Bibliophile Alert: Did You Know About These Stunning Library Bars In Jaipur?

Along with the opulence of its palaces, grandeur of its forts, and richness of its culture and heritage, Jaipur is home to some of the most beautiful and historical library bars. Brace yourself for a relaxed evening, indulging in your most favorite text and sipping a well-crafted drink at one of these library bars in the Pink City.

Writers Bar, Raffles Jaipur

A staple across all Raffles properties around the world is the Writers Bar. It is a spot that has been frequented by many celebrated writers like Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad to name a few. Now, this place has thrown its doors open to Pink City dwellers. Coupled with some spicy tipples are interesting and rare reads that will make for a perfect relaxed evening.

The stunning double-height, powder blue room is lined with books from floor to ceiling. Regal high chairs with glass chandeliers cascading from the high ceilings make you feel like you have just entered a palace's reading room. Wine cellars are concealed behind stacks of books and can be accessed via a cinematic winding staircase.

Linger over an interesting read as you sip their spicy Mumbai Mule or Jaipur Sling, a tableside twist on Raffles’ Singapore Sling. Arête is another favourite; this is a limited edition cocktail with notes of cacao, wine reduction, kirsch, and clove. A tandoori chicken or Ossetra Caviar on the side makes for the perfect pair.

Address: Khasara No 2060-2061/2267, Kukas Amer, Jaipur 302028

The Library, Clarks Amer

At Jaipur’s Clarks Amer is The Library, a cosy and comfortable spot to enjoy the city’s best filter coffee with crispy dosas. An artist playing a folk instrument called the ravanahatha will usher you into this quaint spot where you will find tables laid with banana leaves. Picking up a good read while sipping their delicious coffee is as good an idea as challenging your friends for a game of chess at the restaurant.

A signature drink at the non-alcoholic restaurant is their filter hot kappi and neer mor (buttermilk). You must try the dosa platter with four varieties of unique dosas like rawa dosai, charcoal dosa, chocolate dosa, and ragi dosa. This platter is served with a roster of chutneys like the tiranga chutney, coriander chutney, orange chutney, tomato chutney, and Udupi chutney.

Apart from these, their vendakkai mor kulambu (okra simmered in a rich yogurt curry) and seeraga milagu sadam (pepper and cumin flavoured rice) are must-eats.

Address: Clarks Amer, Malaviya Nagar, JLN Marg

Price for two: INR 1,800

1835, Sawai Man Mahal

Situated next door to the iconic Rambagh Palace is 1835 at the Sawai Man Mahal. The interiors are warm and inviting, housing vintage artefacts and memorabilia such as trophies, antique watches, helmets, and polo cups, that weave the royal lifestyle into one place. The bar also has a helmet that once belonged to Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. You will find an exquisite selection of books from the royal archives stacked against modern picks. In fact, some of them are from Rajmata Gayatri Devi’s collection.

When you enter, it feels like you have been transported to a fine English pub where you will brush shoulders with sharply dressed aristocrats who are reading a book while sipping their scotch.

The menu is inspired by the first Indian ambassador to Spain, Sawai Man Singh II, who went on a diplomatic trip to Spain in 1965. The Aqua de Valencia (sparkling wine, gin, vodka with fresh orange juice) is a signature drink from 1835 that you should not miss. Tequila Verde, made with Campari, green chilli, and lime, or the Verdosa, made with whiskey, ginger, and bitters are some other cocktails to pick from their menu. The Kafir Martini (vodka, kafir lime, sweet lime and tonic water) is worth giving a shot too.

Some bar bites and finger foods that you could try are crispy patatas bravas and jamon croquettes. You can also order from the Spanish restaurant La Mesa which shares a wall with the bar.

Address: Bhawani Singh Road, Rambagh, Jaipur

Price for two: INR 4,500

Rajwada Library Bar, The Oberoi Rajvilas

Set within the regal allure of The Oberoi Rajvilas is the Rajwada Library Bar. The royal atmosphere of the bar qualifies it as a perfect spot for an aperitif or an after-dinner beverage. You can also choose to brood over one of their leather-bound books under the noble gaze of the Maharajas, captured in lithographs on the bar’s walls. Many books are scored from the collection of the chairman of the Oberoi group, Mr PRS Oberoi. 

When you're here, sip on fine wines, classic cocktails or single malts from the establishment's elaborate cocktail and bar menu. Their drinks are a tribute to "the Pink City's" charm and history. The gin-based Pink City is topped with rose syrup and sprinkled with rose petals as a tribute to the magnificent colour of the streets of Jaipur. Royal Mash (whisky, egg white, marmalade and honey) is a tribute to the great Indian bustard, the state bird of Rajasthan. 

You can also choose to pair these drinks with some finger foods and bar starters like canapes and samosas. 

Address: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Goner Road, Jaipur 302031

Price for two: INR 5,000