Sip in secrecy at these 7 retro speakeasy bars that transport you back in time

Hidden behind unmarked doors and enveloped in mystery, these speakeasy bars in India offer an intoxicating experience that is nostalgic to their legacy. These secret bars originated during the prohibition era of the United States and now exist to add a little bit more fun to nightlife experiences. 

What truly sets these bars apart from the traditional ones is the sense of exclusivity and sophistication. These Indian offerings will take you back in time with their soft jazz music, vintage decor, and artisanal cocktails. Keeping mystery at its core, the bars are a perfect way to add some adventure to the nightlife experience. Here is a list of the best Indian speakeasies that are the hidden gems of India's nightlife scene, or perhaps not-so-hidden when you find them. 

INDIA'S TRENDY NEW SPEAKEASY BARS TO SIP AND SAVOUR

1. Koi Bar, The St. Regis Mumbai

Decked with elegant decor, plush seating, and mood lighting, Koi is perched atop the 37th floor of St. Regis. This one of the more obvious speakeasies is where you go to relish some serious cocktails; the 15-page bar menu serves as a reminder. Sip on the finest cocktails, such as Pisco Sour, Rum and Raisin Old-Fashioned, and the Espresso Picante, as you soak in the stunning skyline of Mumbai city.

2. 10, Bengaluru

Only a secret passcode could get you through the door tucked away behind a paan shop in Bengaluru’s Ashok Nagar. If successful, get ready to enter a Great Gatsby-esque world full of jazz music, golden lights, and fine blends. The large chandeliers, succulent meals, and expertly crafted concoctions, such as Velvety Vanilla Daiquiri, provide an experience rivalled by a few.

3. PCO (Pass Code Only), Delhi 

When you walk through a little phone booth in South Delhi, it could feel like you're entering a secret meeting. With classic jazz music, interior decor inspired by the 1900s, and beautifully crafted cocktails, this award-winning speakeasy will capture your heart within minutes. There’s a catch though, as the name suggests; you need to receive a passcode to enter this mysterious haven.

4. Slink and Bardot, Mumbai

The buzzy bar located in Worli is known to offer guests a unique drinking experience, as even the simplest-looking drink is full of secret flavours. Reminiscent of a Parisian speakeasy with its dark green and red walls and a smoke room tucked away in a corner, Slink and Bardot offers a laid-back experience for an intimate dining experience. 

5. Room 2, Hyderabad 

Giving the Hyderabad nightlife scene a magical makeover, Room 2 offers a perfect escape for those seeking an intimate drinking experience. Vintage decor, a modern jazz playlist, mood lighting, and candlelit tabletops set the right mood to savour expertly crafted cocktails. 

6. SAZ, BKC, Mumbai

Upon entering, the diners will be left mesmerised by whimsical artwork and a large mural of a lady furnishing the bar. SAZ ensures you have a dining experience full of hypnotic decor, artisanal mixes, and finger-licking good food.

7. ZLB23, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru

Heavy velvety curtains, wood furnishings, soft mood lighting, crystal chandeliers, and vintage seating arrangements are set to transport you back to the Prohibition era once you set foot at ZLB23 in the Leela Palace at Bengaluru. From the decor to the drinks, this speakeasy will have you captivated by its magical aura all night long.

Why wait for the weekend when you can turn any day of the week a reason for a nightlife adventure? 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews