Warsaw’s cocktail culture has evolved into one of Europe’s most refined. Behind the city’s neoclassical façades and contemporary skyline lies a thriving world of mixology, where craftsmanship meets creativity and hospitality feels like an art form. From hidden speakeasies to opulent hotel lounges, these are the best bars in Warsaw right now — curated for those who appreciate the finer side of nightfall.

BackRoom — Warsaw’s Hidden Gem of Craft Mixology

Address: ul. Koszykowa 63, 00-667 Warsaw

Discreetly located behind a nondescript entrance, BackRoom is an insider’s secret. It embodies the speakeasy spirit with moody lighting, intimate tables, and a team of bartenders who treat every cocktail like a narrative. Expect refined service, a relaxed soundtrack, and exceptional drinks that showcase both global technique and local inspiration.

Signature Sip: Smoked Plum Manhattan — rye whiskey, Polish plum reduction, and oak smoke, served tableside with quiet ceremony.

Long Bar at Raffles Europejski Warsaw — Timeless Elegance in a Legendary Hotel

Address: Hotel Raffles Europejski, ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 13, 00-071 Warsaw

Inside one of the city’s most historic hotels, the Long Bar channels old-world glamour with a modern edge. Inspired by its Singaporean counterpart, it’s the epitome of polish and precision. Patrons sip under high ceilings and marble counters while live jazz softly hums in the background.

Don’t Miss: The Warsaw Sling — a refined nod to the classic, featuring Polish vodka, cherry liqueur, and herbal bitters for a distinctly local twist.

Klar — Scandinavian Minimalism Meets Polish Spirit

Address: ul. Wilcza 8, 00-532 Warsaw

Klar is an exercise in elegant restraint. The décor is minimalist, the atmosphere calm, and the drinks exceptionally balanced. The bar’s philosophy focuses on clean, seasonal flavors — perfect for travelers who appreciate design and detail in equal measure.

Must Try: Nordic Negroni — gin infused with spruce tips, Polish vermouth, and wildflower honey from the Mazovia region.

Kita Koguta — The Heartbeat of Warsaw’s Cocktail Scene

Address: ul. Krucza 6/14, 00-950 Warsaw

Lively, inventive, and quintessentially Warsaw, Kita Koguta is the city’s original cocktail institution. It’s where bartenders experiment, locals gather, and visitors discover the capital’s contemporary spirit. Expect warm hospitality, creative energy, and an evolving cocktail list that reflects the seasons.

Top Pick: Koguta Sour — a playful, balanced mix of seasonal fruit, local honey, and housemade syrups.

El Koktel — Speakeasy Sophistication Beneath the City Streets

Address: ul. Wspólna 57, 00-684 Warsaw

Descend a few steps from street level and enter El Koktel, a speakeasy that feels like a well-kept secret. With velvet seating, soft jazz, and candlelight glinting off glassware, this subterranean bar delivers cinematic atmosphere and world-class cocktails. The menu changes often but always prioritizes precision and storytelling in the glass.

Editor’s Choice: Lavender Martini — vodka, dry vermouth, and lavender bitters for a floral, elegant finish.

The Takeaway

Warsaw’s bar scene rivals that of London or Berlin, yet remains refreshingly authentic. Whether you’re savoring a smoked cocktail at BackRoom, toasting under chandeliers at Raffles Europejski, or winding down with locals at Kita Koguta, each venue tells a distinct story of the city’s evolution — one glass at a time.

For the discerning traveler, Warsaw is Europe’s next great cocktail capital — sophisticated, unexpected, and endlessly rewarding.