ManaBar

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Basel SBB station at Güterstrasse 99 (4053 Basel), ManaBar is a hybrid venue where game culture and bar culture merge in one dynamic space.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the difference: multiple floors host different scenes — a lounge bar area for cocktails and conversations, board-game tables for analog play, and gaming setups for console and PC e-sports action. The architecture itself reflects the hybrid concept of fun and sophistication: “a conversion of a former retail space … Besides being a public bar, there is room for different forms of games on 3 levels” according to the designers.

Drinks are a key part of the experience

while not a dedicated high-end mixology bar, ManaBar offers a standard full bar, cocktails and themed drinks alongside a relaxed vibe where patrons might be playing Catan one moment and sipping a gin & tonic the next. The gaming culture influences the events: weekly e-sports nights, pub quizzes, “barSmash” tournaments and more.

The crowd is eclectic

board-game enthusiasts, e-sports players, regulars from Basel’s bar scene, and visitors looking for something off the usual path. Opening hours reflect the multi-function nature: closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Wednesday/Thursday ~17:00-23:30; Fri/Sat ~17:00-01:00; Sunday ~14:00-22:00. Given the proximity to public transport and central location, it’s an accessible and fun spot for a group outing or a relaxed evening.