The year 2025 is witnessing a continued shift towards experiential and themed space with the growing focus on local ingredients, innovative cocktails,       and sustainable practices. Bars are more into providing an immersive experience to the customers, which is something beyond traditional spaces - unique theme, music and ambience. New retail concepts like tasting-focused stores and microbreweries are emerging. India’s nightlife in 2025 is a vibrant tapestry woven with electrifying energy, world-class mixology, with engaging affairs. From beachside lounges in Goa to speakeasies in Delhi, this curated tour through the best bars and pubs across the country highlights where to find the hottest nightlife moments. 

Whether you crave innovative cocktails, scenic rooftop views, or an underground vibe, Foodism is here with the best bar and pub options for you - 

1.Lair, Delhi

Delhi’s Lair took the top honour as India’s Best Bar for 2024, standing out for its speechless style, charm and innovative cocktails. Nestled in Vasant Vihar, Lair combines the allure of a speakeasy with modern sophistication. A few of Lair’s signature cocktails, like Nagpur Valley - blend vodka, Nagpur liquor, aloe vera and honey. Another is The Queen - a floral gin-based cocktail featuring mogra, marigold, and grapefruit steals the show. Lair is obviously something beyond just cocktails! It offers a pan-Asian- inspired menu, making it a perfect choice for food and cocktail lovers. The intimate ambience with chic interiors, warm lighting offers a cosy and perfect indulgence for a night out. 

2. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru/Bangalore

Bangalore/Bengaluru is a fast-rising city with trending nightlife scenes. The city thrives on live music, rock influences and underground bar culture. Bar Spirit Forward secures a 2nd spot, emblematic of Bangalore’s bold cocktail culture. The bar is also the winner of Best Independent Bar and Highest New Entry. The bar is inspired by Japan’s omakase approach - it is a beautiful place consisting of teak wood and granite where guests can comfortably interact with the venue’s bartenders. The bar was opened in the latter half of 2023, and it is defined to be a vibrant bar that manages to be polished and welcoming. 

3. Bombay Daak – Bandra West, Mumbai

A sleek gastropub in Bandra's Reclamation precinct. Bombay Daak blends Mumbai's retro spirit with contemporary design elements—wooden finishes, dim lighting, and cosy shades prevail. Seating inside and outside forms an unbroken hangout space, whether you're meeting friends or simply relaxing on your own. It's a bar, but not just any bar - it's a neighbourhood secret. Bombay Daak serves good cocktails at reasonable prices, accompanied by great food and a laid-back atmosphere. Its positioning in trendy, artistic Bandra makes it a local hotspot for those seeking quality without pretension. The venue usually has music that straddles nostalgia and modern hits - Kishore Kumar and Prateek Kuhad come to mind.

Visit in the evening on weekdays to beat the crowd and order their signature drinks, such as the Daak Post Martini or Smoked Old Fashioned, along with a serving of prawn koliwada. A perfect way to kick off a pub crawl in Bandra.

4. Olterra – Park Street, Kolkata

A stylish rooftop pub and gastropub that combines Greek mythology with Bengali warmth. Imagine marble statues, mood lighting, handcrafted cocktails, and open-air seating with a city view. Its look is stylish with dramatic details—Zeus statues, plate-breaking drama, and grand yet inviting tone. Olterra is not another Park Street pub - it's a way of life. The bar menu narrates stories in the form of cocktails, particularly its “In Search of Bengal” series. Every cocktail is an homage to local flavours—Taal Mishri, Jalpai, Gondhoraj - prepared with mixology finesse. It also features sports screenings and Greek-inspired performances, so it is culturally diverse and multi-sensory.

Drop by during the IPL or football season and watch a live match screening on the roof with a glass of their famous “Zeus Smash” or “Kolkata Mule.” Combine it with finger foods such as kasundi fish fingers for an ideal night out.

5. Hideaway - Anjuna, Goa

A relaxed, country-style bar nestled in the heart of Vagator's lively centre. Hideaway is a homemade jazz café merged with a Goan chill shack. Look forward to airy al fresco seating, quirky decor, and a cosy stage area for live performances. Relaxed but lively, it's all a coastal bar needs to be—free-spirited, artistic, and welcoming.

Hideaway is a real Goan treasure for supporting indie music, innovative cocktails, and foodie adventurousness. Their "Back Room" is an experimental kitchen-bar that welcomes you into their laboratory process. Live performances frequently include local and international acts, making it a haven for those who love music and artistic genres.

6. Cobbler & Crew, Pune

Cobbler & Crew is the vibrant pulse of Pune; it is a high-energy cocktail bar that promises a memorable night out. This dynamic venue is a junction of excitement, particularly on Wednesdays, where people can enjoy live music performances with a captivating ambience. It is a perfect setting to unwind, socialise and immerse oneself in the lively nightlife of the city. It is a distinguished place not only for its electrifying ambience but also for its commitment to sustainability. The bar also embraces eco-friendly practices - from using locally sourced ingredients to implementing green initiatives, all ensure that your night out will just be fun! A standout feature of this bar is its unique ‘Back to 90s’ cocktail menu, which is a collection of iconic flavours that will give you a nostalgic revisit to the 90s with a contemporary twist. With a high-energy environment, Cobbler & Crew is a must-visit destination.  

Here is the list of top bars and pubs to visit in 2025 - so, if you plan your next trip to any of these cities, do check out these places!