Craft Beer & Tap Room in the Heart of Locarno’s Old Town

Pardo Bar is located in the heart of Locarno’s old town, just a few steps from Piazza Grande. Its central location is ideal for exploring the historic centre, Lake Maggiore and the city’s lively atmosphere.

Pardo Bar is a landmark for craft beer enthusiasts in Locarno, thanks to its selection of Ticino craft beers on tap and numerous international bottled beers.

The bar opened on 6 August 1998, during the Locarno Film Festival, the famous film festival whose symbol is the Pardo (leopard).

Given the coincidence between the bar’s opening and the beginning of the festival, the name came almost naturally: Pardo Bar.

From the beginning, the bar became an informal meeting place in the historic centre, popular with locals, travellers and festival enthusiasts alike.

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Atmosphere and Interior

The interior is inspired by the style of 1950s bistros and pubs.

Original adjustable pendant lamps hang above the enamelled wooden tables, while vintage advertising posters, retro objects and seltzer bottles decorate the walls.

The result is a setting that blends different eras, cultures and atmospheres, creating a bar with a truly unique character.

 

The Rivellino Garden

Behind the bar is an internal courtyard known as the “Rivellino Garden”, which is used as an outdoor area and cocktail bar during the warmer months.

The courtyard overlooks Locarno’s Rivellino, an ancient defensive structure that, according to some historical theories, may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance.

This hidden corner of the historic centre offers a peaceful and evocative atmosphere, just a few steps from the city’s lively streets.

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Ticino Craft Beers

One of Pardo Bar’s distinctive features is its focus on locally brewed craft beer.

The bar offers seven Ticino craft beers on tap, selected from various breweries across the region. The selection changes regularly to offer new varieties and styles.

Alongside the beers on tap, there is a wide range of bottled beers from different countries, combining local and international flavours.

This makes Pardo Bar a landmark for craft beer enthusiasts in Ticino.

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Pardo Bar Specialities

Highlights include:

• Magnificent terrace at the entrance to the old town
• “Rivellino Garden” courtyard, used as a cocktail bar during the warmer months
• Free Wi-Fi
• Our famous “metres” of shots
• Shisha available
• Seven rotating Ticino craft beers on tap and a selection of international bottled beers
• More than 250 types of beer from different countries and brewing traditions
• Craft beer tasting set served on a wooden tray
• More than 20 classic cocktails
• The Pardo Cocktail, created in 1999 and inspired by the Locarno Film Festival

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Snacks and Ticino Specialities

Pardo Bar is also an ideal place for snacks and quick meals in a relaxed setting.

Our menu includes:

• Warm focaccia sandwiches
• Small salami and cheeses
• Ticino “Taiada” – a platter of local cured meats and cheeses

During winter, the bar also serves some traditional Ticino specialities, including:

• Fire-roasted chestnuts
• Cicit – a grilled goat-meat speciality from the valley

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Central Location

Pardo Bar enjoys a very central location in the heart of Locarno’s old town.

Nearby, you will find:

• Grocery shops
• Boutiques and a wide variety of shops
• Restaurants and bars throughout the historic centre

Also just a few minutes away on foot:

• Piazza Castello car park
• Piazza Castello bus stop

Its location makes it easy to get around on foot or by public transport, making Pardo Bar a convenient starting point for exploring Locarno.

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A Place for Every Occasion

Pardo Bar adapts perfectly to many different occasions.

Those looking for a quiet moment can relax beside the fireplace with a cup of tea or a beer. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere will find a friendly and informal setting in the bar, on the terrace or in the courtyard.

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Whether you are joining us for a craft beer, an aperitif, an evening with friends or a stay in the heart of Locarno, we look forward to welcoming you to Pardo Bar.

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The Pardo Bar Team 🍺