Best Tapas Bars in Granada
Granada, as well as the whole region of Andalusia, is one of the best destinations in Spain for foodies who are ready for an unforgettable culinary experience. Travelers are amazed by the impressive number of tapas, as well as the many main courses they can try in this beautiful city. Furthermore, for every drink you order you receive a free portion of tapas and this can make your vacation cheaper than expected.
And, as you imagine, the city is full of bars, as well restaurants where you can enjoy a diversity of tapas in a great atmosphere and here are some of them.
Indulge in habas con jamón at Espadafor
Located in the central area, Espadafor is one of the most amazing bars in Granada. Always filled with locals and travelers eager to try their specialty, which is habas con jamón, Espadafor offers an atmosphere almost as good as their food. Habas con jamón is a dish made of broad beans with ham and garlic but, if these ingredients aren’t your cup of tea, you can always choose something else from their menu. Pair the food with the delicious sherry brought directly from the barrel and enjoy the real Andalusian ambiance.
Address: Calle Tinajilla, s/n, 18001 Granada, Spain, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodegas-Espadafor/181447078533552
Great Quality and Huge Portions: Chantarela
Chantarela is always full and, although waiting might be annoying, once you get a table you will understand why. The food is mouthwatering, the portions are immense and the prices are so low nobody understands how this place makes money. The only problem is deciding what to order. But keep in mind that, whether you go for the stuffed peppers, slowly cooked Carne en salsa, or roasted pork you will leave this incredible place full and completely satisfied.
Address: Calle Águila, 20, Granada (Barrio Centro), https://www.facebook.com/Taberna-Gastron%C3%B3mica-Chantarela-210726572326632/
Get a Different Starter for Every Drink at Bar Poë
As mentioned above, in Granada you get free tapas for every drink you order. Of course, there are bars where you won’t get them, but this only means you are in the wrong place. But Bar Poë is definitely the right tapas bar where you get huge international-style tapas with each beverage, no matter what kind of drink you want.
Bar Poë is always filled with both locals and travelers and it is the best place for people who can’t speak Spanish because the owner is English and the staff will make you feel right at home. Just keep in mind that this is one of everybody’s favorite place and it gets really busy. So go there early if you want a table or a spot at the bar.
Address: Calle Verónica de la Magdalena, 40, Granada, http://www.barpoe.com/
A Good Drink with a Tapas for 3 Euros: La Ballena Alegre
Translated as “The Happy Whale”, La Ballena Alegre is one of those places that amaze foodies with the cheerful atmosphere, great drinks, and delicious tapas. But the most interesting part about it is that with only three euros you get to drink, eat, and have some fun with the locals.
The menu is extensive and you can choose your tapas when ordering the drink you want to have. Beer lovers should adventure themselves into ordering a pint of the local (and excellent) Alhambra beer and pair it with the homemade burgers which are absolutely amazing. Since this is a tapas bar, don’t expect a huge meal, but a delicious mini-burger that will satisfy any foodie’s soul.
Address: Calle Dr. Marañón, s/n, Granada,https://www.facebook.com/La-Ballena-Alegre-Granada-1672275576345831/
A Great Place for Fish Lovers: Bar Los Diamantes
Whether you want to eat shrimp, calamari, anchovies, clams or fish, Bar Los Diamantes is the perfect seafood tapas place. Founded in 1942 this tapas bar continues its tradition of serving delicious food in a very traditional atmosphere. Unless you want to have a traditional, big Spanish lunch, go to Bar Los Diamantes in the evening, after 6 pm because this is the best time to indulge in the tasty tapas.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 13, Granada,barlosdiamantes.com
Enjoy Some “Alternative” Spanish Tapas at Shambala
Shambala is one of the most special places in Granada and the first thing that will amaze you is that the owner is the one that usually serves you. This means that if you are in a hurry you should avoid this tapas bar as it might take a while until you get your order. However, it also means the owner cares about the business and the customers, so everything you get is qualitative and made with love.
Shambala has a great, relaxed hippie-like atmosphere and great food. The interesting part is that you don’t choose your tapas so be ready for a surprise. However, whether you get the honey glazed ribs or the roasted potatoes and crispy falafel you will leave the bar happy, satisfied and ready to explore the beautiful city of Granada.
Address: Calle Fábrica Vieja, 6, Granada, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shambala/175265525835946
Tapas in the Suburb of La Chana: La Bodeguita
If you spend more than a couple of days in Granada and you are ready to leave the city in order to taste more amazing foods, La Bodeguita should be your destination. Located in the suburb of La Chana, La Bodeguita is extremely popular among locals. You will get there in 10 minutes with the bus so, it is not too far and most foodies are ready for this ride as long as delicious tapas are waiting for them.
If you are a meat lover, you should start your culinary experience at La Bodeguita with an amazing pork loin sandwich with pickle sauce (lomo stroganoff). In case the meat is not something you usually eat, don’t worry because there are much plant-based tapas waiting for you here.
Address: Calle Raya, 3
Exploring The Local, No Name Bars
Since Granada is usually filled with travelers, there is always big chance to have an unfortunate tourist-trap bar experience. But if you get far away from the busy touristic center, you can stop being afraid of such scams. The truth is that if you are wandering around exploring less touristy neighborhoods you can have unexpected culinary experience in any corner bar. Most of them are family-run businesses and the food is home-cooked with love and happiness. Many owners work in the kitchen, serve customers and besides offering a great culinary experience they also love to chat giving people useful info about the city. Therefore, adventure yourself into discovering these local corner bars and you might have the best surprise of your life.
