!
I enjoyed the Sorrel Smash which is a bright blend of London dry gin, lillet blanc, yellow chartreuse, red and green sorrel, and lime. The Ruby Mound (right) was also a delicious treat. It’s made with bourbon, Lillet Blanc, bergamot liqueur, vanilla, strawberry, lime, and lemon basil.
4. Lounge Bar at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
- Address: 14 Merab Kostava Street
- Hours: every day, 8am-11pm
- Scores:
- Hospitality: 4.6, what you would expect at a busy, hotel bar
- Atmosphere: 4.6, the art from local artists is certainly a highlight
- Drinks: 4.6, great twists on the classics
The lobby of the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi is like stepping into The Grand Budapest Hotel, uniforms and all. The Lounge Bar is dark, swanky and feels like a place you’d find poets and intellectuals discussing life. There was usually music pumping through the speakers and a lively crowd that seemed like a good mix of locals and guests. I enjoyed the Bedford AV which is a clarified bourbon sour with ruby porto and hibiscus powder. My husband had a solid negroni.
And there you have some of the best bars in Tbilisi. While there aren’t a lot of places for a cocktail, you will find great drinks at any of these spots. Hope you are able to visit some day!
