Bodega Highlands — Restaurant in Greater Highlands

The highpoint of all brunchins’ that has kick started the writing bug in me. Only recently has Sabor started pushing out a brunch menu in their Highlands Location, not a typical brunch spread you’d see anywhere else. Much like the other two eateries under the Sabor brand, Bodega Highlands has a focus on a mix of Spanish and Portuguese tapas. Deep into the northside, not the most convenient location nor a very popular destination at that. The small brick building blends in perfectly among the strip of storefronts, easily missed if not trying to be seeked out. Inside is where you’re welcomed into a space that instantly beams welcoming homey vibes with the smidge of elegance that clings to the romantic elegance that shines most with this rustic-chic design. I’m going to be open and honest and let you know that Sabor has already won a special place in my heart. The family style tasting course back in their downtown location blew me away and I’ve yet to top that experience, which brings us to what I think about this location… Completely satisfied with my recent visit to the Highlands this past weekend for Sunday Brunch. Service was friendly and quick, food looked and tasted delicious. The vibe and atmosphere was chill and relaxed, overall just like what I expected if not more. Will be keeping an eye out for an opening to venture back over here for a dinner service to get the cozy Highland experience. Empanadillas - ($6.00) - Three empanadillas with three choices of fillings.Two pockets of the veggie that had a spinach, sundried tomato and manchego cheese filling and one pocket of the beef. (opted for no lamb) Totally impressed with the delivery of the flavors from the manchego and the sun dried tomatoes. The beef one was seasoned amazingly and packed a ton of flavor without being greasy at all. But man, the pastry alone, so crispy and flakey, taking a bite and feeling the crispiness under your teeth is another level of satisfaction. Tortilla Espanola - ($15.00) - Two pieces of corn flake crusted fried chicken sat beautifully next to a hefty spanish potato omelette, paired with a mixed salad with some juicy fresh strawberries! The unique pairing of corn flakes and fried chicken was an instant push for me to claim this as mine. As it arrived onto the table I couldn’t help but marvel at the color of these two pieces of fried poultry. There were two different dipping sauces that arrived following my plate, my favorite was the tangy lighter color that had a slight tangy/sweet mix. The other sauce had more of a marinara tomato flavor going on. The potato omelette was another item that was totally new for me, layered slices of potato with a mix of creamy eggs the top layer had a beautiful color on it with a mix of each bite being extremely creamy with a slight crisp. Heavy heavy dish but...

I walked out of this restaurant on September 6th 2024, I was there with family to enjoy a meal and celebrate my niece’s birthday. I was there for almost an hour before the waitress asked me if I wanted anything to eat. When I was indecisive, she said I’ll give you some time to decide. I was NOT enjoying the environment of the inside space of the restaurant and since I didn’t order a drink, I decided that I had enough. This place was very cramped and extremely noisy and I was not enjoying myself. So since I never had a chance to sample one of the restaurant’s items from their menu, and based on my experience with environment, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be coming back. I’ve never walked out of a restaurant after being seated and spending almost an hour at a table, I guess the atmosphere was not to my liking. The traffic accident out front of the restaurant large picture window, with the cop vehicle lights flashing, not to mention the tow truck lights. Then the noise of the small space of the inside of the restaurant, with so many tables crammed inside, I guess that I had enough. Update: my sister got a phone call from the restaurant manager Mikhayla the following day asking if she could get in touch with me, and was offering a gift card. She had follow up questions about my experience at the restaurant. I left a voice message and was surprised to hear back from Mikhayla that Sunday. We talked about what happened and that one of her servers had to cancel that night because she was in the accident on the road in front of the restaurant, so they were short staffed. I told her how I was, and that I don’t do well in said environments. She said that there is nothing they can do about what was happening outside the restaurant, I think blinds on the window could have helped. I also mentioned about the lack of a/c or that the water had no ice. After all that, Mikhayla still offered me a $50 dollar gift card or cash for my troubles! I just received the gift card today Sept 20/24 and I’m very pleased with Mikhayla trying to understand what happened and wanting to make amends. I will probably use the gift card at...

Came in at about 8 PM, after a long day. My first time. Definitely wasn't dressed for the venue. Work boots and overalls.

Was greeted and seated promptly and very friendly. Never once did I sit around waiting to be served or waited on. Everyone was extremely attentive, kind, and respectful.

Ordered the Piri Piri chicken tapas. It came very promptly, the skin held a wonderful flavor, the meat was juicy and tender, practically melted in my mouth. Spicy aioli sauce was excellent, for those of you who do not like spice, it's not too spicy at all, a gentle kick that ties the meal together. Shoestring potatoes added a nice crunch to go with it. The only "negative" I really have was that I did bite into a gizzard, but also plenty of places do not remove this during meal prep. Definitely not worth sending it back to the kitchen for by any means.

For dessert I ordered the torta de santiago. A generous portion for the price and beautifully plated. The texture was fantastic, especially being GF. Was served cold as intended, but not so cold that it was like stabbing a fork through a rock. The cream was dispersed well and you can tell it did not sit, as none of the cake was soggy. An excellent choice for those of you who aren't a fan of cheese cake due to the topping being far too sweet.

All around an excellent experience. Cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu items. If you're debating on not going for reasons such as you're not sure it's good, or dont feel like dressing up. The food is beyond excellent and more than worth the price, and I guarentee they won't mind if you're not dressed to the nines. One of the first places I've gone to underdressed that didnt give me poor service etc for not being dressed the part. Would definitely reccomend...