 "Sandinista is one of our favourite bars, the mix of fantastic cocktails and superb classic rock is a formula seemingly made for our tastes. We also love the latin vibe and visited on a wet December evening for a selection of tapas.
For review purposes, we choose the tapas offerings over the very inviting Christmas menu. We were disappointed to learn however that the old Latin American a la carte menu has now gone, so the large succulent steaks were no longer available.
We opted for the smaller version instead, the Bistec Marinado tapas (£5.95), a marinated rump steak served with tomato garlic dressing
and spring onions. It was actually a large cut of meat for the price however, large hidden by a pile of tomatoes, spring onions and parsley.
Like the other six tapas dishes we ordered from the new Spanish menu, it was hardly the most aesthetically pleasing dish, especially as it was swimming in olive oil together with its own blood, however it tasted nice and was value for money.
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As is usual with tapas, the dishes arrived separately throughout our sitting, giving us a moment to discuss the quality of each.
The Rabas (£4.50), deep fried squid in aioli was small but tasty whilst the Lomo Adobado (£6.95) was another dish that tasted better than it looked. Two cuts of sweet cured pork loin with sauteed potatoes,
butter beans and wild mushroom, this was a great dish to soak up the alcohol in the excellent cocktails we were working our way through.
The Chorizo Asado (£4.95), was another ideal accompaniment for the drinks. Roasted chorizo with potato, almond
and Manchego cheese.
The stand out dish though was the excellent Arroz de Cerdo (£4.95), pulled pork served on squid ink rice. For the price, we'd certainly order two of the same dish next time we visit.
Like the pork loin, the Pollo a la Cerveza (£4.95) also came with butter beans and wild mushroom, but the chicken cooked in beer gave it more of a casserole texture and was another dish worthy of note.
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The Albôndigas (£4.95) meatballs in spicy tomato sauce were disappointingly bland and confirmed the hit and miss experience of the visit. Some great dishes, contrasted by other less memorable ones.
But that's the thing with Sandinista, the food is largely an addition to the bar itself. It's simple dishes that wouldn't win any awards, served, on our visit, by staff that prefered to be behind the bar mixing great cocktails and socialising rather than providing table service. The dishes perfectly complement the fantastic drinks on offer and, for rock fans, the atmosphere is brilliant, matched only by the likes of Mojo and Liar's Club, neither of which serve food.
For tapas, the portion sizes are generous and the prices are reasonable but Sandinista is primarily a bar - an excellent one at that - with a diner keeping drinkers happy rather than being an out-and-out restaurant. With that in mind, it will easily match your requirements on a night out however, if you're wanting a full sit down meal, then this latin love shack is probably not for you. ~ restaurants of manchester 6/12/12 (visited on a thu evening) |
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food |
price |
service |
smartness |
overall |
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"hit and miss" |
"reasonable" |
"friendly" |
"more of a bar" |
"ideal for a night out" |
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