Havkatten, Esbjerg
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Havkatten is a classic local bar on Strandbygade in central Esbjerg, blending the feel of an old-school harbour pub with a refreshed, playful edge. Open every day from late morning until the early hours, it is a relaxed, no-nonsense spot for beer, spirits, pool and darts, with simple seating zones that suit both regulars and small private gatherings. Expect plenty of 80s music, a casual atmosphere and a cross-section of locals dropping in throughout the day and night.
A brief summary to Havkatten
- Strandbygade 50, Esbjerg, 6700, DK
- +4575451865
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-2 am
- Tuesday 10 am-2 am
- Wednesday 10 am-2 am
- Thursday 10 am-2 am
- Friday 10 am-2 am
- Saturday 10 am-2 am
- Sunday 10 am-2 am
Local tips
- Plan to visit after late afternoon if you want the full atmosphere with 80s music, active pool games and a livelier crowd.
- Bring coins or be ready to pay at the bar for pool and darts, and keep small change handy for games if needed.
- Eat beforehand or afterwards, as Havkatten focuses primarily on drinks rather than a full food menu.
- If you prefer a quieter visit, drop by around midday or early afternoon, when the bar is calmer and seats are easy to find.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Havkatten location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Havkatten
A harbour-town bar with deep local roots
Havkatten sits on Strandbygade in the heart of Esbjerg, just back from the harbour that shaped the city’s character. Since first opening in the 1970s, it has lived through the port’s changing fortunes, from rough-and-ready fisherman hangout to a more mixed local bar where regulars, shift workers and night owls share the same tables. The interior still feels anchored in that heritage: low-key décor, sturdy bar furniture and a layout that prioritises conversation over design flourishes. The name, referencing the catfish, nods to the maritime surroundings and hints at a slightly salty sense of humour. There is nothing polished or pretentious here; instead you step into a room that feels instantly familiar if you know Danish pub culture, with the bar as the natural centre of gravity and daylight filtering in from Strandbygade.From old-school pub to playful hangout
In recent years, new owners have refreshed Havkatten without losing its core identity. The biggest change has been to lean into games and a more social layout. The pool table has been moved into the main serving room so it becomes part of the bar’s energy rather than an afterthought down a corridor. Where the table once stood, extra seating now makes it easier for small groups to cluster together for birthdays, after-work drinks or casual meetups. Further inside, a former back-office room has been converted into a dedicated darts area, with several dartboards mounted side by side. This gives the bar a club-like corner where you can sink into a rhythm of throws while still being close enough to the main room to feel the buzz.Music, mood and the rhythm of the day
One of Havkatten’s signatures is its fondness for 80s music, which forms much of the soundtrack on busy evenings. Synth hooks, rock ballads and familiar pop choruses fill the room and lend a nostalgic warmth that suits the bar’s unpolished charm. Earlier in the day, the atmosphere is gentler: regulars nursing coffees or beers, low conversation and the clack of pool balls in the background. As afternoon turns into evening, the tempo rises. The long opening hours – typically from late morning until around 2 a.m. – mean Havkatten overlaps many different routines, from daytime drop-ins to late-night sessions. Yet the tone remains casual rather than frenetic, more about slow drinks and games than high-volume partying.Layout, comforts and practical details
The bar is spread over a front serving room and a short corridor linking to side spaces, including the darts room and restrooms. Toilets are tucked away at the end of this corridor and are more modern than the bar’s age might suggest, reflecting gradual improvements over time. Seating is mostly simple tables and chairs with a few spots that can be informally claimed by larger groups. There is no elaborate food concept; drinks are the focus, with a straightforward selection of beers, shots and standard bar spirits that match the down-to-earth setting. Prices sit in the inexpensive bracket for Denmark, which helps make Havkatten a natural default for a long evening of games and conversation.Who it suits and when to go
Havkatten is best suited to travellers who enjoy local colour and are comfortable stepping into a true neighbourhood bar rather than a design-conscious cocktail venue. It works well for couples or small groups looking to mix beers with a game of pool or darts, and for solo visitors who like to sit at the counter and absorb the atmosphere. Evenings at the end of the working week are typically the most lively, when the music is louder and the games are in constant use. Daytime hours are quieter and more relaxed, offering a softer introduction if you are curious about Esbjerg’s bar culture but prefer a calmer mood. Whatever the time, Havkatten offers an authentic slice of the city’s social life on one of its key central streets.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Denmark
0.9 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Water Tower
1.0 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
1.0 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Vadehavskysten
1.0 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
1.1 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Namaste Esbjerg
1.1 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Begravet bunker
2.6 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Fanø Tourist Office
3.1 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
3.2 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
3.5 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
7.9 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
13.6 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
13.9 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
21.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
25.4 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mosaicvæg “Verdensarven Vadehavet”
0.7 km
A 27‑meter community-created mosaic in a hidden Esbjerg courtyard, bringing the colours, tides and birdlife of the UNESCO Wadden Sea into the city centre.
Fish Auction for tourists
0.8 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
0.8 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
0.9 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Landgangen
0.9 km
An elevated corten-steel promenade that sweeps between Esbjerg’s city streets and working harbour, blending everyday mobility with harbour views and urban design.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
0.9 km
A modest harbor footbridge with big-city harbor views, Gangbroen over Toldbodvej links central Esbjerg to its working docks in a few scenic, elevated minutes.
Esbjerg Museum
0.9 km
Compact city museum in central Esbjerg, tracing the port town’s rapid rise, amber treasures, and wartime stories through evocative rooms and focused exhibits.
Esbjerg Byhistoriske Arkiv
0.9 km
A quiet but vital city archive where Esbjerg’s transformation from windswept harbour town to modern North Sea hub is preserved in maps, photos and personal stories.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
1.0 km
A regal symbol at Esbjerg’s main square, the Christian IX Statue celebrates the city’s royal origins and serves as a key gathering point in Denmark’s vibrant west coast port.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
1.0 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Borgmesterhaven
1.0 km
A small, low-key neighborhood park in central Esbjerg, offering simple greenery, benches and a brief escape from the surrounding streets and apartment blocks.
Esbjerg Art Museum
1.0 km
Denmark's experimental art laboratory where modernist masterpieces meet cutting-edge contemporary vision.
Esbjerg Bypark
1.1 km
A vibrant artistic green oasis where poetry, performance, and nature converge in the heart of Esbjerg.
Esbjerg Printing Museum
1.3 km
A compact, volunteer-run printing workshop where Esbjerg’s industrial past, letterpress craft and the art of ink on paper come vividly – and sometimes noisily – back to life.
Vognsbølparken
1.5 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Essential places to dine
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
0.0 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Spyddet Le Grill
0.1 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
Café Danmark
0.2 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
Sand's Restauration ApS
0.7 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Restaurant Lyokoi - Japansk Sushi
0.7 km
Compact, lively Esbjerg hotspot where colorful sushi platters meet sizzling Korean barbecue grills in a relaxed, social Skolegade setting.
La Scala Ristorante Pizzeria
0.7 km
Long-running Italian pizzeria in central Esbjerg, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pastas and relaxed, cosy dinners from Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Hanzō Esbjerg
0.8 km
Colorful pan-Asian sharing plates, bold flavors and a modern, high-ceilinged setting right on lively Skolegade in the very center of Esbjerg.
India Royale - Restaurant Esbjerg
0.8 km
North Indian comfort food and tandoor-baked naan in a warm, central Esbjerg dining room with moderate prices and adaptable spice levels.
Restaurant Madklubben Esbjerg
0.8 km
Modern, value-focused dining in a spacious yet cosy Skolegade restaurant, serving seasonal European comfort food and cocktails from Monday to Saturday evenings.
Spisestuen, Esbjerg
0.9 km
Old-school Danish comfort food in a former temperance lodge, serving hearty “mormor” classics in a cosy, nostalgia-filled dining room in central Esbjerg.
Mundheld
0.9 km
Intimate Nordic dining in the heart of Esbjerg, where West Jutland ingredients, thoughtful cheese boards and a serious wine list come together in a calm, modern setting.
delekonceptet
0.9 km
Intimate sharing-based dining where small plates and conversation create unforgettable evenings.
Restaurant Loftet
0.9 km
Elevated fine dining in Esbjerg’s former post building, where seasonal Nordic cuisine, European wines and intimate upstairs views turn dinner into an unhurried occasion.
Restaurant Posthuset
0.9 km
Bustling café, brasserie and bar in Esbjerg’s old post office, serving brunch, classics and cocktails from morning coffee to late‑night gatherings on the square.
Sydvesten ApS
0.9 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Esbjerg Asian Shop
0.1 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
0.5 km
Playful by name and refined in taste, SLIK FOR VOKSNE is Esbjerg’s grown‑up candy store for wine, spirits, chocolate and beautifully wrapped gourmet gifts.
Kongehuset
0.6 km
Curated fashion and quality outerwear in a handsome historic corner store on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style with international brands.
Boutique Elenor
0.6 km
A small, stylish clothing boutique on Kronprinsensgade, offering a curated alternative to big-brand shopping in the heart of Esbjerg’s lively city center.
Coast Women
0.6 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
Collabo
0.6 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
Incado City Roholt
0.7 km
Denmark's premier creative supply destination where artists find inspiration, materials, and community.
Kop & Kande
0.7 km
Bright, central Esbjerg homeware and gift shop specialising in practical Scandinavian design, quality kitchen tools and thoughtfully wrapped presents for any occasion.
Samsøe Samsøe - Esbjerg
0.7 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion where timeless design meets contemporary Nordic elegance.
Frandsen
0.8 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, offering classic Scandinavian-inspired styles, outerwear and coordinated outfits in a relaxed setting.
Kaufmann
0.8 km
Polished menswear and attentive styling advice on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, offering everything from sharp suits to coastal-ready casualwear for men.
Only
0.9 km
Trend-forward fashion for young women who refuse to be defined by a single style.
Zizzi - Esbjerg
0.9 km
Size-inclusive women’s fashion on Kongensgade, offering modern plus-size clothing, friendly styling advice and a focused wardrobe edit in central Esbjerg.
Flittiglise
0.9 km
A cozy Esbjerg yarn haven where shelves of color, quality fibers and friendly advice invite you to slow down, browse and bring a bit of Danish craft home.
Butts&Buttons
0.9 km
Independent Esbjerg menswear boutique with curated Scandinavian-inspired brands, quality fabrics and modern styling on central Torvegade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Havkatten
0.0 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
0.3 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Corners Pub
0.5 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Vinbaren
0.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
HomeRun Esbjerg
0.9 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
James Bond Esbjerg
1.0 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
1.0 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Kasket Karl
1.0 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
1.0 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
1.0 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
Dokken City Beach
1.0 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
1.0 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
1.1 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
1.1 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
Pappi's pub
1.1 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
1.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
39.6 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Romo Golf Links
43.5 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
44.0 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
44.3 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Fishi
51.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Rotes Kliff
57.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Koldingtivet Engen
64.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
65.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
65.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Al Capone
65.5 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
65.5 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Pitstop
65.7 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
65.9 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
69.6 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly