Pub-hopping in Bangalore

Bangalore, the country’s iconic pub city, is home to several watering holes, both old and new. Here’s a low-down of some of the popular taprooms.

Perhaps the most (in)famous trio would be Pecos, Stones and Mojos, the city’s only-beer-serving pubs and second home to inveterate guzzlers. On the side come out-of-the world beef tacos or the very basic peanut masala and a brilliant repertoire of retro music. And the amazing fact is that the regulars would include everyone from college kids and young working adults to salt n’ pepper executives. To get a hang of the city’s pub culture you’ve got to visit these places, at least once.

Now if you claim to be a die-hard Bangalorean and yet haven't taken in the city lights from the vantage point of 13th Floor, you haven't done it all. With a killer view, lethal cocktails and splendid appetisers, 13th Floor is sure to take you to a new high!

Classic rock, good food and free-flowing booze make Purple Haze, what it is—a popular watering hole in the city. Styx, right on MG Road, with its head-banging music is also a huge draw among the pubbers.

With flat screens playing recorded-live gigs of rock bands, Legends of the Rock beckons one and all to have a good time. Though the dark interior looks a tad dubious, yet it doesn’t seem too bad once you settle down with a swig or two.

The Beach brings to town a feel of sun-kissed sea shores with sandy floors, thatched roofs, coconut trees trunks doubling up as stools and tables, and a small pool with a lighthouse. Scrumptious starters, a wholesome main course, alcohol and a DJ spinning tracks of different genres (that changes every day) make you come back for more.

For a slightly quieter place there is Take 5 that comes with the tag of a “jazz bar”. However, its closest connection to jazz are the walls adorned with blow-ups of jazz artists, as very little of the real music is played here. Nevertheless, it does have some nice tracks and the inviting décor, coupled with good food and drinks are sure to leave you sated.

Thirsty mall rats too can have their swigs, as the city’s malls boast of some good pubs. Firangi Paani in Forum, with its English pub-like décor, nice munchies, impressive alcohol list and a DJ spinning foot-tapping numbers, attracts a mix of young and old alike. Bull and Bush, and SOS at Garuda have their fare share of the pub-going crowd as well.

And if high-end pubbing is what you are looking for, head to The Royal Orchid, for that’s where Geoffrey’s is located. With warm woody interiors and glasses hanging from the bar, Geoffrey’s is reminiscent of the good old English pubs. The Blue Bar at the Taj West End is also known for its good food, choicest alcohol and relaxed ambience. Another must-visit is Dublin, the city’s only Irish bar at the Windsor Manor. And for the corporate honchos there is I-Bar, with its sleek, trendy and contemporary ambience.

With such a heady list, your revelry quotient is sure to scale a new high!