Sure, Bandra is abuzz with many new bars and nightspots, particularly at Bandra Reclamation or BKC. Many popular haunts in the past, like Casbah and Irani restaurant opposite on Hill Road, have shut shop. But it’s nice to note that other old faithful have stood the test of time and are doing very well even after so many years.
We recollect visiting Yacht restaurant near St Andrew’s Church every year after the midnight mass at Christmas. We would stop there to chill out with a beer with our friends. At that time it served only beer, but now it is a full-fledged bar. It closed down for some time after it got all dark and dinghy. Today, it’s a different story, it is all brightened up with a new look. Perhaps the old-timers don’t go there any longer but it is attracting the new lot, the ones who frequent pubs around town. The cuisine is varied ranging from North Indian to Konkan, Maharashtrian and Mughlai fare.
Then there is Toto’s Garage, one of the first pubs in the city, named after a rock group and, understandingly, noted for its rock music played by a DJ hidden behind the frontage of a vehicle. Yes, number plates of cars are on the wall. Started in 1992, Toto’s is noted for its kheema-pau among other eats and its full bar including draught beer. Regulars were hit when the BMC demolished part of its extension but were happy when it bounced back into action.
Popular, particularly among the youth, is Janata Lunch Home with its Mangalorean food and a full bar. Divided into two levels, with the AC section upstairs, this is one bar that attracts both sexes. At one time the girls accompanied by their male friends would head upstairs, but now you see them sitting down, too, for they find it convenient if they happen to be smokers as smoking is not allowed in the AC area. This is a no-nonsense place that serves drinks by the peg and even by the quarter and nobody thinks twice about sharing table space with someone else.
Talking about the quarter system one bar that has stood the test of time is Canara Bar & Restaurant, near the police station on Hill Road. It began years ago as a Mangalorean dining destination that also served beer. Now, it has a full bar and, yes, serves booze by the quarter. When you ask for whisky or any other liquor, they assume you want a quarter and are quite surprised if you ask for a peg. The food is tasty and goes well with whatever you are drinking.
Of course, in Bandra, the most popular place is Soul Fry. With its laid-back and homely vibe, it attracts the chic and slick set, those in formal wear and also those in shorts and slippers. Established over 20 years ago, it is noted for its Goan food, particularly the seafood items like fried bombil. Open for lunch and dinner, it has become the tasty talk-point in the area and even all around town. The kicking karaoke, that started as a Monday night offering, is now even on a Thursday. A nice thing is those shy folks take up the courage to take up the microphone and sing their song. A nicer thing is that so many professional musicians also frequent the place and guests are treated to their talent for free. At one time it was noted for its jazz evenings. Now, there is live music every Sunday afternoon. And it’s truly live, no pen-drive music!
