Nightlife
15 Best Bars in Tbilisi: From Dive Bars to Speakeasies
Discover Tbilisi's best bars, from chacha dives to hidden speakeasies. My local picks for cocktails, craft beer, and late-night fun in Georgia's capital.
I've spent way too many late nights bouncing between Tbilisi's bars - from sticky-floored dives serving 2 GEL shots to moody speakeasies where bartenders craft cocktails with matsoni and tkemali. The city's drinking scene is scrappy, creative, and wildly affordable. Whether you're after cheap chacha with strangers or a perfectly balanced cocktail in a basement you'll never find twice, these are my 15 favorite spots.
15 Best Bars in Tbilisi
1. Crossroads Bar
Crossroads has become the unofficial living room for Tbilisi's expat community, and for good reason. This social bar draws a genuinely mixed crowd of locals, travelers, and long-term residents who show up for quiz nights, karaoke, expat meetups, and whatever other themed night is on the calendar. The vibe is decidedly unpretentious - think friendly chaos rather than polished cocktail service.
In addition to an impressive cocktail menu with over 50 drinks, the bar’s also famous for it’s atmosphere. Things pick up around 9-10 PM, and the central location makes it a solid starting point before wandering into the old town. It's the kind of place where you'll end up chatting with strangers and making plans for the rest of the night.
Address: 30 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi
2. Ambavi
Finding Ambavi is half the fun. Look for an unmarked door on the second floor of a residential building near Freedom Square - there's no sign, just a door you'd walk past a hundred times without noticing. Inside, you'll find two rooms (one smoking, one not) filled with people who've figured out the secret.
The cocktail menu is short but creative, and prices are surprisingly reasonable for a speakeasy. The intimate setting means you're probably going to end up talking to whoever's sitting next to you. It's one of those places that feels like a local secret even after you've found it.
Address: 12 Galaktion Tabidze St (2nd Floor), Tbilisi
Hours: Mon-Thu & Sun 7PM-2AM, Fri-Sat 7PM-4AM
3. Tsota Tsota
This is where Tbilisi's craft beer nerds hang out. Tsota Tsota is the taproom for Megobrebi Brewery, and they pour a rotating selection that includes New England IPAs, stouts, and whatever experimental batch they've been working on. If you're tired of generic lager, this is your spot.
The burgers here are legendary - big, messy, and exactly what you want after a few pints. The space has a casual neighborhood feel, with locals dropping in after work. Book ahead on weekends or you'll be waiting.
Address: 7/20 Geronti Kikodze St, Tbilisi (Old Town)
Hours: Daily 4PM-1AM (until 2AM Fri-Sat)
4. Chacha Time
If you're coming to Georgia and not trying chacha, you're doing it wrong. Chacha Time stocks over 40 varieties of the grape spirit plus 25+ chacha-based cocktails. Start with a tasting set of five shots to figure out your preference before committing to a full drink.
The kitchen serves fusion dishes that blend Georgian and Slavic influences - solid drinking food. The space has high ceilings and a slightly lofty atmosphere, which makes it feel more refined than your average shot bar. It's become my go-to spot for introducing visitors to Georgia's national drink.
Address: 5 Geronti Kikodze St, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 2PM-2AM
5. Warsawa
This tiny Polish-themed bar is Tbilisi at its most chaotic. The walls are plastered with 1980s Polish newspapers featuring Solidarity union coverage, and there's a basement room with wine if you need a break from the mayhem upstairs.
Warsawa gets packed, loud, and sweaty. People spill onto the street with drinks in hand. It's been running since 2014 and remains one of the best places to start (or end) a night out. Try the Chachachelo - their signature shot of chacha with lemon.
Address: 19 Aleksandr Pushkin St, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 12PM-4AM
6. Fabrika
Fabrika isn't just a bar - it's an entire cultural complex built inside a former Soviet sewing factory. The courtyard hosts multiple venues, cafes, and bars spread across different spaces, all covered in street art. You could spend an entire evening here just wandering.
Some standouts include Moulin Electrique for drinks and Camora (which doubles as a barbershop). The crowd skews toward digital nomads, hostel guests, and locals who appreciate the creative energy. Things get lively around 10 PM on weekends, when the courtyard fills up, and the music gets louder.
Address: 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi
Hours: Varies by venue (courtyard open all day)
7. Nomad's Bar
Speaking of Fabrika, make sure to check out Nomad's Bar directly across the street. This basement spot mixes rock and electronic music with Rick & Morty decor - a combination that somehow works perfectly. The owner, Craig, is a top bro.
They specialize in infused chachas and cocktails, plus a solid Georgian wine selection. The space is cozy and gets intimate on busy nights. It's closed Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Address: 7 Kita Abashidze St (corner with Egnate Ninoshvili), opposite Fabrika
Hours: Tue-Sun 7:30PM-4AM (closed Monday)
8. 41° Art of Drinks
Founded by Roman Milostivy through a crowdfunding campaign, 41° donates 30% of profits to charity and supports young local artists. The menu is handwritten in a notebook that changes every two weeks.
The cocktails incorporate Georgian ingredients you won't find anywhere else - think Golden Fleece (gin, matsoni, tkemali) or Gamlet (gin with tkemali cordial). The bar seats maybe 25 people max, tucked into a brick cellar behind an unmarked metal door. Tell the bartender your preferences and let them surprise you. Forget the menu.
Address: 19 Galaktion Tabidze St, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 7PM-2AM
9. Barbar'a
Barbar'a leans into Art Deco elegance - white interiors with floral touches, a dressed-up crowd, and cocktails that look as good as they taste. The vibe is more sophisticated than most Tbilisi bars, with face control and a 21+ policy.
Friday and Saturday bring DJ parties that keep people dancing late. The fusion kitchen is worth trying if you're hungry. It was a finalist for Best Bar Award 2022, which tells you something about the quality. This is where you go when you want to feel a bit fancy.
Address: 33 Kote Afkhazi St (2nd Floor), Tbilisi
Hours: Tue-Sun 6PM-3AM (closed Monday)
10. Gin Corner
Tbilisi's first dedicated gin bar stocks over 250 premium gins, including Georgian brands like Malamo and their house gin called Ethno. The space is tiny - maybe 15 people max - which means bartenders craft everything right in front of you.
They don't serve food, so come ready to drink. The focus is entirely on gin, from classics to obscure bottles you won't find elsewhere. If you get hooked, they have a second location called House of Juniper in the Chugureti neighborhood.
Address: 1 Arutin Saiatnova St, Old Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 7PM-2AM
11. Secret Place
Secret Place is part bar, part cultural center, part punk venue. Run as a DIY horizontal collective with an anti-discrimination policy, it spreads across three floors plus a courtyard shaded by grapevines. The vegan kitchen is solid, and the atmosphere is alternative in the best sense.
The basement hosts live concerts and doubles as a rehearsal space. Check their schedule for movie nights and markets. Happy hour runs Wednesday through Friday until 8 PM with 20% off, and Wednesday is Cheap Meal day for budget-conscious drinkers.
Address: 32 Anton Purtseladze St, Tbilisi
Hours: Wed-Thu 6PM-12AM, Fri-Sun 6PM-1AM
12. Karada
Another speakeasy tucked into a cozy basement near Kashveti Church. Karada specializes in signature cocktails, whiskey, and a mezcal selection that rivals any bar in town. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate - perfect for actual conversation rather than shouting over music.
The bartenders here are excellent and happy to guide you through the menu. It's pet-friendly if you're traveling with a dog, and the price point sits around 40-60 GEL per person. A solid choice when you want something more low-key.
Address: 19 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Hours: Check Instagram @karadatbilisi
13. RudeBoy Bar
RudeBoy sits near Liberty Square with clever modular windows that create an indoor-outdoor hybrid space. The punk aesthetic meets modern design, and they run their own brewery serving craft beer alongside strong cocktails - the margaritas are particularly good.
The kitchen focuses on Italian food, especially Pinza - their signature oval pizza made with lighter dough than traditional versions. It's a great spot for afternoon drinks that accidentally turn into dinner.
Address: 9 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi
Hours: Sun-Thu 3PM-1AM, Fri-Sat 3PM-2AM
14. L'ado
L'ado by Valiko Mansion occupies a gorgeous old house on Lado Gudiashvili Square. The vibe lands somewhere between vintage mansion and chill rave - red lighting, eclectic art, electronic music, and four different rooms including an outdoor terrace. If one space is too loud, find another.
The cocktail program is strong, with bartenders who actually know their stuff. Try the Yellow Mellow, Gin Garden, or Hello Peachy if you want something refreshing. Things shift into club mode on weekends with DJs and a small cover after 11 PM. It's 23+ entry.
Address: 1 Abo Tbileli St, Lado Gudiashvili Square, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 6PM-2AM (until 4-5AM weekends)
Cover: Free before 11PM, 20 GEL after
15. Process Bar
Process occupies a heritage building on Lado Asatiani Street, blending vintage interiors with a jukebox that lets you control the soundtrack. The menu features local wines, craft beer, and signature cocktails - try the one with pineapple and melon.
Board games are scattered around for groups who want to linger. The summer terrace offers great people-watching. It's the kind of neighborhood bar that feels like a local secret but welcomes everyone. Staff are chatty and happy to recommend something off-menu.
Address: 33 Lado Asatiani St, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 5PM-2AM
Phone: +995 599 06 95 53
FAQ
What time do bars open in Tbilisi?
Most Tbilisi bars open between 5-7 PM, though some casual spots open earlier for afternoon drinks. The city's drinking culture runs late - many places stay open until 2-4 AM on weekends, and you'll find crowds arriving after 10 PM.
Is Tbilisi nightlife expensive?
Tbilisi nightlife is remarkably affordable compared to Western Europe. Expect to pay around 8-15 GEL for a beer and 20-35 GEL for cocktails at most bars. Dive bars like Warsawa serve drinks for as little as 2 GEL.
What is chacha and where should I try it?
Chacha is Georgia's traditional grape spirit, similar to Italian grappa but with its own character. Chacha Time is the best dedicated spot in Tbilisi, offering 40+ varieties plus chacha-based cocktails. Always try a tasting flight before committing to a full bottle.
Are there speakeasy bars in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi has several speakeasy-style bars worth seeking out. Ambavi requires finding an unmarked door on the second floor of a residential building. 41° Art of Drinks hides behind a metal door with no signage. Karada operates in a basement near Freedom Square.
What's the dress code for Tbilisi bars?
Most Tbilisi bars have no dress code - casual attire works almost everywhere. A few upscale spots like Barbar'a maintain face control and prefer a slightly dressed-up look, but jeans and a decent shirt will get you into 95% of venues.
Is it safe to walk around Tbilisi at night?
Tbilisi is generally safe at night, especially in central areas like Old Town and near Fabrika. The usual precautions apply - stick to well-lit streets, watch your belongings, and use Bolt for longer distances late at night.
Do bars in Tbilisi accept credit cards?
Most bars accept credit cards, though some smaller venues and dive bars remain cash-only. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city. Carrying some cash is always a good backup, especially at places like Warsawa.
Where do locals drink in Tbilisi?
Locals spread across the city depending on their vibe. Younger crowds favor Fabrika and the surrounding area. Wine lovers head to spots in Sololaki. For a neighborhood bar feel with minimal tourists, try Process Bar or Tsota Tsota in the old town.
What are the best cocktail bars in Tbilisi?
41° Art of Drinks is widely considered the best cocktail bar in Georgia, with Georgian-inspired ingredients and a constantly changing menu. L'ado and Barbar'a also serve excellent cocktails in stylish settings. Gin Corner specializes exclusively in gin-based drinks.
Can I smoke inside bars in Tbilisi?
Georgia has relaxed smoking laws, and many bars allow smoking inside or have designated smoking areas. Ambavi has separate smoking and non-smoking rooms. If you prefer smoke-free environments, ask before settling in or stick to outdoor terraces.
Final Thoughts
Tbilisi rewards those who wander. Your best night out might start with cheap chacha at Warsawa, detour through Fabrika's courtyard, and end at some basement speakeasy you found by accident. The city's bar scene mixes affordability with creativity in ways that bigger cities have lost. Skip the hotel bar and get properly lost - that's where the good stuff happens.
