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[The original research and compilation of this list was done by The Daily Pao. Head on over to their site for details on every single new bar and restaurant that opened in 2015, and stay for all the freshest scoop on what’s going on in Mumbai, and when.]
Mumbai’s nightlife got a heavy shot in the arm this past year with a number of stellar bars opening across the city. If you know us, we take our food, drink and nightlife very seriously and are always thrilled whenever there’s a new flavour du jour spicing up Mumbai’s otherwise staid nightlife.
Below is a list of 27 bars that threw open their doors in 2015 and got us very excited. As the year draws to a close, we thought we’d do a nice little roundup for you so that you can check them out. After all, if 2015 is anything to go by, 2016 should have a whole lot more exciting options coming our way. Plus, we could soon be a 24x7 party city. Drink up.
ANDHERI
After their Bandra branch, came the Andheri one. Same drinks, same great casual vibe. We hear some people are greater fans of this location than the other one. Check it out and decide for yourself.
Must-try: The Hefeweizen and the oatmeal stout.
II. Kitty Su
The Mumbai outpost of the Delhi club by the same name, Kitty Su is a hit with Mumbai’s suburban party lovers. Chic interiors, groovy tunes and some slick drinks guarantee a fun evening.
Must-try: The Lalit Cocktail and the Aged Rum Mojito.
[caption id=”attachment_43813” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Kitty Su. Image source: blog.thelalit.com[/caption]
III. Opa
Opa is the rooftop bar located at the Hotel Peninsula Grand at Sakinaka and is one of the few places in Mumbai that still serves sheesha. Order your favourite flavour, get a drink to go with it and enjoy the night.
Must-try: Mexican Fusion and Arabian Fizz.
IV. Take It Easy
Located outside T2 at Mumbai’s international airport, The Beer Factory is the perfect place for a quick beer before you get on your flight if you need to soothe jittery nerves.
Must-try: Asahi, Amigos and any other beer you like.
[caption id=”attachment_43821” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] The Beer Cafe. Image source: zomato.com[/caption]
VII. The White Lounge
BANDRA
This one is big with Mumbai’s cocktail-loving crowd. They whip up amazing concoctions right in front of you on your table itself. When you think about it, we don’t really have a super cocktail culture, so this one is definitely worth a visit.
Must-try: Skittle shots and House of Eden.
IX. Doolally Taproom
Though a lot more unassuming than its flagship in Pune, Bandra’s Doolally Taproom still pulls its weight. It offers a selection of stellar brews and even has Guinness and cider on tap—a big win in our books.
Must-try: Hefeweizen and the oatmeal stout.
[caption id=”attachment_43807” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Doolally taproom. Image source: zomato.com[/caption]
X. Monkey Bar
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard that Monkey Bar opened in Bandra earlier this year—and it’s been packed every day since. Apart from really good burgers, it’s known for its cocktails and shots.
Must-try: Ginger Rogers and Saat Rasta.
[caption id=”attachment_43815” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Monkey Bar. Image source: huffingtonpost.in[/caption]
XI. Radio Bar
Great ambience meets great food and drinks. Honestly, what more could you want? This is a place that could quickly become your favourite watering hole. On a side note, we haven’t seen a place that can pull off a jukebox with such ease since Mondy’s was our go-to.
Must-try: Radio Martini and Capacitor.
[caption id=”attachment_43818” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Radio Bar. Image source: zomato.com[/caption]
This uber-cool concept bar took the city’s drinkers by storm and it’s packed pretty much all the time. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out on some great drinking at affordable prices.
Must-try: Brain Haemorrhage and The Green Tree.
[caption id=”attachment_43805” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Bar Stock Exchange. Image Source: buzzintown.com[/caption]
XIII. The Irish House
Bandra plays host to the newest outpost of this popular chain that’s popped up all over the city. Sometimes chains are nice. It’s like meeting an old friend.
Must-try: When at an Irish pub, drink like an Irishman. Try the stouts and porters.
[caption id=”attachment_43822” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] The Irish House. Image source: burrp.com[/caption]
JUHU
XIV. Quench
An all-day pub, Quench has a fair number of ardent fans across the city and if you’ve been, it’s easy to see why. If you haven’t, go now.
Must-try: Bloody Peru.
KHAR
XV. Lighthouse Café
XVI. One Street Over
A new gastropub from Chef Kelvin Cheung (of Ellipsis fame) has everyone excited. This place is big on minimalism both in its décor and its menu.
Must-try: Spanish style gin and tonic and the Pisco Sour.
[caption id=”attachment_43816” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] One Street Over. Image source: thedailypao.com[/caption]
XVII. Khar Social
Impresario Hospitality’s latest branch of its popular Social franchise recently opened in Khar and boasts Mumbai’s first ever skate park. Check out our sneak peek here
Must-try: Aacharoska and the Longest Long Island Iced Tea (LLIIT).
XVIII. Yellow Bar All Day
As the name indicates, this bar favours bold yellow and has both indoor and alfresco areas.
Must- try: Daiquiris and Mojitos.
KURLA
XIX. Harry’s Bar + Café
MAHIM
XX. Quarter House
Opposite Mahim’s Paradise Cinema is Quarter House, a place to kick back and relax with some friends over a drink or two (or four) since they don’t have the usual 30-ml pegs that most places do. Instead, they start at 60ml and go up to a quarter, hence the name.
Must-try: Since it’s got your usual offerings, take your pick.
XXI. The Beer Café
Chic modern interiors and an exhaustive list of beers. What more could one ask for?
Must-try: White Zen and Summer Salute.
SOUTH MUMBAI
XXII. British Brewing Company
XXIII. Doppio
A welcome addition to the largely residential neighbourhood of Breach Candy, Doppio has an array of coffee-based drinks that have been quite a hit. Plus, their good selection of ambient music is an added bonus.
Must-try: The espresso martini.
[caption id=”attachment_43808” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Doppio. Image source: Doppio[/caption]
XXIV. Havana
XXV. Hoppipola
Another great franchise success, Hoppipola in Lower Parel has tough competition from its neighbours Café Zoe, Blue Frog and Todi Mills Social but manages to hold its own. Stop by for a quick drink and some board games.
Must-try: Hoppipola Chemistry and the Hoppi Bomb.
[caption id=”attachment_43812” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Hoppipola. Image source: zomato.com[/caption]
XXVI. Todi Mills Social
The Lower Parel branch of Impresario Hospitality’s Social chain, Todi Mills Social is perfect for post-work drinks or even a chill weekday drinkathon.
Must-try: The Longest Long Island Iced Tea (LLIIT) and The Lantern.
[caption id=”attachment_43826” align=”aligncenter” width=”800”] Todi Mills Social. Image source: urbaneye.in[/caption]
VILE PARLE
XXVII. ZooBar
Pocket-friendly with a great ambience, a variety of beers, and cards and board games on offer to while away the evening. Sounds pretty good to us.
Must-try: Halcyon and Doppleganger.
[The original research and compilation of this list was done by The Daily Pao. Head on over to their site for details on every single new bar and restaurant that opened in 2015, and stay for all the freshest scoop on what’s going on in Mumbai, and when. The Daily Pao is a website that nourishes your daily need for intelligent journalism about food, nightlife, culture and fashion in Mumbai]
Compiled by Neville Bhandara
