I went her on a lunch hour with a group of 14 so please bare in mind with this review. We had pre ordered but there was a little confusion with the order. I ordered quesadillas with pulled pork and peanut butter and a side of chorizo with a red wine glaze. The Quesadilla were good but I really should have gone for the burritos because they came with so much on the plate and looked well worth the extra few pounds. I was looking at the burritos with the fries, salsa, dips and salads as I was eating my meal. The Chorizo and red wine was delicious! the red wine was so rich and sweet, if I had a spoon I would have had every last drop! I hope to go back, get a Burrito and give Bodega more stars! read more

Really lovely to visit Bodega and test some new Cocktails! I'm writing this at 10pm on Thursday so hopefully the draft will save so I can finish it off in the morning! You know, when I'm sober! --- Whoops that was a week ago. I've not been drunk all this time I'd like to point out. We tested several cocktails and tried lots of samples of drinks. The bar is a friendly, busy city bar which is actually quite a long, narrow space upstairs and a larger yet somehow more intimate space downstairs. A DJ was on hand for some old school tunes. If you are visiting Birmingham and have an hour on your hands. GO HERE!! It has a great international vibe which lets you know you are in a unique bar! read more

11pm-ish on a Saturday night, we so didn't expect to get a seat, but we did, result! A dozen mojitos later I left very happy (there were four of us, even I can't down a dozen). Bodega makes for a perfect city centre drinking spot on a hot summer night, the front of the bar is completely open keeping the place cool. The tunes were funky and just the right volume for boozy bantering. The place has a chilled buzz about it, the bar crew were all beards, Converse and T-shirts, the thirtysomething customers ranged from hipster types to girly groups, all pretty chilled. We didn't try the food but I will next time. Try the white chocolate mojitos too, they pack a powerful punch. read more

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A place with decent food that was marred by peculiar staff. I went in with my partner in the middle of the afternoon - the place was quiet with barely any tables full. We asked for a table for two and was met with a weird sarcastic joke from the greeter - "sorry, we're full." I understand it was supposed to be sarcastic, but the way it came out left an awkward aura for our entire meal. The wait times for just our drinks was ridiculous - our food arrived before my coke did. The food itself was alright - nothing outstanding but not poor in any way. I had the tacos, my partner had ceviche. Decent, but the poor (and awkward) service makes it not worth visiting. I won't be returning. read more

As a first timer I was expecting great things as I'd heard so much about how scrummy the food was. It definitely lived up to it's expectations....We shared a large seafood nachos (which was back on the menu for a short time) which was packed full of crayfish, red snapper and mahi mahi. Sooooo good :-) I had a chicken quesdilla with spicy slaw and although I couldnt eat it all it was delicious. The cocktail seemed a little low on content but was OK for a mojito. Well worth a visit. read more

I have to say that this place is a total must. I like the decor - the staff are polite and on the ball but not in your face (am sounding like Ruby Wax) . The decor is simple and pleasant - the drinks are varied the cocktails are great - 4 later and the decor seemed even better :-) The food was great - really tasty - I have travelled around Latin America and the anglicised trip trap you get here is often as authentic as a tinsel Christmas tree. .... this place is the best so far. I'm taking couple of friends out for there minimoon feedback session and I know they will like it. A great find! read more

I went because of the reviews. Thought I would try some of the small plates ( tapas) was nice had the chorizo loved it the roast veg kebabs ok and probably something wrong with me but the sweet potato chips - didn't like :-( But the staff were lovely and helpful, hadn't booked and managed to fit me in even tho it was just me and 6pm on a Monday! I am here for a full week and think I will definitely give it another try, probably the burrito's. Photos look fab! read more

The little restaurant has such a vibrant atmosphere whenever you go. It's really good if you are meeting people for a bite to eat during your lunch break, as service is always quick and the south American menu, whilst all delicious, isn't so extensive that you are overwhelmed by choice. I tend to choose from the street food menu as it's much bigger that a sandwich say, but you are not so full you can't go back to work!! I recommend the sweet potato fries too. The cocktail menu is quite extensive, but if you don't drink, the citrus fizz makes a refreshing change to diet coke!!- Prices for drink, fries and burrito cost me approx. £10. If you want to eat during a Friday or Saturday night, you would really need to book though! There is a room downstairs in the basement, but unless you are in a big group or it's already busy, it can feel quite lonely! Be aware the toilets are unisex too! Oh, they also do a take away menu! read more

Bodega - Downstairs sampling the new menu:) - Latin American Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Recently visited here for a cocktail tasting session, sampling the delights of the new menu that will soon be available to all you lucky devils! The Yelp crew where in the house - give them free booze and you can't keep them away! The staff where insightful and knew what they where talking about, discussing the various tequilas, gins, Peruvian wines (yes, I know, random as f***!) and all of the other delights that go in to the sweet and succulent drinks that are on their way to yu. I won't say anymore, you just have to simply experience the magic of the cantina. read more

I'm not sure I'd go back to Bodega even tho our experience, food and drink was sort of OK. What is it that makes me say that then? Well there is something indefinable called vibe and perhaps for no good reason a vibe of a place can attract some while at the same time leaving others just really not fussed. There is something faux about the place. It's like the Rose Villa Tavern - seemingly indi/cool/brand and popular but ultimately doesn't deliver for me. It's only later I'm told it's part of the Bitters'n'Twisted chain! Reading the other reviews you might see that I'm not alone: it's a love/hate thing! So I still give it 3*** despite the above. They are clearly doing something right because on a mildly rainy and dull Wednesday lunchtime the place is not quite packed but not far off. I used to visit this location when it was a nice Indian restaurant. One reason I came was because at lunchtime it was often empty so I could relax. That place closed because they never got the business to pay the bills I guess. Same location, but Bodega succeeds at drawing the punters in! With the menu there's 'something for everyone' and it's easy enough to find your way around. The staff are pleasant enough, but ultimately just want to rush the covers in and out while dispensing a fixed smile. The food is Ok, but nothing special and actually in context of the rave reviews, rather disappointing. The Cocktail is OK. The coffee is undrinkable. The apparently orgasmic sweet potato fries do nothing for me and I leave most of them. The desert selection is poor, tho we order a Churros to share. Looks like something out of the Cats litter tray, tastes under-cooked and comes with a nasty, cheap caramel sort of dip thing. We left most of it. So while service is speedy you feel it's all about the till and not about you. The vibe is kinda cocktail crowd pseud and the food/drink is OK value given location, but nothing special. What a shame! Some places you want to like. read more

Love the food, love the cocktails would be 5 stars but for the woeful service. Came in 20 minutes ago and were it busy that might be an acceptable time to wait for our order to be taken, but when you make eye contact three times and wave once with a member of staff doing little more than mill around it just not good enough. Rant over read more

Bodega - Milling around - Latin American Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Every time I've been here I've had a great meal with fantastic cocktails. I popped in the other night and where it didn't look busy, it soon filled up. I definitely suggest you book a table if there are more than two of you, even during the week. My partner and I ordered two quesadillas (which were small but tasty) and three sharer's. The quantity of food was enough for the two of us and we took advantage of the happy hour. I did find a chicken bone in my meal and mentioned this to the staff. They explained to me that the menu had been recently changed and the staff were still learning it. Two complimentary cocktails quickly made their way to our table! Overall a great place for a nice meal or quick bite. I'd definitely go again! read more

I'm from Canada and a few cousins of mine decided that we are going to grab a few drinks and some light appetizers at Bodega. I was really excited as Mexican is one of my favourite cuisines and it just so happened I was explaining to them what ceviche was the night before and it turned out it was on the menu! Now finding the restaurant was quite easy, following the instructions on google and the sign was very obvious. Great first impressions, location was perfect and place looked amazing. Was ready to get my grub on, unfortunately I didn't do too much research on the place and upon entry we found out they take people only based on bookings which I did not do. Luckily as we were a small group and only wanted a couple drinks and appies the manager was able to hook us up with a table which wasn't going to have people for another hour so props to them, was really appreciative that they could accommodate us. Drinks were the best here, cocktails are definitely a must. Can't remember the name of what I got but it was fruity and really tasty! Sadly our server said they were all out of ceviche which really bummed me out but the yam fries and nachos we ordered sufficed. And don't get started on the churros, they were the bomb and I had to order 2 servings (bit of a sweet tooth haha). Overall great service from staff and loved the food. Will be making this one of my exclusive places to visit whenever I'm in the UK. read more

I visited Bodega last weekend as part of a hen night. I felt really overdressed as this is a casual place, but we were going out to partay afterwards! The staff paid a lot attention to detail and were really polite. They have happy hour which consists of 2 cocktails for £4.50 (usuallyy £6.50 or so each) so in terms of the booze it worked out well. I ordered the bean salad - it was one of the most tastiest salads that I have ever had. I loved it. I also had the sweet potato fries which were to die for! I had the veg quesadillas - slightly too much cheese for my liking, nevertheless it was fab. I has the tortilla wrap for main - hot in spiciness, I didn't mind the spiciness of the dish but the smokiness of the hot sauce did bug me. it all ended on a good note with the hot churros. Lush. read more

Bodega - Carrot taco - Latin American Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

I come here regularly with my partner for their AMAZING nachos. We usually come straight from him finishing work, so we are also able to get 20% off with the Birmingham Independent Card and also make the use of their £4.50 cocktail deal (yes, we are cheap). The cocktail list has got lots of interesting choices on it so I recommend looking through them and trying something new. All the mains and starters I have tried here have been absolutely delicious, however the desserts are a little lacking so I would go somewhere else if you want something sweet (grand central is nearby and has dessert and ice cream places inside). I'm knocking a star off because sometimes the staff can seem rushed and forgetful. Also if you are going anything later then 7pm or at the weekend then you definitely need to book a table as it gets packed! read more

Visited here at lunchtime today with Awsome Vicky O of Yelp fame. Vicky had reserved a table, which is recommended as this place starts to fill up fast. We arrived a few minutes early which was no issue for for the friendly staff. Decore inside is kinda, cool street cafe but not so 'street' it looks grubby! Once seated we were furnished with a bottle of chilled water while we looked through the plentiful menu. I had the Brisket Bodega Burito which came with a 5 star recomendation from Vicky. We didn't wait long for our meals to be served, handy if your popping in for lunch during work. Brisket burrito was really good, nice strong flavours and stuffed with filling, served with sweet potato fries which were very nice and a side salad along with a selection of fresh salsa and guacamole. great place! read more

Only popped in for a few cheeky drinks one late afternoon. My favourite Brazilian drink has always been the caipirinha. Ice, cachaca, suger!! What more could you ask for after a long hard day? Get yourself down there! read more

First things first...if you want a guaranteed table (and therefore full menu), BOOK! Bodega is another branch to the Bitter and Twisted group (Island Bar, The Victoria, Jekyll and Hyde etc), and make a great addition to the brand. The fish tacos are awesome; the nachos incredible and a tequila menu that does Mexico proud. Service is ok - when I last went, they did that thing that always makes me nervous where they don't write anything down, and low and behold, the chap had to come back to check the order. But the food came out as expected, so all good ;-) Great place for groups and couples alike. read more

Really nice food, great atmosphere and the bonus of happy hour cocktails between 4 and 7pm. Great stuff! read more

Bodega - Latin American Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

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Whenever I'm in Birmingham, Bodega is always on the cards for a cocktail. Always a pleasant atmosphere and the staff are always great. The best pina coladas in town, they make them properly with ice cream! The food menu is great if you just fancy a few tapas bits. Not really sure what the downstairs area is about, it's far too loud to sit down there and have a drink if the upstairs is too busy and the drinks selection is a bit poor. But as long as there is a table upstairs I'm always happy for a visit. read more

Bodega - Latin American Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

A really good meal here, perfect for a Friday or Saturday night, although would recommend booking as the restaurant can get quite busy. The location is perfect, just around the corner from New Street Station and close to some brilliant bars. The service was friendly and attentive and the food was of a high standard. The portion sizes were very large, and were good value for money. read more

I visited Bodega a couple of years ago, but have always struggled to get a table when we've been in Birmingham since then. It's not a particularly big restaurant, and I always seem to leave it too late to try and book for Saturday night. Luckily, last time we went shopping, I managed to get a late Sunday afternoon table. My two sons both had quesadillas, which they really enjoyed. But they wished they had gone for the burritos which my husband and I both ordered. They are really delicious, the meat was incredibly tender and full of flavour. We all loved the sweet potato fries - delicious! I finished off my meal with churros, which were probably the best ones I've had in this country. Definitely not planning to leave it another 2 years before we visit again! read more

The first thing you'll see is Rio. But don't think Ferdinand, think de Janeiro: there's a huge frieze of Christ the Redeemer and it's the only pic here to dwarf the one of Maradona. There are the hands of God everywhere you look in this South American-inspired venue. Patronised almost exclusively, it seems, by a young, professional crowd, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, but there's a distinct buzz to make things seem very Friday night from as early as Wednesday. Hip, but not hipster, tremendous not trendy, it feels, nevertheless, a bit like an Apple ad come to life - "Siri, where can I find the best comfort food in town?" The burritos (extra hot, please) may just about be the answer to everything, but if they're not your thing, there's a good choice of nachos, quesadillas and tacos. That is, of course, to be expected, but it's the sheer taste of these that sets them apart from similar but generic fare elsewhere. More substantial courses include steaks, burgers, chilli and swordfish, some of which have a Peruvian twist. It's not so simple as throwing a couple of jalapeños on a few Doritos, you know. But be warned, there are plenty to whom this isn't news, so booking is advisable. Takeout options should lessen the blow. A separate bar - Sugarloaf - plus free wifi and helpful staff create the sense that you're not only onto a winner, but have found something you can't go a week without. But is it me, or have the burritos got smaller? I think it probably is me, so, like the ref who allowed that hand ball, I'm not about to issue a yellow card. I just wish, in homage to Argentina '78, there was the odd shower of ticker tape to accompany the trumpet soundtrack. read more

Modern South American cuisine. Part of the small family of businesses containing two of Birmingham's best bars (the Victoria and the jeckyll & Hyde), Bodega is a breath of fresh area for a city centre which is saturated with soulless chain restaurants. The menu is varied and the cocktails are awesome. A must try. read more

This was my first time out in Birmingham, and to Bodega we went for a friend's engagement drinks. Now, firstly I was expecting good prices, by London standards and I was not disappointed :) The bar downstairs is a good sized space and my mate had hired out the whole place, allowing them to decorate as they saw fit and also being nice enough to create two cocktails just for them which I found a particularly nice touch. My particular favourite thing about Bodega was that they serve Wray & Nephew rum :D. Why do I like W&N? Well the first time I had a shot of it, my eyes watered because it is a wapping 65% vol! This being the first time I had found a bar since that first time which serves this lethal concoction, I had to get all my friends to try this. On the plus side, this drastically slowed down everyone's drinking pace! On the plus side, most of said people, were annihilated after an hour or so of drinking this crazy shizzle! Later food came out from Bodega's kitchen; I "judge" a Mexican establishment by how good their guac is, and this place is good :) The rest of the food, I don't remember as much (woops) but I do remember it being rather marvellous. So, in conclusion, great bar, muy bien! read more

Unfortunately on my four visits to Bodega, they have only delivered to a good standard once. First visit, being served raw rice and having the server argue with me that this is how rice comes. Seriously? It's rock hard, uncooked, and translucent?! I had to insist that the rice be recooked, as it was inedible. Second visit, a flying visit for some cocktails, which were excellent. We also ordered some nachos; they were tasty, though very indulgent being deep fried. Third visit, we had a rude server. After asking for clarification about some menu items, we then were served the wrong dish. The server was incredibly patronising, when we then asked about the misunderstanding. And left us feeling hugely insulted by the incident in that the apology was one of those "I'm sorry if you felt that I insulted you" type apologies. Not a real apology at all. We had to cut our visit short, ask for the bill, and leave. Fourth visit, I went in to wipe the slate clean. So many people had said what a great place this was, and I thought that maybe I had just been really unlucky. Turns out not. Although this time the server wasn't rude or patronising. However, the food was average. The server didn't know the cocktail menu very well. The experience was lack lustre. I don't feel the need to return to Bodega after this. I think four chances for a place to wow me, is really more than is necessary. read more

Being cuban myself, the food here is the biggest disrespect I have ever been exposed to and tasted. You do not even use the right rice. That is jasmine rice and we don't put corn on our arroz con abichuelas (which you don't have). You have quesadillas and nachos which are americanized non-authentic Mexican foods but pass them off as cuban. Get cultured. You shouldn't tag yourself as a Cuban restaurant. This is a joke. read more

Enjoyed every dish - so flavoursome and good value for money. Also an awesome cocktail menu and a happy hour! Reserve if you can - always busy! read more

I frequent Bodega very often and although I like to try out new places, on a rainy Friday I happened to be walking past with a friend and decided to pop in. As always, the service was top drawer. The staff are always efficient and friendly! I decided to try something I hadn't eaten before and went for the estofado de cerdo, which is a slow cooked pork stew with rice and nachos on the side. It was probably one of my favourite dishes I have ever tasted there, and I have tasted A LOT! The sauce it was so cooked in was delicious and the spices were just right. The green salsa and fresh nachos on the side complimented it beautifully! Washed down with two pints of Brahma, it made for perfect Friday afternoon fare! read more

The margaritas here are the first I've really loved in the UK..that's saying a lot. The food ain't bad either - their burritos and patatas bravas are worth writing home about. The atmosphere made me feel really un-cool as this restaurant is usually filled with some of Brum's coolest students and artsy types, but hey, when it comes to finding amazing South American food, I'll risk looking dumb. Highly recommend, just make sure you book a table and don't go downstairs.. It does smell a bit funky down there... read more

I love this place. Slightly biases as my friends a chef but the food is Delicious and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for Delicious food and drinks and such reasonable prices. read more

A unique dining experience, with a great atmosphere and cultured feel to the place. A modern Mexican themed restaurant/bar which is reasonably priced, serving an array of South American cuisine alongside some great, if slightly strong cocktails. Perfect location, whether it be for lunch or an evening meal, Bodega is situated in the heart and soul of Birmingham. The relaxed atmosphere is a hit with many, especially those looking for a new something that can combine a great drink with even better food. read more

After a holiday in Cuba we wanted to try some Latin cuisine closer to home. Whilst not perfect, we loved the food.

I'm soft on commitment so I don't tend to throw around words like love often...but I'm completely in love with Bodega! I'm really fussy about Latin American food but everything I've ever had there has been perfect.. The sweet potato fires are perfect and their happy hour specials are amazing. I suggest hanging out near the bar, the staff is charming and really seem genuinely interested in give you the best drinks they can. I think it's the only bar I've ever wished for a tip jar at. The drinks are delicious and a bit on the strong side. I've never made it through more than a couple before needing a snack! My only (tiny) complaint is that service can slow down a lot when it's busy. Order more than one round if you have to! read more

Burrito. Sweet potato fries. Tequila old fashioned. HELL YEAH.

Bodega's always seems a busy restaurant but that may be because of the limited seating area they have. The atmosphere is laid back and chilled out. The food choice I feel is slightly limited. The food itself was pretty good, we even got a free nanchos when the order was messed up. The service there is not the best, seemed slow and when asking for a baby seat they only had one within the whole restaurant meaning we had to sit a 1 year old on our laps while we ate. Also one of the staff was constantly perving on my girlfriend. Not the best... read more

One of the best restaurants in Birmingham. Amazing food, menu is based on a street food approach so you get a chance to sample lots of things. Cocktails are great and well priced, it's always good to call ahead and book or you can end up waiting around for a while for a table. read more

The atmosphere in this Mexican restaurant is second to none! Fantastic tunes, exotic food and cocktail menu, you must experience this gem :) The staff are also very friendly :) read more

One of my favourite early evening restaurants and bars. The food it great....the staff are lovely and the cocktails can always be created bespoke (a nice personal touch). I wouldn't take clients here (too loud!) But for colleagues and friends it's great for a party atmosphere! Also. ...Most the menu comes with cheese and sweet potatoe fries so I'm happy anyway. read more

I feel like i'm the only person in Birmingham who doesn't love Bodega. I have been there several times and each time I haven't thought the food has been anything special. In fact I thought it was really really bland. I've tried the vegetable burrito and also the pulled pork burrito. I remember both times I was disappointed because they lacked flavour and spice even though I had asked for the hottest sauce. I must admit the nachos are nice and some of the cocktails are good. I just don't understand the hype for this place, the food is very bland read more