Kala Ghoda’s favourite bar finally decided us burbs were worthy and opened its doors in a prime Bandra location in February. With its own spins on snacky, bar food and affordable cocktails, 145 is the place to be on any Friday night.
We walk into what is likely the most spacious restaurants in Bandra. With a tall ceiling and a spaced out seating arrangement, I’m pleasantly surprised and only glad to not be sharing a table with a random stranger- space is a commodity in the suburbs. With an island bar bang in the centre, the decor is simple and chic. I also spot a pool table which I imagine will be frequented by customers looking to knock back a few beers after a long day at work. The slightly confused but extensive menu has something for everyone-from twists on classic Indian dishes (did someone say Kurkure Bhel?) to Lebanese to Thai. Once you get over the initial indecisiveness, you’ll be happy you visited just for the sheer amount of options. We pick the Magic Masala Potato Skins and Chicken Teriyaki Baos to begin with. The potato skins have just the right amount of seasoning and crispiness, I could sit on a couch, Netflix and eat these all day. The baos arrived in all their fluffy goodness although we wished the teriyaki seasoning was a little sweeter.
While we take another look at the menu to order mains, we’re temporarily distracted by the giant screen playing old episodes of Tom and Jerry. The restaurant seems to be going for a fun, playful vibe and the cartoon reruns definitely fit in. Our Berry Pulao/Sali Boti arrives, it’s a satisfactory take on the Parsi favourite but we prefer the Bunny Chow bread bowl filled with butter chicken. Dessert is Cookie Dough Pizza slathered with Nutella and ice cream on the top, it’s every dessert lover’s dream and it’s quickly inhaled by everyone at the table. To visit 145 and not mention their signature cocktails would be a crime. From the Kamooalifruitini with splashes of vodka and passion fruit to their Pomegranate Lemongrass Martini, it isn’t difficult to see why the restaurant is everyone’s favourite watering hole.
The chilled out vibe, great bar food and interesting cocktails, head to 145 to celebrate the end of a busy week and usher in the weekend!
How to Get There:
145 Bandra
Where: 1st floor, HSBC Building, Off Turner Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West
Contact: 022 62339596
Timing: All Days 9 AM to 1:30 AM
Cost: ₹1,400 for two people (VAT & service charges extra)