Delhi might not be the first city you think of when it comes to cocktails, but three Delhi bars made it into the World’s 50 Best Bars / Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2025. Here’s my unfiltered review — from the POV of a solo traveler.
LAIR
📍 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
Vibe : Modern geometrical shaped interior designs that is presumed to be a speakeasy – felt a little futuristic I’d say. I found the menu to have an impressive story telling with three main themes : “The great mountains”, “The Coast”, “The Central Highlands”. The staff checked in often to refill my water and snacks and even recommended a few nearby bars (which I’ve listed at the end of this post!)
My Experience : I went on a mid-week and it was quite empty. Located in Vasant Vihar – the area was quiet after 9pm on weekday and as a female solo traveller I wouldn’t recommend lingering near the alleyways as it gets too dark for one’s comfort.
The drinks were interesting given that they tried to show the regional differences through its ingredients. I had two drinks :
- Nilgiri — a gin-based drink that was light, floral, and refreshingly aromatic with subtle lavender note.
- Rangpur Fizz — creamy yet fizzy, made with Rangpur lime. It was interesting but not something I’d reorder.
Will I visit again : Perhaps yes, as much I’d say it was a creative theme to represent India’s nature, I felt the drinks weren’t as impressive as I thought it would be, let alone the vibe especially on a weekday. Well on a positive note, there are multiple bars nearby to explore which I have shared further below!
SIDECAR
📍 Greater Kailash II
Sidecar named one of the top bars in India and consistently ranks within the Top 50 Best Bars in Asia. With that kind of hype, I went in with pretty high expectations.
Vibe : Very laidback, it felt like a casual restaurant more than a bar. The lights were warm, the playlist was easygoing, and the crowd leaned toward relaxed after-work groups rather than cocktail geeks.
I was recommend the drink Kaapi Time which was a coffee twist of old fashioned and a plate of spring rolls to go with. For me the Kaapi Time had balanced tangy-sour kick, finishing with smooth whiskey notes.
My Experience : Although it was a speakeasy, the logo at the top of the building gives away the location. I found their menu easy to read, simple, no over-the-top storytelling. To me this bar is an easy first drink of the night rather than the climax of a bar crawl.
Will I visit again : Probably not. I wouldn’t go out of my way to revisit Sidecar. For a bar that ranks so highly, I expected stronger storytelling, drink line ups.
HOOT’S BAR
📍 Vasant Vihar
This was a recommendation from Margaret Eyes and had was listed on the world’s top 50 best bars. there was a smoking lounge within. No dramatic opening of door, a speakeasy situated on level 1, right above the Perch Wine Bar, behind a large black door.
Vibe : Dim lighting just gives intimate vibes, great for date nights, catchup with friends. This bar is known for its classic cocktails, the bar was run by 2 folks the day I went and it was a busy evening that I had to stand at the bar.
My Experience : I didn’t expect to stay late till closing at 12.30am. I had 3 drinks here – Whiskey Sour, Aeroplane
Will I visit again : If I am near Lair, I will come here to have a classic drink for sure. Their Whiskey Sour was good and I had 2 of it.
MARGARET EYE BAR
📍Vasant Vihar
Recommended by the folks at Lair Bar, this is a speakeasy bar situated on level 2 above Perch Bar and it turned out to be an absolute surprise for me.
Vibe : On a weekday at 10pm, it was empty and I had the whole bar to myself. It was refreshing to see their concept and the interlink between the Hoots Bar and Margaret Eye. It was a much more modern set up, the drinks had regional inspiration and I had a Daiquiri that was Nagaland inspired. What actually really impressed me was that the bars were run by women.
My Experience : It was a pleasant experience with the bartenders very attentive. Here they serve great tapas especially Bacon Fried Rice (although a little salty for me) and it was highly rated on Google Review.
Will I visit again : Yes, this was a hidden gem and underrated bar!
Overall
At the end of the night, I found myself gravitating toward Hoot’s Bar and Margaret Eye — both had stronger character and better cocktails compared to the more hyped names.
A small reminder if you’re bar-hopping in Delhi: many of these speakeasies are dimly lit and tucked into quiet alleyways of Vasant Vihar, so stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re solo female traveler. Alcohol can dull situational awareness, so trust your instincts, start the evening early and plan your route ahead with Uber or Ola.
