Down The Road is a pub and restaurant in Panaji, offering everything from traditional Goan cuisine to live music and community gatherings. The Goan delves into the story behind the venue’s unique ambience and how it has evolved over 17 years to become a treasured destination
Situated at the corner of the iconic Patto Bridge in Panaji, Down The Road (DTR) Pub & Bistro stands out as a lively spot where history meets modern flair. Established in 2008 by Lyndon Furtado, DTR offers stunning views of the 300-year-old Patto Bridge and the Rua de Ourem Creek. The restaurant’s unique setting, surrounded by historic landmarks and contemporary architecture, creates a lively atmosphere, while its diverse menu satisfies every craving.
Passion for music
DTR’s story begins with a passion for music and social spaces, shaped by a lifelong love for going out and experiencing live entertainment. "All my life, I was an outgoing person. My parents took us out often, and from a young age, I was exposed to music-oriented venues," shares Furtado. By the time he was in junior college, his interest in the entertainment scene had blossomed.
Early ventures
Before DTR, Furtado ran a mobile store, which he opened in 1999, and worked with folk groups to bring live music and cultural performances to five-star hotels in the mid-'90s. However, his heart was set on creating a space that combined his love for live music and diverse entertainment.
Vision for DTR
"In Goa, there wasn't a single place that truly met all our needs. The places that had the right vibe often lacked good entertainment or food. I wanted to create a place where everything came together," he says. This vision led him to open DTR in 2008. What started as a personal hobby evolved into a venue that became a space for live entertainment, karaoke, and acoustic performances.
Early challenges
In the early years, no pubs in Goa offered consistent live entertainment, so DTR pioneered solo and duo acoustic gigs, karaoke nights, and live bands. "We built a schedule with seven days of entertainment, catering to different tastes. Acoustic music, bands, karaoke—everyone could find something they enjoyed on a specific day," Furtado explains.
Gradual expansion
As the years passed, DTR expanded. The menu evolved, with an infusion of continental and oriental dishes, and the cocktail menu grew more elaborate. "Every year, we added something new, progressively improving the experience," Furtado notes.
Family legacy
The location of DTR was chosen with a connection to Furtado’s family history. "This house was bought by my grandfather in 1922, and my father lived here," he explains. The property was rented out after the family moved to a different house. When Furtado decided to open his pub, he took over the space, which had previously been used for similar purposes. "My uncle had a restaurant and bar license here, but he wasn't running it," Furtado shares. He took the opportunity to step in and, from there, began transforming the space. "We started with what we had and gradually expanded into different areas, building up the venue as we went along."
The name’s origin
The name ‘Down The Road’ was inspired by a mix of personal experience and a playful twist. "I used to live down the road from here," Furtado explains. "But another reason was that it’s a casual, easy answer when people ask where you're going. “Down the road” sounds simple, but you’re heading to a pub. It’s a two-way pun, casual and unassuming."
Rustic charm
The inspiration behind the ambience and decor of DTR was to maintain a rustic, vintage charm while incorporating modern elements for comfort and functionality. "We wanted to keep the place as authentic as possible," says Furtado. "The seating outside is made from real liquor barrels, which were originally used to transport liquor from abroad to India." The aim was to preserve the house’s original character, with wooden flooring and the structure remaining largely unchanged. "Today's world is looking for more antique-inspired spaces, and we wanted to keep that charm intact."
Minor modifications were made to ensure functionality, like upgrading the air conditioning and making the space more operational. However, the overall look and feel of the house was maintained.
Diverse menu
As for the menu, DTR offers a diverse range of cuisines to cater to all tastes. "We serve Goan dishes like Vindaloo and Xacuti, an extensive oriental menu, continental options like burgers and pizzas, and a range of North Indian curries," Furtado explains. The diverse menu caters to all types of customers, from kids to adults, and reflects the changing demographics of Goa's visitors. "We’ve become a popular spot for reunions and family gatherings, satisfying every palate," he adds.
Operational challenges
DTR comes with its challenges, though Furtado explains that the gradual growth over 17-18 years has allowed them to expand smoothly. "The demand is huge, and we don’t face issues with keeping the menu fresh, but when a restaurant isn't drawing a crowd, it becomes harder to maintain that freshness," he says.
Furtado notes that one of the biggest challenges is staffing, particularly with language barriers when hiring from outside Goa. "It’s difficult to find Goan staff, and those from outside may struggle with English as their second language," he explains. Despite this, the kitchen team has long-term stability, with many staff members staying for over a decade.
Festive preparations
With Christmas approaching, DTR is preparing for a week of events, starting December 24 with a special festive menu, featuring Suckling, Turkey, and a selection of delicious sweets. The holiday menu, an add-on to their regular offerings, also includes festive Christmas cakes and Marzipan.
Supporting musicians
DTR also offers opportunities for up-and-coming musicians, having been a platform for karaoke competitions, jam sessions, and giving local talent the chance to perform. "We want to be an exposure space for young musicians, providing them with the confidence and experience to perform," Furtado adds.
Team and family
While Furtado manages the business, his wife helps run their nearby mobile store, and their young child completes the family dynamic. "We’ve built a solid team over the years to make it work," he concludes.
A place of memories
Down The Road has become a place where nostalgia lingers over good food, and memories are made amidst the clatter of plates and the cheerful clinking of glasses.
