Boozing In BKC: A Workaholic's Guide To Post-Office Drinks

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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. 

The Good Wife

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.

Capital Social

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.

Bar Stock Exchange

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.

Le Bar Diamantaire

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.

SodaBottleOpenerWala

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.

Masala Library

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.

Pondicherry Cafe

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}.