At Cheeky Monkey, we don’t just claim to be one of the good bars in Malta. We actually put our theory to the test.
Our Chief Chimp and his team of highly unqualified (but very enthusiastic) researchers decided to run a little experiment. What really makes a bar the best? The setting? The food? The staff? The cocktails?
So, we gathered a group of thirsty volunteers (it wasn’t hard) and set them loose in our award-winning gastropubs in Valletta and Qawra. The results? Ground-breaking. Life-changing. Peer-reviewed by several very happy customers. Here’s how the our Monkey’s Lab Test discovered that we run one of the best bars in Valletta and Bugibba, Malta.
Test #1: Cocktails
Bars are only as good as their cocktail. In both our outlets, whether at our buzzing bar in Valletta or our seafront bar in Bugibba, our subjects were handed a range of concoctions.
Within seconds of their first sip, the symptoms appeared. Broad smiles, clinking glasses, and a strong desire to order a second. Our Valletta cocktail bar poured classics like the Cosmopolitan and Negroni with precision, while our Bugibba mixologists served up signature creations like the Jungle Crush and Loco Lychee.
Conclusion? If you’re hunting for the best cocktails in Valletta or simply a fun bar with mixology magic, Cheeky Monkey produces pure liquid joy.

Test #2: Food & Platters
The next test was food. Because let’s be real, no one wants to drink on an empty stomach. Our volunteers were introduced to our infamous platters, stacked towers of sliders, wings, halloumi bites, ribs, onion rings, and more.
The data was clear. Napkin use increased by 200% within the first five minutes. Cheek smudges of Monkey Spice sauce and BBQ glaze were also observed across all subjects. Far from a negative, this was marked down as “evidence of enjoyment.”
In fact, participants reported that our food was a highlight of their Cheeky Monkey experience. That’s what sets us apart from other good bars in Malta. Our food isn’t just feeding you, it’s fueling the party.
Test #3: Atmosphere
Bars should be about more than food and drinks. They’re about the vibe. And according to our Monkey Lab Test, Cheeky Monkey’s atmosphere is… off the charts.
Data logs showed subjects singing along to our killer soundtrack within 15 minutes of arrival. By 10pm, dancing had commenced in Qawra, with several participants demonstrating “enthusiastic if questionable” dance moves. Meanwhile, in Valletta, tables spilled onto Merchant Street, proving why we rank among the Valletta best bars for outdoor dining and nightlife.
So if you’re looking for a bar that blends food, music, and energy, Cheeky Monkey proved itself so much more than just another good bar in Malta. We’re in a special category of our own!

Test #4: Staff
Finally, the human factor. Because the best bar in Malta needs to deliver on all fronts. And the people serving you are the ones who can really make your night special.
Our staff scored a unanimous 10/10 across all categories: friendliness, speed, banter, and the ability to recommend the perfect drink. Several participants highlighted how our bartenders could whip up off-menu creations, while others praised servers who reminded them when Happy Hour was about to end.
This personal touch is what makes Cheeky Monkey stand out from other good bars in Malta or around the island. Sure, you can find a place to sit and sip, but can you find a crew that feels like your mates? At Cheeky Monkey, you can.
More Unbeatable Factors That Contribute To Our Best Bar in Malta Status
- Happy Hour (4pm–7pm daily): Scientists concluded this was the “point of highest joy” at our bars in Valletta and Bugibba, thanks to our range of 2-for-1 cocktails.
- Outdoor seating: In Qawra, terrace tables by the sea delivered a statistically significant boost in Instagram photos. This makes us a contender not just for good bars in Malta with a view, but also one of the top outdoor bars in Malta.
- The Merchandise: You know you’re delivering a winning best bar in Malta experience when your clientele is happy to take home a souvenier of our Cheeky Monkey brand.

The Final Report
So, what’s the verdict of the Monkey’s Lab Test? Whether you’re in the capital looking for the best bar in Valletta, or in Qawra exploring good bars in Malta’s St Paul’s Bay area, Cheeky Monkey emerges as the clear winner.
We’re not trying to be the fanciest, or the most serious. We’re here to mix up incredible cocktails, serve food worth sharing, pump out tunes that keep your feet tapping, and give you a team of staff who make you feel right at home.
Are we a good bar in Malta or one of the best? You decide!
We’re still running tests, and you’re invited to be our next subject. Swing by Cheeky Monkey in Valletta or Qawra for cocktails, platters, and atmosphere that’s scientifically proven to make you smile.
Because when it comes to good bars in Malta, our data doesn’t lie. It’s Cheeky Monkey every time!
Book your swing at our Qawra outlet by clicking here
Book you spot at our Valletta outlet by calling: +356 2235 4050