Bangalore Bites

Geist Brewing Factory

In earlier times, we may have griped about the traffic if we had to head out to the Geist Brewing Factory. Now, it’s an easy, stress-free drive to this restaurant attached to a brewery, lying on the outskirts of town. Much of the seating is under a vast canopy woven by a peepal and a banyan tree, both ancient, and glorious on account of it. Wooden tables are scattered about in a garden lush and green. It’s a little idyll, perfect for spending long afternoons or romantic evenings.
Geist beers already have an excellent reputation among connoisseurs. Here, the beers are from the brewery that forms the backdrop to the restaurant, and as fresh as they can get. The Witty Wit has a refreshing, sparkling quality that makes it utterly enjoyable. The Kamacitra  is another superb quaff on the list.
Heading the kitchen here is Chef Altaf Patel, who did admirable work at The Smoke Co. There has been a concerted effort to create a menu that veers away from the nachos-and-peri peri fries most brewpubs fall back on. You can order, for instance, Sindhi Dal with Masala Khari, the creamy dal serving as a dip for the flaky biscuits, still warm from the oven. The Beetroot Bonbon is a take on Calcutta's vegetable chop, with a creamier filling. At GBF, you’ll also taste one of the best Kerala beef fries around. Mary Had a Little Beef is cooked to a pulled-meat tenderness with slivers of fried garlic. Ba Be Co is a light and refreshing salad of barley, greens and zesty dressing.
For main course, try the Roast Chicken. The nondescript name gives no indication of how brilliantly executed it is. A half chicken is brushed with honey, coriander and cumin to make a hearty portion of juicy meat and golden skin. The Parmesan mash and punchy gravy are the perfect complement. For a smaller meal, try Kundapur Chicken Pocket, fresh poee with a robust filling. All breads are baked in-house.
This hi-tech brewery releases zero effluents into the soil. All waste water is treated and sent off to a nearby farm which, in turn, grows the vegetables used in the Geist kitchen. Such mindful approaches and conscious efforts are much needed, especially at this time and the passionate team behind Geist deserves applause.

No. 23/3, 21st KM Stone, Old Madras Road Nimbekaipura, Bidarahalli, Uttarahalli Hobli, Bengaluru 560049
Mob: 0 88615 57576
Meal for two: Approximately Rs. 1200 + taxes, Rs. 120 for a pint