Barely a day into 2026, and the internet has collectively agreed that this year is about to be the new ‘2016’. It signals a cultural rewind steeped in nostalgia, comfort, and the warm familiarity of times gone by. As the internet fills with throwbacks and rose-tinted memories, the collective craving for the bygone past feels louder than ever!
So while the world decides to scroll backwards, we decided to do the same – but focusing on the bars that shaped the bygone era. Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, is home to bars that are older than most of us. These bars have been silent witnesses to decades worth of conversations, heartbreaks, and celebrations. They have outlived trends and survived changing skylines, continuing to pour happiness in each of the drinks they serve. So team unsobered is here to highlight the 5 iconic and age-old bars in Mumbai you must visit in January 2026!
Yacht Bar in Bandra remains etched in the memories of most millennials of Mumbai – most of them have downed the first beer of their life at this iconic place. The resto-bar is an icon, standing tall in Mumbai’s crowded sea of bars, for one major reason: affordability. The 65-year-old resto-bar has had a consistently affordable menu, attracting young, college-going crowds for decades. Yacht offers a range of dishes, both Indian and Indo-Chinese, along with refreshing beer and other drinks.
The old-world charm of this bar makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a frozen time capsule, where drinks flow freely and conversations end with laughter. Perfect for hanging out with friends, visiting Yacht is a ritual that you must not miss when in Mumbai!
Address: 29, Hill Rd, Bandra West
Timings: 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Closest railway station: Bandra
Price for two: INR 1,100 approximately
Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Colaba in South Bombay, Gokul definitely deserves to be on our list of the iconic and age-old bars in Mumbai to visit in January 2026! The restaurant & bar, built somewhere in the 1960s, was initially serving South Indian food. However, when things didn’t scale up much, the owners decided to offer non-vegetarian food and alcohol, and the rest is history.
Gokul, much like other entries on this list, is known for its no-frills menu that is surprisingly light on the pocket. No overpriced beer and fancy appetizers – just reasonably priced drinks and food reflecting local tastes and flavors. The fish fry, chicken tandoori, green peas masala are some of the must-try food items here with your favorite beer, whisky, rum, or vodka.
Address: Gokul Bar & Restaurant, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
Timings: 11 AM to 12 AM
Closest railway station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Price for two: INR 1,000 approximately
There are places in Mumbai that are as old as the iconic Gateway of India and then there are places even older than that! Vithal’s is one such place that is older than most buildings in the city, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus building, dating back to 1875!
The resto-bar is frequented by locals and tourists alike, with patrons appreciating the place for its reasonable price and nostalgic food. We’re talking about street-style bar food, authentic chakhna, and reasonably priced drinks to go with them. If you’re in South Mumbai and looking to experience a slice of the city’s history, Vithal’s is the place you should definitely stop by.
Address: 13/15, a.k Naik Marg, near Mukta Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort
Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM
Closest railway station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Price for two: INR 500 approximately
Cafe Mondegar is yet another entry from South Bombay, after all, this part of the city remains one of the oldest and culturally well-developed compared to the suburbs. Cafe Mondegar, fondly called the ‘Mondy’s’, was established in 1932 by Iranian Zoroastrians as an Irani cafe. Over the years, the cafe has evolved into a restaurant and pub serving great food and drinks with a side of the city’s vibrant heritage.
This iconic place is most notably known for its Mario Miranda murals and introducing the jukebox to the city. Cafe Mondegar still attracts large crowds, both locals and tourists, as they try out dishes inspired by both Indian and global flavors. And to wash it all down, Cafe Mondegar serves refreshing drinks, especially its signature beer.
Address: Metro House, Colaba Causeway, near Regal Cinema, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
Timings: 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Closest railway station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Price for two: INR 1,700 approximately
In this listicle of the best iconic and age-old bars in Mumbai, South Bombay dominates with many historic bars, some even older than the city’s most iconic buildings. But did you know that South Bombay is also home to the first-ever liquor licensed bar in Mumbai? The bar is situated in the first hotel that received electricity in Mumbai! We’re talking about Harbour Bar situated in the iconic Taj Mahal Palace opposite the Gateway of India.
Harbour Bar has the unique distinction of being Mumbai’s oldest bar to hold an official liquor license. With an intriguing history, the bar has retained its old-world charm, attracting locals and enthusiastic tourists alike. While it is not as affordable as other entries on this list, it is definitely worth a visit. Do try their signature cocktails, international wines, and a distinct menu, most notably their cajun spiced prawns, cheese platter, and tapas items.
Address: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai
Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM
Closest railway station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Price for two: INR 5,000 approximately
2026 is the year to embrace nostalgia with a drink or two in your hand. And to make it easy for you, we’ve listed down some of the most iconic and age-old bars in Mumbai. The city, steeped in rich history, has many establishments that are centuries old. These aren’t just ordinary bars – they are monuments that have seen the soul of Mumbai shape itself with each passing decade.
