Marrakesh is not necessarily known for its drinking scene; the majority of restaurants in the city won’t offer a wine list with your menu. However, this doesn’t mean your visit has to be totally dry. The red city’s confluence of themed bars, smoky pubs, and rooftop getaways means this cosmopolitan desert wonderland can indeed quench your thirst.
Whether you’ve managed to sweat through several shirts ambling through the medina, just emerged from a particularly intense haggling session, or simply want to wash away the ever-present taste of mint tea, a few local and imported beers as well as the odd cocktail are usually not too far away.
Barometre
The only experimental mixology place in town, Barometre is a must-visit in Marrakesh. Due to a limited selection of local spirits, the team creates its own infusions that go into their adventurous signature cocktails. The venue has a speakeasy vibe, partly due to its entrance behind a giant letter ‘B,’ which leads you underground past two large doors. Friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking bartenders guide you through the experience. Not only is Barometre known for its unique cocktails, but the beers on tap and the restaurant also come highly recommended.
Café du Livre
Hidden through the doorway to the Hotel Toulousian, Café du Livre has cocktails written on a central board with secondhand books scattered around a cozy lounge area. Comfortable seating in an ambient blue makes it an excellent spot to relax and sip your drink. If you’re still buzzing from shopping in Gueliz, the café gets lively in the evenings with happy hours from 6 pm to 8 pm, especially on weekends with live music. Additionally, the café hosts a trivia night every Monday, appealing to English speakers seeking some camaraderie.
La Table Espagnole
One of Marrakesh’s Spanish-themed bars, La Table Espagnole provides an opportunity to enjoy live music while savoring tapas. If food isn’t the main focus, you can get beers by the bucketful, along with the usual bottled options, all served by attentive staff. The atmosphere grows more vibrant later in the evening, moving from Latin-pop tunes to Moroccan favorites.
Lila Bar
Escape the Carre Eden shopping mall to a bar located just above. The Radisson Blu hotel features Lila Bar on its second floor, providing a mini-haven from the bustling crowds outside while blocking the constant traffic of Ave Mohammed V. This bar features a live band playing covers of popular English pop hits as bartenders mix cocktails and serve beers. Popular among well-heeled locals and older expats, the bar remains relatively calm. There’s also a terrace for enjoyable evenings during the pleasant autumn and spring months.
Nuphar Bar
Found inside the Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura, Nuphar Bar is a discreet hotel bar that offers good service and a fair spirits selection—something not always easy to find in Morocco. Just a 10-minute walk from Djemaa El Fna, it provides a peaceful refuge after the nighttime hustle and bustle of the square. While prices are on the higher side (even by Moroccan standards), the upscale environment comes as no surprise. Nearby crunchy wasabi peas and spiced wheat balls offer one of the better bar snack selections in the area.
L’Auberge Espagnole
Looking for a louder atmosphere? Perhaps there’s a football game on and you want to enjoy the full experience? Another Spanish-themed bar and restaurant with tapas, L’Auberge Espagnole can be found just down the road from Barometre. Here, a lively crowd gathers in the evenings, with sports channels displaying games on televisions throughout the venue. The draft beer is reasonably priced, and the friendly, multilingual staff makes the atmosphere inviting—albeit loud, making hand signals your best option for communication.
Chesterfield Pub
A hotel bar unlike any other, Chesterfield Pub offers a darker, smokier atmosphere that may not be for everyone. If you’re searching for a cozy spot to escape the intense Marrakesh sun while chatting with friends in large, comfy chairs, this British-themed pub is your destination. When the weather permits, you can even take your half-litre Flag Speciale outside on the patio for a calm respite beside the small hotel pool.
Kosybar
Located just a short walk from Djemaa El Fna, Kosybar is one of the prime spots in the Old City to enjoy a drink. With a sushi menu and pulsating ambient music that sometimes features live soul performances with audience participation, it sets a lively tone. The three floors of Kosybar extend up to an extra terrace level, offering stunning views of the city lights. Although the mixology might lean heavily on the blender, a respectable selection of bottled beers is available to help you cool off in the pleasant nighttime breeze.
