1. Dome
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
View, views, and more views are what you'll get at this sensuous and seductive rooftop bar. Come here to watch the sun set over the ocean, and linger on as stars and candles replace the fading sunlight in the open air lounge. Few places get to boast of such a beautiful setting. You'll enjoy the impressive selection of cocktails, wines, and cigars too. This bar is definitely for chilling out!
- Address: Level 11, InterContinental Hotel, 135 Marine Drive, Mumbai. Ph: (22)3987-9999.
- Opening Hours: 6 p.m. until 1.30 a.m.
2. Aurus
Similar in concept and location to the Vie Deck and Lounge, this classy hidden away bar opens out onto a deck right on Juhu beach. You’ll have to search a little to find it as there are no signs and the entry is easy to miss, but it's well worth it. Aurus is high on romance with seductive candles and mood lighting. Should you need further encouragement to get in the right mood, there's even a canopied four poster bed to drink and dine on. Inside, crystal chandeliers complete the picture. The world cuisine here is also worth trying. Friday night is party night, with top DJs playing.
- Address: Ground Floor Nichani House, Juhu Tara Rd (next to Anita Dongre Showroom), Juhu, Mumbai. Ph: (22)6710-6666.
- Opening Hours: 8.30 p.m. until 1.30 a.m.
3. Wink
Leonardo Media
This sleek and buzzing bar with a hugely international flavor could possibly be the best place to have a drink in Mumbai. Just be prepared for the huge hole it will leave in your wallet though! Bar tenders are internationally trained and enviably adept at preparing some of the most delicious and creative cocktails you'll ever taste. In addition to this, the bar is stocked with over 25 different vodkas from around the world, 40 brands of whiskey, and fine wines from 150 countries. Music plays an important part of the experience at Wink -- the resident international DJ starts it off slow and build it up over the course of the night.
- Address: Taj President Hotel, 90 Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. Ph: (22) 6665-0808.
- Opening Hours: 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.
4. Prive
If you can gain entry, the darkly hued and mysterious Prive is worth a look. This very exclusive, glam bar and nightclub has taken over where Athena left off. It's members only, but if you're a well dressed foreigner who looks the part, there's a good chance you'll get in. It helps if you book a table in advance. As well as the best imported spirits (there's even a Dom Perignon lounge -- one of the few in the world), you can treat yourself to the delights from a tantalizing Japanese menu. Of course the prices reflect this bar's reputation, so expect to spend plenty of money there.
- Address: 41/44 Mon Repos, Ground Floor, Minoo Desai Road, Colaba, Mumbai. Ph: (22) 2202-8700.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
5. Zenzi
Sharell Cook
Zenzi is both an inspired restaurant and attractive bar. It's a large place that enables you to choose the kind of experience you want to have -- relax upstairs on the open air terrace, hang at the bar, or settle into the lounge where the DJ spins elecro, house (and almost everything else, depending on the night of the week). Zenzi's interior is earthy with Balinese and Thai touches, and it attracts a cultured and varied crowd. Come before 11 p.m. and it will be relatively quiet, but by midnight it's packed and pumping, especially later in the week. Ladies get a free cosmopolitan on Tuesdays "Lipstick Nights".
- Address: 83 Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai. Ph:(22)5643-0670.
- Opening Hours: From morning until 1 a.m.
6. Mocha
Sharell Cook
Looking for somewhere inexpensive and informal where you can relax and chill out? Mocha promotes itself as a coffee shop chain, but it's much more than that. Each outlet is decorated with warm tones and comfortable couches. You'll also find a good selection of wines that are very reasonably priced. The Juhu branch is the largest Mocha, and has a large outdoor area as well as an air conditioned interior. If you're looking for somewhere a little more conveniently located in south Mumbai, head to the Mocha in Churchgate, just around the corner from the train terminus.
- Address: Juhu Tara Road (opposite Juhu Beach), Juhu, Mumbai. Ph(22)2617-5495. 82 Veer Nariman Road, Chuchgate, Mumbai. Ph:(22)6633-6070.
- Opening Hours: 10 a.m. until 1.30 a.m.
