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Ironbound Insider’s Favorite Sangria

Downtown Newark has exploded with its expansion of new buildings and businesses. As a Newark resident, it is an exciting time to witness, as a renaissance is happening before my very eyes. Despite the new, there is one area of Newark that holds steadfast to tradition. Welcome to the Ironbound! This neighborhood is bursting with culture from the Iberian Peninsula and South American countries. The result is a very colorful and lively fusion, making for an amazing scene. If you’re not from the Ironbound – you’re in for a treat. This area boasts some of the best dishes around. However, one of my absolute favorite reasons to visit is for the sangria!

Sagres Sangria

Google has its own suggestions for the best sangria in Newark, but I respectfully disagree. As a connoisseur of the classic, I’ve come to find that I prefer my sangria at other Newark restaurants and bars. Here are a few of my favorites.

Kicking off the countdown with honorable mention, at numbers three and four, are Allegro Seafood Grill at 58th Kossuth Street and Casa D’ Paco  at 73 Warwick Street. Not only do these restaurants have awesome sangria, but they have amazing food as well.

#2 Mompou- 77 Ferry St

Mompou is an absolutely amazing restaurant, with two levels of seating and a backyard patio. I have never ordered anything that has not been delightful (and Instagram worthy!). It has an extensive wine and beer list, so naturally it has a plethora of sangria options as well.

Mompou Wine Tasting Nov (12)


The best sangria, in my opinion, is classic red or white; but here, I find the Peach to be especially delicious. Trust me when I say that it does not disappoint! It is light and refreshing; perfect for hot summer days or nights. Although most flavored drinks tend to be too sweet for my palette, Mompou’s peach sangria has a perfect balance. It offers sangria by the pitcher and by the glass. If you’re with a group of friends, I strongly suggest purchasing a pitcher, the best option for the price.

Mompou Menu

Mompou Sangria


Other popular flavors include mango, passion fruit, strawberry and raspberry. Although it is similar to punch, it is still wine and should be consumed responsibly. It takes second place solely because it is not open late. Fridays and Saturdays are the ideal time to visit, as the restaurant closes at midnight. If late night adventures are not your thing, I suggest visiting on Sunday afternoons during its live flamenco shows.

If you are feeling adventurous, then proceed around the corner to my number one choice.

#1 Sagres- 44 Prospect St

Sagres is a truly lively scene, with plenty of outdoor seating to compensate for its smaller interior. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, there is plenty of time for everyone to enjoy its pleasant atmosphere and great music. Sangria pitchers are $18 during happy hour ( in case you’re an early bird). I find that the sangria here tends to be a bit stronger than other places. It is however, the best option for the price. At Sagres, I usually choose the classic red (what can I say? I’m a classic sort of girl!) but one my absolute favorites is blue sangria because it’s just so pretty to admire. 

Pitcher of Sangria


Other popular flavors include mango, passion fruit, strawberry and raspberry. Although it is similar to punch, it is still wine and should be consumed responsibly. It takes second place solely because it is not open late. Fridays and Saturdays are the ideal time to visit, as the restaurant closes at midnight. If late night adventures are not your thing, I suggest visiting on Sunday afternoons during its live flamenco shows.

If you are feeling adventurous, then proceed around the corner to my number one choice.

The friendly wait staff is always happy to mix a pitcher or pour you a glass.

Not everyone will agree with my suggestions but as they say, “you can’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!” As a bonus, I’ve included my personal recipe for your enjoyment. Drink responsibly and see you in the Ironbound!

Sunday Shay’s Sangria

1. One bottle of red Spanish wine (i.e. a Tempranillo or Rioja)

2. Ginger Ale

3. 1/3 Cup of Brandy

4. 1/3 Cup of Rum

5. A Long Splash of Triplesec

6. ½ Cup of Orange Juice

7. ½ an Apple

8. ½ an Orange

9. (optional) 2 Tbsps. brown sugar

*Slice the fruit and put it at the bottom of a large pitcher. Add sugar (if you prefer your sangria sweet). Add wine, brandy, rum (optional), and triplesec. Add orange juice and stir. Add ginger ale until it reaches the top of the pitcher or to taste. Tweak as you see fit!


Shayla Castrelos (Ironbound)