New Delhi’s music scene is thriving. Independent artists are making waves in the city, and more and more locals are on the hunt for vibrant spots to enjoy some live-music entertainment. To keep up with demand, live music venues in New Delhi have been popping up all over the place for some time now. Jazz sessions, acoustic shows, DJ sets and more keep music lovers singing and dancing inside these groovy joints, and we’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.
1. Manhattan Bar Exchange & Brewery
Manhattan Bar Exchange & Brewery has a large space perfect for move bustin’ and groovin’. From jazz musicians like Stanley to pop bands like Mosiqui, a host of artists playing a range of genres perform here every week. And as if the name wasn’t enough of a giveaway, they also have an impressive selection of ales served in mugs, pitchers and towers.
📍1st Floor Global Foyer Mall Unit 001, Golf Course Road, Sector 43, Gurugram, Haryana
2. Radio Station
Famous for their legendary Sufi night, Radio Station is one of the most popular live music venues in New Delhi. Different nights feature different genres, so you’re sure to find an evening that matches up with your type of music. Bollycom Tuesdays feature live renditions of iconic Bollywood hits, Acoustic Wednesdays bring an intimate live music experience to the venue, and Vibin Sundays offer a little bit of everything.
📍Park, H-6 kailash Colony 2nd floor near, Kailash Colony, New Delhi
3. Summer House Café
Summer House Café is the perfect getaway at any time of year. Lay back on reclined couches inside a colourfully rustic setting that offers a super chilled-out vibe. You can expect an eclectic mix of live music here, with the likes of Reggae & Dancehall artist Delhi Sultanate as well as electronic music duo Madboy Mink having already graced the stage. Even Chris Martin from Coldplay has stopped by for an impromptu jam session, so this place must be doing something right.
📍1st Aurobindo Place Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
4. The Piano Man Jazz Club
With prohibition-era decor and jazzy interiors, The Piano Man Jazz Club boasts a 1920s Great Gatsby kind of vibe. They host lunchtime jam sessions everyday between 1:30pm and 3:30pm, and welcome artists such as Chochung Dema, Aronjoy Das and Anand Thyagarajan to light up the stage with some funky jazz tunes. If you’re hoping to get a bite to eat while you’re there, then you’re in luck. Tacos, nachos, burgers, sandwiches and more tasty grub is on the menu.
📍Commercial Complex B 6/7-22 Opp Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi
5. Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts
With a long history dating back to the ’50s, this spot came to fruition after what was then known as the Indian National Theatre. Today, it’s a performance arts centre that houses a range of live shows, concerts and festivals every month, including the Panna Bharat Ram Theatre Festival. SRCPA is also one of the Candlelight venues in Delhi that each season welcome enchanting tributes to some of the most iconic composers and artists.
📍4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi
6. Auro Kitchen Bar
Auro Kitchen Bar is more than just a good dining spot. Aside from serving up delicious tapas-like dishes, they’ve set the stage for some of the biggest names in techno music, including DJs like Wolf + Lamb, Blot! and DJ MoCity. Saturdays are usually the day to catch a live gig here, but they have a range of events that run throughout the week, including Cool Off Tuesdays and Boxout Wednesdays for when you want to have a boogie.
📍DDA Shopping Complex 201 Sri Aurobindo Marg Aurobindo Palace Market Hauz Khas, Aurobindo Palace Market, New Delhi
7. Raasta Delhi
Raasta Delhi brings a touch of Caribbean culture to New Delhi thanks to their exotic cocktails, authentic Jamaican jerk chicken dishes and laid-back feels. At the weekend, resident DJs spin some house tunes, and there’s an open-air seating area where you can either lounge around or boogie the night away. Local up-and-coming artists also perform here every week, including Kamakshi Khanna and Ankur & The Ghalat Family.
📍Second, A2/A, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Green Park, New Delhi
8. Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy
Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy is another one of those live music venues in New Delhi designed with jazz cats in mind. Expect fun acoustic sets from the likes of Complicated Easy and Sonam Kalra and some improv jazz sessions. In terms of cocktails, some of our favourites are the ‘Hornet’ (rum, vodka, cream, litchi juice and blue curacao) and ‘Cuddles on the Beach’ (tequila, rum, passion fruit and a sweet and sour mix).
📍SCO -23, Sector 15 Part 2, Market, Gurugram, Haryana
9. Hard Rock Cafe
The American multinational chain serves delicious burgers, drinks and the occasional live music event every weekend. From upcoming bands to established crews, their 6000 square feet of space can easily accommodate up to 200 people. Sing along to renditions of Coldplay, Metallica, and even Bollywood for a fun night out.
📍Connaught Place
10. Cray
This beautiful rooftop destination hosts live music events, from Sufi nights to acoustic Bollywood nights making sure there is something for everyone. While enjoying the beautiful view, try their crafty cocktails with a smidge of lime, cinnamon, apricots, and pink grape! A gorgeous destination to celebrate birthdays and such occasions, Cray is hard to miss.
📍Vasant Square Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
11. Mia Bella
A romantic escape strewn with candlelight and a gorgeous view, Mia Bella serves delicious Mediterranean food and even prettier cocktails. Every weekend from 8 pm onwards, Mia Bella hosts live music events perfect to serenade your date nights. We recommend a visit here at sunset for some killer views and stay a while for mesmerising tunes.
📍50 E, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi
12. Nukkad Cafe
Every day from 8:30 pm onwards, Nukkad Cafe holds an acoustic session hoping to imitate the cosy feeling of hanging out with friends and family in a familiar loving space. Find cheeky cocktails inspired by retro Bollywood and a menu featuring a variety of chaats and chakhnas. Fancy a Daru Desi or a Baba Ji Ki Bhooti anyone?
📍C 23-24, Near SDA Market, SDA, New Delhi
13. Banter
Try drinks and dim sums, kebabs and quesadillas and the beautiful tunes wafting through the air at Banter. With live music every Friday, we cannot think of a better way to let the worries of the week melt away and prepare for an exciting weekend.
📍31- B, Pusa Road, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi