The internet suggests that if you’re going to a bar where you don’t have to dress up, or is simply down the street, then you’re probably heading to a dive bar. Mumbai boasts of a plethora of bars that match the above definitions, and some of these bars are worth the visit only because of the cheap thrills they provide you. Here is a list of some of the lesser-known dive bars in Mumbai that are worth a visit.
Top 5 Lesser-known Dive Bars in Mumbai You Should Visit
- Adarsh Restaurant & Bar
- Vilas Bar & Restaurant
- Surabhi Restaurant & Bar
- Swagat Dining Bar
- Sunlight Restaurant And Bar
1. Adarsh Restaurant & Bar
Adarsh Restaurant & Bar is surely one of the best lesser-known dive bars in Mumbai and stands first on our list for the same reason. Even on an extremely busy link road in Andheri West, you cannot miss this place. Believed to have been named after the locality it rests in (Adarsh Nagar), we won’t be surprised if the story behind the naming was vice-versa. One of the neater bars in its category, Adarsh Restaurant & Bar has a solid reputation of being the go-to end of the month dive in this part of the suburbs.
Timing: Every day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Address: Narayan Gajanan Acharya Marg, Balkrishna Centre, NG Acharya Marg, Chembur, Mumbai
Must Haves: Masala papad, chicken spring roll, reshmi kebab, fish chilli, whiskeys and beers
Rates: INR 1,200 for two people
Also Read: 7 Classic Rum Cocktails
2. Vilas Bar & Restaurant
Don’t judge a book by its cover is the most apt line for Vilas Bar & Restaurant in so many layers. Even though it’s one of the shady bars, it serves an excellent collection of alcohol and some delicious food to go with it. Their Chinese and North Indian dishes are absolute bliss and you must try them when you visit. Doesn’t matter if you’re on a low budget or not, this place deserves to be visited once, just for its interestingly shady ambiance.
Timing: Every day from 11:00 am to 1:30 am
Address: Anna Nagar, New Andheri Link Road, Opposite Belleyur Nursing Home, Andheri West, Mumbai
Must Haves: Alu chaat, finger chips, chicken cutlet, paneer chirpy, selection of whiskeys, and beers
Rates: INR 1,800 for two people
Also Read: 7 Classic Rum Cocktails
3. Surabhi Restaurant & Bar
The reason Surabhi makes the cut in this list was because of the way she beautifully laid out this place. But don’t be fooled by the pretty ambiance and aesthetics of this place, it ensures that it keeps its dive bar DNA truly alive and kicking. This restaurant and bar is this for all the young and old looking for an escape from their daily mundane and busy lives. The laid back vibe and groovy music makes this place lively.
Timing: Every day from 11:00 am to 12:30 am
Address: Mishra Kunj, Opposite Raj Chambers,, Near Andheri Subway, Nagardas Cross Road, Andheri East, Mumbai
Must Haves: Biryani, chicken tandoori, fried rice, selection of rum, whiskey and beers
Rates: INR 1,300 for two people
Also Read: 9 Best Pubs In Hyderabad With A Dance Floor
4. Swagat Dining Bar
Swagat Dining Bar is located at a busy junction under the Santacruz flyover of a bustling Western Express Highway. You enter thinking ‘well, what’s different?’. But a whole new world is waiting for you at the first floor because believe it or not, Swagat Dining Bar prides itself on its open-air rooftop seating area. Downing cheap booze and lip-smacking food to accompany whilst feeling the Mumbai breeze hit your face is what dive bar dreams are made of. An open-air rooftop for crying out loud!
Timing: Every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Address: Plot 386, near Traffic Signal, Western Express Highway, Police Camp, Vakola, Santacruz East
Must Haves: murgh tawa masala, crispy potato chilli, nawabi malai kofta, selection of beers and whiskeys
Rates: INR 1,000 for two people
Also Read: Indian Craft Gins To Try In 2022
5. Sunlight Restaurant And Bar
Factors like charm, taste of food, location, and ambiance take a back seat when you end up shelling out peanuts for a full course meal with liquor. Ironically, this gem of a place has no sunlight unlike the name suggests. But it’s totally worth the visit because of its dirt-cheap rates and delicious food. The faint music playing in the background paired with drinks are enough for you to have a good time with your pals. Like we mentioned, at the end of the day, the lesser you pay, the better it feels.
Timing: Every day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Address: Ravindra House, Kalbadevi Road, Dhobi Talao, Near Furtados, Kalbadevi, Mumbai
Must Haves: Chicken lollipops, cheese popcorn, chicken 65, chicken crispy and collection of affordable whiskeys and beers
Rates: INR 1,400 for two people
Also Read: 8 Of The Best Rums For Mojitos
Summing Up
A visit to these lesser known bars will assure you of extremely memorable experiences at each of them. Affordable food and drinks at an unlimited scope of fun is all you need. And the places mentioned above are perfect for when you’re also trying to save some cash or nearing the month end. Happy drinking!
FAQs
What Is A Local Dive Bar?
Dive bars are local bars that often provide no more than three or four different types of drinks. But they do after these drinks along with delicious food at affordable rates.
Which Is India’s Oldest Bar?
Chhota Bristol in Kolkata is the oldest bar in India.
Which Is The Largest Bar In India?
Lord Of The Drinks in Andheri, which also has locations in Worli, Kamala Mills, and Powai, is the longest bar in Asia.
Which City Has The Most Bars In India?
With pubs, bars, and clubs in every corner of the city, it’s no surprise that Bengaluru has been named India’s pub capital.
Does Mumbai Have Good Nightlife?
Mumbai is a staggeringly large city, so it makes sense that the nightlife there is vibrant. It’s actually quite well covered with a wide selection of bars, cafes, pubs, clubs, and more.
What Is The Legal Age For Drinking Alcohol In Mumbai?
25 the legal age of drinking alcohol in Maharashtra. You also need to have some kind of official ID card to show as proof of age to consume liquors like rum, strong beer, vodka, whiskey, etc.
