Most of us have come across bars and pubs that haven’t been the best decision – either you haven’t felt welcome, comfortable, safe or were just not okay with the place in general. We spoke to five women and asked them where they like to hang out {local bars} and what’s been special there. Here’s what they have to say:
Safe & Sound: 5 Mumbai Women Tell Us About Local Bars To Chill At Without A Worry
What Is It?
Madira Restaurant & Bar
Mumbai resident Sharal Barboza who works in advertising, tells us why she loves visiting this local bar in Parel and why she feels great every time she visits it.
Why Does It Stand Out?
Madira Bar is a great place to hang out with friends and colleagues. I used to work in the vicinity, so we’d hang out there pretty often. But even after quitting my job in that area, I still make it a point to suggest this place because it’s gotten so comfortable. My girlfriends and I, even colleagues, have visited this place so many times, the bartender knows exactly what to get us. It’s a great place to chill and have long conversations.
About Safety
It’s beyond safe. I’ve never had a problem here, even when it gets really late at night. I’ve come here and left with girlfriends and felt safe.
That One Thing You Love?
The chakna you get is pretty awesome. I mean, boiled chana, chana masala, boiled peanuts, apart from interesting papad creations can blow your mind away when you’re hungry!
How Often Do You Visit?
I try to visit it at least once a month when the gang can get together on the same day.
Maharaja
When Anagha Ingle isn’t planning to sleep or watch bad Hindi movies, she is savouring some good Mangalorian food with beer from this iconic bar.
Why Does It Stand Out?
It’s right next to my office and it’s been here for years. You get some delish Mangalorean food here and the best part is that it’s reasonably priced.
About Safety
Oh, it’s absolutely safe! It’s brightly lit, next to the metro station and people behave themselves because it’s mainly office crowd.
That One Thing You Love?
The one thing I can’t stop having is the prawn gassi and neer dosa. Apart from the drinks available there, it’s also interesting when there’s a match on!
How Often Do You Visit?
Well, once a month is perfectly doable since it’s so close by.
Sunlight Restaurant
Oindrilla Gupta, an executive producer in the city, loves her chill time and frequents these local bars that have a character of their own.
Why Does It Stand Out?
Most people in Mumbai from my generation, have a Sunlight memory. Or you can say it’s not a place, it’s a memory maker. I met the love of my life at Sunlight, I was also thrown out once for being drunk and throwing beer on the people sitting next to me {would not have done that if I was in my senses, of course}. So yes, I’ve had a pretty filmy past with sunlight. The waiters were generous enough to take me back in. Been visiting the place since three years now.
About Safety
Safety, to be honest, is in your own hands. You can feel safe anywhere, only if you want to.
That One Thing You Love?
What stands out for me at Sunlight, is the general vibe of the place. They play my kind of music. There is Govinda, there is Jagjeet Singh, there is cheezy Bollywood music, there are cheap disco songs {and English hits-the only time I don’t sing out loud and only stick to making conversations.}
Note-I enjoy cheap disco hits only when I’m having a good evening.
How Often Do You Visit?
Once in two months, I have to visit Sunlight and I’m sorted under INR 500. My food comes for INR 150-200.
Apart from Sunlight, I’ve also visited Seven Hills near Juhu circle that is pretty decent. It is not super cheap but absolutely affordable and really very safe. The best part is that there’s no music so that you can have long, uninterrupted conversations but the only thing is that it’s a little small.
Bottles in seven bungalows is another place I visit. It has some good Hindi music and a good crowd. They also have an AC section upstairs and is also budget-friendly.
Janata Bar
Nicole Ruth Ellis works in advertising and describes herself as a Wednesday beer drinker. With all her quirks, she loves an old tipple or two. Here’s why she recommends Janata in Bandra.
Why Does It Stand Out?
It’s the perfect place to run to after a long day at work to have a pint of chilled beer and some of their delicious crispy chicken. The waiters are also extremely sweet and attentive, ensuring you get your drinks within minutes of ordering.
About Safety
I feel really safe here. The waiters themselves ensure that everyone, especially women, gets proper seating in the bar. If you’re a woman, they usually ensure you share a table with other women too. They always ask your permission before sharing your table with anyone else on crowded days.
That One Thing You Love?
Excellent service and an interesting mix of people who frequent it.
How Often Do You Visit?
I visit the place at least once a week. I have a weekly ‘working women Wednesday drink’ with a close friend here.
Alps Bar
Carol Gomes is an admin professional with a shipping company and likes to explore new places when she has the time.
Why Does It Stand Out?
It’s perfect because it’s centrally located and that makes it easy to meet up with friends and catch up for a quick drink.
About Safety
The waiters and the bar manager make you feel comfortable, especially if you’re a regular.
That One Thing You Love?
The Bollywood music {old is truly gold} and the food and the chakna that’s so tasty and perfect for a night out like this!
How Often Do You Visit?
Since it’s so convenient, I make it a point to visit it at least once a month.
