By Janay Boyd | Reporter

Walking into Sagrado Cocina & Bar feels like stepping into an intimate garden party wrapped in modern elegance. The lighting is dim and moody, casting soft shadows over a rich palette of deep greens, blush pinks and creamy whites. Oversized floral installations bloom above and around you, adding a romantic, whimsical touch to the sleek, contemporary space.

I went at night for dinner, and the place was alive with a hum of laughter and conversation. The occasional clink of glasses echoed off tile and polished wood — the kind of ambience that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

Once seated in a plush green chair, you’re welcomed with the familiar comfort of chips and salsa. While that might sound standard, the flavors still offered a pleasant surprise. One salsa — green and tomatillo-based — delivered a flavorful punch with a slight kick. The red salsa — more tomato-forward — leaned on the milder side but was rich and comforting. Both were flavorful enough that I found myself going back for dip after dip.

For appetizers, I began with the grilled Mexican street corn. It was, hands down, one of the most memorable dishes of the night. Served on the cob and coated with crema, queso fresco and Tajín, it struck a perfect balance of creamy, tangy and just a little spicy. The corn itself was buttery and soft, and the mix of the light crema and salty queso created a kind of richness that lingered just long enough.

I was so taken by the corn that once it was gone, I shamelessly scooped up the leftover sauce with my fork.

For my entrée, I went with the Baja shrimp tacos. The shrimp were lightly battered and fried — crispy without being heavy — and tucked into flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and small bites of mango that brought a bright contrast. The cilantro dressing drizzled on top brought it all together, giving each bite a fresh, herby finish. On the side, the Mexican rice and a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette made the dish feel complete without being overwhelming.

My friend ordered the enchiladas al carbon — flour tortillas filled with tender steak, topped with queso dip and served with rice and beans — which I sampled. The dish arrived on a charmingly plated dish, and while the queso had a bit of a distinctive aftertaste, it paired nicely with the richness of the steak. I stole a bite and could’ve gone back for more.

Dessert was a no-brainer. We couldn’t decide between churros and tres leches cake, so we didn’t.

The churros came drizzled with caramel and chocolate, paired with a scoop of ice cream topped with the same. Warm, crispy and filled with a creamy center, the churros were indulgent and satisfying — though rich enough that one was more than enough.

The tres leches cake, however, was the standout. Moist, airy and topped with a fluffy whipped icing and light chocolate drizzle, it was the perfect end to the meal. Sweet without being overly sugary — the kind of dessert that disappears from the plate without you even realizing.

Even though the music was a little loud, making it tough to hear at times, it added to the atmosphere: bold, moody and just slightly dramatic. Sagrado isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a fun date or just a casual dinner with friends, this is the kind of place that feels like an escape from the everyday.

You’ll probably find yourself recommending it before you’ve even left the table — I know I did.