MG Road, a national highway? Yes indeed, and this meant that the beginning of this month saw several iconic restaurants, bars and wine shops either shut shop or stop serving liquid as per the court order. While frantic attempts are being made to work out a solution to the ban, it could still be awhile before normal services resume. That being said on the ban, do we really miss the booze? But this doesn't mean you can't enjoy the food that's on offer. We look at five popular places that have been affected by the ban, but whose food makes it worth the while to keep visiting them.

Church Street Social

Social is known for it's funky and quirky cocktails, but the food on offer stays true to this playful mantra as well. Along with the old favourites, Socials has several new additions to the food that are likely to pique your interest enough to not miss the alcohol. Chef Saurabh Arora, City Chef- Bangalore , says "The new additions on offer at is an extension of the brand’s food philosophy of serving quality comfort food and doing simple things well. The old favourites make their way across towns and cities to find their place in the new menu, and of course, being the brand that it is, the new additions are crafted to complement everything else Social has to offer." So get ready to sample local favourite like Bangalore’s very own Ghee Roast Chicken, Gobi Kempu, Pandi Curry with Ghee Rice and Gunpowder Baby Potatoes. There is also a new pasta section that features quirky items like like Keema Spaghetti, Penne with Curried Vegetables and more. And for the sweet lovers there is The Chocolate Chutzpah, Lucky’s Caramel Custard and Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fondant.

Koshy's

Going to Koshy's is like experiencing the charm of old Bangalore. The ambience is timeless, as much as things change Koshy's remains the same. It's essentially nostalgia on a plate. And there's lots to munch on that gives you a taste of the charm of the old city and the various cultures. "The Potato Smileys remain popular with adults and children alike," says Vedika Sud, a regular patron of Koshy's. "Items like cutlets and the puffs give you a taste of the old Anglo Indian culture as do the Fish and Chips, and Roast Chicken with BBQ sauce." Step in to steep yourself in some nostalgia. And while you are at it, don't forget to sample the soft bread and butter on offer.

Olive Beach

This is one of the city's oldest and earliest alfresco lounge bar and dining spaces serving New Mediterranean cuisine. While you can't savour any of their trademark cocktails - like The Lavender Orchid and Angoortini - there's plenty on offer when it comes to to their eclectic food menu. Some signatures dishes include Chicken Liver Parfait, Three Little Pigs, Grilled Figs and Orange Salad, the ever-popular wood-fired pizzas, Saffron Gnocchetti and more.

The Permit Room

Serving South India on a plate, with a twist, TPR has been equally popular for its food as well as its cocktails like Rum Pazham Pori and Kokum Sharbat, among the many on offer. So while you may not have a Fizzy Kosumbari to accompany the Kuzhi Panniyaram Starters, you can still enjoy them on their own. "Our thalis (veg, chicken, seafood and all-meat) are separate entities that can be enjoyed in themselves," says Chef Kavan Kutappa. " We also have some new items like Puliyogare Poppers (arancini that is puliyogare flavoured and then crumb fried), while the old favourites like the Nizami Haleem Samosa, Pandi Spare Ribs, desserts like Filter Kaapi Pot du Creme and Chiroti Sandwich continue to be ever popular." And of course there's always breakfast with Mutton Paya Soup, Bise Bele Bath and Warm Banana Sajjige to warm your soul.

Toast and Tonic

While we may miss the in-house tonics - heady combinations like T&T Granada Tonic (pomegranate and cinnamon), Royal Bengal Mojito (gold rum, gondhoraj lemon, nolen fur, mint, pineapple, tonic and ice), the 'Toast' on offer will more than make up. This East Village Style restaurant lays heavy emphasis on fresh, seasonal and local produce. Small plates like Young Jackfruit and Smoked Goats Cheese Toastado, White Bean puree, Guacamole and jalapeño cream; Chilli Tossed Tuna Poke Bowl with Seaweed, sticky Gobindobhog rice, beet picked egg, passion-fruit pineapple vinaigrette, fried onions and chai seeds, Smoked Cochin Mackerel on Sourdough Toast with Charred Green Pepper, Garlic & Orange Salsa and Large plates like Gobindobhog and Kasundhi Risotto; Carbonara inspired Spaghetti with Meatballs & sharp Triple Crunch Mustard and Drumstick Leaf Persillade. Desserts on offer include Expression of Jaggery (Jaggery Pot Du Crème, Banana Jaggery Cake, Noren Gur, Coffee Cardamom Ice Cream); continue to be a big draw.