Delhi’s cheap real estate, travel costs, and considerably low living costs in general have been the source of envy for all Mumbaikars trying to get by on tight, restrictive budgets. The only thing difficult to get your hands on in Delhi are cheap bars, and Homegrown is all set to put that problem to rest. For all the perpetually broke students, new professionals trying to live life off their entry-level salaries and those who just don’t like spending too much, here is a guide to bars across Delhi NCR that won’t break the banks.
Where: 1548, Vivek Hotel, Main Bazar,Paharganj, New Delhi
Beer for INR 99, Old Monk for INR 70 and cocktails starting at just INR 150 is probably all the convincing needed for you to make this bar your regular after work haunt. Located in Paharganj, this bar is probably one of the cheapest in the city with a decent spread of bar food to accompany your drinks.
HG Recommends: Their vegetarian and non-vegetarian are not only affordable, but are the ideal snacks to go with your pint of beer.
II. My Bar
Where: Multiple locations
Delhi’s most famous go-to bar. My Bar is perfect for all those in search of a good time at a reasonable price. With multiple branches across the city (our favourite is Paharganj), My Bar is perfect for students, with cocktails starting at INR 250.
HG Recommends: Masala peanuts and a pint of beer should be your go to order if you’re looking to have a good time at the end of the month.
III. Duty Free
Where: Multiple locations
Duty Free is the place to go if you’re looking to have relaxed evening with good food without burning a hole in your pocket. With affordable alcohol and a variety of cuisines to choose from — ranging from North Indian to Mexican— this cafe-cum-bar located in Rajouri Garden is one to check out.
HG Recomends: You can order pitchers of your favourite cocktails starting at just INR 500.
IV. #NoFilter
Where: C-18, SDA Market, Commercial Complex, SDA, New Delhi
#NoFilter located in SDA market is a popular haunt for Delhi’s students. Its spacious set-up guarantees that you and your friends don’t have to wait in line. The reasonable prices and varied snack options are perfect for those looking to unwind after a long day of work. They serve a variety of cocktails starting at INR 300. Keep a tab on their Facebook page for some great deals that’ll promise a great time without costing you a bomb.
HG Recommends: The rooftop seating is ideal for Delhi’s pleasant monsoon evenings and chilly winter mornings.
V. Route 04
Where: K-2, Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Looking to unleash the rockstars within? Route 4 is the place for you. With regular Karaoke nights, this bar in Connaught Place is a crowd puller. With rum, whiskey, gin and vodka starting at INR 55 and cocktails at INR 290. This place is definitely worth a visit.
HG Recommends: If you’re a Manchester United fan, then head to Route 4 on a game night to watch the match with fellow fans and enjoy some great deals on drinks as well.
VI. Beeryani
Where: Multiple locations
Beeryani in SDA market is the closest thing to heaven for all biryani lovers. With affordable draught beer at INR 100 to wash down your flavourful biryani and spicy tikkas, Beeryani is ideal for all those on a budget. It offers a wide range of highly recommended tandoori food and Samudri Biryani, which a rendition of biryani for all sea food lovers. Other biryani options include chicken, paneer and the all-time favourite mutton biryani.
HG Recommends: If going with a big group of friends, order the beer tower that costa only INR 600.
Where: A-26, Defence Colony Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi
4S’ modest and borderline dingy entrance can be deceptive. This restaurant in Defence Colony is usually packed with locals and law students. It offers 1 + 1 on all domestic and IMFL till 11.30 pm, and the great prices make-up for the lack of aesthetics. 4S is a good place to unwind and catch up with your friends while snacking on affordable snacks, the most popular being their Chilli Chicken, Golden Fried Baby Corn and Lamb Hoisin.
HG Recommends: Their Bloody Mary is something patrons swear by, it’s tangy, spicy and is sure to give you a kick.
VIII. Beer Cafe
Where: Multiple locations
“What beer does for your spirits, The Beer Café does for your soul. Beer isn’t pretentious, it is an age old unifier, that transcends culture and class to bring people together – be it friends who want to catch a game, a manager who wants to applaud the team’s win or a family looking to unwind over light-hearted banter,” reads the cafe’s website. Will multiple outlets across Delhi, this popular chain is a place ypou should drop by not just for their sheer variety of beers but for the food as well.
HG Recommends: Get transported to a beach while drinking King’s beer characteristic of Goa.
IX. Local
Where: 11, KG Marg, Scindia House, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Famous for being Delhi’s first street food bar, the all wooden retro decor makes this bar easy on the eyes. A must visit for all those who love their shots, Local serves shots starting at INR 85 and serve six shots for only INR 345. The beer too is reasonably priced, starting at INR 125 for a pint. It was also one of the first BYOB joints to open in Delhi.
HG Recommends: If you’re one for people watching, grab a seat on their balcony and watch the action unfold.
Where: 2nd Floor, N 96/A, N Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
This cafe serves drinks at MRP and will help you stick to your budget while promising a good time. It’s grunge-themed decor is a pleasant surprise for all those who frequent dingy bars for affordable alcohol. Cafe Wiser Miser also has the perfect bar snacks to wash down with your drinks.
HG Recomends: Their Aloo Chana Chaat is the perfect accompaniment for your chilled pint of beer.
XI. Molecule Air Bar
Where: SCO 53, 4th Floor, Main Market, Sector 29, Gurgaon
On entering this microbrewery in Gurgaon, you find yourself in a chemistry lab setup that is reminiscent of World War II. With beakers and test tubes instead of crockery, this experiential dining experience is one that is easy on your wallet. With a wide variety of food including Indian, Mediterranean, European and Chinese cuisine, we suggest you keep your phones handy to stock up on some aesthetic content for your Instagram pages. If on a budget, enjoy a pint of beer for under INR 140.
HG Recommends: Try their dragon smoke popcorn and molecular sangria for a thrilling experience courtesy molecular gastronomy.
XII. Drunken Botanist
Where: Unit 1B & 1C, Upper Ground Floor-C, Building 10C, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon
Located in Cyberhub, Gurgaon, Drunken Botanist’s unusual menu is enough to make you sit up and take notice. This might not be the best place to go for a casual dinner, but is sure to impress those looking to celebrate a special occasion on a budget. The whimsically named cocktails — I’ll Have What She’s Having, Liquid Marijuana, Bird View etc. — start at INR 400. With a wide range of alcoholic beverages to choose from, this bar has something for everyone.
HG Recommends: Matcha Fizz is the perfect cocktail for all those in love with this interesting variety of tea. Also, if all else fails, go for the good ol’ Old Monk at just INR 150.
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