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Bodega Sur
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Bodega Sur
8.0
An Argentine wine bar and bistro that borrows the steakhouse DNA of its Southport neighbors, but executes best in a shareable, tapas-plus-steak format. Treat it like a paced meal—one steak board for the table, one salad, then stop—so the experience stays clean and cohesive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tabla Gaucha (assorted steaks board), Empanadas, Vacio (Argentine flap steak)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Argentine wine retail + bistro with steakhouse-style boards.
Who should go: Wine nights that still want steak.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner.
What to order: Tabla Gaucha, empanadas, one steak cut.
Insider tip: Split one steak board and spend the rest on wine.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots on Southport and nearby side streets—expect tighter availability after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine, but polished tops or jackets fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate; lively wine-bar energy, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday/Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, vegetable-forward small plates, and vegetarian empanadas.
Vegan options: Limited—primarily salads and select sides; ask about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—naturally gluten-free steaks and several small plates; confirm sauces and shared boards with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, strong wine program, and shareable plates make it easy to pace the meal without committing to a full steakhouse blowout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings; weekends are tougher—arrive early or plan for the bar while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults; daytime brunch is more forgiving, but evening service skews date-night and wine-focused.
Best For
Better for: Wine-driven nights with a lighter, shareable steakhouse feel—great if you want Argentine flavors without a heavy, formal steakhouse commitment.
Skip if: You want a classic, all-in steakhouse experience with large individual cuts or a quiet, business-dinner atmosphere.
Bodega Sur
8.2
A wine-forward Argentine bistro next door to Tango Sur that shines as a lighter, more flexible date-night move. Build the night around small bites and one steak plate, then linger over a second glass instead of over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Empanada, Lomito sandwich, Lomo (filet mignon) plate
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wine-bar energy with Argentine small plates and steaks.
Who should go: Couples who want a flexible, shareable menu.
When to visit: Early dinner, then stay for another glass.
What to order: Empanadas, lomito, lomo plate.
Insider tip: Start with bites first—add one main only if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Southport are competitive after 6pm, easier a block or two west on residential streets.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most diners lean date-night polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively wine-bar buzz, but you can still hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—empanadas, salads, and several vegetable-forward small plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides can be adapted; ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial—grilled proteins and some plates are naturally gluten-free; empanadas and breads are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's flexible and low-pressure. You can start with wine and small plates and decide how far to take the night, which makes pacing easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or on weeknights. Arrive before 6:30pm for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a wine-forward, adult-focused room best suited for teens and up, if at all.
Best For
Better for: Lighter, more flexible date nights than its steakhouse neighbor—better for sharing, wine, and lingering.
Skip if: You want a full steakhouse experience or big portions—Tango Sur next door is the stronger pick for that.
Bodega Sur
8.3
A wine-forward Argentine bistro and bottle shop where the best nights feel like a flexible small-plates build—start with empanadas, then choose one grilled steak plate if you’re hungry. It’s strongest when you treat it as linger-and-sip dining instead of a heavy, multi-course blowout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet beef empanadas, Lomo (grilled filet mignon), Lomito sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wine-bar energy plus Argentine small plates with a bottle-shop backbone.
Who should go: Dates that want flexibility and a second glass
When to visit: Early dinner, then linger after
What to order: Sweet beef empanadas, lomo, lomito sandwich
Insider tip: Start with bites first—add one steak plate only if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding residential blocks; availability is moderate early evening and tighter after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but it feels best with a slightly dressy, date-night look.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively wine-bar energy, but you can still hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – empanadas, cheese plates, salads, and small plates make it workable.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable-based items, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Partial – grilled meats and some plates work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The flexible small-plates format, wine focus, and relaxed pacing make it easy to adjust the night based on chemistry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or on weeknights. Peak weekend hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The wine-bar focus and late-evening energy make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Lingering over wine, sharing small plates, and keeping the night flexible rather than committing to a full steakhouse meal.
Skip if: You want a formal fine-dining experience or a heavy, multi-course steak dinner with white-tablecloth service.
Bodega Sur
8.3
A wine-forward Argentine bistro that’s strongest when you treat it as a linger-and-sip celebration—start with empanadas, then add one grilled plate if you’re hungry. It’s a flexible special-occasion pick when you want steak energy without committing to a full blowout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet beef empanadas, Tabla Gaucha, Lomo plate
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wine-bar pacing with Argentine small plates and grilled mains.
Who should go: Dates that want a second glass
When to visit: Early dinner, then linger after
What to order: Empanadas, Tabla Gaucha, lomo plate
Insider tip: Start with bites first—add one steak plate only if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby side streets but tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests look date-night polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively wine-bar energy, but conversation is still comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner-focused spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—empanadas, salads, cheese-focused plates, and vegetable sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable sides may work, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free grilled plates and sides; cross-contact awareness recommended.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something relaxed but romantic. The wine-forward pacing and shareable plates make conversation easy without the pressure of a formal steakhouse.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings. Weekends fill up fast, so expect a wait or aim for an early arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of an adult-focused wine and date-night room without kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Flexible, wine-led special occasions where you want Argentine flavors without committing to a heavy, multi-course steakhouse experience.
Skip if: You want a full-scale, classic steakhouse blowout or a quiet, low-energy dining room.
Bodega Sur
8.0
A dim, Southport Corridor Argentine spot that works for date night when you build the meal around one grill centerpiece and a couple of small plates. The vibe is more intimate wine-bar-meets-grill than classic steakhouse—keep the order tight and you’ll get a smooth, share-friendly dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vacio, Pulpo, Flan
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Intimate Argentine grill plates with a wine-bar feel on Southport.
Who should go: Couples who like sharing plates and steak cuts.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest room.
What to order: Vacio, pulpo, flan
Insider tip: Start with one small plate, then commit to one main cut to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport; usually manageable on weeknights, tighter Friday–Saturday after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Dark jeans are fine, but this feels better with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate, dim room where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-driven small plates and sides can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with shared vegetable plates; confirm modifications with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; sauces should be confirmed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing. The lighting, wine-bar energy, and plate-splitting format create an easy, intimate flow without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are risky. A reservation removes stress and keeps the pacing smooth.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The menu, lighting, and vibe skew adult and date-forward, with limited kid-friendly options.
Best For
Better for: A moodier, more intimate Argentine experience than a classic steakhouse — great for sharing plates, wine-driven dinners, and low-key romance.
Skip if: You want a traditional steakhouse experience with big cuts, sides galore, and a louder, high-energy room.