If you’ve been looking for a new local spot to excite your taste buds, you’re in luck—especially if you have a taste for spice! Bodega is the newest entrant into the Midtown Village food scene, offering a Latin American-inspired food and drink menu, eye-catching décor and a full lineup of events. Best of all, it’s practically right next door to your 1213 Walnut apartment.

First off—the food! Bodega draws inspiration from Cuba and other Latin American countries, so expect a lot of heat on their dishes, which offer nontraditional spins on your favorites. If you’re just interested in snacking, you can opt for the “Hotoctopus,” featuring pickles and corn bread, or pork croquettes, doused in sriracha barbecue and spicy mustard. The entrees are just as unique, like the chorizo-wrapped monkfish, pumpkin ribs and duck pot pie. Non-carnivores will also be set, with options like the crispy tofu banh mi. If you really want to treat yourself—or are in the market for a date night to impress your sweetheart—you can explore the tasting menus, which feature salads, snacks, a shared entrée and dessert.

The drink side of Bodega is just as eclectic. Fifteen handcrafted cocktails—using everything from pineapple tequila to mandarin liqueur to pear nectar—are available both by the glass or by the carafe. Beer and wine fans are also set with a wide range of offerings. And if you’re trying to pinch a few pennies, stop by from 5-7 p.m. every day (even weekends!) for the Lucky 7 Happy Hour—featuring $7 deals on more than a dozen wine, cocktail and food items.

While the menus offer plenty of reason to check out Bodega, the atmosphere is equally inviting. Part lounge, part club, the laidback vibe embraces the venue’s Latin American roots with creative and colorful tiling, red lighting and srubbed wood tables. Latin music is sure to also be a staple at its live music nights.

So head right out the front door of your 1213 Walnut apartment and bring your appetite to Bodega!

Bodega

1223 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-644-9373