Mexican-Inspired Sombra Eatery & Lounge Serves Up Tapas, Margaritas and Mystique

One of the two expansive bar areas at Sombra Eatery & Lounge in East Greenwich. Photography by Honey Buns Social.

Walk into Sombra Eatery & Lounge and take a seat at one of the two bars – choose between the sophisticated traditional counter and the alluring mermaid-esque bar – or get comfy at one of the many booths.

Sombra first opened early November of last year and quickly became a neighborhood favorite on East Greenwich’s Main Street. The owners, John and Shannon Brito, are the same entrepreneurs who brought us Wickford on the Water in North Kingstown, JB’s on the Water in Jamestown and River Falls in Woonsocket.

The sleek, moody and upscale decor within the eatery matches its name, as Sombra – meaning “shadow” or “shade” in Spanish – illustrates the restaurant’s mystery and intrigue, and is the perfect spot to share updates (and secrets) with friends over cocktails and tapas.

Start off the night with a margarita flight or two, which pairs perfectly with the delicious soft corn tortilla tacos. Photography by Honey Buns Social.

If you don’t know where to start when selecting items from Sombra’s Mexican-inspired menu, any of the flights will satisfy the whole table, from guacamole flights, papas fritas and four different types of dip. The soft corn tortilla taco are also all the rage, paired perfectly with a margarita, sangria or a tequila flight. Rave-worthy options include the barbacoa taco, chicken tinga taco, elote guacamole and carne asada fries.

“Customers have been loving the whole experience — we serve tapas, so we bring the food out as it’s ready, you’re never waiting for food,” says John Brito. “We’ve had a lot of positive reactions from that.”

For the sweet and savory lovers, brunch options like the carne asada and eggs or the Belgian-style churro waffles adorned with icing, cinnamon sugar and pineapple pico de gallo helps start the weekend off on a good note.

The Belgian-style churro waffles topped with icing and fresh fruit. Photo by Honey Buns Social.

Although Sombra is primarily Mexican-inspired, “You’re not locked in to just Mexican,” Brito says. “If some of your party wants Mexican food but the other half wants something different, that’s there as well. We have a variety to choose from.” Vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivity have plenty to choose from as well.

Besides immersing yourself in the eatery’s upscale ambience and quality cuisine, Sombra offers both parking lot space and complimentary valet for that continued VIP feel.

Sombra is open daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Reserve a table for you and your party online. 50 Main St., East Greenwich, 401-398-0623, sombralounge.com, instagram.com/sombralounge