Some of us have become expert bartenders during lockdown but some days you just want to leave it to the professionals. From fancy AF cocktails to budget breweries to get your drink on big time, read on to see 10 places we’re heading to for some socially distanced drinking.
Disclaimer: While cafes, bars and restaurants are following safety guidelines, please ensure to continue social distancing and wear a mask.
Incredible cocktails with delicious food and a beautiful ambiance, we're super excited to go back to Diablo now that we can order drinks again. We recommend you choose a cocktail here that are all named after devils, our personal favourite being the Devil's Garden G&T which came in a huge glass with nitrogen and rose petals. Extra points for their gorgeous bars, whether you look at the ghost bar outdoors or the indoor millennial pink one.
Crowd Favourites: Devil's Garden G&T, Kebap Platter
Show us one person that hasn't partied a bit too hard at a Social and we'll show you a liar. Other than serving up some awesome bar food (yes, we're also thinking of their nachos), they've also got decently priced beers to order and, obviously, their epic LIITs.
We recommend the Social in Nehru Place, Cyberhub and, the OG, Hauz Khas.
Crowd Favourites: Cosmo Explosion, L.L.I.I.T, Butter Chicken, Honey Chilli Fries
Expertly made cocktails and the perfect music to go with it, Sidecar is where we head when the only thing we want is a good cocktail and a nice time talking to our date with some soulful music playing in the background. Don't overthink your order here, our favourite way to pick a drink is by just telling the bartender our preferred spirit and how sweet (or not) we like it and they'll concoct the perfect drink for you.
Crowd Favourites: Aunt Emily cocktail, Yang's Old Fashioned, Pork Belly Yakitori
Okay, while we definitely went back to The Grammar Room for the Chicken Katsu Sandwich and the chilled out vibe, now we're going back to get a cocktail and we're super excited. We love the Raspberry Sorbet Spritzer and Hibiscus G&T but, really, we'd say you can't go wrong with any drink you order from here.
PS - Olive right next to it is also serving drinks!
Crowd Favourites: Raspberry Sorbet Spritzer, Chicken Katsu Sando, Naked Burrito Bowl
Psst, all you Gin loyalists, here are some of the best homegrown gin brands that you must try.
This is the most budget-friendly place on the list, plus, it's conveniently located in CP so if you're meeting up with your friends who live in Gurgaon or West Delhi or anywhere, really, it's totally centrally located for everyone. A pint of beer, peanuts and affordable food, if you've spent too much this month already, this place won't break the bank (further).
Crowd Favourites: Beer, Butter Chicken Pizza, Mezze Platter
If you're after a night out without a hint of pretentiousness, Summer House Cafe is your best bet. It's not super budget-friendly but a much more affordable option than the fancier ones on the list. The terrace and indoor seating area both have completely different music and vibes but when the weather is right, you can't go wrong with the terrace.
Crowd Favourites: Margarita, Beer, Fully Loaded Nachos, Pizzas
A favourite among wine (and coffee) lovers is Perch in Khan Market. Rustic ambiance, an expansive wine list and small plates that pair perfectly with a glass of red (or white, we don't discriminate) makes Perch the best place to unwind with good company. Their wine-based cocktails are killer, especially the Coffee Sangria and Mulled Wine when the weather's right for it. But if you're not a wine person, they have a few other spirits, too.
Crowd Favourites: Coffee Sangria, Mulled Wine, Reverse Martini, Gnocchi
Pub grub and a chilled glass of beer is what's waiting for you at I Sacked Newton. Probably one of the best places to chill with your gang in Noida, their ambiance is relaxed, service is quick and we have a soft spot for their thin crust pizza with a drink to go with it.
Crowd Favourites: Butter Chicken Maggi, Ravioli, Beer
We've spent a lot of (drunk) Saturday nights at Dear Donna so we've been looking forward to their drinks for a while. Fancy cocktails and fancier dressed crowd, it's definitely not the place if you want a lowkey date night but when you're feeling extra (and ready to impress), this place is it.
Crowd Favourites: Playboy Martini, Aglio E Olio, Risotto, Tiramisu
For when you need a drink straight after work, The Beer Cafe will have you sorted. They've got a long list of beers to choose from (although the list used to be longer in pre-covid times) but you'll get some affordable beer, comfort food and a big screen if it's game night.
Crowd Favourites: Beer, Honey Chilli Fries, Chicken Steak
Gotten used to playing bartender at home now? Check out the best mixers to up your cocktail game at home. And while you're at it, you're gonna need some chakhna and we recommend you give these healthy snacks or vegan ones a shot (see what we did there?).
