You can also eat very well at cocktail bar Botanero in Rotterdam
The doors quietly opened at the end of last year, but by now the drinks are flowing freely at Botanero. And deliciously so: at this Rotterdam bar, every cocktail comes with a bite inspired by Latin America, known as a botana.
Liquid dinner 2.0
A botanero is originally a Latin American bar where every drink comes with a snack on the house. The idea behind it: if you just keep eating, the hangover is manageable the next day. A brilliant concept that co-owner and Mexican spirits enthusiast David Trampe discovered during his months-long, hangover-free journey through Mexico—and became so enamored with that he was eager to put his own spin on it. So he did. In the heart of Rotterdam, specifically at the corner of Vogelenzang and Mariniersweg. You can also go there for great beers, the dangerously delicious Paloma and a string of dishes to share, including tacos and seriously good chicken.
Cocktails that pack a punch
At David’s homemade bar, (local) beer flows in abundance, and he gives all the good old cocktails such as Frozen Margarita, Dark & Stormy and Pornstar Martini his own surprising twist. Most of the ingredients, such as rhubarb sorbet and even the vodka and ginger beer, are made in house.
Rotterdam sobriety
Trampe finds his partners-in-crime in true hospitality icons Ron de Jong and Dave Heijnen. The convivial trio combines their strength, knowledge and expertise at Botanero, which—besides serving top notch cocktails and incredibly tasty snacks—above all aims to be the place where the evening never has to end and absolutely everyone feels welcome. No pretensions: ‘we’re just here in Rotterdam, right!’
The Paloma tap
Not to be missed: the Paloma tap. It pours the drink of 2020: tequila, grapefruit, lime, rhubarb, jasmine tea and salt, all homemade of course. The kind you won’t find anywhere else. Or let yourself be tempted by a ‘shot’ from the extensive collection of Mexican spirits. Or a nice little beer.
Botana
The botana, then. It comes with every cocktail, and there are four different varieties. Snack on whatever chef Tim Groeneweg’s kitchen has in store. Order a fifth cocktail? Then you can choose your botana. To give you an idea: beetroot with avocado cream and habanero, or an avocado soup with kaffir oil. But it changes regularly. A flavorful journey of discovery every week.
Eating together
Snacking here is a combination of Rotterdam and Mexican influences, such as the already famous, exceptionally crispy fried chicken (delicious with a Margarita), various tacos or fries with mayo. The menu also features dishes you could share (or not). ‘We prefer to call it gezellig samen “kanen” here,’ says De Jong. When the ingredients don’t come from their own house, they come from local suppliers such as the organic neighborhood butcher. A selection from the menu: Kapsalon (because Rotterdam) with braised meat or chestnut mushrooms, cheviche or short rib that falls off the bone just by looking at it. Definitely finish with the pineapple, rum, cardamom and homemade vanilla ice cream.
Lovely atmosphere
The eye wants something too. And at Botanero, it certainly gets it. It’s colorful, spacious and bright here. Sit by the window (cozy), take your own high communal table or sit at the (homemade) bar with a view of the Paloma tap. Showstopper Don Valentin, the renowned mezcal distiller, keeps watch from the large wall. This source of inspiration deserves a prominent place. Head upstairs and on the top floor you’ll find a real tasting room. Want to learn more about mezcal? Then you now know where to go.
Botanero, Mariniersweg 55, Rotterdam
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