Are there any good Tapa Restaurants in NYC or the outer bouroughs (other than Flor De Sol in Tribeca)

[msqueensfoodie]

Can anyone suggest a good Tapas Restaurant? (Other than Flor De Sol in Tribeca)

[plumpdumpling]

I don't think I've had legitimate tapas, so I'm no expert, but I can tell you that I've never had a bad dish at Alta on 10th Street. I think about their goat cheese with lavender honey as much as anything I've eaten in the city.

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Alta
64 W 10th St, New York, NY 10011

[daffyduck]

I haven't been there in awhile but I was wowed by Degustation, not sure if you would consider that a tapas restaurant. I also like Casa Mono but not as much and never a "wow".

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Degustation
239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003

[RCC]

No, Degustation is not a tapas restaurant. It is a restaurant with a tasting menu.

[msqueensfoodie]

Yes your right. Degustation is not a tapas restaurant. But OMG.....it is such an awesome restaurant! A true Foodie experience.

[msqueensfoodie]

Even though Degustation is not considered a Tapas restaurant....I agree with you. I was wowed by the different dishes that were prepared. All true "foodies" need to go there. A wonderful experience.

[gutsofsteel]

I've been to Degustation several times. While I certainly enjoyed it, it did not wow me and it is certainly not a "foodie requirement." For one example, I think the food at Casa Mono is better and more interesting.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[kathryn]

My last meal at Casa Mono was disappointing, sadly. I had previously had many good meals there. Have you been back recently?

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[msqueensfoodie]

Oh really. Wow need to try Casa Mono to see for myself what the "talk" is all about. I finally found a wonderful Tapas restaurant not in Manhattan, but in the outer boroughs called Fino Wine and Tapas on Bell Blvd. in Bayside Queens. Not a lot of tapa choices on their menu....but each selection is simply wonderful. And their Sangria...simply to die for.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[kathryn]

Take a look at the menu and see if it appeals. Casa Mono is not very traditional Spanish tapas at all.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[msqueensfoodie]

I will definitely take a look at the Casa Mono menu. However, isn't this the same restaurant that established a "time" limit on their patrons? (I believe someone posted a comment regarding this restaurant a few weeks ago).

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[donovt]

I've been there a few times, and only for lunch, but I've never been asked to give up my seat. I tend to eat a lot and at a pretty leisurely pace.

[kathryn]

Also note that they serve "raciones" not "tapas," so the portions are bigger than normal tapas portions.

[daffyduck]

i've only been to Casa Mono 4 times and Degustation once but from my limited experience I thought the food was better and more interesting at Degustation.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[kathryn]

Is waiting for a table an issue? Do you prefer non-traditional tapas, Basque tapas, or Catalan/traditional tapas? When are you dining? My favorites are Txikito and Boqueria. Some here also like Caliu. Have been hearing good things about Salinas, which is more expensive than others.

See previously:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/797801

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Boqueria
53 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011

Txikito
240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Caliu
557 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

Salinas
136 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

[msqueensfoodie]

No waiting for a table is not an issue for me. I can go for traditional as well as non-traditional tapas...and when it comes to good food and quality service, price is not an issue. (I can see myself paying for tapas that cost $15 a plate). What I am mainly looking for is variety. (a selection of Tapas) I went to Flor de Sol one time...and it was good. But I am looking for a superb experience....something where I can say WOW! Something that can impress a foodie!!!! - Thanks for being the first one to reply....I was beginning to worry...whew!

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Flor de Sol
361 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

[gutsofsteel]

What is your frame of reference? Do you want something that will make you say "wow" like a good tapas place in Spain might? Because you won't find that in NYC. "Wow" is really relative to one's frame of reference, and to what you are comparing.

[msqueensfoodie]

I am looking for a restaurant that serves good tasting Tapas at every turn. A menu with a lot of variety. Being a true Foodie my frame of reference is the "food" experience. The spices, the texture, the colors, right down to the garnish. The service is important to. But the "Spaniard" atmosphere....not so much. Believe it or not....the first and best Tapas restaurant that I have every been to was in Utah .... Yes, UTAH!!!! Wasn't to impress by the Tapas in Boston....sorry. And yet I divert....in short whether its wow or oh my, or OMG!,,,,the bottom line is that I am looking for an unforgettable Tapas restaurant.

[gutsofsteel]

In my opinion, there is no "unforgettable" tapas restaurant in NY.

[uwsister]

Did you not care for Toro in Boston?

Boqueria, Tia Pol, and Caliu are some of better tapas places here. I'll say though I personally prefer Toro.

[msqueensfoodie]

Nah....I made the mistake and went to Tasca. Good but somewhat disappointing. Will try Toro next time.

[kathryn]

I think Txikito is a wow experience, but that's just my opinion.

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Txikito
240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001

[kathryn]

Also, it's Saturday, so don't be discouraged is you get only a few responses. This board is more heavily trafficked on weekdays during business hours.