Why Thiruvananthapuram’s restobar boom is more than just nightlife

Conversations flow easily at BLND Restobar in Thiruvananthapuram. The interiors, reminiscent of a sports bar, feature large screens playing matches, tall wooden stools and vinyl flooring. It is a space where friends unwind over post-work drinks and families gather for evenings out, with older members of the group sipping wine cocktails. Restobars have emerged as the city’s go-to meeting point, cutting across age and gender.

With a focus on ambience, service, food and beverages, these spaces position themselves as safe, family-friendly alternatives to the State’s dingier, male-dominated bars. Restobars such as BLND, Trance, BuMi, MoonLight and Altitude Lounge have carved out a niche with curated menus and thoughtfully crafted drinks.