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Bounce, bandra's latest answer to cheap after-work booze is dribbling with anything but energy and fun. The Guide tells you why you will want to bounce out of Bounce, as soon as you get in
Bounce stands in the same space where Golden Moments, a permit room once stood, right across the foodie corner that encapsulates Mini Punjab and Pal's Fish Corner. So, when you walk in, be ready to evade curious glances from nearby rickshawvalas and passer-bys, as the association with the former venture is still very strong that of middle-aged men relieving themselves over a "khamba" (and whatever else).
Getting past the crowd outside is just the first hurdle. Inside, the bare-and-square dance floor, old school laser beams, disco lights and the psychedelic-lit bar will transport you to a time when Mumbai remained clueless about the way the world partied. You feel trapped in a time machine, sitting there, by the bar, watching each other's faces being bombarded with neon specks of laser lights.
The DJ was dishing out Hip Hop classics a mixed bag of Ashanti, Usher and Ja Rule numbers. The playlist had us reminiscing about junior college days, but we were fed up with the lack of new music. We felt torn between feeling happy that there was nobody else there other than us, and awkward drinking in front of room packed with bartenders. A quick vision of a dance floor milling with unruly after-work professionals grinding to the music convinced us that it was our lucky day.
Despite having to fight heavy competition from the perennially packed Hawaiian Shack two blocks away, Bounce remains somewhat audacious in its effort to create a USP for itself. The menu remains staid, with only your regular cocktails and hard liquor varieties; that too at competitive pricing.
To munch on, you can pick from six options that include Paneer Tikka and Kebab Satay. We went for the Potato and Cheese Balls (Rs 150), which a rather cheeky bartender decided to tip off the chef as "Balls of Heaven". We washed down the mediocre starter with a Cosmopolitan (Rs 300), and a large Baileys (Rs 600) both, satisfying. The cheeky bartender decided to show off his skills by letting us try one of his new concoctions Mandarin Mojito on the house. It was refreshing and had an interesting fusion of flavours. Besides that, there was nothing that would have us come back.
At 33rd and 16th Road Corner, opposite Mini Punjab restaurant, Bandra (W). Call: 9820268623
Bounce didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays
for meals | 
