It's where Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri went on one of their first dates and where artists like MF Hussain and Tyeb Mehta sat doodling for hours.
Now, after 50 glorious years, if it can't extend its lease, it could well be curtains for Cafe Samovar. The beloved south Mumbai eatery is also famous for its keema paranthas and mutton chops.
"This is very, very sad," said Rita Contractor, a German tourist, who's been visiting the Cafe since the mid-sixties. "What will you take away next?" she asks, upset.
The Jahangir Art Gallery, that owns the plot of land that Samovar is on, has wanted its land back for decades now, so it can expand. And Samovar has for almost 30 years been fighting in court - and succeeding -- to extend its lease.
Five years ago, the Cafe and the gallery settled out of court and Samovar got a five-year reprieve.
"Even the Supreme Court judge who was hearing our case (then) said Samovar is an institution, one he himself visited often for coffee," said Devika Bhojwani, daughter of Usha Khanna who stared the iconic cafe. "He (the judge) requested the art gallery give us more time or an alternate space," Ms. Bhojwani added.
Even today, a cup of tea at Samovar costs only Rs seven. "She wanted it to be open to all. ... Students, artists, painters, carpenters, watchmen," says Ms. Bhojwani.
She adds that the Cafe sits on a mere 700 square feet, and wonders how much the gallery would be able to expand. "We wish we could save it," said Ms. Bhojwani.