“Baroke: Where Vinyl Lives and Music Breathes in Mumbai’s First Listening Bar”

In a metropolis that thrives on speed, noise, and newness, Baroke offers a striking counterpoint — a space where the analogue soul of music is revived, cherished, and made the centerpiece of the experience. Located in the heart of South Mumbai, Baroke is India’s first vinyl-only listening bar, a niche concept that brings global listening-room culture to the city, blending sonic precision, immersive ambiance, and finely crafted cocktails.

Unlike your average nightspot where sound is just ambient filler, Baroke invites guests to truly listen. Its collection of over 220 carefully curated records spans legends like The Doors, Stan Getz, George Benson, and Bryan Adams — paying homage to the golden eras of the ’60s to the ’90s. Each evening, an in-house Vinyl Specialist curates the soundscape, spinning records on analog systems with no streaming, no digital playlists, and absolutely no distractions. The sonic experience is elevated through Klipsch La Scala II speakers — revered by audiophiles for their warm, room-filling sound.

The space itself echoes this intention. Designed by Rohit Bohite (of La Pantera fame), Baroke’s interiors blend mid-century warmth with Japanese minimalism. Sculpted concrete, walnut wood, ambient lighting, and plush textures create a cozy, acoustically aware environment. A standout feature is the headphone zone — inspired by Japanese jazz kissaten — where guests can slip into a personal listening cocoon with curated records and high-quality headphones.

This audio devotion is matched by a thoughtful culinary and cocktail program. Behind the bar is Jishnu Some, an award-winning mixologist, who crafts slow-sip cocktails that match the vibe. The Mango Chilli, with clarified mango, roasted chilli tincture, and a bursting mango sphere, is an instant classic. The Vetiver Gimlet, infused with khus and layered flavour pods, unfolds in stages — much like a jazz composition. These aren’t fast pours. They’re mood accompaniments.

Baroke’s small plates menu is built for unhurried grazing. Tapas-style dishes are divided into ‘Fresh,’ ‘Spice,’ ‘Umami,’ and ‘Sweet’ — a curated rhythm for the palate. Highlights include Kerala-style mutton fry with flaky paratha, miso-glazed chicken with sticky rice, and a green apple-fennel salad balanced with avocado mousse. Each plate is designed not just to complement the drinks, but to harmonize with the music — layered, textural, and precise.

The man behind the concept, Saurabh Krishna Shetty, credits a solo road trip across the U.S. — marked by dive bars and record shops — as the inspiration for Baroke. “A true listening bar isn’t about loudness. It’s about presence,” he says. “We wanted to bring people back to the joy of sitting still, and letting music guide the moment.”

With a curated vinyl shop on site, the Baroke experience doesn’t end at the exit. Patrons can take a piece of the atmosphere home — and that, perhaps, is Baroke’s greatest gift: the reawakening of a deeper relationship with sound.

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