Bergen & the Southwestern Fjords - Norway - page 423

Haugesund's waterfront promenade, Smedasundet, is almost entirely given over to restaur-
ants, giving the area an agreeable hum whenever the weather's remotely warm. There's
also a number of more intimate places tucked away in the grid running up from the water;
these tend to have a better gender balance than those down the hill. Although the town has
its fare share of dedicated drinking holes, any Haugesund restaurant worth its salt also
morphs into a bar as the night wears on.
Lothes Mat & Vinhus RESTAURANT
( 52 71 22 01; www.lothesmat.no ; Skippergata 4; mains Nkr195-349; 11am-1.30am)
With its lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the waterfront, and period wood architecture,
this long-standing Haugesund landmark is one of the town's most popular dining options.
It also has a more casual space, the sprawling kitschy Matbar , where you can grab a bur-
ger (Nkr180) or plates of local small goods and feta (Nkr90).
To Glass RESTAURANT
( 52 70 74 00; www.toglass.no ; Strandgata 169; tapas per person from Nkr290, mains Nkr310-339;
3-11pm Mon-Fri, to midnight Sat)
This cosy, cosseted upstairs place is particularly atmospheric. Come for after-work tapas,
bistro dishes such as carpaccio and grilled scampi or burgers that are definitely a cut
above.
RootDown CLUB
( www.rootdown.no ; Strandgaten 116; 4pm-midnight Sat Jun-Aug)
This shopfront space, decked out with some stunning mid-century pieces and overlooked
by a photomural of a classic Volvo, hosts events that tie in with the town's festivals, regu-
lar club nights, exhibitions, DJ courses and is generally party-central for Haugesund's cool
kids. Don't worry: they're friendly.
Skapåbar WINE BAR
( 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, to 1.30am Fri & Sat, 6-10pm Sun)
A busy basement bar, cafe and vintage shop that's a great spot to meet locals while
sampling a huge selection of microbrewed beer. Snack on open sandwiches (Nkr115)