Goa’s journey from taverns to the present-day bars

TAVERN BONDS

Over a century ago, across Goa people poured into taverns after a day’s hard work, and swigged down feni or urrak  – a distilled cashew and coconut beverage – as they bonded with each other.

COMMUNITY FEELING

It was a place where community feelings were fostered as men discussed politics, trade, weather, or simply gossiped under warm lights, tossing savouries into their mouths and downing their drinks.   

CRUNK & TALK

With the advent of radio, melodious music and broadcast became the backdrop of these unpretentious places even as the drunken banter, drenched in emotions, continued.  

ELAPSING TIME

Years elapsed, and some taverns were imbued with football frenzy, but maintained their humble interiors.

TIMES, A-CHANGING

As time rolled by and the century took a turn, the meaning of taverns rapidly changed. It was still a place to say cheers, but with wider choices and sleekly done up interiors.  

NEW-LOOK TAVERNS

Many taverns turned themselves into theme and lounge bars, drawing younger and spending crowds like magnets. New bars have joined the bandwagon and completely altered Goa’s bar landscape.

TAVERN-NEW-BAR HANDSHAKE

New bars like Feli tavern (Benaulim), Pablo’s (Assagao), Antonio (Panjim), Amaranth (Colva) and many others now co-exist with old ones to offer after-hours respite to tipplers.  

NEXT: Step away from the city and discover Goan village-charm