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

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

Image by Delphine Rieder

Chez Ma Cousine is right below the Place du Bourg de Four and is a really nice restaurant. If you like chicken of course, because this is their specialty. You can either choose it in a salad or hot.

The menu isn’t very extensive, but people usually go to Chez Ma Cousine because it is a cheap and good restaurant in the center of the city, and it is as well a great alternative to the Mac Donald’s. And of course, healthier:-)!

At lunch, it is usually crowded by working people who eat their meal on the little terrace or pick it up and eat it in a little park nearby. Otherwise, people hanging out with friends or couples having a great time together can be seen. There are not a lot of tables in the front, but a lovely little extra room at the back of the restaurant will welcome you if you are a group of friends.

You can find this restaurant in two other areas in Geneva (on the right side of the city called St-Gervais, down the train station and in le Petit Saconnex). The portions are very generous and you will definitely feel full afterwards. Afterwards you can hang out in the old town and have a drink in La Clemence (check the La Clemence article), La Demi-Lune (check the La Demi-Lune article) or other bars in the pedestrian streets.

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Chez Ma Cousine | Restaurants (French) | Chicken menu CHF 15.00
Place du Bourg de Four 6 | Vieille-ville | +41223109696
11:30 – 23:30 daily

Image by Delphine Rieder

La Mamounia Restaurant is THE place to be if you’re feeling cold and are looking for a good meal that will give you the illusion of traveling somewhere South.

Tajines and couscous are their specialties! I prefer the lemon tajine or the royal couscous which are just amazing! I never forget to take a few cups of mint tea which is perfect to accompany the dish. You can also take the meals to go, and thus bring a piece of Morocco with you at home!

I love the décor of the restaurant. At the entrance, there is a blue fountain which will make you think you are in a Medina Marrakech

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La Mamounia | Restaurants (Moroccian) | Main dish from CHF 15
Boulevard Georges-Favon 10 | Plainpalais | +41223295561
11:00 – 14:00 & 19:00 – 23:00 daily

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