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With the rules of engagement fast changing, couples are no longer looking for quiet corners to cozy up in the city. Instead, the bar counter -- right where all the indulgent mixing takes place -- is the spot to be at. Think about it. Away from the tame dining area, the bar counter, with its high stools, no tables to hinder you from holding hands, sharing your small plates and bar nibbles, the rush of seeing bartenders fix drinks -- we've got you started, right?
We spoke to five regulars in the city to recommend the best nooks in the city with a bar counter good enough to set the night on fire.
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House of Nomad The Taj has got rave reviews for its latest baby, a gastro bar at its Lands End property. Regulars love the place for its relaxed ambience and charm, which retains the character of an English pub, and yet has an upbeat vibe. Taj loyalist Devna Shah, 44, says that her boyfriend and she prefer to hang at the island bar crafted in timber rather than opt for the tables. "The service is attentive without being obtrusive, and, although I find the food menu slightly limited, everything they serve is delicious." Don't leave without having The Final Say (Bacardi Gold, Martell VS, peach liqueur, guava juice, fresh lemon juice). TIPPLES FOR TWO: Rs 1,500 WHEN: 3 PM - 1.30 AM WHERE: Bandstand, Bandra West
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Estella 'Sea, stars and sins' screams the tagline on the menu at Estella. Think of a beach bathed in moonlight and the gentle lapping of waves on a starry night (as much as Mumbai can afford, that is). This outdoor bar overlooking Juhu Beach is so popular that even South Mumbai folks routinely trek here for the special paradise-like feeling. Aloke Joshi, 32, investment banker has no qualms braving the traffic to Juhu after work. "Once here, you feel like you are at beach resort. It's a pity I have my tie and suit on," he jokes. Joshi usually hangs around with his date or work mates at the nautically inspired, futuristic bar. He recommends the Tasmanian scallops and pork belly as well as the Estella High (Johnnie Walker whiskey, gingerale, peach and bitters) from the bar menu. TIPPLES FOR TWO: Rs 1,200 WHEN: 6 PM - 1.30 AM WHERE: Nichani Kuttir Road, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
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Toast &amp; Tonic A relatively new kid on the block at BKC, Toast &amp; Tonic has quickly risen to hip status to hang out on date, as investment banker Aishwarya Joshi, 29, suggests. "The laidback East Village vibe really helps me unwind with my boyfriend after a busy working day," she says. "The voluminous bar counter that we tend to gravitate towards is lively, unpretentious and yet not crowded," she avers. Joshi suggests you wow your date with their signature G&amp;Ts, especially The Herbalist (gin, basil and orange tonic water, served with coriander-orange ice) and pair it with their signature flatbreads. TIPPLES FOR TWO: Rs 1,000 WHEN: 12 PM - 3:30 PM; 7 PM - 12.30 AM WHERE: Jet Airways-Godrej BKC Building, BKC
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The Bombay Thekka Andheri has a maze of hotspots to choose from. The Bombay Thekka is a hidden gem that comes highly recommended. Essentially a lounge bar with plenty of seating, the central bar counter is always buzzing and perfect for the younger crowd out on a date. A word of caution -- the place is big on themed nights with Bollywood music, so check with your date if he or she is big on Wednesday's Retro Bollywood. Priyanka Gandhi, 21, a communications consultant, recommends The Thekke Da Masala Soda (vodka, tequila, mint, masala, soda and sprite) "and an appetite for loud music and masti," she adds jocularly. TIPPLES FOR TWO: Rs 1,200 WHEN: 12.30 PM - 1.30 AM WHERE: 244, MHADA Road Junction, Four Bungalows, Andheri (W)
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Aer Since it opened, the buzz has never died down at Aer and regulars still hit the 34th floor of Four Seasons Hotel. With a vibe around the main bar that is always electric yet incredibly unfussy, it remains a perennial favourite for a sundowner. "In spite of this being one of the few places that offers an incredible view of the city, the bar still wins hands down as a perfect place to hang out with its attentive service commiserate with a five-star hotel and their melt-in-the-mouth pizzas," says Harsh Shodhan, 43, proprietor and executive chef of a modern vegetarian catering company in Lower Parel. Insiders recommend that the best time to cozy up at the bar with a date is at dusk, when the city lights up, with a cocktail, such as the Mumbai Kiss (white rum, Maraschino, cardomom and pineapple) to set the mood. TIPPLES FOR TWO: Rs 3,000 WHEN: 5.30 PM - 1 AM WHERE: Four Seasons, Hotel, Dr E Moses Marg, Worli

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Stir your martinis dreamily, lock eyes, and have that night to remember by the bar counter. Our five recommended spots where you should set a date at

Mumbai Food: 5 bar counters to set up your date

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