An oasis of calm in Indiranagar

Finding a place to drink in Indiranagar is not a problem but finding a place which allows you to relax, drink and soak in nature might be a task. 1131 Bar + Kitchen is your go-to place when you are not exactly in the party mood but just want to unwind.

Located above Smoor Chocolate Lounge on the busy 100 Feet Road in Indiranagar, the place is a sprawling expanse with long wooden tables, comfortable seating, colourful graffiti, vertical gardens and a tinkling water fountain. Get what we were talking about?

The bar menu comprises signature cocktails, shooters and other classic drinks. The Bacardi mojitos are worth a try though the taste is the usual. The ‘Curry Patta’ is an interesting experiment — though it might be a little too sweet for some, you wouldn’t ever guess it was made from curry leaves.

An extensive collection of spirits is available for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. The fresh craft beers on tap are customer favourites while there is also a variety of mocktails and detox juices for the teetotallers.

Next up is food and the restaurant serves everything from Continental, Mediterranean, Italian and European to Indian. From their wide range of appetisers, do ensure to give the ‘Signature Nachos’ a try. The Indianised starter is a unique combo of Rajma, Guacamole, Black olives and tomatoes (‘we don’t know if it was the Indian effect working on us but the nachos resembled ‘pappadams’ quite closely). The dish is quite addictive, be warned.

The ‘Jalapeno Cheese Dynabites’, spicy cheese balls served with New Thousand Island Dip, were the right mix of crispy covering and gooey insides. ‘Celebrity Shrooms’, batter fried stuffed mushrooms tossed in a cilantro, chilli and peanut butter glaze, were a little difficult to cut into but the taste makes up for the effort you put in. Super soft mushrooms with a flavourful outer covering is a match made in heaven.

In Asian appertisers, ‘Prawns in RCP Sauce’, wok tossed prawns with chilli paste and seasoning, is slightly watery which makes for messy eating. The ‘Broccoli and Water Chestnuts’ is a good option for vegetarians.

‘Jaipuri Murg Ka Sula’ is a great try in Indian appetisers. The slightly spicy Rajasthani flavour and the tender juicy chicken makes it a good accompaniment with a drink.

Moving on to the dimsums, vegetarians can choose from ‘Broccoli Corn Water Chestnut’, ‘Celery Silken Tofu’ and ‘Szechuan Glazed Vegetables Sui Mai’ (our personal favourite). The non-veg dimsums had a sharp aftertaste which was not pleasant.

In salads, the ‘Immunity Booster’, combines health and taste. Broccolli, baby spinach, orange slices and lettuce make for a good mix of sweet and crunchy.

The 12-inch thin crust Italian pizzas topped with fresh ingredients and authentic cheese is a foodie’s delight. We are not even making recommendations here — you can’t go wrong with any choice. The ‘Napolitiane Pasta’ is another creamy delight. Sizzlers, noodles, rice varieties, Indian breads, sandwiches and curries form the remaining part of this extensive menu. Leave space for desserts — the ‘Molten Chocolate Lava Cake’ is all your sweet dreams come true.

1131 Bar + Kitchen is located on 100 Feet Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar.