Top 5 of our favorite unusual bars in Bordeaux

How many bars do you think there are in Bordeaux? Between wine bars, beer bars, cat cafes… there are over 1,600 bars in Bordeaux ! It's hard to decide which one to choose. To make things easier, the Bordeaux Gironde Guide reveals its TOP 5 unusual bars in Bordeaux.

1. The Wave Surf Café: Taming the Wave

We're starting with a huge favorite in Bordeaux : the Wave Surf Café. Much more than just a bar, it's a place where you can surf and bodyboard on an artificial wave. Yes, you read that right! This concept is fantastic for practicing before the warmer weather arrives and having a great time with friends or family. There are sessions adapted to all levels, and you can even book the entire venue for a party or birthday celebration.

We tried a discovery session with 30 minutes of bodyboarding and 20 minutes of surfing. We LOVED it! We started with a few instructions and then climbed onto the bodyboard. It's a board you lie on to ride the wave. For the first few minutes, you capsize, you're clumsy, and you're quickly propelled back to square one by the wave. In fact, we recommend opting for the wetsuits available at reception rather than a swimsuit, which has a tendency to slip off. But you get the hang of it quickly, we promise. You regain your composure, your dignity, and you 're off again to conquer the wave.

Bodyboarding is much more accessible than surfing. During a discovery session, you'll also be offered the chance to try surfing, and that's where things get a little more challenging, but it's still so much fun. Don't worry, with a little practice, you'll be able to stand proudly on the board, at least for a few seconds. Whether bodyboarding or surfing, you'll quickly get a great feeling of gliding. Unlike the ocean, the continuous waves are extremely pleasant for practicing and trying out tricks for the more daring.

Throughout the session, our amazing instructor Sophie gave us advice, guided us, and encouraged us so we could learn and get the most out of it. All the staff are lovely, by the way!

This concept is truly brilliant; everyone has fun: children, beginners, expert surfers... And for those interested, the Wave Surf Café regularly organizes competitions. We saw experienced surfers on the wave right after we left, and it was quite a spectacle !

After the session, what better way to unwind than with a drink and a chat about our exploits while watching the video of our run on the screen ? A friendly atmosphere is key :) We had a lot of laughs and, without even realizing it, we worked up a good sweat!

Want to try it out? Book well in advance, because this place is really booming!

2. Café Utopia, the beating heart of Bordeaux

Located on Place Camille Jullian, Café Utopia is much more than just a Bordeaux terrace; it's a cultural institution in a spectacular setting. Housed in the former Saint-Siméon church, this café is a natural extension of the renowned art-house cinema next door. Stepping through its doors is like entering a place steeped in history, where Gothic vaults meet a constant intellectual buzz.

The atmosphere is unique: a blend of bohemian chic and civic engagement. The walls, covered with film posters and programs, speak of a love for cinema. People come here to read the newspaper, discuss a film they've just seen, or simply savor the local way of life. As for the menu, the café remains true to its values with a selection of local, organic, and artisanal products, prioritizing quality over unnecessary sophistication.

Whether you choose the soothing dimness of the old stone walls inside or the joyful bustle of the terrace overlooking the square, Café Utopia remains the ideal refuge for dreamers and film buffs. It's a timeless haven that embodies the free and independent spirit of historic Bordeaux.

3. Barjo games bar to challenge your friends

A change of pace and atmosphere! Here's a bar with a friendly vibe where time flies: the Crazy Games Bar. The concept is simple: for a few euros per player, you get access to 300 board games. The staff/servers help you choose (thankfully!) and explain three short games or one longer one. Rest assured, they're incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and know all the games inside and out. It's a great opportunity to discover loads of new ones.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux, this bar offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as charcuterie boards. In short, it has everything you need to feel at home and pass the time on long, rainy afternoons.

A little bonus : if you've fallen in love with a game, you can buy it in the shop. We recommend booking in advance, as this bar is very popular, and it's easy to see why.

4. Le Comptoir des Chats, a cat bar amidst wine bars

Our fourth unique bar is a haven for cat lovers. People come here to enjoy delicious pastries and homemade dishes, but also to admire the resident cats. Relaxation is guaranteed, as the calming power of these animals is undeniable. It's so pleasant to watch them move around, climb, play, and especially to pamper them. In short, it's all good. The charming owners, Christine and Louis, opened this first cat café in Bordeaux in 2016, and it's been packed ever since.

5. The Frog & Rosbif, a party in a historical setting

The Bordeaux Gironde Guide recommends this place for its decor, its history, and also for its specialties. This bar is none other than a former 16th-century women's prison ! In addition to the originality of the location, the stone and wood building is immense and truly impressive. People come here to admire the setting, for the friendly atmosphere, and to taste the beers brewed right here. Apparently, the cocktails are truly exquisite. On match days, the bar shows the game on a giant screen.

Did you enjoy our article? Find more in our Top Experiences section.

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