Shillong may be nestled in the hills, but its nightlife is buzzing all through the year. There are plenty of pubs in and around Shillong where tourists and locals can hang out and party. The pubs and nightclubs in Shillong serve predominantly local or Asian cuisine, and the alcohol brands may be different from what you’re used to seeing in the rest of the country.
As for fun levels, though, you may find that Shillong can give any city a run for its money. Here are our picks for enjoying the nightlife in Shillong.
Quick Facts about Nightlife in Shillong
- Best Time to visit: Places in Shillong shut early (usually before midnight), so be sure to head out around 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm or your night may be too short.
- Choice of music: Most pubs in the city play English dance and rock music, both genres are very popular with the local crowd in Shillong.
Best Party Spots in Shillong
1. Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is an iconic nightclub in Shillong and has been open for business for over a decade. The club is famous for its ambience and pan-Asian food. Cloud 9 is well known for hosting special theme nights and performances.
DJs and musicians from all over India are flown into Cloud 9 to perform regularly here. Getting here is easy, as it’s in the Police Bazaar.
- Address: Centre Point, Police Bazaar
- Timings: 08:00 pm to 11:30 pm
2. The Cocktail Bar
The Cocktail Bar offers a variety of alcohol, from beer to whiskeys and rums. For those who feel adventurous, there are also plenty of cocktails to choose from at reasonable prices. The Cocktail Bar also offers a great selection of local, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.
The bar is ideal for those who want to spend a relaxed evening after shopping or sightseeing. Take note of the timings, though, as this place closes really early.
- Address: Thana Quinton Road
- Timings: 04:00 pm to 9:00 pm
3. Polo Irish Pub
The Polo Irish House is one of the best places to spend an evening in Shillong. The pub is ideal for those who like to let down their hair and party the evening away.
Polo Irish Pub serves us some really delicious bar snacks and has a variety of both international as well as domestic spirits. This place gets pretty crowded on the weekends, so a reservation may be necessary.
- Address: Polo Grounds Shillong
- Timings: 08:00 pm to 11:30 pm
4. Platinum
A perfect example of Shillong’s buzzing nightlife, Platinum comes to life every evening when locals come here to party. The nightclub is known to play foot-tapping music that’s very popular with the crowd. The modern décor and neon lights inside the club add to the party-like atmosphere.
On the menu here are a fine assortment of bar snacks and a variety of beers, whiskey, rums, and vodkas. The club hosts a ladies’ night regularly.
- Address: Polo Grounds, New Colony.
- Timings: 04:00 pm to 9:00 pm
5. Deja Vu
With its buzzing vibe and cool interiors, Déjà Vu is a happening nightclub that’s popular with the local in Shillong. The club is a great place to be at on a Friday night or the weekend. The food served here is typically Cantonese, although they do serve a variety of other cuisines. Local musicians come to Déjà Vu to perform from time to time.
- Address: Laitumkhrah
- Timings: 07:30 pm to 11:00 pm
6. Tango
Part bar, part discotheque, Tango is the place for groups that can’t decide between the two. The nightclub/pub is well-known for hosting some of the best live events and parties in Shillong. The food served here is a variety of Chinese, Indian, and continental.
Tango has an impressive and reasonably priced bar menu as well. For certain music events, club Tango is open to only a few selected members.
- Address: OB Shopping Mall, Jail Road,
- Timings: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm
7. Piccadilly
Designed to look like a typical English bar, Piccadilly brings out the soul of Shillong’s nightlife. This pub/bar is ideal for those looking to enjoy a night out with friends. The advantage of being here is that one section caters to people who want to have a quiet night out while the other caters to people interested in dancing the night away.
- Address: Polo Towers, Polo Grounds
- Timings: Up to 11 pm
8. Mikado Lounge
The Mikado Lounge is a restaurant and lounge. From Monday to Thursday, the lounge offers its guests a fine dining experience with a variety of cuisines. Come the weekend, and Mikado turns into a party hotspot. DJs from across the Northeast come here to perform their best hits.
- Address: Pine Borough, Police Bazaar
- Timings: Up to midnight
9. Klong Lounge Bar
The Klong Lounge Bar is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing and shopping. The bar offers a relaxed ambiance and has a great selection of foreign and domestic spirits. On the menu at Klong, you’ll find a variety of cuisines from around the world.
- Address: Laitumkhrah Main Road
- Timings: Up to 10:30 pm
10. Cafe Shillong
Café Shillong is a nice, relaxed, and cozy space located in the heart of the city centre. The Café serves bar snacks like momos and dumplings as well as Chinese food. On certain days, live performances are held at the café. Café Shillong is best suited to those who love the quiet.
- Address: L P Building, Main Road
- Timings: Up to 09:30 pm
People in Shillong are passionate about their music. This is clearly visible in the nightlife scene in Shillong. Every evening, one can see young bands and DJs covering the tunes of some of the biggest artists in the world.
Shillong is also very passionate about football. If there’s an interesting game in progress, many of the above-mentioned clubs and pubs will screen them. Surprised by how alive Shillong is at night? Are there any spots we missed out on? Let us know in the comments.
