The Chandigarh three
1) The Willow Cafe rooftop, Sector 26 — the closest thing to a Bandra rooftop bar in the state, craft cocktails at $8, small plates around $10. Best sunset seat is the corner facing the Shivaliks. 2) Backpackers Cafe, Sector 9 — cheaper, $5 pints, younger crowd, live music Thursdays. 3) Hops n Grains, Sector 26 — decent microbrewery with actual IPAs, food is average, go for the beer.
Chandigarh is the state's drinking capital because of the planned-city licensing. Nothing in the old cities comes close.
Amritsar and Ludhiana
4) SkyDeck at Hyatt Amritsar — the only proper rooftop in the holy city, $12 cocktails, view over Ranjit Avenue rather than the temple. Dress code enforced. 5) The Great Kabab Factory rooftop, Radisson Blu Ludhiana — kebab-focused menu but the terrace bar is legitimate, $8 for a G&T, and it is genuinely the best spot in Ludhiana.
Skip: any place calling itself a lounge in the old city — most serve nothing but beer at 11pm closing. For a real drinks night, base yourself in Chandigarh Sector 26.
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