Sneak Peak | Blind Burro in the East Village

January 13, 2013

Totally converting the space previously occupied by the Fleetwood, The Blind Burro is the newest baby from Good Time Design, who has solidified its stronghold on the 7th and J area with this acquisition (they also own neighboring Bub's, Block 16, Cat Eye Club, and Lucky's). On Thursday, January 10th, the East Village newby hosted invitees to sample some of its classic Mexican-inspired offerings including tray passed appetizers and delicious specialty cocktails. It was a fun time around friendly faces, and I even got the chance to do my first oyster/mezcal shooter! Check out this sneak peak into what is sure to be one of Downtown's newest hot spots.

Inside The Blind Burro

The Blind Burro interior has been renovated to be more casual and fluid, utilizing simple decorations to give it a barn house, rustic feel. The menu is a mix of Mexican street food fare and comforting dishes inspired by our Baja coastal cuisine. The kitchen at Burro is headed by executive chef Sara Olczynski who was on hand serving tastes from the kitchen. The salsa flights looked fun and delicious with a variety of salsas, guacamole and pickled vegetables, but due to the lack of seating, we didn't have the opportunity to sample any. And, in spite of the hectic tray passing going on, we did try steak tacos, tuna taquitos, and our favorite, a light and refreshing Baja ceviche with Mexican white shrimp, bay scallops, tomato, onion, avocado, cilantro and lime, as well as warm and crispy churros with creme anglaise.

Guava Margarita

The real stars of the evening were the drinks. The Blind Burro makes and serves on tap their very own Harvest Sangria, a seasonal red sangria made with gran marnier, black berry brandy, succulent juices and served with fresh apples. Their house margaritas can be dressed up with spicy candied jalapeno syrup, guava puree for a refreshingly sweet marg, the oh so delicious lavender syrup for a light, refined flavor, or many other interesting flavor combinations. The Burro Oyster Shooter with mezcal and house sangrita was a fun shot filled with interesting flavors and textures, and a natural aphrodisiac! Stop in for Amigo Hour Monday through Friday from 4 PM - 7PM with $5 house margaritas and various food specials

The Blind Burro is located at 370 7th Avenue, Gaslamp and is open Sunday - Saturday from 4PM - 2AM with lunch hours starting in the foreseeable future.  For more information, visit The Blind Burro online and follow on Facebook and Twitter.