Geneva tips by locals | Spotted by Locals city guide » Bars

L’Auberge du Cheval Blanc – A real tavern

Sylvie Meynier — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:24:00 +0000

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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

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Le Marchand de Sable – Famous historic bar

Luc Berthoud — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:18:50 +0000

Image by Luc Berthoud

Do you know the “marchand de vin” (wine merchant) drink? This is a mix of beer – white wine and lemon syrup. Sweet but strong! Le Marchand de Sable has made the marchand de vin its own specialty. It used to be crowded with loud high school students. But the place has changed twice in the last 2 years. The place is now brighter and more colorful.

I do not go often to this bar, nevertheless it has to be known as it is a legend in Carouge! If you do not like it, you’ll find plenty other typical bars on the same street as La plage, le Chat Noir, La Forge…

The type of costumers changes depending of the time you go. I found the staff really nice and welcoming.

You can also eat in this bar: meat, tart or empanadas.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Marchand de Sable | Bars, Snacks | Marchand de vin CHF 5.00
Rue Vautier 4 | Carouge | +41223421075
Sun – Thu until 01:00, Fri – Sat until 02:00

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Qu’importe – Excellent wine bar

Sylvie Meynier — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:51:54 +0000

Image by Sylvie Meynier

The full name of this place is actually a quote by Alfred de Musset: “Qu’importe le flacon, pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse” (Whatever the bottle, it does not matter as long as you have drunkenness).

This bar is a big one, with lots of space, which makes it nice and spacious even when it’s crowded. It’s more like a cozy lounge. It has beautiful old furniture and a wonderful fireplace. It’s ideal to relax in one of their big sofas after work. In summer, you can also enjoy their huge terrace. It’s located in Carouge, so it’s nice to go after a stroll in the neighborhood.

I usually go there after work sometimes as they serve very good wines, and not only famous ones. For food they make local tapas, Swiss style. They also have dish of the day (plat du jour) at lunch time.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Qu’importe | Bars, Restaurants | Wine from CHF 4.00
Rue ancienne 1 | Carouge | +41223421525
Mon 17:00 – 00:00, Tue -Thu 11:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 02:00