Serene landscapes, misty hills, and lush green plantations come to people’s minds when you ask them to picture Darjeeling. When it comes to nightlife, many think that Darjeeling is a sleepy town that closes its shutters once the clock strikes eight. While most of this is true, this little town is far from sleepy; it’s got some bustling pubs that come alive at night! If you’re looking for places to have a drink in this beautiful town while enjoying the nightlife, you should visit these 6 bars in Darjeeling!
6 Bars In Darjeeling For A Fun Night Out
- 1910 – The Lounge Bar
- Glenary’s Restaurant And Bar
- Ara By Bellevue
- Gatty’s Café
- New Lion Gate Hotel, Restaurant And Bar
- Hotel Shangri-La
1. 1910 – The Louge Bar
This bar is one of Darjeeling’s heartthrobs and is pretty recognizable by many locals. If you fancy a drink while admiring the stunning view of Darjeeling, this will be the perfect place for that. As soon as you enter, be prepared to get mesmerized by the blue and white aesthetics of this place. The indoor seating option has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the outdoor seating has the entire sky, waiting for you.
So, wherever you sit and grab your drink, the trip is bound to be dreamy. If you like being clicked, this bar has plenty of adorable picturesque corners. Do pay attention to their vintage lamps and beautiful plants. Coupled with all the right elements of nature, aesthetics, and food, 1910 is bound to make your day a little brighter. Their alcohol menu is pretty affordable and let’s be honest, with a view like this, you won’t require many drinks to get that high.
Timing: 11 am – 9.30 pm.
Address: Hotel Central Heritage, Old Club Side, Robertson Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: Cuba Libra, Pink Lady, and Teesta Rangeet.
Rates: INR 1,500 for two people.
Also Read: 6 Best Bars And Pubs In Shimla
2. Glenary’s
Established during the British colonial era, Glenary’s is one of Darjeeling’s best resto bars to catch a drink. The best part is even after all these years, the owners have managed to retain the historic integrity and charm of this bar. As you step into the upper floor of the building, you’ll be welcomed by the artwork on its ceiling, and its large dining space will remind you of the opulence of this restaurant. The bright hilly views on a moonlit night you’ll get from here could be considered a bonus to your fun night out.
Along with a good menu of dishes, this upscale bar and restaurant have a prominent variety of alcoholic beverages as well. You can pair your favorite beverages with one of their dishes such as golden fried prawns, paneer pakoras, or Chinese roast pork. While you enjoy having your drink and munching on the food, you can enjoy the live music that’s been played as well. Being at Glenary’s is an experience, making it a must-visit place if you’re vacationing in Darjeeling.
Timing: 8 am – 9:30 pm, Sundays: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Address: Nehru Road Near Clock Tower, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: Sex On The Beach, Screwdriver, Prawn Chowmein, Fish Manchurian, and Roast Pork & French Fries.
Rates: INR 1,500 for two people.
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3. Ara By Bellevue
When we talk about bars in Darjeeling, Ara is one of the town’s most prestigious gastro pubs you can visit. The ambiance has a rather funky, disco vibe which will make you feel as if you’re starring in John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever. On the other hand, the brick walled decor and leather couches as seating arrangements add to the disco-y atmosphere Ara has.
From its menu, you can order the choicest of drinks and dishes to satisfy your cravings. The cocktails are the main star on Ara’s drinks menus and they definitely have to be checked out. If you’re in the mood for some music, Ara hosts several live music gigs performed by local musicians. So, now you can dance the night away while you’re sipping on your favorite beverage.
Timing: 12 pm – 10 pm.
Address: Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: Cocktails, Chicken Schezwan Noodles, Pasta Neapolitan, and Chicken Steak.
Rates: INR 1,500 for two people.
Also Read: Places To Enjoy Ladies Night In Mumbai
4. Gatty’s Café
You might be wondering what a café is doing on this list. But although it’s marketed as a café, the entire vibe of the place is that of a bustling pub/bar. In other words, Gatty’s is an amalgamation of a café, bar, and music lounge.
This café sees a lot of foreign tourists coming here due to its relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. With its red brick walls, cute wooden furniture, and a good selection of alcoholic beverages, spending time in this location will be a delight. Also, Gatty’s has a vibrant music scene. Many local live bands play in the evenings, catering to mainly western music. So if you want to listen to some Pink Floyd live, drop into Gatty’s café and sway the night away.
Timing: 6 pm – 11:15 pm.
Address: Dr. Zakir Hussain Road, below OmniGuest House, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: Chicken Lasagne, Veg Enchilada Wrap, and Chicken Red Sauce Pasta.
Rates: INR 2,000 for two people.
Also Read: Bars And Pubs In Chennai
5. New Lion Gate Hotel, Restaurant And Bar
If you need some time to unwind and chill with your friends, then visit the New Lion Gate Hotel. The pub-ish atmosphere will surely make you sit at one of this hotel’s wooden tables and enjoy a drink or two while you gaze around its appealing decor.
While you take frequent sips from your glass, you can’t help but notice the beautiful mountain views from the windows of this restaurant. For your listening pleasure, many music jam sessions do happen in the evening as well so make sure not to miss those out. To top it all, the hotel’s friendly staff and efficient customer service are other elements that give New Lion Gate a few extra brownie points.
Timing: 8 am – 8 pm.
Address: C.R. Das Road, Chowrasta, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: Pork Fried Rice, Keema Rice, and Nepali Chowmein.
Rates: INR 1,700 for two people.
6. Hotel Shangri-La
Feeling tired after all the exploring and need an affordable place to grab some drinks, look no further! Hotel Shangri-La will be a perfect space to soak in all your travel experiences and reflect while consuming your favorite drinks. Located in the popular Chauk Barazar of Darjeeling, it certainly ticks all the boxes of being one of the best bars in Darjeeling. It’s an easily accessible place with comfortable indoor seating options. If live music is something that can liven up your spirit, the ambiance of this place will be like an ashram healing your soul.
They’ve vintage wooden decor with interesting chairs to make you feel at ease. When we talk about food, you’re bound to be pleased with the variety and there are many snack options to go well with your drinks. Just wear enough layers when you head out and hey, you’ll have hot drinks to take care of the cold weather later.
Timing: 12 noon – 9.30 pm.
Address: Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling.
Must Haves: beers, cocktails, and noodles.
Rates: INR 8,00 for two people.
Also Read: Snake Wine: All That You Need To Know
Summing Up
These are some of the best bars in Darjeeling for a fun night out. Now you know that this little town is not short of exciting bars and its different options that have a vibe of their own. So, select which one attracts you the most and enjoy the night away with your gang. But, remember to stay safe and drink responsibly.
FAQs
Does Darjeeling Have Pubs?
Darjeeling has a healthy number of pubs and resto-bars to visit. Some of the most famous ones in this little town are Glenary’s, Ara By Bellevue, and New Lion Gate Hotel.
Do We Get Alcohol In Darjeeling?
Yes, Darjeeling is not a dry town! You do get a huge variety of wine, vodka, beer, and whiskey in its liquor stores.
Can I Carry Alcohol On The Train In West Bengal?
Carrying alcohol on board is strictly prohibited under the Railway Act of 1989. Do it only if you want a free visit to the police station.
Does Darjeeling Have An Airport?
If you’re coming by air, the Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 km, is the closest airport to Darjeeling. From the airport, you can take a bus or a cab to travel to Darjeeling.
What Is There To Do In Darjeeling At Night?
When it comes to nightlife, Darjeeling has adorable bars and restaurants to visit. There are so many pretty roads, malls, and theatres in the stunning city to simply enjoy during the night.
Do We Get Hookah In Darjeeling?
Yes, you can get hookahs in Darjeeling. There are pubs and bars serving flavored hookahs, just call them and confirm before going.
How Far Is Gangtok From Darjeeling?
Gangtok is about 98 km from Darjeeling by road.
