Step into Mumbai’s vibrant bar scene, where each venue narrates a story of its own. Whether it’s the sophisticated elegance of dimly lit lounges or the electric buzz of rooftop bars, each venue beckons with its unique ambiance, inviting guests to savour the essence of the city’s spirited social life. The best bars in Maximum City are not just about the drinks. They are an immersive experience where style, taste and culture converge, creating moments that linger long after the last toast.
1. AER rooftop bar
We’re starting out the roundup with the city’s highest bar. The newly revamped AER rooftop bar at the Four Seasons Hotel has reopened its doors with a fresh new design meant to resemble a yacht club. However, it is not your average yacht club with wood paneling abound and beige furnishing. Immediately as you step into the venue, you’re greeted by exquisite Art Deco furniture, nautical stripes and gold elements. Although AER has redefined yacht club designs, its concept is not lost in translation.
With its scenic view of the bay, Wimbledon-style roof for monsoon season and innovative cocktails, you immediately feel like you’re about to set sail. And yet, the star of the show is unquestionably its four-sided bar. Mixologist Alexandre Renoue and his team have created 12 cocktails that match Mumbai’s at times volatile weather, making AER one of the leading bars in Mumbai. On cloudy days, opt for the “Cumulus” menu that features milky textures and light flavours and on a sunny day, try the Compass Rose, a zesty concoction made with tequila, charred pineapple, jalapeño gum, maracuja and lemon.
📍 1, 136, Dr Elijah Moses Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
2. The Beer Cafe
Sometimes when life kicks you in the teeth, there’s nothing that a cold brew can’t fix. Luckily, at The Beer Cafe you’re spoilt for choice as it offers more than 50 different brands from 20 countries. However, if you don’t like beer (perish the thought!), there’s also loads of cocktails, wines and liqueur on the menu to appeal to every taste.
The Beer Cafe has a special guest loyalty program called Brewmiles that allows you to get your hands on a range of rewards on your next visit. On every rupee spent you’ll get a Brewmile, so whether you’re going there just for the beer or also want to try a delicious food pairing like Papad Bucket with Chutney and Nachos “Housefull”, make sure to download their app to maximise your experience.
📍 Various locations across the city
3. Slink & Bardot
Alluring and indulgent thanks to its dim lighting, hidden nooks and crannies, leafy potted plants, crushed velvet chairs and the luxurious, crimson velvet couches, Slink & Bardot really lives up to its name. Is it one of the best bars in the city? We think so. The French bar/restaurant/lounge is located in the heart of Worli village, known for its eclectic international dishes with a twist, and fun and adventurous cocktails.
As you’re serenaded by smooth jazz, bartender and mixologist Santosh Kukreti creates bold and refreshing drinks such as the whisky-forward Smoky Affair and the effervescent Meloma. If you get hungry along the way, the dreamy and romantic Slink & Bardot serves small plates inspired by the flavours of the world, prepared by executive chef AliAkbar Baldiwal. The French-Asian bar is packed on the weekends, so you should call in advance to make reservations.
📍 Thadani House 329/A Opposite Indian Coast Guard Worli Village, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400030
4. 71 TALES – Bar & Cafe
Known for its refreshing and aromatic cocktails, 71 tales is a popular Chembur bar located near the notable R. K. Studio. One of the finest bars in Mumbai, it offers an array of Asian delights, including the Thai Japanese smash and Victorian Cosmopolitan. Simply ask head bartender Sushil Sahu to whip you up a personalised tantalising beverage or even better, savour one of his unrivaled signature cocktails. With different seating arrangements, there are intimate tables for couples and small groups of friends and inviting orange booths for bigger parties.
📍 Unit 16-C, Sion – Trombay Rd, inside Asha Studio, near RK Studio, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
5. Therapy Cocktail Bar
Therapy can be any type of treatment one seeks to alleviate emotional distress. It could be by talking to a licensed expert or by indulging in vintage arcade games and invigorating cocktails at Therapy Cocktail Bar. We don’t judge!
With a whopping 100 cocktails on its menu named after famous arcade games, this vibrant bar is the perfect spot to take your friends and enjoy some friendly competition in a retro atmosphere. Relax under neon lights as you sip on some of its signature cocktails, such as Road Rash and Pineapple Picante, and pair them with the Mediterranean veggie mezze or the Spanish-inspired Gambas al Ajillo.
📍 Ground Floor, 3rd Rd, next to The Unicontinental Hotel, Khar, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052
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6. Monkey Bar
Another popular bar in Mumbai, Monkey Bar has a way of immediately putting you at ease as you step through its doors. You’re hit with brick walls and a casual atmosphere, crafted by multi-coloured bar stools and booths for bigger groups, all signalling for a good time.
The vibrant and colourful gastro-pub is actually the fourth location of the Monkey Bar family in India created by chef and entrepreneur Manu Chandra. You might come for the draught beer, but there is a tempting list of Absolut-heavy cocktails, seasonal beverages, as well as All Time Favourites, including Vodka Martini and Mojito that might just make you stay a while longer. Keep an eye out on their socials because they often host fun events including DJ sessions and drag brunches.
📍 14th & 33rd Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
7. Lord of the Drinks
LOTD was created in 2015 by restaurateur Priyank Sukhija, featuring an eclectic mixture of medieval-inspired art and modern colour palettes. Spread across two floors, the busy bar and restaurant serves sensational dishes prepared by Chef Dharmendra and Chef Kushal only with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Every detail, from the carefully selected furnishings to the meticulously crafted cocktails, contributes to an experience that tantalises the senses. Make sure to try the tropical Mango Mania on your next visit, a fruity glass of rum, coconut, mango juice, almond, and mint.
📍 Utopia City, 3rd Floor Trade View Building, gate 4, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
8. Harbour Bar
Not only is the Harbour Bar one of the best bars in Mumbai, but it is also the first licensed lounge bar in the city! Established in 1933, it boasts a legacy intertwined with the city’s vibrant past.
Known for its opulence and stunning views of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, the bar has been a gathering place for distinguished guests, celebrities and locals alike. Over the years, it has retained its classic charm and continues to offer a blend of sophistication, exotic cocktails, including its signature “From the Harbour” since 1933, as well as fine malts and exclusive wines.
📍 The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
9. The Eau Bar
Located at The Oberoi Hotel, the splendid Eau Bar offers incredible views of the ocean and the Queen’s Necklace at Marine Drive thanks to its open-air terrace. And yet, it’s the graphic décor of its interiors that exudes an enigmatic allure. The subtle play of soft lighting against sleek design elements and red velvet features create an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The highlight of the bar is certainly its modern take on the “Tree of Life”, acting as the centrepiece of the space.
Eau Bar caters to every taste as it offers an impressive number of spirits, fine wines, single malts and cocktails curated by mixologist Andrew Pearson. If you want to catch a show while sipping on refreshing drinks, there’s live music from Thursday to Saturday.
📍 Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021
10. Toto’s Garage
With huge vintage cars dangling from the ceiling, Toto’s feels like it’s from a different time, maybe the ’70s. In fact, it is one of Mumbai’s oldest theme bars. Neon lights, retro signs and the pulsating rhythm of disco and heavy metal beats encourage patrons to let loose and relish in the liberating spirit of the era. Then there’s the added magic of loads and loads of pitchers and pints, from Carlsberg to Tuborg.
📍 7/8, Lourdes Haven, Pali, Junction, 30th Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
There you have it—our list of the best bars in the city. Whichever you’ve been eyeing for your next evening out, all of these places craft cocktails with precision, pour beers with passion and serve them alongside beats that set the rhythm of the night. Now all it’s left is for you to experience them firsthand. Off you go!