Chennai nightlife has expanded tremendously over the past decade, with a thriving roster of bars catering to the city’s partying souls. From classic five-star hotel lounges serving fine imported spirits to cozy microbreweries, pubs, and clubs pouring artisanal craft beers and cocktails, options.
This roundup surveys best bars in Chennai delivering great drinks, ambiance, entertainment and vibes into the early morning hours.
Best Bars in Chennai
Geoffrey’s Pub – Park Sheraton
A Chennai nightlife veteran since opening in 1987, Geoffrey’s Pub anchors the Park Sheraton in upscale Alwarpet. This landmark drinking den dishes brooding wood and leather British tavern feels with coveted balcony seating overlooking city scenes. Whiskeys take center stage including rare single malts and blended Scotches whilst fourteen taps deliver beers from Kingfisher to imported ales.
DJs spin eclectic sets from reggae to Bollywood keeping energy pulsing for crews gathered over inventive bar bites like chilli pork ribs between happy hours spanning 5PM–8PM. Thanks to spacious two-level digs and a prime locale neighboring hip Nungambakkam bottle shops and clubs, Geoffrey’s represents an easygoing first stop to kick off memorable nights out.
Opium Bar – Le Royal Meridien Chennai
Techno rhythms reverberate across modern textures and vivid lighting setting a decidedly energetic tone at this pocket-sized club within Guindy’s Le Royal Meridien. Youthful crowds flow to Opium by 10PM, drawn equally by flash and affordable drinks deals.
Choose premium spirits like Absolut and Jonnie Walker or affordable Kingfisher pints priced under ₹150 during daily promotions spanning Signature Wednesdays (cocktails under ₹200) to Kickstart Tuesdays with ₹49 Kingfisher. Weekly ladies’ nights also promise free drinks targeting college co-eds. With cosy al fresco seating and personable bartenders blending drinks sans attitude, Opium clicks for easygoing fun minus pretense.
Gatsby 2000 – ITC Grand Chola
Evoking speakeasy refinement, Gatsby 2000 transports hotel guests and outside patrons into 1920s mystery and swagger once settling into plush leather booths or at the glowing bar.Handcrafted cocktails prepared tableside star here, running the gamut from an Old Fashioned to Singapore Slings and Chennai-exclusive specialties like the Grand Chola Martini with vodka and amla.
Gatsby’s also stocks premium small batch spirits like single malt Glenlivet and rare Scotches. Couples appreciate low lighting and smooth jazz sounds setting a date-ready mood while corporate crews convene for relaxed conversations over quality drinks without rowdy crowds found elsewhere.
The Flying Elephant – Park Hyatt
Unwind 39 floors above the city at The Flying Elephant, an award-winning rooftop lounge crowning the Park Hyatt. Sink into sleek loungers against panoramas spanning the snake-like Cooum River and distant Marina sands with signature fruity cocktails like Elephant Apple Mojito or cooling Chennai craft brews. Sunset and late-night views dazzle from the terraced perch, equally stunning rain or shine.
DJs spin loungey beats Thursday through Saturday although the stylish scene stays chill thanks to mellow crowds lingering over artisanal bites like chilli cheese toast and bajra tacos rather than hardcore clubbing frenzy. For next-level special events, book their private space Madras Room touting its own tapped kegs and mixology magic.
The Slug – Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Escape the city grind for laidback resort relaxation at this cheerful resto-bar within the beachside Sheraton Grand Chennai. Colorful decor pops against oceanfront backdrops visible through breezy outdoor seating circled by beachy plants. Friendly vibes draw families and couples but late nights also deliver with rotating DJs and dancing sprinkled with festive themed events.
Pull up signature orange chairs for excellent views matched by creative bar grub like chilli pork tacos and seafood baskets or full plates from pineapple fried rice to cheesy wood fired pizzas. Given the family-oriented audiences, drunkenness stays polite but signature Chennai Sangria pitchers still lubricate fun.
Radio Room – The Residency Towers T Nagar
In the heart of shopping and street food haven T Nagar, Radio Room pioneered Chennai’s microbrewery trend pouring crisp craft beers with gourmet pub fare since 2013 within The Residency Towers hotel. The namesake radio theme nods to the structure’s history as the Russian Cultural Center.
Sip staple The Classic Lager or limited runs like malty Vienna Brew between munching street snacks or North Indian fusion bites like butter chicken tacos. Weekend evenings DJs turn up dance-ready beats across stylish two level environs lined by heritage Indian photography and, most importantly, gleaming towers of beer casks brewing on-site. Techies, families, foodies and all thirsty folks convene here united by the draw of perfect pints.
Best Bars in Chennai ECR
Turf Bar Kitchen – Amethyst
Off ECR Boulevard in the quiet coastal enclave inventively dubbed “Crete of Chennai” within arty boutique cottage resort Amethyst lie low key digs at Turf Bar Kitchen. This cozy pub dotted by wicker chairs on a patio shaded by towering palms pours classic cocktails, draft Sula wines and chilled beers ideal for humid evenings. Loyal regulars swear by their hot butter garlic crab and crispy paprika squid between playing rounds of carrom in the garden.
Occasional acoustic acts provide entertainment while lazy ceiling fans and quirky decor spanning old typewriters, violin cases and equestrian memorabilia evoke casual creativity. Given limited seating and niche locale, Turf rests outside tourist radar as a choice hangout for locals.
Seagull – Ocean Spray
Unwind by the waves at one of the best bars in Chennai within the beachfront. Ocean Spray resort, just minutes after Palm Shore. Sip chilled beers, fruity cocktails or South Indian wines by the family-oriented pool framed by ECR’s pristine sands live with crashing surf soundtrack. Weekend evenings spotlight live performers strumming classics or DJ dance sets although calm reigns on weeknights for postcard perfect sunsets.
Views dazzle but Seagull’s kitchen also deserves applause for fresh seafood like pepper garlic prawns and Mangalorean squid fry pairing fabulously with drinks. Whether escaping city bustle for ECR serenity or capping East Coast temple or Crocodile Bank tours with sunset cocktails, Seagull , Chennai always stays.
Brio – The Raintree, St Mary’s Road
Though encased within the quiet, green St Mary’s Road boutique hotel The Raintree just past Anna Nagar, Brio pub crackles with upbeat energy and thumping EDM beats. Young IT and college groups flock here for affordable Kingfisher and Heineken pitchers around just ₹500 alongside glammed up lively nights floating under sparkling disco balls.
Come weekends, resident DJs drive the dance party into the wee hours while weeknights stay mellow for casual after office happy hour pops. Beyond budget drinks, contemporary Tamil fusion bites also impress – think fiery chicken 65 tacos or crispy baby corn manchurian toast for bar grub with a playful Chennai twist. With prime locale and stylish 24-hour hangout appeal, Brio soars thanks to democratic fun factor drawing loyal regulars back.
Conclusion
The best bars in Chennai offer dynamic nightlife enclaves to unwind, celebrate and connect over quality drinks into the AM hours. Storied hotel lounges like Geoffrey’s Pub and Gatsby 2000 channel quintessential speakeasy vibes for refined revelry while The Flying Elephant and Slug set magical open air stages against city and oceanfront panoramas respectively.
Neighborhood microbrew pioneers like Radio Room then keep craft beer flowing in the heart of Chennai’s prime localities while inventive restaurants and best bars in Chennai like Turf and Seagull deliver lower key coastal atmospheres down ECR.
With so many best bars in Chennai, visitors find top tier ambiance for toasting cocktails citywide.
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