Mumbai Mania

In this scorching Mumbai heat, you need a chilled beer to cool down. Have you wondered where you can just hang out with few friends and not end up paying too much either.

There are quite a few places in Mumbai where you get beer at a reasonable cost, from Rs 80 to Rs 130. While some bars and restaurants have a reasonably good ambience, there are few places where you just need to go and drink.

Cafe Oval

Opposite Oval Maiden in Churchgate is this small-sized Irani restaurant, one of the few remaining in the city, which serves only beer and snacks. Its easy to miss this place because of its location, we chanced upon it when we saw few people having beer inside, and thought of trying it out.

There are around 8 to 10 tables inside, but its still not noisy like most of the fancy restaurants. Cartons of beer are stacked everywhere, so you know this is the right place to tank up.

The cost is pretty reasonable around Rs 80 to Rs 90 per bottle. For snacks they have chips, peanuts, cheese cubes, which made me very happy, sandwiches etc. The crowd, mostly men, was decent, you will probably find an old man drinking on one table and group of friends on the other.

Address of Cafe Oval

Cross Building
M K Road,
Churchgate

Apoorva Restaurant and Bar
It use to my regular hangout when I was working at Indian Express, because of its affordable food and drinks. Located near Fountain, close to Hornimon Circle, Apoorva serves beer and other liquor at a good price, a large Rum and Coke won't cost more than Rs 35 or so.

Its known for its sea-food, especially fish, and pomfret, bangra and prawns are suppose to be fresh and tasty. At least that's what my friends have told me, I am a vegetarian.

I have tried few of their Indian dishes, it makes a good meal. Quite a few stock brokers come there and office goers. The ambience is not that good, but if you want to tank up before heading for a pub, then Apoorva it is.

Address of Apoorva Restaurant and Bar
Noble Chambers,
S. A. Brelvi Road,
Near Horniman Circle,
Fort
tel: 22-22870335, 22881457

Gokul

The drinking den of Indian males features even in Lonely Planet. Gokul is the old favorite bar behind Taj Mahal hotel on Tulloch Road. Its the place where everyone from college kids to old men go for an inexpensive drink.

There is no music, or decor, or fancy cocktails, you order for your drink and get it in a jiffy. The upstairs A/C section is where real drinkers sit, you also might find the odd woman, but beer is really cheap here.

Address of Gokul bar
10 Tulloch Rd,
Colaba
tel: 022-2284 8248

Cafe Ideal
An erstwhile Irani cafe, which serves vegetarian food and beer. It has an ideal location, facing the sea, so hop in for a couple for beers, play some songs on the jukebox and go for a walk to Chowpatty beach.

The prices are a bit higher than Cafe Oval, but definitely cheaper than Leopold's and Cafe Mondegars.

You can choose from a variety of cuisine, Indian, Chinese and Continental food. Try the mushroom/paneer chilli, sautéed mushrooms or chilli cheese toast for starters, follow it up with some nice Indian dish.

Address of Cafe Ideal

Shop No 5, Fulchand Niwas,
Chowpatty
Tel: 22-23630943

Seaview Restaurant

Another restaurant-cum-bar with a great view. Among the places mentioned in this list, Seaview would take the honors at least in terms of the view. Its situated right on Juhu beach. making it the perfect location on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

A bottle of beer would cost you around Rs 120, and they have variety of snacks on offer.

If you know of any such places which you would like to recommend, then drop a comment, we will add it to the list!