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After a spell of gloom, the nightlife scene has been looking up, largely due to the city’s deathless love for music, theater, and food. Venues in Park Street, Ballygunge, and even the satellite city of Salt Lake host local bands with a loyal following. They perform until midnight, which is late by the city’s (and most of India’s) standards.
During Durga Puja, the city remains up all night. Lounges, sheesha (hookah) bars, and discos all draw well-heeled young entrepreneurs, fashion designers, models, and professionals. Cabs run late into the night and are usually considered safe. Be cautious while traveling on your own, however, especially late at night.
Kolkata's favorite pub is compact and always packed—it hosts nine hours of live music every day. Besides talented and popular local bands playing rock, blues, alternative, and jazz, the venue hosts top international acts frequently. It's a great place to bond with musicians and music lovers—the city is teeming with both.
Local professionals congregate in this pub, which has skilled bartenders. Coming from the speakers is a mix of rock, pop, and Bollywood music. Midweek theme nights and special offers on sangria pitchers help pack 'em in.
The Astor Hotel may have fallen out of favor with travelers due to the glitzier and younger competition, but its lounge remains a top draw with party animals. The spacious interior—a rarity in city nightspots—draws a suitably well-heeled crowd that also comes for the food. The spicy glazed prawns, the clay-oven barbecued chicken, and the Caribbean chicken skewers all come recommended. The drinks are less amazing.
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