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As Bangalore settles into the mid-January cool, the weekend of January 16th to 18th, 2026 marks a significant moment for the city’s social scene. Not only is the city celebrating the massive BLR Hubba cultural festival, but several "next-gen" bars and breweries have just tapped their first kegs.
If you’ve already been to the classics like Toit or Byg Brewski, this weekend is for the newcomers and award-winners that are defining Bangalore’s drinking culture in 2026.

Area: Marathahalli
The latest heavyweight in Marathahalli’s brewery scene, Tropika, channels "Baliesque" island vibes with breezy open areas and earthy textures. It is the perfect spot for those who want to feel like they’ve left the city without actually leaving the Outer Ring Road.
Area: Ashok Nagar (Lavelle Road)
Just crowned as the Best Bar in India at the 30 Best Bars awards (January 2026), Spirit Forward is the most talked-about spot in the city right now. It is a craft cocktail haven that prioritizes impeccable service and high-concept mixology.
Area: JP Nagar (7th Phase)
This newly opened second outlet offers a sprawling fourth-floor terrace with "Aztec-inspired" design elements. It functions as a cozy all-day diner but transforms into a vibrant rooftop bar at night, drawing inspiration from global currencies and cult characters for its menu.
Area: Ganga Nagar (Four Seasons)
Upping the city's wine game, the newly launched Wine Studio at the Four Seasons is perfect for a more refined evening. This isn't just a bar; it's a tactile experience where you can discover boutique Indian labels and assemble your own artisanal cheese boards.
Area: Museum Road
Muro is an eccentric cocktail bar that loves color, texture, and wildly inventive flavor combinations. It’s a favorite for the "cool crowd" who enjoy Asian bar bites like turnip cake paired with some of the most playful cocktail presentations in the city.
Area: Koramangala
If your drinking needs to be accompanied by some healthy competition, Loco Lane is the city’s first "competitive socializing" bar. It blends high-end cocktails with axe throwing, bowling, and shuffleboard in a high-energy, zebra-striped playground.
Area: Church Street
Ishaara has just brought its "purpose-led" dining and bar concept to Church Street. Helmed by a team of hearing and speech-impaired service professionals, it offers a sophisticated, memory-led drinking experience right in the heart of the city's most iconic walking street.
Bangalore this week is all about the "new." From the tropical brews at Tropika to the award-winning craft at Spirit Forward, there is a clear shift toward specialized, high-concept experiences. If you want a break from the bar, don't forget that BLR Hubba is happening across the city with over 350 events, many of which are centered around central Bangalore's iconic pubs.
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