In the middle of Guwahati’s ever-growing nightlife, where neon signs flicker, and conversations flow as easily as the beer, there stands a place that has become more than just a bar. It’s a community, a vibe, a culture. It’s The Beer Café Guwahati, and if you’ve been anywhere near the city’s social scene, you’ve probably already heard the name.
It all started with Brijesh Das, a man who never planned to be in the food and beverage business. He spent a decade in IT before moving back to Guwahati during the pandemic, only to realize that something was missing. The city had always had its share of pubs and restaurants, but it lacked that effortlessly cool, metro-style hangout—the kind of place where you could grab a beer without breaking the bank, enjoy good music, and just… be.
So, he built it.
The construction of The Beer Café began in 2022, and in March 2023, the doors swung open. Spread across 3,500 square feet, it was an instant hit. Unlike the typical high-end bars that Guwahati was used to, The Beer Café introduced the city to the concept of casual drinking—no frills, no pretension, just a good time. Brijesh himself calls it the “McDonald’s of beer—affordable, fun, and everyone wants one more.” And true to that description, the place is almost never empty.
On weekdays, more than 200 people walk through its doors, and when the weekend hits, that number explodes past 500. Some come for their variety of beers whereas others come for the music, the gaming section, or just to curl up in a cozy corner with a book. It’s a place where a corporate guy unwinds after work, a group of friends celebrates a birthday, a family comes with kids to enjoy a meal and a lone traveller sips a pint while soaking in the city’s energy.
And it’s not just about beer. The Beer Café Guwahati boasts to be one of the firsts in the city to have live musicians on a monthly payroll, creating a steady platform for local talent. It’s also the kind of place where you can find yourself dancing to an indie band one night and clapping along to a Bihu beat the next. There’s something unmistakably homely about it, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
The food, too, has its own fan base. If you’ve ever bitten into their Beer Café Fried Chicken, chances are you’ve gone back for more. Some even claim it’s better than KFC, and given the repeat orders, they might just have a point. Behind the menu is a chef who isn’t just any hire—he’s been with the Beer Café chain since its early days, crafting dishes that hit the right spot every single time.
But what truly makes The Beer Café a success is the sense of belonging it creates. The staff isn’t just well-trained; they’re handpicked. Even two years later, most of the original employees are still here, because for Brijesh, a brand only grows when its people stay. “There wasn’t any plan as such. I saw what the people of Guwahati wanted, what they were craving, and I just provided that,” he says.
Brijesh himself admits that the tables are placed close together on purpose—to spark conversations, to make strangers exchange stories over a pint, to create a space where connections happen naturally.
And what a reward that mindset has brought. The Beer Café won Best Value for Money Restaurant, Best Club with Live Gigs and the lastly, the BIG one – Restaurant of the Year at the Guwahati Food Awards 2024.
And the growth isn’t stopping anytime soon. February saw the launch of a brand-new Sound Room. The place, already a favourite, is about to level up yet again.
But perhaps the best way to understand The Beer Café’s success isn’t through numbers or awards. It’s in the little things—the warm greeting at the door, the chaotic yet rhythmic energy of a packed Saturday night, the way a stranger at the bar might turn into a friend by the end of the evening.
At The Beer Café, you’re never really alone—even if you sit at a table by yourself. The laughter from the next table, the clinking of glasses, the beats of live music—they all pull you into the rhythm of the place. And that’s by design.
Whether you walk in alone or with friends, you leave with the feeling of belonging. That’s what makes The Beer Café more than just a bar. It’s a city’s heartbeat, a shared experience, a place where good times are always on tap.
Disclaimer: Alcohol consumption is strictly for individuals above the legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
