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I grew up spending summers in our old family home in the South of Spain, studied and worked in Madrid, and enjoyed several trip to Barcelona to visit my sister. There is no more vibrant and convivial culinary scene than Spanish Tapas. I wish I could say you can find the same in NYC – you can’t. Barcelona, te extraño… Nothing compares to you and your tapas, but at least Boqueria tries!
Boqueria is named after Barcelona’s iconic market “Mercat de la Boqueria” and attempts to recreate the Spanish buzzing food scene with a Catalan inspired menu.
Boqueria now has 3 locations in NYC, the original flagship in Flatiron, an outpost in Soho and a newly opened (2014) uptown joint on the Upper East Side.
Patatas bravas -www.boquerianyc.com
The Flatiron location was the first to be opened and has the signature dim lighting, warm and woody color scheme with hints of yellow. You walk in to a vibrant bar scene with several stools around it, and different seating options throughout the space including communal tables in the middle and regular seating tables on the sides. I always prefer sitting at the bar and practice mi Español with the camareros! Starting from early evening hours, expect a crowded scene, limited elbow room but a convivial experience!
Tip – sit at the bar
Tortilla de patatas – www.boquerianyc.com
Boqueria’s menu has all the classic Spanish staples: Pan con Tomate $5, Patatas Bravas $9, Tortilla $7, Croquetas $12, Manchego and Jamon ibérico. Don’t go without ordering a charcuterie and cheese platter (served all day) and the Croquetas Cremosas ( creamy mushroom and Serrano ham croquettes). But their “Market Fresh” daily dinner specials and signature tapas are what they’re best at. My favorites include their Cojonudo $6, Datiles con Beicon $7 and Pulpo a la Gallega $17, and make sure you ask about the recommended specials. The Paella de Mariscos $19 is not “abuela“ worthy but is still pretty legit. Although it sounds like a lot of the menu items are meat-focused, Boqueria also offers great vegetarian options. If this is your major cheat meal, don’t leave without sharing the decadent Nutella Churros ❗
Obviously, by definition, all tapas are better shared, along with a glass of one of their homemade sangrias or Spanish wine from their extensive list. And if you’re more of a cerveza drinker just ask “una clara por favor”. Specialty cocktails are also available (go for the Shishito Margarita).
The best part about Boqueria is definitely its buzzing and energetic atmosphere, in a casual setting with a mixed crowd, of all ages. During peak evening hours expect it to get loud due to bad acoustics and the narrow layout.
Great for large parties with their Chef’s Menu group deal
Jamon y queso – www.boquerianyc.com
Boqueria is perfect for a casual date, meeting up with friends or great for a large group dinner. They only take dinner reservations for parties of 6 or more (accepts small parties for lunch and brunch thought) and offer a great and affordable “Chef’s Menu” group deal ($45 per person +beverage, tax and gratuity). The more you are the more you can order and share! Great for girls’ night out, birthdays or team dinners. They also easily accommodate for private events. Reservations are available for all party sizes for lunch and brunch.
Boqueria Flatiron offers brunch, lunch and dinner. Fri-Sat 12pm-11:30pm / Sun-Thurs 12pm-10:30pm
Note that they also offer delivery, take-out and catering services.
