Image by sylvie Meynier

I usually go to L’Auberge du Cheval for their Sunday brunch, which consists of a buffet with a wide variety of yummy things. And it’s all you can eat. It’s better to make a reservation, as it’s quite popular. They now have it on Saturday as well! 

I also go there from time to time for a drink and some tapas. They have good quality wine and there is a wide range of tapas. They always serve fresh food and products from the season.

L’Auberge du Cheval Blanc means the Inn of the White Horse. It’s a real tavern full of treasures. The place is a bit hidden in Carouge. It’s not only a cozy place to have a drink or a meal, but they also organize concerts in their downstairs room (Le Box) on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

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L’Auberge du Cheval Blanc | Bars, Music, Restaurants | Brunch CHF 30
Place de l’octroi 15 | Carouge | +41223436161
Tue – Wed 11:30 – 01:00, Thu – Fri 11:30 – 02:00, Sat 12:00 – 02:00, Sun 11:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by sylvie Meynier

I don’t go there for the place itself as to be honest Brasseurs des Grottes is just one of these typical pubs with nothing special. But as I am a big fan of live music, I found out they have live blues every Thursday night and it’s just fantastic.

It is organized by the Blues Association of Geneva. I go there quite often and I have even been offered a membership from my friends for my birthday!

The concerts take place in the room downstairs. It’s a bit dark and not a great-looking room. But all of this does not matter as the atmosphere is really fun. They either have jam sessions or proper concerts and whoever is playing is always really good. 

If like me you like live music, also check out these places: AMR and Le Chic

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BAG Thursdays | Bars, Music | Concert from CHF 15.00
rue de la Servette 6 | City center
Thu 20:30

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Image by Sylvie Meynier

The first time I went to Le Chic I was a little put off as it is located in the basement of a dodgy pool bar (L’America) in Geneva’s Red district. However, once I had made it downstairs I knew I would be coming back on a regular basis.

Each time I go my ears get a real treat! From jazz to hip-hop and rock, the lounge has some fantastic bands playing live, every evening from Wednesday to Saturday. It reminds me of the best New York City jazz bars, hidden and mysterious from outside, warm and funky once inside.

Drinks are a little expensive but all the concerts are only 5 CHF so I go there quite often. I usually get a Corona but I hear the cocktails are decent. They also have jello shots for 2 CHF!

It’s a nice change from all the bars in Geneva that are either alternative or posh. Bridge Bria and her team know how to create a nice atmosphere and have always made me feel welcome while keeping it simple. It’s a very cozy little bar.

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Le Chic | Bars, Music | Cover charge CHF 5
Rue de Fribourg 3 | Les Pâquis | +41227320430
Tue -Thu 18:00 – 01:00, Fri -Sat 18:00 – 02:00

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Image by sylvie Meynier

Le Scandale is a lounge, a bar, a restaurant and a pizza place. It’s a huge place on two floors, conveniently located near the train station. Whether you just want a drink, a snack or a full meal, it’s a great place to hang out and chill.

This gay friendly place always has some amazing DJs playing and they even have a dance floor downstairs for special events. The restaurant is separated from the lounge area so you can enjoy a bit more quiet time.

In spite of its name it has nothing scandalous about it, except maybe its weird movies that are projected on the main wall…

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Le Scandale | Bars, Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Pizza CHF 20.00
rue de Lausanne 24 | City center | +41227318373
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

If you miss the Shakespeare language and the pints of beers, head to the oldest and biggest English pub of Switzerland: Pickwick!

This pub, Pickwick, is located on the northeast end of the Paquis area; you’ll find it easily as it is on the main road (rue de Lausanne).

This pub is still appreciated by local football fans that meet occasionally for a Champions league or an international game. Pickwick is full of screens that allow you to watch various games in the same time.

Apart from football, Mr. Pickwick is well known for hosting live music and serves English classic food.

I almost forgot the most important… You’ll find a range of 11 different draft beers!

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Pickwick | Bars, Restaurants (English) | 5dl draft beer CHF 9
Rue de Lausanne 80 | Les Pâquis | +41227316797
10:00 – 02:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

L’Aiglon, you love it or hate it!!! This bar is located in the heart of the red light district and has a mix of gay and straight people. Some days, the bar is quite calm… The day after, you can see people dressed up, dancing on the tables or on their knees on the floor!

At night, the music gets louder and louder as the time goes by… and the people get wilder and wilder…

I have not been often to l’Aiglon recently. Nevertheless I still like it at lunch time with the meal of the day for CHF 17.00 with appetizer and dessert, good value for Geneva!

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L’Aiglon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (French) | Meal of the day CHF 17
Rue Sismondi 16 | Les Pâquis | +41227329760
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

You like singing but you never dare to do it in public (unless you are drunk) as you have a poor voice… You want to escape from the Geneva atmosphere and spend a night in the heart of Asia?… You like underground bars and new adventure… Go to Philippine Assia!!!

This is place is unknown from most people in Geneva. You will plunge yourself into a really kitsch atmosphere, last time I went there were tens of little hearts sticked on the walls…

If you come during the week and early enough, you’ll have the place and the microphone for yourself. I have noticed that the place was becoming a bit more busy recently though. On the week-ends, a DJ plays from about midnight and the place turns to a disco. We go there a couple of times a year with different friends and always have a lot of fun!

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Philippine Assia | Bars, Music
Square Pradier | Les Pâquis
Tue – Sat 20:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

I go to this bar several mornings a week as it is only one block from my apartment. As they know me, I do not need to order, right away they bring me my coffee, a glass of water and some bread and jam while I read the newspaper… better than home!!

Most of the customers are over 50 years old (a lot of Spanish) but you’ll find a lot of students from the IES (social work school) if you come during their break (at about 9:30). The atmosphere can be quite loud when the bar is packed.

This bar is famous for its paella, that is served every Friday at lunch time. You won’t be hungry after it as the plate is quite big! It’s better to reserve before coming because the place can be quite packed.

At night, you can watch football games like the liga española or the Champions league..

See you there!

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Le Vieux Martin | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Coffee & bread CHF 4.50
31, rue Prévost-Martin | Plainpalais | +41223299102
Mon – Sun 07:00 – 23:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

Most people agree, there is a lack of clubs in Geneva. Anyway, parties are organized in various locations. One of them is Uptown, a cinema that became a spot for shows and parties.

You dance in front of a cinema screen, sometimes with projections. According to the parties seats are used for wardrobe… an interesting place! I have enjoyed really good music there but there is a lack of people and atmosphere on the dance floor most of the times I went. As the place is quite expensive to rent, the organizers often overprice the entrance ticket…

Check the website for more information, some parties are not mentioned on this website though.

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Uptown | Bars, Cinemas, Festivals & events, Music
2, rue de la Servette | City center
Events

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

Halles de l’Iles is a typical place to go before going clubbing. It has a beautiful location right on the river, relatively cheap drinks and live electronic music with local DJ’s. In summer, I prefer the relax atmosphere of La Barje (check the La Barje article) next door but Les Halles de L’île definitely worth a visit though!

When the bar opened, the bartenders were not always nice and efficient and could be quite rude. You had to wait for ages before being served at the bar. Nevertheless, the service has been getting much better for some months.

This place is ideal to have a brunch on Saturdays: all you can eat buffet for 25 Franc. (No drinks included). It is better to make a reservation in advance to have a table with a nice view!

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Halles de l’Ile | Bars, Music, Restaurants | Beer CHF 4.00
1, place de l’Ile | City center | +41223110888
Mon – Wed 08:30 – 01:00, Thu – Sat 08:30 – 02:00, Sun 08:30 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva