Where to find the best bars in Nairobi

29 August 2017 Tripindigo 5 min read

Drinking your way around the best bars in Nairobi is an exciting quest. Fortunately, the stunning city is blessed with a wide range of excellent bars, where you can drink like a fish. From the small bars in the CBD to the hipster hotspots in Westlands or the rooftop bars in the luxury hotels in town offering breath-taking views, and strong drinks, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In fact, there’s never been a better time to live in Nairobi or become a drinks aficionado than now. Let’s check out some of the best bars in Nairobi that you need to visit if you feel like exploring the local scene:

1. Shooters & Dips



Booze your heart away with Shooters & Dips’ plentiful beer and spirits, cocktails and wine. Although it somewhat has a lounge setting, there’s a fully-stocked bar that will delight any drinks aficionado. The venue is home to one of the best nightlife spots in Nairobi. You’ll find some great local DJs here and you can boogie on down to a wide range of music genres.

Location: The Panari Hotel, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi

2. Choices Pub



Choices Pub is home to Nairobi’s most fun weekend nights and provides guests with an opportunity to enjoy cold beers, and relax and unwind. For those who love to boogie, the bar hosts some local DJs during the weekends. If you’re a sports fanatic, you’ll love this place because you can watch live EPL football live broadcasts with a beer in your hand. Every Thursday, live shows are held here, while Mondays are for pure relaxation, chat-chits, and boozing.

Location: Baricho Rd, Nairobi

3. Brew Bistro Rooftop



As a beer lover, you’ll know this great craft beer bar is different from any average bar in town. Brew Bistro and Lounge is one of the best craft beer bars and dining places in the city. It offers a wide variety of beers that craft beer lovers will love. The bar is well-known for their strong line-up of great beers, cosy ambience and friendly staff. If it’s your first time, you can order from a selection of their brews and treat yourself to a memorable evening.

Location: Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd/ Westlands Fortis Tower, Mpaka Rd, Nairobi

4. Level 8 at Best Western Premier



For a relaxing evening, Leve 8 is a great place to be. The stylish and swanky bar is located at Best Western Premier’s rooftop. It’s a perfect place to watch the sun go down after a stressful day at work, while you relax and unwind. Apart from the 360-degree views of the city, the bar features a wide range of drinks including cocktails. The famous signature – Ciroc cocktails will have you set for the rest of your week. You can also grab a vodka drink from the bar for a warm night.

Location: Best Western Premier Nairobi, Argwings Khodek Road, Hurlingham

5. Black Diamond Bar & Grill



Black Diamond Bar is eclectic with a firm dedication to the music scene. With a wide range of beers and cocktails, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Don’t miss out on the balcony – a perfect spot to enjoy an after-work beer while you get mesmerized by the stunning views of the area. If you haven’t been here, you should add it to your list.

Location: Mpaka Road, Nairobi

6. Hemingways Lounge bar



If you like that luxurious vibe around when you are taking a sip your drink, then Hemingways Lounge Bar is the best bet for you. Boasting of Californian, South American, European and South African vintage selections, this bar is surely the best wine cellar in Nairobi. With a friendly atmosphere and great interiors, Hemingways can offer you more than what you desire.

Location: Hemingways Hotel, Mbagathi Ridge, Nairobi

7. The Alchemist Bar



The Alchemist is one of the most visited and chilled out bars in Nairobi. Owned by Peng Chen and Michelle Morgan, this bar has indeed raised the bar for bars. With the perfect blend of food, music, fashion, drinks, and art, the atmosphere in The Alchemist seems beckoning. The USP? Definitely, the outdoor space where your drink becomes all the more enjoyable!

Location: Parklands Rd, behind Kwik fit, Parklands, Nairobi

8. Sierra Brasserie



It’s basically a restaurant, highly influenced by beer. You will find beer in almost all of its exotic dishes. With a capacity to accommodate 40 diners at a time and amazing service, this restaurant cum bar should sure figure high in your list of must-visits. For people, looking for a great ambience to dine in and have a drink, Sierra Brasserie can never be a wrong choice. If you are visiting here sometime soon, don’t forget to try out their in-house German beer, prepared with a few simple ingredients, following the age Reinheitsgebot culture of Teutonic brewing.

Loemation: Yaya Centre, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham, Nairobi

9. The Champagne Bar



This bar occupying the seventh floor of the Sankara Hotel is a haven for liquor lovers. With low tables and sofas for the seating area, it offers a laid-back experience to its visitors. The drinks are amazing here and the interior is eye catchy. What else do you need to pep up your weekend night-outs?

Location: Sankara Nairobi, 05 Woodvale Grove, Nairobi

10. Explorer, the Whiskey Den



Love whiskey? Do yourself a favour and visit the Whiskey Den. This bar is dedicated to whiskey and it boasts an extensive line-up of whiskies. If you’re a whiskey aficionado, this place is like a library for you. With soothing music in the background, you can relax as you enjoy eccentric dark spirit before dawn.

Location: Ole Odume Road, Kilimani, Nairobi

Blow off some steam

So there you have it, the complete bar lovers guide to Nairobi, so what are you waiting for? Call up a few freinds and invite them for a drink and let the good times roll. If you stumble on any more hot spots in Nairobi, Kenya and would like us to add it to the list, pop us a line at social@tripindigo.com or give us a shout out on social; Facebook,Twitter, Instagram.

We Also recommend

If you enjoyed this post then we recommend you also check out our article on nightlife in Mombasa