While the beer culture as a whole in India still remains restricted to the top 3-4 brands in the market, the culture of microbreweries is slowly, yet steadily finding its foot. Bengaluru’s love for beer is known to one and all, and as a result of its young working population, the IT capital of India has also emerged as the beer capital of India. Bengaluru is now home to some of the best microbreweries in the country.
From the local favourite Indian pale ales to Belgian brews and stouts that leave an explosion of flavours on the taste buds, Bengaluru is every beer lover’s paradise. Here’s a quick lowdown of the best spots that make the city the perfect craft beer destination.
A favourite amongt beer lovers in the city, Windmills Craftsworks is a cosy, little joint that not only serves a delectable variety of brews but also provides the ultimate dining experience. The hi-tech iPad ordering system ensures that there’s absolutely no delay in your mug of chilled beer. The carefully curated selection of books is the perfect companion to go with a mug of their signature banana and clove flavoured Hefeweizen.
Cost: ₹3,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: American, North Indian
Standout dishes: Banana and clove flavoured Hefeweizen, golden ale, risotto, pork chops.
Timings and Location: 12 noon to 1 a.m.; 331, Road 5B, EPIP Area, Next to KTPO, Whitefield, Bangalore
Contact: 08880233322
If you happen to be on a bar crawl to hunt down the best brew in town, miss Toit at your own risk! One of the most popular microbreweries in the city, Toit’s menu comprises of six in-house brews, namely Dark Knight, Colonial Toit, Basmati Blonde, Toit Red, Tintin Toit and Toit Weiss out of which the Basmati Blonde is almost a local legend of sorts. The massive space and the lively ambience makes Toit the perfect spot to unwind after a hectic day at work.
Cost: ₹2,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: Italian, American, Pizza
Standout dishes: Basmati blonde, Dark knight, Lamb and fig pizza, Beef lasagne
Timings and Location: 12 noon to 11:30 p.m.; 298, Namma Metro Pillar 62, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Contact: 09019713388
The first brewery to have opened up in the city, the Biere Club holds a special place for beer aficionados in Bengaluru as the place is credited to introducing beer culture to the city. From the moment you step into the beautifully designed brewery, you know you’re in for an experience—while the ambience makes you feel like you’re in an Englishman’s private brewery, the courteous staff aims to inform you all about the beautiful world of beers. The choicest selection of brews only works as the icing on the cake.
Cost: ₹2,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: Finger food
Standout dishes: Wheat beer, Stout, Nachos, Pork chops
Timings and Location: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 20/2, Vittal Mallya Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Contact: 08049653581
Designed to give the feel of an industrial set-up, the Arbor Brewing Company is yet another institution on the beer map of Bengaluru best known for its super-chill ambience. Though the bar can come across as an ideal place for couples to hang out in the day, come evening and it transforms itself into all that Bengaluru is about—beer, rock music and dance. Also, make sure to come here on an empty stomach as the sheer variety of brews requires quite an appetite!
Cost: ₹2,500 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: American, Continental
Standout dishes: Raging elephant IPA, euchre pilsner, chicken BBQ wings, prawn skewers
Timings and Location: 12 noon to 12:30 a.m.; 8, 3rd Floor, Allied Grande Plaza, Diagonally Opposite Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Brigade Road, Bangalore
Contact: 08050144477
Spread across a massive space of three floors, the Big Brewesky takes the word ‘big’ in their name quite seriously! In a city that is overflowing with people, the Big Brewesky is a sprawling space with a well-stocked bar by the roof-top swimming pool—a spot that is easily our favourite to have a beer in the city. The Big Brewesky is equally dedicated when it comes to the food to go. Enjoy chef Saby’s curated menu that is loaded with sumptuous food and lip-smacking cocktails.
Cost: ₹2,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: North Indian, Continental, Indian
Standout dishes: Smoked lager, oatmeal stout, teriyaki fish, calamari
Timings and Location: 12:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Behind MK Retail, Before WIPRO Corporate Office, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
Contact: 08039514766
Located in the heart of Kormangala, the Prost Brew Pub is a dimly-lit bar which exudes a raw and earthy feel owing to its quirky decor and casual ambience. A favourite amongst college-goers, the place is known for its pocket-friendly choice of beers and delicious starters while the happening music makes it the perfect spot to dance the night away with your friends.
Cost: ₹2,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: American, North Indian, Continental
Standout dishes: Apple cider, wheat beer, veg seekh kebab, tandoori prawns
Timings and Location: 12 noon to 1 a.m.; 749, 10th Main, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala 4th Block, Bangalore
Contact: 08049653036
Even though Vapour is one of the newer entrants to the scene, the brewery has become a favourite amongt the younger crowd looking to unwind over a mug of beer. Apart from six in-house brews, Vapour also specialises in a hoard of unique beer cocktails and a range of hand-rolled cigars and cigarettes. A heady mix of rock pub and microbrewery, Vapour also has one of the best rooftops in the city and the affordable rates make it an enjoyable yet value for money experience.
Cost: ₹2,000 for two with alcohol (approx.)
Cuisine: North Indian, Continental, Chinese
Standout dishes: Vapour basmati, sangria, chicken drumsticks, apple pie.
Timings and Location: 12 noon to 12:30 a.m.; 773, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Contact: 08049653329
Know of any other place that deserves a spot on this list? Write in here and let us know and contribute in making the world a beer-tter place!
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