A Battle For The Ages: Do You Prefer Janata In Bandra Or Gokul In Colaba?

The information in this post might be outdated

Shortcut

If there’s one thing every Mumbai resident has an opinion on, it’s whether Janata in Bandra or Gokul in Colaba is a superior bar for cheap drinks. Which side do you choose?

Face-Off

We decided to ask Mumbaikars what they prefer, and here’s what we figured from our poll: it’s a tie.

#Poll time! Two kinds of people: Those who love #Janata in #Bandra & the others who swear by #Gokul, #Colaba. Which one are you? #Mumbai!

— LBB Mumbai (@LbbMumbai) October 13, 2016

We decided to take a closer look. Gokul is the old stand-by for anyone who has studied or worked in South Mumbai. Spacious but perennially crowded, this place will serve you alcohol by the nip, quarter or even the bottle. Do try their non-veg starters {we vote for the fish}. Though the prices have increased, Gokul is still easy on the pocket and despite its crowd, chances of you encountering shady, creepy fellas are little. When you go there, opt to sit in the section upstairs {downstairs isn’t for you, really}. Smoking is permitted in the section upstairs.

Second up, we’ve got Janata Lunch Home, which is everyone’s go-to place for cheap booze and food in Bandra. Again, with a downstairs and upstairs section, feel free to sit wherever you like {rather, wherever you find space}. Smaller groups can even share tables, but be prepared for a waiting time. Much like Gokul, their alcohol serving system is the same, and the food here, too, is delicious {their fish starters are divine, and we’re rooting for their dal khichdi after a drunken night}. Affordable and easy to reach, the service here is quick and the place is equipped with a TV, in case of a match night {well, so is Gokul}. Avoid the washrooms {someone throws up invariably by the end of the night} as much as you can.

So, We're Saying...

Now, between these two it’s a hard call for us too, because we’ve been regulars at both. But there’s something about Gokul {a magnetic force, may be?} that always pulls us towards it. But having said that, Janata holds its own special space in our heart.