Top Bars in Geneva – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled in Geneva’s Pâquis district, Bambou Speakeasy is one of those delightful secrets best discovered rather than stumbled on. Behind the restaurant Chez Piaf, through a discreet cupboard or hidden door, lies a lounge that channels the elegance and romance of post-war Paris, with a Swiss twist. Once inside, the atmosphere softens: plush seating, low lighting, vintage decor, and the slow hum of vinyl — the soundtrack typically features French chanson, crooners, and carefully curated melodies playing on analog systems. Bambou leans heavily into nostalgia. Cocktails are the heart of the experience. The bar trades in classic and revisited drinks, highlighting fine spirits — especially cognacs and Armagnacs — with delicate touches and thoughtful flair. Its concept is not mass spectacle, but an invitation to linger, drink well, and listen intently. The speakeasy is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, from 20:00 to 02:00. While music and social energy can swell as night deepens, it retains an air of refinement rather than turning into a club. Because it’s hidden behind the restaurant, entry feels like part of the ritual: step into Chez Piaf, make your way to the back, and slip through a portal into a different world. This dual nature (restaurant above, lounge behind) gives Bambou a layered charm — you might begin your evening with dinner upstairs, then slip into the speakeasy phase for a second act. In short: Bambou isn’t about spectacle or volume. It’s about whispers, taste, nuance, and the pleasure of discovery. It’s ideal for date nights, after-dinner extensions, or anyone wanting a refined, moody escape in Geneva’s bar landscape.

Definitely a gem among the bars on the so-called EDM (rue de l'Ecole-de-Médecine). The interior decoration is reminiscent of a 19th century cabinet of curiosities. The service staff - tattooed and well-styled - fits in perfectly. The bar is also worth a visit for the enchanted garden, the lunch menus and the gin selection.

Tucked behind the vibrant restaurant Bleu Nuit, Le Frigo is Geneva’s clandestine cocktail hideout: the kind of speakeasy that rewards those in the know. To enter, you don’t walk through a typical door — you open a refrigerator door. Once inside, you’re transported to a compact, blue-shaded lounge where mixology, mood, and mystique converge. The bar is run (or was co-conceived) by celebrated bartender Olivia Hairey, known for her creative flair and strong reputation in Geneva’s cocktail scene. Le Frigo emphasizes tailor-made drinks: tell the bartender your tastes, and you might be surprised by something uniquely crafted just for you. Ambiance leans toward intimate disco and retro chic. Some descriptions mention soft blue lighting, a danceable soundtrack, and a cozy layout that encourages lingering, conversation, and discovery. Because of its limited size and hidden nature, it has the feel of a whispered secret more than a crowded showpiece. Its operating hours are late: from evening into the early hours. According to Atlas Obscura, it’s open Wednesday through Saturday, from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. According to RestaurantGuru, Le Frigo opens around 22:00 and closes 01:00 (Tue - Sat) (with extended hours Fri–Sat). In many guides, Le Frigo is described as the “secret speakeasy behind Bleu Nuit.” It’s a spot where guests extend their restaurant evening into a hidden world of cocktails, shadows, and quiet intrigue. It’s not loud; it’s not broad; it’s discreet — and that’s the point.