The best bars in Vasastan

Spanish charcuterie, fine wines or cocktails at the bar – Bar Nombre has a relaxed atmosphere which flirts with the food and drink culture of Southern Europe. When summer approaches, a delightful pavement terrace opens up right in the middle of Odengatan.

The Parisian influences are apparant the moment you enter Brasserie Balzac. The long cocktail bar stretches through the room to a backdrop of pattered floors, elegant stucco work and red leather sofas. The drinks menu includes an extensive wine list and skilfully blended cocktails.

Drinks take centre stage at 20hundra5 on Vanadisplan, although snacks also get a look in. There's a playful attitude to ingredients and relaxed atmosphere, but mixology is taken seriously here and the bartenders shake and jiggle to create world-class cocktails.

Right next door to Tranan you'll find the classic restaurant's wine bar, Grus Grus. It's buzzy, intimate and feels slightly international. Choose between well-loved labels and exciting, funky natural wines - there's something to suit all tastes here. 

Is there anything more relaxing than a good old-fashioned British pub, complete with bookshelves and comfy leather armchairs? The Churchill Arms serves 28 types of draft beer and a wide range of bottled beers. They also have a good selection of cider and wine, as well as single malt whisky from all over the world, and a menu full of ambitious pub grub. Drop by with friends or colleagues for a quiz night or post-work drink.

Inside the colourful bistro Leoparden is a sister spot called Snabba Katten. It's a slightly smaller place, with an intimate atmosphere and fabulous cocktails. Pop in here before or after your pizza dinner at Leoparden.

This classic pub has established itself at around 30 locations in Sweden, including Vasastan. With an extensive drinks menu that includes everything from regional and international beers to whisky, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, a menu featuring tasty pub grub, and a friendly atmosphere, the place is a popular spot for after-work gatherings and other enjoyable socialising. The decor is in classic British pub style, creating a homely feel.

Exciting wine bar on Tomtegatan with a full focus on orange-hued drinks. Enjoy orange wines, sherry, and other drinks that tend towards the oxidised. Drinks are accompanied by Japanese small dishes such as gyoza. Ambar is run by the experienced duo Sakiko Jin and Damon Young.

This lively spot has been known for its festive atmosphere since opening in 1995. You can eat, drink cocktails, and sing along to old hits all evening. Don't miss their weekly music quiz.

When you step into Apropos, it immediately feels like stepping into your grandmother's living room – but with better drinks. Sneak up the narrow staircase and let yourself be enchanted by the delicious cocktails served in a nostalgic speakeasy environment.

Classic Tranan is famous for more than their renowned off-menu meatballs. Their cellar houses a popular bar where the restaurant's timeless homecooking is accompanied by wine, beer, cocktails and DJs.

Erlands has a delightful cocktail bar with Fifties and Sixties influences, decorated with antiques and flea market finds. The menu includes small and larger dishes depending on how hungry you are. If you're lucky, you can also enjoy some live jazz while you're here.

In Scalateatern's historic foyer bar, you can escape into the elegance and glamour of the 1920s. Surrounded by heavy velvet drapes, chandeliers and other period features, you can sip on a cocktail or a glass of wine, and perhaps even spot a celebrity or two. Occasional live music on the small foyer stage adds to the fun atmosphere. You don't need to be attending a theatre performance to hang out at the bar or in the restaurant, everyone's welcome here. 

Urban Deli is located in the life science centre Forskaren on Torsplan, where they've created a restaurant and deli that's open from early morning until late at night. The Urban Diner restaurant features a 16 metre-long bar where you can sit down for a drink and perhaps something small to eat.

As well as serving high-quality fast food, Lådan boasts a wide range of craft beers from microbreweries, from Sweden and beyond. If you're not sure what to choose you can always ask the knowledgeable staff who are happy to give recommendations. You can also pay shuffleboard here, perfect for some post-work fun.

This gastropub has been pouring beers for thirsty guests since 1994. They boast an extensive range of whiskys, but their crowning glory is their selection of beers, which includes some 650 different types, 30 draft beers and a cellar packed with barrel-aged beers.

Vasastan classic Tennstopet has its own little side spot, Tennstopet Grill. The atmosphere is slightly more modern, still with Swedish and French flavours, but more grilled dishes. In the evenings, it becomes a lively bar atmosphere with people coming to have a beer or two and hang out at the bar, especially on weekends.

Next to Portal lies the restaurant's playful little sister, whose focus is primarily on drinks in the form of craft beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass and bottle. Accompanying the drinks are seasonal small plates from the open kitchen. With its relaxed atmosphere, the bar is an excellent spot for both after-work gatherings and a drink before dinner, and larger groups looking to spend the whole evening here can book the Stora Bordet, the bar's private dining room. 

Tiki Room draws inspiration from the South Pacific and shakes up a multitude of rum-filled cocktails. In the cellar in the middle of Birkastan, you're transported on a round trip to Polynesia with bamboo decor, tropical drinks, and staff in Hawaiian shirts.

Italian L'Avventura on Odenplan doesn't just make really great pasta, they also know to mix up a pretty mean cocktail. The spectacular premises, which used to house a cinema, is home to not just one, but two, bars that serve aperitivo drinks and classic Italian cocktails such as bellinis, negronis and americanos.

The bar inside Svartengrens restaurant on Tulegatan is a firm favourite. Mixologists blend cocktails with unexpected yet familiar flavours. Take a seat at the bar or get comfy in the dining room as you sip on your drink.

In the middle of Vasastan, close to Stockholm Public Library you'll find Hard Rock Cafe, an iconic restaurant that's become something of a local landmark. They serve American favourites such as steaks, sandwiches, classic salads and Hard Rock's signature hamburgers alongside all kinds of drinks - not least milkshakes. At weekends, you can also listen to live music of various genres. 

Who doesn't love a small, intimate wine bar? Combo is run by the same team that's behind timeless success stories such as PA & Co and Bistro Süd. Take a seat by the window in the small bar and enjoy carefully selected grape varieties as you watch the world go by on Odengatan and admire the iconic facade of the city library. The wine selection is extensive and has been awarded by Star Wine List.

Farang is located in a former electricity plant and draws in the crowds with Southeast Asian flavours and industrial vibes. Once inside, the drinks at the bar match the Asian theme, whether you order wine or cocktails. Popular noodles are also served here.

Bara Caisas is a cosy little spot next to Odenparken, next door to Ritorno. They boast a wine-focused and personalised drinks menu with an emphasis on European wines in various styles, many of which are available by the glass. As well as wine, there's a small but carefully curated selection of beers, classic cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Food-wise, fish and seafood take centre stage. Inside, there's a charming bistro atmosphere, while the summer months offer a charming setting on the outdoor terrace.

In Spanish, paladar means both the sense of taste and a kind of small, Cuban, privately owned restaurant in someone's home. These were common in Castro's Cuba in the Nineties, with twelve covers or fewer, affordable food and access to unique ingredients. Paladar de Cuba wants to recreate that feel, and an important part of that is, of course, the rum. They stock what they estimate is Sweden's largest range of rums, with over 400 different varieties.

At Yuc, they aim to create a festive, Mexican taqueria atmosphere every day of the week. Meet up over tacos, cocktails and upbeat music pouring out of the speakers.