If you’ve spent any time wandering through Östermalm, you know the vibe. It’s polished. It’s expensive. Sometimes, honestly, it feels a little bit stiff. But then there’s Riddargatan 6. You walk through the doors of the Story Hotel and suddenly the starched collars and corporate pretension just... evaporate. The Story Hotel Stockholm bar has been a local fixture for years now, but it hasn’t lost that specific, industrial-chic edge that made it famous when it first opened. It’s one of those rare places that manages to feel like a neighborhood local and a high-end cocktail destination at the same time.
Stockholm's nightlife is notoriously fickle. Bars open, they’re "it" for six months, and then they disappear into the ether or become tourist traps. Story stayed.
The Vibe at the Story Hotel Stockholm Bar
Walking in, you’re hit with a lot of concrete and velvet. It shouldn't work, but it does. The lighting is dim—the kind of dim that makes everyone look roughly 40% more attractive. It’s moody.
The crowd is a weird, wonderful mix. You’ll see tech founders from the nearby coworking spaces sitting right next to art students who look like they haven’t slept in three days, and somehow, they’re all drinking the same Swedish craft beer. It’s not a "hotel bar" in the way most people think of them. You know, those sterile, carpeted lobbies where lonely business travelers drink lukewarm gin and tonics while staring at a muted TV? Yeah, this isn't that.
It feels lived-in.
The music isn't an afterthought, either. They lean heavily into soul, funk, and deeper house cuts that keep the energy high without making you scream over the table to be heard. It’s a delicate balance. Too loud and you lose the after-work crowd; too quiet and the place feels dead. They’ve nailed the sweet spot.
What You’re Actually Drinking
Let’s talk about the menu because that’s why you’re here. The cocktail program at the Story Hotel Stockholm bar doesn't try to reinvent the wheel with 15-ingredient drinks that require a chemistry degree to understand. Instead, they focus on execution.
They do a phenomenal Negroni. It’s simple, but they get the dilution right, which is where most bars fail. If you’re feeling more "local," their selection of Swedish spirits is impressive. You’ll find Hernö Gin—which, if you haven’t tried it, is basically the gold standard for Nordic botanicals—and various snaps that will definitely wake you up.
- The Signature Cocktails: They rotate these seasonally. In the winter, expect heavier, spice-forward drinks with bourbon or dark rum. In the summer, everything goes floral and light.
- Beer selection: It's heavily skewed toward local breweries like Omaka or Stockholm Brewing Co.
- Wine: The list is tight. It’s not a 50-page tome, but the selections are smart, focusing on organic and natural producers from Europe.
One thing people often miss is the Ling Long connection. The bar is effectively the gateway to the hotel's restaurant, Ling Long, which serves incredible Sichuan-inspired food. You can grab a drink at the bar while waiting for a table, or better yet, just order some small plates directly to your bar stool. The spicy "Bang Bang Chicken" or the vegan "Oumph!" dishes are legitimate game-changers when you’re three drinks deep.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
It’s about the lack of friction. Stockholm can be a "guest list" kind of city, which is exhausting. Story is accessible. You don't need to know a guy who knows a guy to get a seat on a Tuesday night.
That said, Friday nights are a different animal.
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Around 5:00 PM on a Friday, the "After Work" (AW) culture hits hard. The bar fills up with the Stureplan crowd seeking something a little less flashy than the nearby clubs. It gets loud. It gets crowded. It gets fun. If you want a quiet conversation, go on a Monday. If you want to feel the pulse of the city, show up when the offices empty out.
The staff also plays a huge role. In many high-end Stockholm spots, service can be... let’s say "efficient but cold." At Story, the bartenders actually seem like they want to be there. They know the menu, they give honest recommendations, and they don't roll their eyes if you ask for a simple vodka soda.
The Secret Weapon: The Courtyard
If you’re visiting during the warmer months (roughly June to August, if we’re lucky), the backyard is the place to be. It’s an urban oasis tucked away from the street noise of Riddargatan. It’s got that same industrial aesthetic but with more greenery.
Drinking outside in Stockholm is a sacred pastime. Because the sun barely sets in July, you can lose track of time very easily in that courtyard. One minute it’s 7:00 PM, and the next thing you know, it’s midnight and you’re debating the merits of ABBA with a stranger from Gothenburg.
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A Note on Pricing
Look, it’s Stockholm. It’s not cheap. A cocktail is going to run you anywhere from 145 to 195 SEK. A beer is usually around 80 to 95 SEK. This is standard for the area, but if you’re coming from the US or Southern Europe, the "sticker shock" is real. Just accept it. You’re paying for the atmosphere, the location, and the fact that you’re in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Scandinavia.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want the "insider" experience, here is how you play it.
Don't just walk in and grab the first table you see near the entrance. Walk all the way back toward Ling Long. There are little nooks and higher tables that offer much better people-watching opportunities. Also, keep an eye on their social media or the board near the door—they occasionally host DJ sets or small live acoustic sessions that aren't always heavily advertised.
The bar usually opens in the late afternoon and stays open until late. It's one of the few places in this part of town where you can reliably find a good drink and a sophisticated crowd without a massive cover charge or a line down the block.
Finding Your Way There
It’s a five-minute walk from the Östermalmstorg T-bana station. If you’re coming from the waterfront or Nybroplan, it’s even closer. Basically, if you find yourself near the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten), you’re practically there. Just head up Sibyllegatan and take a left on Riddargatan.
Practical Steps for Your Night Out
To make sure your night at the Story Hotel Stockholm bar goes smoothly, keep these things in mind.
- Skip the Reservation for Drinks: The bar operates mostly on a walk-in basis. If you’re a group of two or three, you’ll almost always find a spot. If you’re a group of eight? Good luck.
- Eat at Ling Long: Do not ignore the food. Even if you just get the broccoli with sesame and chili, do it. It’s legendary for a reason.
- Dress Code: It’s "Stockholm Casual." This means you can wear sneakers, but they should be clean. A nice sweater or a blazer over a t-shirt is the standard uniform. You don't need a tie, but you might feel weird in a gym hoodie.
- Payment: Like almost everywhere else in Sweden, this is a 100% cashless bar. Bring your card or have Apple/Google Pay ready. They will not take your paper Krona.
- Check the Season: If it's winter, use the cloakroom. Swedes take their "no jackets inside" rule seriously, and the bar gets too crowded to have bulky parkas hanging off the back of chairs.
The Story Hotel Stockholm bar remains a benchmark for what a boutique hotel bar should be. It’s gritty but glamorous, expensive but welcoming, and consistently delivers one of the best nights out in the city center. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just passing through the neighborhood, it’s a required stop for anyone who appreciates a well-made drink in a room that actually has some soul.
Next Steps for Your Stockholm Trip
Check the current opening hours on the official Story Hotel website before you head out, as they can shift during public holidays like Midsummer or Midsommar. If you’re planning to eat, definitely book a table at Ling Long at least three days in advance, especially for weekend slots. After your drink, take a walk down to the water at Strandvägen—it’s only two blocks away and offers the best night views of the city.