Say Cheers Chennai! The 10 Best Pubs In The City

Head to Sundays if you're looking for a spot to spend some quality time with friends and family over drinks. The backdrop of reggae music sets the tone for a laid-back, carefree ambience, and the neon lights and several plants effortlessly transport you to a beachy vibe. It's also a wonderful spot to get some insta-worthy pictures. What we love the most about Sundays is their extraordinary array of cocktails, each one a masterpiece. The pocket-friendly prices, good food and chill vibes at Sundays make it a must-visit spot in town.

Price For Two: INR 1,800 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.5/5 

Timings: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 07823969677

If you're in the mood for a speakeasy atmosphere, then Velveteen Rabbit is the perfect spot for you. The pub's ambience includes small tables, bar stools, and hipster decor. The evenings here are always exciting, with live programmes like retro nights, karaoke evenings, classic movie screenings, board game nights, and book readings, to name a few. The bar is situated on the ground floor, while a slightly quieter area with sofas can be found upstairs. Their bar menu has plenty of options to choose from while the snack menu features some delightful Italian, Mediterranean, and French finger foods.

Price For Two: INR 1,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 09003133880

Radio Room is the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays if you wanna dance it out. Their music selection spans from Bollywood hits to the latest pop tunes for you to groove out to. As the name "Radio Room" suggests, it's all about the music here. The place has some of the best cocktails in town, some with a local twist, such as the must-try Nanari rum and Thenga cocktail. The food perfectly complements the drinks, with juicy fish fingers that pair well with almost every drink you choose. The captivating ambience, good music, and unique cocktail options attract a diverse crowd at Radio Room. While it may be a bit pricey but the fantastic cocktails, music, and overall vibe make it well worth a visit.

Price For Two: INR 2,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 07824001209

If you're looking for a great place to catch up with friends over drinks during lunchtime, then Secret Story is the perfect choice. This welcoming establishment is located at The Slate Hotel on KNK Road. The venue provides an upscale and stylish two-level setting with laid-back `lounge vibes. Unlike traditional late-night pubs, Secret Story has a cafe-like atmosphere that caters to lunches and early evening unwind sessions. It's a perfect spot for some hearty conversations with your loved ones over a couple of refreshing beverages. The menu here is quite diverse, with European, Cantonese, Pan Asian, and Progressive Indian cuisines. We also love their range of cocktails that come with their own unique twists. The cocktails are like stories in a glass, in line with the name 'Secret Story'.

Price For Two: INR 2,000 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5 

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 08428075000

Located near Nandanam, Ministry of Drinks offers a groovy experience with good food, decent drinks, and a bustling atmosphere. The seating area is spacious, and the music from the DJ sets the perfect vibe. Despite occasional delays in service, likely due to the crowd, the staff is generally accommodating. We recommend their Ministry special Chicken wings and the Pulled Beef Chops. The vibe could use a bit of a boost to really get that lively feel going, but the mishmash of decor adds a quirky charm to the place that's hard to resist. Ministry of Drinks provides a diverse drink menu catering to various tastes and hosts regular live music performances.

Price For Two: INR 2,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 09884598998

Monkey Bar brings together a mix of flavours and vibes that has folks talking. Some are bummed about the pricey tags and not-so-generous portions, while others are all about the one-of-a-kind dishes and the lively scene. Despite gripes about slow service and parking headaches, many are digging the range of grub and inventive cocktails like the fan-favourite "Madras Men." As for the vibe, well, Chennaiites dig the cool atmosphere and funky decor. It's a spot where opinions vary, but if you're up for an adventure in taste and ambience, Monkey Bar might just be worth a shot.

Price For Two: INR 2,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 09840244226

Watson's is the ideal neighbourhood bar, perfect for those seeking a laid-back and relaxed ambience. It is a popular hub for events and provides the right atmosphere to unwind and make the most of their time there. Their bar bites are exceptionally good, and the pub boasts ample space for guests to kick back and enjoy themselves comfortably. With its extensive size, featuring three separate bar counters, a smoking area with a pool table, and plenty of room to move around, even during peak times, Watson's ensures that visitors never feel cramped. If you're looking for a place reminiscent of the friendly hangouts portrayed in American sitcoms, Watson's is the spot to head to and have a great time with your buddies.

Price For Two: INR 1,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Contact Number: 07824001209

This contemporary take on the American dive bar is a versatile destination, perfect for weekends with friends. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to sample their flavoured LITs for a 'lit' experience. The well-crafted cocktails, as well as the shishas, are a highlight. Whether it's a small reunion or a group outing, the ambience is inviting, and the innovative liquor menu, creatively named after underworld figures like Pablo Escobar and Dawood, adds a unique flair to your visit. It's an essential spot for a great time with friends, making it an exceptional choice for anyone in search of a lively cocktail experience in the heart of the city.

Price For Two: INR 1,800 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Contact Number: 09840108410

Located in the heart of Nungambakkam, Lord of the Drinks serves you awesome vibes, delicious food, and beats that you can dance your heart to. The Viking/Warriors theme of the pub will make you feel like you've stepped into another world. And let's talk about the staff – super friendly and always ready to make sure you're having a great time. From mutton chukka to chicken pops, every bite is an explosion of flavour. The drinks menu might be a tad on the pricey side, but trust us, it's totally worth the amazing experience. Whether you're chilling on the terrace, soaking in the breeze, or getting down on the dance floor to the DJ's sick beats, LOD is the spot for a killer night out with your crew. 

Price For Two: INR 2,500 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Contact Number: 098939005757

Located inside T. Nagar's Hotel Residency Towers, Bike and Barrel is an authentic pub that sets itself apart from venues that shift into clubs after dark. Rather than emphasising on dancing, this traditional English pub prioritises a laid-back drinking experience. The atmosphere radiates a sense of nostalgia with the retro posters, soothing music, and dimly lit lanterns against a rustic wooden setting. They have comfortable leather couches and a captivating vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle suspended from the ceiling. Additionally, the pub offers live music on Sundays and occasional sports screenings.

Price For Two: INR 3,000 (approx)

Zomato Rating: 4.1/5

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Contact Number: 04428156363