Las Iguanas - Newcastle

You know what you're getting at Las Iguanas, and sometimes that's exactly what you want. Settled into Grey Street's gorgeous Georgian curve, this reliable Latin American spot does the job when you're after colourful cocktails and plates of nachos that could feed a small village. The interior leans heavily into tropical kitsch – think palm leaves and bright murals – but the staff are genuinely friendly and the margaritas are properly made with decent tequila, not the sugary nonsense some chains serve up. The food won't blow your mind, but the sharing platters work brilliantly for groups, and they've nailed that sweet spot between flavourful and accessible that keeps families and after-work crowds equally happy.