It’s time for another instalment in my series of Gdańsk travel guides, written from the perspective of someone who’s called this place home for over a decade. If you’re looking for places to go out for a drink in Gdańsk, I’ve put together a list of some of my personal favourites.
Now, I don’t go out for cocktails quite as much as I used to, so this isn’t an exhaustive list of everywhere worth visiting – but it is a round-up of spots I’ve genuinely enjoyed and would happily recommend to anyone coming to Gdańsk.
There’s a mix of places I’ve been returning to for years and a few newer finds that were love at first sip. I’ve also broken this guide down into categories, so you’ll find some of my favourite cocktail bars as well as more casual spots if you’re after something a bit more low-key.
As with all of my Gdańsk guides, I’ll be adding to this list as I discover new places (it’s definitely missing a few wine bars at the moment, I know!), so feel free to save it for your next trip. Let’s dive in!
Best cocktail bars in Gdańsk
Flisak ’76
Whenever someone asks me for the best bars to visit in Gdańsk, this is always the first one I mention. Flisak ’76 is one of the oldest cocktail bars in Poland. It first opened back in 1976 as a fancy restaurant frequented by some of the country’s biggest stars, and it’s stayed in the same family ever since.
Over the years, it went from gastropub to pub, and finally – in the 2010s – it became the cocktail bar we know today. And hands down, it’s the most creative one you’ll find in Gdańsk.
The cocktail menu changes every couple of years and always follows a theme. When we first went, it was fairytales, while the current one is The Greatest Showman.
The drinks are always full of surprises – think moving parts, lights, and a story behind each cocktail that the servers are more than happy to share. Even the menu is a treat, with 3D elements that tie into the theme and make it feel more like a storybook than a list of drinks.
If you’re after something classic, they can make that too – but I’d absolutely recommend going for one of their signature creations. The only downside is that last time we visited, there was just one non-alcoholic option on the creative menu. Oh, and if you fall in love with the place (which is very likely), it’s all too easy to try the whole menu and ruin the surprise element for future visits. 😉
Craft Cocktails
The next spot is another classic if you’re after a drink in the Main Town area. They’ve got two branches – one on Piwna and one on Szeroka – but I’ve only ever been to the Piwna location.
I absolutely love the décor. The moment you step inside, it feels like you’ve been transported back to the 1920s or ’30s.
But what I love most about this place is the sheer variety of cocktails. They’ve got both a permanent and a seasonal menu, and there’s genuinely something for everyone. If you’re visiting with a group of friends and everyone has different preferences, this is the spot I’d recommend – everyone’s likely to find something they’ll enjoy.
I personally prefer cocktails on the sweeter side, and I was struggling… to decide what to order first! The choice was almost overwhelming. Everything we tried was absolutely amazing, and they only use fresh ingredients, along with homemade syrups and cordials. So if you’re after something artisanal that you won’t find anywhere else, this is definitely one to check out.
Tlen
Tlen had been on my list of places to visit in Gdańsk for absolute ages, so I’m glad I finally made it there for my birthday this year.
Right off the bat, I want to mention two things that weren’t quite ideal about our visit. First, the look of the place – I was expecting more of a classic cocktail bar vibe, but it felt more like a regular bar.
The second thing was the reservation. We booked through the link in their Instagram bio, but when we arrived, they seemed surprised to hear it – like maybe I’d accidentally reserved a completely different place with the same name. Perhaps they’re just not used to people making reservations? Thankfully, we were the only ones there, but it did make me wonder what would’ve happened if it had been full and they hadn’t seen our booking.
However, the menu more than made up for it. It’s short and sweet, with a theme of “somewhere between” – an exploration of contrasts between the familiar and the unknown.
Each page features two places: one local and one distant, with a third “in-between” option that blends the two through flavour. I mean, how often do you come across a drink that fuses the Polish region of Kashubia with the Carnival?
They take a lot of inspiration from local nature, using traditional regional spices, and the result is something genuinely unique. They can also make some of the drinks in non-alcoholic versions, and there’s a menu of classics if you fancy something more familiar.
And while you’re there, I’d definitely recommend popping next door to Bar Leon for a bite – it’s one of my favourite restaurants in Gdańsk!
MONK
This place was one of my favourite discoveries last year. It’s on the 4th floor of Klub KOT – a venue that hosted Poland’s very first rock ’n’ roll concert back in 1959. It’s recently had a huge renovation and reopened with a couple of restaurants, a café, a cinema, and a bar all under one roof.
The moment we walked into MONK, it felt like stepping into a jazz club somewhere in the heart of New York. And since it’s not as popular as other places (yet), we had no trouble getting in without a reservation on a Saturday night.
The menu is shaped like a vinyl record, and each drink is inspired by a different song, complete with a QR code so you can listen to it on Spotify. I didn’t realise my cocktail was going to look that creative – so that was a lovely surprise!
MONK also hosts regular jazz nights, along with other types of gigs. For example, they recently ran a series of concerts where you could hear hip hop classics from the East and West Coast reimagined in jazz arrangements – which was such a fun idea. I’d definitely recommend MONK if you’re after a great cocktail without the Main Town crowds.
And while you’re there, pop into Masło Maślane on the ground floor for breakfast (or brunch, or lunch…). The food’s fantastic, and it’s far less hectic than the Main Town spots.
SASSY
I’ll admit I was a bit reluctant to visit SASSY at first. When it opened as a nightclub, it quickly gained a reputation as the kind of place where people go to see and be seen. And, since I’m not much of a partier – and not really into that type of scene – I never seriously considered it.
It’s apparently gone through a bit of a rebrand and now leans more towards restaurant-slash-nightclub, but that original image kind of stuck with me.
That is, until we randomly decided to pop in for a drink on Mac’s birthday last summer. It was early evening, before the club crowd arrived, and we figured we’d give it a go. It was pretty quiet, and we managed to grab a table on the outside terrace.
And as we stepped out, my jaw actually dropped. I genuinely don’t think there are many places in Gdańsk where you get such an incredible panoramic view of the Main Town and beyond. There’s also an Asian restaurant there called NIKKA. The dishes on the tables next to us looked amazing, and I’ve seen some great reviews online too, so I’d happily go back and try it.
The cocktails are definitely on the pricier side – but that’s to be expected from a rooftop bar right in the centre. I feel like most people tend to head to the rooftop bar at Śliwka w Kompot, which is one of the trendiest spots in Gdańsk. That one has a slightly better view with fewer obstructions, but you also have to deal with much bigger crowds. Either way, I’d recommend going a bit earlier or booking a table in advance if you want to be sure you’ll get a spot.
Olivia Star
Olivia Star is definitely one of the places I’ve visited most often in Gdańsk. It’s the tallest building in the city, with a restaurant and open observation deck on the 32nd floor, a Michelin-starred and another Michelin-recommended restaurant on the 33rd, and a conference and event space on the 34th.
Over the years, I’ve taken pretty much every guest here. The prices on the 32nd floor are fairly reasonable for what you get, and the 360-degree views of Gdańsk are hard to beat. If you download the Olivka app, your first visit to the deck is free – and future visits quickly pay for themselves if you order anything on the 32nd floor. (I’ve explained all the details in my guide to the best things to do in Gdańsk!)
Now, I’ve heard from a few people recently that the service isn’t quite what it used to be. I haven’t been myself in over a year, so I can’t confirm either way – but I’ve always enjoyed going for a drink with a view. The food menu changes seasonally, and they often run special events or limited-time offers on cocktails too.
Or, if you’re after something a bit more special, the Treinta y Tres restaurant on the 33rd floor is fantastic – you can enjoy Michelin-level dishes at more reasonable prices. (I’ve included more about it in my guide to the best restaurants in Gdańsk.)
Best places for a beer in Gdańsk
Now, I should probably start by saying I’m not enough of a beer drinker to give you the ultimate list of craft beer spots in the city. One place I can confidently recommend is Pułapka – though I haven’t been in years, and not since they moved to their new location. So no recent photos or fresh takes from me, but it’s a solid go-to for beer lovers.
The two places I’ve decided to include here are both local breweries where they brew their own beers right here in the city. Since they’re also restaurants, you can grab a proper meal while you’re at it – and they’re great spots for private events or casual meet-ups with friends. Oh, and one of them gives you the chance to try the legendary beer that’s been brewed in Gdańsk since the mid-15th century. Not bad, right?
PG4
The first place I’d recommend if you enjoy beer is PG4, right next to the main train station in Gdańsk. It’s super spacious, which makes it ideal for group gatherings. But the main reason I like sending people here is the unique beer they serve. Jopenbier has been brewed in Gdańsk since at least 1449, and these days it’s incredibly rare – only a handful of breweries across Europe have tried to recreate the original medieval recipe.
Now, calling it a “beer” might be a bit of a stretch – it’s definitely not what you’d expect. It’s more like a beer syrup, originally served for its supposed health benefits rather than the taste. And I can see why… it’s got a bitter, medicinal flavour that honestly reminds me of a boozy cough syrup (but worse). It’s far too concentrated to drink by the glass, so they serve it more like a liqueur. Personally, I’m good with having tried it once, but if you’re after a one-of-a-kind experience, this is definitely it.
Plus, the other beers they brew in-house are genuinely great – so you can wash it down with something that actually tastes good. 😉
Nowy Browar Gdański
The second brewery I like is Nowy Browar Gdański. I’ve been a few times – first for a birthday party, and then for lunch with my boyfriend and my parents. I really like the food here, as they’ve got all the comfort classics, and the variety’s big enough that everyone can find something they fancy. The prices are pretty reasonable too.
In summer, I recommend trying their beer mixed with lemonade, and in the colder months, they serve a lovely mulled beer. The space is huge, and they’ve got screens showing sports as well – so it’s a great spot for catching a game with friends over a drink.
If you’re after something a bit fancier, there’s another restaurant in the same complex called Hewelke, plus a fabulous day spa called Hevelia Swim & SPA – so you can easily turn it into a full day out.
Best bars to visit in Gdańsk
No To Cyk
Out of all the casual bars in Gdańsk, No To Cyk is one I’ve got a real soft spot for – I’ve been going there since my uni days. I still remember when you could get a beer for around 70p!
No to cyk is a Polish phrase you say just before clinking shot glasses. The place has a full-on retro, communist-era vibe that takes you back a few decades, with funny propaganda posters and all sorts of bits and pieces from that time.
They serve beers, cocktails, and a few of their own liqueurs, along with some classic Polish comfort food. My go-to is the steak tartare – just keep in mind it comes with a raw egg yolk, so it’s not for everyone!
And even though I’m not usually into strong spirits, I do like getting a shot of their denatka – a homemade liquor infused with ice mint sweets (the name translates to “dead woman,” but I promise it tastes way better than it sounds). I also recommend trying the sweets themselves while you’re in Poland – they’re really refreshing and have a kind of icy flavour.
Every Thursday at 9 pm, they also host karaoke nights, which are always a laugh – and no, you don’t have to stick to Polish 80s hits. 😉 I wouldn’t want to live in that era, but popping into No To Cyk is such a fun way to experience a bit of it. I’ve brought loads of guests here over the years, including my mum, and everyone’s loved it. It’s a proper Gdańsk classic, and a must-visit while you’re in town.
Wiśniewski
Now for a place my friends and I always seem to end up at. If you’re indecisive by nature and never quite know what to order, you’re in luck – this spot only serves one thing. 😉 They specialise in cherry liqueur, and your only decision is how to have it: cold, warm, or as a spritz. You can even have it served in a little chocolate shot cup, which instantly reminded me of drinking Port in Porto!
Over the years, it’s been the backdrop for many a heart-to-heart with my girls, and somehow the fact that it’s standing-room only never seems to bother us. Their neon sign says it’s “the cure for everything” – and honestly, they’re not wrong. 😉
If you’re visiting during St. Dominic’s Fair or the Gdańsk Christmas Market, you’ll almost always find their stall there too. And if you’re after a gift to take home, their bottles make a lovely little souvenir.
Józef K.
Another place I really enjoy visiting is Józef K. Walking in feels like stepping into your nan’s (or maybe even your great-nan’s) wonderfully quirky living room – think colourful furniture, cosy corners, and all sorts of vintage bits and bobs, including an old telephone switchboard.
Head upstairs and there’s even a suspended platform with a table, which makes for a fun little spot to sit.
I’ve only ever been in the evenings, and I can definitely recommend their amaretto sours – though the menu is massive and packed with interesting options.
However, it’s not just a cocktail bar – it opens at 10 am, so you can pop in for a coffee too. I don’t think they serve breakfast as such, but they do have a selection of cakes, so I imagine it’d be a lovely place to chill with a book. Might have to try that next!
Franca
I’d walked past Franca loads of times on strolls through Gdańsk’s Main City, but only decided to pop in while celebrating my birthday with friends.
Now, if there’s one thing you should know about Polish people, it’s this: if there’s a fruit, we’ll find a way to turn it into a liqueur. If you ever get the chance to try some homemade ones – do it. They’re genuinely the best, and I’m lucky enough to have a mum who’s mastered the art!
If you don’t have a Polish mum (or neighbour / friend) to sort you out, you can always head to Franca – traditional fruit liqueurs are what they do best. You’ll find all sorts of flavours to try, and when the bartender found out it was my birthday, he pulled something from under the counter and wouldn’t tell me what it was until I’d taken the shot. Turns out it had an ABV of 80%! So if you want a proper introduction to Polish boozy traditions, this is the place to go.
You can also scribble a note and stick it to the ceiling, which is such a fun touch – it kind of reminded me of For Sale Pub in Budapest, minus the saloon vibes.
So, there you have it – a list of my current favourite places for a drink in Gdańsk! Which one of these would you like to try the most?
