Game bars in Oslo

Right by Sofienbergparken, you’ll find this gastropub with a playful atmosphere filled with retro lamps, vintage frames and cozy sofas. It feels a little like home! The menu offers everything from snacks to full dinners, and the wine list is carefully curated and surprisingly good. Not so surprising though, since Alex, one of the owners, has previously held wine courses for Mer av Oslo. We can vouch for his expertise! Sometimes, quizzes and small concerts bring the lounge area to life, making the place even more inviting. In short, this spot is perfect for everyday relaxation or a weekend celebration, with warm sofas, great food and vibrant culture.

Best known for their 2 for 1 deal on beer, wine and Aperol Spritz until 9PM! Right in the city center, you’ll find this bar with free shuffleboard and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to feel at home.

Right in the heart of Alexander Kiellands plass, you’ll find Alf – a true neighborhood bar with a big heart and a welcoming vibe. Dogs, art and laughter are all more than welcome here. On the ground floor, you can pop in for a reasonably priced beer before 7 pm. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, with an outdoor seating area that soaks up the sun on nice days. Alf is the kind of place where you feel right at home, whether you’re dropping by for a quiet chat or a night full of laughter.

In the narrow passage of Strøget, you’ll find a small bar with big personality! It’s dark, intimate and edgy in just the right way, with neon signs, art on the walls and speakers pumping everything from deep house to hip hop and guilty pleasures. It’s just as perfect for grabbing a beer and having a chat as it is for dancing the weekend away. You’ll find a great mix of regulars, DJs and people who just stumbled in and never left. The vibe is honest, energetic and real – and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Tucked into one of the city’s oldest buildings, you’ll discover this charming café, pub, and restaurant. All housed in an original wooden building on Grønland that dates back to 1730! Inside, they dish up classic Norwegian home-cooked favorites like pickled herring, meatballs, and fresh trout. Step outside into the spacious courtyard, where long communal tables, twinkling lanterns, and lush greenery create a warm, inviting atmosphere. And indoors? Think rustic décor and worn wooden floors that perfectly balance urban cool with historic charm. It’s the ideal spot to grab a beer on a sunny day!

This Italian cocktail bar is inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition, and it’s a popular classic down at the bottom of Grünerløkka. Expect a relaxed, informal and cozy vibe, with beautiful interiors that give off a 60s feel. There are plenty of tables for two, making it one of our top picks for first date spots in Oslo thanks to its charming atmosphere.

Boule and sausage party right in the heart of the city! This game bar brings true French joie de vivre. Inside, people toss metal balls on gravel courts while enjoying wine, cocktails, and gourmet sausages. The vibe is casual and lively, with hanging plants from the ceiling and large communal tables. It feels like stepping into a mix of a garden party and an outdoor café. Games and socializing go hand in hand here, with afterworks, competitions, and themed nights like Bastille Day celebrations featuring pétanque, music, and wine.

A little taste of Japan in the middle of Oslo? This bar is all about Japanese culture, and you can feel it in every detail. The food menu will feature dishes like yakitori skewers, sashimi, and cold noodle salad. Behind the bar you’ll find Japanese beer, whisky, and sake. The interior is carefully designed, and even the drinks and games are curated to match the vibe. The place is filled with arcade machines with everything from classic rhythm games to Mario Bros cabinets from the 80s. If you’re into Japanese culture, or simply want a different kind of night out in the city, this spot is worth checking out. PS: When we dropped by, the bartender mentioned they were brewing their very own matcha beer. Exciting!

When you step inside, it’s hard to believe you’re at a kebab joint. The menu features creative options like the "Torggata Cheesesteak" with cheddar and jalapeño, and the "Lebanese" with sumac onions and tzatziki. The space is modern with a cool, youthful vibe, decorated with photos of basketball stars and music legends like Tupac, the Beatles and Queen, while the bass from the speakers pulses along with classic 90s hip hop.

The former lighthouse building sits in one of the city’s green pockets, Kubaparken. And yes, it really did serve as a lighthouse back in the day. The café opened in the early 2000s. The terracotta colored building glows in the evening sun during summer, and blends beautifully with the colors of nature in the autumn months. The outdoor seating area has become a popular gathering spot, and when night falls, string lights above the tables make it extra cozy. This is a laidback and welcoming place to visit all year round.

Just a stone’s throw from Karl Johan, you’ll find Haandtryk – a modern bistro set in a historic tavern dating back to the 1800s. Here, dark wood and brown leather sofas meet a menu full of creative sausage creations and beer at friendly prices. This isn’t your typical Norwegian sausage joint, but more of a gourmet take. The place also has a cozy backyard where they show, among other things, football matches.

Hammerhai made a stylish debut in 2022, and since then we’ve kept coming back, again and again. Terracotta, mosaic and velour welcome you into a playful, art-filled space where sea air meets soft background music. The stunning interior, bursting with color and unique aesthetics, really makes this place stand out among the many bars and cafés in the capital. In the mornings, it’s the perfect spot for coffee, light bites and a bit of remote work vibe. When evening rolls around, the menu shifts to cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. Alongside the distinctive interior, they offer a vibrant and sunny outdoor seating area. This fills up quickly during the summer months. Tip! Try the ‘Slush Sour’ with pear.

Right by the fountain at Youngstorget, at the end of Folkepassasjen, you’ll now find Harlem. This central bar is not just about cocktails – it’s also a stage and music studio with plenty of events happening. Just outside the passageway they’ve placed a few tables, but across the street they’ve built a full outdoor seating area. It’s decked out with touches of artificial greenery, fenced in with wooden pallets and filled with tables and chairs. Out here you can relax and enjoy yourself all the way until 3 in the morning.

Bagels, cocktails and that vibrant Vulkan vibe! By Mathallen, with windows facing Akerselva, you’ll find this bar concept with an inclusive, urban and laid-back atmosphere. It’s all about creating a lively culture of great food, music, art and good people. Naturally, there’s a solid drink selection—from wine by the glass or bottle to cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic options. Feeling hungry? Grab New York-style bagels from ‘Bob the Bagel’ and lobster rolls from ‘Roll Baby Roll.’ They also occasionally host a second-hand Sunday market. We’re loving it!

Art, coffee and something good in your glass right next to the Royal Palace Park! Juret Bar has moved into Kunstnernes Hus, bringing new life to the foyer and the terrace. The result is a mix of bar and café that fits very well in this iconic functionalist building. Behind the concept is the team who started Oslo’s smallest jazz bar, and after three years with over 300 concerts, they have become an important stage for young jazz musicians. Now they bring that experience into Kunstnernes Hus, where you can expect both a laid-back atmosphere and a mix of good drinks and music. If you feel like a bite, they serve pizza, bread with different toppings, sardines and anchovies, and some baked goods from Mjøl. A bonus is their “jazzpils” every day until 9 pm, with beer at a very friendly price!

This bar has its very own charm and a down-to-earth vibe! Inside you step into a warm, butter-yellow room with red accents and a record player spinning Beatles and Oasis. Alongside beer and wine you will find cocktails with playful nods to the Norwegian heartland, like 'Je skar surfe på Einafjorden'. A tribute to the norwegian cult band Vazelina Bilopphøggers. There are plenty of other drinks worth trying too, like 'Peter’s Shandy', a crisp favorite that tastes a bit like a radler. If you get peckish, you can order small bites such as cheese, ham, olives, pickles or simply a bag of chips. Langt Langt Borte sits a little outside the city center, but its neighborhood charm and fun drinks will easily put a smile on your face. With plenty of outdoor seating, it is also the kind of place where you might just end up staying until long after the sun goes down.

In the mood for a great cup of coffee, some Danish pastries and a sandwich in intimate and urban surroundings? Then this café and wine bar in Oslobukta is just the place. Their school bun has, to say the least, gone viral – so there’s either a (very) long line or it’s sold out. But there’s no doubt it’s absolutely delicious. You’ll find all kinds of coffee here, along with a tasty little selection of baked goods and small dishes.

Hidden in a quiet passage right in the city center, you’ll find one of the most budget friendly bars in town. It’s undeniably cozy in this spot, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. An extra bonus is that you can bring takeaway pizza from the nearby Cin Cin.

Behind a somewhat unassuming facade near Oslo S, you’ll find this bar that blends a bit of retro charm with a playful atmosphere. With green walls, vintage furniture and a wide selection of board games, it’s a great spot for a social evening with friends. Prices for both beer and other drinks are quite reasonable, which makes it even more popular. While they don’t serve food, you’re welcome to bring your own.

If you know your way around Oslo, chances are you’ve already heard of this place. This bar at Teaterplassen by Grønland Torg is a true classic among the city’s urban backyards! With a calm and relaxed vibe, cozy seating areas, and the option to bring your own food, it’s easy to feel at home here. The outdoor area is lush with greenery, featuring large plants and trees along the walls. When the evening sets in or the weather cools down, the atmosphere stays just as inviting thanks to hanging lanterns, heat lamps, and available cushions and blankets. Indoors, large sofas, long tables, green plants, and bookshelves create a cozy industrial vibe. The drink selection is solid and reasonably priced, offering everything from various coffees to cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s right in the city center near Grønland Torg, yet still feels a bit hidden.

Another favorite on Grünerløkka is this bar full of retro charm and nostalgia. It’s probably best known for its great deal where you can get three beers for a really nice price until 8 pm! The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny days, especially if you like sitting right in the heart of things, soaking up the warm, informal and urban vibe. You can also grab some simple food here or find your favorite guilty pleasure tune on the jukebox.

Right in the heart of Grünerløkka, you’ll find this bar with fairly friendly prices that pays tribute to the 80s with a modern twist. Here, retro aesthetics meet today’s Oslo, with neon signs, colorful walls and an atmosphere dripping with nostalgia. On weekends, Rebell transforms into a lively hub where DJs spin everything from synthpop to modern hits, and the vibrant backyard becomes a popular hangout on warm evenings.

Imagine a bar where a good drink is paired with a cozy fireplace and Tour de France posters on the walls. Here, you can sip wine, beer, or their signature cocktail, the Nordmarka. And yes, this is even a bike repair shop! The wine selection features easy-drinking and fresh bottles from young producers, alongside some classic French elegance. The interior welcomes you with warm wood paneling, low lighting, and open doors in the summer that turn this place into more than just a bar. It’s like a friend request in bar form. Low-key and laid-back are perfect words to describe it, and this is a favorite for many.

Grünerløkka’s sunny beer garden! Hidden behind the trees along Akerselva, you’ll find this charming outdoor spot with a mix of chairs, hammocks and a bit of sandy beach vibe. When the sun shines, it’s the perfect place to enjoy beer, pretzels and plenty of laughter. Orders are easy to place through the service window, and the menu offers everything from local IPAs to classic German brews. There’s no stiffness here—just genuine everyday joy and beer happiness with true Grünerløkka spirit!

In this central Oslo park you can grab a drink and a bite to eat! The outdoor seating is wrapped in calm greenery with plenty of space to retreat from the city buzz. Sit back with something good in your glass and soak up the sun. From a small kiosk that looks like a tin can, they serve coffee, wine, beer, cider, and even several kinds of gin. You’ll also find light bites and a small menu with waffles and toppings, cheese and cured meats, or gazpacho and soup. PS: They are only open until September 30. [2025]

Right in the middle of Youngstorget, you’ll find this bar that’s especially popular with students thanks to prices that won’t break the bank, especially considering the central location. They also have a small backyard area.

No capital city is complete without Irish bar options. Here you get a great price on beer until 11PM, which is definitely a plus! This is a spacious pub and nightclub that combines Irish charm with a party vibe. It’s perfect whether you’re after a quiet pint or a night full of singalongs and dancing.

This bar, just a short walk from the sea, boasts one of Oslo’s freshest interiors and a beautiful outdoor seating area. A must visit during the summer months! The drink menu is full of tempting options, and their slush is a favorite on the hottest days. The decor takes you back to grandparents’ summer holidays on the French Riviera in the 70s and 80s. Classic orange stripes mix with pool blue from floor to ceiling and brown leather under a sparkling disco ball – creative and refreshingly unique.