Whenever we mentioned that we would be staying in the beautiful and historically rich city of Granada, the first thing people would say is “Tapas, tapas, tapas!”. Yes, Granada has lots of tapas and is one of the few places that the buy-a-drink and get-free-food tradition still exists. However, after arriving in Granada we didn’t exactly know how to go about getting free tapas and where we should be looking. The list below will deliver you straight to some of the best tapas bars in town. Because one thing is for sure, not all tapas are created equal, and if you go to the wrong place you will get lame tapas, and nobody wants that.
The first thing to know about all the of places on our list is that you will get free tapas if you order a drink. Yes, order a drink and they will bring you a free plate of snacks. Some places are faster than others, and some places will seem like they have forgotten, but trust me they have not. At many tapas bars, if you order a single drink, alone, they will bring you a small plate with one tapa; if you are a couple who orders two drinks, they will bring you a slightly larger plate to share. Typically, you do not get to choose your tapa and the bartender will just bring you whatever they are making that night. However, they often have multiple tapas on deck so that with your first drink order they will bring you one tapa, with your second drink order another type of tapa, and so on. Have an open mind with the tapas they bring you as you may find something you never knew you liked. Chelsea was a lifelong hater of both olives and mushrooms, but quickly converted after eating some great dishes at Bodegas Castaneda.
The Best of the Best
Our plan was simple; research the best tapas bars in Granada, and then try as many as we could. While this list is by no means exhaustive of the best Granada has to offer, they were the best of the ones we tried. If you have extra time to explore and try other places, please, by all means go and drink to your heart’s content – just promise to tell us if you find something awesome we missed!
1. Bodegas Castaneda: Top Pick if you can only go to one bar
Food: 4 Stars Drinks: 5 Stars Ambiance: 5 Stars Price: 4 Stars (~2 – 2.85 Euro)
We found ourselves going to Bodegas Castaneda almost every evening and had a hard time justifying going to try other tapas bars. If you are looking for a lively, jam-packed, Spanish experience,this place is for you. The drinks are reasonably priced and the tapas are excellent. They are located near the Plaza Nueva and close to many other tapas and dining options. We highly recommend you try some of their house vermouth, the jerez oro is excellent.
Recommended: Try the house drink – the “Calicasa”
Address: Calle Almireceros, 1-3, 18010 Granada, Spain
2. Bar Poe: Top Pick for best food (non-traditional)
Food: 5 Stars Drinks: 3 Stars Ambiance: 5 Stars Price: 4 Stars (~2.25 Euro)
Bar Poe’s unique take on the Spanish tapas bar is refreshing and delicious. The bar doesn’t serve traditional Spanish tapas, but instead dishes up vibrant flavors from around the world. If your focus is on food, rather than alcohol, then Bar Poe is for you. After our first trip we had to keep coming back until we had eaten every tapa on the menu. Unlike most other tapas bars, you get to pick your tapa at Bar Poe. The bar is a bit off the beaten path, but is definitely worth a trip.
Recommended: The spicy “Piri Piri” and Coconut Curry Chicken
Address: 18002, Calle Verónica de la Magdalena, 40, 18002 Granada, Spain
3. La Gran Taberna: Great choice for hearty tapas and good drinks
Food: 4 Stars Drinks: 4 Stars Ambiance: 4 Stars Price: 5 Stars (~2 Euro)
La Gran Taberna is very good and has a similar feel to Bodega Castaneda, though perhaps a bit more low-key. The tapas are hardier and the drinks cheaper. If you are looking to fill up on free tapas, instead of going out to dinner, La Gran Taberna, Bar Poe, and Bar Avila (below) are good choices.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 12, 18009 Granada, Spain
4. Bar Avila: Another great choice for hearty, chose-your-own tapas
Food: 4 Stars Drinks: 4 Stars Ambiance: 4 Stars Price: 5 Stars (~2 Euro)
Bar Avila has excellent and very large tapas and good drinks. The bar has more of a locals-only feel and the bartenders may not speak any English. Luckily the menu comes in both Spanish and English and you are given the option to chose your own tapas. Awesome place!
Recommend: Jamon asado and octopus legs
Address: Calle Verónica de la Virgen, 16, 18005 Granada, Spain
5. Los Diamantes: Great stop for fried seafood and cold beer
Food: 4 Stars Drinks: 3 Stars Ambiance: 3 Stars Price: 5 Stars (~2 Euro)
It is hard to have a “best of” list without mentioning Los Diamantes. If you are in the mood for a quick beer and some excellent fried seafood, then it is hard to beat this bar. It has a bit more of a classic diner feel than some of the more traditional bars and is primarily for the beer drinker.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 13, 18009 Granada, Spain
On a final note: We originally went to Granada because of the promise of cheap eats, but we came away with a love of the city. There is hardly a place in Europe that has more history, more beauty, or more culture than Granada. While in the city, we purchased the Granada Card, which gets you into most of the historical sites and the Alhambra. We recommend this if you have the time, if nothing else (if you are like us) it will force you to get out and see all the sites just so you feel you got your monies worth. You won’t regret it.
