An Expert Guide to Delhi’s Best Clubs, Lounge Bars and Places To Dance

Set in the busy Aurobindo Market in South Delhi, Auro’s third-floor walk-up bar might be daunting, especially if you’re in heels, but this terrace venue is worth the stairs. “It has one of the city’s better sound systems, a dedicated dance floor and a space for mingling,” says Gopal. “The venue also sees the occasional dope Berlin DJ come through.” Beloved by Delhiites for its location – Aurobindo Market is an easy place to meet, no matter which part of the city you’re coming from – Auro is almost always crowded, so be prepared to stand and have to struggle to get a drink at the bar. Once you’re here, order a cucumber and elderflower spritzer (white wine and soda with elderflower syrup and cucumber) to keep you hydrated and happy.

Summer House, also in Aurobindo Market, is located right next to Auro, and you’d be forgiven if you confused them. Summer House has two different levels – the downstairs indoor area has dining tables and a dance floor, while the second-floor terrace has tall chairs and wooden tables, where everyone goes to see and be seen. Gopal notes, “This place is always somewhat busy, and has two stages: one that’s hip-hop and one dedicated to deep cuts and easy listening.” He suggests combining boxout acts with Zomato Gold (a restaurant loyalty programme) and the Coven Code (a women’s/non-binary DJ collective) for a low-cost, intense Wednesday night.

This tiny, dimly lit venue is one of the best places in Delhi to listen to live (mostly jazz) music. Gopal recommends it as one of his favourite music venues in the city. “It has a great smoking area, rich timbre live bands, none of which need a DJ console – a fairly intimate setting,” he says. The smoking area at Piano Man is a glass-windowed room above the stage, from where you can see the whole bar. It’s tiny, so tall people will have to bend almost double, but the low seats offer some of the best views in the house. Be warned, this isn’t a typical dance club; the music takes priority and you will be shushed for talking too loudly if the band is playing.

Delhiites love their whiskey, and Whiskey Samba in Gurgaon (a 30-minute drive from South Delhi) draws crowds from around the National Capital Region. Gopal says, “It has a gorgeous interior, a well-stocked, Instagrammable bar and occasionally great local lo-fi.” On certain nights, he tells us, the bar hosts local DJs such as Pia Collada, Lush Lata and Corridors, and they sometimes do mash-up sets. “It tends to go late and the vibe becomes very club-like.” Try the very Indian Tiny Samba Punch, made from marigold-infused Ballantine’s, lime, syrup, camomile tea and marigold flowers.

Located in The Lalit New Delhi in the heart of the capital, Kitty Su is a second home for electronic dance and music lovers. The bar is divided into three parts: A (the A-list area), The Salon (a mini-nightclub) and The Dressing Room (the champagne lounge). The Kitty Su features wall paintings and sculptures inspired from the Kama Sutra, and has intriguing and risqué decor for a bar, creating a clandestine atmosphere. The bar itself is long and well tended, meaning ordering drinks is a quick and pleasant experience. The drinks themselves are expertly made and delicious.

With a chequerboard floor to complement its black-and-white theme, Club BW is cavernous, but still manages to always have a jam-packed dance floor. Gopal says, “Club BW plays Punjabi and pop music, catering to broke tourists and thirsty men. It also has one-plus-one drinks ’til 11pm. And it goes late and is queer-friendly.” The cocktails here are basic, but they do have a long list of vodkas you can choose from, plus certain spirits by the bottle.

Most of Delhi’s actual nightclubs are in hotels, and for good reason, as they’re allowed to stay open later than standalone restaurants. The Electric Room lives inside the very luxurious Lodhi Hotel, and spells out its name in neon cursive on one wall. Well-heeled Delhi loves it, because on Thursdays, members of the members-only British-era Gymkhana Club get to drink here at Gymkhana prices (that is, very cheap). The rest of the crowd has to pay normal prices, though, Gopal says. Even if you can’t find a Gymkhana member to buy you drinks, head to The Electric Room to party ’til 4am.