Bar

Bongo Joe

A record shop that became Geneva's best outdoor bar

Address Quai Ernest-Ansermet 3, Geneva

Neighbourhood Plainpalais

Best for Afternoon drinks, doing nothing

Tip by @dave

Sit outside on the Rhône and let the river do its thing. The water here is that improbable turquoise-green that takes a minute to accept as real, and it moves fast and quietly, and there is almost always something on it — ducks, swans, the occasional boat. One of the only places in Geneva that feels genuinely relaxed.

They do good crispy pilsners and spritzes, but the white wine in the sun is peak Bongo. They only sell local wines, all good. Ask for the nuts — they're not on the menu exactly, you just ask.

"One of the only places in this city that feels genuinely relaxed."

The Rhône at Geneva — Bongo Joe sits on the right bank under the building

That's where it is. Right on the water.

It started as a record shop — still is one, technically — and the outside terrace just became the main event. The music is good. The vibe is unpretentious. Nobody is performing anything. Geneva can feel like a city where everyone is busy being correct about something; Bongo Joe is the exception.

Bottle of Petit something in an ice bucket at Bongo Joe, sunflower, Rhône through the window

Local white, ice bucket, sunflower. Through the window: the Rhône.

Late afternoon light on the Rhône at Bongo Joe

Late afternoon on the water.

The tip

Get a table outside right on the water — inside is fine but outside is the point
Order the local white. It changes but it's always good
Ask for nuts — they have them, just ask
Pilsner is solid if wine isn't your thing
Afternoon is the move. It gets busy in the evening but the light is better earlier anyway

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