There has never been and will never be a lack of drinking spots in Mumbai. However, only a few carry the kind of history and character that old-school beer cafes do. During our latest outing, we found ourselves exploring two of the city's most iconic institutions, Café Oval and Café Ideal, both of which have spent decades serving beer, comfort food, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
While they share roots in Mumbai's historic Irani cafe culture, the experiences they offer are completely different. Café Oval feels calm and unhurried, while Café Ideal buzzes with energy, conversation, and old Bombay charm. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into a side of Mumbai's drinking culture that continues to thrive despite the city's constant evolution.
Before modern bars and craft breweries became part of Mumbai's drinking landscape, beer cafes and permit rooms were where much of the city's social drinking culture lived. Many of these establishments evolved from Irani cafes, which were introduced by Iranian immigrants more than a century ago.
At its peak, Mumbai had hundreds of Irani cafes serving chai, bun maska, sandwiches, and affordable meals. As the city changed, many adapted by introducing beer and alcohol service, creating a unique category of venues that sat somewhere between a neighborhood cafe and a local bar. Today, only a handful remain, making places like Café Oval and Café Ideal increasingly special.
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Located opposite Oval Maidan in Churchgate, Café Oval has been around since 1934 and still feels wonderfully untouched by time. The moment you walk in, the pace of Mumbai seems to slow down. There are no flashy interiors, loud music, or attempts to reinvent the experience. Instead, the cafe leans into exactly what has made it popular for decades: simplicity. The crowd is a mix of regulars, office-goers, and curious visitors looking to experience a piece of old Bombay. Large windows overlook the city outside, while the interiors maintain the old-school charm that has become increasingly difficult to find in modern Mumbai.
Address: Kambatta Building, Maharishi Karve Marg, Churchgate, Mumbai
Price For Two: INR 500
Timings: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
The food and drinks at Café Oval reflect the same philosophy as the space itself: they are simple, affordable, and unpretentious. The London Pilsner (INR 250), a locally brewed take on a classic British-style lager, fits comfortably alongside the café's straightforward menu. Staples like the cheese sandwich (INR 70), omelette sandwich (INR 70), and cheese omelette (INR 130) deliver familiar comfort without trying to reinvent anything.
One of the most memorable items was the moong dal chaat (INR 30), which stood out for its light, crunchy texture and refreshing simplicity. The affordability extends to the drinks as well, with a Kingfisher Draught Mug priced at INR 150 and a pitcher at INR 600. At a time when eating and drinking out in Mumbai can become surprisingly expensive, Café Oval remains refreshingly accessible.
From Churchgate, we headed toward Girgaon Chowpatty to visit another Mumbai institution. Founded in 1916, Café Ideal has been serving customers for well over a century and continues to be one of the city's most beloved beer cafes. Unlike Café Oval's slower pace, Café Ideal feels vibrant from the moment you enter. Families occupy large tables, groups of friends fill the room with conversation, and the overall energy feels warm and welcoming. The retro interiors add to the charm, but the real centerpiece is Playboy, a vintage jukebox loaded with 40 songs that instantly transports the room back several decades.
Address: 5, Fulchand Niwas, Chowpatty, Mumbai
Price For Two: INR 600
Timings: 8:30 am - 11:30 pm
While beer remains central to the experience, Café Ideal's food menu is where the venue really separates itself. We ordered the Egg Schezwan Chilli (INR 380) and the Egg Tandoori (INR 380), both of which showcased a more playful and creative side of café food. Both dishes felt like the kind of food you order alongside a few beers and end up talking about long after the meal is over. A Kingfisher Draught Mug here costs INR 200, slightly higher than Café Oval, but the atmosphere and experience make it easy to understand why so many people continue returning.
The truth is that choosing a winner depends entirely on what you're looking for. If you want old-school Irani cafe charm, affordable beer options, and a relaxed atmosphere, Café Oval is difficult to beat. It feels authentic, unpretentious, and wonderfully nostalgic. If you're looking for a livelier evening, creative food, and an atmosphere filled with energy, Café Ideal takes the lead. The vintage jukebox, family-friendly environment, and unique egg dishes create an experience that feels distinct even in a city filled with dining options.
What stood out most during our visit wasn't the beer or even the food, but rather the realization that places like Café Oval and Café Ideal continue to exist at all. In a city that constantly reinvents itself, these cafes remain living reminders of Mumbai's rich Irani cafe heritage. Whether you're sipping a London Pilsner at Café Oval or listening to old songs beside the jukebox at Café Ideal, both venues offer something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down and experience a piece of old Bombay that still feels very much alive.
