best bars in bangalore (2026)

tldr: out of 18 bars, my top picks are toit (best overall bar/brewery in indiranagar), copitas (best craft cocktails in ulsoor), byg brewski (best rooftop on sarjapur road), and bob’s bar (best budget option, multiple locations). full reviews with drink prices, vibes, and honest opinions below.

i haven’t visited bangalore specifically for a bar crawl yet. this guide is based on extensive research - local nightlife blogs, google reviews, youtube bar reviews, and recommendations from bangalore locals who go out regularly.

i’ve been to toit and arbor during trips - those i can vouch for personally. the rest is thoroughly researched from multiple sources. where i’ve been, i’ll say so. where it’s research-based, i’ll be upfront.

bangalore is india’s drinking capital. that’s not just about the craft beer (though it has more breweries than any other city). it’s the range. you’ve got craft cocktail bars that rival mumbai’s best, brewery taprooms that started a national revolution, rooftop bars with genuine views, and dive bars where a pint costs less than a coffee at starbucks. the drinking age is 21, bars stay open until 11:30pm-1am depending on the area, and the city genuinely has something for every budget and mood.

here’s the honest rundown.

the awards (my picks)

best overall bar: toit, indiranagar - the total package
best craft cocktails: copitas, ulsoor - genuinely creative mixology
best brewery: arbor brewing company, brigade road - best ipa in the city
best rooftop: byg brewski, sarjapur road - massive, dramatic, unforgettable
best dive bar: pecos, brigade road - old-school bangalore pub culture
best budget bar: bob’s bar, multiple locations - cheap beer, good vibes
best for dates: the permit room, indiranagar - intimate and creative
best for groups: toit, indiranagar - space, energy, good food
best whisky bar: the permit room, indiranagar - south indian whisky cocktails
best bar food: toit, indiranagar - the pizza alone is worth visiting
best live music: windmills craftworks, whitefield - proper stage, proper sound

the full list

#	bar	area	type	cost for two (with drinks)	rating
1	toit	indiranagar	brewery/taproom	rs 1800	9/10
2	copitas	ulsoor	craft cocktail bar	rs 2500	9/10
3	arbor brewing company	brigade road	brewery/taproom	rs 2000	8.5/10
4	the permit room	indiranagar	cocktail bar	rs 2200	8.5/10
5	byg brewski	sarjapur road	brewery/rooftop	rs 2500	8.5/10
6	monkey bar	indiranagar	gastropub	rs 1800	8/10
7	bob’s bar	multiple	budget bar	rs 800	8/10
8	windmills craftworks	whitefield	brewery/live music	rs 2200	8/10
9	pecos	brigade road	dive bar	rs 600	7.5/10
10	toast and tonic	ub city	upscale cocktail bar	rs 3000	8/10
11	high ultra lounge	world trade center	rooftop bar	rs 3500	8/10
12	geist	whitefield	brewery	rs 2000	8.5/10
13	biere club	lavelle road	craft beer bar	rs 1500	7.5/10
14	uru brewpark	hennur	brewery/garden	rs 1800	8/10
15	ebony	mg road (barton centre)	rooftop/fine dining	rs 2500	8/10
16	tapped	koramangala	brewery	rs 1800	7.5/10
17	big brewsky	sarjapur road	brewery	rs 1800	7.5/10
18	glen’s bakehouse bar	indiranagar	wine & cocktail bar	rs 2000	7.5/10

craft cocktail bars

these are the bars where the bartender actually knows what they’re doing. proper spirits, creative recipes, and cocktails that are worth the rs 500-700 per glass price tag.

1. copitas

ulsoor, near ulsoor lake / cost for two: rs 2500 / 9/10

copitas is bangalore’s best cocktail bar, and it’s not particularly close. run by a team that genuinely cares about mixology, this is where you go when you want cocktails made with precision, creativity, and excellent spirits. the menu changes seasonally, and every iteration brings something new.

the space is small and intimate - maybe 40-50 seats. the lighting is moody, the music is low enough to have a conversation, and the bartenders are happy to customise drinks if you tell them what flavour profiles you like. the cocktails use indian ingredients in clever ways - think kokum, gondhoraj lime, and local spices worked into classic cocktail frameworks.

expect to pay rs 500-700 per cocktail. the food menu is small but curated, mostly tapas-style plates designed to complement the drinks.

what to drink: ask the bartender. seriously. tell them what you like and let them work. but their citrus-forward cocktails are particularly good.

verdict: the best cocktail bar in bangalore. intimate, creative, and worth the premium.

2. the permit room

indiranagar, 12th main / cost for two: rs 2200 / 8.5/10

the permit room’s concept is clever: south indian-inspired cocktails. think filter coffee martini, rasam bloody mary, and cocktails infused with curry leaves, tamarind, and coconut. the name itself is a nod to the old-school government permit rooms where alcohol was sold in karnataka.

the space is gorgeous - retro south indian decor with ceramic tiles, brass fixtures, and vintage posters. it’s instagram-friendly without being try-hard. the cocktails are genuinely good, not just gimmicky. the filter kaapi old fashioned (with cold brew coffee, jaggery, and whisky) is their signature and it works beautifully.

the food takes the same approach - south indian snacks reimagined as bar food. medu vada sliders, dosa tacos, that kind of thing. some of it works, some feels forced.

what to drink: filter kaapi old fashioned, rasam mary, coconut arrack sour.

verdict: the most uniquely bangalore bar on this list. great for dates and impressing out-of-town visitors.

3. toast and tonic

ub city, vittal mallya road / cost for two: rs 3000 / 8/10

toast and tonic sits inside ub city, bangalore’s luxury mall, and the bar matches the setting. floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a beautiful garden terrace, an extensive gin collection, and cocktails that are meticulously made. the gin and tonics here are among the best in the city - they have 20+ gin options with matched tonics and garnishes.

the cocktail menu is well-curated with both classics and house specials. the food is upscale pub fare - sliders, flatbreads, and sharing plates. the sunday brunch here is popular, with bottomless drinks and a good spread.

the catch: it’s expensive. drinks start at rs 600+ and the food adds up quickly. the crowd is corporate bangalore - well-dressed, well-paid, slightly stiff. not the place for a rowdy night out.

what to drink: their gin & tonics, any of the gin-based cocktails, or the whisky sour.

verdict: best upscale cocktail bar in bangalore. come when someone else is paying.

brewery taprooms

bangalore has 50+ craft breweries. these are the ones worth your time.

4. toit

indiranagar, 100 feet road / cost for two: rs 1800 / 9/10

toit is the bar that put bangalore’s craft beer scene on the national map. opened in 2010, it was one of india’s first microbreweries and it’s still one of the best. they rotate 6-8 beers on tap at any given time, covering styles from belgian wit to ipa to dark lager to seasonal specials.

the toit weiss (hefeweizen) is the bestseller and it’s a great entry point if you’re new to craft beer. the colonial toit (amber ale) has a nice malt backbone. the tintin toit (belgian tripel) is strong and complex. they also do limited-release beers that are worth trying when available.

the food is legitimately good for a brewery. the wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in bangalore (i’ve written about this in my bangalore pizza guide). the pork ribs, nachos, and burgers are all solid. this isn’t a place where you drink great beer and tolerate mediocre food - both hold up.

the place is always packed on weekends. the noise level after 9pm on a friday is intense. reservations are essentially mandatory for weekend evenings.

visited: yes, twice. the weiss is as good as everyone says. the pizza exceeded my expectations.

what to drink: toit weiss, basmati blonde, colonial toit. try whatever seasonal is on tap.

verdict: the best brewery in bangalore and arguably india. the combination of beer quality, food quality, and atmosphere is unmatched.

5. arbor brewing company

brigade road / cost for two: rs 2000 / 8.5/10

arbor is the more refined, slightly more serious brewery compared to toit. it’s an american chain (from ann arbor, michigan) that brought proper american brewing standards to bangalore. the result is exceptionally well-made beer.

the sacred cow ipa is their flagship and it’s the best ipa in bangalore - properly bitter, well-balanced, with citrus and pine hop notes. the bangalore bliss (wheat ale) is lighter and easy-drinking. the rista brewing lineup (their experimental series) brings interesting limited editions.

the food is american-inspired pub fare: burgers, wings, pulled pork sliders. all competently made. the brigade road location has a nice rooftop section that’s great in bangalore’s pleasant weather.

visited: yes, once. the sacred cow ipa lived up to the hype.

what to drink: sacred cow ipa, bangalore bliss, whatever’s on the experimental tap.

verdict: best ipa in bangalore. more serious about beer than toit, less fun as a hangout spot.

6. windmills craftworks

whitefield / cost for two: rs 2200 / 8/10

windmills is the biggest brewery experience in bangalore. the space is enormous - industrial decor with high ceilings, a proper live music stage, and room for 300+ people. this is where you go when you want the full brewery night out: good beer, good food, live music, and a buzzy atmosphere.

the hefeweizen is their strongest beer. the pale ale is decent. the food menu is more ambitious than most breweries - steaks, pastas, and grills alongside the usual pub fare. the quality is generally good but can be inconsistent on busy nights.

the live music is the differentiator. they host proper bands and the acoustics are surprisingly good for a restaurant space. weekend evenings here have genuine energy.

what to drink: hefeweizen, pale ale, and check who’s playing live.

verdict: best brewery for a full night out with live music. the whitefield location is the only downside.

7. geist

whitefield / cost for two: rs 2000 / 8.5/10

geist is the newer whitefield brewery that’s quickly earned a reputation for quality. the beers are clean, well-balanced, and show real technical skill. the witbier and the pilsner are standouts. the space is modern and well-designed without trying too hard.

what sets geist apart is the consistency. every beer on their tap is good. there’s no weak link. the food program is also strong - they take it more seriously than most breweries.

what to drink: witbier, pilsner, whatever seasonal they have.

verdict: the most technically proficient brewery in bangalore. every beer on tap is good.

8. uru brewpark

hennur / cost for two: rs 1800 / 8/10

uru brewpark is bangalore’s garden brewery. the outdoor area is massive, with trees, fairy lights, and an open-air seating arrangement that makes you forget you’re in a city. it’s the brewery you visit when you want craft beer in a relaxed, almost resort-like setting.

the beers are solid - their wheat beer and pale ale are the highlights. the food is pub standard. the real draw is the space itself, especially on a pleasant bangalore evening.

what to drink: wheat beer, pale ale, and whatever you feel like in the garden.

verdict: best ambience of any brewery in bangalore. the garden setting is genuinely special.

rooftop bars

bangalore’s weather is perfect for rooftop drinking about 10 months of the year. these bars take advantage of that.

9. byg brewski

sarjapur road / cost for two: rs 2500 / 8.5/10

byg brewski is less a bar and more an experience. the space is massive - a multi-level jungle-themed rooftop with bamboo structures, water features, and greenery everywhere. it feels like drinking in a treehouse. the view isn’t a city skyline - it’s designed to feel like you’re in a forest even though you’re on sarjapur road.

the beers are house-brewed and range from good to very good. the witbier and the lager are safe picks. the food is extensive pub fare. the cocktails are decent too, though beer is the main draw.

the catch: it’s on sarjapur road, which means traffic. getting there on a friday evening can take forever. once you’re there, though, you won’t want to leave.

what to drink: the witbier, the lager, and a cocktail if beer isn’t your thing.

verdict: the most dramatic bar setting in bangalore. worth the sarjapur road commute.

10. high ultra lounge

world trade center, brigade road area / cost for two: rs 3500 / 8/10

high ultra lounge is bangalore’s quintessential city-view rooftop bar. located on the top floor of the world trade center, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline. on a clear evening, the view alone justifies the visit.

the cocktails are well-made, the music is club-oriented (think deep house and edm), and the crowd is well-dressed young professionals. it’s more of a “scene” bar than a casual hangout. expect a dress code and premium pricing.

the food is serviceable but secondary to the drinks and views. this is a place for cocktails and atmosphere, not dinner.

what to drink: cocktails. the whisky-based ones are the strongest on the menu. the wine list is decent too.

verdict: best city views of any bar in bangalore. come for the skyline, stay for the cocktails.

11. ebony

barton centre, mg road / cost for two: rs 2500 / 8/10

ebony has been one of bangalore’s most beloved restaurants for years, and the rooftop setting is a big reason why. located on top of barton centre, it offers views of mg road and the surrounding area. the vibe is elegant but relaxed - this isn’t a club, it’s a proper restaurant with a bar.

the food is the stronger draw here - the kebabs, the biryani, and the continental menu are all good. the bar has a solid selection of cocktails and a decent wine list. the ambience on a cool bangalore evening is hard to beat.

what to drink: cocktails with the kebab platter. the old fashioned is reliable.

verdict: the classiest rooftop bar in bangalore. more restaurant than bar, but the rooftop experience is excellent.

dive bars and budget spots

not every night needs to be rs 2000+. these bars get the job done for a fraction of the price.

12. bob’s bar

multiple locations (koramangala, indiranagar, hsr, jp nagar) / cost for two: rs 800 / 8/10

bob’s bar is bangalore’s feel-good budget pub chain. colourful interiors with quirky decor, hindi bollywood songs playing in the background, cheerful staff, and beer starting at rs 120-150 per pint. the food is basic but decent - butter chicken, dal makhani, keema pav. nothing fancy, everything satisfying.

the genius of bob’s bar is that it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. it’s not a craft beer bar. it’s not a cocktail lounge. it’s a place where you go to drink cheap beer with friends and have a good time. the koramangala outlet is the most popular, but all locations maintain the same vibe.

what to drink: whatever domestic beer is cheapest. maybe a pitcher to share.

verdict: best budget bar in bangalore. the vibe is infectious. every city needs a bob’s bar.

13. pecos

brigade road / cost for two: rs 600 / 7.5/10

pecos is bangalore’s oldest standing pub and a piece of the city’s drinking history. opened in 1975, it’s been serving draught beer to generations of bangaloreans. the interiors are dark, the tables are worn, the jukebox plays classic rock, and the draught beer is under rs 200 a pint.

this is not a pretty bar. the furniture is old. the lighting is dingy. but that’s the point. pecos is where you go when you want to drink cheap beer in a place that has character. it’s the anti-instagram bar.

the food is basic - sandwiches, fries, that sort of thing. you don’t come here for the food.

what to drink: draught beer. that’s what pecos is for.

verdict: bangalore’s most iconic dive bar. come for the history and the cheap beer.

14. biere club

lavelle road / cost for two: rs 1500 / 7.5/10

biere club is one of bangalore’s original craft beer bars (not a brewery - they curate beers rather than brew their own). the beer selection is solid, with both domestic craft beers and some imports. the happy hour deals make it a decent budget option for the lavelle road area.

the space is a converted bungalow with indoor and outdoor seating. the vibe is casual and unpretentious. the food is standard pub fare. nothing outstanding but enough to keep you going.

what to drink: whatever’s on the craft beer menu. their curated selection changes regularly.

verdict: decent craft beer bar with good happy hour deals. a solid mid-range option on lavelle road.

gastropubs

15. monkey bar

indiranagar / cost for two: rs 1800 / 8/10

monkey bar is the gastropub that gets the balance right between good drinks and good food. the cocktails are creative (though not copitas-level), the food is indian street food elevated to bar food (keema pav sliders, pani puri shots), and the vibe is lively without being overwhelming.

the indiranagar outlet has a nice outdoor section. the crowd is a mix of young professionals and groups of friends. it’s a solid choice when you can’t decide between a bar and a restaurant.

what to drink: their signature cocktails, especially the ones with indian flavours. the whisky selection is also decent.

verdict: best gastropub in bangalore. when you want good food and good drinks in equal measure.

16. tapped

koramangala / cost for two: rs 1800 / 7.5/10

tapped is koramangala’s answer to toit. it’s a brewery with a solid beer lineup, decent food, and a location that’s convenient for the koramangala crowd. the beers are good but not exceptional - the wheat beer and the lager are the safest picks.

what tapped does well is the all-day vibe. it works as a lunch spot, an after-work drinks spot, and a late-night hangout. the consistency is the selling point rather than any single standout feature.

what to drink: wheat beer, lager, and whatever seasonal they have on tap.

verdict: the most convenient brewery in koramangala. solid all-rounder, nothing extraordinary.

other notable picks

17. big brewsky

sarjapur road / cost for two: rs 1800 / 7.5/10

big brewsky competes with byg brewski on sarjapur road and holds its own with a large outdoor space and a solid beer selection. the beers are good, the space is fun, and the pricing is reasonable. it doesn’t have byg brewski’s dramatic jungle decor, but it also doesn’t have the same crowds.

what to drink: their wheat beer and pale ale. the cocktails are decent too.

verdict: the less-crowded alternative to byg brewski on sarjapur road. good beer, good space.

18. glen’s bakehouse bar

indiranagar / cost for two: rs 2000 / 7.5/10

glen’s bakehouse is primarily known for their cakes and baked goods (covered in my bakeries guide), but their bar section is surprisingly good. the cocktails are well-made, the wine list is curated, and the food draws from glen’s excellent bakehouse menu. it’s a different vibe from a typical bar - more brunch-to-evening drinks than late-night.

what to drink: cocktails and wine. the dessert cocktails pair well with their baked goods.

verdict: the bar for people who don’t usually go to bars. great for afternoon drinks and dessert cocktails.

quick pick: what kind of drinker are you?

craft beer nerd? toit or arbor for the best taps
cocktail purist? copitas, no question
want the view? byg brewski for jungle rooftop, high ultra lounge for city skyline
on a budget? bob’s bar or pecos
date night? copitas or the permit room
big group? toit or windmills craftworks
live music? windmills craftworks
south bangalore? tapped in koramangala or bob’s bar in jp nagar
whitefield? geist or windmills
want food and drinks equally? monkey bar or toit

questions people ask about bangalore bars

what is the best bar in bangalore?

toit in indiranagar is the best overall bar in bangalore - great craft beer, solid food, and an atmosphere that’s consistently fun. for cocktails specifically, copitas in ulsoor is the best. for rooftop vibes, byg brewski on sarjapur road is unmatched.

best brewery in bangalore?

toit is the most popular and consistent brewery. arbor brewing company on brigade road has the best ipa. windmills craftworks in whitefield has the biggest space and best live music. for newer options, geist in whitefield and uru brewpark in hennur are excellent.

best rooftop bar in bangalore?

byg brewski on sarjapur road has the most dramatic rooftop setting with jungle-themed decor and massive outdoor space. high ultra lounge at world trade center has the best city views. for a more intimate rooftop, ebony at barton centre on mg road is a classic.

cheapest bars in bangalore?

bob’s bar has outlets across the city with beers starting at rs 120-150 per pint and a cheerful no-frills vibe. biere club on lavelle road has happy hour deals. pecos in brigade road is the classic budget pub with draught beer under rs 200. most dive bars in brigade road area offer beers for rs 150-200.

best bar for date night in bangalore?

copitas in ulsoor for craft cocktails in an intimate setting. the permit room in indiranagar for south indian-themed cocktails and cosy ambience. toast and tonic in ub city for upscale cocktails. olive beach on st mark’s road for mediterranean vibes and great cocktails.

bangalore’s bar scene has depth that most indian cities can’t match. from craft beer pioneers to cocktail innovators to good old dive bars, there’s a drinking experience for every mood and budget.

for food recommendations to pair with your drinking plans, check out my bangalore food guide. if you’re looking for craft beer and pizza specifically, read the best pizza in bangalore guide - toit makes an appearance there too.

drink responsibly. take an auto home.

best bars in bangalore (2026) - honest reviews