Bengaluru's pub scene moves fast and offers everything from quiet craft-beer joints to loud rooftop bars. If you want a simple night out, focus on three neighborhoods: Indiranagar, Koramangala and Church Street. Each area has its own vibe. Indiranagar leans toward craft breweries and late-night dance floors. Koramangala mixes young crowds, sports bars and cosy taprooms. Church Street and MG Road serve tourists, students and open-air bars.
Know the basics before you go. The legal drinking age in Karnataka is 21, and most places ask for an ID. Smoking indoors is banned in many venues, but some pubs have outdoor smoking areas. Cover charges are rare on weeknights but common on weekends when live music or DJs play. Expect to pay more on Saturday nights and for special events.
How much money will you need? A pint of local draught beer usually costs between 300 and 450 INR. Cocktails range from 400 to 800 INR depending on the place. If you plan a full night with food, drinks and a taxi home, budget about 3000 to 5000 INR for two people on a mid-range night out.
Want a quick pub crawl? Start in Indiranagar with a craft brewery for fresh beer. Move to Koramangala for a lively sports bar and late-night eats. Finish near Church Street for rooftop views and cocktails. Keep rideshares ready because parking is tight and traffic grows late.
Safety and local customs matter. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well after midnight. Avoid walking alone in quiet lanes late at night. Keep valuables tucked away and check your bill before you pay. Staff can help with recommendations, but don’t hand over your card to strangers.
Look for happy hours and weekday deals. Many breweries run early evening discounts on draught beer and pizza combos. Live music nights usually run Thursday to Saturday. If a gig matters, check the pub’s social pages for bands, start times and entry rules.
Food options vary. Pubs serve pub grub like burgers, wings and pizzas alongside local fusions such as paneer tacos or masala fries. If you want a proper meal, aim for places that advertise a full kitchen or check reviews for food quality.
Dress codes are casual across Bengaluru. Smart casual is safe for most spots. Avoid beachwear and overly formal suits. Bring layers; rooftop bars get windy after dark.
If you’re visiting on a festival or public holiday, book ahead. Tables can fill fast during long weekends and major sports events. Finally, respect staff and other patrons. A polite tip of ten percent is common but not mandatory.
Follow these tips and you’ll pick the right Bengaluru pub for your mood, budget and company. Cheers to a great night out.
Quick checklist: carry a valid ID, set a clear budget, book tables on busy nights, confirm live music times, and save the pub address for your ride home. If you prefer quieter hours, aim for early evenings on weekdays. Stay flexible.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli faces legal trouble as the police have filed an FIR against his co-owned pub, One8 Commune, in Bengaluru for operating beyond permitted hours. The incident has garnered significant attention since it involves a high-profile athlete linked with multiple pub branches across major Indian cities.