The hills are alive with the sound of ranchero Juan Gabriel crooning a heartbreaking tune inside 809 Sangria Bar and Grill. Located in the heart of Dyckman Street in Inwood, the bar/restaurant hosts a shopping trail of greasy takeout, $6 jeans and corner bodegas. Named after the Dominican Republic’s area code and Spain’s official liquor, executive chef Jorge Adriazola creates traditional Quisqueyan cuisine with various Latin spices, along with dulcet concoctions of fresh fruit and rum.

Inside 809 is a majestic, dimly-lit interior with gently worn brick walls, soft, crème sofas and dark wooden tables. Beyond the onyx stairs you’ll discover a slightly more romantic setting with delicate white curtains and smaller tables. While the menu ensures the finest of Latin dining with various traditional spices, these aren’t the portions mama serves. The grilled jumbo shrimp ($12) is laid on an oversized, clear plate, revealing only six pink mariscos drenched in oily white wine sauce and a handful of moist, garlic flecks. Its companion was a more generous order of tostones; flat, fried plantains that are a must in any Dominican table. The roasted whole lobster with stuffed seafood ($28) seems more filling, but pricey.

One cannot leave 809 without trying their impressive selection of sangrias, all containing syrupy fruit with a light kick. For $5, you’ll be presented with a gracious serving of Spanish Champagne, a marriage of mango liqueur and fresh slices of white peaches. For the same price, you can sample the classica red blends wine, brandy, fruit juice and cubes of sweet apples, pears and oranges.

809 Sangria Bar and Grill seems like an ideal bar for drinks and flan after work. As a restaurant however, the too-small portions for the too-big prices just don’t add up. The main course lacks Dominican-size servings, but the sangrias are worth every peso!

809 Sangria Bar and Grill
112 Dyckman Street

Filed under: Living