Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 21 and Version 20 of Mestizo, NW1 3EL

Version 21 Version 20
== Line 24 ==
* [http://www.tehbus.com/2012/07/mini-bites-mestizo.html A Rather Unusual Chinaman review]

Mexican restaurant (with a tequila bar downstairs), near Euston Station.

The building is not much to look at, and Hampstead Road hardly provides an attractive location, but inside this is a well-appointed square room, with a bar and service area at the back, and nicely laid out, some smaller tables near the front and the windows, with larger tables towards the back.

The menu is divided into the 'antojitos' (small dishes, like tapas) and 'los tacos' (two corn tortillas with a range of fillings) on the first page, then main dishes on the following pages. All tables are provided on arrival with small bowls of crispy tortilla chips and a spicy dipping sauce.

When Ewan and Kerry visited on a Saturday in January 2010, we had trouble getting through on the phone line but showed up in person and were able to get a table until 8pm, which suited us fine. It was very quiet at 5:30pm, but filled up quickly, meaning reservations would probably be necessary in the evening.

We shared a couple of antojitos and a couple of the tacos, and found this suitably filling. Guacamole (£5.50) was a large plate loaded with tortilla chips and a very tasty freshly-made avocado dip in the middle. The tamales of 'pollo con mole' (£5.40) were also lovely, wrapped up in corn husks and steamed, producing a spongy, tasty snack. Tacos were also excellent, with the filling laid neatly over the two tortillas, and a side of salsa on each plate.

To drink we shared a two-pint jug of the house margarita (£26), nicely frozen and certainly not disappointing. The dessert menu is far more basic, but Kerry's flan received high praise, while Ewan had a crispy pancake-like dessert drizzled with sugar syrup, which was simple but satisfying.

On a return visit in May 2012, Ewan and friends were able to get a table for five on a Friday evening (though it was relatively early). Molcajete Mestizo photo was certainly hot in both senses (the volcanic stone bowl retained heat very well) and served with tortillas, just enough to finish off the whole thing between two of us. A frozen margarita was still good quality and satisfying.

itsbruce also visited in May 2012, with a party of vegetarians and vegans, who all loved the food (there is a special vegan menu, but you have to ask for it). We did find the service a bit random, though, with drinks misplaced or forgotten, and some people having very long waits for their food.

Allolex says: Mestizo offers very good quality, authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price. It's the best I've had in London so far. They also have good margaritas.

poooook says: They have a very large selection of tequila! Thursdays are 'Jueves Mexicano' (Mexican Thursdays) in their downstairs room (they describe it as "a club lounge") so are expected to be busy.

See also:

Last visited by itsbruce, 21 May 2012. Opening hours taken from the Mestizo website, May 2012.

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