CT Review: I Walked Into Bandra’s 80s-Style Retro Diner, Staqx & Gorged On Messy Sandwiches & More!

There’s something oddly comforting about walking into a place that already feels familiar, even if it’s brand new. That’s the first thing that hits at Staqx in Bandra. It doesn’t try too hard. It simply offers you filling food and a vibe that makes you want to hang around a bit longer than planned. Hefty portions & bold flavours, all stacked high! 

Say Hello To Staqx, An 80s-Inspired Bar Where You Skip Counting Calories

I walked into this 14-seater Bandra eatery that instantly teleported me back to the retro diners we saw in the movies back then in the United States. You enter a tiny space filled with people either vibing to the music or gorging on stack-high, messy sandwiches or thick milkshakes.

The design leans straight into retro diner energy. Think neon lights, shiny chrome bits, and tiled walls. It could’ve easily gone overboard, but it doesn’t. Then comes the bathroom. Yes, it needs special attention. You walk in and press the button labelled as “welcome to the future”, and immediately the light turns into disco mode, and retro music starts playing in the background for you to vibe to.

Instead, it feels like a memory you didn’t know you had. Probably because a lot of that 80s aesthetic comes from films and pop culture anyway. So even if you didn’t grow up with it, it still clicks.

Also, it’s very “Bandra”. A little loud, a little stylish, and not afraid to stand out.

Here’s What I Devoured!

Staqx looks small from the outside, but the menu is doing the most. In a good way. It’s one of those places where you think you’ll order light… and then suddenly you’re staring at an empty table and wondering how that happened.

I tried a mix across sandwiches, a burger, a hot dog, and one very delicious dessert. Here’s how it actually went. 

The After School Special sounds basic. It isn’t. Creamy, herby, and a little crunchy, it hits that comfort zone fast. Easy win.

Then came Sweet Melt O’ Mine. Proper cheese pull situation. Soft bread, gooey centre, and just enough punch to stop it from feeling flat. Not groundbreaking, but honestly, it doesn’t need to be.

But The Imposter? That’s where things got interesting. Pulled jackfruit done banh mi-style shouldn’t work this well, but it does. Tangy, fresh, and a bit spicy. You don’t miss meat here, which says a lot.

Also Read: CT Review: I Visited Navi Mumbai’s 1st Pure-Veg Italian Spot, Piccolino Taproom & Its Burrata Pizza Won Me Over!

Like a Chic is chaotic. Chicken, fries, garlic sauce, and pickles, all stuffed into focaccia. It’s messy, heavy, and completely worth it. You’ll probably need tissues. Maybe two.

Then came Too Hot to Handle, and yeah, the name checks out. Spicy fried chicken with hot honey is not playing safe. It builds slowly, then hits properly. Not unbearable, but you’ll notice it. Ranch helps calm things down.

For many, this is where they’d stop. But Chef Beena Noronha wouldn’t let that happen when she’s around. Trust me, hands down one of the best hosts who will never let you with an empty stomach. 

Also Read: CT Review: I Stepped Into Radio Bar Mumbai, And It Felt Like a ’90s Bollywood Party Got A Luxe Upgrade!

You Tell Yourself “No Dessert”… Then This Happens

Addicted to Chocolate is not subtle at all. It’s rich. Very rich. Dark chocolate mousse, Ferrero Rocher, bits of crunch, and some berries to cut through, but let’s be honest, this is for chocolate lovers only. If you’re sharing, good idea. If not… good luck.

For beverages, I sipped on my favourite Coke Float. I must say, it can be labelled by far the best one I have ever tasted, and when I say this, trust me, I have sipped on a lot of them. Then came the Vegan Malibu Latte, which was a layered beauty. As aesthetically pleasing as it looked, the flavours matched to that point. 

There were plenty of other beverages that caught my attention, but I was full to the brim with food & drinks that I savoured at Staqx. 

Bandra has no shortage of cafés. But this one feels like it knows exactly what it wants to be fun, filling, and just a bit nostalgic without overdoing it.

So next time you are around the corner, hop in with your friends, and you won’t regret it. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Deeplata Garde