Bandra-Kurla Complex might be the most corporate area in the city. But if there’s one thing we’ve learnt in Mumbai, it is that where you find a lot of hard-working people, you’ll also find a lot of alcohol for them.
BKC is no exception. With a range of bars, restaurants and everything in-between, worker bees don’t need to travel far to drink away their sorrows. Here’s our guide to the booze in BKC: where, what and when to get it. Drink on.
Why: This homely gastropub is the spot to hit for a post-work bitching session about the boss. It’s buzzy enough so no one will overhear you, and the drinks are reasonably priced enough to loosen tongues.
What: We recommend their cocktail list, since their mixologist Dimitri Lezinska is not a man to toy with. The two drinks to start with are The Good Wife and The Wolf Of BKC. Ignore the cheesy names – The Good Wife is an orange vodka with Campari, raspberry, syrup and spray {INR 538} and The Wolf is Jim Beam with creme de cacao dark, pineapple, egg white and black cardamom {INR 538}, and both are delicious and strong.
When: Open from noon to 1.30am, this place is a good option for a boozy lunch, or a quick post-work drink. Last orders at 1.15am.
#LBBTip: The Good Wife has a truffle festival going on currently, which would make for some interesting bar snacks.
Why: This branch of the popular Social is a bit tucked away, but don’t let that deter you. With a relaxed vibe and delicious snacks, just make sure you show up in time for a table and the rest will be taken care of.
What: Social is known for their inventive cocktails. Our favourites include the slyly named Laal Salaam {A Smirnoff Orange with Ketel one, beet juice, cranberry juice and sweet and sour mix for INR 295}. We also recommend the Che’s Cafe Cubano – seriously, they’re not even trying to hide it at this point – with Bacardi Black, espresso and a hint of vanilla which makes for a delicious combo {INR 295}.
When: This is for when you skip out of work early. The Social is always crowded, and they don’t take reservations ahead of time. Last orders at 1.15am.
Why: For the end of the month {hey, even corporate types have financial crunch, this is a judgment-free zone}. The Bar Stock Exchange’s demand-supply pricing will probably soothe the hearts of all finance bros, while making sure they don’t blow up all that hard-earned money.
What: The cheapest stuff, of course. On a good night, expect to get a large whisky for as low as INR 60.
When: For when you’re okay with standing around. Come early, come late, a table is mostly a lost cause here. Last orders at 1am.
Why: For when you’re craving champagne and martinis.
What: Their champagne cocktails {at INR 1,500} are delicious, with the Regent du Diamant – a concoction of passion fruit, Manuka honey, lemongrass and champagne – a standout. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out their molecular concoctions. The Star Trek is a rosemary vodka with pineapple juice, apple juice, anise and the requisite foam {orange-flavoured}.
When: This upmarket bar in the Sofitel Hotel is for two occasions – when it’s salary day, or when you’ve got someone to impress, whether it’s a client or a date. Keep in mind that the service is slow, and the tables a little cramped. Last orders at 12.45am.
Why: With its quirky decor, delicious and comforting food, as well as a creative bartender, SodaBottleOpenerWala deserves a spot in anyone’s booze map of BKC.
What: The Parsi-fied drinks are a delight, and not just for their quirky names or presentation: they deliver on taste and alcohol content as well. We love the Rustom Banta Wala: mango juice and vodka served in a banta bottle {INR 325}, and the Parsiana {INR 325}, an Old Monk drink with oranges, plums and chaat masala.
When: For when you need to line your stomach as well. Stress-eat a baida roti while partaking of their superlative bar offerings, and all the work stress will be long gone. Last orders at 12.30am.
Why: With its modern Indian cuisine, fine dining ambience and great drinks, Masala Library is legendary in the city for never having a table to offer, but we’ve found showing up often results in us finding a home with an abandoned table.
What: Check out the Burnt Curry Leaf Martini, which is vodka muddled with shredded burnt curry leaf and shaken and strained into a martini glass for a perfect example of Masala Library’s habit of successfully balancing the best of East and West. Also try the Star Anise Martini for the molecular experience – this comes with anise foam and gin.
When: When you’re feeling clever and want to know it: Masala Library’s food, presentation and decor is intelligent and thought-out. Beware, though: doors shut at 11pm, with last orders at 10.30pm.
Why: Homely, delicious food from down south, and a chef who has been known to make dishes on demand – seriously, ask him what’s not on the menu and expect to be pleasantly surprised – Pondichery Cafe has our hearts.
What: Don’t expect a super inventive bar here, since they focus on the food, but we still love it because…
When: It’s open 24 hours a day. Another place to hit when you’re late at office and starving for alcohol {hey, that’s a thing}.