PCO: Secret Passcode Speakeasy Leading Top Bars In Delhi

12 hours ago

3 min read

Written By Laiba Arif

Content

Varq is a high-end restaurant, taking age-old regional recipes and serving them with the care, elegance, and lightness of modern fine dining. Named after the thin, edible silver foil (varq) traditionally used to decorate royal Indian dishes, the kitchen stays true to authentic flavors without relying on heavy creams or thick, oily gravies. Instead, the focus is on slow cooking, light reductions, and clever presentation. Multi-course tasting menus, tea pairings, and slow-braised clay pot dishes lead the experience, supported by fresh coastal seafood, delicate starters, and inventive desserts. Among the best restaurants in Mansingh Road, Varq stands out as an art-filled, peaceful space that values culinary heritage over flashy trends. — PCO

PCO

PCO (Pass Code Only) is a landmark cocktail bar, pioneering craft mixology and bringing Prohibition-era speakeasy culture to Indian nightlife. Named after the classic Public Call Office telephone booths and playing on its core entry mechanic, the bar crafts imaginative, spirit-forward drinks without relying on commercial syrups or basic mixers. Instead, the focus is on in-house bitters, directional ice programs, and tailored flavor profiles. Multi-concept thematic menus, bespoke mood-based cocktails, and classic pre-Prohibition drinks lead the experience, supported by global small plates, artisanal finger foods, and rich desserts. Among the top bars in Vasant Vihar, PCO stands out as an exclusive, subterranean hideaway that values mixology mastery over fleeting party trends.

PCO Vasant Vihar

PCO sits in the D-Block Market of Vasant Vihar. It operates at the top tier of craft cocktail bars in South Delhi, offering an intimate, moody setting designed for late-night conversations, date nights, and spirit enthusiasts.

PCO Review

AMBIENCE

The restaurant feels as much like an art gallery as a dining room. The space is anchored by original oil paintings and a large wall mural painted specifically for the room by artist Anjolie Ela Menon, along with hand-carved wooden details. Large floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the hotel’s green gardens, bringing in pleasant natural light. Tables are spaced far apart for privacy, set with dark wood, comfortable seating, and rich red glassware that adds a warm pop of color. Soft overhead lights illuminate each table so the food and surrounding artwork remain the main focus. — PCO - Ambience

The bar feels as much like a secret 1920s American speakeasy as a cocktail lounge. The entrance is disguised behind a dark door equipped with a vintage rotary phone. Guests must enter a weekly-rotating passcode to gain access. The basement space is anchored by low-lit exposed brick, dark timber framing, and a sleek mahogany bar counter. On the upper level, amber lighting illuminates plush leather banquettes and a dedicated cigar lounge. Soft, warm spotlighting casts over each table so the bespoke drinks and retro detailing remain the focal point.

PCO Food

FOOD

The kitchen program is well-grounded to complement the bar. Mushroom & Cheese Croquettes and Truffle Chips balance rich textures with sharp seasonings, while Crunchy Chicken Strips offer a fiery, crunchy contrast. Larger offerings like Chimichuri Prawns deliver comfort, alongside delicate desserts like Tiramisu.

PCO Menu

The food and drink menu alludes to global pub classics and bespoke cocktail history. Drinks like the A Sticky Mess demonstrate exact ice and spirit discipline. Small plates, sharing platters, and flatbreads are arranged for an effortless night out. The light bites are precisely proportioned to pair seamlessly with spirit-forward cocktails without overwhelming the palate. The narration in the menu descriptions (highlighting seasonal infusions, bespoke ice block shapes, and secret flavor profiles) is a nice addition to the experience, a unique one among the bars in Delhi.

PCO Menu

PCO Drinks

The main menu alludes to regional heritage from Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala, and Old Delhi. The Martaban ka Meat variant features tender lamb slow-cooked, releasing trapped aromatics at the table. Murgh Sirka Pyaz offers a refined take on North Indian gravies infused with pickled onions. These choices are regionally specific as opposed to generic hotel curries. Sharing plates and tasting menus, which contain selected street-food reinterpretations, kebabs, and gravies, are arranged for a complete sensory dining experience. The servings are precisely proportioned and served with minimal clutter, boasting a fine haute-cuisine look. The narration in the menu descriptions (highlighting royal heritage, rare spices, and regional origins) is a nice addition to the experience, a unique one among the restaurants in Delhi. — PCO Menu

The PCO beverage program combines classic pre-Prohibition standards with progressive mixology: drinks are enjoyed as an art form alongside global finger foods and small plates. The signature cocktail lineup is deeply rooted in innovation. Ignorance is Bliss allows guests to choose a spirit and flavor profile for a custom blend, while seasonal concept menus like Bad Reputation translate fabric textures into complex flavor notes.

PCO Drinks Menu

Vasant Vihar Bars

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

The kitchen and bar balance bold, spirit-forward drinks with easy-to-share bites, leaving you satisfied without being overly heavy. For the best experience, start with a light, crisp bespoke cocktail alongside a portion of warm crostini or crusted broccoli. Move on to a classic pre-Prohibition drink paired with a slow-cooked chicken dish or risotto. To finish, try their signature dessert alongside an aged dark spirit. Some items on the menu to try are:

The Mood Cocktail™
Goan Chorico Pizza
Avocado Toastadas
Ignorance is Bliss (Cocktail)
Tiramisu

PCO Photos

PCO

Average Cost

₹4,000 approximately (for two)

Timings

Tuesday-Saturday

Mon-Sun: 5:30 pm – 1 am

PCO Contact Number

+919711108482

PCO Location

D-4, D Block Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi

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PCO Is A Historic Speakeasy Setting The Benchmark For Cocktail Lounges. As One Of The Iconic Bars In Delhi, It Combines Pre-Prohibition Mixology Standards, House-Made Bitters, And Custom Ice Programs With Global Finger Foods. Guests Enter Through A Disguised Rotary Phone Foyer Using Secret Weekly Passcodes To Access A Moody, Exposed-Brick Basement And Regal First-Floor Lounge. Whether For Date Nights Or Late-Night Drinks, PCO Consistently Ranks High Among The Top Bars In Vasant Vihar. Get More Details At Delhi Royale Luxury Lifestyle Blog https://www.delhiroyale.in/luxury-lifestyle-blog

Food & Beverage Review