Bonobo's been around since 2008, and the reason it even exists is because the founders were fed up with Mumbai's weird rules on formal dress codes and the lack of good, chilled out spots to hang out at. And so they built their own rebellion – Bonobo, a relaxed bar that also treats music like a religion (and with them, Mumbai eased up, too). The first thing you'll notice about Bonobo is the jungle-chic aesthetic that they've got going on atop the roof. It's very subtle in some ways – dim lighting, lush greenery – but wacky in others – mushroom-shaped umbrellas? – and it ties together in a way that puts you immediately at ease and snaps you out of the city's chaos.
Here's the real kicker: the food and drinks are way better than they necessarily need to be. That's an odd thing to say, but for a bar that's known for live music, you wouldn't typically come expecting top-notch nosh. But Bonobo excels at stuff beyond just snack plates. They serve great continental food – the Spicy Burnt Garlic Pizza's a must – and their cocktails are similarly well-crafted, with infusions ranging from wasabi to curry leaves. It's fuelled by the kind of inventive spirit that's kept the place relevant for nearly two decades.
Bonobo runs a tight ship when it comes to the music schedule, so plan a visit around your preferred genre. On Wednesdays, the theme's Live is Everything (mainly jazz and live music). This is their essential, free-entry live music night, typically starting around 10.30pm. It’s where you’ll catch everything from jazz fusion to soul and funk bands, and you're guaranteed to run into some great musicians in the crowd.Thursdays are for hip-hop and old-school music. If your urge to groove can't wait till the weekend, Thursdays are your day. When it’s Old School Bar Night, it’s a great chance to grab budget-friendly drinks and listen to nostalgic tracks, best enjoyed with old pals.Fridays are for electronic music. Great segue into the weekend, perfect for dancing, and they consistently book some of the best Indian and foreign DJs for serious techno, house, and disco nights.