Lobo Rojo North Shields Review (+ Kids Menu)

This post is based on a visit in August 2021. Always check information with venue direct when making plans as details can change over time. 

Lobo Rojo is a relaxed restaurant on North Shields Fish Quay serving traditional Mexican street food and drinks. Located in the Old Irvins Brasserie building, it is somewhere I have wanted to visit in FOREVER. Steve and I finally escaped from the kids for a few hours and visited over Bank Holiday weekend this summer. It was worth the wait. 

When visiting North Shields Fish Quay, we always park in Low Lights Car Park (postcode NE30 1JN) which is free with no time restrictions. It's a lovely spot overlooking the mouth of the Tyne and just across the road from Lobo Rojo so super convenient. 

The restaurant is also very easy to get to by public transport and is a 15 minute stroll from both North Shields and Tynemouth Metro Stations. The ferry terminal from South Shields is a short walk along the fish quay too. 

Address: 40 Fish Quay. North Shields. NE30 1HB. 

At time of print, their opening hours are: 

• Mondays : Closed 
• Tuesdays : 5pm - 11pm 
• Wednesday - Saturday : 12noon-11pm 
• Sunday : 12noon - 10pm

Bookings are recommended (you can easily book online here) but walk ins can be accommodated if there is space. The restaurant was full on the evening of our visit and countless tables were turned away so do book if you can. 


I fully expected the restaurant to be playing Latin music so was taken aback to hear 80s and 90s classics in the background. Lobo Rojo is as far from Chiquitos as you can get. It feels much more grown up and stylish and has a very chilled and laid back vibe rather than a party atmosphere. 


Our table was in the bar area (where I believe dogs are welcome during the day) and the staff were over straight away to take our drinks orders. I had heard good things about their margaritas so had to try one. And it was perfect. Pretty much the best Margarita I've had in fact.


Keep an eye on the Lobo Rojo Facebook page as sometimes they run 2 cocktails for £10 deals. Even without the deal, £7.50 felt like the perfect price point for me. 

We started with chips and salsa and yes, I was immediately transported back to Mexico. The taste was just the same as the chips and dips that are brought to your table there. When we can't visit in person, this is the next best thing. 

A few of the dishes that we wanted to order from the main menu weren't available which was a little disappointing but I am well aware of the supply chain issues our hospitality industry is facing at the moment so I'm not going to complain. I was out with good company, good food and margaritas on tap and in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter if Churros weren't available. No it does not. 

We ordered a selection of tacos to share. Each portion comes with two tortillas so lends itself very well to this kind of dining. Dishes are brought out as they are ready. I think we ordered 5 sets of tacos and some chilli fries between us. Along with the chips and dips, this felt like the perfect amount. 

Kids are welcome at Lobo Rojo and I think it would be a lovely option for a family meal followed by a walk along the Fish Quay or up to Tynemouth. When the tide is right you can access the beach from Low Lights Car Park.

Or you could park for free, enjoy lunch at Lobo Rojo then catch the ferry over to South Shields and visit South Shields Museum, the Word, Arbeia Roman Fort (closed in Winter), Ocean Pleasure Beach or North/South Marine Parks. We have done this a few times and it's always a nice little day out. The ferry trip is all part of the fun. 

There are plenty of other bars and cafes to visit in the vicinity if you wish to make a day of it. 

Below are a selection of the Tacos we ordered. They were all super fresh and delicious. Definitely far cry from the Old El Paso tacos I make at home. They are beautifully presented too and so enticing. I honestly couldn't pick a favourite, I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The only thing I will say is that things can get messy when eating tacos so don't wear your best white shirt. You have been warned. 

Ensenada - Deep fried cod with white cabbage, pico de gallo and lime crema

Carnitas - Slow cooked pork, salsa verde, white onion, coriander and radish 

Mole - Chicken in mole rojo sauce, pickled radish, feta and sesame 

Chilli fries 

Chipotle Chicken - Chicken, red cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle crema.

Ah everything was just lush! The perfect little date night. The service was really good too. Staff were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and actually looked like they were enjoying their job / having fun with their colleagues whilst still ensuring all tables were well taken care of which is a tricky balance but definitely achieved here. 

The food was all super delicious and fresh and like I say, the Margaritas are the best I've ever had. I can't wait to be back. 

Do check Lobo Rojo's Facebook page here for regular special offers and it's worth noting that there is a sister restaurant, Little Lobo in Sandyford, Newcastle which also looks like it's worth checking out. 

Oh and just a quick mention, after we'd left, a few people messaged to say I should have tried an ice cream taco and that they're to die for. Gutted I missed out and I'll make sure I don't miss out next time. See below for a little taster. 

Ice Cream Taco - Credit : Lobo Rojo