Events at Summer House Cafe, New Delhi

About Summer House Cafe

Summer House Cafe is a two-level restaurant and nightlife venue tucked inside the DDA Shopping Complex on Aurobindo Place in Hauz Khas, New Delhi (www.tripadvisor.in). It is designed to feel like a sun-soaked summer retreat – rustic wooden interiors, throwback couches and easy chairs create a laid-back “summer house” atmosphere (www.summerhousecafe.in). A standout design feature is its bar, which is literally built from the shell of an old VW van (www.ticketfairy.com). This quirky, homey vibe has made Summer House a local favorite not just for food but for cocktails, music and social gatherings. It opened in the mid-2010s (around 2014–15) and quickly became one of Hauz Khas Village’s signature spots, earning praise for both its American comfort food menu and vibrant ambiance (www.summerhousecafe.in) (www.ticketfairy.com).

Inside, the cafe spans two floors plus a rooftop terrace. Guests can lounge indoors on cushioned sofas or outside under the stars. The owners aimed to bring “hot, sultry summer afternoons and ice cold beers” into the city year-round (www.summerhousecafe.in). Summer House specializes in rich, Western-influenced dishes (burgers, pizzas, pasta) alongside inventive takes on Indian street-food classics. Signature menu items include a tangy Pineapple Chaat and the indulgent Banoffee Pie (www.ticketfairy.com). A full bar serves cocktails, craft beers and spirits (with popular tipples like Patron Silver tequila and Long Island Iced Tea on offer) (www.ticketfairy.com). Overall, Summer House Cafe is notable for its comfortable “resort in the city” vibe and its role in Delhi’s dining-and-nightlife scene – a place where regulars and newcomers alike end up lingering well into the night.

Events and Programming

Every day of the week brings something different at Summer House Cafe. By day it’s a relaxed cafe for brunch or casual lunch, but after sunset it transforms into an event venue with live music and dance parties. Weekends are especially lively: the venue often hosts renowned DJs and underground electronic acts from India and abroad. For example, in recent years techno and house nights have featured internationally known names like Dauwd (Live set from Berlin), Mr. Ho, Zokhuma, Vridian and others (gighub.club) (gighub.club). The cafe also routinely partners with independent music brands and promoters (Krunk, Qilla Records, Boxout.fm, Budweiser) to bring curated nights of EDM, Afro-fusion and experimental sounds. Since 2017 it even ran a weekly “Boxout Wednesdays” electronic residency (backed by Budweiser) to showcase DJ culture (www.radioandmusic.com).

Besides club nights, Summer House programs all kinds of events. Some evenings feature salsa and Latin dance sessions, acoustic open-mic nights, stand-up comedy or Bollywood retro music nights – artists often range from local singer-songwriters to swing bands. Over the years it has become a creative hub, hosting everything from poetry slams to film screenings. Summer House rightly markets itself as “7 days a week of unique experiences” (www.ticketfairy.com). One of its most famous past events was a surprise gig by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in July 2015 – he smashed acoustic versions of “Yellow” and “Fix You” alongside Vishal Dadlani, Raghu Dixit and others on stage to an astonished crowd (timesofindia.indiatimes.com). On any given weekend you might catch Indian DJs like Sound Avtar or Delhi Sultanate, or foreign producers like Eclair Fifi visiting. Typical concert ticket prices are quite reasonable (often just a few hundred INR or even free with RSVP), and even on party nights the kitchen stays open late.

Tickets and Booking

For casual dining, no ticket is needed – you can simply walk in or, better yet, call ahead to reserve a table. Reservations (highly recommended on weekends) can be made by phone (+91 98102 00780) or through dining apps. The cafe does not have a traditional box office for concerts; instead, event announcements and ticket links are usually handled via the venue’s social media and partner promoters (www.ticketfairy.com). Summer House advertises upcoming shows on its Instagram and Facebook pages and even maintains a curated events list on its website (www.ticketfairy.com). When a big gig is planned, tickets (if any) sell out fast – RSVPing early or signing up on promoter pages can help secure entry. Otherwise most nights have free entry and operate on a first-come basis.

As for costs, food and drink at Summer House range from moderate to slightly pricey. The menu is expansive; an average meal for two (no alcohol) runs around ₹2,500 (www.zomato.com). Beers by the pint are about ₹200–250 (www.zomato.com), and cocktails roughly ₹300–500. The venue runs happy hour every day from noon to 7 PM, so it’s often best to arrive early for discounted drinks (www.ticketfairy.com). For concerts or DJ nights, cover charges (if any) are typically in the low hundreds or come in the form of a drink minimum. It’s wise to check the current event listing or call the cafe if you’re unsure about pricing for a special show.

Seating and Layout

The cafe’s layout offers several viewing experiences. On the lower floor you’ll find the main bar and dining area, with high tables and cozy indoor seating. A sweeping wooden staircase or an elevator (see Accessibility below) connects to an upper floor with more tables and lounges. Both levels have warm, pastel décor and comfortable sofas – perfect for groups who want to chill while listening to background music (www.summerhousecafe.in). Most evening performances place the DJ or band on the rooftop terrace, which is a large open-air deck with tables and stools. This terrace is often the center of dance-floor energy and has great city skyline views at night. Indoor shows (like acoustic sets or closed gigs) may use a corner of the indoor space.

There is no formal “assigned seating” – seating is essentially first-come. General admission is the norm, though on very busy nights (especially DJ parties) the cafe may reserve a limited number of tables for advance bookings. Sound-wise, the upstairs indoor lounge is a bit quieter and more intimate (great for conversation), whereas the rooftop has a louder, clubby feel. If you prefer watching the musicians, the center of the rooftop or the stairway landing gives a clear line of sight to the stage/DJ booth. Some patrons recommend grabbing the cozy couches on the first floor for a better acoustic experience, or the bar stools by the stage if you want to dance. In general, avoid peripheral spots near the restrooms if you want uninterrupted music; instead seek a spot closer to the action when events are on.

Getting There and Parking

Summer House Cafe is at 37 Sharma Market Road, 1st Floor, DDA Shopping Complex, Aurobindo Market, Hauz Khas, New Delhi (www.tripadvisor.in). It sits just off the busy Aurobindo Place near Hauz Khas Village (the Hauz Khas Metro station on the Yellow and Magenta Lines is about a 15–20 minute walk away). A closer option is to take Delhi’s yellow-line Metro to Green Park station (gate 2), which is only about a 700m walk south. Several city buses (e.g. routes 502, 605, 725, etc.) and local autorickshaws stop within a block of the venue. If you’re driving or taking a cab/rideshare (Ola/Uber), the easiest drop-off point is right in front of the DDA complex on Aurobindo Place.

Parking can be scarce on busy nights, but the cafe does offer valet service (www.zomato.com). There is limited free street parking along Sharma Market Road and nearby lanes if you arrive early. Valet parking is explicitly mentioned among the venue’s amenities (www.zomato.com). Another perk: there is elevator access from street level up to the cafe (www.zomato.com), which is convenient if you have luggage or mobility needs. Rideshare drivers usually know Hauz Khas Village well; just tell the driver “Summer House Cafe, Aurobindo Market” for a quick drop-off at the restaurant entrance. Late at night, taxis and e-rickshaws are readily available from Hauz Khas Village to the rest of the city.

Inside the Venue

Expect a lively yet comfortable vibe inside. Upon entry (you may encounter a brief bag check or hand-sanitizer station during busy events), the scent of grilled burgers and spices is often in the air. The general mood is casual-cool – many guests arrive in smart-casual or “evening outing” attire (even the posted dress code is “formal” (www.zomato.com), though in practice trendy jeans and a nice shirt are fine for most events). The lighting indoors is warm and colorful, while the rooftop terrace has soft string lights once night falls. The sound system is professional-grade, as one would expect for a club setting; DJs use Pioneer decks and the house PA handles both dance music and live vocals without distortion.

Food and drink are integral to the experience here. The kitchen serves a full menu from open till closing, so you can always grab some late-night bites. Popular dishes include continental comfort foods – pizzas, burgers, pastas – as well as the cafe’s signature snacks like the Pineapple Chaat or Chicken Lasagna (www.ticketfairy.com). You’ll find vegetarian and vegan options as well (the menu is quite varied). The bar menu is extensive; cocktails, craft beers and premium spirits are on offer. In fact, the cafe is known for inventive cocktails – happy hour specials run from noon to 7 PM every day (www.ticketfairy.com). The bartenders will shake up classics (like Long Island Iced Teas or Mojitos) as well as original concoctions listed on the menu.

Facilities: There are restrooms on the ground level (the layout is fairly compact, so they can be busy on full nights). Coat check isn’t provided, so carry only what you need. Wi-Fi is available (for customers), though bandwidth can slow down when large events are streaming. Merchandise isn’t sold here – it’s strictly food and beverage service. Most staff are multilingual (Hindi/English) and welcome casual chat, but they tend to be overwhelmed during peak hours. Expect slow table service around 8–9 PM, so many regulars recommend ordering in batches or at the bar counter. There is a designated smoking area outside on the rooftop (www.zomato.com) – smoking is not allowed inside the enclosed lounges.

Nearby Amenities

Hauz Khas Village is one of Delhi’s trendiest neighborhoods, so plenty of dining and entertainment options lie within a short walk. If you arrive early, consider exploring the block – you’ll find diverse eateries lining the streets. For a hearty Indian or Haryanvi meal, the famous Rawat’s Jalebi Wala is 200m away. Italian and Mediterranean fare are steps away at The Big Chill, Diggin or Olive Bar & Kitchen (within 3–5 minutes). Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen is popular for Nepali and North-Eastern dishes, and Viet cuisines are covered at the nearby Vietnamaah, all within a few minutes by foot. For pre-show drinks, Hauz Khas Social and Doolally brewpub (both within 5–7 minutes) are lively crowd-pullers. If you plan to stay in the area, guesthouses like Orania BnB, Tree Tops Guest House or Woodpecker Apartments are within a 5-minute drive (www.tripadvisor.com). Alternatively, there are several budget hotel options (Auro Hotel, Hotel Bahar Palace, etc.) in the neighborhood.

After the show, you can easily find autos or cabs outside (they wait for patrons along the main road). Night buses still run down Aurobindo Marg till late evening. If staying out late, book an app cab – the peak fares in Hauz Khas typically remain reasonable after midnight. Local tip: if you’re coming on a Sunday or public holiday, note that Hauz Khas Village shuts around 10 PM, so plan both dinner and departure earlier on those days. Otherwise, nightlife options here are open late (some clubs nearby stay until 1–2 AM), so you can hop around if Summer House ends early. Finally, plan to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before a scheduled event or reservation to secure seating and avoid lines, especially on weekends.

What Makes This Venue Special

Apart from its unique decor and cozy “summer house” ambiance, Summer House Cafe stands out for its cultural significance in Delhi’s nightlife. It was one of the first Hauz Khas cafes to merge casual dining with a full-fledged music venue. Its story began with the owners’ dream of bringing the feel of a vacation BBQ in a country home into the city (www.summerhousecafe.in) (www.ticketfairy.com). That vision translated into a place where you can enjoy continental comfort food while feet-on-the-ground indie or electronic music plays. The converted-van bar epitomizes this theme, and no other Delhi venue has exactly the same charm. Local music promoters often cite Summer House as their go-to spot – indeed, it regularly hosts Delhi’s prime underground dance and hip-hop talent. Collaborations with brands like Budweiser and Boxout.fm helped put it on the map for serious music fans (www.radioandmusic.com).

There are some legendary moments attached to the cafe. The big one: Coldplay’s Chris Martin, on a 2015 visit, surprised the crowd with an impromptu performance of hits like “Yellow” and “Fix You” (with Vishal Dadlani and Raghu Dixit onstage) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com). This story cemented Summer House’s status as a cultural hotspot. In ordinary times, the venue has also welcomed well-known Indian artists (Delhi Sultanate, Begum X) and international acts (Slovak and Scottish DJs via collaborations) (www.ticketfairy.com). Even its menu reflects a playful personality – from tangy Pineapple Chaat to a showstopper Banoffee Pie (www.ticketfairy.com) – blending nostalgia with novelty. Essentially, Summer House Cafe offers a friendly, unpretentious vibe that artists and audiences love. It’s seen as both a “home away from home” for locals and a must-visit for anyone wanting an authentic Delhi music-night experience.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-accessible. An elevator serves all floors (www.zomato.com), and staff will gladly assist guests with mobility issues. The rooftop is open-air, so in rainy season it can be wet or humid – the indoor area remains dry.

Entry and IDs: There is no general cover charge, but you may need to show photo ID for alcohol service. On big event nights, a 21+ age limit is often enforced (ra.co) (the bar serves liquor around the clock). Dress code is on the smart side – while many patrons wear casual chic, very sloppy attire (e.g. flip-flops or shorts) might draw attention since the cafe brands itself as somewhat upscale (www.zomato.com).

What to Bring/Not Bring: Bring a valid ID if you plan to drink. Carry cash along with cards; service charge is included but tipping in cash is appreciated. Outside food or drinks are not allowed. Summer House doesn’t have a cloakroom, so avoid heavy baggage. You can bring a small camera or phone for personal photos (many guests snap pics for social media), though professional video equipment usually needs management approval.

Crowd and Timing: The crowd is typically young (20s–30s) but mixed. Weeknight evenings draw a relaxed crowd there to chill, while Fridays/Saturdays see a bustling party scene. If you prefer a quieter dinner, arrive before 7 PM. For music nights, arriving early (8–9 PM) secures your choice of seat – otherwise tables fill up fast. If it’s a standing-room event, the venue can get packed after 10 PM, so plan ahead.

Food & Drink Tips: The kitchen is open late, so feel free to order in stages (don’t wait until you’re starving!). Popular dishes include the American-style burgers, but don’t miss trying their signature Indian fusion chaat (www.ticketfairy.com). For drinks, happy hour (12–7 PM）is the best time for cocktails. By night the bar can get busy; if you’re keen on a specific cocktail, ordering early helps. Keep in mind all Delhi restaurants must close liquor service by midnight (although continuing non-alcoholic service is fine).

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Never assume weekend tables are available last-minute – book ahead. Also, rooftop seating is open to the elements: on cold or rainy nights it can be chilly, so dress accordingly. Avoid arriving too late on Sunday (or Monday early-am) – the entire complex tends to close around midnight. Finally, since it’s a lively hub, music nights can be loud. If you have young children, evening visits might not be ideal due to noise and late hours.