PATNA: Gone are the days when Patnaites preferred staying in indoors after dusk. Now, many of them hang out with friends and family till late evening hours or midnight.

While some believe the city has better places to visit now, others are of the view that the law and order scenario has improved.

Many swanky restaurants and cafés are using innovative decoration techniques to attract youngsters, who love clicking and posting pictures on social media sites. They also offer food at reasonable prices.

Earlier, most eateries and restaurants would shut down by 10 at night. Now, however, a number of them are open till midnight.

“I love spending time with my friends at a Boring Road restaurant as it is a superb place to unwind every weekend.  It breaks the monotony of my hectic work schedule,” Rajeev Nagar resident Ankur Atreya told this reporter.

Patna police officials claimed that special vigil was being kept in commercial areas of the city. “Night patrolling has been intensified in several important areas of the town. Police personnel keep close watch on the passers-by as well, ” Patna SSP Garima Malik said.

Many Patnaites agree with police, saying “a sense of safety” has been instilled in people. Quadragenarian Anil Sharma pointed out, “A couple of decades ago, we — men, women, youngsters or kids — would not dare go out at night. But, look at us, now. We go for late-night movie shows and eat our favourite ice creams near Maurya Lok Complex on our way home.”

Not just families, but youngsters also visit a café in Nageshwar Colony at night. Manager Akshay Singh said, “We serve our guests till 11pm.”