Delhi’s favourite night is a Saturday. The city is abuzz with the hottest hangout spot— Basant Lok Market. Yep, the same one where Delhi’s first Mcdonald’s opened up, still going strong while also morphing into a nook for post drinks, fries and nuggets.
Speaking of other things going strong, it is our capacity to bar crawl in the market, from one excellent bar to another. Basant Lok Market has transformed into a hub for what this writer will go out on a limb and say— is the best that the city has to offer right now. There’s something new popping up every second, and while we’re not complaining, we’re sure here to help you through an hour-by-hour guide through the market’s best bars.
Arguably one of the best Japanese sandwiches in the city, Shokupan comes with a secret that lies behind their kitchen. Enter through a door and you’re greeted with the coziest bar. Dim lighting, the classics playing, and a bar that knows what they’re doing.
The devil is in the details, and this place is testimony to that. From their meticulously hand-drawn bar menu, to the way the space is done, to even the details they pour into their cocktails, we insist you come here sober.
Try their: Chicken Katsu Sando
Drink their: PB&J Cocktail
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to experiment with their drinks (or climb stairs) then in the same building walk right into Strangr. A cramped space, where the atmosphere will immediately get the night rolling. Go here for your go-to cocktails minus any frills, all you get is good music, drinks that will whet your appetite, and maybe new pals who’ll come along for the rest of the night.
Try Their:
Drink Their: Bhao
If you’re craving to step into an East Asian street style space, then Gonzo is where you need to head to next. The atmosphere is great, always buzzing, especially on the weekends for which we strongly suggest you make a reservation.
The drinks are well made while they do a vast menu with the classics, along with signature cocktails.
Try Their: Osaka Chicken Gyoza
Drink Their: Saigon Berry
If you’re not in the mood for Pan Asian, and something European instead, then head over to Perch. A chic space with wood and greenery peppered throughout. Go here for their meat and cheese platter, and stay for their Coffee Sangria. If you’re a coffee lover, we suggest their Coffee Shrub Tonic, a perfect drink, especially in the summers.
Try Their: Cold Cuts Platter
Drink Their: Coffee Sangria
Spanning three floors that’s inclusive of a moody omakase and a tequila bar, Call Me Ten with its Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar is where you need to be. Come here for the drinks, but stick around for their small plates, sushi plates, and ramen bowls that are bound to energise you for the rest of the evening.
Try Their: Spicy Avocado, Chicken Yakitori
Drink Their: Bathtub cocktail
Pinned on the 30 Best Bars in India, Khi Khi is where you can go instead of Call Me Ten, especially if you’re in a mood for a contemporary bar that has an Indian Soul. Be warned, the cocktails here are strong, and do not beat around the bush. The food on the other hand is satisfying, and ‘gourmet casual’.
Try Their: Jackfruit Birra Tacos
Drink Their: Martini With A Cause Cocktail
After either contemporary Indian or a Japanese fare, head to one of the most experimental bars in the city. Aabbcc is ruling the roost with experimental cocktails. They do everything from a green thai curry infused cocktail to ants in your drink! For us, this is the perfect palate cleaner after your main meal, and something to talk about while you move onto the next place.
Try Their: Kataifi Avocado Tartare
Drink Their: Where Is My Rice Cocktail
Proudly at #8 on Asia’s Best Bars, and #1 on 30 Best Bars India, Lair is where mixology, and Pan-Asian dining come together. Go here for their cocktails and you might also stick around for their indulgent small plates and even their truffle popcorn. The space is moody this time of the night with great music and an inviting atmosphere.
Try Their: Duck Pancake Roll
Drink Their: Popcorn Drink
Now if you’re with your significant other and the night feels a bit more romantic, then make your way to Red. Known for its unique all red interiors this space is also known for its drinks that are well-balanced, their food that’s equally good, and an ambiance that screams date night.
Try Their: Chicken Karage
Drink Their: Salmon-tini Cocktail
Dim lighting, romantic and great martinis. Hoots if where you can head to, to end the night.
The cocktails here are spot on, and while you’re at it, you can nibble on the complementary chips if you’re snacky by midnight.
Try Their: Fried Calamari and Tartare Sauce
Drink Their: Robert’s Martini
Open till 1 AM, this women-run cocktail bar is where you need to end your night at. It’s small, cosy and serves up great bar bites along with excellent cocktails that are the right balance of experimental and classic ones.
Try Their: Bacon-egg Fried Rice
Drink Their: Avocado Cocktail
To make sure your night is nothing short of unforgettable, here are a few things to keep in mind.
The walkability factor: The best part about a bar crawl in Basant Lok Market is that every spot on the list is not more than a 4-5 minute walk. You cover the entirety of the itinerary without needing a ride.
The parking conundrum: Basant Lok Market has ample parking right behind the market by the Vasant Vihar Park. It gets a bit crowded, but if you start earlier, and the stars are aligned, you’ll be golden.
Reservations: Reservations here are non-negotiable. If you don’t make a reservation at places they do take, you’re in for a night of crawling from one place to another without the ‘bar’ to it.
Hydrate yourself like there’s no tomorrow: For every cocktail you drink, gulp down a glass of water. Your future self will thank you.
