10 Best Speakeasy Bars In Delhi For The Finest Cocktails

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Can you keep a secret? No, we certainly cannot as gatekeeping is not our style. Quite contrary to this guide of speakeasy bars in Delhi that are hugely hush-hush and exclusive. 

A speakeasy is a bar or nightclub that is hidden or secretive. Originating in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) when the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal, these hidden drinking dens are often concealed behind unmarked doors or discreet entrances. (We love how sus these are, perfect for an intimate drinking experience!).  

From vintage-inspired decor to innovative cocktails, Delhi's speakeasy scene is a haven for those bored with their dine and wine routine. If you are looking for the next unique cocktail experience with a touch of mystery and exclusivity, here’s our guide to the 10 best speakeasy bars in Delhi! 

Pass Code Only

This speakeasy bar has a hidden entrance that unlocks with a secret code entered through a phone booth. Straight out of an Agatha Christie novel, yes. Founded by Rakshay and Radhika Dhariwal, PCO (Pass Code Only) is a waterhole that is popular for its innovative cocktails and mixologists. We love their vintage decor and the waiters in suspenders who complement the prohibition era theme with a smile and cocktails that deserve a toast. 

Cuisine: Italian, North Indian, Continental

Must Have: Elder Flower Spritzer, Espresso Martini, Banoffee Pie, Chocolate Cake, Grilled Chicken

Timings: 5:30 PM to 1 AM

Rating: 4.5/5

Price For Two: INR 2000 with alcohol 

Location: Vasant Vihar

LBB Tip: The pass code changes every week so make sure you are in the loop by contacting them on their socials

Hoots

For those who know to dig deeper, this speakeasy is an unique find. Just look below wine bar Perch and you will find this intimate, dimly-lit cocktail bar. Good thing it is known to a small but growing number as this space is quiet and inviting. We love their cocktails that are uniquely devised based on existing famous ones like a Whisky Sour with a chamomile foam or an Old Fashioned with miso. 

Must Have: Robert's Ancestral, The Vesper, Sous vide caramelised yogurt, Creme De cacao

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 6 PM to 12:30 AM (Closed on Mondays)

Rating: 4.6/5

Price For Two: INR 1500 with alcohol 

Location: Vasant Vihar

LBB Tip: They recently opened a sister outlet called Margaret's Eye which is a tiki cocktail bar. 

Cocktails And Dreams

Yes, your dream of the perfect cocktail can be achieved here. If you can get accustomed to the drinks-in-a-dingy-basement-but-not-a-murder-movie-setup, that is. This speakeasy is neatly tucked inside a basement, yes, but don't judge it before you can immerse yourself in its retro vibe. You would lose yourself in the way its aesthetics are a close dupe of an American bar and the blue and jazz musical score in the backdrop is just the perfect fit for their innovative cocktails. 

Cuisine: Thai, American, and Tibetan

Must Have: Margarita, Calamari, Bacon Mojito, Scotch Julep

Timings: 4 PM to 12 AM 

Rating: 4.5/5

Price For Two: INR 3000 with alcohol 

Location: Sector 15, Gurgaon

LBB Tip: They also host workshops like cocktail making, quizzes and more. Check out their socials to be in the loop.  

Lair

Ever wanted your date night to be on the noir sets of a film? Or wanted to shift your loud group of friends into a contemporary dinner setup? This speakeasy bar is quite literally, the lair for all things noir, contemporary and prohibition-era inspired. We cannot stress on how much of this bar takes after the typical moody, mysterious aspect of clandestine bars. It also hosts a minimalist and monochrome scheme marked by black concrete, glass, slivers of light and eye-catching geometries that make it quite Instagrammable if you don't want to be so hush-hush about this bar. 

Cuisine: Asian, Thai

Must Have: Lair's Signature, Peach and Lavender Bellini, Coorg Highball 

Timings: 6 PM to 1 AM 

Rating: 4.8/5

Price For Two: INR 2000 

Location: Vasant Vihar

LBB Tip: The speakeasy features two levels; the first hosts the cocktail bar, while the second level of this speakeasy features food of pan-Asian cuisine ranging from simple to high-end options. 

The Secret Garden

A silent stairway leads to a secret garden: feels like a music video? The Secret Garden at Sakleys does just that. This speakeasy bar leans onto the nature angle with a haven of lush greens and artisanal cocktails. This dimly lit space with black couches and a long black bar also has beautiful outdoor seating, perfect for catching sunsets and conversations. 

Cuisine: Italian, Continental

Must Have: Lamb Skewers with Pomegranate Dip, Jacket Potato, Tempura Fish, Blood And Sand, Friends With Benefits, Part Time Lover and Tiramisu Martini

Timings: 12:30 PM to 12 AM 

Rating: 4.8/5

Price For Two: INR 3000 with alcohol 

Location: Greater Kailash 1

LBB Tip: This bar also has terrace seating, and you will find classic cocktails from the Bramble to the Negroni to the Sazerac and Blood & Sand, named after Rudolph Valentino's 1922 bullfighter movie Blood and Sand.

Somewhere, Nowhere

For your weekend mix and fix or a weekday whine and wine, enter this seemingly simple vinyl and cigar shop and be led into a world of creative cocktails and a Japanese-style bar. This intimate setup also serves Omakase style drinks, if you are up for a cocktail adventure amidst dimly lit warm interiors that cushion your blues. 

Cuisine: Japanese

Timings: 5 PM to 1 AM

Rating: 4.3/5

Price For Two: INR 2000 with alcohol 

Location: Greater Kailash 2

LBB Tip: You can message +91 9310065579 for reservations. 

The Backyard

Picture this: a grocery store. There are aisles for cheese, chips, dairy and oh, wait, a secret door that takes you to a bar. You'll be second guessing yourself at this speakeasy that hides behind a simple grocery shop. With black and red leather couches lined by an array of alcohol brands on display, this bar is a sober secret and a well deserving escape from your everyday hustle. Their innovative cocktails and the dimly done ambience slowly takes your stress away and is a must-visit with friends. 

Cuisine: Multi-cuisine

Must Have: Ginger Chicken, Chicken Tikka Tacos, Death By Backyard, Soju Bomb

Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM

Rating: 3.9/5

Price For Two: INR 2000 with alcohol 

Location: West Punjabi Bagh

LBB Tip: The bar also has live music every Wednesday, retro nights every Friday and DJ nights every Saturday. 

Ikigai

Ikigai, a Japanese concept, quite literally translates to 'a reason for being.' This speakeasy would definitely be your reason for being relaxed and filled to the brim with joy and drinks, quite literally. Its appeal featuring soft and natural tones in the company of gentle lighting only gets better with the inclusion of a vast library where guests can read as they sip. They also have an Omakase menu with curated cocktails. 

Cuisine: Continental and Italian

Must Have: Ceviche menu, Espresso Martini, Aglio-Olio

Timings: 8:15 AM to 1 AM

Rating: 4.5/5

Price For Two: INR 2000 without alcohol 

Location: Defence Colony

LBB Tip: For reservations, you can contact +91-7861854033. 

Sidecar

Sidecar, as retro as it sounds, is a speakeasy furnished with an artisanal approach. This intimate, two-story establishment transitions smoothly from day to night. The first story has a bookstore where you can browse, read and purchase at Hachette. The second story is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. We love the range their menu caters to, from classic and seasonal signature cocktails to zero-proof and low-proof options. 

Cuisine: Asian and Mediterranean

Must Have: Corn Curd, Avocado Toast, Lamb Curry, Mai Tai, Bloodiest Mary, South Side

Timings: 10 AM to 1 AM

Rating: 4.6/5

Price For Two: INR 3000 with alcohol 

Location: Greater Kailash - 2

LBB Tip: They collaborate with bartenders around the globe for specific themed nights like Tequila Tuesdays. Know more on their socials

921, Noe Delhi

921 is the best kept secret of Noe, so much so that you will not know of the speakeasy unless you step into this comfortable dining place. Named after the digits in its address, it is safely tucked away inside this hotel and you will be let in, if you can spot it out. With a capacity to seat just 10 people, intimate dining and exclusivity gets high here. Entertain some of those hush-hush gossip sessions here with a drink from their creative menu. They also have Omakase styled dining and if you dare, choose an ingredient from their bar menu and you'll be pleasantly surprised with a drink including it. 

Cuisine: Multi- cuisine

Must Have: Kanda Picante, Tuna & Fishmint, NOE Highballs, Gnocchi and Poi, Mahi Mahi and Linguini, Mushroom and Oaxaca

Rating: 4.6/5

Price For Two: INR 5000 with alcohol 

Location: Chanakyapuri

LBB Tip: They have a special Sunday brunch menu, which you must check out. 

LBB Pro Tip

If you are looking to hop onto the newest 'Omakase' dining trend, this guide will help you! 

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Caffeine and poetry: that's my world. Love exploring new places, new products and binge watching comfort shows. Journalist. Writer. Feminist. Dreamer. Swiftie. Have nurtured 4 years of experience in all things content and looking to nurture more :)