Route 69, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

Aahata is a simple concept, where you buy the booze from the next wine shop, and it provides you with water, ice, soda and snacks. It started as a low end option for people who couldn’t afford anything better. With times, even these have evolved.

Route 69 is one such high end Aahata catering to the senior corporate segment who though can afford high end restaurants, but would still like to come here to get more value of their money. Route 69 works on the Aahata concept, but it has a league of its own with no current competition in sight. It is one of those places which serve only continental food,
which the regular Aahata drinker may not appreciate, but is a dream for its target profile. Small air-conditioned pub like atmosphere inside and another 60+ cover in the dimly lit outside lawns and nice music provide perfect ambience for a perfect cozy drinking atmosphere. Not surprisingly, I could note the equal representation by the fairer sex; unheard on unimaginable in other Aahatas.

I had a strong urge to ask for masala peanuts which I like along with my whiskey, but it wasn’t an option. The Tenderloin burger in the menu looked tempting but sadly wasn’t available. Finally we went along with Fish Finger, Grilled Chicken Hotdog and Cheese Omelet. Fish Finger (Rs 200) wasn’t the normal thin variant normally available. It was big, and the batter was slightly thick, but still it was one of the juiciest fish fingers I have had at Gurgaon. Similarly Cheese Omelet (Rs 125) was perfectly cooked with evenly spread layer of cheese inside. Grilled Chicken Hotdog (Rs 150) wasn’t bad either. The patty was nice though the bun was dry and disintegrating on every bite; a sign of slightly stale bun. Overall, I was happy with the food; may be the drinks did their trick. Services too matched the prices and justified 10% service charge which is levied on the bill.

Ed: Our foodie Malvika Sampat aptly describes it as "First family aahata in Gurgaon".

The prices especially of the 600ml cold drink (Rs80) is a weebit expensive compared to a normal Aahata and other mixers like mineral water at Rs30 and Ice Bucket at Rs40. Overall, it is a great place for those who are not too young to tolerate that high decibel pub music, but still want to wine and dine in pocket friendly nice and safe ambiance.

Ratings out of 5

Food: 4.0, Ambiance: 4.5, Service: 4.5| Overall: 4.5

Meal for Two: Rs1200 (without alcohol) | Alcohol: BYOB | Credit Card: No| Cover Charges: Rs500 per head | Time: Open for lunch & dinner. Preferably go after 9pm if you love good company (Subject to seating still available)

Address: Gold Souk Road, Sector 52, Near Wazirabad, Gurgaon| Phone: 9650216969/ 9971112875/ 9871087137

- Pawan Soni