Bottles is a Mexican restaurant situated in Victoria Island, Lagos. Apparently its being around for about 10 years but I'd only just heard of it and went down there last Friday for a friends birthday.
As described on their website "Bottles gets it's name from the bottles strewn around the restaurant.... Green Gin bottles, emptied by drunken sailors and traders and thrown into the oily waters of the Delta. Years later these Bottles have been retrieved and collected as artifacts...... Giving rise to the theme of Bottles Restaurant."
Yeah well, sidest of eyes to that, I didn't see any bottles on the floor, probably safer anyway.
Alright lets get in to it, first of all...NO SIGNS!!
There was absolutely nothing to indicate this place was a culinary establishment of any sort, if not for the crush of cars parked outside I wouldn't have known anything was happening there. Luckily I know the surrounding area pretty well so it wasn't very difficult for me to find it but please, for the love of God, a well placed sign would not hurt, really.
Below is a photo of the front door, I'm guessing they were going for a Mexican/African rustic vibe, maybe aping the outdoor of an Inca hut, who knows. It was cute, though a bit contrived.
Outside the restaurant is the usual table heaped with overpriced African touristy art, jewelry etc; this is obviously geared towards the expat community because you could pick these up for way less at the beach.
The decor within was very bright, think Betty Suarez's huse in Ugly Betty. Enough colours to make a Dulux exec swoon.
I liked it.
contrary to my somber, gloomy, vampiric nature I'm very fond of colour.
I LOVED this mural at the end of the room, the streets of Cuernevaca perhaps? I almost expected exotic women with flashing dark eyes and kerchiefs tied around their heads, doing the salsa to apparate into the room. The visual was that strong.
The interior.
See what I said about the colours?
You could use this room to teach a toddler his entire spectrum of primary and secondary colours.
Blinding.
The bar was cute, with the sombreros hung around the top.
There was a live band too.
I didn't stay till late but apparently around 10-ish it gets super lively, singers weaving around the room, the band belting out their cucarachas. Wish I could have stayed for that, will definitely try to get there later another time.
Zee Sabroso, or the tasty food to you non-Spanish speakers...including me...I just googled that :)
I put the menus here so you guys can ruin your eyes trying to read what's on it so you can all get glasses. Everybody looks better in glasses, non?
I'd heard about their frozen margaritas, apparently they're famous for it. I'm not much of a drinker myself and would always take a bottle of Maltina over the best glass of wine anyday but I had a few alchys with me who sang the praises of the frozen strawberry margaritas to high heavens.
I thought it was a bit bitter but maybe that's how they're supposed to taste, how do I know.
Everyone gets complimentary nachos and salsa, not spicy enough for me, but then again nothing ever is. It tasted good though.
I ordered prawns and chips (yes I like my prawns) which honestly wasn't very nice. Prawns are pretty easy to cook and I was a bit taken aback that they could be screwed up. It wasn't "spit out on the floor you're trying to poison me" bad, but I didn't like it, and I know my prawns.
One of my friends had enchiladas which although looked like heart disease on a plate apparently tasted beyond amazing, she literally mopped her plate up.
Ambience - Top marks, they were going for a warm, convivial atmosphere and they nailed it. The decor alone makes one happy, you can't be in a room that looks like an explosion in a Mexican paint factory and be upset. Plus the music was so jolly you're literally wreathed in smiles throughout. Not a place for a romantic dinner though, people are shouty and cheery and drunk as skunks in there, no way you can wear your heart on your sleeve or propose at Bottles. I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars for ambience.
Service - It was pretty standard, considering we were there at happy hour and the place was teeming I thought the waitresses did an alright job. 2.5 stars out of 5
Drinks - I can't personally rate it but an overwhelming majority swear by their frozen maragaritas so I guess it must be good.
Food - My prawns were nasty, I'd give them a 0.5 based on my dish alone but everyone else loved their food so I guess there must be something good there. Don't go by my restricted palate, I'm a picky eater. Plus they serve a pretty standard Tex-Mex fare of Fajitas, Taquita, Flautas, Tostadas, Tacos, Tequila Prawns *raised eyebrow*, Quesadillas, Burritos, Chimichangas etc. So if that's your thing, go get you some.
Price - Everything in Lagos is so overpriced that some prices which would be scandalous abroad seem almost affordable. So I won't compare the Bottles prices with restaurants outside the country. Appetizers are no more than N2,500, steaks cost between N3,000 to N6,000, burgers are not more than N3,200 and the most expensive dish there is the Surf & Turf combo which goes for N6,200. Not bad in my estimation.
All in all it has a very jolly atmosphere and is a great place to let your hair down and get a couple of drinks in before you kick of your night proper.
Oh yeah they also do takeaways
3 stars out of 5.
Bottles is at 8 Imam Agusta close off Olosa street off Karimu Kotun street which is off Akin Adesola street (trust me you need these directions) Victoria Island, Lagos.
Phone number is 0700 BOTTLES (2688537)
I forgot the best bit! On Tuesday nights they have an event called Texas Tuesdays where you can get unlimited wings and beer for just N4,500. Now if you were me you'd have mentally discounted the beer bit and focused on the wings bit and gone unlimited wings????
Yes, unlimited, all night. All for just N4,500.
Will def be there next Tuesday and if you see me there don't be shy to say hi..or high...who the heck knows what Tonto was trying to say.
Love and light xx
LOL. I love your reviews. I can almost hear your voice in my head. Shame I never knew you in that godforsaken QC. Anyhoo, I shall be e-mailing you ASAP for your favourite restaurants and bars in Lagos. I have friends coming home this year and since I haven't been home in a while, I don't know anywhere :)
ReplyDeleteAwwww thanks, that is so nice.
DeleteQC wasn't god-forsaken :( there were some good times.
Email away baby girl
I fink I saw u @a weddin on saturday in lekki zones... Was 2shy to come say hello,even tho I wnted 2scream how much I loved ur blog..nd den again,I wasn't really sure it was uu.. Avid reader.. Xxxxx.
ReplyDeleteNext time please scream, I'll scream right back xx
DeleteI've been here before and it really wasn't bad. I've never had mexican food before but i REALY LOVED the enchiledas. tasty!!
ReplyDeleteThe love band is also live!!!
These enchiladas? really? Well I might have to try them sometime
DeleteTexas in Mexico hehehe ..
ReplyDeletelol @ your primary colors comment.. btw, what set where u in?
Lol!
Delete2001 set.
hahahaha...dis babe u re just a case...!! i wont be shy to say hi.....i mean high... shrugssss, who the heck knows..adaku wont kill me.
ReplyDeleteI won't, in Jesus name.
DeleteThe best part of this blog was that dig at the end ROFLMHO. By the way it was Hayii...
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a dig though, lol. The song is confusing me.
DeleteI'm sold. I love Mexican food obviously as a Texan(Scratch that) as a Nigerian living in TX. I'm always picky when it comes to my Mexican food because some people just can't get it right. Either the cheese is undercooked or sloppy.
ReplyDeleteWhen next you go there, I know you're tryna maintain the God given curves and they aint gonna go nowhere. Pls lemme know how the chicken Quesedilla, Spanish rice and the Chimichanga taste. The Nachos is kinda too burnt for me. The Salsa is a lil bit too dry for me based on the pic.
Did you ever feel like Dora the explorer(No racism) was going to pop out from somewhere and be like "Cómo estás? me llamo Dora." Mexicans and their colorful selves.
P.S You are slowly becoming the guy fieri of Nigeria. In my opinion follow guy's footsteps and make sure you thank me on twitter and cut me a check when you become as successful as guy. Read about guy and draw a business plan.
@Abi
Hate to say this but Texas is actually Mehico. So lets say we are the illegals in TX.
Guy Fieri????? You flatter me girl!
DeleteMy boo, you're probably one of the most loyal TWP supporters, can NEVER forget you!
xx
Ditto on the review... felt exactly the same way. Just thought I was very picky Xx
ReplyDeleteWell there you go...
Deletewhats up with this "no sign" trend in naija restaurants? Are they in a hurry to launch or is it some intentional "coded spot" type ish?
ReplyDeleteAn obvious sign means they get taxed continously by lagos govt. Local govt sends reps around to look for signs attached to businesses and they come back and charge them a fee which is different from all the other things they pay for
DeleteAaahhhhhh *lightbulb moment*
DeleteWhy are you wikid? Leave Tonto alone nah biko?
ReplyDeleteHa! I hol am?
Deletelol@ i know my prawns and ur friends food looks lik heart disease on a plate, u r hilarious. never had mexican food, might give it a try
ReplyDeleteYou should but if you like spicy food, ask for extra chilli. Mine wasn't spicy enough
DeleteThis post is so funny and well written. I am proud of you as an OQCG. More grease to your elbow Daks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, will give it a try .
Aww shucks
Delete*kics dirt*
You flatterer you
Funny. Cos I think I went to this restuarant like 3 years ago or so and it was hoRrible. The food sucked! I guess it is better now.
ReplyDeleteErrrbody goes there now, don't know what changed.
DeleteBecause you luuurrrvvee me
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love about a very accomplished person and still down to earth.
ReplyDeleteAll you can eat wings for #4,500??? Count me in!
ReplyDeleteMeanwoos kudos on this restaurant review series. I seriously considered doing the same thing a while ago but mehn, eating out in lagos is too cost for me, so yea, thank you. This is a much needed service. And somebody better cut you a check soon.
Cool review! You gotta blame yourself a little for ordering prawns in a Mexican restaurant! LOL! You go for the classic Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas...etc. Hahaha! It's like going to Mama Put and asking for Chicken and Chips! Looking forward to seeing more reviews from you - restaurants, bars, the lot!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm posting a review about this restaurant and you just reminded me of lack of signage. After over 10 years. I like the fourth picture in this post, feels like you're dining elsewhere.
ReplyDelete