My friend wanted to check out Booze Belly, which opened in February across from Roadhouse, Jhamsikhel. The main reason being in the evening the upper floor is lit in such a fashion that she assumed it was a large bar. And, of course, the name itself implies as much.  When we got there at 5.30 on a Tuesday it looked much less interesting. The heavy wooden front door was shut and we wondered if the bar was closed.

 

On entering there is a less than welcoming square hallway. As it was our on first visit we had no idea where to go but the most obvious was stairs leading to the assumed rooftop bar.  However, the first floor was not a bar but a terrace on two sides of a glass enclosed area with black sofas. We did not check if it was air-conditioned (which would be nice) because it was not appealing in daylight. Back downstairs we found a lovely outside space, which had a bar at the back. The rustic wooden sofas and tables were very welcoming and well spaced out so it’s possible to have a private conversation without being overheard.

 

On further investigation I found a cosy little library with old items such as one of the owners grandfather’s TV (circa 1980s in Nepal but 1950s elsewhere!) and old cassette recorders. Another long, narrow room housed a large aquarium and very small dining tables. My suggestion would be long tables so this could be for friends or family to come together, particularly in the winter.

 

On talking to the owners they said their target audience was ‘everyone’. For this reason there are so many types of furnishing in the different areas. But overall they say they are going for a rustic feel.

 

As it was World Cup time, they had a Special Events Menu with limited snacks and drinks.  We ordered the Vegan Combo (which it was not, due to the mozzarella sticks). This was a great combination of mushroom chilli, peanut sandeko, onion rings, chips chilli and French fries. More than enough for two or three people for under Rs 1,000. The non-veg option was basically the same price with chicken, sausages, pork, and potato sandeko. Wanting to try BBQ items we ordered pork BBQ (Rs 500). The portion was big enough for two and the pieces very generous. 

 

The taste was wonderful! Needing some carbs we tried the veg pizza on the special menu, which was heavily cheesed, very much to our taste! From the limited special menu we ordered a bottle of Sol de Chile. Under Rs 2,000, we thought value for money.

 

Looking around we noticed the other customers had ordered from the main menu.  However, I was told this was an interim menu and the final one would be mainly focussing on Mexican food.

 

My recommendation would be not to try and reach ‘everyone’ but to focus on one theme.  Once the new Mexican menu is up and running it will fit very well with the rustic theme of the outside (covered) area. The library is cute, encouraging people to come for coffee and pick up a book. We didn’t like the upstairs area much. We had to climb through plants to reach the toilet as the space is narrow. 

 

The central, glass enclosed upstairs area—I’m not sure who that’s attracting. Not me.   When we left and I looked back, the lights indeed made it look like a bar, and perhaps they should convert the first floor into a proper bar, in-keeping with the name. Regarding the name, despite having a lovely outdoor area, suitable for children, the name does not sound very family friendly. Yes, I am a bit confused on what they are trying to achieve, but overall we really enjoyed our evening at Booze Belly!

 

Name: Booze Belly Restro and Bar

Location: Jhamsikhel

Contact:  985-1174522

Opening Time: noon till 10pm

Breakfast: No

Live Music: Yes

Ambiance: Relaxing

Cost: Lower to mid range

Service: Polite and friendly but lacking knowledge (7/10)

Overall value: 8/10