FC Road Social — Restaurant in Pune

Breakfast at Social

Pune's best hangout destination just got a whole lot better. An apt place for a scrumptious lunch, a go-to location to enjoy nightlife, a co-working space, a community building venue - FC Road Social was already all this and now it is also one of the best places to enjoy breakfast.

Yup, FC Social opens as early as 9 AM and serves some amazing breakfast.

Chef Sharad Rao, who heads the kitchen at FC Road Social is extremely enthusiastic and proactive in his approach in the kitchen and it shows in all the dishes that come out.

I recently went there bright and early one fine Sunday morning to try their breakfast offerings. And the fact that we finally left the place at lunch time, is testimonial enough to the overall experience.

Social also serves craft beers from multiple breweries - Kimaya, Effingut, Flambos, 2nd Pint, Yavasura and Hopper and also is the only place to have their signature LIITs on tap!!

All Day Breakfast Disco Fried Eggs [Rs 190] has three fried eggs with powdered spices and served retro style in a laadi pao. Some funky presentation for sure.

The Pancake Saddlebags [Rs. 270] are saddled with bacon and chicken sausages, topped with fried eggs and drizzled with some maple syrup. Never expected the flavors of bacon to go so well together on a pancake and the maple syrup just provided some sweet relief. That is pure insanity on a plate. #DeliciousDelicious

Social Breakfast Trays These breakfast trays are curated from the food preferences of the management team at Impresario, the good folks that own and manage the Social brand.

Dhingra's Punjabi Breakfast [Rs. 340] is a wholesome tray full of Punjabi goodness. Named after Satyajit Dhingra, President-Operations in North India, the portion size of this breakfast is appropriately reminiscent of a typical Punjabi appetite.

It has paratha [aloo / gobi / paneer] served with chole, punjabi samosa, aam ka achaar, dahi, karrare aloo, lassi and chai. I opted for the aloo paratha which was delicious and generously stuffed. The pickle and dahi proved to be perfect accompaniments. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the dahi was perfectly set and was not sour at all, unlike most commercial places.

The stuffed paratha went very well with the chhole which were as authentic as we can get outside North India. A true dark-brown tone with just the right give and bite. The samosa too was the ideal combination of soft filling with a crunchy exterior.

Hardy's Bhai Ishtyle Breakfast [Rs. 340] was the typical Irani breakfast combo of anda kheema ghotala, bun maska and masala chai. Loved the rough texture of the kheema, which sported some insanely delicious flavors.

Riyaaz's Breakfast of Champions [Rs. 340] is the favorite breakfast option of Riyaaz Amlani, the CEO of Impresario, the company that owns the Social brand. Being a champion himself, his breakfast choice is befitting.

Comprising of his personal favorite, anda shammi pao with a steak sandwich, a PBJ, a milkshake and an Irish Coffee; this is a meat lovers dream breakfast. The anda shammi had loads of flavors and the meat overload steak sandwich was simply mind-blowing. The Irish Coffee could've been potent, though.

Named after Sid Mathur - F&B Head at Social, Sid's Very Posh Breakfast [Rs. 340] is a typical English breakfast tray. Two eggs any style [I opted for omlette], baked beans, grilled tomato, hash browns, bacon strips and chicken sausage, served with a choice of English breakfast tea or coffee.

My personal pick of the day since I am partial to a full English breakfast. 😃

The bacon strips were crisp to the bite and added another flavor layer to the dish. Omlette was well-made, no complaints. Pair it all with an English Breakfast Tea or a Cappuccino and you are set for the day.

Social has always been adept at donning multiple hats across service offerings and have always excelled in them. Now adding breakfast service to their menu, starting as early as 9 AM, makes it the clear choice of venue to meet all your...

FC Road Special was something I had never experienced in the truest sense. I was invited to the Alumni Meet of my alma mater from Mumbai, for Pune area residents. And it was quite an ensemble. Alumni from IT, Finance, and Operations gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Frankly, the location is obscure. It’s at the fag end of FC Road, beyond the usual establishments in perpetual limelight. Even my Uber driver struggled to find it on the first attempt. Security officers were kind enough to guide us through a narrow approach road.

Once inside, the entrance lobby on the ground floor was empty, and I was directed to the lift for the first floor. The lights were not exactly bright, and with the overcast skies hinting at showers, the ambience was eerie. I actually felt like I was entering a Blade Runner set. Except there were no foes, only friends.

At the reception, after a name confirmation, I was tied with a paper tag reading “Antisocial.” Whose fertile mind came up with such tags is anyone’s guess. I was guided towards the main hall, a spacious place with a dance floor, sound system, bar, middle section, and food counters. They also had a separate dining hall.

Within a few minutes, alumni trickled in. Our institute’s Alumni Relations Office team welcomed everyone, and we were seated comfortably.

Soon, the bar was announced open. I am a teetotaler but went to grab a Coke and found a cheerful bartender who clearly knew his craft. On a whim, I asked for a Blue Moon mocktail. To my surprise, he prepared it happily and served it perfectly.

Back at my table, I found excellent appetizers: Fish Finger, Chicken Manchurian, Chicken Lollipop, and vegetarian items like Chilli Toast, Veg Fritters, and Paneer dishes. Fish Finger was the best in Pune—fresh, flaky, with a crispy outer coating worth repeating. Chicken Manchurian was good, with decent coating. The dry Chicken Lollipop was nicely fried, crisp outside, succulent inside.

As we mingled, conversations naturally drifted to career paths. The young brigade asked about moving up and areas to focus on. I love talking with Millennials and Gen Z. They are full of ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. What they need is proper guidance to channelize it in the right direction.

Later, I wanted fresh juice. Surprisingly, not even lime juice was available. But to my delight, the bartender offered fresh sugarcane juice. With a small machine, he served it in a glass with ice and a slender stick of cane. Not too sweet, but far better than any canned juice.

The sound system, however, was blaring with high-decibel music, more jarring than pleasing. Some guests seemed to enjoy it, but I can never consider such loudness as music. I like Rock, Pop, and Bollywood, and I respect DJs, but not ear-splitting noise.

A few of us stepped out to the lobby for civil conversation. I was happy to see the next-gen business leaders listening to the journeys of old-timers like me.

Dinner followed. The spread wasn’t large, but the quality was high. I had salad, butter chicken, and half a roti. Butter chicken was perfectly cooked—tandoori chunks in a creamy, rich gravy. Not sugary, just as it should be. I was surprised there was no rice at all. For dessert, gulab jamuns—tiny wonders, soft, sweet, and melting in the mouth.

Though the spread was minimal, the quality was better than many larger buffets.

The only disappointing part was the loud noise. You couldn’t even speak to the person next to you. Patrons should urge the establishment to tone it down to a level human ears can bear. After all, we are social animals, but we don’t want to go...

The Social on FC Road, more commonly referred to as FC Road Social, is a popular café, bar, and co-working space located on Fergusson College Road in Pune. It’s part of the larger Social chain found in many major cities across India, known for its unique blend of work and play environments. FC Road Social attracts a diverse crowd, including students, young professionals, and creatives, making it a key spot on the vibrant FC Road social scene.

Key Features of FC Road Social:

Ambiance and Decor: FC Road Social boasts an industrial, rustic decor with quirky and creative elements that give it a unique, modern vibe. The space is designed to be multifunctional, with areas dedicated to both casual dining and co-working. This dual-purpose setup makes it a popular choice for both daytime work and evening leisure.

Co-working Space: During the day, FC Road Social serves as a co-working space, providing a comfortable environment with ample seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. It's a great spot for freelancers, remote workers, and students looking for a place to work while enjoying good food and coffee.

Food and Drink: The menu at FC Road Social is diverse, offering a range of dishes that include Indian, Asian, Continental, and fusion cuisine. The food is well-regarded for its taste and presentation, with popular items including breakfast platters, burgers, sandwiches, and small plates ideal for sharing. The bar menu features a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, craft beers, and spirits. Social is particularly known for its innovative cocktails, like the "L.L.I.I.T (Longest Long Island Iced Tea)" and "Thai Maalish," which add a playful twist to classic drinks.

Events and Entertainment: FC Road Social frequently hosts events such as live music performances, DJ nights, open mics, comedy shows, and themed parties. These events make it a lively and engaging place to socialize and meet new people. The dynamic events calendar attracts a diverse crowd, enhancing the social atmosphere.

Community and Networking: The Social franchise is known for fostering a sense of community among its patrons. FC Road Social often becomes a hub for networking and socializing, where people from various backgrounds come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects, or simply relax.

Youthful Vibe: Due to its location on FC Road, a major hub for students in Pune, FC Road Social has a youthful and energetic vibe. It is a favorite spot for college students and young professionals who want to hang out, catch up with friends, or unwind after classes or work.

Why FC Road Social Stands Out:

Unique Concept: The combination of a co-working space and a bar/café makes FC Road Social stand out from traditional cafes and restaurants. It provides a versatile space that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether for work or leisure.

Central Location: Being situated on FC Road, one of Pune’s most bustling streets, FC Road Social is easily accessible and a prime spot for those looking to experience the vibrant culture of the area.

Engaging Atmosphere: The mix of good food, creative drinks, eclectic decor, and a steady lineup of events creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that attracts a wide range of patrons.

In summary, FC Road Social is more than just a café or bar; it's a versatile social hub that combines work, play, and community in a lively setting, reflecting the energetic spirit of...