Delhi's best craft beer spots include Bira 91 Taproom, Ek Bar, and Raasta in Hauz Khas. Expect to pay ₹300-600 per pint. Here's the full list.
Delhi's craft beer scene centres on Bira 91 Taproom in Cyber Hub, Ek Bar in Defence Colony, Cocktails and Dreams in Gurgaon, and several bars in Hauz Khas Village — expect to pay ₹300-600 ($3.60-7) per pint. The scene has grown fast since 2015, and you now have access to IPAs, wheat beers, stouts, and seasonal brews that weren't available a few years ago.
Best Craft Beer Spots
Bira 91 Taproom — Cyber Hub, Gurgaon
India's most recognisable craft beer brand has its flagship taproom in Cyber Hub (technically Gurgaon, but just across the Delhi border on the Yellow Line metro). They pour 8-10 beers on tap that rotate seasonally, including variants you won't find in bottles — barrel-aged stouts, limited IPAs, and experimental sours.
Cost: ₹350-500 ($4-6) per pint. Happy hour: 12-7 PM, reduced prices on select taps. Metro: HUDA City Centre (Yellow Line), then a short cab to Cyber Hub. Vibe: Modern, open-air seating, after-work crowd on weekdays.
Ek Bar — Defence Colony
More cocktail bar than beer bar, but Ek Bar stocks a curated selection of Indian craft beers alongside their inventive cocktail menu. The beer list changes regularly and typically includes options from Simba, White Rhino, and Bira 91.
Cost: ₹400-550 ($5-6.50) per pint; cocktails ₹500-800. Best for: A drink before or after dinner at one of Defence Colony market's many restaurants. Metro: Lajpat Nagar (Violet Line), then auto.
Raasta — Hauz Khas Village
A reggae-themed bar spread across multiple floors in Hauz Khas Village. The rooftop has views over the medieval reservoir and deer park. Beer selection includes mainstream craft options (Bira 91, White Owl) alongside imports.
Cost: ₹300-500 ($3.60-6) per pint. Best for: Afternoon drinks on the rooftop. Goes from chill to loud after 10 PM. Metro: Green Park (Yellow Line), then auto to Hauz Khas Village.
Social — Multiple Locations
Social operates in Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, Nehru Place, and several other spots. Part co-working space, part bar, they serve a solid range of craft beers and have some of the more reasonable prices in the city. The Hauz Khas branch in Hauz Khas Village has the best atmosphere.
Cost: ₹250-400 ($3-5) per pint. Happy hour: Most locations run deals from 12-7 PM.
The Beer Cafe — Multiple Locations
India's first dedicated beer chain, with branches in Connaught Place (inner circle), Nehru Place, and Cyber Hub. They stock 50+ beer varieties, including several Indian craft options. The CP branch is convenient for tourists.
Cost: ₹300-500 ($3.60-6) per pint. Best for: When you want options — their menu has more variety than any single bar in Delhi. Metro: Rajiv Chowk (Yellow/Blue Line) for CP branch.
Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy — Sector 29, Gurgaon
Despite the name, they stock an excellent craft beer selection. The bar is designed as a 1920s speakeasy — dim lighting, leather seating, and a hidden entrance (look for the barber shop door). The beer menu focuses on Indian craft with rotating taps.
Cost: ₹400-600 ($5-7) per pint. Best for: A proper night out. Dress code is smart casual.
Indian Craft Beer Brands to Try
If you're new to Indian craft beer, these are the brands worth seeking out:
- Bira 91 — the most widely available. The White (wheat beer) and Blonde (lager) are solid everyday drinks. Their IPA is the best mass-market IPA in India.
- White Rhino — brewed in the hills north of Delhi. Their Belgian Wit and Indian Pale Ale are clean and well-made.
- Simba — Stout and Wit variants are the standouts. Slightly cheaper than Bira.
- Kati Patang — wheat beers and lagers from Uttarakhand. Light, easy drinking.
- Goa Brewing Co. — Available at some Delhi bars. Their Eight Finger Eddie IPA is worth trying.
Where to Buy Craft Beer (Takeaway)
If you prefer drinking at your hotel or guesthouse:
Liquor shops (thekas) across Delhi stock bottled craft beer. Chains like Living Liquidz and The Liquor Store have the widest selection, including Bira 91, White Rhino, and Simba. A 330ml bottle costs ₹200-350 ($2.40-4). Shops in South Delhi and central Delhi tend to stock more craft options than those in outer areas.
Drinking Rules in Delhi
A few things to know:
- Legal drinking age is 25 — carry a photo ID. Upscale bars enforce this strictly.
- No public drinking — drinking outside licensed establishments is illegal and fined ₹5,000
- Dry days — on national holidays like Republic Day (26 Jan), Independence Day (15 Aug), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct), no alcohol is sold anywhere. Some election days are also dry. Check before planning a big night out.
- Last call is typically midnight to 1 AM depending on the venue
- Bars close on government-declared dry days — usually 3-4 per year
Pairing Beer With Delhi's Nightlife
Most craft beer venues double as nightlife spots after 9 PM. Hauz Khas Village bars get crowded on weekends — go before 8 PM if you want a seat. Cyber Hub in Gurgaon is the most concentrated bar district, with 15+ venues within walking distance. Connaught Place has a mix of heritage bars and newer craft spots.
How Much Does Craft Beer Cost in Delhi?
Craft beer in Delhi costs ₹300-600 ($3.60-7) per pint at most bars. Bira 91 Taproom charges ₹350-500 per pint depending on the variant. Cocktail-focused bars like Ek Bar price beers at ₹400-550. Happy hour deals at places in Hauz Khas Village and Connaught Place can bring prices down to ₹200-300. Bottled craft beers from shops cost ₹200-350 per 330ml.
What Are the Legal Drinking Hours in Delhi?
Bars and restaurants in Delhi can serve alcohol from 10 AM to 1 AM. Most bars open around 12 noon and close at midnight or 1 AM. Liquor shops (thekas) typically operate from 10 AM to 10 PM. The legal drinking age in Delhi is 25 — this is strictly enforced at upscale bars and hotel venues, less so at neighbourhood bars. Always carry photo ID.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Public in Delhi?
No. Public drinking is illegal in Delhi and carries a fine of ₹5,000 or potential arrest. This includes streets, parks, parking lots, and outside liquor shops. Drinking is only permitted inside licensed restaurants, bars, hotels, and private residences. The rule is enforced, especially in central Delhi and near government buildings.