We were looking for some food between drinking and even more drinking. And if I have to eat, let it be delicious. So seeing as we were in the neighbourhood, I decided to direct us to my favourite spot for Spanish tapas and cuisine by the Main Street Skytrain station.
This is a Bodega, a two storey restaurant on that is easy to spot with its rusted red exterior and golden accents. I am a fan of the wall papering when you enter. A colourful collage of Spanish ads that includes visuals of matadors, black bulls, and ladies dancing in red.
We walked in without a reservation and were given a table in their basement. One table in a line of many, paired with the rusted red coloured booths that stretch down the expanse of the space. Each seating set with white and red gingham printed cloth napkins.
We made it mere seconds before happy hour elapsed, so was sure to get our food and drink order in quick. Even going so far as to preorder our second round of drinks. Here they called it “Hora Feliz” available 3-6pm Monday to Friday and late night 10pm to late Sunday to Thursday.
We started with house wine at $7 for 6oz and $10 for 9oz. Trying each of the rose, white, and red. The House Rose was fuller with more body, it started sharp and finished off more mellow. The House White was tangy and bright. Whereas the House rose was juicy and more grape-y.
From there we rattled off most of the Hora Feliz specials. Listed all in Spanish, it does take some time and questioning to decipher.
The Montaditos De Lomo is marinated and grilled pork loin. I wouldn’t think think to put it over garlic bread but it works. Tender meat meets chewy bread. Save $4 when ordering before 6pm.
The Patatas Bravas is described as “dad’s famous twice fried potatoes” served coated in a zesty sauce that looked like curry. Here you save $2 during happy hour, which you can put towards an aioli, which would have helped to temper the tang of the fully dressed comforting potatoes. Or add a fried egg to have it feeling more substantial.
Albóndigas are meatballs served in a tomato sauce with grated manchego. Pretty standard, zesty with herbs and a hint of spice. We saved $3 with this one.
And off of the regular menu we had the following. I have had and know I love their Pimientos De Padrón, so got an order for my guest to try today. Blistered peppers seasoned in maldon salt. These are not spicy, and instead offer a nice fresh element to have in-between the more heavier bites.
Similarly, I have had and knew their octopus was good, so ordered a serving of Pulpo a la Parilla. Simply fresh grilled octopus served in a piquillo romesco sauce. The slices of tentacle were a little chewy, but mostly tender. It had a slight smoke to it, to offset the brightening sauce.
And you can’t have Spanish food without having some paella. Currently Bodega still stands as my go to for this fragrant and crispy rice dish. They are the ones I recommend and note are worth the 30 minute wait required. I typically order their more traditional version but went a little exotic instead, and sadly lived to regret it.
We had the Paella Negra, which features squid ink rice, prawns, calamari, baby squid, mussels and clams. It was a little on the salter side today, with not as much flavour or toppings, but at least the squid married up to the quality of the octopus above.
In short, Bodega is my go to for tasty Spanish tapas and full plates. Enjoy their happy hour special as a great introduction to the full menu.
Bodega on Main
1014 Main Street, Vancouver BC V6A 2W1
604-565-8815
bodegaonmain.ca
