Las Iguanas

to be fair, we didn’t eat at the trafford centre location and only stopped by for a quick drink. but a «meh» experience to say the least. the service was horrible– more of the same «can’t be bothered» attitude that seems to be infecting the northwest– and this when the place was EMPTY (just one other table). on top of that the drinks were just plain gross… the «bartender» didn’t know how to make the first requested drink and then clearly followed someone’s uninformed recipe on how to make the drinks on their menu (when’s the last time a long island iced tea had tons of lemon juice and slices of lemons filling the glass?). in short… will avoid las iguanas (the bar at least!) in the future.

Do you ever come out of the cinema or a restaurant late evening with the feeling of wanting to do more? Las iguanas is one of the few places to go. With mood lighting and a relaxed atmosphere (and no overbearing loud music) you can rely on this place to have a drink whilst socialising with a friend or two.
However, unless you turn up early you can’t sample the food and the drinks are a little pricey. Maybe i’m too used to finding places with deals!
I have yet to return to try the food…

Oh good golly gosh, has it actually happened? Have I found somewhere I can enjoy Mexican in Manchester without the fast food vibe? Well, no, not really. Because it’s not a traditional Mexican restaurant per se. What Las Iguanas actually is, is a Latin American restaurant. This incorporates a fusion of Mexican, Puerto-​Rican and Brazilian food, all of which, may I say, is mighty fine and satisfies my longing for refried beans, spicy peppers sliced lengthways and sour cream and salsa. Excellent.
Both of Manchester’s Las Iguanas offerings are situated conveniently in Shoppingville, whether it be the Deansgate one a stone’s throw from Kendal’s or here, at the Trafford Centre’s newly improved Orient. So it’s a chain, but in my opinion, it’s a good one. Kind of on the same track as Giraffe but with a more narrowed repertoire. It shares with Giraffe its immense family-​friendly vibe where the babes have their very own menu, and the staff are very patient. They know how stressful a day of shopping and eating with children can be, so they cater for the little ones. I for one applaud the kids’ menu for giving parents the opportunity to introduce their young to interesting spices and flavours, as well as unusual dishes like battered squid rings — perfect if you don’t tell kids what they are, and by the time they find out, it’s too late… they already like them.
Las Iguanas rocks for food, I’m in love with the little nibbly bits you can have while you’re choosing or having a drink… topos, which are homemade tortilla chips dusted with paprika, cumin and coriander with one of the classic three Mexican dips, or a bread basket comprising ciabatta, baked tortilla wedges and wholemeal with marinated olives. The tapas tasting platters are great if you’re just after a bar snack, but the mains are delicious. All the usual suspects are on board; fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, some you may not recognise as much like chimichangas (my favourite with roast squash, courgette and cheese), all served with decent side dishes such as garlic and coriander rice and refried beans. There are burgers, Puerto-​Rican paella (with a great veggie option), crunchy refreshing salads and some Latin twists on traditional desserts (Ipanema Mess anyone?).
But another reason to come to Las Iguanas? THE BOOZE! Perhaps more suited to the environment of Deansgate, the cocktails here are knockouts, from the traditional Caipirinhas and Mojitos to some fruity takes on them. There are also classics like Sidecars, Martinis and Sangria. I’m definitely a fan of Las Iguanas, it’s got a great vibe and a cheerful atmosphere. I’m so glad we’ve got two.