Our opinion of Costillas Locas – We booked a table at Costillas Locas for last night, January 3rd. It’s a good thing we did because the restaurant was completely booked out. A promising sign for a new establishment. The atmosphere was buzzing, and it was clear that the new owners had put a lot of thought and investment into creating a vibrant, informal dining space. The decor features eye-catching neon lights, sleek wood-top tables, and comfortable seating, making it a welcoming and trendy spot.
Welcome Greeting
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by who I believe was one of the owners, holding an adorable little boy with blue-framed glasses. He was absolutely charming and added a personal touch to our welcome. We were promptly shown to our table and given menus. The staff throughout the evening were hardworking, friendly, and incredibly attentive, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Our drinks arrived quickly, but we were slightly disappointed to find that each beer was only about two-thirds full, with a large, frothy head taking up the rest of the glass. While I understand that some foam is expected, the head was at least 4cm high, which felt a bit excessive. I think it would be better to charge a little more and serve a full glass rather than leave customers feeling shortchanged.
Our Starter Choice
For starters, we opted for the sharing platter and the prawns. The sharing platter, priced at €16, was excellent value and included Iberian Ham (which was absolutely delicious), Charcuterie, Padron Peppers, and Croquettes. My friend enjoyed the prawns (€9), though they mentioned they were a bit labour-intensive to eat. One detail was that the platter came with foiled butter wraps but no bread, which felt like a missed opportunity to complement the dish.
The Main Course
For the main course, most of us chose the ribs with chips (€21). As the restaurant’s name, “Costillas Locas” (meaning “Crazy Ribs”), suggested, this was their signature dish. While we were expecting a full rack of ribs for the price. We were served only half a rack, which was a bit disappointing in terms of portion size. That said, the ribs themselves were fantastic, perfectly cooked and served with a unique balsamic-like sauce that was incredibly flavourful. My friend ordered the Fish of the Day (€17.50) but found it underwhelming.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live entertainment, which was a pleasant surprise as we hadn’t known about it when we booked. The trio performing was excellent, engaging, talented, and a great addition to the lively atmosphere. I’d actually seen them perform before, and they didn’t disappoint.
When it came time to ask for the bill, our waiter offered us complimentary after-dinner drinks, which was a lovely gesture. It’s these small touches that show appreciation for customers and leave a lasting positive impression. It doesn’t cost much, but it goes a long way in making diners feel valued.
Lovely Experience
Overall, we had a great night at Costillas Locas. There were a few areas for improvement, like the beer servings and portion sizes. The delicious food, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere made for a memorable experience. Well done to the team. We’ll definitely be back and look forward to seeing how the restaurant continues to grow and refine its offerings!