A new listening bar that spins vinyls and pours cocktails wants you to slow down and tune in
The headphone wall offers a private experience inspired by Japanese listening rooms
Vinyl records aren’t just relics of a bygone era — they are witnessing a comeback. In the United States, vinyl album sales have been on a constant rise, reaching approximately 43.6 million units of sales in 2024. Even in India, we now have curated vinyl listening sessions, and Panaji’s For the Record is already on most of Goa’s itineraries. It was while on a solo trip to the US that restaurateur Saurabh Shetty first discovered the intimate appeal of vinyl listening bars, which have always had a cultural significance in Japan too. Inspired, Shetty returned to Mumbai to recreate his experience and launched Baroke — a vinyl‑listening bar with over 220 titles that will be played while you sip cocktails and enjoy small plates.
The vinyl bar helmed by a DJ hosts more than 220 titles in its collection. PICS/ASHISH RAJE
For non-collectors, vinyls aren’t just things of the past that you scout for in Chor Bazaar; newer artistes continue to launch vinyl versions of their albums, which means you will spot Michael Jackson, Miles Davis and Harry Styles sitting together in the library behind the DJ who specialises in playing vinyls at Baroke. Shetty paid special attention to offer a vinyl sound experience in the bar by installing Klipsch La Scala II speakers. Inspired by Japanese listening rooms, there is also a section lined with headphones to listen to the music being played, for those who wish to have a more private experience.
Soul Revival
Regardless of whether you decide to go alone or with a group, Shetty wants you to skip streaming, forwarding, and just appreciate the songs in entirety. To complement the listening experience, patrons can indulge in small plates (some dishes work as a full meal for light eaters as well) menu, and a special cocktail menu by Jishnu Some who has also curated the bar menus of Ekaa and Bombay Daak.
Four Cheese Naan with Romesco Sauce
These cocktails are inspired by different music experiences, Soul Revival (Rs 1095), for example, is a gin cocktail where the bartender will arrive at your table with a bar trolley, drill three holes in a large ice cube to fill with infusions in Rasta colours, and serve it in a cooling vetiver base. So, as you sip the cocktail, three different flavours (including sandalwood) constantly merge with vetiver, to give you a different experience in each sip. Other cocktails include Disco Fever (Rs 900), a smoky vodka cocktail served with a mushroom infusion. Another cocktail menu by the hotel’s in-house mixologist includes the classics, and classics with a twist.
Porcini Shiitake Sourdough Toast
We love how their food menu isn’t confusing and precise; it’s two pages so you focus on the music. And the flavours are non-pretentious yet delicious. Porcini Shiitake Sourdough Toast (Rs 450) for example, made with sourdough; it also has shiitake and toasted rice, with cream cheese making it a delectable umami bite. A favourite is the Butter Garlic Lobster, on Four Cheese Naan with Romesco Sauce (Rs 995); the lobster is silken, and the sauce indulgent, finish it fast before the base loses its crispiness under the loaded sauce. Pan-Fried Gnocchi (Rs 650) is a dish that can work for mains, loaded with cheese and a beautiful tomato sauce that will make you keep dipping your gnocchi. If you want something desi, try their Kerala-Style Mutton Fry (Rs 650) served with flaky parathas, to let earthy spices envelop
your palate, as the DJ spins the vinyls.
Vinyl players from different eras sit quietly in a corner
Music aficionado or casual listener, if you’re looking to trade in thumping basslines and crowded DJ sets for a more intimate, analogue experience, Baroke offers a smooth introduction to the world of vinyl in Mumbai.
Disco Fever
Baroke
At First floor, Krishna Palace Hotel, near Nana Chowk, Grant Road West
Time 6 pm to 1 am
Call 9819353915
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