The sleepy town of Darjeeling can intoxicate you with its laid back charm, romantic atmosphere and colonial history. The majestic view of snow-capped Himalayan mountains and the musty-sweet aroma of the famous Darjeeling Tea adds to that. If you still need a place to hang out in the evening with a glass of wine, Darjeeling has some of the best cosy pubs you will find in any hill stations in India. Just remember to check them a little ahead of the usual time. Why? Well, Darjeeling sleeps a bit early to ensure that you may not miss a majestic sunrise in the Queen of Hills.
Read more: 8 Best Places to Eat in Darjeeling
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Glenary’s Restaurant and Bar
Glenary’s Restaurant and Bar is one of the upscale night-out places in the town. Located on the first floor of Glenary’s Bakery, this place has a large area to accommodate guests. The bar counter is quite large with a wide range of options. You can access the restaurant cum bar through red-carpeted stairs beside the red phone booth inside the bakery or by a separate flight of stairs from outside the bakery entrance. This restaurant is run by the same Edwards family, who is the owner of the bakery.
On weekends you can listen to a live performance by a local band. You will find the place occupied at the weekends and need to wait for half an hour before getting a table—the most preferred place to sit in the tables beside the windows along the Mall road.
The bar is well stocked with Indian as well as foreign liquors and cocktails. In addition, you can order continental, Chinese or Indian dishes to accompany your glass of liquor.
Address: Nehru Road, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (0354) 225 8408
Opening hours: 4 pm – 11 pm
Pocket pinch: ₹800-₹1000 for two
Location: Google Map
The Park
Park is located on Laden La Road beside the SBI building a few yards from the Clock Tower. The restaurant is on the 1st floor of a building with large spacious dining. It is run by a man who has been born and brought up in Darjeeling with deep involvement in music. You can talk to the owner sitting at the bar counter with a cowboy hat on his head.
Park is popular for its spicy Thai cuisine. You will also like the Chinese food here. The bar has a nice selection of liquors. The atmosphere is relaxing and family-friendly.
Address: 41, Laden La Road, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (0354) 225 5270
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Pocket pinch: ₹800 for two
Location: Google Map
Ara by Bellevue
Ara by Bellevue is located on the ground floor of Bellevue Hotel in Darjeeling Mall overlooking the Chowrasta. Owned by the second generation of the Pulgar family, a distinguished Tibetan family, Bellevue Hotel in Darjeeling is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The restaurant cum bar offers delicious food with a good collection of liquor. The wooden interior with lovely music creates a friendly ambience to spend your evening.
Address: Bellevue Hotel, The Mall, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (0354) 2254075
Opening hours: 12 noon – 10 pm
Pocket pinch: ₹800 for two
Location: Google Map
Sangri-La Restaurant and Bar
Sangri-La Restaurant and Bar is another cosy eatery in Darjeeling town, few yards down the Nehru Road from Glenary’s. The Chinese cuisine is the speciality here. They also offer a good variety of north Indian cuisines. You might have to wait for a little in the reception area before getting a table. The wooden furniture, the fireplaces and the small bar counter give an old-world charm. The bar has a nice selection of wine, whiskey, vodka and rum.
Update: Sangri-La Restaurant and Bar is temporarily closed due to a recent fire outbreak.
Address: 5 Nehru Road, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (0354) 2254149
Opening hours: 12 noon – 10 pm
Pocket pinch: ₹600 for two
Location: Google Map
Gaty’s Cafe
While most of the pubs in Darjeeling close by 10 pm, Gaty’s Cafe is the only place that keeps open till midnight and sometimes beyond. This place is a perfect combination of cafe, bar and music lounge. You will find local youths and backpackers crowding here for the love of the live music played every day by a local band. You will find beer and nice cocktails in the bar accompanying the Italian and Arabic platter that are the specialities here.
Address: Dr Zakir Hussain Road, below Omni Guest House, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (+91) 9933070013
Opening hours: 10 am – 12 midnight
Pocket pinch: ₹800 for two
Location: Google Map
Planters Club, Darjeeling
If you plan to the most lavish bar in the town, Planters Club would be your place. Established in 1868 in British India, Planters Club is a place of class and comfort. The club was established for the planters and their wives to enjoy the climate of Darjeeling. It also offers accommodation to its members. Tourists can also book a room here with a temporary membership, which is readily given for a small fee.
From the patio, you can enjoy a clear view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. There are a couple of grand lounges, a billiard room and a conference room on one side of the long veranda. At the end of the corridor, there is a restaurant named Opium with a bar in the basement. A separate entrance from the outside can access the restaurant and bar.
With all its memorabilia from the British colonial period, Planters Club Darjeeling is a perfect place to spend an evening soaking into the great aura of history and heritage.
Address: 7 Nehru Road, Darjeeling, India
Contact: (0354) 2254349
Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm
Pocket pinch: ₹1000 for two
Location: Google Map
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
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This engaging article on My Travel Frames invites readers to discover the vibrant pub scene in Darjeeling, India. The post showcases a curated selection of must-visit pubs, each offering a unique atmosphere and a taste of local nightlife. With vivid descriptions and captivating photographs, the article captures the essence of these establishments, from cozy lounges to lively music venues. Whether you’re a traveler seeking a lively evening out or a local looking to explore new hangout spots, this guide provides valuable insights and recommendations to enjoy the pub culture in the charming town of Darjeeling.
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