Sangria
901 W. Weed Street

The Basics
Where you’ll find it: 901 W. Weed St, just a block away from the North/Clyborn Red Line stop. (312) 266-1200. www.SangriaChicago.com

When it’s open: Sangria is open starting at 5p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations: Reservations are accepted both by phone and through their website. Also, late-night table reservations start at 10:30 p.m., and for tables of six or more include express VIP admission, a private booth and a dedicated VIP hostess.

What you’ve heard: Asking around, we found out Sangria is considered a popular place to go with a group of friends and a great club spot starting at 11 p.m., but it has somewhat unsatisfactory food.

Visual Aids
First impressions: When we first entered the restaurant, we were greeted by upbeat music and a friendly host who quickly showed us to our table. ... At first glace, it felt like we were the only people there, which might have had something to do with the fact it was a Tuesday night around 7 p.m. However, even at any time of the day, there can’t be too many people at Sangria because seating seemed limited with a bar in the middle and booths up against the wall.

The atmosphere: Loud, pumping music with a decent beat plays in the background of the restaurant the entire time. My friends and I had fun with most of the tunes, and giggled over the less than enjoyable ones. ... The booths were large and spacious, allowing our group of four to sit comfortably. ... Dim lighting created a warm glow to flood the restaurant with almost a calming effect, contrasting with the food and thumping music. ... In the tables that were full, friends sat around and laughed, taking pictures of their experience out on the town.

The Experience
At your service: When entering the establishment, our service was quick and welcoming. Our waitress was on top of things, bringing our appetizer out quickly and leaving plenty of room in between our appetizer and main course for conversation. ... Since Sangria is a tapas bar, the waitstaff was excellent at bringing things out close together, yet still far enough apart so everything wasn’t on our table at once. The only negative thing that can be said is, at times, our drinks were not filled fast enough, leaving us thirsty, especially while devouring our spicier items.

Get your drink on: Sangria has a full bar in the center of the restaurant, but their real specialty is none other than the sangria. Any of their six different types of sangria are available by glass, pitcher or half pitcher. Cappuccinos with a twist and house specials, such as the ultimate margarita gigante, are also available.

Menu variety and prices: With Sangria being a tapas bar, there are many distinctive dishes to choose from. Some different choices include the grilled asparagus, baked goat cheese, Spanish omelet, fried dates wrapped in bacon or sautéed mushrooms. ... They also have the paella dishes of rice and various meats and vegetables that satisfy large groups. ... Prices range from $4.95-$17.95 for the various tapas dishes, while the paella runs between $9.95 and $13.95.

Description of what you did decide on: With a table of four who had never eaten at Sangria before, we wanted to try a bit of everything. Before we even ordered, a basket of bread and oil was served. The bread was thick and crusty on the outside, with the inside soft; perfect for dipping into the oil. ... We started off the evening with a classic appetizer of chips, salsa and guacamole. Although the salsa was a bit on the bland and spicy side, the chips and guacamole were some of the best we’d ever had. ... Our main dish consisted of seven separate tapas dishes and paella. Our tapas came out first, and our table was soon covered with beef empanadas, marinated Spanish olives, sautéed mushrooms, grilled octopus, a meat and potato boat, baked goat cheese and bacon-wrapped shrimp, with the vegetable paella closely following. Everything looked delicious, and it was hard to know where to begin. Some of the dishes even became a game, as we had people who didn’t ordinarily like some of the selected items but decided to give them another go. I, normally not being a mushroom person, must admit that the sautéed mushrooms had a consistency and taste that might have been enough to sway my opinion. The octopus was another food I was a bit weary about, but with it being grilled in a delicious seasoning, it gave the meat a perfect flavor. However, some of the more experienced food companions I was with said that although it was good, it by no means was as good as octopus they’d tried other places. ... Other, less intimidating dishes were the meat and potato boat, and the baked goat cheese. Savory meat piled high onto a baked potato left us wanting more, while the baked goat cheese entranced our taste buds with every bite. The only thing that seemed not worthy of a rave review were the beef empanadas. which were tasteless compared to all the other food we consumed.

Something that caught your eye: Honestly, what caught our eye was the fast service and the comfortable atmosphere. People seemed at ease and really enjoyed themselves.

What you’ll tell your friends: Maybe a special occasion place, though nothing incredibly special. … Come with a large group of friends. … The service was very fast, and patient with people who aren’t quite quick at deciding what they want. … The food was decent, but not the best I’ve ever had.

Click here for more Table for Four