Artisanal brews flow freely in Bengaluru – also commonly referred as Bangalore – and have done so for over a decade.
Among the first communities on the subcontinent to embrace brewpub culture, India’s third-largest city is currently home to more than 70 (micro-) breweries and over a thousand watering holes. Its status as the country’s undisputed capital of craft beer is reflected in its unofficial nickname: “The Pub Capital of India”.
The circumstances that have led to Bengaluru being deemed worthy of such a distinguished accolade can be traced back to the 1990s, when the development of the city’s ICT sector was kickstarted.
The unprecedented growth that ensued enabled Bengaluru to establish itself as a core centre in India’s high-tech industry. In turn, the scores of young, foreign-educated techies that gravitated there gradually cultivated the rise of one of the country’s most developed and progressive urban areas.
The Bengaluru Craft Beer Scene – A Brief Intro
Inspired by the craft beer cultures they had come into contact with abroad, some of these talented professionals and entrepreneurs sought to introduce high-quality, small-batch brews to the local market.
In the face of a scala of obstacles, from navigating complex alcohol regulations to educating consumers accustomed to mass-produced lagers, the pioneers of the Bengaluru craft beer scene persisted and eventually persevered.
The grand opening of Toit Brewpub (featured below) in 2010 paved the way for all those that have followed since.
Nowadays, Bengaluru brewpubs come in all shapes, sizes, and concepts. More recent additions are becoming increasingly extravagant, from upscale establishments like Seven Rivers Brewing Co. to Asia’s largest microbrewery in Primegolf Brewing & Golfing.
The city also hosts craft beer festivals, with the likes of The Great Indian Octoberfest attracting brewers and aficionados from across country.
Spoiled For Choice
Furthermore, Bengaluru boasts multiple distinct clusters of microbreweries, making it convenient for residents and visitors to try out different brewpubs located in close proximity to one another.
You will find that quite a few of the venues reviewed in this guide operate in the clusters of Koramangala, Sarjapur Road, and the eastern suburb of Whitefield. We encourage you to go on a spontaneous pub crawl in any or every one of these areas!
Due to the sheer number of noteworthy players on the Bengaluru craft beer scene, we have only just begun to unravel the many streams of liquid treasures that flow through the Karnataka state capital. Nevertheless, we are confident the venues featured below will highlight the vitality and versatility of the Bengaluru beer culture.
And now, without further ado, let’s get down to business!
Bengaluru Craft Beer Directory
Click on any venue listed below for more information, or scroll through the rest of this page to review Beer Asia’s directory of craft beer venues in Bengaluru (in no particular order):
Craft Beer Venues in Bengaluru
Geist Brewing Co.
One of the first microbreweries on the scene, Geist Brewing Co. was a household name in Bengaluru long before the inauguration of its brewpub and beer garden on Old Madras Road in 2020.
What all started with a series of successful test batches in a basement resulted in the launch of India’s first bottled Wheat Beer in 2008. This revolutionary brew was manufactured and imported through a reverse outsourcing partnership with a brewery in Belgium. Moreover, it was a huge hit; especially on home turf.
Since then, Geist Brewing Co. has blessed its well-wishers with a staggering total of 40 brews. While the vast majority of these are limited releases, the brewery’s full range of 6 signature beers are poured at all three of its taprooms in Bengaluru.
Among them you will discover a current fan-favourite in the Geist Kamacitra – a medium-bodied, American-style IPA whose bitterness is beautifully balanced by a tropical infusion of mango and citrus.
The Geist range is also on offer at a growing list of bars and stores outside of Bengaluru now that the brewery’s reach has extended to Hyderabad and Pondicherry. With any luck, it won’t be long until the rest of India and communities further afield will be granted the same privilege.
OMR (Old Madras Road)
- Address
No. 23/3, 21st KM Stone, Old Madras Road, Hobli, Nimbekaipura, Bidarahalli, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 88677 07102
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
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- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
Monday – Thursday: 12PM – 10:30PM
Friday – Sunday: 12PM – 11PM
Rajajinagar
- Address
UG – 09 C, Upper Ground Floor, Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway 26 / 1 Dr Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram, West, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 88677 07102
- Operating hours
12PM – 11PM daily
Hennur
- Address
04 & 05, UG – Upper Ground Floor, Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru, Kannuru, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 88677 07102
- Operating hours
12PM – 12AM daily
Byg Brewski Brewing Company
Named in honour of the Nordic deity Byggvir who presided over the brewing of beer and mead with his wife Beyla, Byg Brewski Brewing Company stands out for its grandeur and scale.
The brewery operates three massive brewpubs strategically situated in different corners of the city. The original venue on Sarjapur Road offers sprawling outdoor seating and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views; the Hennur outlet’s most prominent feature is “The Colosseum” – a 12-metre high screen foreseen of nine large steps capable of accommodating up to 30 diners across their respective lengths. Koi ponds are a recurring theme.
All three brewpubs are equipped with 16 taps that pour the Byg Brewski signature range and more. A wide variety of local and international dishes, desserts, and cocktails are served too.
Sarjapur
- Address
10/62/2A/2 & 3, Sarjapur Main Rd, behind MK Retail, near WIpro Corporate Office, Kaikondrahalli, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
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- Check-in on Untappd
- Call +91 80471 66256
- Operating hours
12PM – 1AM daily
Hennur
- Address
SOUTHERN ASIA BIBLE COLLEGE, 22, Hennur Bagalur Main Rd, Visthar, Byrathi, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80471 66256
- Operating hours
12PM – 1AM daily
Yeshwanthpur
- Address
9, 36, 4th Floor, Vaishnavi Sapphire Centre, Tumkur Rd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Phase 1, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80471 66256
- Operating hours
12PM – 1AM daily
The Bier Library Brewery & Kitchen
Here at Beer Asia, we pride ourselves on being bibliophiles and the prospect of slouching into an easy chair with a good book in one hand and a fresh, frothy beer in the other is certainly more appealing than most other pastimes. If you are cast in the same mould, you will definitely appreciate the Bier Library’s brewpub in Bengaluru’s happening southern district of Koramangala.
Built around a koi pond, the three-storey venue is open and breezy. There is also a cosy reading corner waiting to accommodate anyone with a desire for temporary seclusion.
Whilst you let yourself be absorbed by an enthralling tale of your own choice, The Bier Library’s range of seven homebrews is at your disposal should you be looking for some silent companionship.
When your concentration starts to fade or your vision becomes blurry, whichever occurs first, you can put that book aside for a while and order yourself a scrumptious meal. Now, doesn’t that sound like a rewarding pursuit?
Koramangala
- Address
14, Patel Narayana Reddy Layout, 80 Feet Rd, 6th Block, Ejipura, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 91081 80000
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
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- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
12PM – 1AM daily
Sarjapur Road
- Address
138/52, Sarjapur Main Rd, Rainbow Drive, Doddakannelli, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 90366 90900
- Operating hours
12PM – 1AM daily
Toit Brewpub
As previously mentioned, Toit has been around since 2010 and is considered somewhat of an institution by beer lovers in Bengaluru and beyond.
Founded on a resolve to create excellent beers, fabulous food, and an inclusive brewpub experience, the brewery has gained the reputation of doing just that.
Toit’s usual line-up includes the likes of its Basmati Blonde, Nitro Stout, and Red Ale, among a handful of others. The easygoing vibes that permeate the original brewpub in Bengaluru have been channelled north across the state border with Maharashtra, to taprooms in Mumbai and Pune. Toit’s brews are also available at various partner bars and bottle stores in Karnataka.
Increased demand necessitated an upgraded facility in Karnataka and a brewery has now been set up in Maharashtra as well. Moreover, ambitions to branch out to cider materialised with the establishment of a cidery in Himachal Pradesh.
Impressively, Toit’s scope of activities has not been limited to its brewing endeavours. The brewery partners with a variety of NGOs and charitable organisations involved in a diverse scope of initiatives, including education and outreach programmes as well as animal rescue schemes.
The folks at Toit like to think that they possess the fifth essential brewing ingredient: Heart. We are inclined to agree.
- Address
Indiranagar, 100 Feet Rd, Near Drops Total Spirites, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 90197 13388
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
8:30AM – 1AM daily
Long Boat Brewing Co.
Inspired by the legendary seafaring expeditions of the Vikings and their equally reputable capacity at throwing massive feasts, Long Boat Brewing Co. is a gregarious new kid on the block that cannonballed into the deep end of the Bengaluru craft beer scene and entered with a splash.
Devoid of a Viking-themed decor, it is an indoor waterfall that takes centre-stage at Long Boat’s brewpub in Bengaluru’s bustling business district of Marathahalli. The rest of the breezy three-storey venue’s interior has been tastefully done up too.
For instance, there is a sand-covered section that has been designed to replicate the sensations of a romantic dinner on the beach. However, being a novelty and all, the place tends to get busy in the evenings so it is advisable to reserve a table in advance if you’re hoping to get some grub in.
As far as beers are concerned, Long Boat has quickly gained a reputation for providing traditional styles with a tropical twist. Apart from a Watermelon Wheat and Lemongrass Kolsch, there are Guava and Pineapple Saisons, and a Mango NEIPA on offer too, just to name a few.
Limited editions released so far include a Pumpkin Spiced Ale brewed specially for Halloween and an Oatmeal Rose Ale concocted in celebration of the brewery’s first anniversary.
- Address
1st Main, MSR Layout, Chandra Layout, Marathahalli, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80473 60054
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
12PM – 12:30AM daily
Red Rhino
A family-oriented brewpub with rooftop seating in Whitefield, Red Rhino serves a modest range of homebrews in combination with a small selection of Continental as well as Mexican dishes.
In a bid to guarantee optimum freshness, the brewery’s output is limited to small batches. At any given time, the four Red Rhino regulars – its Bangalore Daze IPA, GPB Blonde Lager, Black Pearl Stout, and Soul Surfer Hefeweizen – and one seasonal beer are available on tap.
A number of unique cocktails, made with local ingredients, are served too.
- Address
4th Floor Uptown Square, Whitefield – Hoskote Rd, Seegehalli, Whitefield, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80456 81242
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
Sunday – Thursday: 12PM – 12AM
Friday – Saturday: 12PM – 1AM
Arbor Brewing Company
Originally founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1995, Arbor Brewing Company (ABC) launched its first overseas brewpub in Bengaluru in 2012.
The driving force behind this venture was Gaurav Sikka, a University of Michigan alumnus and ABC regular. Having graduated and returned to Bengaluru, Mr. Sikka contacted his old home away from home with ideas of unleashing the ABC concept on the Indian craft beer market. The rest, as they say, is history.
As part of the agreement, all venues opened under the ABC brand are subjected to the same standards for quality, work environment, sustainable business practices, local sourcing, and community involvement. The beers on tap at the Bengaluru brewpub are prepared in accordance with the same recipes used in downtown Ann Arbor; the look and feel of both locations are almost identical too.
Renowned for its American-style IPAs, ABC’s flagship Sacred Cow IPA – renamed Raging Elephant for the Indian market – and 7 other homebrews are available on tap in Bengaluru.
This includes a trio of new arrivals: Idaho 7 Lager, Mango Maibock, and Watermelon Dandy. So, who’s in the mood for a sampling session?!
- Address
Allied Grand Plaza, 3rd, 8, Magrath Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80501 44477
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
12PM – 12.30AM daily
The Biere Club
Next up, yet another pioneer. The Biere Club was the very first microbrewery to open its doors to the Bengaluru public back in 2010. Since then, it has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of creativity, resulting in unique and flavoursome brews.
Located in the heart of the city, The Biere Club’s brewpub usually offers 5 or 6 beers on tap. This rotating selection may include beers brewed with strawberry and vanilla, lemon and chilli, and bay leaf – just to name a few.
You may even be tempted to try a brew made from raagi, a locally grown millet. For the less adventurous among us, the popular Belgian Wit and American Pale Ale may sound more appealing.
The Biere Club also operates a second microbrewery in Whitefield called Biere Street.
- Address
20/2, Vittal Mallya Rd, D’ Souza Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 99867 69776
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Monday – Thursday: 12PM – 12AM
Friday: 12PM – 1AM
Saturday: 9.30AM – 1AM
Sunday: 9.30AM – 12AM
Windmills Craftworks
Fondly referred to as the Rolls-Royce of the Bengaluru microbreweries, the Windmills Craftworks brewpub doubles as a jazz theatre frequented by domestic and international artists.
What’s more, a fine dining establishment specialised in traditional Karnataka cuisine and a terrace serving northern Indian fare have been thrown into the mix. Oh, and there’s a library too! The vibe has been fittingly described as “boutique-like”.
Windmill’s in-house brews – from its signature Hefeweizen and Golden Ale to a rotating selection of seasonal beers – are all brewed with meticulous attention to detail. Just be aware that you will find the price that comes with the pursuit of perfection included in your bill at the end of the night.
- Address
6th Floor, Craftworks, 331, 5B Rd, Shivaji Nagar, EPIP Zone, Whitefield, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80452 17761
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
Monday – Friday: 12PM – 12AM
Saturday – Sunday: 8AM – 11AM & 12PM – 12AM
Mannheim Craft Brewery
Specialised in coffee as well as craft beer, Mannheim’s brewing arm has gained praise and admiration for its award-winning creations. These include a Helles, Hefeweizen, NEIPA, a Stout, and a Weizenbock. Two were awarded the Asia Beer Championship: Chairman Selection in consecutive years – the Stout taking home the accolade in 2021, the NEIPA in 2022.
Others brews currently on tap at Mannheim’s Ecoworld and Whitefield outlets are the American Amber Ale, Cold-brew Coffee Stout, Honey Mead and a Ginger Cinnamon Mead. A wide range of food dishes and other alcoholic beverages are available too.
Ecoworld
- Address
The Bay wing, 8A, RMZ Ecoworld Rd, Bellandur, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 96633 95482
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 11:30PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:30AM – 1AM
Whitefield
- Address
40H, Whitefield Road, Doddanakundi Industrial Area 2, Phase II, Hoodi, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 63649 23437
- Operating hours
Monday – Tuesday: 12PM – 12AM
Wednesday – Sunday: 12PM – 1AM
Alchemy
Located on the rooftop terrace of The Chancery Pavilion Hotel in central Bengaluru, Alchemy doubles as a brewery and restaurant. The in-house range consists of the India Red Ale, an Irish Dry Stout, a German Pilsner, a Belgian Witbier, and the XPA (Australian Pale Ale). Picture yourself sipping on any of these with a magnificent view the city sprawling around you – better yet, drop in and make it happen!
- Address
The Chancery Pavilion, Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 80414 14000
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
11:30AM – 12:30AM daily
Gold Rush Brews
Another brewpub that has made an effort to keep the entire family entertained. Gold Rush’s tavern as well as its spacious outdoor section and garden are dotted with Wild West-themed gear, making it a “stomping ground for urban cowboys” both young and old.
Gold Rush has reserved half a dozen in-house draught beers for the adults, including a Belgian Triple, a Red Ale, and the Cipher IPA, which has a reddish hue.
Rest assured, there is an extensive and eclectic range of dishes to choose from too. So how about you giddy-up and get yourself down there, partner?!
- Address
53, 1/2/3, Old Madras Rd, Bhattarahalli, TC Palya, Krishnarajapuram, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 98459 20832
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
11:30AM – 12:30AM daily
Boche & ShakesBierre
Last but not least, a final addition to our literary sub-theme. ShakesBierre is a microbrewery and brewpub, Boche is a club; combined they strive to offer their patrons the complete night out.
Gastronomic treats from all over the world, live music performances in an artistic setting, rooftop seating, and a steady flow of beer – Boche & ShakesBierre has it all.
ShakesBierre’s brews are inspired by the sophistication of the Shakespearean era and the timeless masterpieces the man himself created. The brewpub pours 6 freshly brewed beers from its taps, including the Ale Othello! IPA, Brisky Brutus American Stout, and the Taming of the Brew Blueberry Vanilla Cream Ale.
To go or not to go? It is an impertinent question…
- Address
Level 5, Eva Mall, Brigade Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +91 96149 59959
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
Sunday – Thursday: 12PM – 12AM
Friday – Saturday: 12PM – 1AM
