Bars and Cafes in Colaba (Mumbai)

Indigo

Still going strong in a city with a fickle attention span as far as restaurants are concerned, Indigo has not only endured the test of time but has emerged a winner. Voted by US Conde Nast as one of the top 60 restaurants in the world, the insides are cool and stylish, reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa. The bar, of course is the center of attention and the cuisine is simply delicious. A favorite haunt of the city's corporate young and the restless, it is frequented not just by the jet set but also film celebrities. The best time to visit would be a weekend or for a Sunday luncheon. Watch the swish set parade their pearls and borrow a bit of glamor—it'll cost you, though!

Leopold Cafe & Bar

Leopold Cafe & Bar is a cheery and hyperactive pub that is always full of people guzzling down beer and relishing Mutton Tikkas and Chicken Fry. The rule here is that you have to pay for your liquor beforehand. The cafe was the site of a terrorist attack, but the restaurant has bravely reopened and goes to show that the terrorists couldn't destroy people's spirits! The cafe is close to the famous Gateway of India, from where the last of the British troops in India departed at the time of independence.

Cafe Mondegar

Cafe Mondegar or Mondy's as it is locally called, is a landmark in Mumbai. Probably a 100 years old, this pub only serves beer and a few coolers but that's enough to keep it busy the whole week round. The walls are covered with the famous Mario Miranda's cartoons with his spoofs on the city of Bombay. It is also a popular place for tourists to congregate, to beat the heat or just to meet other people. Be prepared to wait in line for a few minutes. With Cafe Leopold and paralleled by Toto's, Cafe Mondegar is one of the three pubs that are must visits in Mumbai.

Tavern and Beyond

This place offers multi-cuisine and cheap liquor. Must visit on Thursday since it is karaoke night. Tavern's ambience is dark and exotic but the music can get a bit loud at times. This is one of the older pubs of Mumbai and is famous with the fairer sex for its desserts.

Harbour Bar

Located inside Taj Mahal Palace & Tower (The), Harbour Bar is a neighborhood favorite. A grand 'unwind' experience, nightcaps and cigars is what Harbour Bar promises. After you've chosen from the exhaustive martini menu you could ask the bartender to mix you the drink right at your table. Try a classic martini like the Negroni or go for the more modern Stinger Martini. Habanos or Davidoffs, pick your favorite Cuban cigar and ease into the night! Harbour Bar offers an exhaustive wine selection and an international food menu as well.

Starboard Bar

Equally popular among all age groups, The Starboard is a very happening nightspot. You have a wide variety of cocktails to choose from. Remember to ask for their signature specials. Bound to make you place a repeat order. Light snacks from Europe and Cuban fusion would tickle your tast ebuds. The live band ever willing to play your favorites ensure that the experience at the Starboard becomes a lingering memory. The Starboard is located at the lobby level of The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower

Busaba

A cozy, lounge bar, Busaba is one of those rustic bungalow-turned-bars with loads of attitude. Decorated with exotic lamps and low-seating chic sofas, Busaba has a tiny bar and a very intuitive DJ. It is spread over two floors, the first is the bar area and the second is for serious dining. The pace is slow on weekdays but weekends at Busaba rock.

Theobroma

Theobroma is a popular hangout for pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked goodies. The location is apt after a hard day's shopping at the Causeway. The place reminds you of a French patisserie and offers baguettes, focaccias, croissants, sandwiches, brownies and hearty breakfast options. Almost always crowded, Theobroma also offers zesty beverages to beat the city's summer temperatures. Service is satisfactory.

Woodside Inn

The main attraction of a place like Woodside Inn is the building it is situated in. The structure is a heritage building which is many decades old. And the simple colored interiors coupled with wood and pretty pictures of the city on the wall, make the ambiance inside very appealing. Woodside Inn serves delicious European fare with the staff dishing out fresh pan cakes, waffles, sandwiches, pastas and cheese cakes. There are many drinks to choose from and enjoy at the bar. Apart from these do check out for the specials.

Indus Cocktail Bar & Tandoor

Indus Cocktail Bar & Tandoor serves a modern Punjabi-style Tandoori cuisine. They also have exotic cocktails and mocktails and a great selection of Indian and imported wines. The bar is well stocked with Indian Scotches, malts, vodkas, cognacs and beers. The DJ plays music Wednesday through Sunday. Indus is a great place to have kebabs, beers and just relax with friends.

Alps Restaurant & Beer Bar

Alps Restaurant and Beer Bar, exudes an old wold charm, promptly setting an atmosphere for a lazy, laid back evening. The beer is plenty full and the conversations flow easily. They have a sorted collection of drought beer and is reasonable priced. The pot fills around three mugs and makes for a good company as you catch up with your friends.  Alps has some great "finger food" and the sizzlers are worth a shot. All in all a fun place to spend time with your friends.  

Sea Lounge

The Sea Lounge at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is the place to head for if you are looking for a good coffee, great ambiance and fantastic view of the sea and harbor. Buffet Breakfast, Pasta and antipasto buffet, and a high-tea buffet, apart from their wide array on the menu is an absolute treat. Every item in the high-tea buffet is a must try item and the Bombay toasty and chaats are their signature dishes. Check website for further details.