The heavyweights behind SinQ, Soro and Soho have a new baby in Assagao. A brightly-lit streetside bar that’s hard to miss, Squirrel is a new hip addition to the drinking scene.
While the outdoor is where the action usually is at, they do have a small and comfy indoor seating for unbearably hot days. In all probability, you’ll find us hanging outside thanks to the very carnival vibe — we dig the picnic benches and the myriad lights that light up the sky and sure, the bar carved out of an old shipping container is quite a statement.
With ample choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters, we’re so glad it does a mean rawa fried mushroom and a crispy plate of perfectly hot onion rings. A blackboard menu announces daily specials and we picked lepo fry because there’s something so fulfilling about a cold glass of Feni with fried fish. If you’re a fan of Pina Colada, we suggest you try their Squirrel Special that’s essentially coconut, rum and a dash of spice served in an old school pickle jar. Otherwise, the bar menu’s got your usual shooters, rum, whisky, gin and a few cocktails. Oh, and if you’re going in a big group, consider getting your drinking gang a liquor bottle on MRP from the bar.
We’re sold on Squirrel’s small, all-encompassing menu that comprises breakfast, kathi rolls, rice bowls, some pizzas and bar snacks. These good folks understand that nothing beats a good French toast and cappuccino to start the morning and a humble homestyle chicken curry after a round of cold craft beers. If you’re living a balanced life, you can of course, pair your GnT with a sprouts salad. Amidst this ace selection of dishes, you’ll also be surprised that they’re all mostly priced between INR 150–250, which makes it easy on the pocket.
Right in this not-so-mellow-yellow bar’s backyard is So Hostel that offers bunk beds to private rooms in the range of INR 500 per bed to INR 1,500 for a room. This is why it’s not uncommon to see hostel guests hanging out over a game of pool or just winding down over dinner at the bar. So, whether you know someone on the lookout for affordable stays or just chasing chilled beer that doesn’t cost a fortune, you know which way to head.
