In a city known for its breweries and buzzy nightlife, Tommy’s brings back the magic of the no-frills neighbourhood bar — where the drinks are strong, the food hits the spot, and the vibe is unmistakably Bangalore.
Located on Old Airport Road, Tommy’s is a 120-seater everyday bar that sits on a site that’s been home to a watering hole since 1966. What began as the legendary HAL Bar, and later became Krupa’s and Sai Krupa, has now been reimagined as Tommy’s, a space that pays homage to its storied past while donning a new playful identity.
“Bangalore has always had a culture of everyday drinking, not in excess, but in ease,” says Sujay Venkatesh, Founder of Tommy’s. “With Tommy’s, we wanted to bring back that spirit of no pretence, just solid food, great drinks, and a place that remembers your regular.”
Inside, Tommy’s is brimming with quirky character: cat memorabilia lounges across the space, in portraits, on the bar, and even greets guests at the entrance. The décor leans heavily into nostalgia, with cassette-tiled walls, sticker-covered windows, old-school music posters, and a handcrafted Rock-Ola jukebox, one of only four in the country, that proudly takes song requests.
Behind the bar, expect a wide-ranging menu of easy-drinking cocktails, classic pours, and special-occasion spirits. Signatures include the Batanga, the perfectly balanced Tommy’s Margarita, the Suffering Bastard, and the nostalgic Strawberry Daiquiri. Beer lovers will find a rotating selection of draughts, while those looking to splurge can toast with Dom Perignon or explore rare Japanese whiskies.
The menu rolls out bar classics and Indian favourites designed to hit the spot every time. The kitchen pays tribute to old-school bar bites and local favourites, serving everything from egg bhurji and bheja and gurda masala to mutton seekh, biryanis, peppery masala papad, homestyle curries, chilli cheese naan bites. There’s even a popcorn machine on the counter, an homage to the city’s beloved single-screen theatres.
Tommy’s is a different animal from this bar’s previous avatars. It has swapped its grungy look for a slicker, cooler feel. It’s inviting, yet still intriguing enough to keep you coming back, maybe to play a song on the jukebox, grab popcorn with your beer, or sip a brain-freeze slushy spiked with spirits on a hot afternoon.
But like any great neighbourhood bar, the drinks and dining options are solid, hit-the-spot, and won’t overdraw your account. And it feels like the kind of place that will remember your regular order if you come often enough.
Whether you’re in for a quick post-work drink, a long gossip session with friends, or just a place that lets you play your favourite song, Tommy’s offers a fresh yet familiar experience for a new generation of Bangaloreans.
