Summary

The author, Shawn Forno, shares his passion for the authentic dining experience found in Spanish tapas bars, highlighting their chaotic charm, affordability, and the high quality of food and service.

Abstract

In an article titled "Standing Room Only," Shawn Forno reflects on his time in Spain and how tapas bars have rekindled his passion for dining. He describes the lively atmosphere of these establishments, where the absence of formalities like hosts and menus is replaced by a bustling, communal experience. Forno emphasizes the value of tapas, with high-quality local cuisine and wine offered at low prices. He contrasts this with American dining, noting the efficiency and simplicity of service in tapas bars, where customers are trusted to settle their bills honestly. The author's appreciation for the tapas culture is evident as he advocates for the charm and authenticity of eating standing up, which offers a quick yet fulfilling dining experience.

Opinions

The author finds Spanish tapas bars to be superior to American restaurants in terms of atmosphere, service, and value.
The lack of formal greeting and reservation systems in tapas bars contributes to their authentic and chaotic charm.
The affordability of Spanish tapas, with a typical night out costing much less than in the United States, is a significant advantage.
The pace of service in tapas bars is notably fast, allowing for a quick meal without sacrificing quality.
The trust-based system of ordering and paying for food and drink without opening a tab is seen as a testament to the mutual respect between patrons and staff.
The author believes that the tapas bar experience, with its emphasis on fresh, local food and efficient service, represents how dining out should be.
Forno suggests that the tapas culture has made him reconsider his previous negative views on dining out due to its combination of charm, service, ambiance, and affordability.

Standing Room Only

How Spanish tapas bars rekindled my passion for dining

Me outside of one of the best tapas bars in Ourense, Spain (all photos by the author)

Walking into a Spanish tapas bar is chaotic.

There’s no host to smile and greet you at the door; no waitlist or reservation sheet to put your name on. Instead, all you’ll find are a few (usually occupied) tables, and a small open space in front of the crowded bar.

The buzz of conversation and clink of glasses fills the room.

A handful of bartenders maneuver past one another like acrobats, alternating between pulling small beers and pouring glasses of wine, while sliding small plates of olives, jamón, bocadillos, tortillas, and delicious local cheeses in front of the people standing at the bar or along slim “tables” against the wall outside.

Welcome to a tapería.

This is a “table” at one of my favorite tapas bars

If you want something to eat or drink, you wait your turn at the bar. Be patient; the bartender sees you. They’ll get to you when they have the time.

If you’re lucky, a faded chalkboard menu of pintxos (small skewered bites) and raciones (shared plates) will give you a vague idea of what they offer. But if you can’t decide (or can’t read the handwriting) just order jamón.

There’s always jamón.

When your tapa(s) arrives — usually minutes or even seconds later — the bartender might give you a fork, if you need one (but probably not). And then you eat, standing up, with your hands.

And it’s always delicious.

Spanish tapas is unbeatable value

Living in Spain for the past year has reshaped a lot of my habits and expectations, especially when it comes to restaurants and bars.

I’ve been thoroughly ruined by the affordable wine, fresh local cuisine, and efficient, no-nonsense service. And I don’t think I can ever go back to American restaurants.

Tapas bars are that good.

Yesterday, for example, my wife and I went on a tapas crawl to two of our favorite places in town. Here’s what we got:

She started with a succulent lomo (pork loin) and roasted pepper sandwich, then moved on to a grilled camembert pintxo with fresh fruit and a honey mustard reduction. It was ridiculous.

I had two different grass-fed Galician beef cheeseburgers with a variety of seasonal toppings and sauces. We also each had two different glasses of delicious local Mencía wine.

And our total bill — with tax and everything — was €23.40. What’s even wilder, is that a €23 night out is a splurge for us. We usually spend half that.

The affordability and value of Spanish tapas are unmatched, but it’s not even my favorite part of going out for tapas. Because the best part of Spanish tapas bars isn’t the food and wine (although they’re amazing).

It’s the pace.

Diner without the delays

Spanish tapas bars lack pretension. There’s no fluff, no unnecessary frills. Heck, sometimes there aren’t even chairs.

But if the food is good, and the price is right, you don’t need anything else for a great dining experience, especially when the service makes fast food in the States seem slow.

Spain has a (well-deserved) reputation for people who take hours to eat their meal. That absolutely happens, and if you want to live that “sobremesa” life, it’s everywhere.

But I was shocked to learn that if I want to grab a quick, delicious bite and a glass of wine, I can duck into a tapas bar and be back and be out and about in 15 minutes.

Because tapas bars do one thing well; they serve great food, very quickly.

And that’s about it.

If you want to go to a place where the staff “takes care of you”, by upselling you with “blooming onions” and jalapeño poppers, tapas bars aren’t for you.

You won’t get a glass of tap water with your meal. And no one will tell you about the specials. Because the “special” is always fresh, delicious, local food cooked to perfection.

Instead, the bartender will say “dime” (“tell me”) and then pour your drink. When your order is ready, they’ll bring it. And they won’t check back on you. Ever.

And if you want something, you get their attention and ask for it.

It’s the perfect system.

What’s even wilder, is that I’ve never had to pay for my food or drink when I order at a tapas bar — even when I’m eating outside (like in the photo above). They don’t even make you open a tab with your card.

This unprecedented level of trust and mutual respect creates a vibe where you can relax and enjoy your food and drink and settle up at bar when you’re done — usually by telling them what you ordered.

No muss, no fuss. The way dining out should be.

When in Spain…

Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan of going to restaurants.

Maybe it’s because I worked in the service industry for twenty years. Or maybe, like Rocco Pendola, I don’t like the way restaurants in the States rip people off with outrageous prices and shrinking portions.

Before moving to Spain last year, going out to have a nice meal had become an out-of-reach luxury that I couldn’t afford.

But Spanish tapas bars have shown me that it doesn’t have to be that way.

You can still find charming restaurants with fast, friendly service, ambiance for days, incredible local food, and excellent wine for a fraction of what you’re used to paying.

You just have to eat it standing up.

If you’re ever lucky enough to get to an authentic Spanish tapas bar, make sure to bring your appetite and a pair of comfortable shoes.

You’ll need them both.

Shawn Forno is a very left-handed travel writer with 20 years of travel writing experience for clients like Lonely Planet, Tortuga Backpacks, and Matt D’Avela. Sign up for his newsletter or check out his YouTube channel, Days We Spend, for videos about living in Spain.