Broadway
Part of the old Broadway hotel on Ganesh Chandra Avenue, the high ceilings, old-world hanging fans, and wooden chairs makes it the most atmospheric bar on the list. We love the fried fish they serve with alcohol. And the Art Deco touches and French windows are a delight. It was set up in 1937 by a certain Iqbal Singh who arrived in India from (present-day) Pakistan. Keep a watch on their Insta page for live music gigs.
Address 27A, Ganesh Chandra Ave, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013
New Empire
This place is above the erstwhile single screen New Empire cinema which was built in 1927. They serve an array of drinks and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.
Address 1&2, Humayun Pl, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087
Olypub
The legendary "Olly" on Park Street is has served people like Satyajit Ray and Bengali actor Uttam Kumar. Known for the beef steak and cheap booze, you will have to wait to get in on weekends. Sometimes people share a table too.
Address 21, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Chhota Bristol (Shaw Brothers)
This 150-year-old Kolkata institiution was known as The Shaw Brother&rsquos (Wine) Private Limited or The Shaw's Bar at one time. But most people call it the &ldquoChhota Bristol&rdquo, linking it to the erstwhile Bristol hotel that was in the same building. Conveniently located at the corner of Dharmatala Street and Chowringhee, they serve alcohol at reasonable (think dive bar) rates. This also means that they draw a regular crowd who come here after a hard day of work. Get here by 5 pm to bag a table. You will not be served food here. Also, it is a men-only place. Read more about the pub here.
Address 1A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700013.