The best places in Stockholm for after-work drinks and fun

When you're in the mood for a slightly more chilled post-work evening, Mellqvist Matbar, with its relaxed yet slightly luxurious living room feel, is a safe bet. Lean back and relax with a glass of wine, a refreshing beer or a cocktail. The bar also serves French-inspired small and large dishes. During the summer months when Rörstrandsgatan becomes a pedestrian street, the alfresco dining area is a lively hangout. 

Soak up an atmosphere that combines the big city vibes of Paris and New York. The bar serves cocktails and fizz, among other drinks, for a nice post-work drink in buzzy surroundings. Why not order a few oysters to go with your bubbles?

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of MOOD shopping galleria you'll find Boqueria's food bar Torget, which after 5pm turns into an urban AW hangout with Spanish vibes. Raise a glass of cava, beer and cocktails, and find your favourites among the more than 50 different tapas dishes that are served. A little later in the evening, the party gets going with music, often played by guest DJs. If you prefer a slightly more organised afterwork you can grab a table at the restaurant right next to Torget, which also has Spanish tapas on the menu.

The magnificent old library in Medborgarhuset now houses bars, a restaurant, a stage, and events spread over three floors. End your day in the award-winning cocktail bar with its beautifully preserved Art Deco interiors, or in the pub near the entrance at Medborgarplatsen where you can choose from a selection of draft beers, whiskies, tequilas, and rums from around the world.

Bar Arsenalen is a stylish food and wine bar located next door to its big sister Bistro Arsenalen. Carefully selected wines and small to medium-sized dishes with European influences are served here. The focus is on seasonal ingredients, quality wines, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites spontaneous hanging out. The wine list features everything from classic French and Italian wines to exciting selections from other parts of Europe.

Post-work cocktails in a lively atmosphere, or relaxed hangout with a glass of wine in hand? Whichever you prefer, you're sure to enjoy Villa Dagmar, in the hotel of the same name. In the Trädgårdsbar, it's all about cocktails and a buzzy vibe, while the hidden gem Dagges Vinbar offers exclusive wines from some lesser-known wine regions. If you stay a while, after-work drinks can easily transition into dinner.

This place oozes the kind of relaxed atmosphere and food culture you'll find in bars in Madrid and Barcelona. Charcuterie, tapas, wine and micro-brewed beer are the main events. Round off your working week with a drink or dinner.

Drop by this Continental neighbourhood restaurant on the corner of Zinkensdamm for a relaxed post-work bar scene with living room vibes. Choose from beer, wine and innovative cocktails, and if you get peckish there's an extensive menu of Mediterranean dishes in both small and large formats.

It's no secret that the taco bar Tres enjoys post-work fun - happy hour is celebrated every weekday evening here with special prices on nachos and other tasty snacks. If you like really cold margaritas (and who doesn't?), you're sure to have a great time here.

There's a Friday feeling every day of the week at this sociable hotel restaurant. Whether you're a hotel guest or not, you're equally welcome to round off the day here with a glass of wine, a drink or beer, together with some snacks in the bar. Right in the middle of the city with great transport connections and Stockholm's nightlife just around the corner.

At Brasserie Hötorget you're invited to hang out post-work every day of the week, in a relaxed and social atmosphere. The bar mixes up fabulous cocktails, and if you prefer wine or bubbly there's also plenty to choose from. Regular DJ sets create party vibes and if you want to make a night of it, the food menu offers both small and large dishes with French flavours.

It's hard to believe when you see it from the outside, but this bar, tucked away on a side street in Kungsholmen, is often lively and packed with people sipping wine, bubbles or beer and sharing tasty plates. A great place for an end-of-week debrief with a group of friends in relaxed surroundings.

At Cliff Barnes on Odenplan, there's always a fun, party atmosphere. You can just as easily grab a bite to eat here, as enjoy drinks and get swept up in the mood when singalongs and dancing begin. For music-loving groups, a music quiz is also held every week.

This beloved classic restaurant on Grev Turegatan offers a lively atmosphere just a few steps from Stureplan. Settle in for a boisterous after-work gathering at the bar, enjoy a glass of wine in the lounge or wine bar, and don't miss the outdoor seating with the best location for people-watching.

For post-work drinks with authentic New York vibes, head to the bar at Hellstens Glashus, close to Mariatorget, surrounded by bare brick walls and industrial decor topped with an impressive ceiling height of seven metres. Sink into a comfy leather armchair with a glass in hand, or hang out at the bar and watch the bartender mix cocktails. If hunger strikes, there are plenty of drink-friendly snacks on the menu.

NÒR in Skanstull is a Nordic brasserie aims to offer first-class culinary experiences in inspiring surroundings. They serve all meals of the day, from breakfast sandwiches and lunch to dinner and, of course, after-work drinks. Honey from their own beehives and herbs from their own gardens make the drinks taste just that little bit better.

Urban Deli is a popular meeting place with a restaurant, bar and deli all under the same roof. In the evenings it's full of people gathering over something to eat or drink. During the summer months, the al fresco dining area on Nytorget is naturally a major draw, as is their huge rooftop terrace on Sveavägen and outdoor dining areas in Torsplan and Sickla.

Ponti can be found in stylish surroundings in the Sofo area of Södermalm, where you can enjoy both long dinners and spontaneous post-work drinks in a relaxed environment. The bar has is a particular passion for classic cocktails made with vermouth, amaro, gin, and bitters, all given a personal twist. Carefully selected wines and beers are also available for anyone who prefers.

Do as the Italians do and enjoy a little aperitivo after work. At Capannone Bottega, you can sip carefully selected Italian wines and indulge in small bites (or larger dishes for that matter), just like in southern latitudes. The wine bar is cosy, featuring soft materials in muted colours, flickering candles, and round tables. In the summer months, the bar expands with an outdoor terrace on bustling Roslagsgatan.

Ö17 is a neighbourhood bar in the Old Town that attracts a broad crowd – regulars and tourists, young and old, hungry and thirsty. With its relaxed atmosphere and decent price level, it's also well-loved by Stockholm's post-work crew. Grab a drink at the bar or, if you're in the mood, belt out a tune and raise a glass in the karaoke room one floor down.

With a combination of lively atmosphere, generous opening hours and affordable food, Paraden invites you to come by for post-work fun in ambitious neighbourhood restaurant surroundings. Meet up with friends for a signature drink in the bar or on the balcony, and if you're hungry, you can fill your bellies with something from the European-influenced menu. All in a former 1930s cinema on Karlaplan, with decor that oozes Art Deco with a muted colour palette, brass elements and an old ticket counter from the venue's former incarnation.

Ölhyttan is in the heart of the city, on Vasagatan where both locals and visitors gather and enjoy themselves. They serve a wide selection of beers, as well as cocktails and wine, along with a menu of traditional dishes and pub food for the hungry. Simple, relaxed and suitable for most groups and occasions – not least post-work drinks.

Celebrate after work with burgers, beer and games at Prime Burgers & Smokehouse, bringing favourites from the USA to central Stockholm. The menu is packed with burgers, hearty meat dishes, snacks, and a decent drinks list. Grab a beer and a small bite, or sink your teeth into a burger if hunger becomes too overwhelming. There's also a gaming corner with shuffleboard and other fun activities.

Centrally located on Stureplan, this historic duo from the Svenska Brasserier restaurant group are true Stockholm post-work institutions. Take in the legendary atmosphere at Sturehof or sip a classic cocktail at Riche, where you can carry on the party at Lilla Baren. If you're au fait with Swedish celebs you may well spot the odd famous face here too. 

At some point in the afternoon, Brazilia transforms from lunch restaurant to a relaxed after-work spot with an à la carte menu filled with classics like burgers, pizza, and snacks. Beer, wine, and cider are, of course, also available. The restaurant is inside Tekniska Högskolan, making it a great option when you want to enjoy a post-work drink or bite to eat close to the city but not be right in the thick of it.

There's something for everyone at Basilica in the Mall of Scandinavia – whether you're looking for lunch, coffee, dinner – or drinks after work. Choose from a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and opt for a burger or plank steak when hunger strikes. There's also plenty of space if you're a larger group wanting to enjoy a post-work drink together.

La Botanica has created a fast-paced and tasty oasis in the Westfield Mall of Scandinavia, where they serve up a huge buffet with flavours from all over the world. Tuck into hamburgers, dumplings, pizza and desserts if hunger strikes after work, or drop in for a cocktail and a round of fun activities in their game zone.

The sunny location on Hornsberg's beach, combined with colourful cocktails and a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant feel, has made Piren a popular destination for Stockholm's post-work revellers. During the summer months there are after-beach party vibes on the outdoor terrace and you can take a dip off the swimming ladder or the beach right next door.

Tre Vänner is'nt only a popular hangout for the locals of Midsommarkransen but also attracts after-work revellers from all corners of the city. And it's no surprise – the atmosphere here is always friendly, and the selection of beer is well-curated. In the summer, the outdoor seating is one of the most popular places to hang out in the area.

If you appreciate a really good wine bar, head to Odenplan, but instead of popping into Tranan or its downstairs bar, veer off next door to their sister bar, Grus Grus. They specialise in grapes of all kinds, which you can pair with small plates and snacks.

This Nordic restaurant within the Nordic Light Hotel in the city centre serves serves wine, beer, bubbles and great cocktails. They have special prices for wine and DJ performances.

The Hard Rock Cafe has been a rocking place to grab a beer or cocktail at round off the day for almost 40 years. It's a real Stockholm institution, complete with Eighties vibes and memorabilia from Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Manson. Food-wise, you can choose from steaks, sandwiches, classic salads and Hard Rock's signature hamburgers. 

There are worse ways to round off the day than with a fabulous cocktail. This award-winning cocktail bar in Stortorget in the Old Town is inspired by its premises, which were once the city's first apothecary. Take a deep dive into the world of mixology and try out some of the bar's creative cocktails, combined with bar snacks.

With their award-winning cocktail bar, Tjoget in Hornstull is a real Södermalm favourite. Groups of friends flock here to round off the day with a cocktail or something to eat. Tjoget also has a wine bar and beer café under the same roof.

This ambitious cocktail bar within Helio, a co-working building on Grev Turegatan, is run by award-winning bartender Johan Evers along with rising star Oscar Drigoris. Drop by for a beer after work, a craft cocktail or an alcohol-free drink to combine with a light meal or a few snacks.

Pom Friterie lifts the humble chip to new heights, with flavours from all corners of the world. Alongside, they serve cocktails, wine and beer in fun, friendly surroundings. The concept is Dutch-inspired, developed in Sweden and served in stylish premises on Lästmakargatan, with neon lights and billowing drapes. l

In 2016, Kung Carl opened a new bar by the lobby with a combination of Parisian elegance and a modern atmosphere, a stone's throw from Stureplan. This is the place to come for what is still quite a unique combination in Sweden, innovative cocktails and well-executed small dishes.

If you fancy drinking Nordic/Japanese fusion cocktails while admiring the views over the city, just get yourself up to Tak Bar, Izakaya and Tak Terrassen on the fourteenth floor above Brunkebergstorg. Food and drink has a sustainable ethos. Don't miss their club nights and guest performances.

Housed in the former PUB department store building on Hötorget is the hotel Haymarket by Scandic and their nostalgic cocktail bar Americain. Inspired by the hotel bars of yesteryear, they serve elegant cocktails with a nod to the Caribbean and the film Casablanca. You can book a table for post-work drinks in advance if you want to be on the safe side.

With one of Stockholm's most glamorous interiors, the Nobis Hotel's bar is a luxurious and popular option after work. Perfect for anyone craving a stylish cocktail. A hidden oasis in the heart of the city, in other words. 

At the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in the city centre, you can round off your working day in an international atmosphere where you'll feel right at home. From Monday to Friday, they offer drinks and light snacks at special prices, perfect for anyone who wants to mingle and make connections.

At HIGH, you can enjoy post-work drinks with panoramic views over Stockholm city, whatever the season or weather. The bar, located nine floors up in the Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, is a watering hole especially for cocktail enthusiasts in the city. The drinks menu is constantly being reinvented here with new, creative elements and unique signature drinks. A simple bar menu is served with the drinks. 

On the lower floor of the Korean BBQ restaurant Chingu is their vibrant bar, filled with neon signs, murals, and flavours from the streets of Seoul. Round off the day with signature cocktails, beers, and street food with a Korean twist.

This cocktail bar is inspired by Cuba but run by the Swedish Stureplansgruppen restaurant group. It's run by the same trio who are also behind Calle P and Berns - two other after-work joints that serve cocktails and a wide range of other thirst-quenching drinks. It's a perfect place to stop off after work before dinner - or to round off your evening at.

Asian Post Office, or Apo as its known colloquially, has become a popular watering hole among Stockholmers of all ages. Sophisticated businesspeople and party-hungry groups of mates all come together here after work - perhaps for their must-drink signature cocktail with Thai basil.

Head to Lådan for the super relaxed beer hall atmosphere, the tasty street food and carefully selected beers. Everything here is carefully thought out, from the food producers who supply their ingredients to the beers on tap. The menu consists of sliders, chicken and substantial sides, and if you don't fancy a beer, there are also Swedish spirits and natural wines in the bar.

With Hedda Spendrup at the reins, it's not surprising this brewery restaurant knows its beer. Beer aficionados come here to combine their favourite drink with good food in the form of modern brasserie dishes. Both the bar and the lounge serve up nice post-work vibes with an at-home feel. 

Fond of beer? Then gather together a few like-minded friends or colleagues for a delightful post-work session. At Nya Carnegiebryggeriet in Hammarby sjöstad they brew both classic and experimental beer, which you can enjoy in the bar. If you want to go large, you can book a tour of the brewery, as well as beer tastings. During the summer months, the restaurant and bar expand with an outdoor terrace facing the water.

As the name suggests, Retro is a real nostalgia trip to the 70s and 80s. The sports bar has several branches around Stockholm, with affordable beer and American bistro classics on the menu. Plenty of sports fanatics gather here to watch live matches, but also others who simply want to relax after a hard day's work with a hearty burger or plate of nachos.

The Bara family includes several different joints on Södermalm which attract a large after-work crowd. Relaxed pubs which suit everyone keen for a beer after work, to stay on in town and maybe have something to eat.

Golfbaren in Kristineberg, Aspudden and Nacka Strand are real summer oases with green minigolf courses, leafy surroundings and places to get something to eat and/or drink. The courses are also close to bathing spots - perfect for when you want to round off your post-work drink with a refreshing dip. Golfbaren in Vasastan has indoor courses with food and cocktails.

Do you want to spice up your happy hour with some sweet singing? Head for Moyagi where you'll have your very own karaoke room to belt out your favourite tunes. As well as 100,000 songs, Asian finger food, cocktails, and other drinks are delivered straight to the room – perfect for a fabulous evening out. And even though karaoke is the main event here, it's also perfectly fine just to have a drink in the lounge if you'd prefer.

At Tilt you don't need to choose between top-notch cocktails and fun activities - you'll find both here! Challenge your colleagues or friends to a game of darts, board games, shuffleboard or billiards, and when you need a pause to refuel you can order from a choice of several burgers and sides.

A wide-ranging activity centre for adventure-hungry gangs of friends and psyched-up business groups. Here, you can take part in everything from neon-lit bowling alleys to state-of-the-art golf, hunting and football simulators. Or why not chill out in the private spa area with sauna and jacuzzi? There's also a restaurant.

Combine a game of boule with some rustic French food and hire an instructor if you need one. Boulebar is great fun for novices and pros alike, and it's a popular place for both corporate fun and groups of friends.

Kungsbiljarden is right in the city centre and it's a top tip if you want to combine food, drinks and activities. Meet up and play billiards, shuffleboard and arcade games, or take a seat in the bar and borrow a board game. During the summer months there's a sunny outdoor dining area next to the water.

You'll find everything here, from activities to food and masses of beer. Invite your colleagues along to O'Learys and challenge them to a pentathlon including bowling, racing simulators and "adventure golf", for example.