“La Place de l’Octroi” is a quite famous snack place on the week-ends! Do not come too early as it opens at about 01:00 only. At about 02:00 – 03:00, you’ll see a queue of quite drunk people waiting in front of the window.

You might even see some people that have fallen asleep on the green bench. It happened to a good friend of mine who woke up in the following morning without his glasses and with one shoe only! Do not sleep on this bench…

I always eat “Le Mexicain”, a chicken sandwich. You can also eat pizza, croissants… Delicious for the 03:00 standards!

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.

Holy Cow finally opened in Geneva a few weeks ago!

For me, it is definitely the best spot to order a hamburger! The products are very fresh (meat & vegetables) and totally local.

You will find difficulties in choosing your hamburger while entering in the place, where the young cooks will warmly welcome you by a smiley “Bonjour”! Every hamburger is cooked in front of you and served to you after waiting only a minute or two (they will give you a number with your receipt and one of the waiters will call your order). 

If you go there between 12:00 and 13:00, it will be crowded, but after 13:00, no need to wait! You can also take it to go and eat it on the Plaine de Plainpalais (check the Plaine de Plainpalais article), that is two minutes from the place, under the sun, or in the Parc des Bastions, five minutes from it.

My advice: try the Satay Beef or Bacon Advocado Beef! These are my favorites!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Holy Cow | Snacks | Basic Menu CHF 19.90
Rue de Carouge 14 | Carouge
Mon – Wed 11:00 – 22:00, Thu – Sat 11:00 – 23:00