Chandigarh has a reputation for taking its drinking seriously, helped by a young population (it has Asia's highest density of universities per square kilometre) and proximity to dry-state Gujarat tourists who turn up for the weekend. Most of the action concentrates in Sectors 7, 9, 26 and 35.
Backyard in Sector 9 is a long-running, slightly ramshackle bar-restaurant with a leafy garden, popular for evening drinks. Hops 'n Grains in Sector 9 brews its own beers — uncommon in India — and serves them alongside a long pizza menu. The Willow Cafe in Sector 10 is a relaxed daytime cafe near the Government Museum. For after-midnight nightlife, Score Sports Bar & Lounge and the lounges in the Sector 26 hotels are the standard options.