Tender coconut chicken and prawn ghee roast, exploring the bar bites in iconic pubs of Bengaluru
Tenderloin chilli
Pecos was launched in 1989 and is considered one of the foremost retro rock music pubs in the country. Pecos Classic, the first outlet that opened on Rest House Road, served Mexican food initially and music enthusiasts would often hangout there to enjoy their rock collection.
As I enter the new Indiranagar outlet, I feel I have travelled back in time thanks to the vintage rock posters adorning its walls. I try the Pecos tenderloin chilli, which has been a top pick of diners for 30 years. Thinly sliced beef strips are lightly coated in batter, fried and tossed in their signature chilli sauce with some vegetables. This dish is moderately spicy and pairs well with a crisp beer. Other recommendations include Pecos chicken dry fry, chilli prawn, Pecos chilli pork and neer dosawith chicken curry.
Pecos tenderloin chilli is priced at ₹345. At Indiranagar
Prawn ghee roast
The 48-year-old Dolphins bar and kitchen is a nostalgic treasure for many Bengalureans. Recently revamped with fresh interiors, it continues to charm. The menu has homely Mangalorean dishes, alongside tandoori and kebabs starters.
On my visit to Dolphins, I am seated next to a group of men on their school reunion. At their suggestion, I try the prawn ghee roast. The vibrant red masala coating the prawns is a hit. The prawn ghee roast pairs well with soft neer dosa, making it a perfect starter or main. Other must-tries include the mutton cutlet, Coorgi pandi fry, anjal pullichattu and squid pepper.
Prawn ghee roast is priced at ₹460. At Cox Town
Mutton sukka
Established in 2011, Doff became popular for its breezy ambience and sport screenings. The interior, with flags of various countries hanging from the ceiling and multiple television screens tuned in to the match of the day, gives off a sports bar vibe. However, it is the food that truly stands out. With a multi-cuisine menu, Doff offers a range of options to suit every taste.
I try the mutton sukka with Doff special naan. The mutton is slow-cooked overnight in a tandoor, resulting in a rich, tender dish full of flavour. For those seeking healthier options, Doff also serves guilt-free dishes such as raw banana tikki, sauteed chickpeas, broccoli kebab and dal kosambari . Some of the crowd favourites here include beer-battered onion rings, a variety of chicken kebabs, nachos, pizzas and prawn peratti.
Mutton sukka is priced at ₹389. At Indiranagar
Tender coconut kabab
Ujwal Restaurant has been serving customers for 18 years, with branches in Vasanth Nagar, Sanjay Nagar and RT Nagar. While modest in its interiors, the restaurant and bar is known for its outstanding food. A signature dish here is the tender coconut kabab. Introduced 15 years ago, it features boneless chicken pieces cooked in a spicy green masala (best paired with neer dosa) and served inside a tender coconut shell.
Ujwal is also popular for Mangalorean dishes such as prawn tender, crab masala fry, anjal masala fry, and pot fish curry. Although the interiors are minimal and the vibes are old school, this bar can easily become your everyday hangout spot. With its delicious food and affordable alcohol, it is the perfect place to enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket.
Tender coconut kebab at Priced at ₹320. At Vasanth Nagar
Lobo's pork chilli bafat
Opened in 2018, Bob's Bar quickly became popular for its affordable alcohol and unique food offerings. After the first outlet in Indiranagar, there have been branches across the city including Koramangala and J.P. Nagar with the latest one opening on Wood Street.
Instead of generic bar snacks, Bob's serves a variety of dishes from various South Indian cuisines. A popular choice is Lobo's pork chilli. The pork is succulent, juicy, and coated with just the right amount of spices.
Also worth trying are the naked fish masala, crispy ladies finger, kottu parotta, and the Gowda mutton chops. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, the place is always buzzing with energy, making it a challenge to find a table on weekends.
Lobo's pork chilli bafat priced at ₹185. At Indiranagar
Rava fried prawns
Started in 2014, Watson's Pub is another staple in the city's pub circuit. It is a great place to meet new people, dance, or just catch up with old friends. Their multi-cuisine menu features a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options such as mac and cheese sticks, kodi karepak vepudu, Goan squid chilli fry, and peri peri paneer tikka.
The rava fried prawns stand out here. Marinated in salt, chili, and pepper, coated with egg white and rava, deep-fried, and dusted with peri peri powder, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great match with chilled beer.
Rava fried prawns priced at ₹425. At Assaye Road
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