Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Tapas Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Tapas Lovers
1. Mercado Little Spain
Hudson Yards’ sprawling Spanish food hall channels a Madrid-style paseo with tapas bars, kiosks, and wine counters under one roof. Graze on gildas, tortilla, jamón, and churros as you wander.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the easiest way to sample a spectrum of regional Spanish bites—from Basque pintxos to Andalusian fried fish—without leaving one block.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 3–6 pm to avoid peak dinner lines; late evenings after 9 pm for a lively, bar-forward vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a mini tapas crawl: start with a sherry flight, share pan con tomate and croquetas, then finish with porras and hot chocolate.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a “slice of Spain in Manhattan,” praising the variety, atmosphere, and quality across stalls.
2. Casa Mono
A beloved Gramercy spot known for Catalan-leaning small plates and a deep Iberian wine list served at a lively counter and intimate tables.
✓ Why Go:
Meticulously executed tapas—like razor clams, morcilla, and seasonal vegetables—pair with standout Spanish wines for a refined tapas night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner (before 6 pm) for easier seating; weekends book ahead.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for counter seats facing the open kitchen for the best view of the plancha and faster rounds of tapas.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars rave about consistently bold flavors and a cozy, celebratory feel perfect for date night.
3. Bar Jamón
A snug standing-and-perching wine bar devoted to Spanish bottles, jamón Ibérico, conservas, and classic tapas next to Gramercy Park.
✓ Why Go:
It’s pure tapas culture—sip, snack, repeat—with knowledgeable staff guiding you through sherry and regional wines.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm for a true tapas-bar hum; earlier for a quieter glass and a plate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with a gilda, then tinned seafood with pan con tomate; ask for by-the-glass sherries matched to your bites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the transportive vibe and smart wine pours, calling it an ideal pre- or post-dinner stop.
4. Boqueria SoHo
Bustling SoHo outpost of the tapas specialist, turning out patatas bravas, bombas, and seasonal tapas amid warm tile-and-wood interiors.
✓ Why Go:
Consistent, crowd-pleasing tapas with a lively bar scene and plenty of Spanish wines and vermouths on tap.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday happy hour for value bites; brunch brings Spanish twists and shareable plates.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a bar seat and order a round of bombas, blistered peppers, and a Rioja crianza to anchor your tasting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise the energy and reliable favorites that make it easy to introduce friends to tapas.
5. La Vara
In Cobble Hill, this intimate spot explores Spain’s Sephardic and Moorish influences through shareable plates rich with spice and history.
✓ Why Go:
A distinct lens on Spanish tapas—think saffron, cumin, and honey—offering flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Tuesday–Thursday for a relaxed pace; weekends fill quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the eggplant with honey and any seasonal seafood special; ask for a pairing from lesser-known Spanish regions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests applaud creative, balanced plates and a neighborhood feel worth crossing the river for.
6. Cervo's
Lower East Side favorite spotlighting Iberian coastal flavors—grilled prawns, boquerones, and olive oil–kissed small plates.
✓ Why Go:
Seafood-focused tapas with bright acidity and great textures, plus a natural-leaning wine list heavy on Iberia.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evenings after 9 pm for walk-in chances; earlier for a calmer meal.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the clams and any whole grilled fish to share alongside simple snacks like olives and anchovies.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons love the fresh, beachy vibe and call it a must for seafood-centric tapas.
7. Ernesto's
A Basque-inspired dining room on the Lower East Side where pintxos and shareable plates meet thoughtful wines and ciders.
✓ Why Go:
For a true San Sebastián spirit: start with gildas and tortilla, then move into larger raciones to share.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner Tuesday–Thursday for smoother reservations; weekend late-night for buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair pintxos with a Basque cider or Txakoli; the brandada and seasonal vegetables are sleeper hits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight precise cooking and a polished yet unpretentious room ideal for tapas-centric evenings.
8. Las Ramblas
Compact West Village gem pouring sangria and rolling out classic tapas in a candlelit, convivial nook.
✓ Why Go:
A neighborhood standby where sharing plates feels effortless—great for casual tapas with friends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening to snag a table; late night for a lively, close-quarters scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mix of hot and cold tapas; the space is small, so be ready for bar seating.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the cozy atmosphere and dependable favorites at fair prices.
9. Socarrat Paella Bar - Chelsea
Known for paella and a strong lineup of tapas, this Chelsea spot delivers Spanish comfort with a lively bar.
✓ Why Go:
Come for the namesake paella, stay for croquetas, gambas al ajillo, and Spanish wines by the glass.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunday afternoons for a leisurely spread; weekday evenings for bar bites and wine.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit at the bar to watch the action and share a small paella plus a few tapas for variety.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Groups praise consistent flavors and a festive atmosphere that suits celebrations.
10. La Nacional
Historic Spanish social club restaurant in Chelsea serving unfussy tapas, charcuterie, and regional specials tied to its cultural roots.
✓ Why Go:
For a community-driven take on tapas with traditional dishes and Spanish wines in a warmly nostalgic setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater dinner on weeknights; later seatings on weekends for a convivial crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the chalkboard for limited-run regional tapas and ask staff about cultural events upstairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners value the authenticity, friendly service, and sense of Spanish heritage woven into the menu.
