A long-running rock bar near the city theatre that has hosted the Aarhus music underground for decades. The walls are covered in vintage concert posters; the drinks list is kept short and the volume is kept high.
Food program: None
Address: Skolegade 25, 8000 Aarhus C
A late-opening cocktail bar on Mejlgade popular with the 25-35 creative crowd. The drinks list rotates seasonally and a DJ plays from Thursday to Saturday from 22:00. The vibe is relaxed enough to talk before midnight.
Signature drink: Seasonal spritz and house cocktails
Food: None
Aarhus's long-established LGBTQ+ bar on Klostertorv, open since 1987. The Friday and Saturday drag nights are the week's social anchor for the community; the atmosphere is welcoming on quieter weekday evenings.
Signature drink: Vodka cocktails and house shots
Food: None
A sports bar on Vestergade with screens covering every major football and handball match. The kitchen does burgers and wings to a reliable standard; the beer tower for groups is the most popular order on match days.
Signature drink: Draft lager and house beer tower
Food: Burgers and wings
The bar inside the Hotel Royal on Banegardspladsen is Aarhus's most civilised drinking room, with leather chairs, a classical drinks list and bar staff who know how to make a proper Martini. Business travellers and local regulars in roughly equal proportions.
Signature drink: Dry Martini and Whisky Sour
Food: Hotel bar menu
The best-known Irish pub in Aarhus, sitting on the corner of Aboulevarden and the canal. The Guinness pours consistently and the music sessions on weekend evenings draw a crowd that mixes expats with Danish regulars.
Signature drink: Guinness and Irish whiskey
Food: Irish pub food
The live music venue and bar attached to the Aarhus cultural axis hosts Danish and touring bands in an intimate standing-room format. The bar is simple and the sound system is the main event.
Signature drink: Draft beer and house cocktails
Food: Snacks
