Stepping out for a drink in the city that never sleeps is always an interesting journey, from the music to the funky cocktails, buzzing crowd and more. But in this sea of bars, pubs and more, Mumbai’s watering holes are forced to constantly innovate with new and unique propositions to get patrons to indulge in their many offerings. And now we’ve found an indulgence that’s particularly worth it.
From karting and simulated cricket at Smaaash, to jenga at Doolally and foosball at Monkey Bar, these 11 bars and pubs in Mumbai let you enjoy a chilled pint of beer alongside a relaxing (or not so relaxing, depending on how competitive you get when you’re drunk) game to help you unwind from a long day, or blow off some steam over a pool table. Scroll on for your fun-filled compilation of board games, drinking games, sports bar games and more at these 11 Mumbai bars, and bookmark them for a special occasion, a birthday, a good time with friends, or even just another Tuesday night. And remember, loser buys the next round!

I. Board Games Bash and more at Eddie’s bistro, Bandra

This quaint bar in Bandra, with a cosy indoor and lantern-lit outdoor section, plays host to Board Games Bash-a regular come-one-come-all event organised by board game enthusiasts Mihir Vora, Kumar Jhuremalani and Ajesh Shah. Anyone is welcome to come, enjoy the delicious comfort food at Eddie’s alongside a chilled beer, and interact with new people over party games like ‘Apples to Apples’ and more.

II. Bowling, Karting and more at Smaash, Lower Parel

Imagine a chilled beer awaiting you while you slide a bowling ball only to knock down those taunting pins and hit a perfect strike. Smaash allows you this luxury, and much, much more. From rooftop karting to simulated cricket and a range of arcade games, not to mention our favourite--a trampoline ring--Smaash takes you back to those nostalgic childhood days spent buying coins to play machine games to win coupons. Only better, because this time you can do it with a drink on your table.

III. Cards Against Humanity, Jenga and more at Doolally Taproom, Bandra

On wooden tables showered with bright lights at Bandra’s Reclamation, glasses of chilled micro-brewed beer stand tall alongside towers of Jenga, piled up high by patrons and happy customers. At Doolally Taproom, shelves line the walls with boxes of Cards Against Humanity, Uno and more, because what better way is there to unwind after a long day of work than beer plus board games.

IV. Chuggathon Champions, Taboo and more at Hoppi Pola

Shouts and cheers of victorious board gamers ring loud alongside Hoppi Pola’s music, as drinks and food are accompanied by drinking games and more. Apart from dice and boards, each month’s last Thursday offers the Chuggathon Champion winner free beer for an entire month, so gear up your gaming skills, this one’s truly worth it.

V. Cue Balls, Graffiti and more at Ghetto, Breach Candy

Aptly named, this grunge-style bar welcomes patrons with black lights, a neon ambiance and music ringing through the bar. Two large pool tables sit squarely in the middle, as the walls are lined with customer-made graffiti, so ask for a marker and scribble away. Cheap beer, a casual, grunge atmosphere and neon-lit pool awaits you at one of Mumbai’s most iconic bars.

VI. Kickin’ It With Foosball at Monkey Bar, Bandra

Music floods the air at Bandra’s Monkey Bar, adjacent to the sister-restaurant Fatty Bao. With towers of beer, extraordinarily creative cocktails and delicious culinary feats adorning each table, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Going one step further, what better way to blow off some steam than a quick game of foosball? Once again, you’d better remember, loser buys the next round.

VII. Pool, Miniature Basketball and more at TAP Resto Bar, Bandra

While the inside AC section invites dance-enthusiasts to move on their dance-floor, the outdoor section emulates a typical sports bar, complete with screenings of on-going matches. A staircase leads you to two pool tables, and one entire wall is dedicated to arcade-style games such as miniature basketball and darts, topped off with buzzing music, delicious cocktails and, of course, beer on tap.

VIII. Rack ‘em Up at S Square Restobar, Fort

S Square, or S2, stands next to Fort’s popular theatre, Sterling, inviting patrons to bend over one of their six long pool tables, while free cheese-lings and peanuts circulate across each group. Students and young professionals flock to the two-floored haunt to sip cheap beer and knock around that cue ball, perfect if you have the chops to play pool and a free evening to kill.

IX. Rolling-Hour Dice Games and more at The Little Door, Andheri West

With classic cocktails and sangrias poured into jugs lining each table, this young and friendly bar in Andheri West is a sight to see. With walls coated in artwork, the inviting ambience is made complete by a selection of board games, but our personal favourite is the Rolling Hours. Between 6pm and 9pm, when your bill arrives, you can choose if the dice rolled with land on an odd or even number, and if you pick correctly, you get 50 percent off your tab. And if you’re feeling particularly lucky, choose to predict a specific number, and being correct will earn you 100 percent off your cheque.

X. Snakes & Ladders, Uno and more at Boveda, Andheri

With Game Nights from Monday to Thursday featuring your favourite board games and card games, but with a twist, drinking and playing has never been this interesting. Drinking game rules spice up games of your childhood in this warehouse-style bar, and even if it isn’t a weekday, enjoy a delicious pizza alongside a regular game of Uno, and your night is made complete.

XI. Xbox Kinect, Beer Pong and more at Score Sports Bar, Malad

Score Sports Bar really pulls out all the gaming stops, with foosball and pool tables welcoming you, and it just keeps getting better from there. Dart boards give you the pure sports bar experience, while miniature basketball and carrom are added in the mix. But the real highlights are the Xbox Kinect and the beer pong table-it’s like every drink-plus-gaming enthusiast’s dream come true.