@49 open balcony seating
We discovered this place while looking for a cafe after a disastrous meal at a nearby dhaba. I remembered there was a place nearby with an open balcony seating and thought of giving it a try. It took us few minutes to search and locate this place on Vivekananda Road.
Location
This place is opposite the Vivekananda Road YMCA and a minute walk from the Vivekananda Road – Bidhan Sarani crossing. The entrance is on the lane after the building if you are coming from Bidhan Sarani. It is an old building and the restaurant is on the first floor.
Ambiance
@49 inner AC seating
We loved the ambiance here. There is a small air-conditioned inner seating area and a larger open balcony section. The inner seating area have 3 four-seater tables. Simple and comfortable, the air-conditioning was good for a summer Calcutta evening. But the best part was the balcony seating. Overlooking the busy Vivekananda Road below, it was dimly lit and a great place for hangouts. We chose the inner seating as that day it was very hot and humid and also there was no wind blowing.
The balcony seating overlooking Vivekananda Road
Service
Fast, helpful and friendly, they were energetic and smiling. No complaints here.
Food
If you have tried the Forty Nine stall in Hangout, Saltlake City Centre, and liked their food, then you will like this place too. Run by the same management, the menu have some similar items, but the prices are cheaper. Absolutely pocket friendly, we loved all the items we tried here.
To begin with The Barbeque Sizzler was tasty and filling. The plate, according to the menu, have 2 pieces each of Lamb, Fish and Prawn along with noodles, french fries and veggies. But on one occasion we got four pieces of prawns along with two each of Chicken and Fish while the other time it was two pieces each of Lamb, Chicken, Fish and Prawn. I think they improvised as per their stock. As the total offering was worth the price we had no problem with it.
Bar-b-que Sizzler
The pieces were not covered with thick batter, as found in many places, and hence the individual taste of meat and fish could be enjoyed. The barbeque sauce was tasty. French fries were crisp and not oily and lastly the noodles were simple but flavourful. A tasty and filling dish under 200 bucks.
Juicy prawns – Bar-b-que Sizzler
Chicken Tikka Kebab had 5 medium sized pieces and was priced at 89 + tax. The chicken was not extremely soft and melt in your mouth, but was soft enough to enjoy. It was spicy and tasty. The green chutney which accompanied the kebabs was thick but lacked seasoning. If a little salt is added to it along with few drops of lemon juice, it would taste great.
Chicken Tikka
The Crispy Chilli Babycorn, priced in the same bracket, was true to its name. It was crispy (though not too hard and full of batter) and was tossed in a tasty sauce. Very addictive.
Crispy Chilli Babycorn
The Chicken Panfried Momo had good amount of filling, was moderately crispy and the sauce was tasty. Although not the best, it was quite good. And with six pieces at 69+ taxes, I am definitely not complaining.
Chicken Pan Fried Momo
While food and service here are great, they should work harder with their beverages. For the fresh lime soda they use lemon squash and I hate the synthetic flavour of squash in something which have fresh in its name. The Masala Cola tasted weird. The coffee and hot chocolates were ok, but they were all served from machine. So expect nothing special. So the best bet here is to order a glass of Cola.
Masala Cola
Coffee
In all it is a great pocket friendly place serving some tasty food with a cool ambiance and friendly service. No wonder this place has become our new favourite.