Playground Cafe and Bar — Restaurant in Chandigarh

Tricity’s very own (and first of its kind) cafe-bar “Playground": is now open in Sector 26, Chandigarh besides the one in courtyard of Elante Mall. Playground is the cafe-bar with food and ambiance worth spending an entire morning, afternoon or evening in. Whether you're looking for an after-work drinking place, a great sit-down dinner or that perfect date night, Playground is the answer to all your plans. Playground is also a live gig venue, always switching up their roster of artists. The menu here has all cafe classics - from popular brekkie options like Sunny Side up and a full breakfast in bed tray. There’s also, sandwiches, pizzas, naanzas, pasta, lasagne, tacos, salads, sizzlers, vada pav and everyone's favorite Maggi Noodles. They also serve exotic vegetables from grill tossed in your favorite sauce with mashed potatoes at sides. For the main course, you can go for the pre-plated Thai and North Indian meals or the delicious Biryanis. They specialize in an array of cuisines including Thai, Italian, Continental, Mexican, Indian, and even Hyderabadi. This place does dessert too, and their banoffee-pie and Jenga brownie are must-haves.

With work and a hectic schedule in full swing, we do assume you do need a cocktail along with some live music. So move beyond the regular mojito and sangria, and embrace a set of refreshing cocktails. With everything from paan caprioska, peri-peri bloody marry, to Tinderella – Playground will make sure that every hour spent drinking cocktails is a happy hour. They also do some mean mixes like kaala jaadu (black rum with aampappad and jeera) and lotta totta (white rum with thandai). And don’t forget to try their banta cocktails. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they’re offering scotch, whiskey, vodka, and Bacardi so you can mix-n-match on your own.

Oh, and if you are wondering about the decor, let’s say it is very hipster. Step through the glass doorway into this elusive bar that oozes charm and sophistication. The decor and set up of this place is fun and whimsical, with its European styled bar, charming wooden seating, leather sofas, funky elements, hanging lamps and interesting installations, creates a nice and easy mood around your dining and drinking experience. It’s easy to lose track...

My recent experience at Playground, Sector 26, Chandigarh, was anything but a fun day at the park. It was more like a frustrating roller coaster ride of reservation woes and disappointing service. Here's why:

Lost in Reservation Limbo: My evening began with a promising online reservation made through Zomato. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the staff seemed baffled, claiming no knowledge of my booking. After frantic searching they offered us a table.

Time-Capped Hospitality: To my further surprise, after settling in, the manager informed me that my table was only booked for two hours. This information, absent from the reservation confirmation, felt intrusive and restrictive. It's like being told, "Enjoy your meal, but don't overstay your welcome!" When much longer was promised and mentioned in Zomato Reservation.

Support System in a Black Hole: Seeking some recourse, I contacted Zomato's support team. Alas, their response was as sluggish as a stalled carousel. An hour-long wait for a reply, followed by a lack of any constructive solution, left me feeling even more disappointed.

Playground of Disappointment: In conclusion, my Playground experience was a masterclass in frustration. From reservation blunders to time-restricted dining and unresponsive support, it was anything but a playful evening. While the ambiance might be trendy, the hospitality felt cold and transactional.

Therefore, I must warn fellow Zomato users: approach Playground with caution. Your reservation might be a mirage, your table a temporary haven, and your frustrations, unfortunately, not a figment of your imagination.

Rating: 1/5 (for the initial glimmer of hope quickly extinguished by the underwhelming reality)

Suggestion: Invest in more efficient reservation management, prioritize customer comfort over arbitrary time limits, and train your staff in empathetic hospitality. Until then, I'll be taking my dining escapades elsewhere.

I hope this review provides a candid account of my experience and helps others avoid a similar...

I recently visited Playground in Sector 26 with a group of friends for a night out, and I must say that it left me with mixed feelings. This trendy establishment has a lot going for it, primarily in terms of ambiance and entertainment, but there's room for significant improvement in the food department.

Let's start with the positives. Playground has nailed the ambiance. The place exudes a vibrant and energetic vibe that's perfect for starting an early party with friends. The decor is contemporary and stylish, with comfortable seating arrangements that make for a cozy hangout spot. The lighting and music create a lively atmosphere, setting the stage for a night of fun and dancing.

Speaking of dancing, Playground offers a fantastic dance floor. If you and your friends are looking to groove to some great tunes, this is the place to be. The DJ keeps the crowd entertained with a mix of popular tracks, ensuring that the dance floor stays alive and kicking.

However, when it comes to the food, Playground falls short of expectations. While the menu boasts an extensive selection of dishes, the taste and quality leave much to be desired. We tried a variety of items, from appetizers to main courses, and none of them stood out as exceptional. The flavors were mediocre, and some dishes even lacked the finesse you'd expect from a place like this. It's clear that the kitchen could benefit from some improvements in terms of taste and presentation.

Despite the food disappointment, I'd still recommend Playground for its fantastic ambiance and entertainment options. If you're in Sector 26 and looking for a place to kickstart a party with friends, dance the night away, and enjoy some drinks, Playground fits the bill perfectly. Just be prepared to overlook the culinary shortcomings and focus on the overall experience. With some refinements in the food department, Playground could easily become a top-notch nightlife destination...