Pintxos Crawl: The Best Basque Tapas Bars in Spain
Introduction
Spain is known worldwide for its delicious cuisine, and Basque country is no exception. The Basque culture prides itself in its pintxos, which are small appetizers served on top of a slice of bread. The way to enjoy these delicacies is by going on a pintxos crawl, visiting different bars and tasting their specialties. In this article, we will explore some of the best pintxos bars in Basque country, Spain.
Bar Nestor
Located in the heart of San Sebastian, Bar Nestor is a small and cozy restaurant that is known for its steak pintxos. The bar only serves two types of pintxos, and they are so popular that people line up outside as early as 10am to secure their order. Nestor's steak pintxos are made from top-quality beef, seasoned with salt, and cooked on a hot skillet. The result is a juicy, flavorful bite-sized piece of meat.
- Address: Pescadería, 11, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm, 6pm-10pm
La Viña
If you have a sweet tooth, La Viña is the place for you. This pintxos bar is known for its delicious cheesecake, which is so popular that people come from all over to try it. The cheesecake is rich and creamy, with a caramelized top that adds texture and flavor. La Viña serves other pintxos as well, but the cheesecake is definitely the star of the show.
- Address: Calle de 31 de Agosto, 3, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9am-11pm
Ganbara
Ganbara is a traditional pintxos bar in San Sebastian that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The bar has a diverse selection of pintxos, with everything from octopus to foie gras. One of their most popular dishes is the mushroom and shrimp skewer, which is cooked to perfection and served with a garlic mayo sauce. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a drink and some pintxos with friends.
- Address: Calle de San Jeronimo, 19, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-3:30pm, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
A Fuego Negro
A Fuego Negro is a modern pintxos bar in San Sebastian that offers a creative and innovative take on traditional Basque cuisine. The bar has an industrial-style decor, with exposed brick walls, metal chairs, and colorful pop art. The pintxos are equally impressive, with dishes like the bull burger, made with minced beef and served on a mini-brioche bun with tzatziki sauce. A Fuego Negro is a lively and vibrant place to enjoy some delicious pintxos and drinks.
- Address: Calle de 31 de Agosto, 31, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm. Closed Sunday.
Casa Urola
Casa Urola is a charming and traditional pintxos bar located in the Old Town of San Sebastian. The bar has an old-fashioned decor, with an impressive collection of wines lining the walls. The pintxos are made with top-quality ingredients, and they have a wide selection of meat and seafood dishes. One of their most famous pintxos is the crispy pig ear with garlic aioli, a crunchy and flavorful dish that is a must-try.
- Address: Calle Fermin Calbeton, 20, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-3:30pm, 7pm-11pm. Closed Sunday.
Borda Berri
Borda Berri is a cozy and welcoming pintxos bar in San Sebastian that has a rustic decor and a warm atmosphere. The bar has a menu that changes every day, depending on the availability of fresh ingredients. There is always a good selection of meat and seafood pintxos, but the real highlight is the foie gras with apple and Pedro Ximénez sauce. The dish is sweet, savory, and creamy all at the same time, and it is a favorite among locals and tourists.
- Address: Calle Fermin Calbeton, 12, 20003, San Sebastian
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 1pm-3:30pm, 8pm-10:30pm
Conclusion
Going on a pintxos crawl in Basque country is a fun and delicious way to experience the local culture and cuisine. From traditional to modern, there are plenty of pintxos bars to choose from, each with their own unique specialties. Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a fun night out, a pintxos crawl is a must-do activity when visiting Basque country.