Six Bombay Bars for Six Kinds of Travellers

The perfect bars for every persuasion!

The Immersive Traveller: Bombay Bronx

In town for one night and desperate to dive right in? Head over to the Bronx, the self-proclaimed custodian of the Bombay vibe. Surround yourself with murals lifted directly off the streets, drinks inspired by roadside stalls and dabba-themed décor. Dashing young waiters bustle around in shirts emblazoned with the word “Boss”, the umbrella term for every male in the city from rickshaw driver to stockbroker. Don’t forget to try their Pani Puri Capriojka and Tang Master Gogo.

The Glamper: Olive Bar and Kitchen

Like to travel in style? Are you in Mumbai to catch some of that Film City glitz? Olive’s right up your alley. A chic Mediterranean-style villa decked out in soothing white and candlelight, it’s the ideal place to lounge about in your favourite maxi, tuck into some delicious fine dining options and let the gentle sea breeze lift your hair and your spirits as you rub shoulders with Bombay’s who’s who on their famous Thank God it’s Thursday nights.

The Free Spirit: Bonobo

Another rooftop hotspot for the traveller that likes to turn the music up and let their hair down. Bonobo has a great after-work vibe with jungle themed décor, flavoured tequilas and a scrumptious Sloppy Joe Burger. Easy to locate, but away from the noise of the traffic, it’s a no-fuss venue that promises a good time, delivered by some of the nicest staff in the city. Perfect for someone on the lookout for some good vibrations.

The Homestay Addict: Schumania

For those that travel for a slice of life experience, you might miss out on a lot of the cheaper bars because they’re just a little too cheap to ensure safety or hygiene. But the family-run Schumania in the heart of IC Colony is a landmark in the hearts of the Borivali locals. Drink by the quarter in this neon-backlit restobar, with its laminate tables and plastic ashtrays, packed tight between broke college students and local uncles. Delicious seafood will go down well with the cheap whisky and a truly authentic evening.

The High Flier: Bar Stock Exchange

Looking for a nice watering hole to while away the hours between meetings? Keep your business acumen raring to go at this amazingly brilliant concept bar, with outlets across the city. Alcohol prices rise and fall based on demand just like on the stock market. That means great prices at odd hours that skyrocket as the night wears on, but hey, at least you have fun paying them! Definitely try the Sakinaka Branch if you have the time.

The Litterati: Leopold Cafe and Bar

Did you prep for your trip with tomes by Rohinton Mistry and Suketu Mehta? Then where better to start than Shantaram’s own Leopold Café in South Bombay, the soul of the city’s literature. Settle down at the glass-topped tables for an afternoon pint or move upstairs and make it a pitcher, either way it’s a great chance to people-watch and see the city bustle by on its famously busy way. Look out for the tell-tale bullet holes in the walls from our tryst with terrorism to fully appreciate the spirit of the city that soldiers on.

If you’re still in the market for a drinking buddy, you know who to call!

( It’s us)