Hangout spots in Bangalore
Wondering where to go? A quiet & quaint spot or a high-energy high place to let your hair down? Laila & gang recommend the following places to hang out in Bangalore.
Looking for a night-out under the stars with some live music and scrumptious Goan food? Opus is where you head to. While the ambience is certainly inviting, with low seating and pebbled grounds, the service and the wallet factor are not particularly so. There is an entry fee that is a bit disheartening as the food is overpriced. Opus has different themes on different days. Most popular are the karaoke nights and retro nights. Contact details…
Tavern Inn
Styled along the lines of an English pub, this place has a dedicated lot of regulars that keep coming back for the endless brew, the rocking DJ, and the comfortable seating. There is a sense of warmth that makes this pub a great place to visit and catch up with old friends. Contact details…
Pamper the child in you at Amoeba, Bangalore’s most happening bowling alley and gaming zone. Enjoy the latest in arcade games and exchange the coupons you win for interesting goodies at Amoeba. Besides bike racing and air hockey, there are fun rides for six year olds or roundabouts. Bowling is a favourite, but be prepared to wait if it’s a weekend when it is packed and the charges are higher. That’s when you snack at the cafe while watching ESPN on the enormous screen. Amoeba can be hired for private birthday parties too. Have a fun-filled family day! Contact details…
Koshy’s Bar and Restaurant
Writers, artists, theatre persons, lawyers, and politicians – Bangaloreans of any hue swear by this restaurant. Definitive to Bangalore culture, probably even the cornerstone of it, Koshy’s is where people come together to catch up, talk shop, brainstorm on a script or interpret the fine print of law. The extensive menu and delicious food only add up to what is perhaps an unadulterated Bangalore experience. Contact details…
Alliance Francaise de Bangalore
Learn French, catch a play, join a dance class and find out everything you need to know about studying in France all at the vibrant Alliance Francaise. The Indo-French cultural centre welcomes anyone with the slightest interest in the arts or anything French. There’s always something to watch at the auditorium from jazz concerts to film festivals. The library is well stocked for those of you who read French and the cafe is inviting. And, of course, French language lessons from basics to professional courses are held throughout the year. Contact details…
Situated at Koramangala, this pub is spread over three floors with an open-air terrace. Flat screens line its walls that show live performances of the rock legends. Efficient service and a well-stocked bar will keep you happy. The combo meal is an option if you’re hungry and are not up for appetisers. Contact details…
Shopping, eating, movies and fun guaranteed at Garuda Mall, Bangalore’s most happening mall. For the shopaholic, there’s every brand you can think of from Adidas to Mango. The multi-cuisine food court, sizzlers at Kobe and cocktails at Bull and Bush will keep the foodies more than satisfied. Inox on the fourth level has all the popcorn and blockbusters that movie-buffs crave. Kids can enjoy themselves at Amoeba, the gaming zone. And, if you just want to hang out, window shop and catch up with friends and family, this mall has all the space you need, with ample parking too! Contact details…
Up Beat
Up Beat has colourful velvet couches under a tiled roof, tables under the open sky, a dance floor with disco lights, and walls adorned by pictures of legendary singers. Country, Rock and Roll and Ballroom are the flavours of this restaurant, so if the Jive, Cha Cha, Swing and Waltz appeal, then step on the dance floor. Food-wise, the Chilli Pork, Bacon Wrapped Prawns and Crispy Chicken are a must try. Up Beat runs karaoke nights as well. Contact details…
Cubbon Park
Named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Bangalore’s longest serving Commissioner, Cubbon Park was planned and laid out in 1864 by Sir Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of Mysore. Flower beds, large lawns, shady trees all make this an ideal place for both morning workouts and the casual evening stroll. The Park is also home to several classical buildings like the Attara Kacheri (the Karnataka High Court) the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, Aquarium, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. An amusement park called the Bal Bhavan also exists here. Contact details…
One of the popular coffee-chains across India, Café Mocha is popular with college students and youngsters alike. Located in a spacious bungalow in brightly-hued colours, this place offers everything from paninis to crostinis to Café Mocha specials, and some deliciously thick shakes. Do note that the portions here are very generous, and tasty nevertheless. Popular thick shakes include the Oreo and Kit-Kat shake amongst others. That’s not all, you can even drop in here for breakfast. Over the weekends it tends to get very crowded, so its advisable to head there early and get your pick of the tables. Contact details…
Boca Grande
Meaning “big mouth” in Spanish, this essentially is a café, restaurant, and a dessert place all rolled into one. The ambience is casual and laid-back with outdoor and indoor seating available. They also have board games up for grabs to keep yourself entertained whilst waiting for your food and drinks. From finger-foods to wholesome meals and some yummy desserts, to soda pops to granitas and iced-teas and the ubiquitous lattes, cappuccinos to flavoured coffees, this place has it all. Contact details…
