Andalucia

We arrived at Andalucia at 8:15 and expected to see a somewhat empty restaurant already getting ready for closing. Instead, we got a long wait to be seated and a live concert that blew our minds. Andalucia sits amongst some of the most popular restaurants in Houston, yet somehow it still manages to draw an energetic crowd late into the night.

As we walked in, the first thing we noticed was the live band playing Spanish music that was almost half as good as Rodrigo y Gabriela (and that's saying a lot). People were standing everywhere. There was no more room to sit at the bar nor anywhere else for that matter. So we looked at the menu and started planning our order. The prices are fairly reasonable, but certainly not cheap. The tapas averaged at around $7 each and they looked so delicious, we didn't even consider the entrées.

After 20 minutes or so, though it certainly didn't seem that long, we were seated. The tables were unusually large, which we later learned easily accommodates the large number of plates you will undoubtedly order. Each dish can be split well between two people and expect to order around 3 dishes per person. The service is friendly, quick, and helpful. When the dishes arrive, the sheer quantity makes you feels like royalty. And you feel even more like a king once you take that first bite.

Bombas de Queso

Served on a bed of balsamic vinegar soaked fried vegetables with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle on top, these fried goat cheese balls can only be described with three words:

Crispy. Creamy. Delicious. Seriously, these are God's gift to mankind.

Patatas Brava
These potatoes come perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of creamy aioli sauce. This dish kick starts the meal and will make you crave more of its crisp texture and balanced taste.

Marguez Salteado

Flavorful sausage, potatoes, garlic, and onions in a creamy tomato based sauce make up this tapas. Don't let the picture fool you. This dish is not too heavy and offers just the right amount of flavor in a creamy package. It is a soul-warming plate that comes highly recommended.

Espinacas de Alicante

Although this dish of sauteed spinach, raisins, pine nuts, and sherry looks inviting, it comes a bit too sweet as the wine flavor overpowers the weaker spinach nuances. Nonetheless, it balances the other dishes and offers a fun texture with its pine nuts and caramelized onions.

Calamar a la Romana

This tapas was your slightly better than average calamari, but it doesn't revolutionize the standard recipe. The batter was nice and light and there was a good ratio of tentacles to rings. In place of the usual Marinara sauce, the calamari was served with what the  menu describes as a "spicy piparrada" sauce that we found too watery and lacking in both spice and rich tomato flavor. 

Albondigas Morunos

These mini minty lamb meatballs were absolutely amazing. They were moist and full of fresh flavors that mixed beautifully together. The saffron couscous in mint demi was equally tasty, with a perfect amount of sauce. The caramelized onions were not at all overpoweringly sweet but added beautifully to the overall taste of the dish. One of our favorite dishes of the night and definitely a must-try.

Unknown but delicious dish

We're pretty sure we did not order this. Nor could we find it on the menu. But that didn't stop us from eating it and loving every minute. It seems like some sort of lamb skewers served on couscous with a tomato based sauce.  

Tres Leches Cake

While certainly a delicious tres leches, it's not the best we've tried - though that's a high bar to meet (e.g. Churrascos). It wasn't too sweet and there was a good ratio of cream to cake. It had a wonderful taste and was really moist. However, the problems came with the heaviness of it. The cake was a bit too rich and dense. 

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Service (20%): Prompt, helped w/complex menu                             80

Atmosphere (20%): Great live music, vibrant, crowded waiting area                             84

Value (20%): $7 tapas                             85

Food (40%): Great variety, few issues                             84

Overall: Definitely worth visiting                             83