Most Historic Pubs in Casablanca With Real Character and Good Stories

I have spent the better part of a decade wandering the backstreets of Casablanca, and if there is one thing I can tell you, it is that the city's drinking culture is far more layered than the modern café terraces along the Corniche suggest. Finding the most historic pubs in Casablanca requires a willingness to step away from the polished tourist corridors and into neighborhoods where the walls still hold the echoes of the 1940s and 1950s. These are not themed bars designed to look old. They are genuine heritage pubs Casablanca locals have frequented for generations, places where the zinc countertops are worn thin and the photographs on the walls were never hung for decoration. This guide covers the old bars Casablanca residents actually drink at, the classic drinking spots Casablanca has quietly preserved, and the stories that make each one worth your time.

The Ghosts of the French Protectorate Era

To understand the historic pubs in Casablanca, you have to understand the city's relationship with the French Protectorate period. Between 1912 and 1956, Casablanca was reshaped by European architects and entrepreneurs who brought their café culture with them. Many of the old bars Casablanca still operates today were originally built during this era, serving French administrators, Spanish workers, and the international merchants who turned the port into a commercial hub. What makes these heritage pubs Casablanca treasures is that they survived the post-independence decades, when many colonial-era establishments were repurposed or demolished. The ones that remain carry a specific atmosphere, a mix of faded European elegance and distinctly Moroccan warmth that you cannot replicate.

What to Order / See / Do: Order a Kronenbourg or a local Flag Spéciale and look for the original tiling and brass fixtures that most patrons walk right past.

Best Time: Late afternoon, around 5 PM, when the light comes through the old windows and the after-work crowd starts to fill the room.

The Vibe: These places feel like stepping into a paused conversation. The drawback is that many still permit indoor smoking, so if you are sensitive to that, choose your table near a window.

Le Grand Pub on Boulevard Mohammed V

Le Grand Pub sits on Boulevard Mohammed V, right in the heart of the city center, and it is one of the most enduring classic drinking spots Casablanca has to offer. I first walked in here on a rainy Tuesday evening, and the bartender barely looked up from his newspaper, which told me everything about how regular the crowd is. The interior has dark wood paneling, ceiling fans that look original, and a long bar where you can sit and watch the city move past the wide windows. This is not a place that tries to impress you. It just exists, and it has existed for a very long time.

What to Drink: Try the local Casablanca beer on draft. It is brewed just outside the city and tastes better here than it does anywhere else, probably because of the tap lines and the temperature.

Best Time: Weekday evenings between 6 and 9 PM, when the crowd is mostly local professionals unwinding after work.

The Vibe: Quiet, unpretentious, and slightly melancholic in the best way. The service can be slow if you sit in the back room, so stay near the bar.

Local Tip: There is a small side entrance on the adjacent street that most tourists miss. Use it during peak hours to avoid the crowd at the main door.

Café du Port Near the Maritime Station

Down near the port, there is a cluster of old bars Casablanca fishermen and dock workers have used for decades. Café du Port is the most atmospheric of the bunch. It sits just off the main port road, and from the outside it looks like nothing, just a faded awning and a few plastic chairs. Inside, the walls are covered with black-and-white photographs of ships that no longer sail. The owner, who has been here for over thirty years, knows every regular by name and will not rush you to order.

What to Order / See / Do: Order a glass of Moroccan rosé and a plate of grilled sardines if they have them that day. Look at the photograph of the old Casablanca skyline hanging behind the bar.

Best Time: Early evening, just before sunset, when the port workers come in for their first drink of the night.

The Vibe: Rough around the edges in a way that feels honest. The restroom situation is basic, so plan accordingly.

Local Tip: Ask the owner about the ship in the largest photograph on the wall. He has a story for every single one, and some of them are genuinely fascinating.

La Cervecería in Maarif

Maarif is one of Casablanca's more residential neighborhoods, and La Cervecería has been a fixture here for as long as anyone can remember. It is one of those heritage pubs Casablanca families have passed down through generations. The interior is simple, almost sparse, but the beer is cold and the conversation is easy. I have come here on Friday afternoons and found three generations of the same family sitting at adjacent tables, the grandfather nursing a beer while the grandchildren share a plate of fries.

What to Drink: The house red is decent and affordable. If you want something lighter, go for a Casablanca beer.

Best Time: Friday afternoons after prayers, when the neighborhood comes alive and the energy shifts from quiet to social.

The Vibe: Neighborhood living room. The music can get loud on weekends, so if you want conversation, come on a weekday.

Local Tip: The kitchen in the back serves a simple but excellent tagine on Fridays. It is not on the menu, so you have to ask.

The Old Brasserie Near Place des Nations Unites

Place des Nations Unites is one of the central squares in Casablanca, and the streets radiating from it hold some of the oldest classic drinking spots Casablanca has preserved. The old brasserie on the corner of the square has been operating since the mid-20th century, and its Art Deco facade is one of the few remaining examples of that architectural style in the area. Inside, the bar is long and narrow, with mirrors that make the space feel twice its size. The clientele skews older, which means the atmosphere is calm and the stories are long.

What to Order / See / Do: Order a pressé (Moroccan coffee) in the morning or a glass of local wine in the evening. Notice the original mosaic floor near the entrance.

Best Time: Mornings between 9 and 11 AM, when the older regulars gather for coffee and the pace of the city is still gentle.

The Vibe: Elegant but tired, like an old theater between shows. The chairs are not the most comfortable, so do not plan on staying for hours.

Local Tip: The brasserie shares a wall with a small bookshop that has been there almost as long. Pop in after your drink and browse the French and Arabic titles.

Bar Central in the Medina Quarter

The medina of Casablanca is not as famous as those in Fez or Marrakech, but it holds its own surprises. Bar Central is one of the old bars Casablanca locals in the medina swear by. It is tucked down a narrow alley that you would never find without directions, and the entrance is easy to miss. Inside, the space opens up into a small room with a bar along one wall and a few tables along the other. The walls are painted a deep green that has faded over the decades, and there is a single television that is usually tuned to football.

What to Drink: Stick to bottled beer here. The draft system is unreliable, and the bottled options are kept properly chilled.

Best Time: Match days, when the energy in the room is electric and strangers become instant friends.

The Vibe: Intimate and loud. The alley outside can be difficult to navigate after dark, so bring a phone with a flashlight.

Local Tip: There is a small mosque two alleys over. Be mindful of your volume when you step outside, especially during prayer times.

Le 33 on Rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah

Rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah is one of the livelier streets in the city center, and Le 33 has been one of the more prominent historic pubs in Casablanca for decades. It occupies a corner spot with large windows that let you watch the street life while you drink. The interior has been updated over the years, but the bones of the building are old, and the bar itself is one of the longest in the neighborhood. I have spent more evenings here than I care to admit, and the staff still remembers my usual order.

What to Order / See / Do: Try the house cocktail if you are feeling adventurous, or stick with a reliable beer. Watch the street performers who sometimes set up just outside the entrance.

Best Time: Thursday and Friday nights, when the street fills with people and the bar spills out onto the sidewalk.

The Vibe: Social and energetic. The tables on the sidewalk are exposed to exhaust fumes from the traffic, so if you have asthma, stay inside.

Local Tip: There is a small parking lot two streets over that is free after 7 PM. Do not try to park on the main street, or you will get a ticket.

The Heritage Wine Bar in Bourgogne

Bourgogne is a neighborhood in the western part of Casablanca that has a distinctly residential feel. The heritage wine bar here is one of the quieter classic drinking spots Casablanca has, and it attracts a clientele that prefers conversation over spectacle. The wine selection focuses on Moroccan vineyards, which have improved dramatically in recent years, and the owner is passionate about explaining the differences between the regions. I came here once expecting a standard bar and left with an education in Moroccan viticulture.

What to Drink: Ask for a tasting flight of Moroccan wines. The Guerrouane and Meknès regions produce some surprisingly good options.

Best Time: Early evening on weekdays, when the bar is quiet enough for the owner to chat with you about the wines.

The Vibe: Relaxed and intellectual. The lighting is dim, which makes it a poor choice if you are trying to read or work.

Local Tip: The bar is closed on Sundays, which catches many visitors off guard. Plan your visit for any other day of the week.

The Rooftop Spot Above the Old Town

Not all historic pubs in Casablanca are at street level. There is a rooftop bar above one of the older buildings in the town center that has been operating in various forms for decades. The current incarnation is more polished than its predecessors, but the terrace itself has been a gathering spot since at least the 1960s. From up here, you can see the mix of old and new that defines Casablanca, the minarets and the construction cranes sharing the same skyline.

What to Order / See / Do: Order a mint tea, even if it seems unusual for a bar. The view of the city at sunset is the real reason to come here.

Best Time: Just before sunset, around 6 PM in summer and 5 PM in winter, when the light turns the buildings gold.

The Vibe: Romantic and slightly touristy. The prices are higher than at the street-level bars, and the portions are smaller.

Local Tip: There is a service elevator that takes you directly to the rooftop. Ask the doorman at the building entrance, as it is not well marked.

When to Go and What to Know

The best time to explore the historic pubs in Casablanca is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild enough to enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating. Ramadan changes the rhythm of the city significantly, and many of these places reduce their hours or close entirely during the holy month, so check before you go. Dress codes are generally relaxed, but Casablanca is a conservative city by nature, and showing up in beachwear or overly revealing clothing will draw unwanted attention. Cash is still king at many of the older bars, so carry dirhams with you. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a few dirhams is appreciated. If you are visiting multiple spots in one evening, stick to the city center neighborhoods, as they are close enough to walk between and safe enough to navigate after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Casablanca?

Casablanca is more relaxed than many Moroccan cities, but modest clothing is still expected, especially in older neighborhoods and traditional establishments. For men, shorts and sleeveless shirts are generally fine in bars but may draw stares in more conservative areas. For women, covering shoulders and knees is advisable. Public intoxication is frowned upon, and you should never photograph other patrons without permission. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is disrespectful, and many bars will be closed or operating with reduced visibility.

What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Casablanca is famous for?

Moroccan beer, particularly the Casablanca brand brewed in the city, is the most accessible local drink and pairs well with the coastal food culture. For something more distinctive, try a glass of Moroccan rosé from the Meknès or Guerrouane wine regions, which have gained international recognition in recent years. On the food side, grilled sardines are a Casablanca staple, especially at the port-side establishments, and they are typically served with a simple salad and fresh bread for under 30 dirhams.

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Casablanca?

It is possible but requires some effort. Many traditional Moroccan dishes are naturally vegetarian, such as zaalouk (eggplant salad), harira (lentil soup), and couscous with vegetables, but some cooks use animal broth or butter without advertising it. Dedicated vegan restaurants are rare in Casablanca, though a few have opened in the Gueliz and Maarif neighborhoods in recent years. At the older bars and pubs covered in this guide, the food options are limited, so eat beforehand or stick to simple sides like olives, bread, and fries.

Is the tap water in Casablanca safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?

The tap water in Casablanca is technically treated and meets local standards, but most residents and long-term visitors prefer bottled water due to the taste and occasional inconsistencies in the supply system. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere, with a 1.5-liter bottle costing between 5 and 10 dirhams at local shops. If you are staying in a hotel, most provide filtered or bottled water in the rooms. At the older bars, always order bottled drinks and avoid ice unless you are confident in the establishment's water source.

Is Casablanca expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

Casablanca is more expensive than most Moroccan cities outside of Marrakech, largely because it is the country's business capital. A mid-tier traveler should budget approximately 600 to 900 dirhams per day. This breaks down to roughly 300 to 500 dirhams for a decent hotel room, 150 to 250 dirhams for meals, 50 to 100 dirhams for local transportation, and the remainder for drinks, tips, and incidentals. A beer at a local bar costs between 20 and 40 dirhams, while a glass of wine ranges from 35 to 70 dirhams depending on the venue. Taxis are metered but drivers sometimes negotiate flat rates, so agree on a price before getting in.