The City Of Joy, as Kolkata is lovingly called, has an energetic and vibrant pub culture that sees its roots in the 1950s. That’s also when Kolkata was known for its live-jazz culture. In the passing seventy years, that classic pub culture evolved this city into a place that knows three things: fish (the food kind), football, and fun. It’s no wonder the amazing selection of bars and pubs in Kolkata that easily become favorites of tourists and locals in no time, and stay that way for as long as possible.
To bring them down to a list that can be counted on your fingertips is extremely difficult. So, we’ve curated a list of the 9 best pubs and bars in Kolkata to make it easier for you to choose a spot. Check it out!
9 Best Bars And Pubs In Kolkata
- Monkey Bar
- Olypub
- Pour House
- 10 Downing Street
- Someplace Else
- Roxy
- Shisha – Bar Stock Exchange
- Nocturne
- Blue And Beyond
1. Monkey Bar
The Monkey bar is the perfect place to have a sundowner, a date, or just an after-work beer. The bar has a mind-blowing view of the city, with a backdrop of bare-brick walls and dim lighting. It gives this place a rustic yet comfortable vibe. The place is also known to have a great playlist that is always in the background as you down some grub at the Monkey Bar.
The food menu here is going to feel like a new one every time you visit. That’s because it probably will be new almost every time you visit. The Monkey Bar changes its menu frequently, but some awesome constants are the Crème Brule and the Butter Chicken Khichdi, which you can pair with one of their signature cocktails like Tomesh Collins, Copper Monkey, and Mangaa.
Location: Fort Knox, Camac Street Area, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am, Tuesday: 6 pm to 12 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 3,000.
2. Olypub
Olypub is like that cool uncle you hang out with after college. Born in 1947, It’s been around for a long time. It definitely knows how to chill and it has a bunch of stories to tell. Olypub is also known for its classic menu and cheap booze. These factors make it a popular spot amongst the youth of Kolkata. If you’re looking for a chilled beer, this is probably the first spot any local would recommend. However, you might find yourself in the company of a lot of college-going crowds.
The specialities of Olypub lie in the cheap booze and great food. While your alcohol might not require any introductions, the food here deserves an ovation. Chicken Ala Kiev, Fish Fingers, and Beef Steak here are some recommendations we would urge you to try.
Location: Park Street Area, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 11 pm.
Average Cost For Two: INR 1,300.
3. Pour House
There are two types of people that Pour House attracts – IT professionals and sports fans. The retro-American décor with bright neon lights and a huge dance floor in the middle of the room make for the perfect vibe for a chilled after-work drink. You could also catch a sports match, which is something to look forward to here.
The kitchen in this venue does a fantastic job with the Indian food. The Nilgiri Seekh Kebab, Peshawri Tangri Kebab, and Paneer Cotton Blue are the people’s favorites, while the legends of the bar-menu are the classic cocktails. The bar also offers 1 + 1 amongst other great offers on drinks. Take a look at those once you get there and make sure you make the most of it.
Location: Sector 5, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Friday, Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am, Saturday: 12 pm to 1 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 2,000.
4.10 Downing Street
If you want to enjoy an evening at a rather sophisticated pub, 10 Downing Street is the place for you. And this place means business when it comes to sophistication. Bright-lit interiors with leather and wood furnishings, accompanied by a wrap-around bar in the center, will make you feel like you’re in an English movie. Beware, though. 10 Downing Street has a dress code, meaning you might have to dress up like a movie, too.
When it comes down to the food and drinks part, the pub has a selection of classics to choose from. While the menu is fairly conventional, it does strike the right chords. Try the Beer Batter Fish and the Chinese Platter to find out for yourself. Pair it with your favorite drink or a cocktail to make it a complete experience.
Location: Sector 5, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12 pm to 1 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 1,900.
5. Someplace Else
Someplace Else has gone to great lengths to ensure that a meal here is much more of an experience. They often have amazing bands playing live and you might find your favorites playing here more often than not. The décor has a slightly British façade but feels urban. All of this makes it the perfect place for a night out with the buddies.
The food menu is short but exciting. It includes many lip-smacking appetizers with the Parmesan Stuffed Kulchas and Cheese Toasties as the people’s favorites. The bar menu follows a similar theme. However, the choice of beers and cocktails is very impressive.
Location: The Park, Park Street, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 4 pm to 4 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 2,500.
6. Roxy
Roxy is the ultimate spot for the ones who want to experience the vibe of a classic 60s bar when they go out drinking. Lush velvet interiors, mild lighting, and a larger-than-life representation of the jazz culture, this place will make you want to dress up like the characters of The Great Gatsby when you head out here.
The menus here are heavily biased towards the drinks, while the food menu mostly has appetizers and finger food. You might want to dig into the Cheese Chilli Buns, Murgh Tikka Delhvi, and the Tangra Style Chilli Chicken to flatter your tastebuds. Alongside, get a cocktail like The Roxy or Liquid Cocaine to wash it down.
Location: The Park, Park Street, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6 pm to 4 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 3,000.
7. Shisha – Bar Stock Exchange
Shisha has been around for quite a while and is one of the favorites among the party-loving locals. Proper party lighting, a bunch of drinking games (the stock exchange theme might be considered as one), and great music played by a DJ in the pub make it a great place to party. Not to forget, the big screens and frequent match screenings make it a favorite amongst sports fans, too!
The menus in this place are extensive and the booze is cheap. You might love the simpler options like the Honey Potato, Kung Pao Chicken, and the Mixed Sauce Pasta. The bar menu will serve a chilled glass of your regulars with a few cocktails to peak your interest.
Location: Camac Street Area, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 3 pm to 12 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 1,800.
8. Nocturne
Nocturne is possibly the most hippie-est club in all of Kolkata. This multi-level entertainment behemoth has quickly grown in its popularity and is still growing. The basement is a huge hookah salon while the upper floor is for the people trying to dance the night away. Top-of-the-line sound and light systems, Co2 cannons, an awesome bar, all spread across this 3000 sq. ft club are the crux of the vibe that will make you come back time and again.
As you head over to the food menu, you’ll find a list that is just exciting enough. You might want to try their innovative pizzas and pasta, and a brownie to round your meal off. The place serves a good variety of alcohol, which people love pairing with their hookah flavors.
Location: Theatre Road, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 2 pm to 12 am.
Average Cost For Two: INR 1,300.
9. Blue And Beyond
Blue And Beyond is a swanky rooftop lounge with a great view of the New Market and the Victoria Memorial. The décor is simple, rustic, and elegant with a combination of dim lights on the ceiling, candles on the tables, and plants placed around the lounge. This rooftop resto-bar has both outdoor and indoor seating areas. This means you can choose to look at the picturesque city from within an AC room or with the breeze in your hair.
The continental, north Indian, and Italian parts of the menu are extremely appetizing. The Dewangi Platter, Lamb Chop Sizzle, and the Teriyaki Chicken take the cake. Speaking of cakes, the chocolate brownie sizzler is as hypnotizing as food can get. The bar menu is extensive and we are sure you’ll find your poison of choice almost every time you open the menu in which, classic cocktails and the variety of scotch will catch your eye.
Location: Hotel Lindsay, New Market, Kolkata.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 10 pm.
Average Cost For Two: INR 1,900.
Summing Up
Kolkata has made quite a name for itself with the number of festivities and energy the city holds. It’s no wonder the people that call this place their home know how to party. You’ll see a heavy influence of the jazz era in all kinds of venues even today. As you do set out to explore the watering holes around town, make sure you talk to the locals and figure out the best ones, or the new ones, that might have popped up. And don’t forget to check out the above-mentioned 9 best bars and pubs in Kolkata.
As much as we encourage partying, exploring, and traveling, we do hammer on the importance of doing so while being safe. So, do your due research before heading out and have as much fun as you can.
FAQs
What Is There To Do In Kolkata On Weekends?
On weekends, you can go out and attend a Durga Pooja and hop a ride on the legendary trams to get there. Alternatively, you can also visit one of the many resto-pubs to have a chill, relaxed evening.
What Do You Do In A Pub?
Any tavern-like establishment that serves food and drinks is classified as a pub. Some of them have other entertainment options like games or a dance floor. You can sit down and enjoy a few drinks or just the company of your people. There are very few rules, other than the general social ones. However, pubs are often associated with drinking. So, if that’s also something you would prefer, then you can surely have one while you’re there.
What Are The Best Bars And Pubs In Kolkata?
It’s difficult to name just one bar or pub here. You can, however, choose between The Blue And Beyond, Someplace Else, or one of the many others we’ve mentioned in the list above.
Does Kolkata Have A Nightlife?
Yes, Kolkata has a very energetic and vibrant nightlife that invites everybody to have fun in their own way, regardless of whether it’s in a sports bar or a proper jazz club. You can visit the places mentioned in this article to find out what suits your taste the best.
Which Is Better Roxy Or Tantra?
Roxy would be a more sophisticated choice. If you compare Tantra with Roxy, Roxy attracts a more decent crowd and it also plays better music.
What Is Stag Entry?
Some pubs and nightclubs maintain an equal ratio between men and women. This is done to ensure the comfort of the ladies, by avoiding too many men in the crowd. So, you’ll find “No Stag Entry” at many places to restrict the entry of men.
What Is The Most Popular Bar Night?
There’s no specific popular bar night in India, however, in the US, the most popular bar night is the night of Thanksgiving eve. On this day pubs and bars are flocked by people making them insanely crowded.
