The Dirty Land — Restaurant in Christchurch

Interesting place, interesting art, it has the making of a great place. They were busy on arrival. One girl looking after three areas, doing a great job, a learner bar person and one other. The place seems to do a lot of cocktails, the idea and concept was there, pricing was up there but execution and flare slightly missed.

I had a few small meals, started with the corn fritters, which were more like tough dumplings. But the sauce served with them was nice and it was not tough to chew. They were pleasant.

Tried the grilled fish taco, I do not understand why the taco was cold not even warmed….. it was ok again.

Then I tried the grilled Adobo chicken skewers. Got the nice smoky grill flavor, the peanut sauce was sweet, but once a little salt added the dish lifted (this is personal preference).

A couple of nice chilli sauces served on the table.

Music was good, mixed crowd of young and business. Lots of cool art on the walls.

Will be back...

Ok let me start this review by saying one word. Wow. This was the first bar my gal took me too in chch and wow it really set a high standard for the the remaining bars I went too. Starting with the incredible service from the bartenders, super lovely and welcoming, turned the heater on for us too! Now we move to the cocktails. They were delicious and made perfectly, I would say the espresso martini was my favourite. Cucumber GNT also slapped heavily with the Hendricks and long sliced cucumber. Finally, what really wrapped this place up to solidify its spot as my favourite bar in chch was the fact that you can order food from banging Mexican across the gaff called mexicanos! HOLY their tacos are out the gate, we tried around 5 different ones which all banged hard. Salsa, avocado and corn chips also is a goated snack to rock out with your cocktails. 9.5/10

PS- you can also smoke outside...

Have been to this place for drinks and tacos many times but after the experience we had on Saturday I feel like that’s going to be a.. not returning and telling everyone to avoid. Called 3 days prior left a voicemail to see if I could get a booking. Got a call back on Saturday telling me yes there is plenty to space and that I can come in at 6:30 and all booked. Arrive with my friend and advised of booking to wish the girl at the front answered I don’t think we have any bookings at all and then a guy from the back piped up with the rudest tone saying - WE ARENT mexicanos.( like we didn’t belong there) Felt very unwelcome and my friend actually ended up wanting to leave and not eating as felt like they were super Judgy and rude. Not cool guys sort out your bookings and sort...