The Best Lounges, Bars and Pubs in Macau

Set in Taipa Village, the Old Taipa Tavern is the sort of sleepy local pub you’d find on the back roads of Cork. The out of the way location is certainly part of the charm and means most of the customers are regulars—mostly local expats. It has an everyone-knows-your-name community club friendliness that’s missing from most Macau pubs. Go here to sip a few pints, dive into a newspaper and get into an argument about politics. Other attractions include occasional live music and comedy and Irish style pub grub—including a breakfast.

• Address: No 21, Rua de Negociantes, Taipa

Something unique for a city used to dive bars or lifeless casino lounges, Macau Soul is an upmarket wine bar with a passion for jazz. Set in the heart of Macau, under the shadow of St Paul’s—an area that was once bereft of a decent place to have a drink—Macau Soul is fitted with fine art, stained glass windows and a wine collection that is nothing short of stellar. Yet it doesn’t feel snobby. The owners are welcoming, the crowd friendly and the setting cozy—while the live jazz and other music usually excellent. There is also a very decent menu, although prices can be prohibitive.​

• Address: No 31, Rua de Sao Paulo, Macau

If you can go to the original McSorley’s in New York, do. If you can go to the other McSorely’s in Hong Kong, do. If you can’t, come to Macau's McSorley's. Sitting inside a casino is a hard way for any pub to strike up an atmosphere—the crowd are just taking a break between gambling—but there are still plenty of reasons to recommend McSorleys inside the Venetian Macao. Pitched as a no-nonsense backstreet boozer, its deep woods and wrought iron don’t fit well inside the shiny Venetian, but it remains atmospheric. The own brand McSorely (real) Ale is an excellent reason to pull up a stool—as are live sporting events on the big screen and a fantastic selection of pub grub. 

• Address: Venetian Macau Hotel, Cotai Strip

Right in the heart of Macau’s nightlife hub, Moonwalker is one of the strips more famous and more permanent residents. If you’re looking for a crowd and a chance to swap phone numbers, Moonwalker is the place to bring your little black book. The backlit spirit shelves and exposed pipes look like 1980’s Miami, but that’s excused by the sheer enthusiasm of the patrons and regular cover bands from the Philippines who belt out rock and pop classics. The action tends to start late and end early—in the morning.

• Address: Avendia Marginal de Baia,Vista Magnifica Court

There are probably better Portuguese restaurants in Macau than Fernando’s—Miramar springs to mind—but the al fresco bar here with its lazy fans, bamboo seats and expat transplants is an absolute gem. Popular with the local Portuguese community, locals, and tourists alike, there’s sangria, Portuguese beer, and an excellent selection of Iberian wines to choose from. The laidback, lazy ​ambience is straight out of the Algarve.

• Address: 9 Praia de Hac Sa, Coloane Island