About Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki
Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki was a trendy bar and interactive dining lounge located inside the Vivanta (Taj) on M.G. Road in central Bengaluru (wedblessed.com ) (wanderlog.com ). It combined an ice-themed cocktail bar with live Japanese Teppanyaki grill cooking at the tables, a concept that was unique on the local scene. As one travel guide notes, Ice offered “a unique fusion of Japanese cuisine and inventive cocktails,” featuring private teppanyaki grill tables and sushi-bar seating where chefs showcase cooking on hot iron griddles (wanderlog.com ). The décor was modern and sleek – described by the owner as a “chic, sleek metallic lounge” – and patrons often pointed out its poolside seating and night-time vibe (www.venuelook.com ) (www.tripadvisor.in ). Although not a historic landmark, Ice stood out in Bangalore’s nightlife for its creative concept and as part of the upscale Taj MG Road hotel complex. (Note: as of late 2022 the venue has been listed as closed (www.justdial.com ).)
Events and Programming
Ice Bar & Teppanyaki was known more as a nightclub‐style lounge than a concert hall, so its programming centered on nightlife and dining experiences rather than formal shows. On weekends it frequently hosted DJs and themed party nights. Reviewers frequently note lively music and enjoyable nights: for example, one visitor in 2013 wrote that “the DJ nights on weekends are amazing for those who dig club and house music,” and that the poolside ambiance made it a “very popular place” (www.tripadvisor.in ). In another review (Jan 2016) a guest found the place “extremely lively on specific nights or brunches,” thanks to the open-air pool seating and energetic vibe (www.tripadvisor.in ). The venue also hosted special events and launches – for instance, in 2012 Ice Bar held the “Fuse 2.0” signature cocktail launch party with mixologist Tim Judge, attracting Bangalore’s fashion crowd (dineandwinebangalore.wordpress.com ). (Note that because Ice was inside a hotel restaurant, advertised events such as pool parties or guest DJs were small-scale; the venue doesn’t sell “tickets” like a concert hall but may charge cover or minimum spend on busy nights.)
Tickets and Booking
There is no ticket box office or mandatory cover charge for casual visits to Ice Bar & Teppanyaki – patrons simply pay for whatever they order from the menu. For special events or private parties (if any were held), separate advance booking might apply, but in general no entry fee is listed. Guests looking to dine or book the teppanyaki tables should make a reservation through the hotel. The most reliable way to reserve a table is to contact the Vivanta by Taj – M.G. Road hotel directly (via phone or the hotel’s website). Reservations are highly recommended on Friday/Saturday nights or on holidays, since the venue could fill up. Group bookings or corporate events (especially with live cooking) should be arranged through the banquet or events team at the hotel. During normal service hours, casual walk-ins without reservations are sometimes accommodated if space is available, but planners often secure tables a day or more in advance to avoid waiting.
Seating and Layout
Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki offered both indoor and outdoor seating areas and had a somewhat split layout. The main indoor section was a club‐style lounge with a metallic décor and the central bar area. Outside, there was a poolside dining area with tables around the (small) outdoor pool. This open-air section was especially popular in Bangalore’s mild evenings – for example, reviewers praised “the seating by the pool which] is very pleasant to enjoy Bangalore weather” ([www.tripadvisor.in ). Teppanyaki grill tables were positioned by the pool, so diners sat around the grill on all sides to watch the chef cook their meal. According to event listings, the combined space could accommodate on the order of 50–150 guests depending on configuration (www.bookeventz.com ). Inside, there were also bar stools and lounge tables for smaller groups, and reportedly even private teppanyaki dining rooms for special gatherings (wanderlog.com ). In terms of sightlines and acoustics, guests noted that music from the DJ or lounge was clearly audible both indoors and outside, making the place feel like a seamless party environment. If viewing a chef performance, the best seats are those immediately around the grill. The pool tables (or any outside tables) offer a pleasant scene, whereas indoor seating is cozier on very hot or rainy days. As a tip, reserve early for seats near the grill or pool on busy nights to maximize the atmosphere.
Getting There and Parking
Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki is located along Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G. Road), opposite the 1MG Lido Mall at the Taj Vivanta hotel (41/3 M.G. Road) (wedblessed.com ). It’s very central in Bengaluru, so transportation options are plentiful. The nearest Metro stop is M.G. Road station on the Purple Line (about a 5–10 minute walk away) (moovitapp.com ). Several BMTC buses pass right by this area (e.g. routes 306F, 306L, 306MH, 316T and G-2 among others) and stop near 1MG/MG Road (moovitapp.com ). For drivers, the hotel provides valet parking – a feature often cited as a convenient perk (www.tripadvisor.in ) – and also has a basement parking garage. Auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) can drop you off at the hotel entrance on M.G. Road (one may have to take a short ramp or driveway up to the main door). In Bengaluru traffic, allow extra travel time: plan to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early for an evening event. Rideshare vehicles can be instructed to go to “Vivanta by Taj, M.G. Road.” The hotel’s iconic signage makes the entrance easy to spot. Pedestrians coming from nearby areas, like Church Street or Trinity Circle, can reach the venue on foot via the M.G. Road corridor in about 5–10 minutes.
Inside the Venue
Inside Ice Bar & Teppanyaki, you could expect a high-energy lounge atmosphere with music and lighting suited to an upscale nightclub. The security and entry procedure are similar to any hotel lounge: doormen stand by the entrance, and guests are typically asked for photo ID (especially if ordering alcohol, since Karnataka’s drinking age is 21). The staff checkpoints were noted in reviews as friendly – one guest even complimented the “convenient valet service and safety” of the Taj property (www.tripadvisor.in ). The interior décor was mostly glass, metal and mood lighting (many patrons describe it as “sleek” and modern (www.venuelook.com )) with thematic elements suggesting ice-cool colors. The bar offered a full cocktail menu (with fresh fruit à la mixology) and shelves of spirits. Food could be ordered either at your teppanyaki table or from the kitchen service. Reviewers praised the quality of both the food and drinks – for example, one commenter (Feb 2016) said, “My friend had the best cocktails he’s had” and the non-drinking companion enjoyed the ample mocktail options and comfortable ambiance (www.tripadvisor.in ). Typical menu items included sizzling chopped steaks, grilled seafood and noodles at the teppanyaki tables, plus sushi and other Asian/Continental dishes, along with Indian-inspired bar snacks. There is no strict dress code enforced, but visitors generally noted that smart-casual nightclub attire was worn by most guests. (In line with hotel policy, outside food/drink is not allowed.) Restrooms and any hotel facilities (like elevators) are accessed from the lobby or adjacent areas. Unlike an outdoor street club, the bar was air-conditioned so there’s no worry about rain or heat inside). Overall, picture a dim club scene with live cooking stations, where the sounds of clinking blue martini glasses meet the sizzle of the grill – that sums up the vibe inside Ice.
Nearby Amenities
Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki sits in one of Bangalore’s busiest entertainment districts, so there are plenty of dining, drinking, and lodging options within a short walk or drive. Notable nearby spots include:
Café 77 East – The hotel’s own multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (just a few steps away in the lobby of Vivanta by Taj).One MG Mall – Directly across the street, a luxury mall housing restaurants like Punjab Grill, Domino’s, and casual cafés.UB City and Barton Centre (0.5–1.0 km) – High-end complexes with bars and restaurants (e.g. Shiro, Rambagh – Ammi’s, The Biere Club, and the famous 13th Floor rooftop lounge).Church Street area (0.7 km) – A lively pedestrian stretch with cafes/pubs (Ice Cream shops, Barleyz, Pecos, etc.) perfect for pre- or post-bar snacks.Nearby Hotels – Taj MG Road is itself a hotel. Other nearby hotels include Taj West End and Moofa Gardens (less than 2 km away) and ITC Windsor (1 km away); each has its own restaurants and bars.Transport hubs – The Trinity Metro Station (Purple Line) is <8 minutes walk; bus stops along M.G. Road are right outside.
These make it easy to combine a visit to Ice with other plans. For pre-show dinner, you could try the Café 77 East menu, or walk to a neighboring pub. For post-show lodging, the Taj itself or any of the nearby hotels are obvious choices. Late-night transportation is generally available on MG Road via cabs or autos (though after midnight it’s good to reserve a ride in advance or flag a tuk-tuk on the street).
What Makes This Venue Special
What set Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki apart was its one-of-a-kind concept and the quality of the experience. As the name suggests, it was one of the few places in Bangalore to blend an “ice-cool” bar lounge ethos with live Japanese teppanyaki cooking. The Taj’s promotional copy captures the vibe well: “Unwind, chill out, then watch the night heat up at Ice, the high-energy nightspot at Vivanta by Taj – M.G. Road” (www.venuelook.com ). The drinks menu matched the theme with creative “secret-twist” cocktails – for example, watermelon and raspberry martinis and a house “Che Guevara” concoction were touted as must-tries (www.venuelook.com ). The poolside setting and slick décor made it feel swanky and fun. Over the years it gained a reputation among locals and visitors as a top party spot (one travel site even ranked it among the city’s best nightlife venues). Musicians and DJs appreciated the open yet intimate layout for crowd interaction, and diners loved the interactive showmanship of the grill chefs. In short, it wasn’t just another bar – it was a themed nightlife destination where the ambience and the food/drink creativity combined in a memorable way (wanderlog.com ) (www.venuelook.com ). Even now, old photos and reviews recall Ice Bar as a local icon of that era’s late-night scene.
Visitor Tips and Practical Information
Reservations – If you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday, book ahead. The teppanyaki tables in particular have limited seats and can be reserved through the hotel. For casual dining any time, reservations are recommended but not mandatory.Dress Code – Dress smart-casual. Most patrons wore trendy lounge attire. Avoid flip-flops or very casual sportswear if you want to blend in.ID & Age – Carry a photo ID (passport, driver’s license) to order alcohol. Karnataka law requires patrons to be 21 or older to drink, and clubs will enforce this.Accessibility – The venue is within a modern hotel, so it can be reached by elevator, and staff can assist if needed. However, the poolside area might have some steps down; you may want to call ahead if you need wheelchair access to special seating areas.Entry/Policies – As a lounge bar, outside food or bottles are not allowed. Photography for personal use is generally fine, but professional cameras or video without permission may be frowned upon. Security checks (bag scan) are minimal, but carry only what you need.Arrival Time – Evenings at Ice could get busy after 9–10 PM, especially on Fridays/Saturdays. Arriving earlier (8–9 PM) ensures you get good seating. If you’re going purely for dancing, peak crowd arrives around 11 PM.Food Ordering – You do not pre-pay or buy tickets; just order from staff as you go. Thalis or group meals are not standard – instead pick dishes à la carte or set menus. Remember to tell the chef any dietary preferences (some spice/veg options are available).Lounge Atmosphere – Even when busy, it’s not a pushy nightclub crowd. Staff strives for friendly service. Don’t hesitate to ask servers for recommendations (they can suggest drink specialties) or notify them if you have any complaints.Check Current Status – Importantly, as of recent years Ice – Bar & Teppanyaki has reportedly closed (www.justdial.com ). Before planning a trip, confirm whether it is still operating under that name or if the space has been rebranded by the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food and drinks are served at Ice Bar & Teppanyaki?
Ice Bar & Teppanyaki focused on Japanese-inspired cuisine alongside creative cocktails. Its menu featured teppanyaki-grilled steaks, seafood and vegetables prepared tableside, as well as sushi and other global entrees. Coupled with that was an “inventive” cocktail list – for example, signature watermelon and raspberry martinis, and a unique “Che Guevara” drink were popular choices (wanderlog.com ) (www.venuelook.com ). In practice you could expect premium liquor drinks (mojitos, margaritas etc.) and a range of Asian/Japanese dishes.
Do I need to buy tickets or pay a cover charge to get into Ice Bar?
No, there is no ticket or mandated cover charge for general entry. Ice Bar operated as part of the hotel’s lounge, so visitors simply purchase food and drinks from the menu. There were no separate entry fees, though on busy nights the hotel might enforce a minimum spend per person. For private events or special shows (if any), tickets might be sold separately, but for regular nights one just enjoys the bar by paying for the meals and cocktails they order.
How do I reserve a table or make a booking?
To reserve a table at Ice Bar & Teppanyaki, you should contact the Vivanta by Taj MG Road hotel’s reservation desk. You can book by phone (checking the Taj’s official number) or through their website’s dining-reservation portal. For the teppanyaki grill tables, advance booking is advised since they seat only a few people at once. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated if space allows, but on popular evenings it’s safer to reserve in advance.
What is the price range at Ice Bar & Teppanyaki?
Food and drink at Ice Bar tended to be on the higher end, reflecting the upscale hotel setting. Reviews and menus indicate an average spend of around INR 1,500–3,100 per person (restaurant-guru.in ) (especially if you order multiple cocktails or a full teppanyaki course). In practical terms, a couple of drinks and a main dish each might run a few thousand rupees total. Cocktails and signature items can be costly, so budgets should account for premium pricing. No fixed “set menu” prices were advertised – everything is à la carte.
What are the best seats or areas in the venue?
The venue had both indoor lounge seating and outdoor poolside tables. Many guests considered the outdoor poolside area the highlight – in good weather it’s breezy and scenic. One TripAdvisor review specifically noted that “seating by the pool is very pleasant” (www.tripadvisor.in ). If you want to watch the live cooking, reserve a spot close to the teppanyaki grill table. Indoor tables and bar stools are better when it’s hot or if you want to feel the full club ambiance with lights and music. In short, poolside tables (by the grill stations) are best for the view and vibe, while indoor seats are cozier on rainy or very warm nights.
Is there valet or parking available?
Yes, the hotel provides valet parking for guests coming by car, and this service is generally free for diners (www.tripadvisor.in ). There is also a multi-level basement parking garage. Many reviewers praised the convenience and safety of the Taj’s valet service. If you drive, simply inform the driver to take you to Vivanta by Taj, M.G. Road – the lighted hotel entrance has parking ramps. Do keep in mind M.G. Road traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time, and if needed the hotel staff can assist with directions.
Which Metro station and buses serve this venue?
The nearest Metro stop is M.G. Road station on the Purple Line (K.R. Market ↔ Baiyappanahalli), about an 8–10 minute walk from the hotel (moovitapp.com ). In terms of buses, several BMTC routes stop along M.G. Road in front of the 1MG/Almond hotel (which is adjacent to the Taj). Notable routes include 306-F, 306-L, 306-MH, 316-T and G-2 (moovitapp.com ). These connect from various parts of the city. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs can also drop off directly at the hotel entrance. Overall it’s very accessible by public transit.
Are there any dress or age restrictions?
There was no formal “uniform” dress code posted, but most guests dressed in smart-casual or trendy lounge attire. Extremely casual clothes (like beachwear or sports shorts) might be frowned upon during nightlife hours. Since this is primarily a bar, all visitors ordering alcohol must be at least 21 years old per state law (government ID required). Children with family might be allowed during early dinner hours, but after evening it effectively becomes 18+/21+ only. Pets or outside alcohol/food are not allowed inside (hotel policy).
Is Ice Bar & Teppanyaki still open?
No – according to hotel listings and local guides the venue has been closed as of mid-2022. Current listings label it “Closed Down” (www.justdial.com ). The space is part of a hotel, so it’s possible the management has rebranded or replaced the concept. Anyone planning a visit should confirm the latest status before going, since the “Ice” concept is no longer operating under that name.
What is Teppanyaki as mentioned in the name?
“Teppanyaki” refers to a Japanese style of cooking on a flat iron griddle (ben-to style). At Ice Bar’s teppanyaki tables, a chef would cook your order (steak, seafood, vegetables, etc.) right in front of you on the hot surface. This is both your meal and a form of live entertainment. Patrons sat around the table to watch and even chat with the chef as they served the freshly grilled dishes.
Do they serve vegetarian or vegan food?
Yes. While the specialty is Japanese grill and sushi, the menu also offered vegetarian options (and likely vegan dishes) courtesy of the hotel’s multi-cuisine kitchen. Indian and Asian vegetarian dishes would have been available, especially if requested of the chef. It’s standard in five-star hotels like Taj to provide ample vegetarian choices. Just let the staff know your dietary preference when ordering.
