Buceo 95

This is one of our all-time favorites in the neighborhood, and we go there very often. The owner and staff always recognize us and are very friendly. But last time we went in, we had a poor experience that I really hope is not a sign of things to come. When we arrived at the restaurant, the maitre d' was outside chatting with folks sitting at an outdoor table (it was one of those wonderful days in March when the weather was more like June). We waved hello and went inside to wait to be seated. Our favorite waitress came over and said hello and said she'd let the maitre d' know we needed a table. She went outside and came back in saying he'd be right with us. Ten minutes went by, and we sent a waiter outside to remind the maitre d' -- who was still just chatting with customers -- that we were still waiting. Five minutes later he came in, without any apology for the wait, said he'd seat us in a moment (there were several empty tables available), and then walked away for another five minutes or more! When he finally came over to seat us he told us that we could have a table but would have to finish our meal in an hour! I was shocked -- this is so out of the ordinary for this place, which is usually the picture of professionalism and customer service. We took the table and quickly ordered, but the food took so long to come (and they even forgot one of our dishes!) that we were there far longer than our allotted hour. Happily, the maitre d' did not try to rush us out of there at that point, but the whole thing left such a bad taste in my mouth, I wondered whether we'd lost our favorite place to the pressures of its own popularity. Please, Buceo 95 -- if anyone there is reading this -- do NOT treat your clientele that way! Especially clients who have been extremely loyal and have introduced the place to many new clients! We'll be back (the food is too good not to give it another shot), but another experience like that might just end what was a really nice relationship ever since the place opened!

Even though Buceo 95 has been around for a year and is less than 2 blocks from my apt., I had not been there until last night. What a pleasant surprise! The service is lovely: no fewer than 3 people stopped by to ask if everything was all right, including a lovely woman who I assume is an owner, and our waitress was very nice as well. And the food is outstanding: well-prepared and served in very generous tapas portions. Our roasted asparagus and chorizo with favas were especially noteworthy. One caveat: the noise is simply deafening, even with the doors and windows open. Clearly the best bet, on nice days, is to sit outside.

Went here to meet a friend and had a great experience. Small place that fills up quickly. Good selection of wines and cava. Tapas were delicious, highlight was lamb chops with mashed chickpeas. Service was friendly and attentive.

Came in on a very busy saturday night about 8:30 or so and I was told there would be a wait for a table, which seemed reasonable considering it's such a small place. The manager was very knowledgeable on wines and thoroughly explained them all and their origins. The tapas were all pretty good. The spanish tortilla was a bit on the dry side and the fish was way overcooked. The pork loin special with the truffled bean sauce was awesome! Definitely the highlight of my evening as well as the churros which was a great ending to my dinner. Definitely will be going back for more!

I've been here 3 times in 4 months, and am happy to have a place like this in the neighborhood. Nice variety of wines, reasonably priced; nice variety of tapas, mostly well-done. They have some good plates, but they seem to misfire on the most basic, traditional things. Very good: Roasted brussels sprouts, slow-roasted pork belly, cauliflower with manchego (like a really light, fluffy mac 'n cheese) and the meatballs (great sofrito). Disappointments: the pulpo (different style than I'm accustomed to, was a little rubbery, where was the paprika?), the tomato bread (again, a different version and waaaay too garlicky, garlic tasted processed instead of fresh); and the Spanish tortilla (very small, very thin, a little overdone, perhaps not fresh out of the pan?, but had a good mayonaise). They're kind of on the fence with the basics. For the basics, wish they would go more traditional, more like Spanish bar fare, with more generous portions--it would be a better value. Service was very good--helpful, attentive without being obstrusive, engaging. But then there's the noise--impossible to have a conversation when it's busy. Not really a fan of the high tables with the bar stools either--I guess it keeps the tables turning over, but not comfortable at all. Hoping that they offer sidewalk service now that the weather is better. Will go back, avoiding (for now) the sketchier offerings, and hope for improvement. There's enough good to make me willing to keep trying things out on the menu.

Above avg tapas; nice service. Unbearably noisy. Do't plan on talking. Wish they'd turn down the music or pad the walls or both. Stool seats only indoors.

How nice to find a place with such a fantastic laid-back classy atmosphere and great food to boot. I met a friend for a drink and food and we enjoyed every bite. Our server was passionate about the food and wine he served, but not at all pushy. They let us stay and talk for hours on a busy night, which I appreciated. The crowd was also nice - it was a mix of young and old, dates, friends, and even some people there solo with books at the bar. Overall it felt lively and relaxed. The food was a touch on the pricey side, but that's what you get for tapas. The wine was a steal at $11 for 250ml (about 2 glasses), with lots of inexpensive choices to choose from. I will definitely be back!