My Favourite Hangouts in Bangalore
I thought it might be a good idea to post my favorite hangouts. Now, understand, I am not saying that these are the best places in Bangalore, but rather they are the places you would most likely find me when I’m not home or at work or traveling home to Pondicherry. I’m not really into many of the trendy, contemporary quasi-lounges that keep cropping up around town. Instead, I usually tend to gravitate toward establishments that have a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere where you can let your guard down a bit, pound a few good beers, or get a solid, inexpensive meal. In short, places where I can eat and drink my heart out and not let the woes of the world economy make me feel guilty.
Most of my favorite hangouts are in East and central Bangalore, mainly because of their proximity to where I live, but also because I just hate driving in this city. That is not to say there aren’t outstanding bars and restaurants in the lesser parts of Bangalore. There’s definitely a ton of variety down there no matter what type of experience you are in the mood for, and there are plenty of places that I visit frequently. However, not as frequently as the establishments I would call my “favourites”.
So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are my 5 favourite hangouts in Bangalore, with some notes on each:
Hard Rock Cafe ~ St.Mark’s Road ~ I’ve probably eaten and got drunk here more than any other restaurant in Bangalore, well at least since the place opened up for business, mainly because of the variety of good food, friendly service, generous portions, awesome atmosphere. Good food, liquor (need I say more), good service, great music, and fantastic location. The only thing missing here are happy hours.
Windsor Pub ~ Vasanthnagar ~ This is probably the closest cool hangout my place that serves both liquor and great food. This joint serves some great pork based dishes such as Pandi Curry. A little cramped for room, not the best of service, but he food and beer sort a make up for that. Got introduced to this place by a few friends who studied close by. Now they’re gone, and I’m hooked to the place.
Koshy’s ~ St.Mark’s Road ~ This is one weird place. Terrible service, sounds like a fish market, and not the best food or coffee I’ve had. The place is really more of an institution than a cafe or restaurant. I wouldn’t be surprised if most people who go to this place wonder why they are hooked to the place. There’s just something historic, something that just pulls you here. I maintain that it is arguably home to the population of failed artists and writers of Bangalore.
Infinitea ~ Cunningham Road ~ Masala Chai and Momos. A great place to hang out when you want to be in a rather quiet place. My favourite place to read a book while sipping chai or getting work done. The place is hooked up for Wifi, so that’s a big plus, in a city that is surprisingly short of such places.
Opus ~ Vasanthnagar ~ Good food, lots of liquor, decent service, karaoke nights, live musical performances, they have it all here. I’ve seen this place being just about every time I’ve been there. Sunday afternoon is my favourite time to go to Opus. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends, eat, get smashed drunk, and then embarrass the hell out of yourself on stage.
Bon appetit and cheers. Check out some more Bangalore hangouts at AskLaila