SOCIAL’s new branch in Bengaluru packs a cyberpunk punch in its quintessential style

If there was one thing that defined 2022, it was Web3—NFTs, cryptocurrency, and all of its fare was the rage globally, for better or worse. Whether you took part in this slice of the future, it inevitably became table-side conversation for many across the country.

It was only fitting that this would be the next theme for SOCIAL’s sixth outlet in Bengaluru, located on New BEL Road. The outlet is packed to brim with neon fixtures. The walls on the ground floor are decked with standing screens that flash art pieces or NFT installations.

Quotes adorn the entire space that read phrases like keep on HODLing on and buy the dip, both a turn of phrase used among traders in Web3 circles. There are also tasteful references to catchphrases related to a cyber-droid future and social media sprinkled across this bar everywhere you look.

The space is designed well enough to transition the day into the night—decked with a combination of tables and sofas, it has a cozy vibe all around. 

In many ways, SOCIAL has become a staple name in the city. There is a standard that has come to be expected of the franchise, particularly when it comes to the bar menu. Its menu largely remains the same no matter which outlet you visit in the city, with a few differences as you jump from one outlet to the another.

Nevertheless, there are some standouts from the SOCIAL menu as far as food goes.

The Holy Guacamole burger is delectable to say the least. A ground-up black bean patty sits between two perfectly toasted buns. This is slathered with a generous helping of guacamole—a mixture of mashed avocado, onions, and tomatoes, along with a dollop of mayonnaise and melting cheese. This is served alongside the SOCIAL fries that are dusted with a light spicy seasoning.

It is the perfect vegetarian alternative as it is rich and filling, as much as one of its classic chicken burgers. Be warned, it is a massive portion and could even feed two, or perhaps one hungry person.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat along with a drink of your choice, this is a must. The corn chakna is crispy and snackable—also perfect for sharing. It pairs well with any drink from the SOCIAL menu.

The Momopalooza is a dish not meant for the faint hearted. The momo platter of SOCIAL gives the classic momo a twist by offering some of them in a wide range of sauces—death sauce, SOCIAL’s classic spicy sauce to those that are more mildly tempered. You won’t need a chutney or any sides for this one.

Overall, I would say the food isn’t anything to write home about. It is about what you would expect from a pan-India chain like this. All the food is served hot and in regular intervals, which is a great plus. The dessert menu is limited with only about five options, and three of them have chocolate—which isn’t really reinventing the wheel.

However, SOCIAL does continue to impress with its drinks. There are some of the standouts from a tipple perspective.

You need to be prepared for a dinner and show if you order The Latern. It is served in a glass box that was used back in the day to hold in oil lanterns. Filled with smoke, it encases a whisky cocktail. As you pry the door of the lantern case open, smoke pours out rolling right onto the table in front of you. It takes about 2-3 minutes for the smoke to settle, after which you can take a sip of the cocktail. It carries some of the smokey notes, and is citrus dominant, lifting the heaviness of the whiskey. This drink cannot be shared as the straw comes attached with the lantern box. But if you’re looking for a spectacle with your drink, this is the one for you.

A twist to a Russian classic, the Aacharoska one is served to you in an Indian pickle jar. The cocktail is spicy and packs a punch. The twist of lime is a nice refreshing lift to this vodka-dominant drink and is a great pick to try if you’re feeling adventurous.

SOCIAL is known for its LIIT towers for being potent and delicious. This time around, we took two flavours for a spin—the Toxic and Dope. The Dope was a Jagermeister-dominated LIIT tower, while Toxic’s predominant flavour is Kettel One Vodka. Personally, the Toxic was better as the spirits were complimented with a nice berry combination. It was on the sweeter side, which made it easy to drink fairly quickly.

Dope, in comparison, had more herbally-induced notes, which when combined with the sugary mixers didn’t make for a very pleasant drinking experience. But if you’re a fan of root beer or liquorice flavoured drinks, this might be up your alley.

So, the New BEL road Social pulls you in with its futuristic décor and its cyberpunk aesthetic. What it leaves you behind with is not much excitement. That’s not to say the food and drinks were not very good, it is just something you would expect from a SOCIAL—particularly the sixth time around.