Rows of sky-high towers looming over bars and restaurants neatly tucked away in winding lanes – this is how Lower Parel looks today. As one of Mumbai’s most significant business districts, Lower Parel is home to commercial spaces and some of the city’s blingiest bars and restaurants. If you’re planning to visit Lower Parel after work or over the weekend, Team Unsobered is here to help. We explored two of Lower Parel’s hottest new bars to help you decide whether you should check them out as well!
Lower Parel And The Mills Of Mumbai
Mumbai’s reputation as a financial hub is largely attributed to the rise of textile mills that gained prominence in the early 19th century. The city became renowned for producing high-quality cotton in these mills, which were located in several areas of Southern Mumbai, including present-day Girgaon, Parel, and Dadar. At its peak, Mumbai’s mills employed a significant portion of the population, earning the title of the “Manchester of the East.”
However, as Mumbai transitioned into a new era of industrialization and globalization, the mills began to decline. The growth of power loom industries and the creation of new jobs contributed to the shutdown of many mills. One of the final blows was the prolonged labor strike by mill workers in 1982, which ultimately led to the closure of all the mills. Today, these mill compounds have either been entirely demolished and replaced with industrial parks and malls or transformed into vibrant third spaces, such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores.
First Stop: Kerala Quarters
We initially entered the lanes of Lower Parel’s Mathuradas Mills but weren’t even aware when we crossed from Lower Parel into Kerala! This was thanks to Kerala Quarters, a new restaurant and bar in town. This latest addition in Lower Parel beautifully fuses the iconic quarter bars of Mumbai with the relaxed vibes of Kerala.
The interiors remind you of classic Kerala-style homes, filled with wooden accents, warm lighting, and decor that will take you back in time. As we sat down, we were welcomed with Panakam and jackfruit chips, setting the tone just right!
Drinks At The Kerala Quarters
As we sat by the bar to relish an authentic Mallu experience, we were first delighted with the Red Banana Negroni (INR 799). The cocktail was made with banana-infused sweet vermouth, gin, Aperol, and banana liqueur. A great aspect of the bar menu that we liked here was how each cocktail described its palate on the menu. This is especially helpful for someone who wants to have an idea of how a cocktail will taste before even ordering it.
We then tried The Picante Curry (INR 749), a lip-smacking spicy and sour cocktail made with curry leaves, cream washed tequila, Kerala chilli, coriander, agave nectar, and fly mezcal lime. The drink definitely managed to perfectly capture the essence of Kerala cuisine.
View this post on Instagram
If a morning dose of caffeine isn’t enough, we decided to try it out in the form of an innovative Kappi Martini (699). This take on the classic Martini is made by concocting rum, espresso, cardamom liqueur, and demerara syrup. As you sip on this drink, you taste the rich, aromatic taste of coffee as well as the robust flavor of rum.
Our total bill, including food and drinks for two, turned out to be INR 4,473/-. Even though it seems expensive, the food, drinks, and the overall ambience definitely make it worth every single penny!
Kerala Quarters: Important Details
Address: Mathuradas Mill Compound, Plot 126, Senapati Bapat Pawar Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013
Cost for two: INR 2,000 approximately excluding drinks
Timings: Lunch – 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM; Dinner – 6:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Next Stop: Permit & Co.
Our next stop in Lower Parel isn’t the most noticeable on busy streets – in fact, no flashy signages and boards are inviting you into the venue. There’s just one small, round sign reading the name of the venue as it leads you to a flight of stairs. This little detail itself makes this bar intriguing, even before you enter it!
Enter Permit & Co. and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a parallel world of a 1960s Mumbai bar. Wooden panelling, warm mood lighting, bright, pop-inspired walls, and typography that’s reminiscent of the Devnagari calligraphy – the space feels like a mini time capsule of the 60s. After reviewing plenty of chairs neatly placed in the bar, we moved on to do what we do best – ordering a few drinks.
Drinks At Permit & Co.
Enter Sobo Snob (INR 725)! The drink, inspired by South Bombay’s vibrant juice centers, offers Absolut Vodka with clarified custard apple. Sweet, smooth, and subtly creamy – we liked it!
As we ordered the Smuggle My Negroni (INR 725), we were caught off-guard by the bartender’s antics as he secretly poured us this signature drink. A stunning example of experiential drinking, this cocktail combines beefeater gin, strawberry and coconut-infused Campari, and Cinzano Rosso to lend a complex bittersweet flavor. Have this drink for the convincing ‘smuggling’ act put up by the bartender!
Then, we couldn’t resist ordering Sab Ka Picante (INR 795). The drink combined tequila, passionfruit and tajin salt served with nachos and jalapenos. It takes inspiration from Bombay’s iconic Chowpatty chaat, offering a spicy and tangy flavor to its patrons.
While we certainly enjoyed all three of them, the Sobo Snob struck a chord with us!
Aunty Bars, Permits, And Delicious Food
Aditya Hedge, founder of Permit & Co., then showed us around and talked about some of his favorite drinks here. As he stood near the picture wall, he showed us an old picture inside an ‘aunty bar’. These bars emerged in Mumbai after the Prohibition Era in the city. Middle-aged women used to run these places that functioned like speakeasies. Most of these women were of Goan descent and would often brew traditional Goan drinks like feni and moonshine. These bars weren’t easy to find as they were essentially run out of the women’s homes and required word of mouth to even know the location of these places.
He also showed us how bar permits look like today and gave us a tour of the cozy space. We then gorged on some delicious food, including Jhol Momos, Laphing, and Thecha Mac N Cheese. Our verdict? Absolute bangers!
More Drinks And Unique Shots
While having food, a cocktail on the menu particularly grabbed our attention. 20 minutes later, it was finally on our table! We’re talking about PVR (INR 925). The menu itself states that the drink will come with a 20-minute mandatory wait time. During this time, you can get your hands on some old-school gaming consoles that will surely remind you of your childhood days.
As the drink landed on our table, we instantly went in for an instant sip. The smooth, creamy drink combines Pisco, caramel popcorn, cream, and egg to lend a rich caramel-like taste. The froth on top might make the experience a little messy, but that is what also makes the experience worth it! We also tried the Baatliwala (INR 545) – a ‘gin’tastic’ take on the classic Pallonji’s soda!
Aditya then told us about an interesting shot – the No Dard, Only Disco Shot – that they have when the bar’s usually full. If you’re here during the bar’s peak hours, make sure to be a part of this experience!
The total bill cost us INR 5,421/-, for five drinks and two mains, which is quite reasonable for the amount of food and drinks and the service.
Permit & Co.: Important Details
Address: 1st Floor, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013
Cost for two: INR 1,500 approximately excluding drinks
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Final Verdict
Did the hottest new bars in Lower Parel manage to impress us? Absolutely! Each of these places has its unique charm, from the ambience to the offerings and the overall experience.
At Kerala Quarters, the drinks and food are worth trying, especially since it’s one of the few restaurants in Mumbai serving authentic Kerala-style cuisine.
On the other hand, Permit & Co. provides a more playful and enjoyable experience. This bar is a must-visit for its cocktails, food, and inviting atmosphere. With its retro music, charming decor, and laid-back vibe, Permit & Co. should be on your list for a fantastic Friday night!
So, dear Mumbaikars, which new spot in Lower Parel are you considering for your weekend or after-work adventures?
