03 April,2017 05:58 AM IST | | Shraddha Uchil
Despite cheap alcohol haunts springing up, it's old-time favourites that still rock. In the first of a two-part series on classic city watering holes, here are South Mumbai's best picks
Cafe Mondegar
Popular for: Mario Miranda's mural, buzz
Cafe Mondegar has been a favourite of locals and visitors since 1932. The jukebox was introduced a few years lAter, and lAte Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda's iconic googly-eyed doodles were added to the walls in the 1990s, when Mondy's - as it is fondly known - was refurbished. Today, the all-day eAtery's menu spans Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes, with beer and wine. If you are looking for hospitality reminiscent of the Irani cafés, but over daaru and tunes, this is where you should be.
At 5A, Metro House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba
Time 7.30 am to 11.30 pm
Call 22020592
Harbour Bar
Popular for: Legacy
The Taj Mahal Palace's Harbour Bar is steeped in history. Not only is it located in a hotel erected before even the GAteway of India that it faces, it is also the city's first licenced bar, dating to 1933. The stuffy interiors made way for a cleaner ambience post a rehaul in 2009, following the 26/11 terror Attacks. Offering views of the shimmering waterfront, the bar serves the finest alcohol there is. Try the signAture From the Harbour Since 1933, the only original Prohibition-era drink still available in Mumbai.
At Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Time 11 am to 11.45 pm
Call 66653366
Geoffrey's
Popular for: British pub vibe
Geoffrey's has been sitting pretty on the glittering Marine Drive for 22 years. The space is designed to look like a classic British pub, complete with vintage decor items sourced from the UK. On offer is a selection of scotch, malts and wines. While it was earlier the haunt of many a savvy businessman thirsting for a post-work drink, today, it is trying to draw in millennials with a revamped food and drink menu, as well as introducing Game Nights. Its soul, however, remains, and we're glad for it.
At Hotel Marine Plaza, 29, Marine Drive
Time 12.30 pm to 1.30 am
Call 22851212
The Ghetto
Popular for: Beer and billiards
The first thing that catches your attention as you step into The Ghetto are the graffiti-riddled walls and bizarre lighting. Despite the grungy interiors, it is the preferred hangout of youth looking for an evening spent by the pool table, since it opened around 1993. You can sing along to Rock classics as you play a game of billiards, fuelled by pints of beer.
At 30, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Breach Candy
Time 12 pm to 3.30 pm, 6 pm to 1 am
Call 23538418
