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There’s something about a themed brunch that lures you in — the promise of curated menus, good company, and maybe a cheeky excuse to dress up a little.
So when we were invited to El Chapo Lounge and Restaurant’s kick-off of its brunch season with an ‘All White’ rooftop affair in the heart of Adliya’s Block 338, I was intrigued.
But what I didn’t anticipate was how this brunch would leave such a lasting taste, despite the sweltering 2pm Bahraini sun.
As we stepped out of the elevator onto the rooftop, Che Ballenger and Baba Sounds’ electronic beats greeted us, setting the tone for the afternoon.
Our table was right in the middle of the action, and the fantastic staff of El Chapo appeared, almost out of thin air, to get our drink orders.
And just a short while later, the food, which frankly was the star of the afternoon, started flowing out.
El Chapo’s Sinaloa brunch menu is structured but generous, offering a range of starters, appetisers, mains, and dessert.
Nachos and dip, a fantastic Sinaloa salad, maple sriracha shrimp, lemon pepper wings, sliders and chicken tenders started off our feast, followed by mains of Peri Peri chicken and beef, as well as a humble bun toast caramel for dessert.
Among the spread, three items stood head and shoulders above the rest for me.
The Peri Peri chicken, served as a main, was smoky, tender, and just spicy enough to wake up your palate without overwhelming it – a true standout.
The lemon pepper wings hit that perfect balance of zesty and crisp – tangy, finger-licking bites that vanished from our table almost as fast as they arrived.
And then there was the Sinaloa salad, a refreshing plate of greens, shrimp, and citrusy dressing that somehow managed to feel both indulgent and clean at once, cutting through the richness of the heavier dishes perfectly.
It was clear El Chapo’s kitchen knows how to cater to a crowd, offering textures and flavours that kept things interesting across courses.
Even the dessert, a comforting bun toast caramel, gave the meal a sweet, slightly nostalgic ending.
As for the setting, the rooftop location is certainly a vibe – you get views, sunshine, and a sense of elevation, both literal and social.
The interiors, once you step inside, are tasteful – minimal yet polished, with tropical accents that tie in with the Sinaloa theme.
However, at 2pm in late May, it sometimes felt like we were brunching inside a preheated oven, but El Chapo’s customer service once again sparkled, as the team improvised with cute hand fans, while they kicked the air conditioning and the music into top gear.
As the sun went down, and the temperatures dropped, the party really kicked off with Che and Baba keeping the energy flowing throughout the afternoon.
All in all, El Chapo’s brunch is off to a flavourful start this season.
If you’re chasing bold bites and a lively afternoon out with friends, it’s worth checking out. Make sure you don’t miss the Peri-Peri chicken or those wings, paired with a chilled selected beverage of your choice.
The package with soft drinks is priced at BD25net, and there are two selected beverage packages, priced at BD30net and BD35net. The brunch runs from 1pm to 5pm.
For reservations, contact 37738838.
