Cold pints and good times at the 5 best bars in Malta
There’s truly something to be said about Malta’s nightlife. When heading out, I often find myself choosing between a rowdy club or a classy bar—and I always go for the latter.
Bars are great places to have a couple of pints with strangers or friends. These are classier spots that focus on good drinks and enjoyable conversations rather than purely partying.
I love going out, which is why I’ve put together my list of the best bars in Malta. I’m sure that with my list, anyone can have a wonderful time while enjoying their drinks.
How much do bars in Malta charge for alcohol?
A pint of beer in Malta typically costs around €3.50 to €6, while a cocktail is around €9 to €14. These don’t account for the cost of other inclusions, such as entertainment facilities and potential entrance fees.
1. Happy Dayz Shack
Address: Xatt ta Spinola, St Julian’s
Contact Details: +356 2709 9528
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
After a long day at Spinola Bay, many locals and expats find themselves at Happy Dayz Shack. This is certainly the best place to hang out in St. Julian. The vibes here are comforting and welcoming, with a laid-back atmosphere with some great views.
It’s great that they have a selection of local and international beers (classic lagers like Cisk, Heineken, Corona, etc.). They also offer a curated wine list featuring white wines, Prosecco, and more.
I appreciate that they have several tasty finger foods and dishes here, such as pumpkin soup and burritos. In the mornings, they also serve great coffee and warming tea.
Notable amenities include free Wi-Fi and live music from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. While the location itself is fairly hidden, I find it adds to its charm, as it’s secluded from the city’s hustle and bustle and the beach.
I often head here during the weekends, where they have Brazilian and reggae nights. These events are jam-packed full of clientele and are some of the best nights I’ve had in Malta.
A very funky and atmospheric bar at the edge of the harbour
“A very funky and atmospheric bar at the edge of the harbour. Very reasonably priced drinks and attracts a vibrant clientel. Great spot for drinking with a. Group of friends.”
– David Ashton-Hollis, Google Review
Made us feel like regulars from the second we walked in
“Great atmosphere and mega friendly staff. Made us feel like regulars from the second we walked in. 10/10. 100% coming back! Thanks Maria! 🙌”
– Stefan Hellberg, Google Review
2. The Thirsty Barber
Address: Triq Ball, San Ġiljan
Contact Details: +356 9965 3012
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Inspired by the 1920s, The Thirsty Barber is one of the most popular bars in San Ġiljan. The overall aesthetic is a mix of a barber shop and a speakeasy, and it truly lives up to its name.
I love that they have their own selection of unique cocktails, offering a unique experience each time. Additionally, mocktails are available for guests, which I find rare in Malta.
The signature drink here has to be the French 75, which combines the heat of gin with the refreshing nature of sparkling wine. I’d also go for the bee’s knees, which has gin and honey, offering a sweet hint.
While I was disappointed that they only had nuts and nachos for snacks, this bar doesn’t really feel like a place for snacking. Besides, the drink selection makes the entire place worth it.
The place fills up quickly, so online booking and reservations are a must.
This is a very nice, friendly bar offering decent food and wines
“This is a very nice friendly bar offering decent food and wines etc at an afford price compared to other venues we visited. It has a very nice atmosphere and the barman was very polite and helpful. They also have music on certain days of the week. Gay friendly too so give it a try if you are in the area, you won’t be disappointed.”
– Barry Mugadzaweta-Broughton, Google Review
Awesome atmosphere and very curated drinks
“Awesome atmosphere and very curated drinks. We mentioned them it was my birthday and they brought us free shots. I asked for a spicy twist on my margarita and they outdid themselves. Amazing place, very recommended.”
– Debora Marchese, Google Review
3. Hole in the Wall Bar & Cafe
Address: 31 High Street, Tas, 31 High Street, Sliema SLM 1549
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Friday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday to Sunday: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Located in the bustling streets of Sliema, Hole in the Wall transforms from a cafe to a bar throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat or a fancy cocktail, this place is the place to be.
For nearly a 100 years, Hole in the Wall has been serving Maltese and foreigners alike. The bar is also known for the owner’s love for the arts, with several musicians and exhibitions happening throughout the week.
Other notable forms of entertainment include talks and cultural nights, which I found to be great ways for expats to mingle with locals. Additionally, their staff are all from the art community.
Personally, I love the Passoa Sour, which blends passion fruit liqueur with fresh lemon or lime juice. The food here is also exquisite, and I love their hamborghini. While I was disappointed by how long it took, the sandwich was truly worth the wait.
Small spot, but it has a ton of charm
“Small spot but has a ton of charm. The entire wall is covered in hand drawn portraits. Kenshiro from Fiat of the North Star makes an appearance. Cute outdoor seating area too in a quintessentially European little alley. The whole experience was very picturesque and the drinks were great too!”
– Ross Reisman, Google Review
Worth the visit for drinks
“I really enjoy places where they put personality into the atmosphere and this place has nailed it very well 👌 Very nice little bar and stealing everyone’s attention when passing by that tiny pathway to Sliema/St. Julians.
Few random photos of the wall below.
Will definitely return back here some time again. Worth the visit for Drinks or few! 🍻”
– Robeley Salminen, Google Review
4. ¡LA LUZ!
Address: 139 Tower Road, Sliema SLM 1604
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
¡LA LUZ! is a lovely little Mexican taqueria and cocktail bar located in the heart of Sliema.
Established in 2019, they blend Mexico’s unique flavours into all their menu items. These result in interesting and tasty flavour combinations that are quirky and full of life.
I personally love that they use local juices and fruits for their drinks. However, due to this, their drink selection is quite limited. Despite this, I always crave their Coño Margarita, since it tastes like a roasted marshmallow.
Aside from drinks, they offer a variety of delectable, flavourful tacos.
Customers can also host private parties or throw corporate events at their location. Events here are truly memorable, especially with how colourful and grand the decor is.
The overall vibe is simply comforting and cosy, and there are even images of Jesus and Mary scattered throughout.
The food is authentic and absolutely delicious
“La Luz has such an amazing atmosphere! The bartenders are warm and friendly and make the whole experience, which instantly made us feel welcome. The food is authentic and absolutely delicious, and the drinks are both unique and creative, each one different from the last. The décor is vibrant and fun, adding to the overall charm of the place. It was the perfect spot to relax, have great conversations, and enjoy our night out.
Will definitely be coming back”
– Agnes Hodgson, Google Review
A perfect spot for a relaxed evening or a special night out
“The atmosphere was absolutely amazing — unique, cozy, and full of character. The cocktails were not only beautifully presented but also tasted incredible. A perfect spot for a relaxed evening or a special night out. Highly recommend!”
– Gizem Gündoğdu, Google Review
5. Juuls
Address: St Joseph Street 8 STJ08, San Ġiljan
Contact Details: +356 7710 5686
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday, Tuesday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Unlike other locations, Juuls is an open, rustic bar that combines classic and contemporary Maltese aesthetics. Established in 2008, the bar spread good vibes and cosy aesthetics that you can’t find anywhere else in St. Julian’s.
A notable aspect of the bar is that it’s one of the few LGBT+ friendly places in Malta, which is great for expats looking for a safe space in the bustling island. Additionally, they play reggae music continuously, which makes clients dance to the beat.
The Drunken Monkey is my go-to cocktail here for its sweetness and tanginess. Additionally, they sell Sangria and Prosecco for those looking for a classier drink.
They also sell several Caribbean dishes, such as Jerk Chicken and Jammin’s Soup. Additionally, there’s a Maltese Platter that pairs perfectly with the previously mentioned wines.
Still, I wish the portion sizes were a tad bigger, but the food is overall fantastic.
I swear to god that’s my favourite place in Malta
“I swear to god thats my favorite place in malta, whenever we want to drink we come here to chill and gossip a bit 🩷 staff is perfect, friendly and polite, especially Ved 🤭💅🏼 love ya, next time do staff discount for us, coz we are here almost every day 😂🧸🤭we need some loyalty card”
– Qetevan Arabuli, Google Review
Very fun drinks menu and nice decor
“Cute spot!
Very fun drinks menu and nice decor – reggae vibes. Service was friendly and quick and the drinks were strong and tasty!!!
Would recommend <3
We had strawberry daiquiri, passion fruit caipirinha, pina colada and a vodka red bull :P”
– Indya, Google Review