India, Feb. 18 -- In a huge crowd that's obsessed with velvet ropes and overpriced cocktails, only the real ones know the locations to experience Mumbai's real main-character energy. The kind where the lighting is questionable, the playlist is always retro, the chairs are stingy, and the waiting line is unaffected by the dug-up roads. The vibes? Immaculate. These are the bars that the Gen Z spirited drinkers of Mumbai go crazy for.

Forget about aesthetic corners and fine dining etiquette. These local-favourite spots thrive on affordability, authenticity and a legacy that has been alive across generations. Every group has that one table that doubles as their unofficial headquarters through semesters, heartbreaks and countless "just one la...