Desperados Mexican Tapas and Cocktail Bar

I was a regular when they had the tables on top of each other, I loved the place. Went there again when it was refurbished and it was packed with people, chairs and tables were so close together it felt like you were eating on the same table as everyone else, they rushed our orders which seemed like we were at a cattle market. Recently me and my bf decided to give it another try (mainly because the other Mexican was full)...Well, it was the complete opposite from my last experience. As we walked up the stairs, there was the most foul smell, it smelt just like a dingy male public toilet. When we got to the top we were greeted by a nice enough bloke (although he was surprised to see customers). The place was completely empty, and was only 8pm. He sat us down nearest to the bar, but I just couldn't cope any longer with the stench of the loo, I wanted to go eat elsewhere but then I was handed a free cocktail- I felt a bit sorry for them and decided to give it a go, Desperado's is a very apt name now. I moved to the very back of the restaurant and ordered a chili, which luckily was delicious. After a few too many cocktails, I really needed the loo but decided to dodge the toilets there and make a sharp exit. It's really sad to see this once great place go downhill, I really hope they sort the toilets out, as that is the reason I will not go there again, sorry.
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Kel
5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 4
Thursday, November 24, 2011

I am a regular at Desperados, being a student living in Greenwich. I would thoroughly recommend it as it has something for everyone. The food is of high quality and extremely tasty. I have eaten there early evening and the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate with candlelit tables. Staff are friendly and chatty and are always on hand to offer their recommendations from the food and cocktail menus.

I had a personal tour of the kitchen so have seen for myself that they were spotlessly clean. I was shown a massive pile of avocados and told by the chef how they make the homemade guacamole fresh every day.

For dinner I had the best Nacho's I have ever tasted for starter - the cheese was thoroughly melted and the spicy homemade tomato sauce and pico de gallo they were topped with added that extra zing.

The steak I had for mains was cooked Medium Rare to perfection and the sides complimented it well.

If you are more of a night owl, Desperados is one of the few places open past midnight in Greenwich that serves food (excluding the local kebab shops). At this time the bar has a fun and lively party atmosphere with lots of local students coming in late for cocktails. The music is cranked up and the staff are happy to take requests! You can still have a full meal at this time if you wish although be aware that it will not be the calm relaxed atmosphere that the restaurant has earlier in the evening.
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Daniel Boardman
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, October 17, 2011

I have been here many times and have never experienced what most of these complainers are talking about. food is fresh, hot and tasty everytime i've eaten and cocktails are very tasty and generous with the servings.

there can be a lively atmosphere with local students yet also quite relaxed, hence why i do not understand everybodies issues!

i have booked a table here for 20 for my birthday and would NOT take my people somewhere i am not sure of! prices are also very reasonable.

new people... give this place a chance and decide for yourselves!
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T
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, September 22, 2011

i dont know what desperados all the complainers are eating at, but the desperados i know is AMAZING. the service is great, the food is to die for and the cocktails really know how to hit the spot. i go there regularly and have not a bad word to say, every visit has been enjoyable for me. when i'm in the mood for drinks and a meal, garantee desperados springs to my mind.
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yourmother
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Great - if you have never been to Mexico, or had decent Tex-Mex food. They tout for business on the street by promising a free drink (which they delivered) We went in because it was getting late and we were in the centre of tourist Greenwich which meant our expectations for quality food were low anyway, but this place managed to surprise us with its mediocrity.

The food is overpriced, low on accompaniments, badly presented, with chewy meat and is devoid of any taste. It reminded me of office canteen food. There is nothing good to say about this place other than that it was open when we were hungry.

Fighting the best efforts of wonderful restaurants like Lupita and Mestizo, places like this drag the reputation of London's Mexican and Tex-Mex food scene into the gutter.
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Soumo
3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Desperados....YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE DESPERATE TO EAT THERE!!! when we arrived we were told to sit at the same table as another couple. No privacy for either of us. We felt we couldnt reach over for any sauce for our food as this would be rude. The noise was horrific, we couldnt hear each other talking across the table. I ordered a coke to drink. The waitress brought me a standard can of coke which I later found out cost me £2.20!!!!!! We ordered potato skins to start. They were obviously microwaved! For the main I ordered chicken burrito. I was told there was no chicken left....it was only 8.15 and it was a Thursday....not even a busy weekend! I had to settle for the chilli which was supposed to be hot and spicy....it was nothing of the sort. Again this had been microwaved but not long enough as it was still cold. I left most of it - it was the worst chilli I have ever tasted! My partner ordered a burger. Funnily enough this too was microwaved, cold, extremely dry and had no sauce. The service was quick but only because they were microwaving the food. The staff werent very polite at all.

Worse place I have ever eaten. I will NOT be going there again!
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1 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, July 08, 2011

Me and my partner went out for the fist time in a while. nice start, staff were friendly, every thing cool, wine ok, wish I had a beer, ordered all good jelopino cheese. Lovely partner had calamari his was so under cooked he didn't eat it I had a bit and I agreed they asked what's the problem I told him I said it was cool that was not the problem. Had the main lovely but then it pushed me over the edge a band came in o yes the band well we were by the door and I was eating and the band was on my lap let me tell ya I don't like all that stuff. I want to eat my food. . A man from the band shook a tambourine in my face and they continue. Playing and the bloke playing the guitar nealy smacked me in my head while I was eating my dinner that we payed 50 quid for what a load of rubbish, never again let me tell ya
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barry lineham
3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Friday, November 12, 2010

The meal was nice, having been recommended the place. Is slightly expensive for what you get, but still adequate. The service was good although they were a little keen to clear away the plates. The atmosphere was not that great, but it was a rainy weekday lunchtime. Would go again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
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4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

I will be honest with you.. this place is OK when you want a drink and it can be fun if your lucky.. food is again OK... if your looking to have a drink in the evening dont go on a weekend as its turned into a gang war.. not only that but the prices are beyond a joke.. where im from £3.50 for a bottle of bear is an insult.
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DAVID LAMINO
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, August 24, 2010

I love Desperados !! I'm shocked by all these bad reviews i've been about 3 times and pleased each time !! The food is tasty the cocktails amazing and the staff lovely ! I'm gonna go for my birthday !!
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Luna
9 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 22, 2010