Best Bars in Kathmandu

P886+H24, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu 44600

Sam’s Bar is a time-honoured hangout tucked away in Thamel’s winding lanes. Since the 1990s, its dark wood interiors, glowing yellow lights and walls scrawled with traveller graffiti have created a cosy living room for backpackers, climbers and locals. The small upstairs terrace spills into the night, offering open-air seating perfect for chatting over an Everest or Gorkha beer. Inside, a snug bar counter and mismatched stools set the scene for relaxed conversation, accompanied by a curated playlist that shifts from rock classics to Nepali tunes. On Saturdays, the bar comes alive with reggae rhythms, drawing a mix of tourists and Kathmanduites keen to sway along. The drinks menu is straightforward: cold beers, dependable cocktails, whiskies and spirits, all very reasonably priced compared with other Thamel spots. Free popcorn adds to the friendly, unpretentious feel. There’s no food menu beyond light snacks and no Wi-Fi – a deliberate choice that encourages patrons to talk rather than scroll. The staff, many of whom have been here for years, greet regulars by name and treat newcomers like long-lost friends. Whether you’re a solo traveller seeking camaraderie or a group looking for cheap happy-hour drinks, Sam’s Bar delivers an authentic Kathmandu pub experience.