Brigstow Cafe & Tapas

Reviews

• Thom W.

  star star star star star_border 10 June 2026

  My girlfriend and I found ourselves in the mood to try somewhere new for dinner; the 'same-old' just wouldn't cut it!  Peering up Claire Street for inspiration, we spotted '3 Tapas for £7.50' outside this little cafe, so we decided to check it out!
  
  The decor is low lit and very comfortable; It instantly made us want red wine! They have about 8-10 tables inside and 6 outside, so its a nice snug size!
  
  After a bit of banter with the barmaid/waitress, I asked about the tapas menu. Turned out we were going to be there first people to try it, which was quite cool! We went with 6 dishes:
  
  Chorizo in Cider - Delicious. Lots of juice for dipping and just enough spice
  Sundried Tomato & Beef Meatballs - a little bit dry but tasty
  Minted Lamb Skewers - not very minty but very tender and tasty
  Boquerones - rice balls, a little bit dry but good
  Moroccan Fried Chicken - little light on the seasoning, but a good portion and juicy
  Patatas Bravas - a bit spicy for my girlfriend but prefect for me. I loved them!
  
  All of which came with slices of warm dipping bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and aioli.  
  
  All in all we were impressed. Apart from the meatballs being a bit dry it was decent tapas. There are definitely better places for tapas in Bristol, but this is incredible value for money.
  
  Around 8pm a guitar player started playing some live music and he was great. The manager told us they have open mic nights and other live music nights in the week that get really busy; I can imagine it being a great atmosphere when it was.
  
  During the day Brigstow Cafe sell panini's, jacket spuds, sandwiches and coffees.

• Alice C.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 28 May 2026

  Having visited Brigstow a few times with my girl friends I have always loved it so was excited to take my mum and sister here at the weekend. How disappointed can you be?
  
  We visited for a cocktail (or potentially 3), I went to the bar and ordered three espresso martini's, there were no menus but I had had this cocktail here before and was sure they did them well. However we waited 30 minutes, no joke, for our drinks, no apology not even a half hearted one when the waitress bought them to the table.
  Having worked in a bar myself I understand it can get busy etc but there were barely a handful of people and I honestly can not tell you why we had to wait that long! To top it off the drinks were awful, I managed to drink mine but my mum and sister left theirs, they were far too strong and half the ingredients were missing.
  
  Really poor and slightly embarrassing show Brigstow.
  
  My stars are based on the decor there's some impressive art work and graffiti there and loads of potential, but they really need to work on the service and drinks!

• Simon I.

  star star star star star_border 26 May 2026

  Just when you think you know your surroundings....a true gem yet to be discovered in Bristol! Strolling past cafe Brigstow from work,almost tempted by a onsie and late night snack,the tranquil re-mix of 'hit the road jack',late night ta-pas,and martini expressos till you desire.....what more can one ask for from a mere Thursday? X