Pune's bar and cafe scene has exploded in the last decade, driven by its large student population and booming IT sector. Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar are the main nightlife strips, but good spots are scattered across the city.
Thousand Oaks is a Pune institution -- part cafe, part bar, with outdoor seating, good kebabs, and live music on weekends. The oak-lined interior gives it a distinctly un-Indian feel. It is one of those places where you will run into half the city on a Saturday night.
The Irish Village in Koregaon Park does a creditable job of recreating a pub atmosphere, with draught beer and a busy outdoor area. It gets packed on weekends but is pleasantly relaxed on weekday evenings.
Pagdandi Books Chai Cafe in Baner is more cafe than bar -- a bookshop-cafe hybrid with excellent chai, filter coffee, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for reading or working. No alcohol, but worth visiting for the vibe alone.
Effingut Brewerkz is one of Pune's best craft breweries, with rotating taps and a knowledgeable staff. The Koregaon Park location has a rooftop terrace. If you are interested in India's growing craft beer scene, this is where to try it.
Elephant & Co. on FC Road serves cocktails in a quirky, eclectic setting. It is popular with the college crowd and gets loud later in the evening, but the drinks are well made and reasonably priced.
Most bars in Pune close by midnight or 1 AM. Expect to pay between 200 and 500 rupees for a cocktail, less for beer. Many places enforce a cover charge on weekends.