With A Cafe As A Front, Chennai’s 1st Speakeasy Lets You In Only If You Give The Password

In Chennai’s buzzing nightlife scene, nightclubs and family resto-bars have enjoyed the limelight for long, often isolating discerning diners who crave an intimate, quieter space for crafted cocktails and exquisite bites. To bridge this gap, Madras Cocktail Company AKA MadCo. has stepped in with an elusive space touted to be the city’s first-ever speakeasy. Preserving its air of mystery, an Instagram DM for a reservation and address and a password handed out to a barista, is what will lead you to Chennai’s hottest new watering hole, MadCo.

Chennai’s First Speakeasy Needs An Instagram DM & Password

 

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Madras Cocktail Company keeps things simple. It’s the coastal city’s first-ever speakeasy that comes with an intimate setting. Having a cafe for a front and a barista, playing his part as a gatekeeper, MadCo.’s allure is its mystery. A vague address. A menu you can’t find online. A password that changes every day. The modern speakeasy is not for everyone. Literally! The access to the 60-seater bar itself lets it filter the crowd.

For those who seek meaningful conversations, with meticulously curated drinks, and chef-centric food, MadCo. is a pocketful of sunshine. The minimalistic decor, golden lights warmly lighting up the space and the comfortable and plush seating ensure you’re here to spend a few great hours with your loved ones. Madras Cocktail Company harbours a space where you can sip top-quality cocktails, have uninterrupted conversations without blaring music and tuck into bites beyond saucy Indo-Chinese fusions and deep-fried grubs.

Also Read: From Garlic To Green Chilli, Amour In Chennai Is Serving Ice Creams That Are Not For The Faint-Hearted

Stellar Craft Cocktails Made With In-house Infusions

The highlight of Madras Cocktail Company, like the moniker suggests, is its cocktails. A young team of Goa-based mixologists take over the bar and whip up interesting concoctions made solely of housemade infusions. No artificial syrups or sweeteners. There are spirit-forward cocktails, tropical drinks and quirky ones served in the most unusual glassware. Lame Duck, we’re looking at you! A few cocktails worth trying here are Nilgiri Sakura and Matcha Maker, for the matcha-obsessed.

Like its innovative cocktails infused with familiar flavours like filter coffee, chai and jasmine, the speakeasy’s food also veers away from cookie-cutter bar bites. Staying true to the ‘Madras’ in its name, the menu takes you through the city’s classics with an elevated spin and steers you across South India’s robust flavours.

Also Read: 10 Traditional South Indian Dishes In Chennai You Must Try On Your Next Trip To The TN Capital

Elevated South Indian Delicacies That Go Beyond Cookie-Cutter Bar Food

 

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There’s Gongura Tempura with Podi Dust, where tart gongura leaves have been given a crisp Japanese spin; Haleem Spring Roll, Dry Paaya, MadCo. Patatas and the Anda Pao, with eggs done three ways, that will pique your interest. While Madras Cocktail Company strives to serve robust South Indian flavours, it does elevate the dishes with Asian and European touches to complement its craft cocktails.

Chennai’s first speakeasy encourages a community dining space where you can strike up a conversation with a mixologist to get deeper insights into the infusions, or even play a game over the counter. It’s playful, mysterious and intimate and maddeningly alluring! So, Chennaites, have you DMed Madras Cocktail Company yet?

Where: Cathedral Road (DM @madco_chennai for the exact address)
When: 12 pm to 12 am
Cost: ₹2000 for two approx.

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/@madco_chennai