Brilliant bar Sofia

Unexpected low class coziness

Simo from Sofia

""Brilliant bar" speaks for itself, as you'd find yourself in the oasis of unpopularity and find comfort and snug, tucked in an arcade across Garibali square."

Fancy places gone boring?

Brilliant Bar is something on the exact opposite end of the table.

Brilliant seems to be an oasis of unpopularity in the very heart of the city. Located in an arcade across the columns of Garibaldi square, it is surprisingly unrecognizable even for locals. You will notice that fact shortly after you enter and realize that you are the only person that does not know everyone else as they, apparently, know each other. But don't worry, because even for locals it is the same. Anyway it would not take too long before you become "part of the crew" if you go there several times.

You can easily be confused whether the bartenders are at work or just hanging out because it seems they are always there.

The owner is a huge sports fan and you can see very rare and old authentic sport events' posters on the walls.

Brilliant has two floors, the upper one is sort of a 'free-zone' where you can often encounter young guys playing guitars and singing while others just chat at the table right next to them. However second floor is currently closed while undergoing some refreshment.

Regular visitors have a nickname for Brilliant - "The Misery", due to its appearance, but also unrepeatable atmosphere, i.e. like you are at home.

A little secret I'll share with you is every time I pass its entrance I play that tune from TV series "Cheers" in my head: "Where everybody knows your name..."

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Sofia Spotter Simo

About me So here's a brief guide of what we need to mix up: 1. piston - from the motorcycle roar burning through my veins; 2. capacitor - take it from my microelectronics engineer degree; 3. turf - should be on the soles of my football boots; 4. vodka bottle cap - rolling somewhere on the floor of the disco we went to last night; 5. pine needle - plenty of them if you take a walk at Vitosha mountain; 6. sand - in my pockets still full from Sozopol's beach; 7. guitar string - from the hardcore bands that I headbang to; 8. piece of paper - fe...

About this spot

1 Hristo Belchev Str.

Beer:

BGN

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Oct 11, 2025

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