Restaurant Review: Sea Lions BBQ and Grill offers a varied experience [4/5]

It seems the days of smoking hot starters appearing on your table are on the wane in Bengaluru. Taking their place are eateries that let you barbecue or grill your own starters, and as much of it as you want! A recent entrant in this space is Sea Lions BBQ and Grill, which is offering a wide variety of starters that you may down with their signature cocktails or just some good old beer.

Drinks

Variety is the spice of the spread at Sea Lions, and that spills over onto the drinks section as well. However, I am of the opinion that for a restaurant to succeed, it needs to get the basics straight.

That’s why I ordered the Long Island Iced Tea, and Sea Lions did not exactly disappoint. However, in giving me one of the stiffest LIITs I have tasted in a long time, the bartender also lost the opportunity to set the bar high.

Starters

Sea Lions does offer a variety of starters, and that is definitely a high point for vegetarians, who may often feel neglected at traditional barbecue restaurants.

The starters here range from Indian street food to Mexican or even European food. Take your pick, and sit down to munch with your drinks.

One of the first things we had was the Palak Patta Chaat — a spinach-based dish that was eminently crunchy.

Next up, some Spinach and Cheese Spring Rolls. These were an instant hit, and I personally recommend that you get them if you are in this establishment!

Samosa and Aloo Tikki are quintessential North Indian — and sometimes South Indian — snacks, often served on their own, or in chaat form. The Samosa Chaat and Aloo Tikki Chaat served at Sea Lions is a good eat if you have a craving.

Then, it was time for some kababs. First on the plate was some Stuffed Kalmi Kabab. A little too salty for my taste, but this one went down well with the Long Island Iced Tea.

Up next, some Mutton Seekh Kabab. Smooth and salty, these could easily be something you nibble on with a pint of cold beer in one hand.

Want something crunchier? Turn your attention to the Crispy Corn, which, besides being a healthy option, brings in some vegetarian variety.

And finally, among the starters, some hearty Bahubali Prawns. Order this if you have a larger party that loves seafood.

Main Course

Now, turn your attention to the main course. I started off with some Red Pasta that deserved to be made a little better.

Of course, the other thing I tried was the Chicken Biryani. How an eatery treats a salient dish such as biryani can tell a lot about the establishment. This one said: “Not bad!”