Boqueria

went here twice this weekend, once for dinner, once for brunch, and as usual, the service was mixed, some people couldn't be nicer, some people couldn't be ruder, completely ignoring the concept of a tapas bar, and acting like a party larger than two is just a bother. also, the food was not as great as i remember, and i am always disappointed by the wine list. the tapas are very delicious, but the prices went up and three dates just shouldn't cost seven dollars. some things went down in quality and up in price, including the pan con tomate which used to be heavenly. as for brunch, i should have known not to go to a spanish restaurant for brunch...most things don't make sense on the menu, including poached eggs, over broccoli swimming in some kind of broth, no bread, no flavor...just not a breakfast place at all, and way overpriced.

Went with a group of 5 ppl on a Sat night. First of all, the service of the manager was not good. The food was really tiny and pricy if terms of the quality. If the taste was good, it would be worth the money. But none of the food really rocked our mind out. The Sangria was like water.

An absolutely terrific all-Spanish wine list complements a (short) list of traditional Spanish bar food. For sure, the food translation is well thought out, however the honest truth is that real tapas are more STYLE than they are just plates of food. It is essentially a type of eating, a culinary culture, that Boquería fails to totally translate. That said, they did get the atmosphere right it is social and lively, highly unpretentious. The staff is friendly and attentive, especially at the bar, where I witnessed a bartender graciously offer complementary croquetas to a couple unhappy to have to actually wait for a seat at a restaurant in NY. Furthermore, I don't know what people expect from a plate of tortilla española, it's potato, egg, and onion for christ's sake.

As I read the reviews, they grew worse as they approached the present time. A clue that success can kill a good restaurant.

Both the atmosphere and menu at Boqueria are fun and casually fashionable. Dishes, like grilled baby squid with hazelnut and cocoa nib vinegrette, are successful and distant cousins of traditional tapas fare. The paella was an insult to any Iberophile. It's for the best that Boq sticks to twists & style.

had a great dining experience here on a recent sunday evening. service was excellent knowledgeable, speedy and friendly, without being intrusive. our party of 5 shared quite a few tapas and enjoyed all very much. the only negative thing about this place is that the menu is quite small, with meat dishes dominating hardly any seafood, which i would expect more of from a spanish restaurant. that said, the poached egg over autumn vegetables was great, the cinnamon and rasin tart delicious.

I know it is hard or almost impossible to find a good Paella in the US,. I was told Boqueria was a great Spanish Restaurant with a good Paella and unfortunately once again trying to improve or change a classic without the proper background or knowledge makes it a mess. A very cheap selection of sea food, super greasy, they put Ajoli (Mayo with Garlic) on the Paella which makes it terrible, just the tought of it can tell you the Chef is not Spanish nor understands the balance and grace of a good Paella. Obviuosly all of the imported goods are great, they are from Spain, such as the Hams and Cheeses. Good service and nice atmosphere.