It is safe to say that I am slightly obsessed with eating out, and I am sure that all my fellow foodies will agree – there is no better feeling than stumbling across a somewhat unassuming entrance only to reveal a hidden treasure.
Tucked away in a Broughton Street basement (surprise, surprise!), Basement bar is exactly that – a cosy hideaway from bustling New Town, offering incredible Mexican-inspired food, buzzy vibes, and dangerously good drinks.
The vibes at Basement Bar are just right – the perfect mix of edgy and charming, a combination that Basement Bar smashes. The dim lighting, colourful murals, and rustic wooden tables make it the perfect spot, whatever the occasion. A place for trackies or chinos, the magic of Basement Bar lies in its versatility.
No matter the weather (even when it is quite literally freezing), I believe that any day calls for a frozen margarita, making it a must-have on any Basement Bar trip. If you are like me, a pre-dinner drink always deserves a small plate, which is where tableside guacamole proves essential. If you are not a guac fan, there are plenty of other starters to dive into, including esquites (Mexican corn salad) and nachos. This brings me to the fantastic staff, always bubbly and delivering impeccable service, never failing with their flawlessly seasoned guacamole, which serves as a great preparation for the main event.
Basement Bar offers an impressive selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains, with plates like sweet potato tacos, Baja fish tacos and my favourite birria tacos – slow cooked and served with consommé for dipping. If you are feeling extra hungry, the burritos and fajitas are fail-safe options, served with all the trimmings. We have all been there – an odd number of people, and tacos that come in pairs: “Who is going to take that fourth taco?!” Do not fret, Basement Bar has it sorted with Tuesdays’ three-for-two taco deal, so everyone gets their fair share. Plus, the hot sauce fiends out there are also covered, with each table kitted out with different Cholula hot sauce flavours, spicing up your meal to suit any taste.
For those who crave a sweet finish, the perfectly indulgent dulce de leche churros are a must. But if you have overdone it on the food (which I often do after going too hard on the birria), ask for a shot of honey tequila. It is smooth, irresistible, and the perfect way to round off your meal without tipping you over the edge.
Whilst the prices may allow for a weekday lunch or dinner with two tacos for £8-12, I would save Basement Bar for special occasions. It is a great place to take a mate, impress a date or bring the family. Plus, the more people you bring, the more dishes you can try – a win-win situation. So, whether you are planning your next date night, searching for the ultimate girl-dinner spot, or simply teetering on the edge of hanger after a long day of hitting up the New Town shops, you know where to go. Just weave your way through St James Quarter, pop out onto Little King Street, and in three minutes, you will be at Basement Bar – your Mexican fix, sorted.
Images by Sophie Pritchett-Brown