Hi all,
I’m looking forward to trying tapas during my visit to Andalusia and Madrid, but I don’t drink alcohol. Do you have to order an alcoholic beverage to receive the complimentary tapas some places offer, or would something like bottled water be fine? I’m perfectly happy to pay for tapas, but if there are spots that include them, I certainly wouldn’t mind taking advantage of that.
You do not have to order alcohol. Just order a Coke or a bottle of water. (Not a glass of water)
However, do not imagine that all of the restaurants in Andalucia offer a free tapa.
I think this is more common in Granada than in other cities. I've only seen it there, and the free tapa was not always one I would select from the menu, given a choice. Maybe a slice of chorizo, or a spoonful of rice with beans, at traditional bars like BODEGAS CASTANEDA.
But what I have found in Andalucia, and elsewhere in Spain, is that you will often be presented with a complimentary "entrante" when you are waiting for your meal at a restaurant. That's almost universal. Also, I'm usually offered a complimentary "chupito," or shot glass of liqueur, after my meal.
I've never been offered a free tapa in Madrid, although there may be places that offer them. Again, I'd expect that if offered, the free bites would be the most simple and inexpensive type..
I don’t recall ever getting free tapas in Spain. You select the tapas you want and pay for each that you order.
We frequently stop during the day for a soda and the majority of time a tapa comes with it. It may only be chips or olives, but it is something. We’ve gotten some really good tapas in many of the small towns we’ve visited.
If there’s a particular type tapa you want, it may be easier to just buy it when you see it. You never know what tapa will come with a beverage.
I don't recall free tapas in general. All are ordered or selected from trays. Many use a toothpick/flag system to track the tapas you have consumed. On a couple of occasions I have encountered a waiter carry a tray around and offering a tapas. My assumption is that you pay unless it is very clear that your do not.
Thanks everyone for the replies.
It seems that Granada is where one would find free tapas with purchase of a drink. Here is one of many websites that I found an account of tapas experiences. https://www.willflyforfood.net/granada-food-guide-13-must-eat-tapas-bars-restaurants-in-granada-spain/
We received a free tapa at the bull bar in Madrid recommended by Rick. It was a rice and calamari plate.
We also got multiple free tapas in Toldedo. Spent a rainy afternoon in a bar/restaurant. I had three wines, Chris two. Six tapas appeared. Our bill was 6€. That was in 2016. There's a back story, to make it short they might have thought we were Canadians watching our home burn down on their TV.
You might do a little research on non-alcoholic drinks, which are becoming more and more popular everywhere. There are some that are specific to Spain. Ask for "sin alcohol" or just "sin" (pronounced like "seen").
We were in Spain last summer. The free tapas were offered generally in Southern Spain. Usually just a small dish of olives, nuts, or maybe chips. Just a nibble of something. It would come along with your drink.
