Bricks Bar and Kitchen in Bengaluru gets the neighbourhood pub formula right 

Newly opened Bricks Bar and Kitchen in Indiranagar offers rooftop vibes, signature cocktails, and comforting bar snacks.

Another name has been added to the roster of bars in Indiranagar. This is the newly opened Bricks Bar and Kitchen. Located at the beginning of Indiranagar’s 100 ft road, this is a rooftop bar. With two outlets in the city, another in JP Nagar, Bricks is positioning itself to be a friendly neighbourhood pub where you can drop by for a casual drink. And that is exactly what we did.

Bangaloreans will know the Barbeque Nation restaurant on 100 feet road that has been a staple for ages. Bricks is located on the rooftop of the same building. My companion and I head to the second floor. Exposed brick walls and rattan lights give it a modern chic vibe. The TV screens are playing IPL matches and there is late 2000’s hip-hop music on the speakers; we instantly feel at home.

The drinks menu has the expected selection of spirits, wines and beers. Our server was welcoming and helpful, and explained the signature cocktails to us. We order three drinks — Gin chamomile, coffee martini and raw mango margarita. The gin drink is refreshing and floral. The botanical notes of the gin and the tea go well together, but it is a tad one dimensional. The raw mango margarita is delicious. Green in colour, it has a spicy salt and chilli rim.

The coffee martini was a hit. Served like an espresso martini with three coffee beans on top. The coffee is tasty, and the drink is balanced. We order a second round of these.

There are many bar snacks and appetisers on the menu that pair well with drinks. The chakna platter is the first to arrive. It has masala peanuts, crispy corn and kala chana chaat. We keep nibbling on these while we catch up over drinks. The fish fingers surprise as, as we expect them to be frozen. But they are freshly made with a crumbly texture. The tandoori chicken tikka is smokey and charred. The marinade is fiery. Another surprise is the fish paturi. Steamed fish fillets are marinated in a mustard paste and steamed in banana leaves.

For mains, there are Indian and Chinese picks. Wanting to try both, we get a dal makhani and naan, and a chili garlic noodles. The dal is creamy and comforting, and the butter naan is hot from the tandoor. The noodles are spicy and garlicy. Not exactly bar food in my mind, but you cannot deny its appeal after a few drinks.

We skip dessert, but there is gulab jamun, ice cream and a chocolate truffle cake up for grabs.