The fifth edition of 30BestBarsIndia concluded with high fanfare at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage on January 13. Delhi’s Lair (#1) took the top honour as India’s Best Bar for 2024, standing out for its speakeasy-style charm and innovative cocktails. Bengaluru solidified its reputation as a rising star in India’s bar scene, with five bars in the Top 30 and two newcomers—Bar Spirit Forward (#2) and Soka (#3)—securing spots in the Top 3. 

Vikram Achanta, Co-Founder of 30BestBarsIndia, remarked on Bengaluru’s dominance: “Bengaluru is rising, with five bars in the Top 30 and bagging two of the top three slots. The presence of several stalwarts of the bar world in the city also drives the clear demonstration of the inexorable rise of cocktail culture in Bengaluru. Overall, it was a great year for the South, with a bar from Hyderabad breaking through into the Top 30 and, for the first time ever, a bar from Kerala winning the prestigious Godawan Best Work in Sustainability Award.” 

A Milestone Year for Indian Bars 

This year’s rankings featured 10 new entries, with bars from eight cities, including; Petisco and Room One from Goa; AM PM from Kolkata and RÜ (26) from Hyderabad making their mark. Kerala’s The Ivory Club won the Godawan Best Work in Sustainability Award, showcasing its commitment to local ingredients and eco-friendly practices, while ZLB23, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru took home the Best Hotel Bar award.  

 
The inclusion of 21 new bars in the Top 50 reflects an increasingly competitive landscape. “The fact that there are two new entrants in the Top 3, ten new entrants in the Top 30, and 21 new bars in the Top 50 is a testament to not just the rising quality of bars in the country, but also the increasingly intense level of competition for the rankings since 30BestBarsIndia first began ranking bars in 2019,” said Radhakrishna Nair, Co-Founder of 30BestBarsIndia and the Editor-in-Chief of Man’s World. “There is very little that separates the bars in the Top 30. Each of them is a winner.” 

The Top 30 Bars of India 2024 

This year’s list, determined by a jury of 275 experts, highlighted India’s best bars. New entrants are marked with an asterisk (*): 

1. Lair, New Delhi – Also won Best Bar in Delhi NCR and Tanqueray Best Cocktail Menu. 
2. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru* – Winner of Best Independent Bar and Highest New Entry. 
3. Soka, Bengaluru* – A bold newcomer redefining Bengaluru’s cocktail culture. 
4. Sidecar, New Delhi – A timeless favourite for its service and classic cocktails. 
5. Hideaway, Goa – Winner of Best Bar in Goa, Best Bar Team, and Best Bartender. 
6. ZLB23, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru – Luxury meets innovation; also won Best Hotel Bar. 
7. Cobbler & Crew, Pune – A rising star known for its expertly crafted drinks. 
8. Americano, Mumbai – Best Bar in Mumbai for its vibrant energy and sophisticated cocktails. 
9. PCO, New Delhi – Honored with the Traditions Reinvented Award. 
10. HOME, New Delhi – A modern hotspot for upscale nightlife. 
11. Slow Tide, Goa – Coastal vibes paired with creative concoctions. 
12. Copitas, Four Seasons Hotel, Bengaluru – An iconic rooftop bar with stellar drinks. 
13. Comorin, Gurgaon – Winner of Best Restaurant Bar for the fourth consecutive year. 
14. The Library Bar, The Leela Palace, New Delhi – Known for its refined atmosphere. 
15. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai – A consistent favourite blending tradition and innovation. 
16. Muro, Bengaluru* – A new entrant making waves for its curated menu. 
17. AER Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai* – Atmospheric and luxurious with top-tier drinks. 
18. Hoots’, New Delhi – A lively venue with a creative cocktail menu. 
19. Ekaa, Mumbai – Minimalist yet impactful, with an Indian ingredient-driven approach. 
20. Slink & Bardot, Mumbai – French-inspired flair meets inventive mixology. 
21. Grumps, Goa* – A new addition focused on sustainability and local flavours. 
22. AM PM, Kolkata* – Declared Best Bar in Kolkata for its approachable ambience. 
23. Room One, Goa* – A boutique experience with bold, flavorful cocktails. 
24. Bandra Born, Mumbai* – Winner of Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu. 
25. Native Cocktail Room, Jaipur – Known for celebrating regional ingredients. 
26. RÜ, Hyderabad* – A debut entry offering inventive drinks. 
27. Masque, Mumbai – A fine dining destination with an equally impressive bar program. 
28. PCO, Mumbai – Combining heritage with modern trends. 
29. Cocktails & Dreams, Gurgaon – A longstanding favourite for its unpretentious offerings. 
30. Petisco, Goa* – A new gem blending Portuguese influences with creative cocktails. 

Special Awards for Excellence 

The awards celebrated innovation, heritage, and sustainability across the industry: 

Best Independent Bar: Bar Spirit Forward (#2), Bengaluru 

Best Hotel Bar: ZLB23 (#6), Bengaluru 

Best Restaurant Bar: Comorin (#13), Gurgaon 

Best Bar Team: Hideaway (#5), Goa 

Best Bartender: Aditya Tribhuvan, Hideaway (#5), Goa 

Godawan Best Work in Sustainability: The Ivory Club, Trivandrum 

Traditions Reinvented Award: PCO (#9), New Delhi & Rick’s Taj Mahal, New Delhi 

Sustainability and the Future of Indian Bars 

The ceremony also highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainability through its partnership with the Moonshine Honey Project. Beehives were adopted on behalf of the Top 10 bars, showcasing how the hospitality industry can champion environmental responsibility. 

With its fifth edition, 30BestBarsIndia continues to set the stage for excellence and innovation in the country’s nightlife. Here’s to the bars that made the cut, promising an even brighter future for India’s cocktail culture.