Hambara Sofia

If there would ever be a contest for the most 'hidden' place in Sofia, this would definitely be the winner. A dark alley leading to a shanty structure and a wooden door. No name, no signs, nothing. Just open the door and you would enter a dim bar lit only by hundreds of candles. It cannot get cozier than that, can it?

They say that in the past this was the place for the intelligentsia and you could only get in if you know the right person. The door was locked and no matter how hard you knock, unless you know the right words, they wouldn't let you in. During the transition from Communism this place was open to the public but even nowadays the owner refuses to create an Internet site or promote it further.

On the lower level there are bars with stools while up the stairs there are couple of tables with small chairs. It's a great place for a drink during the winter or later at night in summertime when the outdoor gardens are already closed. Keep in mind that sometimes it might get too smoky because of cigarettes.

P.S. If you need to go to the toilet, look for the 'editor's office' (редакция).