Fancy Italian Restaurant next to the Kempinski
I recently reviewed some Bansko bars and restaurants which had music events that I had particularly enjoyed so far this season. Bars such as The Happy End, JJ Murphy’s first birthday party and the resident musician, “The Lizard” at Harry’s bar, have all shown what live music can bring to Bansko’s apres ski. So what about all those mehanas, bars and takeaways that make the diverse choice that Bansko’s apres ski scene? Read on for my top 12 to see if they are yours too.
I used my facebook and twitter this morning to guage some other’s opinion. But this list is mine and is influenced, or compromised, by something that makes me prefer a bowl of gruel than suffering the “smokefest whilst you eat” experience.
UPDATE (June 2012): all restaurants are NO SMOKING now…
And whilst I’m in rant mode… I really can’t stomach some local folk band blasting out some awful loud noise. Eventually I relent; pay them off whilst saying “no thank you, please move away”. Ok, I’m on a roll now…I never return to a place that serves up that special brew of unsmiling, unhelpful attitude garnished with a fair dose of grumpiness.
I avoid anywhere with a annoying tout. Some of the touts in Bansko make me feel as if I’ve arrived in a tacky seaside resort — or Borovets. No thanks.
1. Peshterite (“The Caves”): Good kebabche and chips — possibly best I’ve ever had in Bansko. Well I think so after a good session on the mountain. Usually a tasty bob (bean soup), omelettes, salads, grills etc. All at a price I’m not allowed to mention. Wonderful outside in the sunshine. Located by second bridge on ski road (by the large advertising boards). Toilets are to be avoided.
2. Victoria Restaurant: Since my review when it first opened, Victoria still delivers. The Pepperoni pizza still hits the spot. Ask for the chili oil and for real mozzarella cheese. All dishes good. House wine is Telish and makes for a smart choice. Usually a no smoking section — that actually works. But not always. .Generally very good service. Opposite the Kempinski.
3. The Happy End: Okay it’s huge, but for live bands from the likes of Coco Mania, Awake, Ani Lozanova, “the Girl Band” interspersed with a respectable DJ in the distinctive form of “spike” and some dancing girls to distract it’s deservedly popular with all on Friday and Saturday nights. Food not so good. Drinks (Tubourg draft) a little pricey. Service much improved this year. Convenient opposite the gondola lift.
JJ Murphy's, Bansko (near Lion Hotel)
4. Harry’s Bar: Friendly upscale, usually not too smoky. Pizzas are good. Service with a smile here. Excellent cocktails. Not a budget destination. Music from “The Lizard” is always a joy and will play requests. Turn right by Friendly bar. Afternoon Lizard session at 16:30 is a good time. Recommended.
5. JJ Murphy’s: New managers finding their feet and offering a warm welcome. A good pint of Guinness. Beer, currently Shumensko on draught, at 2.50 lv for 500 ml. The ribs and potato wedges were very tasty on my last visit. A nice place for children and parents to go for early dining. Large no smoking area makes this a top no smokers destination. Located close to the Lion Hotel.
6. The Irish Harp : Visit for friendly service from English and Bulgarian bar staff. Fair beer prices. Find it in the Bansko App… but they will pick you up. Excellent food.
7. The Lion Bar: This only sneaks into my list as it is so convenient. Great for Sky football. Efficient service. Great ribs. Much improved for 2013
8. Fancy: Italian and Pizza restaurant just up from Kempinski. Friendly service. Avoid the Thai spring rolls. Generally not too busy, so not too much of a smokefest NOW CLOSED. NO SMOKING IN RESTAURANTS IN BULGARIA
9. Todeva House: a mehana and a firm favourite. See Karen’s Todeva House review. I have not been this year, but others say it still delivers value and quality.
10. Dedo Kotse: a family owned and run mehana by the main square. Serves solid traditional Bansko fare.
The Goat, Not In My Top 12: But quite acceptable
11. The Avalon Hotel: every Thursday in ski season is curry night. Booking essential for James and Vania’s popular, and completely smoke free, curry nights. They set the no smoking standard.
10. Motikita: a popular mehana with superb starters, cabbage salad, peppers, salads all good. Respectable house wine, but a fabulous selection of top Bulgarian wines. 200 m up from Kempinski in left in woods.
11. Karaoke Bar: Go with an open mind. Can be a lot of fun. A charitable crowd actually clapped at my appalling karaoke performance. NEW MANAGEMENT for 2013 makes this even better
12. The Banitsa Takeaway: Not a restaurant but had to add this as the best banitsa award goes to the little takeaway just behind the theatre. A fun place to hang out for five or so minutes. People watching local life, whilst munching on homemade 1 lv (1 EUR) banitsa. The best that you will find within 50km kilometres of Bansko?
Other Receommendations (UPDATED 2013)
- Bash Bar: a younger instructor crowd. Loud music, fair prices
- Track Bar: nice interior
- Nai Klub: Flourimont. An upscale Chalga franchise (well nothing that wrong with that). Nice sound system.
- Oxygen: Chico the DJ spins those tunes like pro. Huge loyal following and loved by many.
- Basecamp: Those that know it, love it
- Club Leglo: “Club Bed” in translation. Probably best if you are young, and from Bansko. Not open so often now.
- Graphite: Nice enough music bar in town square
- Party Place: Have tried and can’t remember
- Payner Club: For the full chalga experience. Go when a top act like Preslava, Anelia, Kamelia etc are playing. Drink a lot.
- Sing Sing: Kempinski. Best piano bar (usually closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday). Tabu and iGroove resident bands are fabulous.
Tip Of The Day
Date for the diary. 17th March is St Patrick’s night. So JJ Murphy’s, being an Irish bar is a good option. The Irish folk music band booked for this special evening will be well worth seeing — it’s the same band that I saw play in Sofia’s JJ Murphy’s in January and there was a memorable good atmosphere.
Your Best Bars and Restaurants
Would any of my top places features in your own list of Bansko apres ski restaurants and bars? Which ones should I try that I’ve missed out. I hear the Mexican is good near the Strazhite. please let me know what you think.
