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- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Hermanos Restaurant and Wine Bar
6 reviews in English
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Review from DineoutGal A.
Winnipeg, MB
Updated - 9/9/2011 3 photos
Well, since my 2009 review, when Hermanos first opened, I have been here many times over for lunches, drinks and dinners. I have to say that they are definitely getting better with time. I think changing chefs a few times has helped as well. First off, this is not a true South American restaurant as they even state themselves, they are "inspired" by South American flavours. This place takes those Latin flavours but makes them interesting without intimidating people too much.
Heart of Palm Tomato Salad ($11) - great light salad as I love heart of palm and the vinaigrette they use. The beer battered pickerel tacos ($11) is disappointing as there wasn't much flavour in this entire dish - that includes the corn relish as it tasted very bland for some strange reason. The gringo burger ($11) with cheddar and aioli is a very filling lunch item though I can't say it's a great burger, just tastes like a regular restaurant burger. The freshly fried chips are good though.
I'd skip the bread board. I know the bread board is popular but the breads and the spreads aren't that interesting so I'd rather spend my tapas $ on other items like the mussels, empanadas or calamari.
For dinner, I think their best items are their meat dishes. Their most popular at the restaurant and one of my faves is the "baby cabrera" ($32) - 12 ounce Angus ribeye, spiced rub and drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar. The steak has a little more char than I prefer on a steak but it's cooked perfectly at medium rare - juicy and very flavourful with the balsamic vinegar. It comes with grilled veggies, smashed potatoes and mushrooms with bacon. The 9 ounce Argentinean strip ($21) is a great price for a steak dinner dish if you want something a bit smaller and much leaner than the ribeye though I didn't think their chimichurri was as flavourful as it could be but it's still good.
The paella ($19) is pretty good but best to share amongst a few people as opposed to a single entree dish. Good flavour but I didn't find it particularly spicy.
The service can be very hit and miss as lunch service can take a very long time. For the most part, servers are nice but sometimes seem overworked as they are covering too many tables. Seating in certain sections can be very tightly packed together so I prefer the large banquette section of the restaurant.
Good place to take out of town guests and to hang out with friends. It's quite noisy so not the most romantic place for an intimate dinner unless you go on a slower weeknight. Good steakhouse alternative for carnivores but I think vegetarians would be very limited in their selection.Listed in: The best in the Exchange
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/27/2009
So I've gone back a few more times considering that my review was when they were only open for a… Read more »
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Review from Ann Louise L.
Winnipeg, MB
2/11/2012
I visited Hermanos last night with two friends who were celebrating their birthdays. We had tried to make a reservation in the dining area but were told none available. First time experience for us all and I will rate the food as very good. Compliments to the chef.!!!!
Unfortunately the rest was not.
I arrived early so was able to get a nice lounge site with comfy chairs. My friends arrived later, and the waitress asked us for drinks. I had a glass of wine and my friends wanted a bar menu. She brought it and then left for a few minutes - they ordered and then my birthday friend asked if they could have the $28 dine- about menu. The waitress said "no" it was the policy to not serve that in the lounge area. My friend said it was hers and her friends birthdays and were told by the phone staff that we could have anything on the menu. Again she said no, but noticed that she went to a manager. He came back immediately and told us it was fine and that we could order anything we liked !
The waitress returned and from then on her face had a stone expression - she took our orders - we asked for water and she brought us the water, then, asked if my friends wanted their drinks and not long after, our food arrived - hot and we all enjoyed it.
The waitress never returned to out table after to ask if we needed other drinks or more water. She never refilled the water container in 2 1/2 hrs. We tried to see if she would catch our attention and only ONCE came over to ask if we needed another drink. We were there for almost 4 hours and had one drink and had exhausted the water! I guess we could have gone up to the bar - but I think that was not expected of our party.
Carlo Castillo was playing and we could not hear him over the crowd in the lounge. I think it would be better having having Carlo and Sheila in the dining area where he would be better appreciated. He is an excellent entertainer!
We had to ask for our bill and unfortunately she did not get a tip - nothing !
I know her name and hope to call the manager with this girl's total lack of customer service. On birthdays should not staff at last say "Happy Birthday".
She would have got a 20% tip from me - if she had been cordial. Hoping no gets to experience her coldness! -
Review from John I.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2009
Winnipeg welcomes its latest ethnic flair in Hermanos - a Brazilian inspired restaurant located in the Exchange District. Although parking is always a challenge (especially during Theater night), Hermanos is positioned right across from the historic Ashdown Warehouse. Although the infrastructure and interior design does not speak to Brazil, the warm hues and comfortable environment speaks to the dollars this new ownership group must have invested in the establishment. A white table cloth was placed on every table and cutlery was reasonably clean and presented on the table.
The menu was straightforward and the Tapas looked somewhat interesting. Water was ordered as the drink of choice and unfortunately tasted off, almost tin-like. They need to let the tap water run longer next time. I understand the Chef is not from Brazil, but has diverse experience throughout the city of Winnipeg. Unfortunately, this comes through as the menu did not speak to authentic Brazilian fare as the entrees and their related ingredients could have been found in almost any restaurant of this price range.
Main:
Rack of Lamb - Herb onion and mustard rubbed, corn flake crusted, roasted and finished with a blackberry balsamic glaze. This was a true disappointment. The lamb was poorly bought and tasted "livery". The balsamic glaze was not infused or introduced into the meat in any meaningful way and the herbs lacked any real zest. The plate was garnished with asparagus (good) and potatoes on a narrow, wooden cutting board.
I know this is a relatively new restaurant, so I won't judge them on a few other obvious issues: a) food came cold, b) waiter had little knowledge on the menu, c) the overall experience was more than two hours and d) they need to improve the description of certain foods to manage expectations (e.g. BBQ Salmon seemed under done and that is what they intended to my surprise). Finally, I understand that one of the managing partners is from a very high end restaurant located in the Forks. I would have thought, just from that, the restaurant would have been operating more efficiently. I guess time will tell.
The Spice King Says: Try for Tapas but not Dinner....Hermano to the Dungeon! -
Review from Michael O.
Winnipeg, MB
5/2/2010
My wife and I have dined at Hermanos twice now with mixed reviews. The decor gave a South American feel with an atmosphere to match. They have a pretty large menu consisting on dishes from all over South America. The prices are very reasonable for what you are getting.
The first visit was a Saturday night, and the place was bustling. We had Empanadas for appetizers which were fabulous. For the entree we both had the Brazilian steak. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the seasoning was just right. Overall they hit the mark with good atmosphere, service, food, and price.
Our second visit was not as good as the first. The fact we were dining on a Monday evening may have had something to do with it. The restaurant was not very busy, and it appeared the 2nd string staff was working this night. We had the Argentinean steak, and it was not well prepared at all. The service was adequate, but nothing comparing to the first visit.
If it weren't for such a great experience the first time we would not be recommending this place at all. I would have to say go on a weekend where you have the best chance at good service and food. -
Review from Caitlyn t.
9/21/2010
We actually had a party for about 70 people here. Noel, the manager, took fantastic care of us, and the staff for the evening were phenomenal. The food here is FANTASTIC. It was so good that a few members of our company went back multiple times the week we were in town. Noel also suggested a samba (?) band that played in the restaurant regularly- and they were almost as good as the food. We had a fabulous night, and people are still talking about this place a few weeks later!! Go here if you find yourself in Winnipeg!
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Review from Patricia R.
Winnipeg, MB
4/30/2010
I went to this place when it just opened. Great decor and great service. We tried the ceaser salad gringo burger and chocolate cake. The appetizer and desert were okay but the burger was to die for. We also ordered side aioli dip. The surcharge was pricy we paid 2.00 each for a few tablespoons. The fries are kettle chips. I've gone back once for takeout. Even though I ordered ahead it didn't get made till I arrived! They were busy I'll give them that and it was delicious. I called last night around 9pm and proceeded to place an order and the male who answered said not right now bye. Then hung up. We were taken aback what kind of restaurant says they are too busy for takeout just increase the wait time. Anyways my advice is to dine in and make a reservation well in advance.
