A brewer and mixologist walked into a bar and created a spot that’s fun, fuzzy, and friendly. That’s Boilermaker in a nutshell. Think of it as a five-star dive bar with three non-negotiables—good food, good drinks, and great service.
But like most great things, this was unplanned. Nakul Bhonsle had already discovered a place to showcase his brews with a cocktail programme that Pankaj Balachandran was meant to plan for him. But once Pankaj walked in, he felt an instant rush of excitement. The potential was electric—this wasn’t just a cocktail bar; it was something much bigger, a vibrant space just waiting to be brought to life. It didn’t take them long to team up to create a bar that celebrates both spirit and beer. And that’s how Boilermaker was born!
Combining years of experience and exposure to global trends and tastes, partners Pankaj and Nakul aim to create a genuinely Goan offering with international flavours minus the need to try too hard to impress.
In the heart of Siolim, Goa, Nakul Bhonsle, and Pankaj Balachandran are ready to shake up India’s drinking scene with their bold new venture, Boilermaker. As the founders of Great State Aleworks and Countertop, respectively, these two passionate pioneers bring a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the Indian palate to the table. Additionally, having made Goa their home, they have the unique advantage of local insight combined with their expertise that helps them create an exciting experience that works for both locals and visitors alike.
A commissioned artwork of the Midnight Brekkie on the wall, yellow-tile table tops, industrial grunge, and an open bar at the center of it all is what you notice when you enter the brand-new Boilermaker. With its indoor-outdoor seating plan, it is the perfect place to come for a drink alone, catch up with your friends, and even make a few new ones. With familiar tunes from the ’80s and ’90s playing, the vibe changes from “Let’s get a drink” to “Let’s dance” pretty soon.
Both Nakul and Pankaj made Goa their home a few years ago, and are aware that the bar scene needs a course correction. “Many new bars, especially after 2020, aimed to transport people out of Goa, making them feel like they could be anywhere else in the world,” Pankaj shares, talking about the local scene. But most people come to Goa to experience its unique vibe, and that needs to be honoured. So, the two decided to build a laid-back, fuss-free spot for those who live in Goa and for visitors who want to soak in what the region has to offer. The team brainstormed to create a welcoming spot for everyone, including, “Those like me who moved here four years ago and struggled to find a place to relax and enjoy a drink,” Pankaj adds.
That’s exactly what they have built: a bar where people can come to hang out, have a drink, engage in great conversations, and meet friends. In Pankaj’s words, “It’s a place to show off to others and say, ‘Hey! I know this spot—let’s hang out there.’” It’s as simple as that: a bar to chill and enjoy.
However, unlike the bar itself, the name “Boilermaker” had been on Pankaj’s radar for years, ever since he first tasted this bartender’s favourite at Rick’s in Taj Mansingh—a shot of whiskey followed by beer. Deceptively simple yet incredibly elegant, it stuck with him and when the time came to name the bar, he felt it was a natural choice. “It made sense. Nakul is the king of craft beer, and I’ve been championing spirits and cocktails for years,” Pankaj explains. The name celebrates both spirit and beer, a homage to craftsmanship and tradition, embodying the perfect fusion of their two worlds.
At Boilermaker, you can enjoy high-quality drinks, beer, spirits, and food in a casual, fun setting. The place is for tourists seeking genuine Goan experiences, newcomers who have made Goa their home, and local residents looking for a fun, neighbourhood bar. “It’s about getting back to what makes Goa special: the good life, good drinks, and good vibes,” adds Nakul.
At Boilermaker, the menu is a blend of flavours, textures, and techniques, cleverly crafted by chef Rajat Mendhi of Bombay Picnics and chef Gayatri Desai from Ground Up in Pune. “We both came in with clear ideas, but our dynamic was fluid,” says Rajat.
“Expect a lot of playful naughtiness with our smashable chaknas and small plates,” Rajat promises, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy dishes that perfectly pair with the cocktails and craft beers.
Take, for example, the Smashed Chicken topped with a zesty pineapple sambol—crispy and full of fruity heat. Then there are the Chorizo Boiled Peanuts, a fun twist on a classic bar snack that transforms the humble peanut into something exciting. “We wanted to take the iconic Goan chorizo and do something unexpected and fun,” Rajat explains.
One standout dish is the Balchāo Pickled Cucumbers with crunchies, that are sweet, sour, and savoury, with a kick of heat. Topped with raw mango, radish, carrots, and scallions, these cucumbers are infused with house-made Balchāo masala and garnished with a crunchy tahini nut-and-seed granola.
Don’t miss the Prawn Chorizo Gambas, where the magic happens with rich prawn heads and chorizo oil. “Mop it all up with the warm poee we serve alongside,” Rajat suggests, encouraging you to savour every bite. And for dessert, the playful Cookie Salad—featuring port wine-macerated grapes and a creamy tahini dressing—will leave you grinning. “It’s a party in your mouth!”
At Boilermaker, the drinks menu is all about good times and great flavours. “I think all of our drinks are going to be one of my favourite words that I often use—smashing!” Pankaj exclaims. “The reason why it’s smashable is you can drink a cocktail in less than 12 minutes and then order six more.” The focus is crafting beverages that are tasty, refreshing, and easy to enjoy.
The cocktail menu will feature a selection of Smashable Drinks, perfect for those looking to unwind quickly. But there’s also a more laid-back option for deeper conversations. “We want Sessionable drinks where you can sip and talk about your life’s biggest, darkest secrets,” Pankaj adds with a grin.
One unique section on the menu is cheekily titled “Say Hello to My Little Friend,” offering mini cocktails so you can sample multiple flavours.
Nakul Bhonsle is equally excited as he dives into the intriguing spirit and beer pairings, blending classic and creative combinations. “We’re talking about some fun pairings, like a sweeter whiskey with a lager or going a bit wonky with a kokum gose and a pale ale,” Nakul explains. “It’s all about educating without preaching.”
The bar will also feature an impressive selection of twelve tap beers, including heavy hitters like Barrel Aged Scotch Ale, which boasts an 8% ABV along with the crisp and light ones like Bad Habit and Eastside. “We even brewed an exclusive beer called Break Shift IPA—a bartender’s beer that will be added to the menu soon,” Nakul shares.
The broken mirror turned into an artefact with fun posters has the potential to be Goa’s next most famous selfie point (you heard it here first!). And the disco lights in the bathroom. Who says the party needs to stop once you leave the bar!
Address: Boilermaker, Opposite Vailanka Wine Shop, Thalassa Road, Siolim, Goa 403517, India
Call: +91 92260 49851
Follow: @boilermaker.goa
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