Calle Ocho
It’s been a while since I wrote about tacos, eh? I ended up at Calle Ocho by mistake, again, after another attempt to visit The Lionhead Brew Bar (losing hope that this place is ever open). It was a Tuesday, meaning we were just in time for Taco Tuesday – and that’s exactly when you should go too.
Calle Ocho is located on the lively Albert Cuypstraat. The restaurant claims that it’s the perfect stop for late night cocktails and Miami style streetfood. It has a very nice vibe about it, but it’s crowded – keep that in mind.
The cocktail list is quite long and everything on the menu was calling my name. They even have the traditional tortilla chips and salsa so you can snack on something while sipping on your Margarita. What is not so traditional though is that they don’t come for free.
In fact, everything at Calle Ocho is fairly expensive. Therefore, the Taco Tuesday deal is one that you need to take advantage of. All taco prices drop to 2.5 EUR, and they add another 2 or 3 variations to their standard menu. That means you can eat a very decent amount of food for about 15 EUR, depending on your appetite, and spend the rest of your hard earned money on booze – after all, we’re all adults here.
Hayden and I started the night with drinks and chips. I had a Margarita on the rocks which was tasty and made with fresh lemon juice. Hayden had a Dos Equis beer which was a bit flat – the next one we ordered was better.
After our friend arrived, we moved on to ordering every single taco available. The staff was nice enough to explain the specials twice, but there were too many details and we have had a fair amount on tequila by now. Eventually, I said “the ones on the menu, the one with the chicken belly and the one with the cactus“. And there aren’t many more details that I can give you today, to be honest.
The 2 choices always on the menu are the Tinga Chicken (spicy chicken with pico de gallo and chipotle mayo) and Al Pastor (marinated slowly cooked pork). There’s a taco of the month that always changes, so ask the staff about it.
One of the Taco Tuesday specials, the chicken belly one, was by far my favorite. I wish I remembered what else was in there, but all the flavors mixed beautifully together. If I return, I’ll have more of those and less of the pork one, which did not impress me much.
The cactus and feta one was also really nice and definitely did not miss the meat.
Another plus point for Calle Ocho is that each taco comes with its own piece of lime. They also come with plenty of coriander. I live for coriander, but in case you don’t, make sure you specify this.
Alongside with the Taco Tuesday fest, we ordered a pitcher of half frozen, half on the rocks Margarita. The waiter wasn’t super enthusiastic to do it, but he did, and it was absolutely perfect. Pro tip for readers: ask for the same. To the waiter: sorry!
We ended the night with sharing some nachos. These were one of the best nachos I had in Amsterdam so far and really close to the real deal. Highly recommended! Also, the jalapenos on top were spiceeeey….as in, hiccups spicy. Maybe have a small bite before fully committing.
All in all, Calle Ocho made a very good impression on me. The tacos were comparable to Flora’s, quality wise, although I think I preferred the taste of these ones. The menu says that normally, a taco is 6 EUR or you can get 3 for 15 EUR. I don’t know if the portions are bigger on other days, but that to me is insanely expensive and would probably pass.
Go to Calle Ocho. Make a reservation. Definitely on a Tuesday. Have all the tacos. Maybe remember what you had better than I did. Add some nachos because why the hell not. Ask for a half frozen, half on the rocks pitcher of Margarita. That’s my recipe for an amazing evening here.
Value for money: 9 (on a Tuesday only)
Food Quality: 8
Location: 9 (Albert Cuypstraat 226)
Service: 8
Website: http://www.calle-ocho.nl/
Have a suggestion, question, or just want to hola at me? Find me here: sayhello.eatandtell@gmail.com
