Pubs and bars in Gothenburg: a beer night, district by district

If you can’t decide between a restaurant, a pub and a bakery, Poppels is the place. It is all three at once.

‘This is a light-hearted restaurant you should be able to come to often. The focus is on good food, vegetables and sustainability. We use proper Swedish ingredients,’ says cookbook author Johan Björkman, head chef at Poppels Citybryggeri.

Poppels is said to be the world’s largest oak barrel-based pilsner brewery. Behind the glass walls you can see the big oak barrels, and if you like, you can have your own beer tap right at your table.

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In short: pubs and bars in Gothenburg

Start in the centre with Brewers Beer Bar on Magasinsgatan and Poppels Citybryggeri by Hisingsbron. On Ringön, just across the river on Hisingen, are Två Feta Grisar, Ivans Pilsnerbar and Stigbergets’ new brewery bar. Stigbergets Shangri-La in Majorna is the classic.

Our first choice for a beer night: Clarion Hotel Draken at Järntorget, with Linnégatan and Majorna right outside. See available rooms at Clarion Hotel Draken

The centre: Magasinsgatan and Hisingsbron

Brewers Beer Bar

Brewers from Gothenburg opened the first bar on Tredje Långgatan, and in 2018 a sister bar followed at Magasinsgatan 3. The taps lean towards local beer, from pilsner to barrel-aged stout, and the pizza is made with sourdough. Ask for a taster before you decide. It gets lively from the afternoon, so come early if you want a table.

Poppels Citybryggeri

Poppels Citybryggeri is at Vikingsgatan 1, in the Platinan building by Hisingsbron, and seats 170. Large glass walls show off the oak barrels, and some of the beer is only sold here. The kitchen gives vegetables plenty of space, so it is worth coming for lunch. The brewery also runs tours with tastings, which you book on the restaurant’s website.

Majorna: Stigbergets’ home ground

Stigbergets Shangri-La

From the outside, it is hard to believe this is a bar. Pallets and planks are stacked against the wall, and it looks more like an industrial unit than a night spot. Inside it is rustic, with lots of round tables, bunting and a disco ball on the ceiling, and guests of all ages.

This is where Stigbergets Bryggeri used to be, and of course it is Stigbergets beer on tap. The bar is on Gamla Varvsgatan, close to the Maritime Museum & Aquarium. The kitchen serves small dishes that change with the season.

Ringön: beer taps in the warehouses

Ringön is an old industrial area on Hisingen, where workshops and boat sheds have become breweries, bars and small fashion labels. Take the tram or bus across the river to Frihamnen and walk the last stretch.

Två Feta Grisar

‘Here you get good beer, and you should order a plank of different samples,’ Eva Lehmann, a unit manager at Göteborg & Co, told Picolo in 2023. Två Feta Grisar at Stenkolsgatan 15 brews its own beer, and you can book a brewery tour with a tasting, where a guide tells you about the craft.

Ivans Pilsnerbar

‘This is the coolest place in Gothenburg. It’s very special, absolutely crazy inside. Special, but also incredibly nice,’ said Eva. Ivans Pilsnerbar at Järnmalmsgatan 4 is known for its interior, with plants everywhere and bright colours on the tablecloths and walls. The formula is pasta, pilsner and electronic music, with beer from local breweries on tap.

Stigbergets Bryggan

Stigbergets has built a new brewery with a bar and taproom at Stålverksgatan 2, where much of its beer is now brewed. In summer you can sit by the water. Check the opening hours before you go, as the bar is not open every day.

The archipelago: beer with sea air

Hönö is one of the largest islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. In summer, M/S Kungsö sails from Stenpiren, and the rest of the year you take the bus and ferry via Lilla Varholmen. Eat seafood at Tullhuset in Klåva and ask for local beer.

Hönö is home to Hönö Ölagille, a non-profit association of home brewers. Some of their recipes have been brewed by local breweries and ended up at Systembolaget, the state-run alcohol retailer. Further north is Björkö, where Jonas Barlind started Barlind Beer in spring 2015. The brewery has a bar and taproom, and for many that is reason enough to take the ferry.

Where to stay for a beer night

The bars are spread from Magasinsgatan to Majorna and Ringön. Choose your hotel by where you think the evening will end.

Clarion Hotel Draken: high above Järntorget

The tower at Järntorget has a restaurant and bar on the top floor with views over the harbour, and a classic cinema in the building. Linnégatan and Tredje Långgatan are right outside, and Shangri-La in Majorna is a short tram ride away. A good fit if you want the evening within walking distance and breakfast with a view.

Book your stay: See available rooms at Clarion Hotel Draken

Clarion Hotel The Pier: on Hisingen

Clarion Hotel The Pier is on Lindholmen, with the restaurant Fei and three bars in the building. Ringön and Två Feta Grisar are on the same side of the river, so you don’t have to cross back to the centre after the last round. A good fit if you want somewhere modern by the water, with Ringön as your neighbourhood.

Book your stay: See available rooms at Clarion Hotel The Pier

Comfort Hotel Göteborg: for the archipelago boats

Comfort Hotel Göteborg is on Skeppsbroplatsen, right by Stenpiren, where the boats leave for the archipelago in summer. The rooms are simple, the price is lower than at its neighbours in the centre, and the rooftop bar Taket looks out over the harbour entrance. A good fit if you are spending the day on Hönö and just need a good bed and breakfast before the boat leaves.

Book your stay: See available rooms at Comfort Hotel Göteborg

Planning a longer trip? Read our guide to things to do in Gothenburg and see the ten best hotels in Gothenburg.

Frequently asked questions about pubs and bars in Gothenburg

Where is the best place for a pub night in Gothenburg?

It depends on the evening. The centre has Brewers Beer Bar on Magasinsgatan and Poppels Citybryggeri by Hisingsbron, and Majorna has Stigbergets Shangri-La. Ringön on Hisingen brings together Två Feta Grisar, Ivans Pilsnerbar and Stigbergets’ new brewery bar. Linnégatan and Tredje Långgatan suit an evening on foot.

What is Poppels Citybryggeri?

Poppels Citybryggeri at Vikingsgatan 1 by Hisingsbron is a restaurant, pub and brewery in one, and is said to be the world’s largest oak barrel-based pilsner brewery. You can see the barrels behind the glass walls, and you can have your own beer tap at the table.

How do you get to Ringön?

Take the tram or bus across the Göta älv to the Frihamnen stop and walk from there. Ringön is an old industrial area on Hisingen, and the bars and breweries are within a 10 to 15-minute walk of the stop.

What is Stigbergets Shangri-La?

Stigbergets Shangri-La is a bar and restaurant on Gamla Varvsgatan in Majorna, in the premises where Stigbergets Bryggeri used to be. From outside it looks like an industrial unit, but inside there are round tables, bunting and Stigbergets beer on tap.

Where should I stay for a beer night in Gothenburg?

Clarion Hotel Draken at Järntorget is close to Linnégatan and Majorna. Clarion Hotel The Pier on Lindholmen is on the same side of the river as Ringön, and Comfort Hotel Göteborg, right by Stenpiren, suits you if you are heading to the archipelago the next day.

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