Nightlife in Delhi: All The Hotspots from Dhabas to Bars

As much as I love the city, I won’t pretend that nightlife in Delhi is easy to navigate. Delhi’s always busy. Everywhere’s always crowded, and online reviews rarely tell you what you actually need to know (like whether the DJ starts on time or if the loo’s clean).

That’s why most people stick to the usual suspects. By that, I mean another generic club in Aerocity. This is maybe followed by a nightcap in a glitzy neighborhood like Connaught Place, and then call it a night.

But there’s a better way to do Delhi after dark. Indeed, locals know which jazz bars are worth the cover charge, which clubs won’t kill your wallet, and which late-night dhabas are still open for those midnight cravings.

So, here are some of my absolute favorite spots for a night out in Delhi for everything from live jazz and gin to greasy, 3 am parathas and late-night bars!

Nightlife in Delhi: Where To Go After Sunset

Whether you want to sway to some Bhangra beats, indulge in some after-dark shopping, or grab a quick dinner from a roadside stall that only locals know about, here are some of my favorite venues in Delhi.

1. Dilli Haat INA: Nightlife in Delhi for Food Stalls and Shopping

Dilli Haat isn’t usually sold as a nightlife spot, but locals know it stays open until 9 pm. It’s also one of the few open-air night markets where you can browse handicrafts with a plate of steamed momos in hand.

Each stall represents a different Indian state, so you can snack your way through bamboo shoot pickle from Nagaland, ragi dosa from Karnataka, and Kashmiri kahwa. There’s often a folkloric performance on the weekends. The stalls often rotate, so there’s always something new to check out!

Local tip: The entry fee is ₹30. Try to bring the exact amount since they rarely have change for larger bills. In my experience, the best time to visit is between 7 pm and 9 pm on weekdays, when the crowds start to thin and food is freshly prepped for dinner.

2. Indian Habitat Centre: For Late Theatre Shows

The Indian Habitat Centre is one of Delhi’s most thriving evening spaces. Their auditorium hosts dance recitals, theatre, and panel discussions – perfect for learning about the local culture and folklore!  

Walk past the main galleries and you’ll find tucked-away cafés in the courtyard where artists gather after shows. These places aren’t necessarily flashy, but they’re deeply local. Most art exhibitions are open until eight in the evening. During the weekend, they usually host dramatized readings and short plays.

3. Pandara Road Eateries: For Butter Chicken and Naan

Okay, it won’t take you long to notice there’s no shortage of butter chicken and naan in Delhi. It is the capital city after all!

That being said, most tourist-oriented restaurants tend to be grossly overpriced. You don’t necessarily get the real stuff either. For a traditional North Indian meal, I suggest you check out the restaurants on Pandara Road. Many of these spots are open until past midnight, and you’ll be able to enjoy classic combos without spending a fortune.

Some of my favorite restaurants in the area include Have More, Gulati, and Chicken Inn.  

Local tip: Have More is the most consistent as far as quality is concerned. Gulati’s the one you go to if you’re looking for a full-on spic level. Chicken Inn’s got the fastest service.

4. The Piano Man Jazz Club: Nightlife in Delhi for Live Jazz

The Piano Man Jazz Club is the kind of place where jazz isn’t just part of the background entertainment: it’s revered by the patrons. As such, you’ll notice that the crowd here actually listens to the performances. There’s no talking over solos, no phones out, just a genuine appreciation for music.

Drinks-wise, I’m a huge fan of their single malts. They also serve Feni, a traditional Indian spirit that’s produced in Goa. Made from either coconut sap or cashew apples, this spirit packs quite a punch! But, you’re in India, so you better try it…

I was told the chef has a penchant for Mexican cuisine, but rest assured that you can still order local specialties like okra sambal served with coconut rice.

Local tip: Don’t stress about reservations unless it’s a weekend gig. For better sound and a full view of the stage, ask for the standing spot near the mezzanine railing.

5. Lair Nightclub: Nightlife in Delhi For Electronic Music Fans

Built inside a converted basement under Ambience Mall, Lair keeps things minimal. By that, I mean dark interiors, sharp acoustics, and a Funktion-One sound system tuned for serious sets. It’s become a go-to for electronic music fans, especially on weekends when big names from Mumbai or Berlin show up.

Drinks aren’t cheap, but the bartenders know their pours, and their loaded fries are out of this world. This is one of the rare places in Delhi where the bartender offered to customize my cocktail exactly to my liking.

In addition to excellent drinks and a bustling dance floor, the club also serves scrumptious Asian offerings, including sushi and grilled meats.

Local tip: The coat-check is pretty cramped. It’s best to avoid bringing a bulky coat or a backpack, otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line for a long time.

6. Hauz Khas Social: Nightlife in Delhi for Chaotic Crowds

I just can’t write about nightlife in Delhi without mentioning Hauz Khas Social.

Not only is it insanely popular, but it’s also chaotic in the best way. Hauz Khas is part co-working space, part bar, part club, and part rooftop lounge with gorgeous lake views. The music is just as eclectic. There’s Bollywood on weekends, hip-hop during the week, and surprise live sets.

I’ll admit the club isn’t the most curated in Delhi. But it’s a local favorite (most travelers don’t even know about it), and they serve an amazing butter chicken biryani.

Best Bars In Delhi

Most “best bars in Delhi” lists will send you to glamorous rooftops with ₹1,200 cocktails and moody lighting.  Don’t get me wrong: these places are undeniably fun and aesthetic. But if you want to go where Delhiites actually unwind, check out the bars below.

1. PCO: Nightlife in Delhi For Speakeasy Cocktails

Delhi’s OG speakeasy, PCO hides behind a faux phone booth door in a quiet market in Vasant Vihar. True to its name, you technically need a “passcode” to enter. While the passcode is usually sent ahead of time to regular patrons, you can also DM the club to request it.

If you weren’t able to get the passcode, don’t worry: walk-ins are usually fine on weekdays.

Drinks here are on the premium side. Expect mezcal, Japanese whisky, and plenty of cocktail theatrics (flamed citrus, smoked cinnamon sticks, etc.). That said, the team knows their stuff and will happily tone it down if you just want a proper Old Fashioned.

2. Sidecar: For Award-Winning Cocktails

Set above a bookshop in GK2, Sidecar is everything I personally love in a bar: it’s warm, low-lit, and filled with bartenders who take their drinks (but not themselves) seriously.

This is a great spot for sampling local gins like Hapusa, Stranger & Sons, and Tamras. Their bitters are homemade. The signature ‘Sidecar’ cocktail here is sharper than elsewhere in Delhi. I’m also a huge fan of their toddy-spiced whiskey sour.

Local tip: Sit at the bar if you’re solo. They’ll often let you sample seasonal syrups they’re testing.

3. Perch Wine & Coffee Bar: Nightlife in Delhi For Quiet Date Nights

Nestled on the quieter end of Khan Market, Perch is where you go when you want wine without the noise. The playlist leans more towards acoustic, and the crowd is mostly locals winding down after work.

Their wine list includes Indian and European bottles. I’m a massive fan of their coffee cocktails (especially the espresso G&T).  If you’re not a fan of coffee, I can also recommend the house red or their sangria.

If you can’t make it to Khan Market, you’ll find other branches all over Delhi.

4. Auro Kitchen & Bar: Nightlife in Delhi For Genre-Bending Gigs

Okay, quick disclaimer before we get into that one: as popular as it is, Auro isn’t for everyone. It gets loud, messy, and is often packed until well after midnight.

But if you like dancing to live hip-hop, electro-funk, or soul edits spun by Delhi’s underground DJs, this definitely is the place for it.

As a prime venue in Delhi’s not-so-secret party circuit, Auro is a big hit among local musicians and performers. The room downstairs can get super crowded, but if you need a breather, head up to the covered rooftop space. Not a lot of people know about this spot (they deliberately keep it on the down-low), but it’s a great place for enjoying some fresh air between sets.

Food-wise, Auro is especially known for its chili paneer tacos and pork momos.

Local tip: They deny entry after 11.30 pm, so get in early. Their drinks can be pricey, but happy hour runs from 12 pm to 1am.

Nightlife in Delhi For Post-Party Snacks To Soak Up The Booze

Whether you’re tipsy, jet-lagged, or just hungry past midnight, these are the spots locals count on when everything else is shut

1. Moolchand Paratha Stall

If you’ve been exploring the nightlife in Delhi (south), you’ll probably see a small crowd of locals making their way to Moolchand after their pub crawl. This roadside stall is legendary for its stuffed parathas (flatbread), anda bhurji (curried scrambled eggs), and sweet lassi (yogurt drink).

The official closing time is 11 pm, but it often stays open until after midnight if there’s a crowd.

This is a no-frills place without any seats: just a line of hungry people and two guys flipping dough at lighting speed.

Local tip: This place doesn’t accept cards, so remember to bring cash.

2. Al-Jawahar Restaurant: Nightlife in Delhi For The Best Nihari

Al-Jawahar is a true local institution: 80+ years old, fluorescent-lit, always busy, and famous for food that hasn’t changed in decades. During regular weeks, they shut shop by midnight. But in the Ramzan holy month, they usually stay open till sehri (pre-dawn meal).

Believe me when I say nothing hits the mark as much as their famous nihari after a fun night out. This rich mutton stew is slow-cooked overnight in copper pots. It comes swimming in ghee and best eaten with fluffy khameeri roti or sweet, saffron-hued sheermal (sweet bread).

If you’re new to it, the spice can catch you off guard. Then again, that’s what the sliced onions, green chili, and lemon wedges are for.

Local tip: Parking is an absolute nightmare in this area, so I strongly recommend that you take a rickshaw. Alternatively, you can also take a short stroll from the Chawri Bazar Metro.

3. AIIMS Paratha Lane (South Extension): For Traditional Eats

Most travelers don’t know it, there’s row of 24/7 dhabas (tiny traditional eateries) located smack dab outside AIIMS and Safdarjung hospitals.

These dhabas usually cater to hospital night-shift workers, attendants, and rickshaw walas. As such, this is the neighborhood to explore when you’re looking for authentic Indian eats after a fun evening in Delhi. You’ll find just about everything from omelet pharatas, paneer, and of course, the quintessential masala chai served in traditional clay cups.

Unofficially known as ‘Pharatha Lane’, this area is also famous for its biryani. Depending on when you go, you might even see them cook it right in front of you in massive iron dhums (large cooking pot).  These stalls aren’t pretty, but they’re fast, cheap, and open all night.

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