Tequila Joe's

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A relative newcomer to the city centre, Tequila Joe’s is a venue with attitude that is seeking to offer good food and entertainment in lively surroundings. Steep steps from the street lead to a dining area which is dominated by a room-length bar, with a jukebox containing half a century of hits, sharing space with a glass-fronted cabinet displaying tequilas. The food is far from being a sideshow, however, with starters that include pincho de pollo – tender marinated chicken skewers with a salsa dip. Among the main courses is a range of grills including steaks, burgers or perhaps a pollo al ajillo, which combines chicken with spices and is topped with crisp onions. Another enticing option is a house speciality, shredded chicken mechada tacos, which are an alternative to fajitas and come with the same accoutrements if not the same sizzling fanfare. Desserts are standard fare, although the addition of tequila rose cream gives vanilla cheesecake or pecan pie an extra edge. Diners can linger for a tequila tasting or, after 10pm when the floor is cleared, dance into the small hours. And if that rekindles an appetite, everything on the menu is available as a takeaway.

• High point: Lively atmosphere doesn’t overshadow the food
• Low point: Not the place for a quiet meal