Best Tapas Bars In Brooklyn
Brooklyn's best tapas bars offer a variety of diverse decors and ambiances. Tapas-style dining encourages both sharing and socializing. The one thing that all Brooklyn tapas bars have in common is an intimate and cozy romantic setting.
Salud - Bay Ridge
Delicious cocktails that are mixed with house-made fruit purees compete with innovative tapas delights for your attention at Salud, a sexy and stylish tapas bar that is adding to the diversity of the Bay Ridge nightlife scene. An intimate and cozy, fine dining experience, Salud features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. While you certainly don't need a tux or evening wear to enjoy an evening at Salud; flip-flops and shorts are most definitely out of place.The vibe is chill and the ambiance, very classy.
Executive chefs and owners Andres Hernandez and Nestor Barrera bring to you a menu of classic Spanish tapas and entrees with a lively Dominican personality.
All meats are antibiotic-free and open-range. The chefs deal only with farms who use humane and sustainable practices. Ingredients such as fish, veggies, and fruits are hand-picked daily by chefs Nestor and Andres at trusted, local purveyors and farmer's markets. They believe that no matter how creative the recipe is, a quality dish that will astound your palate depends on the freshness of the ingredients.
One of the most traditional of Spanish tapas, Bacalaitos are salted cod fritters. The chefs here, though, dress the succulent pieces of cod with cilantro, tomatoes, onions and a green aji sauce. Salud's empanadas stay true to form with a savory beef filling and a classic sauce that's not overly spicy. A real sense of daring, however, is shown in their wild mushroom croquetas that are served with bechamel sauce, scallions, goat cheese, and a herb spread that is "can I please have seconds?" good.
The Dominican influence is on full display when you taste the Platano Asado, which are baked sweet plantains that are stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and beef with a pink sauce.
Besides a great selection of tapas, the kitchen is well-known for their delicious Paellas. You can choose from free-range chicken with chorizo and veggies, Seafood with Lobster, clams, mussels and shrimp, an all-vegetarian paella or the chef's special paella of the day.
Date night at a tapas bar takes on a whole new meaning when your evening is enhanced by a delicious cocktail. They make a great drink here!
Their signature libation is the Rose' Champagne Mojito with Vodka, lime juice, champagne and rose'. Their version of the Brazilian elixir, Caipirinha, isn't bad either. But it is very strong, so come ready with your drinking game face on.
Margaritas are available in exotic flavors like Guava, passion fruit, mango or spicy jalapeno. The watermelon or coconut martini is a refreshing vacation in a glass.
Location and Hours
7204 Third Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 333-5228
www.saludbkln.com
Hours
Monday closed
Tuesday to Thursday 4 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday 4 PM to 12 AM
Sunday 4 PM to
La Vara - Cobble Hill
No matter what kind of cuisine you are craving, the odds are that you'll find it among the streets and avenues that wind their way through Brooklyn. A solid, blue-collar Borough, Brooklyn has re-invented itself many times over the past century or two. Generations of immigrants have found a home amidst the tenements, industrial warehouses, and factories that once dotted the landscape here. Though gentrification has overtaken many a neighborhood in Brooklyn, its' industrial past has not completely been left behind. But, for many artists, hipsters, and young professionals, this grittiness only adds to the areas' charm.
However, one very important thing remains a constant, amidst this sea of change. Brooklyn residents love to eat. And they enjoy trying out different tastes and flavors. Italian food may be your favorite cuisine at the moment, but, next week, Lebanese or Serbian cooking will have you under its' delicious spell.
It is in this spirit that the husband and wife team of chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero opened La Vara, a favorite with couples and families alike in the up and coming neighborhood of Cobble Hill. La Vara celebrates the Jewish and Moorish legacies in regional Spanish cuisine. Just as soon as you are seated at your table, your senses will be seduced by the aroma of Saffron, cumin and orange blossom emanating from the kitchen.
Chefs Alex and Eder are all about contemporary interpretations of traditional recipes, many of which were first introduced into Spanish kitchens over 500 years ago. Alex and Eder are the authors of "The Basque Book", which is an entertaining and insightful tour of the Basque countryside, it's proud people and culinary and cultural history.
By all means, if you can, grab a copy of the book. It's an interesting read. But all you really have to do, to understand why Alex and Eder are so enamored with Spanish cuisine, is make a reservation at La Vara. Then, it will all become crystal clear. The restaurant is not large. But it's big on personality. La Vara works well as an intimate date spot as well as a comfortable place to catch up with friends. The atmosphere in their backyard garden is very Mediterranean, indeed.
Do some long overdue socializing with your besties over the kitchens' authentic Spanish tapas. Open up their menu and prepare to do a little exploring. Being adventurous has never tasted so good. Discover new and exciting tastes like Sobrasada con Miel, which is Menorcan spreadable sausage with honey on charred bread. The Alcachofas (fried artichokes and anchovy aioli) and spicy, fried chickpeas are big-time taste test winners.
A strong Middle Eastern influence can be found in both the seasoned lamb meatballs with mint yogurt and the cumin-roasted breast of lamb that is dressed in luscious dates, scallions and preserved lemon. Two more can't miss dishes are the deviled eggs with green tahini sauce and the Remojon, which is house-cured salted cod with eggs, olives, Pistachios, and Pomegranate.
Chefs Alex and Eder are also known for their Valencia-style Noodle paella with mounds of succulent shrimp, squid, and clams.
The bar has an exceptionally strong list of imported Spanish wines and seasonal draughts of Cervezas. The bartenders here also know how to shake, stir and pour a fantastic cocktail. Their signature drink is the Morada, which is just as dramatic as its' name. Consisting of Torres brandy, Plantation 5-year rum, Alvear Amontillado sherry, cinnamon and Takara plum wine, this is one cocktail that will knock your socks off.
Location and Hours
268 Clinton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-0065
www.lavarany.com
Hours
Monday to Thursday 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Friday 5:30 PM to 11 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Industry 1332 - Bushwick
A family-owned establishment, Industry 1332 has slowly but surely, captured the hearts of local residents as their go-to place for brunch, dinner, drinks and, of course, tantalizing tapas. With strong roots in the neighborhood, the team behind this very uniquely decorated restaurant has created a menu of Latin-fusion tapas and entrees that will have your mouth watering.
The rustic décor with a good deal of stylized industrial elements blended in is a tribute to Bushwick's past. Reclaimed wood floors, exposed brick, cables and red painted pipes that run the length of the ceiling will certainly grab your attention. This is not typical tapas bar décor. Not by a long shot. But it works. The ambiance is super inviting and it gets people talking, as well as writing reviews. A dazzling array of light bulbs that are attached to ropes hang from a sturdy and thick wooden beam that overlooks a long communal table. This table, by the way, is very popular with locals who wish to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just want to hang with a group of twenty or so of their friends.
The owners host a terrific happy hour Monday through Sunday, from 4 to 7 PM. Well, shots and domestic beers go for the unheard of price of only $3. House wine comes in at five dollars a glass and you can score a craft beer and shot combo for just seven bucks! Their boozy brunch takes place from 11 AM until 4 PM every Saturday and Sunday. Take advantage of their very special Buy one, get one free offer for their delicious mimosas, priced at $6 or a glass of Sangria,(red or white), for $8.
When you come here for brunch or dinner, wash down your tapas with one of Industry 1332's delightful signature drinks. The Bushwick Sour consists of Mitcher's rye, simple syrup, honey syrup and citrus juice. Another tasty libation is the Irving Square Sidecar, a blend of Remy Martin VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and Tamarind puree'.
Instead of the usual Italian cold cuts and cheeses that you get when you order a charcuterie plate, the kitchen gives you something a little different. Manchego cheese, cured Serrano ham, Gouda cheese and chorizo are served with olives and warm pita bread. It's a refreshing and delicious change of pace.
The chef does a wonderful Ceviche. A nice piece of Fluke fish is marinated in lime juice and is served with onions, peppers, mango and avocado. You can also order the mashed avocado with cilantro, tomatoes and onions, which is accompanied by plantain chips. After you taste these chips you will never go back to eating just plain potato chips ever again.
You can't go wrong with either the Baja fish tacos or the Arepitas. These delights are mini corn cakes that are topped with shredded beef, smoked gouda cheese, and a mushroom aioli. Another popular choice is the corn tamal which comes with a perfectly sized portion of tomatoes, peppers and wild mushrooms in a truffle ragout sauce.
As far as tapas go, though, the undisputed specialty of the house is the Bocadillos. You can choose from beef, chicken or shrimp... These mini-sliders are served on a brioche bun with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. It's never good to forget about dessert and at Industry 1332, you wouldn't want to, because you'd really be missing out on something good. Like the Vanilla crème Brulee', warm chocolate cake or the traditional churros that are bathed in a can't get enough of this dulce de leche sauce.
Location and Hours
1332 Halsey Street
Brooklyn NY 11237
(718) 484-8338
Contact:
Hours
Monday 4 PM to 12 AM
Tuesday to Thursday 11 AM to 12 AM
Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM
Sunday 11 AM to 12 AM
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