The 8 Best Bars & Nightlife in Delhi

One of Delhi's most respected craft cocktail bars, Sidecar is run by serious bartenders who treat mixology as a culinary art. Order anything off their seasonal menu — the house-made infusions and precise technique are consistently excellent. It's a small, intimate space so expect a wait on weekends; reservations are strongly advised.

A legendary speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a vintage phone booth entrance, PCO helped define Delhi's craft cocktail scene. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the cocktail list is inventive without being gimmicky. It gets very crowded on weekends and the entrance gimmick means space is tight, but the quality is reliably high.

A beloved Hauz Khas institution with a reggae and Caribbean soul, Raasta is one of the most reliably fun bars in the city. The rum cocktails and mojitos are solid, the vibe is laid-back and unpretentious, and the rooftop seating is a bonus. It draws a young, energetic crowd so expect noise and crowds on weekends.

Auro is a Hauz Khas staple that has outlasted many trendier neighbours, known for its consistent cocktails, good music programming, and welcoming atmosphere. The terrace overlooking the village is one of the better outdoor drinking spots in south Delhi. It can get packed on weekends and the village lanes can be chaotic to navigate.

A well-established bar and live music venue in the heart of CP, Unplugged Courtyard offers a great mix of live performances, decent cocktails, and a buzzy atmosphere. The open courtyard setting is charming and the live acts span Bollywood, rock, and indie. Parking and crowds can be a challenge given the CP location.

A gastropub concept from the Olive group, Monkey Bar does the casual bar-and-food combination better than most in Delhi. The cocktails are creative and well-priced, and the food menu — especially the bar snacks — is genuinely good. It can get loud and service sometimes slips when busy, but it's a dependable choice for a relaxed evening.

Privee is Delhi's most consistently well-regarded upscale nightclub and bar, attracting a well-heeled crowd with quality DJs and a polished setting. The cocktails are expensive but well-made, and the production value — sound, lighting, crowd curation — is genuinely high. Entry policies and dress codes are strictly enforced, and it's not cheap.

A high-energy bar that's become a CP institution for its enormous drinks menu, theatrical presentation, and reliably fun atmosphere. The cocktails lean more towards spectacle than craft, but the value is good and the crowd is always lively. Best for large groups looking for a boisterous night rather than a quiet conversation.