The Official IJGB* Guide to Lagos - 2019 Edition
*IJGB (I Just Got Back)
IJGB /eye-jay-gee-bee/
The official term used to denote a fresher in Lagos. One who has probably just hopped off a plane at Murtala Mohammed Airport and is ready to pioneer all possible rocks in Lagos.
I would be lying if I said this Christmas looks promising because I am not sure I would be getting my annual serving of Christmas Jollof rice and chicken from my neighbours this year, no thanks to the ongoing chicken scarcity.
Thankfully, this won’t stop the rocks, debauchery and absolute fun this season has to offer. Last year, we told you how the Naira was relatively stable and based on this, it was assumed that you would possibly be able to buy out the bar with your Dollar in 2019. However, the vibe is still the same as this year. *Welp*
As usual, the country is still spicier than a Yoruba woman’s vengeful bowl of pepper soup, from the weather to the food to the great music and tax deductions on POS transactions. Those little N50 deductions will trickle into a large puddle of government tax by the time you’re done turning all the way up this December.
Anyway, here’s a lowdown on what you’ve missed since your last visit:
Where to Eat
La Taverna
La Taverna is on our list of the most romantic restaurants in Lagos for good reason. We know you’d love this place because you didn’t come to Lagos just for rocks. The ambience, pasta, pizza, and wine make the perfect combination for a great night with a date or with friends. Moreover, I think pasta is the best thing to ever happen to the human race, and La Taverna serves really delicious pasta dishes.
Also, Pizza Night is every Wednesday and Pasta Night is every Thursday.
The House Lagos
It’s not uncommon to see residential buildings converted into restaurants. While that honestly sound like a struggle, The House makes up for that in cosiness. What’s more, the food is even better and Denise recommends the sweet and sour pork chops.
Honourable Mentions: Flowershop Cafe, Hua Hua (for the experience), Churchill (for the hangover cure), La Brioche (for the ‘gram)
Where to Drink
RSVP
I used to hear the saying that Smirnoff is a drink for basic people, but Christina, a vodka hater, really enjoyed the Moscow Mule cocktail at RSVP and that says a lot!
“It’s hard to believe RSVP has just made it to my top 5 places to drink in Lagos, and I especially hate how easy they won me over. For RSVP, it surely isn’t about making the strongest (and often unbalanced) concoction, but rather creating a well-balanced palette that is both memorable and fun”
The Catchphrase at South is “we’re all mad here”, a nod to the alté vibes you IJGB folks are used to. Be rest assured of a great time, because according to Christina, you can go for happy hour on Friday night and then go back for brunch on Saturday morning.
Honourable Mentions: WBar (for vibes only), Atmosphere Rooftop
Where to... Lagos?
EatDrinkFestival
Is your December even Detty if you don’t attend the EatDrink Festival this year? This year promises to be our biggest one yet and the queen of afro-house will headline the festival. Find out how to purchase tickets right here.
Other Lagos-ing
NATIVELAND
We’re curating the food court. That’s enough reason tbh.
When? December 19
Bravavie Kite Festival
When? December 14
Island Block Party: Festival of Lights
The flyer doesn’t mention, but Diplo and Major Lazer are headlining this.
When? December 15.
No Tears in the Jungle
A very big year for Santi ends with his first (I think) headline show in Lagos. There’s a ticket link somewhere on the internet. These Alte guys aren’t very straightforward so manage, plz.
When? December 18
Happyness Party
This has gone down for the last 5 years and its always plenty fun according to Nigerian Twitter.
When? December 20
