Gate-side drinks before security at Malmö’s tiny Terminal 1
Red Bar sits in the public check-in hall of Terminal 1 at Malmö Sturup (MMX), just opposite the SAS desks, so you can meet people here even if they’re not flying. It opens in line with the first departures most mornings and typically stays open until the late afternoon bank of flights, which covers the airport’s short daily schedule. Expect standard Scandinavian airport pricing: a draft beer or glass of wine lands in the 80–110 SEK range, and coffee is cheaper than anything you’ll find airside.
The setup is simple: a red-counter bar with seats facing the main hall and a few small tables scattered around. There’s no full kitchen, so food leans on cold items—think sandwiches, pastries and packet snacks rather than hot meals. If you want something more substantial before a 2–3 hour flight, you’re usually better off waiting for the small airside café past security, which has a bit more in the way of salads and warm dishes.
Drinks are the main draw: bottled beers from Swedish brands, a couple of international lagers on tap, basic spirits, plus soft drinks and espresso-based coffee. House wine by the glass is predictable airport stuff but fine for a quick pre-flight 12 cl pour. Service is usually one person running the bar; during the 06:00–08:00 and 16:00–18:00 departure peaks, that can mean a short wait if two or three flights are checking in at once.
If you’re catching an early SAS or BRA departure, Red Bar is a decent 15-minute pit stop for coffee while you watch the single security checkpoint queues build. Practical tip: buy any last drinks here only if you plan to finish them on the spot—there’s a standard Swedish security liquids check, and you’ll have to bin open containers before heading upstairs to the gates.