Baithak which basically means a Lounge stands true to its name with an ambience designed to unwind and relax. Located in the ever growing HSR layout of Bangalore, this place offers a bit of everything ranging from multi-cuisine food, bar – beverages and bites, Hookah, Foosball table for some fun, a really mini-library with some collection of books and of-course IPL on a projector ! Sounds like a perfect place for a Friday evening ain’t it ??  

Since we are lounging over food, lets get to the food part first. Here to taste on the variety they had to offer and so when asked for some recommendations, out came the below appetizers

Crispy Fried Chicken 

Let’s not overthink about this. This is soulful bar food. It’s crispy, it’s fried and it’s Chicken !! Happy way to start off with drinks to go with it. Spicy, tangy flavour from the sauces which were lemon garlic based is a feather on the cap !  Keeping it simple and flavourful ! 

Dragon Mushrooms

Not just saying for the sake of it but one of the best mushroom appetizers I’ve ever had ! Mushrooms filled with Cheese and spinach topped with a mini pappad and an extra point for presentation ! Mushrooms were fresh and generous stuffing of spinach inside with a crunchy outside layer gets them some brownie points !

With Summer already starting to get to its peak and being seated in the upper floor with the sun beating down during lunch time, it was time for some salads and all but obvious anything that has watermelon beats everything else !

Watermelon Feta Cheese Salad –

Watermelon, Lettuce, celery, mint, feta cheese and house dressing ! Watermelon was refreshing but the salad as a whole needed more cheese and dressing. 

Now for some mains and in the mood for Salmon resulted in 

Salmon Fillet :

Salmon crusted with parsley, lemon and capers emulsion served with mashed potatoes and buttered veggies. Pick of the day for me ! Salmon crust was party in the mouth. The Lemon butter sauce went very well with the succulent fish and the potato mash over a layer of veggies ticks all the right boxes. The pic does not do justice to the the goodness that it was ! Highly recommended ! 

Gosht Shahjahani Biryani :

Craving for something Indian and we opted for Gosht Biryani ! First appearance – good texture and aroma of spices hitting you. Lamb was tender and small chunks meant easier to eat. High on taste and it did eat well.  A bit more oily for our liking but hey its biryani !!

Some interesting dessert options meant a couple of them had to be on our table

Choco Brownie with Vanilla Icecream – 

Warm brownie with the spoon going right through and the touch of ice-cream is very filling. Good portion size for one. Regular dessert on the menu and keeping it classic.

Blueberry Cheese Cake – 

Another classic dessert. Not getting into details. Everyone loves a good cheesecake with a well balanced Blueberry for that perfect end to a meal.

Getting to the beverages , the bar section is fairly new here started off just a few weeks back. Good selection of drinks to choose from, tried a few of them. The regular Virgin Mojito and Pom O Tini – Cocktail consisting of Vodka, Pomo Seeds and Fresh Basil. Probably needs a few more visits to try out other beverages.

The place is spread across 2 levels with stylish interiors and different seating options. The ground level has an AC section as well more suited for families, while the one on top is kind of outdoor seating and can get hot during the day time especially in summers, but fans and some cool beverages should cool you down. The upper level is probably the best place to be in during the evening hours.

Service needs a push here and they have a shortage of staff which they are working on getting things settled. Valet parking is available.