Night Talk
EL LUCHADOR
What: A newly opened Mexican bar and restaurant
Where: 83 Yongkang Lu, near Xiangyang Nan Lu. Tel: 6422 8653. Web: www.el-luchador-china.com
Why: Because a party isn’t a party until Mexican food and drinks come into play. Some may say that Yongkang Lu’s time in the spotlight has been and gone. However, for many party goers looking for a relaxed, friendly and cheap party vibe, it is still the number one, no-brainer and somewhat uninspired choice. With a long line of repetitive bars and restaurants continuously popping up on the tiny stretch, things have been getting a little bit monotonous, but El Luchador has come to join the party with its exotic drinks deals, spicy snacks and exciting design. It is sure to set fire, once again, to the Yongkang Lu scene.
The fun and colourful image that the thought of Mexico evokes, definitely rings true with El Luchador’s bright interior and Mexican wrestling mask laden walls. Upon entrance, guests are welcomed with a sign proclaiming, “Tequila is sunlight held together by water”, setting the mood for the El Luchador drinking and dining experience. Although food can be grabbed on the go whilst moseying up Yongkang Lu en route to the regular watering holes, you may find the dining experience in El Luchador just that little bit harder to leave. Expert Head Chef, Eduardo Gomez, a native of Mexico City who previously worked at Mexo On The Bund, is on a mission to introduce the true taste of Mexico to Shanghai, and familiarise his customers with delicious, authentic Mexican food. The ever-popular taco (RMB 30) is omnipresent on the menu, and customers can choose from a wide selection; our favourites included the chorizo and shrimp versions. Burritos are also on offer in a number of incarnations such as a bean and cheese filled burrito (RMB 50) or a chicken burrito (RMB 65).
Fancy a Margarita to really get you in the mood for a fiesta? All drinks served at El Luchador are made with the finest ingredients from their well stocked bar. A popular choice, the El Luchador House Margarita, is made from Grand Marnier, Jose Cuervo tequila topped off with fresh lemon and lime juice (RMB 50). in true Mexican fashion, there is also a large selection of tequila brands on offer (prices start from RMB 30). Getting away from the Mexican influence, other popular cocktails also on offer are Mojitos, (RMB 55), Mudslide (RMB 55) as well as beers (from RMB 40) and wines (from RMB 40). Starting from this month, El Luchador will be opening its doors for lunch. Furthermore, every day, from 11:30am to 3pm, the bar will also be offering an all-you- can-drink frozen margaritas and Corona beers deal for RMB 125, which will literally blow your socks off. This is a game changer people. Currently, happy hour is available from 5pm to 7pm on Monday to Friday, where customers can get a glass of Margarita, house wine or a corona for RMB 40. El Luchador, unlike most other bars on the party street, includes a second floor and a large one at that; seating up to 55 people. With the controversy surrounding Yongkang Lu this past year, El Luchardor’s choice to open a second floor is a bit of risky business in our eyes, but, the bar manager told us that they do not wish to disrupt the harmony on the street and will be abiding by the rules. Tables will be taken off the street at 10pm sharp and noise will be to a minimum, although it will be interesting to see, in the coming months, how this vibrant bar will sit with the locals. We, however, are extremely glad of its arrival.