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Europe Bulgaria Sofia Bars & Nightlife McCarthys Irish Pub

Overview

McCarthys Irish Pub

The guide was updated: 2026-01-11

Sofia has a few Irish pubs, but McCarthy’s stands out as the most popular meeting spot for the city’s expat community, especially among visitors from English-speaking countries. Its location is hard to beat, just a few steps from Vitosha Boulevard, making it an easy and perfect stop to include in your Sofia bar-hopping route.

Useful Information

Address: Alabin Street 29, Sofia
More Info: Second floor. Entrance: Grey door - a "Notary" sign.
Website: www.instagram.com/mccarthys_irish_pub2
Phone: +359 893 536 024

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Studentski Grad

Studentski Grad

Although Sofia’s city centre offers plenty of bars and clubs, there is much more to discover beyond it. For a truly Bulgarian nightlife experience, head to Studentski Grad. It’s a bit far from the centre, but the trip is well worth it. As the name suggests, this district is home to most of the city’s university campuses, giving it a youthful, energetic atmosphere. Most nightclubs here play chalga, a popular Bulgarian folk-pop genre, accompanied by dancers, light shows and large, lively crowds. Some of the most popular venues include Club Eleven Sofia, Club 33 and Club Conte. Be aware that dress codes are fairly strict, especially for men, so make sure to dress smartly to avoid being denied entry.

McCarthys Irish Pub

McCarthys Irish Pub

Sofia has a few Irish pubs, but McCarthy’s stands out as the most popular meeting spot for the city’s expat community, especially among visitors from English-speaking countries. Its location is hard to beat, just a few steps from Vitosha Boulevard, making it an easy and perfect stop to include in your Sofia bar-hopping route.

Barfly

Barfly

Barfly offers a great mix of locals and expats right in the heart of the city. It’s located on the second floor next to McDonald’s on Vitosha Boulevard. Grab a seat by the window to enjoy views of one of Sofia’s main streets and watch the trams glide by. The bar has a good selection of drinks and regularly hosts live music events.

Tiffany

Tiffany

Tiffany has everything you need: a lovely interior, a big bar, guest DJs and a massive dance floor. One of the best nightclubs in the city with go-go dancers, loud beats and a party atmosphere, Tiffany offers the quintessential nightclubbing experience.

Hambara Bar

Hambara Bar

The tucked away gem of a bar might be quite hard to locate. Walk down a small alley and seek out a door with no identifying sign on it, give it a knock and wait to be let into the candle-lit space of this underground bar. The absence of electricity truly creates a unique atmosphere.

Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar

Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar

With its unobstructed view of the iconic Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral and central Sofia, Sense Hotel's Rooftop Bar ranks amongst the finest for city panoramas. On top of that, the bar is excellently staffed with bartenders who know a thing or two about mixology.

J.J. Murphy's

J.J. Murphy's

J.J. Murphy's is a cosy pub that was first founded in Cork, Ireland but has expanded all the way to Sofia. Enjoy live music while sipping on a pint, or come here and watch a football match. Live music shows are put on every now and then. There is a garden designated for smokers.

Raketa Rakia Bar

Raketa Rakia Bar

The stylish space of Raketa Rakia restaurant and bar is packed with socialist memorabilia, making for an exotic interior that helped turn the place into a magnet for visiting foreigners. Several varieties of Bulgarian rakia are on offer, a local brandy that packs quite a punch with its 40-degree strength.

One More Bar

One More Bar

The intimate and refreshing courtyard seating area and the well-crafted cocktails make for some of the city's best settings for a leisurely evening drink. The place serves food, and the staff are English-speaking. Choose from a rather wide selection of spirits and cocktails.

Pub Crawl

Pub Crawl

Pub Crawls are a great way to hit several nightlife hot spots in the same evening, and learn about the city's best bars and clubs from local insiders. One company that enjoys a good reputation is The New Sofia Pub Crawl.

Bedroom Premium Club

Bedroom Premium Club

Sofia's prime nightlife venue, the Bedroom is one of the leading clubs on the capital's party scene. With its incredible dance shows, excellent drinks and impeccable service, the club is currently the to-be place for the young and beautiful of Sofia and beyond.

Club Mixtape 5

Club Mixtape 5

Sofia's underground music and event venue, Mixtape 5 keeps its hand on the pulse and regularly hosts both well-established and up-and-coming musicians, playing in genres ranging from reggae to hip hop to electronic music. The venue is spacious, which prevents overcrowding. Smoking is not allowed.

Rock'N'Rolla Club

Rock'N'Rolla Club

The Rock'N'Rolla Club occupies a basement in one of Sofia's central district buildings. 80s and 90s rock is played, and football matches broadcast to hits by AC/DC, Guns'n'Roses, Scorpion and other iconic rock bands. Drinks are offered at very reasonable prices.

Bar FlipFlop

Bar FlipFlop

FlipFlop is one of the newest additions to Sofia's bar scene. The hip venue serves a range of beers and cocktails, and is a real magnet for the young crowd. Sundays are reserved for 'lazy Indie nights', and DJ sets are hosted on Fridays and Saturdays.

Motto

Motto

Motto is a cool and contemporary restaurant and bar that serves a fine selection of cocktails. The wood-and-glass veranda, and on summer days the outdoor patio, look inviting for a lunch or an evening drink with pleasant music playing in the background. Their food menu vary daily.

Piano Bar Chicago

Piano Bar Chicago

The Piano Bar Chicago offers a wide range of drinks. One of the bar's main draws are the regularly hosted live music nights, where Bulgarian musicians showcase their craft to audiences of up to 100 people. Take note that the entry fee is paid upon exiting the bar.

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