Ever since our visit to Mexico earlier this year I’ve become obsessed with Mexican food and finding somewhere in the UK that can make one of my favourite cocktails to the standard I got used to over there! The other week I went for lunch at Bodega Birmingham with my lovely friend Elizabeth to put the world to rights over some nachos and a few margaritas – I’d heard good things about the Birmingham based Mexican Cantina and I was excited to see if it lived up to the street food hype.
It doesn’t look much from the from the outside, a small door down a side street of the city centre opposite the one of favourite Michelin eateries Adams. Inside Bodega Birmingham is a relaxed affair with string lights, worn posters on the walls tiles mixed with plush booths and a large bar with tenders mixing cocktails already at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon. We sat in the window as all tables were full (a busy restaurant is always a good sign) and took a look through the menus.
I decided to refresh with a Modelo (£3.70) while Elizabeth went straight in with a Margarita (£6)…that’s my girl! Bodega have a great selection of cocktails and beers plus they do happy hours between 4-7pm with selected cocktails at just £4.50 – perfect for after work drinks!
We started with Nachos – obvs. House Nachos (£4.95) with Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, Jalapenos and Cheese and vegan nachos for Elizabeth. Bodega Birmingham Nachos are great – crispy and a little deep fried with a moreish seasoning and just enough topping although the guacamole could have done with a squeeze of lime. A large plate for £9.95 would go down a storm with a couple of beers or those happy hour cocktails with friends.
We both chose from the street food menu for lunch with Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas for me (£4.50) and Pibil Shredded Chicken Tacos for Elizabeth (£5.25). My quesadillas were a little on the watery side but were oh so tasty and surprisingly filling. Elizabeth’s tacos were jam packed full of filling and well spiced, succulent and juicy…even if she did get in a bit of a mess! But hey, that’s what street food is for!
After mains we ordered another round of drinks and it was my turn to give Bodega Birmingham’s Margaritas a go, and I’m happy to report they’re bloomin’ great! They get the xameliax stamp of approval and I’ll definitely be back – they’re the best margaritas I’ve tried (so far) in Birmingham!
We finished with a plate of Churros (£3.95) – my favey! They were crispy, light with just enough sugar and cinamon with a (slightly on the runny side) caramel sauce. Three were just enough after all those nachos and cheese and we tucked in together whilst finishing off our tequila.
I really enjoyed our lunch at Bodega Birmingham and I’d definitely go back if not just for the nachos and margs. It seems like the perfect place for a relaxed bite with your friends or a refreshing pit stop mid-shopping spree! I’m already planning a trip back for happy hour in the next couple of weeks!
You can find out more about Bodega, see their full menu and book a table online – they have a branch in Worcester too.
Have you been to Bodega Birmingham before? What did you think? Have you found a better margarita in Birmingham?
Tweet me @xameliax or leave a comment below! #bodegabrum
xax