La Bodega

03/16/04

Ugh--worst meal in years

by grimss at Citysearch

We weren't looking for anything special, just a decent meal and a place to sit, since all the other North Beach restaurants were packed. What we got was the worst meal we've had in years--the calamari was sodden, my husband's paella was tastless, and my chicken dish was beyond bland. We had to send back the sangria, because it tasted like Kool Aid (actually, it wasn't even that good). We did enjoy the flamenco dancer, if only because she took our mind off what a rip-off the restaurant was. Honestly, this is little more than cafeteria food, except that at least cafeteria food is cheap. Maybe this place was half-decent 8 years ago, and the service is still okay, but right now, it's coasting on the overflow from other restaurants. Avoid!!

• Cons: , food

12/21/03

Simple and good

by dclandes at Citysearch

I visited La Bodega in 96 after being recommended and taken by a Barcelonian friend. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I have returned from living in Spain and havent been back to La Bodega due to negative reviews. Thursday I decided to try it with my girlfriend. Food was authentic and service great. In Spain, tapas are served in bars. They are simple and basic. Anyone looking for fancy wont find it in Spanish tapas bars or La Bodega. Our waiter, Manuel, opened 2 bottles of wine and let us taste both when we couldnt decide. He later brought a bota bag filled with sangria. After finishing dinner he brought us 2 complimentary glasses of port. All this was in addition to his politeness and attentiveness. If you want something fancy, stay away from La Bodega. If you want simple authentic tapas and great service, give it a try.

• Pros: authentic tapas, great service, fun atmosphere
• Cons: slightly expensive, rushed flamenco dance, tough parking

06/07/03

UGH!

by papillion at Citysearch

This was the WORST food I have eaten. The food was overpriced and bland. The sausages were oily.

I can not recomment this place, although I had high hopes for decent Spanish food.

05/18/03

Disappointing

by GigiM at Citysearch

This restaurant was very disappointing. The food was edible and for the amount of money that we paid, the portions were small.

The paella was not at all good. The calamare is good, but that's about it. A group of us has the family style and it was not worth the money for the average to just below average quality.

The entertainment was mediocre at best.

08/20/02

Que Horror!

by squiggy at Citysearch

Horrible. The food was so terrible and overpriced. The potatoes were deep fried and then covered in that Harracha sauce straight from the bottle. The chorizo was inedible and looked like alien space @#$!. The mushrooms were sauteed for the top of a pizza at best. And each tapa was 10 bucks. This place is a crime.