6 Bangalore Cafes with a Twist: Serving up more than just Chai or Coffee!

Luru cafés that offer much more than a steaming cuppa chai or aromatic coffee are fast becoming the talk of B-town. And with the monsoon around the corner, what better way to enjoy a (hangover-free) weekend than to gather the gang and hidey-hole in one of these cosy corners. Take your pick from our list!

Yogisthaan

Essentially a place to relax, rejuvenate and seek some solace, this café is more of a lifestyle with everything that is has to offer. The café is part of a more varied brand offering that includes yoga classes, short & long-term accommodation and an organic shop that offers a range of organic food and beauty staples, for clean living. The café itself is macrobiotic vegan friendly and prepared with ancient Ayurvedic principals in mind.

#IHBSays – Don’t miss their happy hours from Monday to Friday, 10:30am – 12:30pm & 4:00pm to 7:00pm!

Where: Plot no. 89 11th Cross Road, Stage 1, Indiranagar
Contact: +91 804 091 4888 / info@yogisthaan.com
Meal for two: Rs. 600 approx.

Socie-tea

For the tea-lovers, of course! To cut it short, this one’s a café that lets you be just who you are or anything else that you may want! As soon as you enter the property, you are immediately taken in by their typical tea-party set-up that stands out in style. The outdoor seating adds to the charm of being a sidewalk café and the range of books and board games leave no opportunity for a dull moment. The art lovers can feel at home with the showcase of their fellow customers’ artwork, proudly displayed on the walls.

#IHBSays – Besides serving up a fine range of loose leaf teas that are multi-brew-able, visitors can also enjoy their ‘Beau-Tea’ hall which has a wide range of home decors and gifts like candles, rare art from across the country, bags, terracotta jewellery and apparel.

Where: No 83/4, 13th main, indiranagar
Contact: + 91 99807 24004
Meal for two: Rs. 500 approx.

Ants Café

A delectable menu of global cuisine that can be enjoyed in a quiet and serenading balcony ambience surrounded by trees – enough to catch your attention, isn’t it?! But, that’s not all that Ants has to offer. Besides being nominated and bagging the prize for being one of Luru’s best breakfast haunts, the café does its bit to give back to society by supporting arts and crafts traditional to the North-East. With ‘crafting traditions’ as their tagline, their store has been in business for over 9 years, focusing on 7 states, creating opportunities for artisans and beneficiary households, giving Rs. 5 Cr back to the community with 1 million touchpoints! Some big numbers, aren’t they?!

#IHBSays – Something to look forward to are their periodic food festivals (especially the ones with Naga food).

Where: 2286, 1st Cross, 14 A Main, Hal 2nd Stage, Indira Nagar and also at #5, Avalon, 1st Main Road, Whitefield Main Road, Whitefield
Contact: 080 4152 1742/080 2845 6760
Meal for two: Rs. 800 approx.

Atta Galatta

Literature buffs, pay attention – how many times have we reminisced, sitting around with friends, over a cup of our favourite beverage, wishing for the good ol’ days? Well, get your dose of all things nostalgic at Atta Galatta, while you munch and sip on some oh-so-yummy eats and drinks. Luru’s only bookstore cum café that has stirred up a perfect paradise for foodies and bookworms, alike. Food, filter coffee and literature? Yes, please!

Where: #134, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala
Contact: 080 4160 0677
Meal for two: Rs. 250 approx.

Art Blend Café

As the curators like to put it, the café is for coffee with a hobby – a place that aspires to create a space for artists, those with an artistic gem and lovers of conversation. Art Blend Café runs regular art and craft workshops covering jewellery making, clay modelling, bunting, origami, embossing and much more.

#IHBSays – It also provides space for artists, photographers and crafters to display their works.

Where: #659, 24th Main, 22nd Cross, 2nd Sector, Near Parangi Palya Bus Stop, HSR Club Road, HSR Layout
Contact: +91 98867 82062
Meal for two: Rs. 750 approx.

Bistro Claytopia

A bistro that also lets you create your own little masterpiece as a souvenir of the great experience you have there! Here, you can not only enjoy the best of cappuccinos, kheema omelettes, burgers & sandwiches, but also get in touch with your artsy spirit with just 4 simple steps – 1) pick a piece 2) choose your colours 3) sketch your design 4) paint it. The rest of the magic is created by Claytopia, as they glaze and fire your creation to be mantelpiece ready in 2 weeks’ time – voila!

Where: 11, 80 Feet Main Road, 1st Block, Koramangala
Contact: 080 4126 7163
Meal for two: Rs. 600 approx.