Found a place that fits the RS/ETBD (“Steviant”) “travel style” here in Toledo the past couple nights: El Gallo Taberna.
Nice selection of raciones - no tapas, pintxos, and maybe a daily menu. Reasonably priced (€8-16) with hearty game food options including partridge (very nice) and venison (deer) “con queso” (tasty combo though a little tough). Other options (wife) tried were grilled veggies, shrimp “lollipops,” steak - all good. If only we had left room for the profiteroles. Local wines (tinto and blanco) went well with the meals (didn’t ask for any wine list).
Incredibly convenient location two blocks from the Zocodover (on the way to Rick’s recommendation of the Mercado San Augustin- which was OK, but was a bit too trendy for us with Potatas Bravas that were just potatoes and ketchup). The carte is bi-lingual (Spanish/English), though not all entries were translated, so they are trying to get some tourist euros. Perhaps it’s the “final de calle (dead end street)” location with only a couple high-top tables outside that keep it from overcrowding. Perhaps it’s the awkward translation of “What’s Eat?” that made my wife and I the only tourists on our visits (mid November 2017).
It seems like a crime to me. I loved it and it worked well when other locations were not my choice of local (non-touristy “Steviant”) cuisine. It was also very easy to get seated (at 22:00) when other RS recommendations were packed (sorry Trébol - you were where I wanted to eat but your lines and crowds were too much both for lunch and dinner).
Service was good and “European” (relaxed, friendly and only frustrating if you’re impatient to get the bill). Atmosphere was inviting, family friendly (like the couple sitting next to us with two very young daughters, one in a stroller) and comfortable for conversation.
As Rick said, step a block or two of the touristy streets and your “neck deep” with Spanish speaking locals. This is one of those places. Maybe it’ll get a shoutout in a future edition.