Speakeasy bars in India are swiftly transforming the craft cocktail scene, blending Prohibition-era allure with contemporary exclusivity. These hidden gems offer not just a drink, but a dive into a sophisticated, sensory experience, amidst the digital buzz of hashtags like #SpeakeasyCulture.

Exploring this secretive nightlife introduces patrons to a variety of handcrafted cocktails and underground bars that are as intricate as the history of rum-running itself. As you’re whisked away on this journey, remember to follow us on Instagram for insider news, reviews, and discounts on your next speakeasy adventure across India.

PCO (Pass Code Only), Delhi

Nestled in the heart of South Delhi, PCO (Pass Code Only) has been captivating cocktail enthusiasts since its inception in 2012. Known as India’s pioneering speakeasy bar, it stands proudly at the #54 position on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. The entrance to this hidden gem is secured with a passcode, enhancing its mystique and exclusivity.

Key Details:

  • Location: D-4, D, Block A, Block Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110057
  • Visit www.hiddenspeakeasy.club to read reviews and get directions
  • Timings: Opens at 5:30 pm; reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends.

Atmosphere and Design

PCO transports its visitors back to the 1920s Prohibition-era with its dim lighting, vintage decor, and soothing jazz music. The bar’s ambiance is further accentuated by antique telephones and a library brimming with vintage books, offering a truly immersive experience.

Offerings and Service

PCO’s drink menu is a blend of creativity and tradition, featuring a bespoke ‘Mood Cocktail’ menu alongside a variety of classic concoctions. Prices range from INR 650 for cocktails to INR 4,000 for premium spirits. The food menu, though limited, includes refined choices like truffle fries and cheese platters.

  • Cuisines: Italian, Fast Food, North Indian, Continental
  • Average Cost: ₹2,000 for two people (with alcohol)

Additional Amenities

  • Facilities: Full Bar, Wifi, Indoor Seating, Smoking Area
  • Policies: Accepts cash and cards, digital payments
  • Service: Known for attentive and knowledgeable staff providing excellent customer service

For those looking to explore a cornerstone of Delhi’s speakeasy scene, following @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram can offer more insights, reviews, and exclusive discounts at PCO and beyond.

Comorin, Gurgaon

Located in the bustling DLF Horizon Center of Gurgaon, Comorin sets itself apart with a unique blend of modern and traditional culinary delights, coupled with an innovative approach to beverages. This speakeasy bar, rated 4.8 for dining and 4.4 for delivery, offers an eclectic menu that includes Finger Food, North Indian, Bar Food, Modern Indian, Desserts, and a variety of Beverages.

Interior and Ambiance

The interior of Comorin is a visual treat, painted in soothing coral hues complemented by a bespoke dining area. The highlight is its open glass kitchen and a Private Dining Room adorned with a darker tropical print, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners.

Unique Culinary Experience

Comorin is renowned for its innovative culinary approach:

  • Small Plates: Sweet corn khichdi, Gunpowder idli, Haleem, Andhra Gongura chicken, Green chilli prawns, Bacon bread pakora.
  • Large Plates: Baby Back Ribs with old monk glaze, Champaran Mutton with sattu parantha, ole ki chutney.
  • Desserts: Malai Cheeni Toast, Nolen Gur Payesh, Dodha Treacle tart with homemade ice cream.

Innovative Beverage Options

At the heart of Comorin’s beverage offerings is the Sous Vide Bar, where spirits are infused using a sous-vide machine. The bar also features in-house liqueurs like gin infusions, chilli rum, and coffee liqueur, adding a unique twist to the traditional drink menu.

Additional Amenities and Services

Comorin is not just about food and drinks; it enhances the dining experience with:

  • Facilities: Full bar, Wifi, indoor and outdoor seating, family-friendly.
  • Services: Home delivery, takeaway, serves alcohol, smoking area.
  • Atmosphere: Known for bar games, vintage decor, soft music, and a fancy crowd.

For those interested in exclusive updates and discounts at Comorin, follow @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram. This venue offers a luxurious dining experience from 12 pm to 1 am daily, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and culinary innovation in Gurgaon.

10, Bengaluru

Located on the vibrant Brigade Road, 10 Bengaluru opens its doors at 6 pm, catering to the night owls of the city. This speakeasy is designed by Bengaluru-based architect Anshul Chodha, featuring a 1930s fashion-inspired interior with little lamps on tables, simple couches, tall-back seats, and bar tables. The walls are adorned with artwork that transports guests to a bygone era.

Key Details:

Offerings and Atmosphere

10 Bengaluru offers an intriguing mix of Japanese and Peruvian Japanese cuisine, with standout dishes like mango and palm heart ceviche and shish tawouk. The bar-centric food menu includes poke bowls with tuna or salmon, enhancing the speakeasy vibe with a modern twist. The alcohol menu, crafted by Delhi’s renowned mixologist Yangdup Lama, features signature cocktails such as the vanilla daiquiri and smokey island old fashioned, priced between Rs 850 to Rs 1,500.

Facilities and Pricing

The speakeasy provides a full bar, indoor seating, live entertainment, and valet parking, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience. With an average cost of Rs 2,500 for two people without alcohol and Rs 6,000 with alcohol, it promises an exclusive night out. For more news, reviews, and discounts at 10 Bengaluru, follow @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram.

ZLB 23, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru

ZLB 23, nestled within the opulent confines of The Leela Palace Bengaluru, epitomizes the allure of the Prohibition Era with its secretive, speakeasy charm. This Kyoto-style bar is not just a place to sip drinks but a portal to the 1920s, complete with vintage décor and live jazz performances, predominantly led by an all-women team in custom-designed uniforms.

Key Details

  • Location: The Leela Palace, Bengaluru
  • Visit www.hiddenspeakeasy.club to read reviews and get directions
  • Timings: 6:30 pm – 1:00 am, Monday to Sunday
  • Approximate Cost: Rs 5,500 for two

Ambiance and Design

The bar’s ambiance transports guests to an earlier, more mysterious time. Red fluted wall panels, soft lighting, velvet curtains, and leather details complement the hardwood floors and crystal chandeliers, creating a sophisticated yet intimate setting.

Culinary Delights and Cocktails

ZLB 23 offers a menu rich in seafood, celebrating the subtle yet complex flavors of Kyoto. The bar’s skilled mixologists serve up prohibition-era cocktails with unique twists, such as ‘The Paleman’ and ‘Kyoto Sunrise’, each telling its own story. The menu also features an exclusive selection of gin, tequila, and whisky.

Exclusive Experience

Access to ZLB 23 is at the discretion of the keeper of the space, Zia, ensuring an exclusive experience for every guest. This exclusivity adds to the mystique and allure of the speakeasy.

For more updates, insider news, and exclusive discounts at ZLB 23, follow @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram.

Koi Bar, The St. Regis Mumbai

Location and Contact Information

Location: Situated on the 9th floor of The St. Regis Mumbai, Koi Bar offers a panoramic view of the bustling Lower Parel area.


Visit www.hiddenspeakeasy.club to read reviews and get directions

Ambiance and Design

Koi Bar captivates with its speakeasy-style atmosphere, featuring dim lighting and plush seating that create a cozy and intimate environment. The spacious outdoor terrace provides a stunning view of Mumbai’s skyline, making it a perfect spot for evening relaxation.

Menu and Specialties

Koi Bar serves a diverse range of Asian-inspired dishes and signature cocktails. Highlights include:

  • Cocktails: Starting at INR 1,200
  • Dishes: Ranging from INR 800 to INR 2,500
    Specialties include Nikkei Gyoza and Tropical Prawn Bacon Anticuchos.

Facilities and Services

  • Full Bar: Extensive selection of wine, champagne, and spirits
  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy live jazz and blues performances
  • Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends

Exclusive Offers

Join us during happy hour from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for discounted prices on select cocktails and dishes. For more exclusive updates and discounts, follow @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram.

The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai

Location and Ambiance

Location: Hidden behind the bustling scenes of Mumbai, The Bombay Canteen introduces “The Canteen Bar,” a speakeasy-style venue that echoes the clandestine charm of the Prohibition era. The secret entrance and the cozy interior set the stage for an intimate evening.

Signature Cocktails and Menu

The Canteen Bar at The Bombay Canteen celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage by reinterpreting classic Indian drinks using locally sourced ingredients. Signature cocktails such as “The Desi Mule” and “The Sol Kadhi Spritz” highlight the innovative approach, with prices ranging from INR 450 to INR 650. The bar also offers a curated selection of craft beers and wines to complement the cocktail experience.

Exclusive Offerings and Operating Hours

Operating Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, The Canteen Bar provides a unique speakeasy experience with a limited seating capacity, making reservations a must.

Decor and Atmosphere

The bar’s decor integrates traditional Indian design elements with modern touches, featuring warm colors and plush seating, ideal for dates or small gatherings. The ambiance is enhanced by vintage accents, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails.

For more updates and exclusive discounts at The Bombay Canteen, follow @hiddenspeakeasyclub on Instagram.

Conclusion

The exploration of speakeasy bars across India reveals a captivating blend of tradition, innovation, and clandestine allure that characterizes the country’s vibrant nightlife.

From the sophistication of PCO in Delhi, which set a precedent for the speakeasy culture, to the eclectic offerings of Comorin in Gurgaon and the historical ambiance of ZLB 23 in Bengaluru, each establishment presents a unique narrative through its exquisite cocktails, culinary delights, and secretive atmospheres. These speakeasies not only pay homage to the Prohibition era but also elevate the contemporary dining and drinking experience, making them must-visit destinations for aficionados and adventurous souls alike.

As we conclude this journey into the heart of India’s speakeasy scene, it’s evident that these hidden gems serve as a testament to the rich, evolving tapestry of Indian nightlife. They embody a perfect marriage of historical nuances and modern flair, inviting patrons to step inside a world of mystery and exclusivity. For those eager to discover more hidden bars, insider news, and exclusive discounts, make sure to follow us on Instagram and visit our website.

This adventure through India’s speakeasies is just the beginning of an ongoing exploration of the country’s burgeoning cocktail culture, promising ever more enchanting experiences just waiting to be discovered.