This will be our first experience with Tapas style eating. I have read and listen to various ways of enjoying. I want to be appropriate and not be considered rude etc. How does one enjoy the Tapas scene in Barcelona. I have been told that some Tapas is complimentary when you order a drink? Would like input. Thanks
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
I never got free tapas. A couple of times I got olives or potato chips with a drink. There's either a buffet or you order from a menu.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
Free tapas are moreso in Granada, sometimes in Sevilla.
I suggest ordering a drink. If a tapas comes with it, it will be the free one. Otherwise, ask for the menu and order away.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
No free tapas in Barcelona in my experience. Unless you count a plate of potato chips or nuts. If it were to happen you would just order a drink and a plate of something would come out with it. If you order food at the same time as the drink then the free tapa may not come so...drink first, see what shows up. In Granada you can keep ordering drinks and random food keeps showing up each round. In other places it might just be with the first drink. It's pretty casual nothing you'd reasonably do to offend anyone. In Barcelona don't expect it anyway.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3075 posts
In Barcelona, one should be grateful one is not (yet!) made to pay for the air one breaths! Free tapas are not something very local I am afraid. Still... https://www.timeout.com/barcelona/bars-and-pubs/10-barcelona-bars-with-free-tapas
Posted by
28 posts
Hi
Only a few places in Barcelona may offer free tapas...Sevilla and Granada are the places to go
I have a post under jlkwinone which includes our itinerary.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
There are really 3 distinct experiences that need to be pointed out...
1. A casual bar/restaurant that offers a tapas style grazing menu of smaller plates. You may also see mid size plates called 'raciones'. Order several dishes to start, and then keep ordering as you desire.
2. Traditional bars with most people standing, but perhaps a few tables. The tapas you will see colourfully displayed for your selection (hot dishes may be made to order). Keep ordering til you are satisfied, usually by pointing and indicating the number of 'pieces'. Eye contact is useful here to keep the dishes coming. Payment is at the end, usually by honesty (and the bar person's memory), often aided by the number of empty plates accrued. Don't be put off by bars strewn with discarded paper napkins and toothpicks, these are always the best places.
3. Bars where you really go just for drinks, not a meal. A small plate may be dropped on the table with the drink order. Sometimes just chips, nuts, or olives, but sometimes more elaborate creations depending on where you are in Spain.