Delhi's Top Bars: A Quick Guide
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Delhi's bar scene ranges from speakeasies with hidden entrances to open-air courtyards near the
city's monuments. Here's a look at some of the city's most talked-about names.
Sidecar, Greater Kailash II
Set above a bookshop in GK2, Sidecar spreads across two floors: a relaxed daytime space with a book
nook on the first floor and a cocktail-focused bar upstairs. Most of its bitters, syrups, and other
extractions are made in-house. Co-founded by celebrated bartender Yangdup Lama, one of the most
influential names in India’s cocktail scene, the bar has featured on Asia's 50 Best Bars list and is
known for signature drinks like the Dilli 6 espresso martini.
PCO, Vasant Vihar
Considered Delhi's original speakeasy, PCO is entered through a faux phone booth door in a Vasant
Vihar market. Regulars are usually sent a passcode ahead of time, though walk-ins are generally
accepted on weekdays. The cocktail menu leans into mezcal, Japanese whisky, and theatrical touches
like flamed citrus and smoked cinnamon.Lair, Vasant Vihar
Built inside a converted basement, Lair keeps a dark, monochromatic look with a sound system built
for electronic music sets. The cocktail program covers both approachable and more elaborate drinks
made with global ingredients. Lair was named Best Bar in India in the 2024 edition of the 30 Best
Bars India list.
The Piano Man Jazz Club, Safdarjung Enclave
Known for live jazz and blues, The Piano Man Jazz Club is built around a stage set beneath a cluster
of suspended pianos. It draws a mixed crowd of music regulars and first-time visitors and is one of the
city's more established live-music venues.
Olive Bar & Kitchen, Mehrauli
Olive Bar & Kitchen is set in a white, Mediterranean-style courtyard near the Qutub Minar. The
outdoor space and lighter, breezier setting make it a common pick for a relaxed evening rather than a
high-energy one.
Each of these spots covers different ground — classic mixology at Sidecar, speakeasy history at PCO,
electronic music and dark interiors at Lair, live jazz at The Piano Man, and open-air calm at Olive Bar
& Kitchen.
