Best Bars in South Mumbai – South is Style

We agree that Mumbai is large, also we agree that there is no scarcity of drinking places in here. But the purpose of writing this article is to make you aware that ‘south is style. Weather you are an undergrad who will pop breath mints to keep your parents from knowing about your extra-curricular activities or a yuppies travelling across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to spend your 9-to-5 here, to help you make sense of which one is for you – the one you deserve as much as it deserves you – we drank through Colaba and its next-door neighbours to put together this list. Before we begin I must confess, we loved this research a lot.

1. Woodside Inn

For those seeking a selection of beers (craft or otherwise), cocktails (classic or with a twist), and reliable bar bites, Woodside Inn doesn’t disappoint. With its annual beer and burger festival, it manages to add some excitement to the city’s otherwise dreary monsoon, but for those who want to drink, the bar feels like home – and their consistent cocktails definitely help. We can usually be found with an old-fashioned in hand, catching up by the bar.

Address: Indian Mercantile Mansion, Wodehouse Road (022 22025525)

2. The Clearing House

Its large bar and well-made cocktails may be what it’s best known for, besides of course its spacious premises. They do the classics (order a negroni and thank us later) with aplomb, but for those looking to experiment, there are options to try (we’re fans of the Bloody Margarita) with a side of the delicious nachos that seem to be on every table. With drinks changing seasonally, and some well-made sangria, there’s more than enough to keep trying. These guys do great dessert too, in case you want a sugar rush to fix what a drink couldn’t achieve.

Address: 13-15 Calicut Street, Ballard Estate, Fort (022 22657007)

3. Effingut

Colaba’s newest drinking house is also maybe its largest. Spread over two floors, with a large motorcycle hanging from the ceiling, the beers here are house-made and trucked in from their Pune brewery. When it comes to hard liquor, there’s an array of cocktails on offer to be paired with their menu that encompasses biryani and Thai curry, ensuring everyone has something to nosh on.

Address: Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder Marg (022 33126941)

4. Bayview Cafe

On the top floor of the recently refurbished Hotel Harbour View, this indoor-outdoor space offers stunning views of the sea. The only hiccup: drinks can only be served in the indoor section. Still for a beer and kebab kind of evening, it’s the ideal place to enjoy the view, have a couple of drinks before getting back to street level and city-life below.

Address: Hotel Harbour View, Kerawala Chambers, 25 JP Ramchandani Marg (022 61192222)

5. Cafe Leopold

Since being immortalised in Shantaram, the cult of Cafe Leopold has only grown. Known for its beer towers and spicy Chinese and Indian food, large group of drinkers waiting outside make snagging a table seem at times impossible. Once you’re seated though, the high ceiling, no-nonsense service and the incessant sound of chatter that fills the space will make you glad you put in the effort. There’s a full bar for those who want to drink, but follow every other table’s lead and share a pitcher of beer with friends – you won’t regret it.

Address: 166 Colaba Causeway (022 22828185)

6. Cafe Mondegar

Serving only beer and wine, this ‘café’ is a throwback to a more egalitarian city. The tables are crammed in close to each other and there’s a jukebox at the back for those seeking to stay in control of the playlist. The inner, air-conditioned sanctum is some relief from the city’s humidity but if you’re here for a drink, the livelier outdoors is the best place to sit.

Address: 5A Metro House, Colaba Causeway (022 22020591)

7. Flamboyante

Catering to those who live and work in Cuffe Parade, Flamboyante adds some life in the World Trade Centre. The food menu traverses cuisines and serves up some delicious pizzas, an easy-to-share option for those stopping by for an after-work drink or – if they’re surreptitiously serving – shisha. With a large outdoor area that’s broken up into different sections, it’s ideal for those who find themselves in this area, craving for a good drink.

Address: Shop No 7, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade (022 40647700)

8. Gokul

For a lot of locals, Gokul was the first bar they ever stepped into, and for the most part nothing’s changed. Yes, the area around it has become a hub for restaurants and bars but inside this dimly lit space, you’ll still find young drinkers and those looking for their daily tipple after a long day at work. The simple bi-level space still has its straight-back wooden benches and tables, making it more canteen than bar. But then again, that’s part of its charm.

Address: Nawaz Building, 10 Tullock Road (022 22848248)

9. Harbour Bar

The city’s first bar and the oldest licensed one (in case you were still wondering) is located in the opulent environs of the Taj Mahal Palace. Nosh on tapas from around the world (think guacamole golgappa and prawn pepper salt) while enjoying their signature cocktails (the From the Harbour has been on the menu since 1933, when the bar opened). With mood lighting, impossibly plush sofas to sink into, and a sense of charm that seems like it’s straight out of another era – this one is an experience and not just a location.

Address: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Apollo Bunder (022 66653366)

10. Alps Restaurant and Beer Bar

Walking into Alps is like walking into another time. Sure, they only serve beer, but its bentwood chairs, mirrored walls and hanging pendant lamps seem to have not changed for over 30, maybe 40 years. Order a hearty sizzler, pair it with a beer (they’ve changed with the times and you’ll find Bira on the menu alongside Kingfisher), and take in its quaint charm.

Address: Roosevelt House, Nawroji Furdunji Road (2204 5042)

11. Havana

Taking its inspiration from Cuba and the country’s rum culture, Havana is a watering hole for those who like their music loud, their drinks strong and their crowds noisy. Especially popular on weekends, the bar does a couple of great rum cocktails (no surprises there) — we usually get the Old Cuban or the whiskey sour.

Address: The Gordon House Hotel, 5 Battery Street (022 61245878)

12. The Bar Stock Exchange

The rapid rise of TBSE has allowed people all over the city to enjoy the spoils of cheap drinks that change price according to demand. The slightly gimmicky concept has given rise to numerous imitators and the kind of deals on alcohol that were unheard of in the city. So, keep an eye on the screen, plan what your friends will be ordering, and let the market take care of your drinks menu for the night.

Address: Hotel Apollo, Lansdowne Road (09170391703)

13. The Eau Bar

For those looking for the kind of night which includes live music, an impossibly romantic setting, and stunning views of the sea, The Eau Bar is the place to grab at least one drink. It’s a throwback to another time, when a bar was more sedate, service more formal and drinks much harder to come by. Luckily now, the staff is happy to offer off-the-menu suggestions and there’s a selection of special nights to plan your next visit around.

Address: The Oberoi, Nariman Point (022 66325757)

14. The Table

Get a seat overlooking the small bar to see the bartenders work their magic out here. There’s a special gin menu – with a selection of tonics for the discerning – while its cocktails also change with the seasons, taking into account fresh produce and flavours. During the winter, their mulled wine is a highlight, and around the year, you should order a Cucumber Saketini. It might just become your new favourite drink.

Address: Kalpesi Trust Building, Apollo Bunder Marg (022 22825000)

Here you are now ready with a list of best bars to take your buddies. If you like the places do comment us. if you find better places, we would love to include them on our list. Next time when you visit south Mumbai for few drinks, explore the place. Remember,

South is Style