AFRA TAFRI
9 Camac Street, diagonally opposite British Council
Open: Noon to midnight
Spread over 10,000sq ft, the pub is divided into three sections — PDR, main seating area and a spacious smoking room where you can enjoy your shisha. From quirky decor lights (think microphone, bottles) to cool graffiti art, this place lives up to the name which means ‘madness’. Star chef Ranveer Brar and startender Shatbhi Basu have conceptualised the food and drinks menu.
Pop picks: Ginger Martini, Kiwi Margarita and LIIT are fast-moving mocktails. Munch on 3 Way Paneer Tikka, Chicken Gochujang and Mochar Badami Kebab.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,800-plus for two.
DECK 88
The Astor, 15 Shakespeare Sarani
Open: 4pm to midnight.
This rooftop bar at the heritage hotel opened in January and quickly turned into a youth magnet thanks to easy seating, lots of greenery, refreshing cocktails, live barbecue and chill music. The famous hand-pulled rickshaw is a popular selfie spot.
Pop picks: Pulled Mutton Phulka Tacos, Mezze Platter, and Astor Noodle Bowl. Amour de Invierno (made of vanilla cream and Old Monk rum) is a popular drink.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two.
HARD ROCK CAFE
57A Park Street, Park Mansions (near iStore)
Open: Noon to midnight
After much ‘Is it coming, is it not?’ Hard Rock Cafe is ready to ‘rock’ Calcutta. One of the biggest players in the food-entertainment segment, HRC opened with 161 covers on the city’s party street. Original memorabilia by music greats from John Lennon to Lady Gaga adorn the walls and the stage is set for some kick-ass live music acts.
Pop picks: Original Legendary Burger, Classic Nachos, Original Hard Rock Onion Rings, Potato Skins, Wings, Hickory-Smoked Ribs, and drinks like Hurricane, Exotic Margarita and the classic Raspberry Lemonade.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two.
LEVEL SEVEN
Wizard House, 9/1/1 Topsia Road, diagonally opposite Porshe showroom
Open: Noon to midnight from Monday to Thursday; till 2am from Friday to Sunday.
The newest chill spot in town (opened this month) is spread over two levels and includes a pub and a rooftop hangout zone ideal for brunches and pre-gaming. The USP of the open-air rooftop is the aerial view that overlooks the Parama flyover.
Pop picks: Paper Thin Pizzas, biryani and burgers are top food picks while Banta drinks, mojitos and martinis are fave tipples. Try their in-house fruity shisha flavours.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two.
SCRAPYARD
12A Camac Street, 9th and 10th floors
Open: 1pm to midnight.
This two-level 140-seater lounge offers a beautiful view of the city along with comfy seating and crackling pub food. Live music on allotted days is another plus.
Pop picks: Scrappy Passion, Aayoli Chicken and Chilli Garlic Butter Mushroom.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,400-plus for two.
GOLD
JW Marriott Kolkata, 4A JBS Haldane Avenue (EM Bypass)
Open: 6pm to midnight on weekdays and till 2am on weekends.
The party pad of the star hotel opened in January with a bang. Themed around the look of a gold mine, it has a tunnel-like entrance, and mine hats, lanterns and tungsten lights make up the decor.
Celebrity DJ Aqeel to international artiste Vini Vici played here this year. The operations of the nightclub were outsourced to White Castle Hospitality in the latter half of the year.
Pop picks: Champagne-based cocktail Gold Rush is the signature drink! Grub bestsellers are Hot Tangra Chicken Wings, Vegetable Porpia and Rava Fried Calamari and Shrimp.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500-plus for two.
PHOENIX
The Astor, 15 Shakespeare Sarani
Open: 5pm till midnight on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; till 2am on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Monday closed.
The good ol’ party spot Plush, that shut doors last year, returned in a new avatar as Phoenix. The nightclub spread across 2,368sq ft has an industrial yet vintage feel, with a 330-LED tube installation being the highlight. Known for hosting rocking underground music events.
Pop picks: Chargrilled Broccoli, Bacon Wrapped Chicken Sausage, Lavender Margarita, and Basil and Thyme Martini.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two.
TRAFFIC GASTROPUB
Shop no. M208, second floor, City Centre New Town
Open: Noon to midnight.
Funky pub food meets OTT cocktails in this fun traffic-themed pub. The cool decor ensures a lot of selfie spots.
Pop picks: Parmesan Crusted Fish, Chilli Chicken Pizza and Daru Ki Tanki.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,400-plus for two.
SUNSET RESTRO BAR LOUNGE
Lytton Hotel, Sudder Street
Open: 11am to midnight on weekdays and till 2am on weekends.
Want a warm, cosy place to have a drink? This 2,800sq ft pub with wooden decor, wall art, comfy couches and Bolly and commercial music is just the right hangout.
Pop picks: German Bangers and Mash, Chicken Kebabs, live barbecue, Watermelon and Feta Salad and cocktails like
Green Pollution and Sunset Package.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two.
M BAR KITCHEN
24 Park Street, Magma House
Open: 5pm till midnight on weekdays and till 2am on weekends.
The popular Park Street nightclub underwent a renovation and returned with fancy LED lighting that blinks in sync with the beats. The private lounge section was removed to make room for private decks that overlook the new elevated DJ’s console.
Pop picks: Shots like Screaming Orgasm and 4th of July, and tipple like Fantastic Four and M-Special Sangria.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,400-plus for two.
AURA
Aauris, 3 Robinson Street
Open: 4pm to midnight on weekdays and till 1am on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
The sky deck of Aauris hotel got a facelift with the inclusion of a glass house and a brand-new seating space near the swimming pool.
Pop picks: Sparkling wine cocktails like Rose and Saffron Gold, a variety of dim sums like Corn and Cheese, Jalapeno and Pineapple Panfried. Puff on shisha like Kiwi Springwater, Teen Paan and Gum Supari.
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500-plus for two.
