North GoaEntertainment

Entertainment in North Goa

  1. A

    Shiva Valley

    Shiva Valley is a very popular place for an evening drink, an alternative crowd and the odd impromptu party.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Cine Nacional

    If you’re feeling up for a bit of grim local grime, you’ve found the place at the Nacional. It’s dismal, dark and dank, but with unique appeal if you’re looking for an unforgettable dose of Bollywood. Just make sure you don’t have too much soft drink, as the only filmic quality the toilets possess is their likeness to a certain scene in Trainspotting. Films are shown about four times daily; check at the box office for current screenings.

    reviewed

  3. Languna Anjuna

    Even if the food’s not up to much at languid Laguna Anjuna, its shaded terrace makes a great place for a cold drink – though spray yourself liberally with repellent to avoid becoming food for mosquitoes the size of mice. There’s a pool table inside the mansion-turned-bar for shooting a frame or two, and a sophisticated, old-world feel that makes it a joy to imbibe here.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Hilltop

    Deserted by day, this place comes alive after nightfall, its out-of-town location allowing it on occasion (and for now, at least) to gleefully flout 10pm noise regulations to host concerts, parties and the occasional international DJ. Venture up to the site by day, and wander about until you find someone who’ll tell you what’s on, when.

    reviewed

  5. Casa Vagator

    The Casa Vagator boutique hotel might not be the most serene destination for an evening aperitif (unless, of course, you’ve an equal thirst for second-hand techno) but the decor makes up for the dance music. If you arrive for a nightcap after 10pm, you’ll have the sound of cicadas, rather than clubbers, to keep you company.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Nine Bar

    Once the epicentre of Goa’s trance scene, custom has cooled at the open-air Nine Bar, though the trance still thumps away each evening until it’s turned off promptly at 10pm. On a good night, a trace of parties past can still be found; on bad, its atmosphere is akin to a wedding reception, long after the bride and groom have gone home.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Casa Bela

    A windowless remnant of a mahogany-clad era, the dingy Casa Bela is a good place to escape the Mapusa blather and sip silently on a cold Kingfisher (Rs25). The service is surly, but this only enhances the slightly bizarre charm of this little scrap of days gone by. There’s a simple menu to help wash down the drinks.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Bertsy Bar & Restaurant

    Perfect for a quiet drink and some privacy while you're waiting for a bus. Bertsy's is a relatively spacious hole in the wall that offers a chance to get away from the city fumes. Its tinted door doesn't look too inviting but it's surprisingly wholesome on the inside. Look for the red-brick entrance.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Kala Academy

    On the west side of the city at Campal is Goa’s premier cultural centre, which features a program of dance, theatre, music and art exhibitions throughout the year. Many shows are in Konkani, but there are occasional English-language productions; call to find out what’s on when you’re in town.

    reviewed

  10. H

    Casino Goa

    Aboard a small luxury ship, the MV Caravela, moored at the Panaji jetty, opposite Hotel Mandovi, is India's only live gaming casino - it's a fun night out, particularly if the Russian belly dancers are putting on a show. There's a smart dress code and no children policy.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    Casa Menenez Bar

    One of dozens of down-to-earth drinking holes scattered along the river road and around the Municipal Gardens, this friendly place, opening out onto the street and with just a scattering of plastic tables, is great for grabbing a cool Kingfisher.

    reviewed

  13. J

    Pub

    Don’t be put off by the dingy entrance or stairwell; this place is great for watching the milling market crowds over a cold beer or long glass of feni. Eclectic daily specials (Rs108) include roast beef and goulash with noodles.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Casino Royale

    The newest and largest of Goa’s floating casinos, this upscale floating shrine to all things speculative will have you losing your money all night long. Various age and dress restrictions apply; call to book your slot at the slots.

    reviewed

  15. L

    Top Gear Pub

    A few doors down from Casa Menenez, there’s a tiny, cool, retro bar hidden behind Top Gear’s unassuming doors. Food isn’t served here, so don’t come hungry, but it’s a great place to wet your whistle or whet your appetite.

    reviewed

  16. M

    Primrose Cafe

    Towards the back of Vagator village, this is often where the next party is at. At Primrose the music usually continues till 02:00 or 03:00 (depending on restrictions) under a canopy of psyche-delically painted trees.

    reviewed

  17. N

    Sai Ganesh Fruit Juice Centre

    Offering juices, snacks and lassis, in close proximity to the thickest gusts of charas smoke, this diminutive juice centre is a great place for a vitamin fix and a fascinating spot of people-watching.

    reviewed

  18. O

    INOX Cinema

    This comfortable, plush multiplex cinema shows Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters alike. If you’ve internet access, you can even try your hand at online booking and choose your seats in advance.

    reviewed

  19. P

    Maria’s Tea Stall

    For a quick market shopping stop, look out for teensy Maria’s Tea Stall, selling tasty chai and snacks made by colourful elderly local Maria.

    reviewed

  20. Q

    Outback Bar

    Seafood is a speciality at this nice place tucked away from the Arambol action; it also makes a fantastic spot for a sundown cocktail or two.

    reviewed

  21. R

    Gadhino Bar

    Gadhino Bar, next to Singbal's Book House, is a spit-and-sawdust local bar consisting of two tables and a row of drinks bottles.

    reviewed

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  23. S

    Curlies

    Curlies is a very popular place for an evening drink, an alternative crowd and the odd impromptu party.

    reviewed

  24. T

    Tin Tin Bar & Restaurant

    On the main road down to Vagator Beach, Tin Tin occasionally has live music and is a relaxed place to play pool.

    reviewed

  25. U

    Aces Pub

    Try Aces Pub, opposite Junta House. It's a tiny, two-tier place that's like a little cocktail bar.

    reviewed