Cumbia
“Cumbia” is a term that refers to a Latin music and dance genre originating in Columbia. This unique form of music and dance is the perfect name for this tapas bar. If you are looking for a restaurant with good food and drinks with a Latin twist look no further. Cumbia is located on 16th street just across from Green Room.
To the nitty gritty.
The ambiance: When you walk into this cozy tapas bar you are greeted with the warm, low lighting and vibey atmosphere and instantly transported to another place. This cozy, intimate restaurant is outfitted with plants, greenery and warm inviting lighting all around. This place is perfect for a girl’s night out or catching a drink or a bite before or after a show at the Orpheum. The servers are very knowledgeable about the food and cocktail menu and can make great recommendations if you stuck on what to order.
The food: The food was not what I expected but in the best way possible. Cumbia serves tapas. Tapas are defined as a variety of small Spanish dishes. They can range from small finger foods to more elaborate dishes. We ordered a few items and nothing disappointed. For appetizers we ordered the house guacamole and the cheese cubes. Nothing came to the table the way I expected it too. The guacamole came served with plantains instead of chips and the texture was a lot smoother than traditional Mexican guacamole but delicious none the less. The fried cheese was just that, cubes of fried cheese that came with a strawberry jam. Two things that do not sound like they pair well together however it was delicious! For our main entrees I ordered the Carnitas Bravas and my friend ordered the Anticuchos de Pollo. The carnitas bravas were a little spicy but not overpowering. The flavors meshed so well together and the potatoes didn’t get soggy underneath. The Anticuchos de Pollo were grilled chicken skewers served with chimichurri and crispy potatoes. The chicken was very well seasoned and juicy. The food as a 10 out of 10.
The beverages: Cumbia has a wonderful list of cocktails and mocktails including some THC & CBD drinks. Their cocktail menu is seasonal and all their drinks highlight the freshest ingredients. I tried a variation of the La Mota-Rita ( a THC drink) and had a Ash & Cane old fashioned. Both were delicious! Our server was so kind to make us a variation of the THC mocktail, the original version wasn’t being offered at the time. It was fresh and delicious. The THC didn’t hit too hard at all; it was very mellow and enjoyable. The old fashioned was far from the traditional with rum instead of whiskey but tasted amazing. It had a bit of a sweeter taste than a traditional old fashioned but nothing too overpowering.
I would absolutely recommend Cumbia. My friend and I have not stopped talking about this place since we left! As always you should check this place out for yourself. Cumbia is open Monday-Friday 11am-10pm. 4pm-12am on Saturdays and 4pm-9pm on Sundays. They are also available for private parties.
Remember eat well, drink better.
Carnitas Bravas
Crispy Golden Potatoes | Carnitas | Salsa Brava | Garlic Aioli
Gucamole
Avocado | Lime & spices | Served With Plantain chips