In a city that is completely dominated by places like gastropubs, aesthetic rooftop bars, high-decibel EDM venues, and generic lounges, finding a place that actually treats music like a genuine craft is super rare. This gap was recognised, and High Note in Mumbai is all set to fill it! This place, which is going viral as the newest retro music bar in Mumbai, is set to offer a retro vinyl experience with Bandra’s comfort food and high-fidelity sound. Well, we at unsobered, with our IP Drink and Dish, decided to visit it, and here’s our honest review.
If you are someone whose mood can easily be flipped by the vibe of a certain place, then this is your go-to place for sure! The problems of your life might surely follow you to the place you are visiting, but somehow the problems feel a little less important!
Located at Waterfield Road in Bandra, this bar is at the exact historical footprint of Bandra’s original discotheque, Round The Clock. High Note taps into the retro nostalgia of the 70s. 80s and 90s without making anything feel gimmicky.
The bar is spread across a 2,000-square-foot space and can easily seat about 80 guests. High Note’s interiors feature vintage art, illuminated portraits, exposed walls, deep burgundy leather booths, amber lighting, and vinyl-lined walls. It feels like a party thrown at the house of a serious vinyl collector for sure. It is entirely music-themed, with guitars on the walls and a photo area that has a guitar as well as a mirror that looks like the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
The interiors clearly draw inspiration from the 1970’s listening lounges, intimate living rooms and vintage recording studios. There are rows of framed 12-inch vinyl covers from classic rock and funk to old-school hip hop and jazz. These covers showcase the venue’s musical influence and also function as decor.
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The lighting of the place offers a nice, unhurried, and intimate atmosphere. The vibe of the place transforms from early evening to late night to match the energy of the crowd.
The vibe during early evening is relaxed, conversational, and warm. The music in the background is very gentle, which makes it perfect for early dinners, casual meets, and after-work drinks with the vinyl playbacks.
During late night, as the room fills, the lighting dims and the sound system goes loud. The place transforms into a music bar where people stand up to sing and dance along to the classic hits being played.
The food menu is curated by Chef Gracian De Souza and Eluther Gomes is the beverage specialist. Here, the food and drink menus balance modern technique and retro Bandra comfort food. They have named their menu Setlist and also call their starters Opening Act, which we think is absolutely cool!
For cocktails, we tried their original serves:
The Record Room (INR 900) and Bandra Disco (850)
With aesthetics like theirs, we honestly thought that the cocktails would steal the show, but for cocktails that are priced between INR 850 and INR 900, they felt a bit underwhelming to us. So we rated them 5 on 10. They surely need to work a bit on their cocktail menu.
After a few drinks, we ordered food:
Kung Pao Chicken (INR 550) and Butter Garlic Prawns (INR 600)
The food was a bit better compared to the cocktails. It reminded us of Gymkhana food, like the old-school club-style flavors. But to be honest, they did not completely justify the price.
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Is High Note a yay or a nay? Well, we paid INR 3132 for the entire meal and drinks, and we would say it's a little expensive. But what truly makes High Note super special is the crowd and the vibe here. As soon as the classics (70s, 80s, and 90s) start playing, you will see everyone on the dance floor. It is one of those rare places in Mumbai where the vibe completely transforms your experience, reminding you that sometimes the vibes matter more than the menu.
Address: Ground floor, Hotel Metro Palace, 355, Hill Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Timing: 6:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Cost For Two: INR 1,500
