Bengaluru and craft beer have been going together for so long that it is almost difficult to remember what the city’s drinking scene looked like before microbreweries became such a big part of it. Known as the "Pub Capital of India," it leads the country in the number of craft microbreweries and taproom culture.
Today, you can find breweries in Indiranagar, Koramangala, JP Nagar, Marathahalli, Whitefield and pretty much every direction you could possibly drive in on a Friday evening. Some are huge, some are tucked into busy neighbourhoods, and some are places you go to mainly because the beer is actually worth talking about.
It would feel slightly strange to make a Bengaluru craft beer list and not mention Toit. The Indiranagar brewpub has been around since 2010 and remains one of those places people keep returning to, even after the city has added countless newer breweries around it. Its current beer list includes Banger Lager, Tint-In-Wit, Nitro Stout, Basmati Blonde, Red Ale, Hefeweizen and IPA, along with seasonal beers.
The Banger Lager is particularly interesting because Toit uses finger millet, or ragi, in the brew, giving a very Bengaluru touch to something that is otherwise an easy-going lager. The place itself is usually lively, especially on weekends, so this is one for people who don't mind a little noise with their pint.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 1 AM
Venue: 298, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560038
Approx. price for two: INR 1,800 with alcohol, excluding taxes and charges.
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Arbor has been part of Bengaluru's craft beer story since 2012 and calls itself India's first American craft brewery. The beer menu changes, which is actually part of the fun here. At the moment, its Bengaluru taps include Idaho 7 Lager, Watermelon Dandy, Mango Maibock, Bangalore Bliss, Michael Faricy Stout, Smooth Criminal and the much hoppier Raging Elephant.
If you like trying different beer styles rather than sticking to one safe lager, Arbor is a good place to spend an evening. The Watermelon Dandy is a kettle-soured ale with watermelon and Arabian Sea salt, while Raging Elephant comes in at 80 IBU, so there is quite a difference between the two.
Timings: 12 PM to 12:30 AM
Venue: 8, Allied Grande Plaza, Magrath Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru 560025
Approx. price for two: INR 3,000 with alcohol, excluding taxes and charges.
The Bier Library is a little more relaxed in the way it approaches the whole brewery experience. The Koramangala outlet has a broad beer selection, including Hefeweizen, Belgian Wit, IPA, Hazelnut Coffee Stout, Double IPA and rotating seasonal and brewer's specials.
This is the sort of place that works when everyone in the group wants something different. One person can go for a wheat beer, another can order an IPA and someone else can try the stout without the evening turning into a discussion about which bottled beer to order. The food menu also makes it easy to stay for a proper meal rather than just a couple of pints.
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Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM
Venue: 14, Patel Narayana Reddy Layout, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala 6th Block, Bengaluru 560095
Approx. price for two: INR 1,600 with alcohol, excluding taxes and charges.
If you want the brewery visit to feel like an outing rather than simply drinks after work, Ironhill is one of the bigger options. The Marathahalli brewery occupies a sizeable space and has a mix of food, beer, outdoor seating and entertainment. It also has a long-running reputation as one of the city's large-format brewery destinations.
The beer side includes options such as lager and cider-style brews, and the current listings also mention Apple Cider Beer and Mango Cider. It is especially convenient if your group is based around Marathahalli, Whitefield or the eastern side of the city and you don't want to cross town just for a pint.
Timings: 12 PM to 12:45 AM
Venue: Sy No. 90, 7 & 90/8, Outer Ring Road, Marathahalli, Bengaluru 560037
Approx. price for two: INR 2,200 with alcohol, excluding taxes and charges.
Byg Brewski is another one where the sheer scale is part of the experience. The Sarjapur brewery is a popular choice for larger groups, especially when the plan is to spend several hours eating, drinking and hanging out rather than simply dropping in for one beer.
It is worth remembering that Bengaluru's brewery culture isn't only about serious beer tasting. A lot of it is social, and Byg Brewski fits that side of the scene particularly well. Go with friends, order a couple of different brews for the table and don't rush it.
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Timings: 12 PM to 1 AM
Venue: 10/62/2A/2 & 3, Sarjapur Main Road, Kaikondrahalli, Bengaluru 560035
Approx. price for two: Around INR 2,300, depending on food, beer and taxes.
Bengaluru's brewery list is much longer than five names. The Biere Club on Lavelle Road is another established option, while Murphy's Brewhouse in Domlur works nicely if you're around that part of town. There is also BLR Brewing Co., with outlets across areas including HSR, Whitefield, Electronic City and Kanakapura Road, so you don't necessarily have to travel into central Bengaluru for craft beer anymore.
What I like about Bengaluru’s brewery scene is that it does not all taste the same. You can find easy-drinking lagers, wheat beers, IPAs, stouts, seasonal brews and some rather experimental pours depending on where you land.
Bengaluru's craft beer scene has grown far beyond a handful of famous brewpubs. From Toit's classic beers and Arbor's experimental taps to Bier Library's variety and the large-format brewery experiences around the city, there is plenty to explore. The best part is that every brewery brings a slightly different mood, menu and beer list to the table.
