15 Tapas Restaurants in New York City
Whenever you need to find a place to eat, there are a lot of different types of food that you can choose from. There are restaurants that specialize in dishes such as pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and so on. These places can be a good choice for you if you want something that is not too heavy. You can also choose restaurants that specialize in Spanish food. Those places can be great for you if you like to try new things. There are also places that specialize in seafood.
Origins
Traditionally, a tapa is a small snack or dish served with a drink. They can be as small as a bowl of olives, or as large as a hearty Serrano ham.
They can be ordered from menus, but they can also be ordered from the bar. In some places, tapas are served free.
In Spain, the origins of tapas can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when laborers and agricultural workers would have a small snack before lunch and dinner, and a larger snack after lunch. This snack was served with a drink to keep the hunger at bay.
The origins of tapas can be traced to King Alfonso X of Castile, who is often credited with its creation. His decrees required that all drinks be served with food. This is thought to have encouraged people to drink more.
The origins of tapas have been debated and many theories have been thrown about. Some say it was a hunk of bread placed on top of a glass of wine, others say it was an olive or almond. In any case, it is thought to have been a popular drink.
Some believe that the tapa was invented to keep flies and dust out of the glass. Others say it was created to cover the bad smell of wine. However, there is no concrete proof of its invention.
The origins of tapas aren’t confined to Spain, though. In many parts of the world, including the United States, they are a big hit. They are a part of the popular culture and many restaurants gain daily profits by serving them.
Dishes offered
Whether you’re a tourist in Spain, a foodie looking to savor authentic Spanish dishes or just a casual eater, tapas bars can be found in most cities. Tapas are small dishes served alongside alcoholic beverages. Traditionally, they’ve been designed to whet your appetite.
Some traditional Spanish dishes are patatas bravas, fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce. Gambas pil pil, a spicy dish fried with garlic and chilli, is also popular. In Galicia, a traditional dish is pulpo a feira, which is octopus cooked in a cauldron.
For dessert, you can try a tartina, a deconstructed salad. In Spain, you can also find a variety of cheeses. Manchego is made from sheep or goat milk.
You can also try the salpicon de mariscos, a cold seafood salad. A typical potato salad contains prawns.
Some bars also offer juices, soft drinks, and coffee. Many bars are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also often stay open until 8pm.
Most tapas bars have a menu, and they usually have a list of available dishes. If you don’t know what to order, talk to your waiter. They can tell you what to order and how much to pay.
A tapas bar can offer traditional Spanish tapas, as well as more eclectic dishes. For example, there’s a recent menu that featured boquerones, or calamari.
There’s also a wide variety of dessert tapas, including cake pops. A chorizo and dark chocolate tartina is one of the more creative desserts. And you can try a traditional dessert, such as cake parfaits in miniature cups.
Tapas bars are ideal for socializing. You can sit down with friends and family and order small plates for hours.
Tipping
Leaving a tip isn’t mandatory in Spain. However, it is a nice gesture and a good way to enhance your experience. If you’re going to be eating at a tapas bar, you might as well leave a little something extra to show your appreciation for the staff.
While there is no specific amount to tip, the tipping etiquette for Spain is 5% – 10% of the bill. That’s not too high a price to pay for good service.
Generally, the best way to tip in a bar is with cash. Using a credit card is more frowned upon.
If you do pay by card, it’s a good idea to ask the waiter or bartender how much to tip before inserting your card. You may also want to indicate that you’d like to tip in cash.
There are two types of tips: the automatic gratuity and a service charge. The latter will often be a mandatory addition for large groups. Generally, a service charge can be applied to anything from a glass of wine to an appetizer. You can check with the restaurant to see whether it’s allowed.
The other trick is to round up your bill to the nearest Euro. This isn’t the most efficient way to tip, but it does show you appreciate the service.
A study by PlayUSA revealed that 17% of Americans tipped less in 2010 than they did in 2010. Leaving a tip isn’t always a given, and the best tip is one that doesn’t come out of your wallet.
If you have a large group of people, you may want to ask the restaurant’s tipping policy before heading out. You don’t want to get charged a gratuity when you didn’t ask.
Open hours
Whether you are visiting Manhattan’s Upper East Side or simply in the neighborhood, a stop at Boqueria Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant is a must. In addition to a delicious meal, the bar boasts a lively scene with a pulsing dance floor, a full bar and an ice cream parlor on site.
Estragon Tapas Bar, owned by Julio de Haro and Lara Egger, has been serving traditional Spanish fare for almost ten years. Estragon boasts a menu that draws on the culinary tastes of its owners, who hail from both sides of the Atlantic. The best part is the food is remarkably affordable. For under $20, diners can indulge in dishes like braised octopus a la plancha, fried goat cheese with lavender honey, and a caesar salad.
Mercado Little Spain, located at the Hudson Yards, has three full service restaurants and several bars. Among the many attractions at this upscale food court is a 35,000 square foot tapas restaurant and bar. There are several small plates and classic cocktails to choose from. The menu boasts more than 400 wines by the glass. Mercado Little Spain is also home to the best paella in town.
Mercado Little Spain also features an elaborate food court with several specialty stalls. One of these is the Tapas Bar, located in a 19th century townhouse on Tenth Street. The multilevel space boasts two wood burning fireplaces and several seating configurations. In addition to the best in tapas, the bar features a number of other impressive features, such as a marble bar and a surprisingly spacious dining room. The menu is a mix of upscale tapas, salads, and a few enticingly priced dishes.
Locations
Whether you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or to relax after work, a tapas bar can be a great place to hang out. With amazing flavors and great atmospheres, there are plenty of tapas bars in New York to choose from. Some of these tapas bars offer special brunch menus. Some even have great happy hour deals. Here are 15 tapas restaurants in New York City that are worth sampling.
Salinas is a great place to grab a bite in the heart of Chelsea. It’s a tapas bar that offers large paella plates, as well as great charcuterie. It’s also a great place to enjoy a date or group dinner. The restaurant has an outdoor patio.
Maite is a Basque-influenced restaurant that is a step up from most Bushwick neighborhood spots. It’s a larger corner restaurant with chalkboard menus. The menu is full of traditional small plates, but also has a few unique dishes. The restaurant also has a small private dining room. The ambiance is casual. It’s a great place to grab a bite before heading out to a night club or concert.
Spanish Market is a great option if you’re looking for an all-in-one Soho Spanish spot. The restaurant has a full tapas menu, plus imported Spanish wines. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. On weekends, it closes at 9 p.m.
El Born has a large marble bar that makes for a beautiful space. The restaurant has a long list of drink options, including gin & tonics. The restaurant also serves a family-style bottomless brunch for $27.
