Your need-to-know on stylish after work drinks in Stockholm

Socializing with friends and co-workers after a day in the office is definitely a favourite activity among Scandinavians, and afterworks have become an ingrained and important part of our culture. Sipping on a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine while nibbling on some snacks and food is pretty much a hobby we all have, and luckily enough, Stockholm is full of incredible places to kick back post-work.

So whether you’re looking for something more quiet and fancy around Östermalm, or busy and relaxed on Söder, this guide has a little bit of everything...

Described as “Östermalm’s most secret and sunniest restaurant”, this hidden gem is in the heart of Östermalm, but yet a bit secluded. Thanks to its location right by Armémuséet, near a large open courtyard, the restaurant benefits from sunshine all day long during the warmer season. So this is definitely the oasis to sip on a glass of wine until sunset. Their terrace doesn’t take any reservations, so get in early (especially on Fridays when a DJ plays from 17.00), and don’t miss their burrata with peaches and the halloumi salad if you’re grabbing food.

Artillerigatan 13, 114 51 Stockholm

Located in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful courtyards, Hallwylska not only does excellent food, but also boasts the most gorgeous bar for both a drink with colleagues or an evening out with friends. And the open bar in the middle, surrounded by olive trees and flowers, intimate round tables, and a majestic fountain as a backdrop helps create an elegant south European atmosphere. However, the menu actually offers some Scandinavian favourites worth trying, such as crayfish and Kalix löjrom (“Caviar of Kalix”). And for the tipple, try their Melon Musk mocktail or the Stockholm Bränneri Pink Gin, ideal for a balmy summer evening.

Hamngatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm

Symbios has received a lot of praise and it's easy to see why. The interior is classic Scandinavian and minimalistic, but with a hint of colour and we love the inspiring atmosphere here in the evenings. Just order their appetising dishes, from warming soups to fresh salads, and pick a glass wine from their vast selection – their orange wine is a winner!

Skånegatan 80, 116 37 Stockholm

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A new favourite summer pop-up along the famous promenade Strandvägen is this French-riviera-looking oasis on the water. Open during the warmer months and when the weather allows, this is the go-to spot during those hot summer evenings. Even though it’s quite small, pretty much everything on their menu is incredible – relish gambas, Greek salad, marinated tomatoes from Viken, tuna, halloumi salad, and a vegetable plateau while sipping on something refreshing in the sunshine.

Strandvägen 18, 114 56 Stockholm

Despite opening the day before the covid-19 restrictions hit Sweden in 2020, this hidden gem on Kungsholmen has quickly become a local favourite (so be sure to book a table as soon as possible before everyone else gets the memo). Brilliant service, appetizing dishes, including everything from bar snacks to charcuterie, plus a large selection of wines, and an intimate feel-at-home atmosphere can be expected here. Just get there early if you want to skip the wait.

Inedalsgatan 15, 112 33 Stockholm

With a varying menu offering south European dishes, this is another unmissable gem you'll want to linger at. Although you might initially come for drinks, their incredible food menu is a must. Rumour has it that their grilled grapes with feta cheese, postage nuts, and peperoncino are incredible, as well as their freshly baked bread with cottage cheese, and the beet tarte with sardines and fior di latte.

Grev Turegatan 30, 114 38 Stockholm

In addition to the gorgeous rooms and superb restaurant, this stunning hotel’s indoor courtyard also hosts a sophisticated bar perfect for a cocktail after a long workday. The bar becomes quite busy and buzzy towards the end of the week when the music cranks up a bit. Both wines and cocktails grace their afterwork menu, and don't forget to try their freshly baked pizzas. The place attracts an international buzz, and this is a favourite to bring both co-workers or to meet up with friends.

Nybrogatan 25-27, 114 39 Stockholm

The popular restaurant Calle P has got a new sibling in town, the bar Coquetel Social where you find an extensive cocktail menu including both classics such as daiquiris and martinis, as well as their own specialties (try the Bee’s Knees, it's divine). The interior is a perfect fusion between intimate and sophisticated and this is definitely a place you’ll want to return to.

Birger Jarlsgatan 20, 114 34 Stockholm

One of our favourite rooftops in town is located at hotel Blique by Nobis, and if you’re in Vasastan and looking for a place to unwind and enjoy yourself after the office, check out Arc. Rumored to have the best view of Stockholm, flawless service, incredible drinks (order the Bansho – a passionfruit cocktail with pomegranate foam on top), and a delicious Asian-fusion menu, there are many reasons why you should stop by this gem. Relax in their lounge sofas and enjoy some food while watching the sunset – it doesn't doesn’t get any better than this.

Gävlegatan 18, 113 30 Stockholm

The ultimate spot in Stockholm for people-watching is undoubtedly Schmaltz. Inspired by the deli-culture in New York and influenced by both the Swedish and European kitchens, this little pearl right by Östermalmstorg offers both an impressive wine list and a food menu, including snacks, mains, and desserts. Gather your friends and relish the salmon bagel, followed by a pavlova if it’s that kind of day, while sipping on a glass of wine to get a perfect ending to your work day.

Östermalmstorg 19, 114 39 Stockholm

This popular venue consists of several bars and restaurants, which make it the ultimate afterwork place since it has something for everyone – take your boss (and make sweet on that little promotion) for some mouthwatering Japanese street food at Izakaya, or treat your team with some sake at the Tak restaurant, and let the interns enjoy themselves at SUS before you all meet up at the main bar on the roof and city views await.

Brunkebergstorg 2-4, 111 51 Stockholm

Another after work-must is this former cinema turned sophisticated-restaurant that offers menus for all kinds of moods and moments. Expect excellent service, elegant interior, delectable foods, and an extensive wine list. Plus, their outdoor terrace is perfect for people-watching and their Caesar salad is the best in town, trust us.

Östermalmstorg 15, 114 39 Stockholm

Just around the corner from Fotografiska museum, this relatively new Mediterranean Söder-gem is the perfect hideaway to brush away the work cobwebs. Think grilled fish and meat, baked over open fire or in their wood-fired oven – order the octopus for something a little bit different. And wash this all down with a thirst-quenching cocktails, the white peach bellini is on our lust-list.

Tjärhovsgatan 33, 116 28 Stockholm

This low-key, relaxed Söder-favourite has its concept rooted in the Middle East and southern Europe. And if their creative and vast cocktail menu is anything to go by, you'll have to order a couple of drinks to really satiate your cravings. Try their Business in Paradise (which includes coffee, coconut, and cacao nibs) if you crave a sweet energy boost, or go for the Signora D’Oro (with elderflower, Riesling, honey, and lemon) for fans of the sour.

Hornsbruksgatan 24, 117 34 Stockholm

Located in the middle of the city center, one of the newest hotspots in town is Tetto. Chic beige lounge chairs and sofas, pampas grass, a couple of bars, and a pizza slice-corner can be found on this trendy rooftop terrace. For the colder months, head over to the sister venue Spesso which boast a tasty espresso martini and incredible views over the city.

Malmskillnadsgatan 38, 111 57 Stockholm

If you’re in the mood for something a little quieter after a tuckering day at work, head to Diplomat where you can enjoy both food (including everything from oysters to Swedish meatballs) washed down with a classic cocktail (a dry martini is always a good idea, right?) inside their elegant restaurant, overlooking Nybroviken. And if you are short on time, then worry not, combine boozing with a spot of grocery shopping before heading home, as their sister venue Butiken, (where you can find delicacies, pastries, vegetables, fruits, and more) is right next door.

Strandvägen 7C, 114 56 Stockholm

If you want to schmooze with a slightly younger, hipper crowd, head to Trädgården in Skanstull on Södermalm. There's ping pong tables, along with small bars selling both hot dogs and popcorn – this hidden little spot under the bridge feels like an updated hipster version of that favourite place you used to hang out with your friends as a teenager. And something which really elevates Trädgården is their exceptional mocktails, made with the Stockholm-based kombucha brand, Icha Bucha – a must-try.

Hammarby Slussväg 2, 118 60 Stockholm