NIGHTLIFE
1. Shiro
Wadia International Centre, Worli • 022 6651 1207 • Open noon–1:30am daily
An upscale lounge-bar during the week and a buzzing club on weekends, Shiro has an exclusive clientele to match. If you want to party, the music ranges from retro to Latin, and often commercial. Serves good food, too.
2. Leopold Cafe & Bar
Established in 1871, the heritage Leopold Cafe & Bar is one of the liveliest venues in town. Perpetually throbbing with crowds of locals and tourists, it is well known for having found a mention in Gregory David Robert’s novel Shantaram. The bar menu here is limited but its old-school charm makes it an ideal place for a few casual drinks.
3. Palladium Social
This branch (see Palladium Social) of the leading bar chain, located in the upscale High Street Phoenix mall complex, is all about beers and burgers. Try their Electric or Toxic LIIT, a well-done spin on the classic.
4. Doolally Taproom
C18/21, Dalia Industrial Estate, Veera Desai Area • 099 67102 143 • Open 7am–1am daily
Carefully curated brews that have long steered the state’s craft beer revolution are served up here. The ales, brought in from their microbrewery in Pune, include the signature Hefeweizen. No service charge is levied here.
Casual ambience at Doolally Taproom
5. Janata
78/A, Pali Naka, Dr Ambedkar Rd, Bandra West • 099 2006 8761 • Open noon–1am daily
Janata Lunch Home Bar & Restaurant, or just Janata as it is fondly called by regulars, is essentially a no-frills dive bar. True to its name, which means the public, it welcomes everyone from broke college students to beer-lovers or simply those looking for an offbeat spot.
6. AER
Located on top of the Four Seasons, this sky bar (see AER) offers glorious views as well as an excellent selection of potent cocktails whipped up by choice mixologists.
Stunning backdrop of AER
7. Glocal Junction
This expansive casual bar and dining spot (see Glocal Junction) in Worli offers uniquely crafted cocktails. The impressive food menu aims to bring together global and local elements, and a great playlist featuring all the popular tracks adds to the ambience here. The spacious dance floor is an added attraction.
8. Trilogy
Hotel Sea Princess, Juhu Tara Rd, Juhu • 022 2646 9689 • Open 10:30–3am Mon–Sat
The super-stylish Trilogy, renovated in 2018, is even more luxurious than before. Sip on an array of delicious cocktails while watching the sun set or dance the night away to the beats of international DJs.
9. Toit Brewery – Taproom & Kitchen
Bangalore’s beloved brewery, Toit launched in Mumbai in 2017 and has since met with a great reception. The vibe is relaxed and handcrafted beers with creative names such as Basmati Blonde and Tintin Toit are on offer.
10. Woodside Inn
Wodehouse Rd, opposite Regal Cinema, Colaba • 022 2202 5525 • Open 11:30am–1am daily
A laid-back pub serving a selection of craft as well as global beers, plus comfort food to go with the casual ambience. It has two other branches, in Andheri and Lower Parel.
TOP 10 NIGHT SPOTS
1. Queen’s Necklace
Relax and listen to the waves crashing on the shore at Marine Drive, the promenade between Nariman Point and Malabar Hill.
The Queen’s Necklace at night
2. Bachelorr’s (Chowpatty)
Ice creams, shakes, frozen yogurts, juices and more are served at this much-loved spot, delighting customers since 1945.
3. Amar Juice Centre (Vile Parle)
This is a great place for a tall, refreshing glass of fresh fruit juice late at night. The pao bhaji is recommended.
4. Bademiya (Colaba)
Locals swear by this iconic street stall for its succulent kebabs and tikkas.
5. Juhu Chowpatty Beach
Sit by the beach, explore the various food stalls, or soak in the local flavour at this buzzing spot.
6. Ayub’s (Kala Ghoda)
Listen carefully to the staff recite the menu, then choose from their range of kebabs and rolls that are perfect for midnight hunger pangs.
7. Drive along the Bandra–Worli Sea Link
A drive through the sea link is best done at night, when it is glittering with lights and the traffic is smooth.
8. Deepak Cinema (Lower Parel)
Experience old-world charm and watch a late-night movie at this single-screen cinema, one of the few left in the city.
9. Carter Road
Enjoy the sea breeeze minus the crowds, or with luck, spot a celebrity (see Carter Road).
10. Midnight Cycling
Book a tour to cycle through the sights that lie silent and stunning at night.
