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Madboy/Mink at The Humming Tree

Top 6 Gigging Lounges in Bangalore

There is a wide assortment of restaurants in the city that play host to live acts of some sort, be it metal gigs, acoustic performances, comedy shows, or even theatre acts. The concept of a restro-bar or lounge has branched out to accommodate the need for live acts during evening dinners. When it comes down to restaurants that play host to the best rock performances in the city, we have a list of the top 6 for you to peruse and make your own informed decision.

BFlat Bar and Highnote

BFlat Bar and Highnote

Definitely one of the best in the city, it’s dimly lit vibes, coupled with great stage sound make it a treat for anyone who’s playing there. The owners, who are veritable hosts in their own right, make you feel at home and their food is legendary. They have hosted just about every other big national act over the last few years, including Galeej Gurus, Boomerang, Emergence and several others.

Counter Culture

CounterCulture

A large stage in a refurbished warehouse. However, the place is cozy enough for dinners too, whilst simultaneously enjoying good music. A large garden to wander around at night and some really good cocktails ensure its success as a gigging venue. As you kick the football around the garden and play with the not-so-friendly dogs, you will realise how precious the place is. It is a great spot for a gig of any kind.

The Humming Tree

The Humming Tree

This recent entrant has been doing extremely well, playing host to some of the most contemporary indie rock and electronic acts. Bands like Until We Last, The F16’s, and Dualist Inquitry Band have gigged here, of late. Even some international electronic artists have performed recently. The food and service of the restaurant is great, and so are the drinks.

Windmills Craftworks

Windmills Craftworks

This venue, far from the city centre, has a microbrewery, and probably pulls more crowd because of that. Nonetheless, nestled away in Whitefield, they have hosted some intense jazz concerts. With a smoky ambience like that of a 70’s café, some amazing international ensembles like dutch jazz quartets and Swiss post-jazz trios have graced the stage of Windmills Craftworks. This restaurant features on the list only due to its lovely little niche of jazz bands that they host, even though they do not draw large crowds.

Bak Bak Bar

Bak Bak Bar

Playing host to the ScoreNights that have started over the last year, this comfy bar, which was previously Man United Pub, is a great venue for live shows. Having hosted acts like Thermal and a Quarter, Agam and Live Banned several times, the venue is very suitable as it is close to Christ College, which draws in a lot of college crowd. The food and drinks are great, and at affordable prices. American and continental cuisines and awesome cocktails, coupled with great seating arrangements to view the show make it a superb venue for live acts.

Ion Bar and Kitchen

Ion Bar and Kitchen

This dingy bar on Brigade road and bang downtown has hosted several large scale gigs over the last year.  It is actually not the best place to go for a great dining experience, but, as a restro-bar, is a great venue for live shows. Several rock and folk rock shows have happened here, along with a whole host of metal gigs, that have already booked the place till January! Gigs like Undergrind VIII, Vehement Era, Sonic Doom and Spindle Galaxy all happened here, and it is because of this that Ion makes the list anyways.

So there you have it. A list of lounges that you should check out if you’re going to chill outside one evening with some live music. Chances are you’ll have a great time!

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