When the news came down that Rasoi would be forced to leave its original location, Denton fell into a bit of a panic. The cozy Indian buffet, known for its warm service and infinite loop of Bollywood music videos, had been a city staple for over a decade. Fortunately, owner/operators Singh N and Brijpal Singh were able to find a new home for the beloved business in the building that once housed the notorious R Bar. The concept has a new name (Hangout Bar & Dine), a new look, a full bar, and—to our total delight—more than enough room to host live music. Yes, it’s true: now you can have curry and live music at the same time. (Pinch us, please? We’re pretty sure we’re dreaming.)

“People have aspirations to listen to live music. It’s just the people’s choice,” Singh N says, referring to the decision to add live music programming. “Everyone wants to come and relax, and this is not like a typical restaurant…if people want to smoke, they can go out in the back yard.” The venue can hold an incredible 160 people inside, and the back yard accommodates 80. And Singh has not wasted any time getting musicians through the door—Hangout Bar & Dine is currently booked almost a month in advance. The restaurant is open to any and all styles of music, including DJs and full bands. Singh also mentions that the business is more than happy to host birthday parties, wedding receptions, and even actual weddings.

Hangout Bar & Dine’s hours have been lengthened in order to accommodate the nightlife. Thursday through Saturday, patrons can enjoy drinks and music until 2 AM. The restaurant’s full menu is offered until 10 PM, but you can order from a bar food menu until close. If you want to get an early start on your evening, you can come for Happy Hour, which runs every day of the week (yes, every day) from 4 PM—7 PM. And just when we thought all of this couldn’t get any better...Singh plans to eventually offer different cuisine alongside the traditional Indian fare, including American, Mexican, and Arabian dishes. You can check out their current menu offerings here.

More than anything, Singh hopes that the restaurant’s new offerings will bring people closer together. There are flags and memorabilia from Switzerland, Malaysia, Russia, New Zealand, China, and more hanging behind the bar—all from international patrons who have enjoyed the owners’ food. Adding music is just one more way to extend the reach of this global community. “It is not just for students or locals. Everybody is welcome here,” Singh says. When asked about the restaurant’s successful reincarnation, he credits his partnership with Brijpal Singh. “We are more than brothers…we know how to share our thoughts on how to put everything on the floor so people enjoy it.”

If you'd like to book a show, email the restaurant at hangoutbardine@gmail.com. Hangout Bar & Dine’s next night of music is August 27th. Singh tells us that it’s going to be a great show, and with all that this new concept has to offer, we’re sure he’s absolutely right.

Hangout Bar & Dine is located at 827 Eagle Drive in Denton, TX.