Anyone who loves a good drink now and then knows that it is proving to be an expensive habit. A night out on Friday is guaranteed to burn a deep hole in our pocket, that will take a few weeks to heal. But we are also from the land of jugaad and we will find a way out of this problem as really determined citizens of this country.
So, to assist you in this endeavour, we have come up with, to the best of our abilities, a list of cheap pubs and bars across the country that will save you from spending all your money. And since are the lesser known cousins of the Jantas and Oly Pubs, chances of your finding a place on Friday evenings are more too.
Delhi
1. Bootlegger
One of the many joints in the always-overcrowded Hauz Khas Village, Bootlegger offers terrace seating. The continental food here complements the variety of drink options available. Booking well in advance would be a great idea.
Price: Rs 400-500 for a bucket of 3 beers.
2. Lanterns Kitchen and Bar
Located in Rajendra Place, Lanterns is a place that you must visit without much further ado. If you need to treat a group of friends, you probably should drop by here. Beers start from as low as Rs 60.
Price: Around Rs 500 for two for a round.
3. Beeryani
The name Beeryani is self-evident of what you could expect to find here. Yes, the mind blowing combination of beer and biriyani. For an impromptu drinking session, head here. Located at SDA market, near IIT Delhi, Beeryani will see to it that you are well-fed and sufficiently drunk. Beer pints start from Rs 100.
Price: Avg. Rs 700 for two people.
4. My Bar Studio
My Bar Studio is basically My Bar 2.0. They have brought their a-game with a fuller food menu. It also offers more drink options. Located at Hauz Khas Village, My Bar Studio also offers open seating with a partial view of the lake. Some drinks here start at as low as Rs 84.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.
Mumbai
5. PJ's
Located in Pali Hill in Bandra West, PJ's offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and multiple drink options. Some prices are such that it will jolt you back to your parents' younger days. All in all it has quite an old charm to it.
Price: Approx. Rs 700 for two people.
6. Kit Kat
This place has been around for a while and is one of the most bankable options around. Head here if you are in a large group and are not looking to spend a lot.
Price: Approx. Rs 500 for one person.
7. Fusion Wongs
Located in Juhu, Fusion Wongs has an inexhaustible menu. The plus point of a place like Fusion Wongs is that it remains open till late hours. Try their North Indian dishes.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.
Pune
8. Cafe Toons
From offering decently-priced alcohol to a decent assortment of starters, Toons is where you should head to if you are at Pune. Toons is located in MG Road. Advanced booking during weekends is highly recommended.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,500 for two people.
9. Pyasa Restaurant and Bar
Located in Shukrawar Peth, Pyasa has been around for a long time now and has earned its own share of fame. Their butter chicken is specially recommended. Pyasa offers a couple of beers at Rs 100.
Price: Approx. Rs 800 for two people.
10. Sudama Bar and Restaurant
If there is a place with consistent and good reviews, it is Sudama. Good ambience, great food and cheap alcohol - there is not much you can ask for from a place.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.
Kolkata
11. Broadway Hotel
If you are in Kolkata and looking for a place to grab a quick beer, then drop by at Broadway. It is your usual dive bar with cheap alcohol and good food. Their beers start from Rs 80.
Price: Approx. Rs 400 + VAT for two people.
12. Chung Wah
If you believe that Chinese food--the incomparable way Kolkata does it--and alcohol is a great combination, then drop by at Chung Wah. Also it helps that this is one of the most legendary restaurants in the city. Oh, they also have those cabins if you are looking to get wasted with your friends with no one looking.
Price: Approx. Rs 600 + VAT for two people.
13. New Empire Bar
Come here if you are looking for a place with good ambience with cheap alcohol. Another Kolkata gem, this place has been around for ages. They have life performances as well.
Price: Approx. Rs 950 + VAT for two people.
Hyderabad
14. New York Tavern
Located in Madhapur, New York Tavern has a limited but cheap food menu. They have offers of one plus one on multiple drinks.
Price: Approx. Rs 800 for two people.
15. Mavericks Bar and Grill
If you are mostly looking for cheap alcohol then Mavericks will fit the bill. The beers start at Rs 99. Do not expect a lot and you will not be disappointed. Mavericks is located at Kukatpally.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 + VAT for two people.
Chennai
16. Skyline
They have a limited drinks and food menu but a very pocket-friendly one. Come here is you are looking for a place to spend some time.
Price: Approx. Rs 800 + VAT for two people
17. HiSide Bar
Your quintessential bar, HiSide will offer you cheap alcohol and good food. They have a good collection of alcoholic drinks. HiSide is located at Selaiyur.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 + VAT for two people.
Bengaluru
18. Elongo's Pub and Grub
Located at Koramangala, Elongo's is an old house that has been turned into a pub. If you are looking for a cool place to chill with good music, this is the place for you. They have a very limited but well-priced drinks menu.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.
19. Pecos
Dingy and dark, Pecos will not fail to live up to your expectations of a watering hole. Located at Brigade Road, Pecos remains a favourite amongst all the Bengaloreans.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.
20. Sun Pub
Imagine a dhaba with imported alcohol. That is Sun Pub for you. Their beer mugs start at Rs 75. Sub Pub is located in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, close to Shakti Hills Resort.
Price: Approx. Rs 700 for two people.
21. Sathya's
Mostly full with a young crowd, Sathya's is located in Koramangala. They have a full drinks and food menu. Come here if you are looking for a happening place to chill with your friends.
Price: Approx. Rs 1,000 for two people.