Barstart, Aarhus
Atmospheric Tarantino-inspired cocktail bar in a tucked-away Aarhus side street, mixing cinematic storytelling with meticulous drinks and an intimate late-night vibe.
Tucked away on Fiskergade in central Aarhus, Barstart is an intimate craft cocktail bar with a cinematic twist. Inside a handsome old building you step into a Tarantino-inspired universe of dim lighting, rich colours and leather seating, where the focus is firmly on meticulously mixed cocktails. A tight, seasonally evolving menu of classics and inventive signatures, attentive bartenders and a cosy, urban atmosphere make this a standout late-night spot for serious cocktail lovers.
A brief summary to Barstart
- Fiskergade 28, Aarhus Municipality, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4526149357
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 6 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 6 pm-1 am
- Thursday 6 pm-2 am
- Friday 6 pm-2 am
- Saturday 6 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Arrive early in the evening if you prefer a quieter, more intimate atmosphere; the small space fills up quickly later at night, especially on weekends.
- If the menu feels overwhelming, tell the bartender your favourite spirits and whether you like your drink sweet, sour or bitter and ask for a custom recommendation.
- Plan to eat beforehand and treat the small plates as snacks rather than a full dinner, as the focus here is firmly on cocktails.
- Bring a payment card rather than cash; like many Danish bars, card and contactless payments are the norm and often more convenient.
- On cooler evenings, dress in layers—once the bar fills up, the cosy interior can feel quite warm compared with the street outside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Barstart location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Barstart
A tucked-away cocktail den in Fiskergade
Barstart hides in plain sight on Fiskergade, a narrow side street that runs parallel to the river in the heart of Aarhus. The facade is understated, marked only by a modest sign on an old building that hints at the character within. Stepping through the door, you leave the bustle of the city behind and enter a compact, low-lit room where every detail feels deliberately considered. The bar opened in 2009 and has since become a fixture of the city’s cocktail scene. The room typically seats around three dozen guests, so it feels intimate from the moment you arrive. There is a sense that this is a place people seek out on purpose rather than stumble into, adding to its speakeasy-like allure.Tarantino-inspired storytelling in glass and decor
Barstart’s personality is shaped by a playful love of cinema, and in particular the films of Quentin Tarantino. The cocktail list is structured around titles and references from his filmography, inviting you to quite literally drink your way through a cult movie universe. It is an approach that gives the menu a narrative thread, transforming a night out into a sequence of small stories told in glass. Around you, the interior echoes this cinematic flair without feeling themed to excess. Dark wood, warm tones and carefully chosen decorative touches create an atmosphere that balances character with refinement. It feels distinctly urban, more reminiscent of big-city cocktail dens than a typical neighbourhood bar, while still remaining relaxed and welcoming.Cocktail craft at the centre of the bar
Here the focus is single-minded: cocktails and mixed drinks. The selection is deliberately sharp rather than sprawling, with a changing list of roughly a couple of dozen drinks. Classic recipes appear alongside house creations, all built on high-quality spirits, fresh citrus, bespoke syrups and carefully controlled ice and dilution. Beer is a token presence, with just a single bottled option, underlining that this is a bar for people who want their drink shaken, stirred or built with precision. Prices sit in the upper range for Aarhus, reflecting both the ingredients and the time invested at the shaker. Many guests simply describe their preferred level of sweetness, acidity or bitterness and let the bartender propose something tailored, turning ordering into a brief but engaging consultation.An intimate room designed for conversation
The layout is compact but considered, with a mix of bar stools, firmer chairs and soft brown leather sofas. Seating is close enough to create a low hum of conversation, but lighting and music are calibrated to encourage lingering rather than loud partying. It is easy to settle in with a small group, claim a corner and watch the choreography behind the bar as drinks are measured, stirred and garnished. The modest size means the atmosphere shifts subtly through the evening. Early on, it can feel almost living-room cosy, ideal for a quiet date or a focused exploration of the menu. Later, as more guests arrive, the bar hums with a lively yet still controlled energy, more about stories and flavours than dance floors and flashing lights.Small plates and late-evening rhythms
Alongside the drinks, Barstart serves a concise selection of small plates that complement the cocktail list. These are designed as bar snacks rather than full meals, giving you something savoury to nibble between sips. The emphasis remains firmly on what is in the glass, but the option of a few well-chosen bites rounds out the experience. The bar typically opens in the early evening and trades into the small hours from Tuesday to Saturday, making it a natural choice for pre-dinner drinks, a lingering nightcap or a full evening of cocktail exploration. With its cinematic theme, careful craft and intimate setting, Barstart offers a distinctive slice of Aarhus nightlife for those who appreciate detail and atmosphere as much as the drink itself.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agnete og Havmanden
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Den Svangre
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A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Frederiks Plads
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A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
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Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
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Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Steno Museum
1.1 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Botanical Garden
1.3 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
University Park, Aarhus
1.5 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.7 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.8 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Tivoli Friheden
2.2 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
2.9 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vadestedet
0.1 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Viking Museum
0.1 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
0.1 km
A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.
Flodhestefontæne
0.1 km
Aarhus waterfront fuses cutting-edge architecture, vibrant public spaces, and breathtaking bay views, offering an essential experience at the heart of Denmark's dynamic cityscape.
Bishop's Square
0.2 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Salling ROOFTOP
0.2 km
Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
Store Torv
0.2 km
Historic Great Square where cathedral spires, elegant façades and everyday city life come together in the pedestrianized heart of Aarhus.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.2 km
An iconic Hans Krull mural on a Fiskergade gable, "The Seagull Kiss" fuses fantasy, seafaring spirit and bohemian Aarhus into one unforgettable street-side scene.
Aarhus Theatre
0.2 km
Art Nouveau splendour, golden auditoriums and four busy stages make Aarhus Theatre the historic heart of live performance in Denmark’s second-largest city.
Strøget
0.2 km
Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.
Lille Torv
0.2 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.2 km
Aarhus Cathedral—Denmark’s tallest and longest church, home to medieval frescoes and ornate altarpiece, anchors the city’s vibrant heart with Gothic grace.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
0.3 km
One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
The Occupation Museum
0.3 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
Klostertorvet
0.3 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Essential places to dine
Grappa Aps
0.1 km
Modern Italian kitchen and wine bar on Aarhus’ lively riverfront, serving pizzas, pasta and antipasti from brunch to late evening in a warm, social setting.
KöD Aarhus
0.1 km
Riverfront steakhouse in central Aarhus, serving premium cuts, generous sides and bold wines in a warm, low-lit setting made for slow, sociable dinners.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
0.1 km
Classic Danish steakhouse tradition on the Åboulevarden waterfront, pairing expertly grilled beef with polished Scandinavian design and a serious wine and beer list.
Restaurant Dauphine ApS
0.2 km
Restaurant Dauphine in Aarhus blends Nordic ingredients with French culinary flair, offering a refined tasting menu and expertly paired wines in a stylish, intimate setting.
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.2 km
A multi-room Irish gastropub in central Aarhus, blending cosy pub dining, live music and big-screen sport with Irish warmth and Danish hygge under one lively roof.
Bardok
0.2 km
Discover Bardok in Aarhus—a contemporary small-plates restaurant known for inventive cuisine, social dining, and a lively riverside atmosphere in the city center.
Café Hack
0.2 km
Theatre-side brasserie in central Aarhus, where candlelit dining, classic European flavours and a touch of broadcast history create an intimate urban evening.
Restaurant L'øst
0.2 km
Modern Nordic bistro flavors and relaxed hotel comfort meet at Restaurant L’øst, a casual yet polished dining room in the very centre of Aarhus C.
Bone's Aarhus
0.2 km
Canal-side American BBQ in central Aarhus, serving spareribs, steaks, burgers and a generous salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings.
Teater Bodega
0.2 km
Classic Danish inn in central Aarhus, offering authentic smørrebrød, cosy ambiance, and a historic link to the city’s arts and theatre scene.
Restaurant MellemRum
0.2 km
Restaurant MellemRum in central Aarhus offers creative Danish and European cuisine, served in a stylish, relaxed setting on Fredens Torv in Aarhus C.
Basso Aarhus
0.2 km
Modern Italian restaurant in Aarhus C serving inventive multi-course social dining with Nordic flair, stylish ambiance, and top-tier ingredients in a lively city-center setting.
Carlton
0.2 km
A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Restaurant Pinden
0.3 km
Hearty Danish classics and old-inn charm in a chandelier-lit dining room on lively Skolegade in the very heart of Aarhus.
Lydmar Restaurang
0.3 km
Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plakaten
0.0 km
Long‑standing Aarhus poster boutique on Sankt Clemens Torv, blending curated art prints with expert framing services in the heart of the city’s main shopping street.
Femilet
0.1 km
Scandinavian lingerie boutique in central Aarhus, offering personalised fittings, comfortable essentials and cosy nightwear in a calm setting on busy Søndergade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.1 km
Aarhus C’s most playful gift shop, renowned for quirky Danish design, affordable treasures, and creative finds—perfect for unique souvenirs and cheerful everyday essentials.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
0.1 km
Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
UNIQ
0.1 km
Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
COS
0.2 km
A calm, design-led COS flagship on Aarhus’ historic Store Torv, blending Scandinavian minimalism, quality fabrics and thoughtful silhouettes in the city’s busy heart.
Royal Vintage
0.2 km
Hidden down a quiet Aarhus lane, Royal Vintage offers a compact, carefully curated selection of pre-loved fashion for travellers who love slow, sustainable style.
Salling Aarhus
0.2 km
Flagship Aarhus department store where fashion, food, design and a panoramic rooftop terrace with glass skywalk and city views all meet under one central roof.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
0.2 km
Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Magasin Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the stylish pulse of Aarhus at Magasin, a landmark department store with historic roots, Nordic design, fashion, gourmet eats, and city-center charm.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
0.2 km
A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Skagen Clothing
0.2 km
Minimalist Danish fashion where sustainable style meets everyday comfort.
stoy
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Minimalist, design-led fashion hub on Aarhus’ main square, blending luxury labels and independent brands in a calm, curated retail space.
Mrs. P Coffee & The
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A cosy Aarhus specialty shop where aromatic coffee, fine teas, chocolates and wines come together in beautifully curated gifts and everyday indulgences.
Paustian Lille Torv
0.2 km
A light-filled Scandinavian design universe on historic Lille Torv, where Danish furniture icons, contemporary interiors, and curated lifestyle pieces meet under one stylish roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Barstart
0.0 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
SWAY
0.0 km
Central Aarhus bar with affordable drinks, attentive staff, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Clemens Bar
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Vinstuen
0.1 km
Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
London
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at its premier cocktail bar, blending innovative drinks with a stylish ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
Bitter Bar
0.1 km
Experience the lively ambiance and innovative cocktails at Bitter Bar, a must-visit nightlife gem in Aarhus.
Herr Bartels
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Herr Bartels, a premier cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Waxies
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub and sports bar in central Aarhus, blending cosy wood‑panelled charm with live music, games and big‑screen sports late into the night.
LouLou Aarhus
0.1 km
Glam cocktail bar and 23+ nightclub on Aarhus’ riverside strip, where playful décor, crafted drinks and a pulsing dance floor keep weekends going till dawn.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.1 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
The Old Irish Pub
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.1 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Rabalder Bar Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Rabalder Bar, where creative cocktails and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Der Kuhstall
0.2 km
Rowdy après-ski vibes, thumping party tunes and wallet-friendly drink deals in a wood-clad “cow stable” right on Aarhus’ lively riverfront bar strip.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
