Food at tapas

A tapa is basically just a small plate like an appetizer. There are all kinds ... vegetarian, seafood, beef, etc. If you don't eat pork, you can easily find some other options.

Yes, tapas are offered in a variety of products. here are a few that most restaurants will offer. However, getting media-raciones and raciones, which are larger plates, offer more bang for your buck. Also, many spaniards don't consider jamón (ham) to be a meat, and will put it on most things vegetarian. Another things that's offered all over during lunch time is the menú del día, which is essentially an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink for around 10 euros.
Here are some tapas you mind find helpful:
Paella a la Valenciana/Mariscos (Rice dish with seafood), Migas (extremaduran-style breadcrumbs), merluza a la plancha (grilled fish), bistec (steak), pimientos de padrón (peppers from padrón), queso manchego (cheese), rabo de toro estofado (my favorite - oxtail in a stew), chipirones (squid), cocido (stew), ensalada rusa (russian salad).
You're going to have much better luck with chicken and pasta at restaurants and menú del día than with tapas, as I don't remember seeing many tapas that involved pasta and/or chicken. Around the Costas, the seafood is excellent, and every place should have croquetas (croquettes). You shouldn't have a problem, but keep in mind Jamón Ibérico is one of Spain's finest products and you'll see it everywhere.

Basically tapas are just small portions of any foods served. If you only want something light, get one or two. Often, as noted, it's cheaper to get full portions if you want to eat a lot, especially if there are two or more of you. I eat only vegetarian and had no trouble throughout Andalusia with that restriction. If you want to abstain from pork products, though, be careful. I suspect that lard may be used in some cooking - other meat dishes, soups, etc.

We went to a Tapas Bar in Barcelona that was recommended by our hotel. We sat at the bar - the variety of tapas can be overwhelming to say the least and trying to figure out what is what can be quite daunting. I just told the waiter that I was allergic to seafood & fish so could he pick out 4 different items for us to try. WOW - he did a fantastic job we really enjoyed everything - there was a plate with jamon & cheese, lovely olives, this wonderful deep fried cheese thing with raspberry sauce and these tasty tiny tenderloins - and of course a pitcher of sangria!
.
Tapas can be a little challenging for those who do not eat seafood but this place had a great variety. Just ask - I am certain they will accommodate your request.

Thank you all for this input of information.
I will definitely use this advice.

I am especially glad to learn that they consider jamon for their veggie foods.
I like the idea of saying allergic to seafood. I guess if I say vegetarian they may be obliging.
I think we'll have to try lunch meals and tapas for the experience. We don't eat that late, but we'll be on a crazy schedule so we may eat late!

Laurie

I think it is important to understand the concept of tapas. Your wording above "eats at tapas" and "Do tapas offer meat products" suggest that you have the idea that tapas is the name of a type of restaurant, which is a misconception. Tapas are basically small plates of food that people of Spain eat in the early evening along with their drinks. The idea is not to make a meal out of it, but take a few hours, select a few tapas and have some drinks. Kind of like appetizers. Spaniards typically eat their dinner very late at night, so eating tapas is a warm up for dinner. You can get tapas at pretty much any Spanish bar, especially in Southern Spain. Most restaurants will also offer tapas. Different regions of Spain will offer different types of tapas. In Barcelona, for example, the selections tend to be more fish orientated. Where exactly will you be on your trip?

If in Barcelona, one of my favorite places is Bar Kasparo at the Plaça de Vicenç Martorell (just off La Rambla). If in Sevilla, try Las Columnas at Alameda de Hércules, 19. In the Basque region, tapas are called Pintxos. Pintxos are a good intro to tapas as they are usually on display and you just have to point to the items you want - no surprises. There are many bars in Barcelona serving Pinxtos and we really liked Euskal Etxea at Placeta de Montcada, 1. Whatever you do, be sure to have a plate of Padron peppers if you are in Barcelona.

Laurie,
In your first post you say you don't eat pork/ham, but a later post you say "I am especially glad to learn that they consider jamon for their veggie foods"

Just to be clear, they may not consider it meat (personally I've never heard that) but it is pork/ham, no two ways about it or how they dress it up. Bars that serve it, and most if all do, it is literally sliced off a leg of ham which is usually at the bar or nearby, it's a part of the culture to serve it that way. In fact,Rick tries his hand at slicing it in one episode.