Buying Beer In Dakar: What You Need To Know

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is widely available in Dakar. The local lager is cheap in most places, except for fancier restaurants and hotels. In the capital city of Dakar, there are breweries producing beer for the populace, and Senegalese beer is consumed all over the country. In Dakar, you can find a variety of drinking options, from five-star hotels to backstreet pool halls, and from buzzing rooftops to tranquil beach bars. The city's bar scene offers settings to suit all tastes.

Beer in Dakar is cheap in most places

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is widely available in Dakar. In fact, the local lager is cheap in most places, except for fancier restaurants and hotels.

Dakar has a variety of drinking spots, from five-star hotels to backstreet pool halls, beach bars to rooftop terraces. In the more upmarket hangouts, you can expect expertly crafted cocktails, well-known wine vintages, and draught beers. In less polished settings, you'll find local spirits, a lean wine selection, and chest freezers keeping bottled beers fresh.

Two beers are particularly common in Dakar: Gazelle, which is lighter, and Flag, which has more depth. You can find these beers, along with other alcoholic beverages, at supermarkets and liquor stores. For example, the "Casino" supermarket in Plateau, Sea Plaza, and Almadies are known for their excellent wine, spirits, and champagne selections. Brand-name Scotch whisky can be found for around $25, and lesser-known labels for as little as $10.

If you're looking for a bargain, markets and street food are the way to go. While restaurants can vary in price, there are plenty of good, cheaper options available. For instance, Xorbi, a rowdy bar in the heart of Fann Hock, is known for its great value, serving Dibi (Senegalese BBQ) and large 660ml bottles of beer. Another wallet-friendly spot is Secret Spot, a chilled beachside bar overlooking a surf spot on Almadies's Petite Corniche. It's known for serving some of the best-priced beers in town.

So, if you're looking to enjoy a few beers without breaking the bank, Dakar has plenty of options to choose from.

Beer is served on draught in upmarket hangouts

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is widely available in Dakar. In fact, there are breweries in the city that produce beer for the populace, and Senegalese beer is consumed all over the country.

Dakar has many options for enjoying a drink, from five-star hotels to backstreet pool halls, buzzing rooftops to tranquil beach bars. In the more upmarket hangouts, such as Bayékou, cocktails are expertly mixed, the wine list features well-known vintages, and the beers are served on draught.

Bayékou is a classy, open-sided roof terrace with a heady mix of stylish decking, cosy alcoves, and West African decor. It offers well-mixed cocktails, an eclectic soundtrack, and an 'anything goes' vibe. The staff are friendly, and the Italian-fusion menu is exquisite, featuring dishes like ceviche, poké bowls, and tuna tartare.

Another upmarket spot is Le Patio, which transforms from an excellent dining spot to a lively bar, and then into a pulsating late-night party with its own nightclub. The bouncers on the door ensure the clientele are looking the part to stroll down its red carpet, which opens up into a tree-filled patio surrounded by cushioned sofa-booths and two bars.

La Terrasse, located in one of Dakar's most luxurious hotels, Terrou-Bi, also boasts a drinks menu as extensive as its panoramic views. The bar sits alongside the hotel's private beach and swimming pool, with wide sofa seats, attentive service, and subtle tropical decor, nailing the laid-back lounge vibe.

While the local lager is cheap in most places in Dakar, it can be more expensive in fancier restaurants and hotels.

Local lager is cheap, except in fancier restaurants and hotels

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is widely available in Dakar. The local lager is cheap in most places, except for fancier restaurants and hotels.

Dakar has a diverse bar scene, from five-star hotels to backstreet pool halls, beach bars to rooftop terraces. The price of beer varies depending on the setting. In less polished settings, local spirits are served, and chest freezers keep bottles of beer fresh. In upmarket hangouts, beer is served on draught, and the wine list features well-known vintages.

There are breweries in Dakar producing beer for the populace, and two beers are said to be "omnipresent": Gazelle (lighter) and Flag (more depth).

If you're looking for a bargain, it's best to avoid the fancier restaurants and hotels, where prices are higher. Instead, opt for markets, street food, or cheaper sit-down restaurants. You can also find good deals at liquor stores and supermarkets like Casino Supermarche Dakar and Casino in the Plateau, Sea Plaza, and Almadies, where you can buy a bottle of branded Scotch for around $25 or a lesser-known label for as little as $10.

Dakar's moderate temperatures and vibrant culture make it a popular travel destination, and its bar scene caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a lively neighbourhood pub or a tranquil beach bar, you can find a spot to suit your preferences without breaking the bank.

Two beers are omnipresent: Gazelle (lighter) and Flag (more depth)

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim nation, alcohol is widely available in Dakar. In fact, there are breweries in the city that produce beer for the populace, and Senegalese beer is consumed all over the country.

The local lager is cheap in most places in Dakar, except for fancier restaurants and hotels. Two beers are particularly omnipresent: Gazelle, which is lighter, and Flag, which has more depth.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy a beer, Dakar has many options, from five-star hotels to the rough-and-tumble of backstreet pool halls, buzzing rooftops to tranquil beach bars. In the more upmarket hangouts, the beers are served on draught, whereas in less polished spots, the beer is kept fresh in chest freezers.

Some popular bars in Dakar include Le Viking, which is the closest thing to a pub in Dakar; Chez Max, a beach bar on the tiny Plage de Mamelles; and Secret Spot, a chilled beachside bar that's a favourite of Senegal's surf community.

Beer is served in 660ml bottles at Xorbi

Xorbi is also a hub for football fans, with two large projector screens showing all the big games. The bar attracts a rowdy, diverse crowd from across the African continent, and its atmosphere is lively, with music and sport often playing.

Dakar, the Senegalese capital, is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse bar scene. From upmarket hotels to backstreet pool halls, there is a drinking spot for all tastes. The local lager is usually cheap, and two beers are particularly common: Gazelle, which is lighter, and Flag, which has more depth.

Xorbi is a unique spot in Dakar, with its combination of a vibrant atmosphere, ample food and drink, and a focus on football and other sports. It is a popular choice for those seeking a lively, fun, and casual dining and drinking experience.

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