Goa After Dark: Inside Anjuna’s Most Intriguing Cocktail Bar – After Dinner

I had exactly 20 hours in Goa—no plans, no itinerary, just a flight in, a flight out, and one thought in my mind: visiting After Dinner, Goa.

Tucked away inside a small room in Anjuna’s Pisco by the Beach, After Dinner isn’t just another bar—it’s the kind of place I’d hear about in whispers, the kind that doesn’t scream for attention but lingers in your mind long after you leave. So, after dropping my bag, I made my way there, letting the night unfold at its own pace.

After Dinner- Bar

After Dinner – A Mood, Not Just a Place

From the moment I stepped inside, I knew this place was something special. Designed by Sheldon Pereira and Rahul Thakkar of Right Brain Design, After Dinner features interiors crafted with reclaimed wood, local ceramics, and warm, inviting accents, all within an eco-conscious, plastic-free environment. Picture a homely sitting space dimly lit with warm interiors, low sofas, rattan chairs, and a sleek marble bar. The room wasn’t just inviting—it felt like a secret, meant for those who truly appreciate the art of unwinding. Conceived by Twinkle Keswani, Chef Rohan D’Souza, and Daniel Lobo, After Dinner was designed to be more than just a cocktail bar—it was an experience, a space where nostalgia and innovation intertwine. It’s where time slows down, you can sink into a cocktail and a good conversation, or simply watch the night drift by.

Left to Right: Interior shot; Lollipops and Rainbows cocktail

The Cocktails – A Masterclass by Mixologist Harsh Pandya
Behind the bar was Harsh, the mixologist at After Dinner, who wasn’t just pouring cocktails but was crafting stories with every sip. I started with Lollipops and Rainbows, a drink as playful as it sounds—sweet, citrusy, and layered with nostalgia, served on a teddy bear, featuring gin, lemon cordial, and hints of strawberry.

And then there was Banana Pancakes, a rich and comforting cocktail reminiscent of slow Sunday mornings. The cocktails here were conversation starters—carefully balanced, subtly layered, and always a little unexpected.

Left to Right- Tempura Sichuan Pepper River Prawn; Parmesan Crackers with beetroot tartare; Irani Mutton Kheema Samosa

The Food – Chef Rohan D’Souza’s Magic on a Plate
Then came the food. Co-founder and chef Rohan Dsouza had crafted a tapas menu that wasn’t just an accompaniment to the drinks—it stood out on its own, bold and inventive. The Tempura Sichuan Pepper River Prawn was a revelation—delicately crispy and spiced just enough to linger but not overwhelm. The Parmesan Crackers with beetroot tartare balanced richness and freshness in every bite.

But the real deal? The Irani Mutton Kheema Samosa—a dish with a burst of bold flavors perfectly spiced minced mutton that left me wanting more.

After Dinner- Interior

The Night That Stretched On

Somewhere between conversations, sips, and bites, I lost track of time. I wasn’t thinking about my return flight or the hours ticking away. After Dinner did what few places manage to do—it made time feel irrelevant.

As I finally stepped into the crisp Goa night, the clock read 1 AM. My 20 hours were nearly up. But if there was one thing I knew for sure, it was this: I’d be back.