Brickhouse Café and Bar is the latest entrant to the pub scene in suburban Mumbai. The place is strategically located at the corner of Lokhandwala market in Andheri west, easily accessible with plenty of parking around. Though they have valet service, diners can easily find parking all around which seems like a much prudent option.
A small wooden swinging door is the only access to this quaint looking bar with tastefully done unfinished brick walls. The small al-fresco area is apt for smokers and reminds one of European cafes. I personally loved the naked light bulb arrangement on top of the main bar.
My tasting at the café began with some amazing molecular cocktails; the first one being The Smoked Godfather (Rs. 450) which was made by burning some apple wood chips and letting the smoke settle in the glass and then pouring the whiskey based cocktail in it. The result is a very smoky, low on sweetness, whiskey based drink that is definitely a must have whenever you are there.
The Kokum Margarita (Rs.400), though flavorsome, lacked the tartness that one expects from a classic margarita. Perhaps a dash of raw mango syrup would make a difference. The Candy Floss Cocktail (Rs.450) was fancy rum and raspberry based concoction where the drink is poured over fluffy cotton candy till it dissolves. The result is a pinkish sweet cocktail which is sure to bowl over many maidens!
Another innovative cocktail was the Dutch Kettle (Rs.450) which was a gin and lychee liqueur based cocktail topped with basil and orange peel infused dry smoke. This is another very beautifully presented cocktail where the dry smoke shines above the main drink itself.
The Nachos Grande (Rs.210) was a massive platter of readymade nachos topped with refried beans, jalapeños, cheese, lettuce, a whole lot of ingredients. I wish the nachos were freshly made instead of the readymade variety; it would have given a complete different aspect to the dish. The next dish that followed could easily be claimed as the best pub grub I have tried in India so far. Yes, I am talking of the Volcano BBQ Chicken Wings (Rs.320)-crunchy wings doused with the most amazing sweet, spicy, smoky barbecue sauce which reminded me of the ones I would get in Tennessee. My only peeve is that I wish they would serve real cream cheese with the dish instead of the liquidy raita that I got.
For the mains we tried the Epic Burger (Rs.350) and a platter called Chicken Asiago (Rs.400). The beef burger (though it may not be the Angus, which they claim, but it was quite good), was served on a grilled bread, smeared with delicious Jack Daniels barbecue sauce and some onion rings on the side. The star of the burger was the juicy patty, well -seasoned and garnished well with the sauce. Juices were oozing down my hand while I tried to take a bite of the massive burger. The Chicken Asiago had a filling of sundried tomatoes which had a sharp malt vinegar flavor and served with a creamy garlic sauce with pesto which was very delicious. The chicken breast were huge and the platter quite wholesome.
We completed our meal with their Triple Mousse (Rs.200) which despite being served post a stellar meal, was thoroughly appreciated as it was very light, airy and creamy displaying the characteristics of a perfect mousse. The minty undertones were also relished well, the only bone to pick here was the chocolate chip garnish on top was a bit old and the dessert could do without it.
We finished off our experience with a shot of Flaming tower which is a dramatic liqueur shot served sipped through a flaming tower of glasses, quite an interesting way to finish off a great meal.
I seldom leave a place with an ear to ear grin and this was one of those few places that made me look like Cheshire cat. Happy, content, satisfied with food well served, drinks well concocted and a host well behaved. I hope it stays the same in months to come and we shall have a winner in our neighborhood for sure!
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 4 | Ambience: 4 | Service: 3.5 | Overall: 4
Meal for two: Rs.1800| Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Timings: 12.30 pm am till 1.30 am
Happy Hours : 4.00 pm till 8.00 pm | Wheelchair Access : No
Address: Greenfield Apartments, End of Lokhandwala market, Andheri west, Mumbai – 53
Tel: 098 20 556084, 022 2636 4403
This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.
