Södermalm's best bars

Hernö Gin Bar boasts 200 square metres of gin experiences right next to Slussen. They serve ambitious cocktails made from different varieties of Hernö Gin, along with small plates with Swedish flavours. The historic building houses a restaurant and cocktail bar on the top floor and a cosy bar and tasting venue downstairs.

The impressive views are as much of a draw as the exciting drinks selection at Freyja, the Stureplansgruppen restaurant group's first foray into Södermalm. The wine list is created by sommelier Ellen Franzén, whose ambition is to offer something to suit all palettes, whether you prefer punchy natural wines or more traditional bottles. Drinks and cocktails are shaken and stirred in the bar, where Swedish flavours mix with aromatics from all corners of the world.  

Historic Riche's sister restaurant on Götgatan is a lively drop-in bar oozing simplicity and spontaneity. Drink wines, beers and delicious cocktails with or without alcohol. The bar in right in the centre of the Riche Fenix art gallery, which gives the evening a unique and interesting backdrop.

This historic beer hall by Björns trädgårds park draws in football fans, club kids, beer aficionados and hungry guests alike, year in and year out. You can always count on a lively atmosphere, a friendly bar scene and classic Swedish homecooking in the dining room. Kvarnen also has an outdoor dining area which is open all year round.

Beer aficionados who used to have to travel to Copenhagen to satisfy their cravings for Mikkeller's beer can now head to Brahegatan, where the Danish brewery's own beers are served by the bottle and on tap. If you get peckish, you'll also find smörrebröd on the menu. 

Come along to Stigbergets Fot when you're in the mood for experimental craft beer, burgers and other streetfood. They serve 20 different kinds of beer on tap, many of which come from Stigberg's own brewery in Gothenburg, along with own-imported wines which are also served from the bar's unique tap system. 

Akkurat, set a few metres back from Hornsgatan, has been drawing in visitors with their whiskey and beer selection since the Nineties. As well as 28 different kinds of beer from small breweries on tap and by the bottle, you can also try their own beer, which is only served on site, or book in for a beer or whisky tasting.

Thirsty guests of all ages flock to this rock bar for post-work drinks, dinner or just a few beers with pals. The spacious premises have space for even the largest of parties and the generous opening hours mean you can stay all night, right into the small hours.

In the old library on Medborgarplatsen, you'll find bars, a restaurant, a stage, and events space spread across three floors. Their award-winning cocktail bar exudes beautifully preserved Art Deco style and next to the entrance on Medborgarplatsen, there's also a pub with a vast selection of draught beers as well as whiskies, tequilas, and rums from around the world.

Their own-brewed fun beers and creative pizzas combine at award-winning microbrewery Omnipollos hatt a stone's throw from Slussen. They welcome die-hard beer nerds and novices alike to sample IPAs, stouts and “fruit taps” in an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere. 

At Florentine, Basta's sister restaurant, you're welcomed into a glamorous environment reminiscent of Italian films from the 70s. This dining room at this colourful trattoria a few steps from Medborgarplatsen houses a large cocktail bar. In true Italian spirit, the drinks menu includes several spritzes, classics such as negronis and Italian wines, as well as Florentine's own signature cocktails with flavourings such as bergamot, mascarpone and almond.
 

Together with the Salomonsson Literary Agency, restaurateur Kenneth Hallström runs The Hills, a restaurant and bar where both food and drink are French-inspired. Raise a glass of both classic and slightly more unusual wines, or sip on a signature cocktail or digestif. On particularly festive occasions, bubbly and oysters are always a good idea.

This lounge-inspired bar and restaurant in the heart of Södermalm serves tapas and cocktails in laid-back surroundings. Sit back and relax in one of the comfy armchairs and sip on a cocktail, a glass of bubbles or wine. 

Since opening in 2010, Fotografiska has become one of the capital's most popular museums. But lots of visitors come here just for the restaurant and bar. Both have a strong sustainable philosophy and seasonal ingredients take centre stage. Expect organic non-alcoholic drinks, Nordic beers and selected wines.

Sofia Common on Nytorget is infused with Mexican and American influences. Enjoy lunch and dinner here, or order cocktails made with gin, mezcal, and tequila. Enjoy an after-work drink at the bar during happy hour with special prices for margaritas and cold beer.

In the super-hot area between Folkungagatan and Bondegatan, Bar Afterglow offers an exclusive cocktail experience with a cosy neighbourhood bar feel. The fact that it's run by none other than award-winning bartender Josephine Sondlo and Jack Parker says a lot about the level of ambition.The charmingly pastel venue is equally well thought-out.

Lykke Kaffegårdar, in Café String's former premises on Nytorget, serves everything from coffee to small dishes, craft beer, natural wine and creative cocktails. Drink cocktails made from ingredients such as fermented strawberries, espresso or hibiscus. DJs spin vinyl here each week.

This gin bar produces their own spirits in the distillery next door, Stockholms Bränneri. The restaurant serves seasonal cocktails with Nordic flavours along with dishes in the same style. A recurring theme is keeping things local, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Bar Ninja is a popular watering hole for Södermalm's oenophiles in general, and natural wine enthusiasts in particular. Glasses are filled with artisanal wine in all possible colours, selected by the importer Wine Trade. The menu also contains an ever-changing range of snacks and smaller dishes.

You could describe Urban Deli on Nytorget as a second living room for Södermalm locals. A great place to hang out from morning till night, and don't be surprised if you bump into the odd Swedish celeb there. Their Post Bar serves natural wine, craft beer and seasonal food.

Bistro Bananas are perhaps best known for their Neapolitan pizza, but they also have a bar where they serve beer on tap, some unusual wines and cocktails. If you want additional drink options to choose from, or just want to go on a mini bar crawl, you can pop around the corner to the Bakficka. Cocktails are in the spotlight there, with smaller snacks playing a supporting role.

If you're craving something really tasty to go with your cocktail, head to Bar Ubu. They serve up hearty sandwiches in the form of baguettes with all kinds of fillings. In addition to cocktails, you can also order cava and other selected drinks here. 

There's plenty of room at Liberdade close to Nytorget if you fancy swinging by for a glass. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail in unique surroundings with greenery, cushions, mosaics and subtle lighting. DJs spin the decks a few times a week, enhancing the modern bistro tone.

At Demi food bar, they might serve half-size portions but they're completely delicious. Choose several different dishes and sample some of each. They put a great deal of effort here into creating a good wine list with selected wines from small-scale producers. Which bottles they uncork on any given day depends on what's on the menu for the week.

The wine list at Alba is focused on small-scale natural wines, beers and ciders with fun and slightly quirky labels. There's always a party atmosphere in the small bar and, under the guidance of wine connoisseur Artur Amoghli, staff are happy to give you an unpretentious and personal guided tour through the wine jungle.

Filip Fastén and Joel Åhlin's hip Vasastan restaurant Agrikultur has a Södermalm sister, this mini restaurant on Nytorget. They serve their own gin brand, craft beer and delicious small dishes, among other things.

A broad, delightfully motley crew of regulars gather round the wooden tables at homely Harvest Home on Bondegatan, drawn in by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The beer selection is extensive and you'll find some rare breweries among the better known bottle labels.

At Vina, the focus is on “honest”, handpicked wines, mainly from France. Drinks are best combined with smaller pintxos and seasonal full and half dishes for those who crave something more filling. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating on Greta Garbo's Torg draw's in the oenophiles of Södermalm.

The bar at this North African restaurant shakes and stirs delicious cocktails with both classic and oriental flavours. If you prefer wine or beer you'll find several options here, as well as digestifs in the form of whisky, rum and cognac. Guests come here from all corners of Stockholm to party to pumping music in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods. 

The wine bar Folii in the eastern part of Södermalm has won numerous awards and been recommended by the New York Times. Drop by for fantastic wines accompanied by the bar's vinyl record player. If you get hungry, their sister sister restaurant Voisine is right next door.

As you might imagine, the yeasted brew plays centre stage at Katarina Ölkafé. There's beer from small breweries on tap and bottled beer comes from local breweries including Tempel Brygghus, Södra Maltfabriken, Fjäderholmarnas bryggeri and Stockholm Brewing Co. If you're hungry the menu includes hearty sandwiches and snacks.

Are you in the mood for Latin American vibes and pisco sours? Then head along to Checa where you can discuss the day with friends or family over a cocktail to a backdrop of music. If you get hungry just order some fresh ceviche. 

Polhem is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to the Södermalm bar scene. Step into a living room where you're greeted by what feel like friends rather than staff. The drinks menu follows classic pub lines, with beers by the bottle and on tap, a couple of wines and several types of whisky.

With a wide selection of beer, cocktails and other drinks, an inviting atmosphere and fun activities such as arcade and board games, Hallen draws in a diverse crowd. They also organise regular music quizzes, DJ performances and other fun events. If you fancy something to eat, you can choose from both small and larger pub classics like nachos and schnitzel.

If you find yourself in Skanstull and fancy a beer, swing by Ölkemi. This combined taproom and nanobrewery focuses on small-scale craft beer, but naturally you can also get a cocktail or a glass of wine here. Detroit-style pizza and bangers and mash are served when your stomach starts to rumble.

With a long bar counter, dark wooden furniture and characteristic floor tiles, the bar at Pelikan bears witness to the tavern's rich history. Here, food and art go hand in hand, and the walls are decorated with works by various artists and creators. In the bar you can enjoy cocktails with Scandinavian flavourings, classic wines and beer in abundance.

Head to "Tucken" when you want a really cold beer or something stronger to sip on while you watch the football match. In the fridge of this pub classic, there are always at least 40 different types of bottled beer and cider, and the selection is renewed regularly so that even the regulars can try new, exciting flavours. At the weekend, they crank up the party vibes with live music in the basement.

Are you dreaming of turquoise seas, fruity cocktails and swaying palm trees? Just a short walk from Skanstull is Södermalm's version of Thailand, where the tropical vibes will instantly transport you to a sunny beach in Phuket. The drinks list is extensive and includes a variety of refreshing cocktails, many of which are non-alcoholic, shots and digestifs. And yes, Thai Red Bull is also on the menu.

At Dryck Vinbar on Mariatorget "Wine nerdery without snobbery" is the order of the day. Drink organic and biodynamically-grown wines, many of them from Swedish vineyards, with Swedish cheeses and charcuterie alongside. The heated outdoor area is open all year round.

You'll find one of Stockholm's absolute best bars next to the charming neighbourhood favourite Hommage, housed in a former fire station on Krukmakargatan. Enjoy Pastis or order one of their popular cocktails with exciting ingredients.

The ever-reliable Bockholmen restaurant group is behind this cosy neighbourhood hangout, handily located right next to Zinkensdamm underground station. In addition to lunch, brunch and dinner, there's a generous selection of drinks in the form of a wine list with its origins in Europe, unique cocktails, and most beers and spirits. In true neighbourhood restaurant spirit, the atmosphere is familiar and relaxed.

At Gemla Vinbar, only artisanal wines from unsprayed vineyards are served, along with small and medium dishes made with local ingredients. Various events such as themed tastings and visits by small-scale winemakers are regularly organised here.

When you're looking for a bar with an authentic British pub feel, “Halvan” is the place to go. You'll find a variety of beers on tap and classic dishes like fish and chips and burgers. The unpretentious atmosphere has made the Half Way Inn a popular regulars' spot with a family feel.

Häktet, which was a prison in the 18th and 19th century, now houses several different bars all gathered under one roof. The large bar next to the dining room hosts both live acts and DJs, you can order cocktails at your table and the beer bar Ölbaren serves a wide range of beers. During the summer months, the separate inner courtyard is the place to sip cocktails and enjoy DJ sets. Don't miss their secret cocktail bar Vänster, which is one of the best in the city. 

Kloster aims to have something for all tastes, whether you prefer a classic martini, beer from all corners of the world, a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic mocktail. The small tavern has become a popular watering hole, not least among Södermalm's post-work revellers.

Rival is an always-popular, centrally-located Södermalm meeting place. The hotel has several different bars and the cocktail bar is especially well-known for its Art Deco-inspired decor with red velvet sofas, mirrors and rugs. Order classic cocktails and listen to DJs spinning tunes.

Enjoy an authentic Irish experience at the Southside Pub, with classic pub food, English-speaking staff, sports on the screens, and of course a wide range of whiskey and beer. Thursdays are quiz night - winner stands the next round?

Their distinctive neon sign guides the way to Morfar Ginko on Swedenborgsgatan between Mariatorget and Södra station. Cool premises with a New York feel, an outdoor area in the summer and DJ sets in the loft area above the bar make this one of Stockholm's most popular spots.

Tjoget is the only Swedish bar to have been named on the prestigious "The World's Best 50 Bars" list several years in a row and their popularity is hard to miss. As well as a famous cocktail bar, the concept also includes the winebar Hornstulls Bodega and a beer café all under the same roof.

This Hornstull restaurant is passionate about pairing food and drinks. French/Asian food takes centre stage, but they also go all-in on drinks. The large bar serves up cocktails with Asian influences and tasty bites from the bar menu. 

Bar Brooklyn, right next door to their sister restaurant Calexico's, is a great watering hole for anyone who loves beer and burgers. Drink microbrewed beers from Sweden and the USA, have a cocktail and enjoy their live music, quizzes and club nights.

Sip cocktails, dance with the club kids, watch football matches and look out over lively Långholmsgatan from the roof terrace at Hornhuset. The only thing you need to do is move between the building's different floors - you'll find several different concepts to choose from.

Barbro is probably best known for their popular fusion dishes, but if you're in the mood for a cocktail you've also come to the right place. They conjure up skilfully mixed cocktails from behind the ground-floor bar counter and in the basement bar. There's a great atmosphere with stylish Japanese-Scandinavian design.

The Indonesian neighbourhood restaurant Warung close to Västerbron has a small bar at the back of the room which specialises in cocktails made with rum, pisco and mezcal. DJs perform regularly, creating a perfect atmosphere for rounding off your day or warming up for a night out.