5 Indian bars are on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. These regulars tell you why

Deciding what’s the “best bar” is fraught with as much subjectivity as anointing something the “best pizza” or the “funniest joke”. But if you’d take it from the experts, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, the ceremony that took place in Macau last night, has bestowed top honours on five Indian bars this year: Three from Bengaluru—Bar Spirit Forward, Soka, and ZLB23— alongside Delhi’s Lair and Goa’s Boilermaker round out India’s representation.

According to the 50 Best Bars website, the ranking is determined by votes from over 300 industry experts, which naturally leads to the burning question: exactly how many drinks had these experts sampled before declaring bar ‘X’ superior to bar ‘Y’?

But there’s one group of dedicated professionals whose judgment we can trust completely—the good old regulars. As much part of the interiors as the bar stools there, these five tipplers had long ago come to the conclusion that their favourite haunt was the best of the best, worth visiting night after night, week after week, month after month. Here they spill some insider secrets:

The bar: Lair, Delhi

Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking: 8

The regular: Gaurav Jagtiani, founder and designer, Linetribe

What makes Lair so special?

It’s upmarket, it’s polished, but at the same time it maintains a friendly, chill vibe, which is difficult to do in Delhi—usually, the more sophisticated the bar, the colder the vibe. Lair is warm and still polished, which makes it distinct.

Your go-to drink?

My favourite one is not one of the fancier, more complicated cocktails—which are also great —but what they do really well is a Lavender Bellini. 

A Lair staffer who is good to know?

Jayraj. He is friendly and he knows everybody. I’ve been there with multiple groups and he always knows someone or the other in the group I’m in. He will whip up stuff for you, recommend stuff, and really, really make it a fun evening for you.

The bar: Boilermaker, Goa

Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking: 30

The regular: Saanya Rallan, owner, Loka Loka Studio

What’s the vibe like at Boilermaker?

It’s a friendly, neighbourhood bar. Carefree but also detail-oriented. While it’s not a dive bar, it feels like one because of the vibe. One night it was raining terribly and the whole bar crowd was offered a chicken broth soup (on the house), which felt like a warm hug. Stay on till the end; the whole bar ends up singing and dancing. It’s the kind of bar you can visit alone, but you’ll never feel it.

What’s your go-to drink here?

The Siolim Salsa, which is named after the neighbourhood it’s based in. My usual, though, is the Boilermaker Tequila—which features a shot of tequila chased with a locally brewed beer. If you’re a first-timer, try the tequila cocktails that are part of the Boilermaker combos, and the amazing bar nibbles. I also love their dumpling soup.

Special shout-out to…

My girl Deepti at the bar. She has the most adorable smile.

The bar: Soka, Bengaluru

Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking: 28

The regular: Jayendra Rao, musician

What’s special about Soka?

The service is spectacular. It really stands out. The bartenders, the serving staff, they’re all very pleasant, very chill. And they all really know their shit. I remember asking for a hot toddy once because I had a bad throat and they said they didn’t have any drinks that they could serve at that temperature, but would get me something for the bad throat. It was a warm cocktail that hit the spot. Also a special shout out to Ankita, who changed that drink I didn’t like one time and got me an even better one!

Your go-to drink there…

The Black Cadillac (an ode to the 90s club on MG Road). The base is a blend of aged rums, it’s really good.

One thing you can’t miss at Soka?

The vibe and cocktails are great but also try the food — it’s extremely affordable. Normally If you go to a fancy bar where drinks are 900 bucks, you don’t get plates of food priced at 250-300 bucks.

The bar: ZLB23, at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru

Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking: 31

The regular: Arpan Peter, founder, Overture Entertainment

What’s so special about ZLB23?

The entire experience is special—it starts even before you reach the bar. You walk through the gardens of The Leela, then go through the kitchen and a tiny lift—it’s all very exciting for a first-timer. And the bar is stunning: the Sabyasachi interiors, the small touches, like how the menu card comes with its own light. It's all very premium.

What keeps taking you back?

The cocktails, of course. The staff is also really attentive (a special shout-out to Suchi aka Suchismita Roy, who is the manager). It’s the Leela brand of hospitality. Beyond the cocktails and hospitality, their music programming is top-quality. I end up going for a lot of the bar takeovers and music nights. They bring down some really good bands.

What’s your go-to-drink?

The Yuzu Picante. It’s the best Picante in the city, which probably makes it the best Picante in the country. 

The bar: Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru

Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking: 37

The regular: Atul Pinheiro, photographer, social media marketer

What’s the vibe at Bar Spirit Forward?

It’s relaxed and non-pretentious—completely approachable. I like going early on weekdays, at around 5:30 or 6 pm. I’d recommend grabbing a drink with the team, who are not just welcoming but also knowledgeable about what they do. It’s the kind of place where you can go in solo, and the team will take care of you. If you’re going on a weekend, try getting there early in the evening and sticking on (even though that’s slightly tricky with their slot system).

What kind of crowd does the bar usually draw?

It accommodates everybody, but given the price point, it’s a slightly older crowd—I’d say 30 and above. (Pinheiro himself is 26.) Even though it is a premium spot, you can walk in as if it’s your neighbourhood bar.

What’s your go-to drink?

The Boston Tea Party, which I think isn’t on the menu anymore. They also make the best martinis in the city. Honestly, though, you can tell them what you feel like having and they will make one for you. I remember one really wet and gloomy evening when they made me a great Hot Toddy. This one time I was there during Lent, and they made me a lovely zero-proof drink that hit the spot.