Bandra has now become a suburb where every week a new restaurant pops up with flamboyant interiors, menus serving food from across the globe, and mind-boggling alcohol concoctions. Yet, just like most areas, even Bandra has its dive bars with a dedicated crowd.
According to Wikipedia, a dive bar is typically a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with inexpensive drinks; it may feature dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash-only service, and local clientele.
In colloquial terms, one might even call dive bars shady or uncle bars. But before you think of these as creepy places with drunkards, unsafe establishments, and not fit for women, I urge you to read this article. As a woman in her 20s, I have been to most, if not all of these dive bars in Bandra and I have not felt uncomfortable the majority of the time.
Entering Soul Fry is like stepping into a Catholic Goan home. From tiny decorative show pieces to colourful lights, and seafood thalis—it’s a mini-Goa in the heart of Bandra. To add more to this vibe, Soul Fry is known for its English-only karaoke. Think sing-alongs to Elvis Presley, Queen, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Abba, and more classics while you enjoy your drinks with seafood as your munchies. We recommend a plate of Prawn Loncha, Fish & Chips, among other Goan classics like a Mutton Vindaloo or a Fish Curry.
If you are in the mood to go bar-hopping, then after a fun karaoke session at Soul Fry, head to Janata Bar & Restaurant. A less than five-minute walk will take you to this tiny but popular dive bar, where you can pre-game before heading to a trendier space to dance, catch an artist’s performance, or whatever else your big Bandra plans might be.
The downstairs non-AC section resembles a traditional Udupi restaurant you find across the city while the upstairs area has two AC sections. The highlight of Janata is that they provide alcohol in sealed bottles. Their standard desi Chinese bites pair well when drinking, but opting for their Chicken Lollipops, or seafood fare won’t be a mistake either. The staff is friendly and always ensures that women are not mistreated.
Another five minutes from Janata and we reach Toto’s Garage—which has almost a cult-like status among the dive bars in Bandra. This garage-like bar is known for its rock music, and a car suspended from the bar ceiling. Whenever at Toto’s, drink beer and pair it with their bar snacks like Masala Peanuts, Chilli Paneer or Chicken, or a classic Tandoori Chicken.
Almost walking distance from Bandstand, this dive bar in Bandra is highly among college students—another common hangout spot for youngsters. I hear they serve great Punjabi food and a garlic naan. The rates are low, and you can opt to sit in the AC or non-AC room. Don’t be surprised to see several orders of chilled beer or Old Monk rum do the rounds.
Bang opposite Yacht, you will find Old Street Café & Bar. If a shady, dingy place is what you had in mind, you’ll be surprised when you enter. This café-like place serves affordable alcohol, while playing upbeat tunes, with Punjabi dishes being most popular among the crowd, mostly college students. Way into the night, it’s the neighbourhood’s go-to place for a quick dinner with a side of budget-friendly drinks.
This place literally has “dive” in its name. Known for its constant happy-hour offers and inexpensive cocktails and drinks, BKC Dive quickly became the go-to place for many youngsters. With a menu catering to many cuisines and an expansive drinks menu, this dive bar in Bandra East also acts as a clubbing space with live DJ and popular Bollywood tracks. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative that allows you to turn the bar into a dance floor as well, BKC Dive is a great bet.
Known as the al-fresco dive bar in Bandra East, overlooking BKC is Chinar Bar & Restaurant. Unlike other places, you will not find students here. Instead, the bar is usually filled with working professionals from the offices nearby. Besides an al-fresco area, they also have a rooftop terrace seating and an AC section on the ground floor as well. My personal favourites would be the cheese garlic naan and hara bhara kebab.
PJ’s is a little different than the usual dive bars in Bandra. Mainly because it is nestled inside Bandra’s SAISA Gymkhana. While the alcohol would be affordable since PJ’s is inside a gymkhana, an entry fee of Rs.50 from Sunday to Thursday and Rs.100 on Friday and Saturday is mandatory. And yet, it’s a cheaper option than any of your fancy restaurants. It’s primarily known for its seafood, but as a vegetarian, my go-to has to be the Chilli Cheese Toast. Meat eaters will love their Chicken Cordon Blue, Pork Chilly, Fish Fingers, among other items.
This quaint little bar comes alive almost every night. Besides karaoke, The Den is also known for its live DJ music, cheap drinks, and continental food. Since it’s open till 1 am, the place is filled with young adults, singing along or dancing the night away. The Den also makes their drinks fairly potent, so while the cocktail may not be stirred excellently, it’s definitely strong. For nibbles, you can trust their Fries, Chorizo Pav, Bacon Wrapped Prawns, among other items.
A popular spot among college students and working professionals, Quarter Pillar is known for its good music and match screenings. Fondly known as QP, it is known for providing alcohol by the quarter. While bar bites here are quite classic, you won’t be disappointed. The menu features a host of tandoori and Indian Chinese options that you can munch away.
