Tapas - Lower East Side, East Village

[saticoy]

I have been compiling a list of mid-priced tapas places for an upcoming trip. I have Bar Carrera, Boqueria, and Las Ramblas noted. I thought I remembered seeing on that was located further east - East Village or LES - but I can't seem to find the posts I read. Or thought I read. Any ideas?

[saticoy]

You hounds are so great. I have Degustation (and the real Casa Mono) on a list for "better" dinners - I have been combing through looking for tasty tapas without a fine dining experience. And, ES is important, because I am going to be working and living there, for only a precious three weeks....will travel for food, but looking for decent, working class tapas in the hood.

Nai looks great, how does it compare to Euzkadi? FWIW, La Paella's menu didn't spark my hunger, but am open to some descriptive reviews to change my mind!

Does anyone know where Pata Negra sources their pata negra? Are they somehow curing their own? There is such an emphasis on it, but I don't see any clear answers on their website. Looks yummy, but yeah, a little less "regular" than I am trying to target.

Heartfelt thanks to you guys - I've been, and continue to read your input in other threads....

[kathryn]

Tapas is rarely fine dining (in Spanish culture, it's really just drinking food), but it can be expensive, even without the white tablecloths.

The chef changed at Degustation a while back, not sure if it is still great. It's a bit more composed and less rustic than the other options, and can be quite pricey. The plates are rather small if you are looking to fill up.

For a while, the owner of Pata Negra was smuggling in jamon in suitcases. Not sure if that is still the case.

[foodwhisperer]

The last time I went to Degustation, about 8 months ago, they had a new chef. Probably the 5th chef they've had. The food was far from the deliciousness and style of the original chef.

[saticoy]

I may have smuggled jamon iberico in my suitcase last time I went to Spain...hand cut from the Boqueria in Barcelona. If I did, it was not enough to feed a crowd, let alone a restaurant nightly!

Yes, I meant that I was looking for more rustic, less composed, less expensive but still solid tapas. A place to get a glass of wine or sangria and some solidly delicious bites, without budgeting for a "big meal out." Sounds like Nai and Euzkadi are worth exploring near me, with Las Ramblas, Boqueria, and Bar Jamon in high contention when I wander.

[kathryn]

I think he claimed to be carrying an entire ham in his luggage.

[RCC]

Is this a fact? Re: Pata Negra's chef claiming to be smuggling in a suitcase-full of jamon? Kinda hard to believe that anybody in their right mind would claim to be doing that.

[kathryn]

That's what I thought as well. I dunno, maybe the waiter was making stuff up when he told me that.

[Pedr0]

5 Jotas. They have it but you have to ask. Available in the US now so no need to smuggle it.

[bartholomeu]

I second Pata Negra. Also, check out Nai. It's on 1st Ave.

[kyph0515]

+1 for Nai. I stuffed myself silly (and I eat a lot) and came away paying around $50. Pata Negra is a bit pricier and IIRC has a smaller menu. Good jamon though.

[Ziggy41]

I like the tapas on the west side, Las Ramblas, Tia Pol (chelsea) and my favorite Alta for mediterranean tapas

[foodwhisperer]

There are 2 on 2nd Ave. one is next door to Kanoyama( 11th and 2nd),, the other is on the east side of 2nd Ave. I think on 9th St. down a few steps. I don't remember the names, sorry. Also you have Degustation on E. 5th Street.

[batterypark]

East 9th Street has Restaurant Paella -- which can be hit or miss. They have a couple of assorted tapas plates which can be very nice accompanied by a salad with orange and fennel.

[whitneybee]

I like La Paella, and I've found it to be more hit than miss, although I'm aware I may be in the minority on this one.

[kathryn]

Are you talking about the EV location of Bar Carrera? On 2nd and 11th? It closed last year.

La Paella is OK, not great.

Degustation is going to be too expensive for the OP, who is looking for mid-priced places.

[EBT]

Bar Jamon. And Euzkadi on 4th is pretty reasonable. Las Ramblas is in the West Village.

[saticoy]

Euzkadi is the one I was looking for - thank you so much! Also didn't realize that there was a more traditional and less expensive attachment to Casa Mono - terrific!

[Pedr0]

Pata Negra over Euzkadi or Casa Mono any day.

I've actually been asked to move tables mid-meal at Euzkadi so the owner could seat a larger party of his friends. Will not be going back.

[Alan Henderson]

Pata Negra on E 12th is a nice spot.

[saticoy]

Looks nice - thanks!