Boogie To The Music

Coco's Bar and Grill, Hyderabad

The Basics - Continental, Indian, Chinese. Goa/Hawaii/beach theme. Live music. In between moderately and expensively priced but alcohol is expensive. Bar. Crowded. Reserve a table. 1400-2000 for two.

The Address - KBR Park Road (Road no. 2), 217, Floor 2, Banjara Hills. Or call 040-23540600 if you're lost

The Verdict - Go for the music and the atmosphere. Do not miss. 

Source: http://cocosbarngrill.com/imagegallery?&index=1

As you climb the dingy stairs leading to Coco's the music gets louder and the place more crowded. Upon entering you are immediately transported to Hawaii or Goa with the shack like look of this restaurant that has been around since forever. Coco's overlooks the 200 odd acres of the KBR Park and makes for the best dinner outing. There's live music playing six days a week while you order your food and chug your drinks. 

Especially popular with the younger crowd of Hyderabad, it is not uncommon to see a few of those older faces around. Fondly known as Coco's, the pebbled and sand floor of the restaurant makes you want to stay longer. The seating is low in a section of the restaurant but regular tables make up the rest. As they cannot handle (and do not have enough space) for an overload of customers, it is advisable to either reserve a table or head to Coco's for an early dinner. During lunch, it is usually free. 

English music, both new and old, fill the air and the chatter of the young can he heard. The waiters and manager are hustling around trying to accommodate everyone and playing perfect host. They do not spend too much time at your table but their faces are etched with a smile. They proudly tell you that their most popular dish is their Lamb chops which is succulent and charred on the sides. Their chilly prawns are not as chilly as one would expect but the prawns are bouncy in texture and slightly firm with a slight hint of a crunch. It is Indian-Chinese-ized, but that's what makes it lip-smackingly yum. 

On the flip side their chicken wings are just about average. They lacked flavour and did not live up to the reputation Coco's built up for itself. The grilled fish with parsley rice was another let down. The fish was surprisingly hard and rice slightly overcooked. 

If you're a vegetarian heading to Coco's, their stuffed mushrooms are worth your money. The mushrooms are not minuscule and they are liberal with their stuffing. The vegetable lasagne was decent but not cheesy, yet, the quantity was large. The ravioli was soft and divine but the Greek salad had not a trace of feta cheese. 

You cannot leave Coco's without a pint/pitcher of beer (Rs.160/650). Mojitos and Long Island Beach Party are good but the Sangrias can definitely be ignored. 

I do not usually go to Coco's Bar and Grill for their food as much as I do for the rock, contemporary and pop English music that they have to offer. I dig the candlelit theme every night and usually enjoy their service. Coco's attracts the best crowds in the twin cities and despite the sometimes, two hour long wait, it is still somewhat unheard of. It's a gem for the city, and I hope it stays that way. 

What's Hot - Lamb Chops

What's Not - Grilled fish with parsley rice

Your Foodista.