Restaurant review: By Chance is a good watering hole in several ways! [4.5/5]
Posh areas and thoroughfares in Bengaluru generally translate to really costly eateries. By Chance is an exception in that regard: Not only is it reasonable on the pockets, but it also does not compromise on the food, drinks or the ambience to achieve this!
Ambience
Located on Brigade Road itself — just a stone’s throw from where the thoroughfare meets MG Road — and making no pretences about it, By Chance advertises itself prominently to passers-by.
It has both indoor and outdoor seating, but only the outdoor is the smoking area. But don’t fret if you are seated outdoors. The area has a lot of plants and a humidifier system that keeps it generally cool.
What’s more, the place is lit up quite nicely in the evening, thanks to the small lights hidden within the rows of plants lining the wall.
Drinks
By Chance offers a decent variety of drinks, and at reasonable prices as well! Some of them leave a little to be desired, though.
Take for example the Cucumber Cooler, which I ordered first-up. It was supposed to impart a cooling sensation, but turned out to be spiced up to the point that you could feel a little heat on the tongue! Overall, this one could do well with a little rebranding.
Things only got better from there. The Kiwi Martini that I had next was not only refreshing but its sweetness complemented the heat of the food and the summer as well!
And finally, one of my staples at almost every place that serves alcohol: Long Island Iced Tea. This one was cold, crisp, and a true quencher, especially with the pizza!
The food
Then there was the food, hitting us with flavours from the get-go! First up was some Veg Nachos. We would have preferred them a little crispier, but this was good finger food!
Next, some Chilli Paneer. The paneer was a little on the drier and denser side, but otherwise there was little to complain about.
The third dish we had was the start of the none-vegetarian fare. Kicking it off was some Chicken Lollipop. A crispy, spicy layer concealed succulent chicken, which could have been a little more seasoned.
And then we were served something that simply won us over! The Honey Garlic Prawns were soft, flavourful and subtle enough for the tongue to tingle but robust enough to deliver a punch!
What he had next only continued our amazement! If you have a child with you, or are a child at heart yourself, order the French Fries and have fun licking the spices off your fingers after you have experienced a crunchy sensation off the fries.
On the other hand, if you want to appear a little more adult but not the elderly kind, go for the Veg Hara Bhara Kabab. The creamy consistency can complement some red wines quite well!
And while you are at it, why not also try to BBQ Chicken Pizza? By Chance happens to have its own oven, where it cooks up quite a storm!
Final thoughts about By Chance
Like I have already said several times by now, By Chance is a real find for someone who wants to experience the pub scene in Bengaluru but does not want it to burn a hole in his or her pocket.
A little more careful thought in the offerings can elevate this watering hole into a league of its own!
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