Drinking and nightlife in Karnataka

Top ChoiceNightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

A mecca for hardcore java heads, this temple to the arabica bean has a multitude of gourmet-coffee combos, including espresso classics, quirky cold brews like coffee colada (with coconut water and the sweetener jaggery) and seasonal specials. Coffee culture is a serious business here. The Third Wave scene is young freelancers on Macbooks, polished-concrete floors and acoustic tunes on the stereo.

Top ChoiceNightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

This terrific darshini (South Indian cafe) is famous for its filter coffee (₹16). There are only four food items on the menu: idli (fermented rice cakes), vada (deep-fried lentil savouries), khara bath (semolina and cashew snack) and kesari bath (sweet made with ghee). It makes a good pit stop between the centre of town and the Bull Temple.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Classic and new flavours of tea, along with tasty food combos like butter chicken and khichdi (pureed lentils), make Tata Cha a big hit with Bengaluru tea-lovers. Great energy and atmosphere make this place better than more expensive options close by. There are other branches in the city, including one on Church St.

Nightlife in Nandi Hills

At an altitude of at 920m, this fine winery produces quality white and red varietals. Tours include tastings of five wines in the cellar rooms accompanied by cheese and crackers, followed by lunch. From February to May you’ll also see grape crushing and can visit the vineyards. It’s located on approach to the Nandi Hills, around 40km north of Bengaluru.

Top ChoiceNightlife in Mangaluru (Mangalore)

The city's premier microbrewery is a big space with indoor and outdoor seating; the acoustic artists, indie bands and DJs create quite a vibe on weekend nights. Beers on tap (from ₹230) include wheat beer, pilsner and IPA, and there's good finger food, too.

Top ChoiceNightlife in Mysuru (Mysore)

One of the city's most attractive cafes, occupying an elegant villa in an upmarket corner of town. It's a relaxing spot for an espresso or a glass of wine, with an attractive AC interior, a garden and a menu of Italian classics.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Prost has eclectic industrial decor, a rooftop with several quality craft beers on tap and a tempting food menu. There's live magic on Wednesday, comedy on Thursday, and weekend evenings go off with house DJs and dancing.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Upmarket club and live-music venue that draws a hip, lively crowd with its fine roster of house, techno and trance DJs, and bands (everything from jazz to hip hop). Entrance is free to ₹500 depending on the night.

Top ChoiceNightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

There's a continual buzz about this multistorey temple to craft beer, which always has a guest beer or two on the blackboard. You'll find plenty on the menu (platters, burgers) to nibble while you sup.

Nightlife in Madikeri (Mercara)

A welcoming sight on a cool Coorg morning, this cafe offers a terrific range of steaming gourmet teas (try the Darjeeling Orange Summer tips) and great coffee, including Vietnamese drip.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

This fine cafe and bakery offers good sandwiches on nutritious bread, cookies and snacks (₹40 to ₹80), and doubles as a bookshop and art venue, hosting readings and performances.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

This bar makes a hip statement with its stripped-back industrial decor in metal and wood. It’s a mere stroll away from JP Nagar’s main market, with an extensive drinks menu and a tasty selection of cuisines – Continental, Indian, Chinese and European – to choose from. It's 5km south of Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

This octopus-themed pub (yes, you read that right) offers a fun, freewheeling night out, with Jocose Juleps (a cocktail of Bourbon and crème de menthe) on the menu and plenty of octopus-related quotes and trivia. Tree trunks for stools and suspended tables add to the vibe. The pub hosts a Ladies Night on Wednesday, live bands on Saturday and DJs.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

A kind of non-corporate, locally owned Hard Rock Cafe that's all about classic rock – Hendrix, Grateful Dead and Frank Zappa posters adorn the walls – though it also mixes in some jazz, blues and reggae from time to time. Beer costs from ₹105 a glass, or ₹525 a pitcher.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

For an intimate alternative to the city's megasize brew-temples, try this small neighbourhood pub a 10-minute walk from Mahatma Gandhi Rd. You'll find a welcoming vibe and a good selection of whiskies, while snacks include Chinese dishes, pizza and pakora (bite-size vegetable pieces in batter).

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Located above 1st Cross Rd, and adding to the clutch of bars that are tilting the balance of nightlife towards Koramangala, this is a great place to relax. The cocktails don’t burn a hole in the pocket and there's good food, from pub-grub combos to specials such as the ‘All Day and Night Breakfast'.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Sometimes value for money trumps swanky ambience. Barebones lies in the belly of the nightlife area of Bengaluru and the cafe-like interior is a great place to drink and dine. There’s plenty on the menu for veg and non-veg folks, but regulars swear by the ghee roast, a much-loved Bengaluru classic.

Nightlife in Mysuru (Mysore)

A venerable, still-popular watering hole located at the fringes of upmarket Gokulam. Serves draught beer (pitchers are ₹450) and food (try the chilli pork) at bargain-basement rates in the classic pub interior or the alfresco-style garden setting out the back. There’s live music some nights.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

With sweeping city views from its fine roof terrace, a mezzanine zone and a funky restaurant with vintage decor, Brewsky is a fine night out. It brews six beers on site, including a golden ale, a wheat beer and a stout. Tasty 'small bites' and substantial sharing platters are good value.

Nightlife in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

A suave rooftop beer garden with potted plants, artificial grass and tables with built-in BBQ grills. Offers free tastings of its six beers, as well as rotating seasonal brews. There’s also excellent wood-fired pizza, Indian snacks and Western food. Happy hour is 5pm to 7pm daily.