El Charro Espanol: Spanish. 4 Charles @ Greenwich-7th Av; 22/15/$42; 242-9547; Reminds one of old Spain; Spanish classics, tapas and more; Great drinks; Hidden gem. Rustic basement scene; Been around forever; Garlic city. Sevilla: Spanish. 62 Charles @ W 4th; 22/14/$38; 929-3189; Garlic lover’s paradise; Sangria is strong and flavorful; Tasty food; Friendly service. Genuine paella. Been around since 1941.
Las Ramblas:
Spanish. 170 W 4th @ Jones-Cornelia; 23/17/36; 646-415-7924; Under the radar; Modern Tapas; Amazing Sangria; Service is friendly – like Barcelona! Incredibly small- prepare to wait to be seated. Stools.
Flor de Sol:
Spanish. 361 Greenwich @ Franklin; 22/21/$45; 366-1640; Excellent for Tapas served by an ultra sexy staff in a great date environment; Super strong Sangrias. Festive mood; Perfect, large selection of Tapas. Flamenco dancing. Mojito-downing at the wooden bar.
Oliva:
Spanish. 161 E Houston @ Allen; 21/16/$34; 228-4143; Tapas galore; Fun, energetic setting; Bartenders are great. Killer sangria; Loud crowd but cheap pricing. Crab with terragon & cognac.
Mercat: Spanish. 45 Bond St @ Bowery-Lafayette; 22/20/$50; 529-8600; Great, lively restaurant; Solid list of Tapas and also prepared foods; Open kitchen- date friendly; Fun for groups as well; Best new Spanish of 2008 from Time Out NY.
Euzkadi:
Spanish. 108 E 4th @ 1-2nd; 20/18/$37; 982-9788; Tapas central. Served in a fun, upbeat setting; Great prices and an overall solid Spanish experience. Popular for parties; Flamenco Tuesdays.
Sala: Spanish. 344 Bowery @ Great Jones; 22/19/$40; 979-6606; Dark, sexy setting; Roomier than usual Tapas house; Delicious small plates; Sangria calling your name; Date central; Fairly inexpensive & reliable.
Xunta: Spanish. 174 1st Av @ 10-11th; 21/14/$28; 614-0620; Keeps it simple – Fabulous tapas; Potent and tasty Sangria. Welcome to a lively side street in Madrid; 56 tapas to choose from; Flamenco guitar on Tues/ Sat; Raucous crowd at times.
Pipa: Spanish. 38 E 19th @ B-Way-Park; 21/23/$44; 677-2233; Trendy &popular; Gorgeous setting in ground floor of ABC Carpet; Young crowd; Date scene; Sangria is delish & potent; Tapas and smooth service
El Pote: Spanish. 718 2nd Av @ 38-9th; 22/13/$40; 889-6680; Small in size but giant in flavor; Known for paellas; Small plates as well as full prepared dishes; Happy staff make up for tiny space. Alcala: Spanish. 342 E 46th @ 1-2nd; 22/18/48; 370-1866; Near the UN, this is a charming, cosy Tapas restaurant with many traditional Spanish classics. Try the Garden in spring!
Don Pedro: Caribbean/S. American. 1865 2nd Av @ 96th; 23/17/$35; 996-3274; Nicer than most in genre; Delicious dishes; Strong drinks; Diamond in the rough. Family style portions. Lively vibe.