5 of Malta's Best Themed Bars for a Quirky Night Out
Of course, there’s no shortage of places to get a great cocktail in Malta. But if you want something a bit more interesting than a generic bar playing chart music at full volume, the island has a surprisingly good selection of spots with original personality. Here are five themed bars worth seeking out, and of course taking lots of photos!
The Thirsty Barber, Paceville (St Julian's)
Prohibition Era
From the outside it looks like an old-fashioned barbershop. Walk through the red British phone box at the entrance and you’re suddenly in a 1920s speakeasy, low lighting, jazz, and bartenders who genuinely know what they’re doing. Malta’s first and only prohibition-themed bar, The Thirsty Barber does era cocktails alongside their own house signatures, and the menu doubles as a short history lesson on the Prohibition years. Live music runs most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s tucked just off the main Paceville drag, which means it attracts a slightly different crowd, people who are actually there for the drinks rather than just the night out.
More information here.
Ozzy's Tiki Voodoo Bar, Valletta
Tiki & Voodoo
One of Valletta’s newer and more unexpected additions, Ozzy’s brings a full tiki voodoo aesthetic into the heart of the capital, which, given that Valletta is all Baroque grandeur and limestone walls, makes for quite the contrast. Expect tropical vibes, flaming rum-forward cocktails, and a vibe that feels very much unlike anywhere else on the island. Though be warned, this is the kind of place that’s very easy to lose a few hours in.Â
Find them on Instagram!
¡La Luz!, Sliema
Mexican Tequila & Mezcal Bar
Look for the neon praying hands above the door on Tower Road, that’s your sign you’re in the right place. ¡La Luz! is Malta’s dedicated temple to tequila and mezcal, with a menu that covers everything from carefully sipped smoky mezcals to spicy margaritas and house cocktails that change seasonally. The interior is all bold colours, custom mosaic walls, and lots of upbeat energy. They do some amazing tacos too, which is never a bad thing. The name means “The Light” in Spanish, and whether that’s a philosophical statement or just good branding, the bar more than lives up to it.
More information here!
Kuch Kuch, St Julian's
Bollywood Meets Western Edge
Named after the Hindi phrase meaning “something’s happening,” Kuch Kuch very much lives up to it. The décor is Indian Bollywood flair meets Western attitude, pink walls, eclectic artwork, tropical prints, and a remixed Mona Lisa in the corner dressed in Indian-punk attire. The cocktails are ambitious in the best way, using unconventional ingredients and arriving in custom-made vessels that are half drink, half performance. Capacity is just 55 people and it’s table service only, so it stays intimate even when it’s buzzing. Book ahead.
More information here!
The Oyster Grotto, Valletta
Oysters & Bubbly
Tucked on the corner of Merchants Street and Saint Dominic’s Street in Valletta, The Oyster Grotto does exactly what it says, fresh oysters and bubbles in a cosy, classy little space that manages to feel both special occasion and completely unfussy at the same time. Perfect before a wander around the city or as a stop on a Valletta evening out. The bar staff really know their stuff, and if you’ve never tried oysters before, this is probably the best possible place to start.
Find them on Facebook!Â
Have you been to any of these bars? Or perhaps we missed your favourite. Let us know in the comments below!
