Aided by two dancing girls in outfits more suited to a sultry Argentinian night than a fresh spring evening in Yorkshire, the atmosphere inside York’s newest restaurant was nearly as hot as the chilli.
Along with other opening-night guests, including the Lord Mayor, we crushed ice, limes and sugar to create our own caipirinha cocktails.
The drink list contains the usual suspects – mojito, pina colada, Long Island iced tea – all reasonably priced at £7.95. More so with the opening offers and happy hour that lasts much more than 60 minutes.
With red and white wines from Brazil, Chile and Argentina and bottled beers ranging in strength from alcohol-free to 6.4% ABV, the menu offers plenty of choice.
Fiery food
In a similar vein, the food menu offers starters ranging from jerk bbq glazed pork ribs to calamari (both £5.75 each and really delicious).
York’s Las Iguanas is the 48th to open in 25 years of the chain. It brings a relaxed vibe that compliments the café culture of Back Swinegate.
The restaurant is friendly, spacious and contemporary. The look is created from a mix of reclaimed and recycled materials – ranging from original brick walls to pieces of distressed timber.
It has two spacious floors, catering for 120 covers. And the bonus is its spacious roof terrace, seating 70, which will be the place to be seen for a cocktail or two in the warmer months.
Opening on a chilly spring evening, it provided a warm welcome.
