4 Best Bars in Downtown Macau, Macau

Housed in a bright pink building with pine-green shutters, this lively wine bar is just steps away from the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The retired British couple who manage the place have assembled a wine list that includes more than 430 Portuguese varieties—many you will only find here—plus a fine selection of whiskey. Pair your port or vinho verde with British cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and homemade desserts. Live after-dinner music plays on select dates, particularly Friday, depending on the season. Be warned: it’s cash-only and closes periodically at the owners’ whims.

Coffee shop by day, whiskey bar by night, this stylish spot across from the Portuguese consulate is a haven for whiskey lovers. The selection leans heavily on small, independent producers, primarily from Scotland and Ireland. There are loads of rare bottles to discover here, including hand-filled expressions from Highlands makers Clynelish and Glendronach and Isle of Skye’s Talisker. Two Moons also hosts periodic takeovers from top bartenders across Asia, promising variety whenever you visit.

This Mandarin Oriental bar-restaurant serves Cantonese during the day and Italian at night, and it merits a visit whatever the occasion, be it a business lunch, pizza dinner, or glass of champagne. It shines brightest at “The Counter,” a semi-private, 10-seat bar overlooking Nam Van Lake that can be closed off to the rest of the venue. Here, bartenders serve Mandarin Oriental signatures using interesting local ingredients, like salted plum-infused gin. They are also more than happy to tailor drinks to customers, who sit in tufted leather chairs propped up against a sturdy dark wood bar.

Tucked away on Rua Central near St. Augustine’s Square, Wood House epitomizes the independent cocktail bar scene slowly growing outside the confines of Macau’s casinos. Founded by a local who cut his teeth in Taiwan, this cozy bar fills up fast, especially on weekends, when guests often have to find space on the second floor. The menu features around 20 original cocktails, many made with homemade infusions. Not sure what to order? The bartenders will gladly craft something to suit your taste.