Nai Tapas
According to the Spanish Consulate in New York, in 2015 there were 30,960 Spaniards registered in the city. But, of course, you have to count the large handful of Spaniards who don't sign up because they won't spend enough time there or simply because they don't want to. In any case, New York is plagued by “very Spanish and many Spanish”. On specific dates, such as Easter, it is difficult to hear another language in the most touristic areas. Those who go only a few days may not need to eat a good potato omelette, but expatriates, those who have extended their stay for months or even indefinitely, need from time to time the warmth of feeling at home. For all of them (and for friends from other countries who ask us where to eat “teipas”) we make this New York typical Spanish compilation:
SPANISH RESTAURANTS
The first thing that a Spanish expatriate needs to satisfy is gastromorriña and in New York it is easy and even of quality.
Galicia House
In this cultural center located in Astoria for a couple of years you have to enter with the Galician card in your mouth to be able to eat or drink, but if you have it or know someone who is from the club, it is the best thing that can happen to you in New York exile, for the value for money. A Galician broth on those hangover days...
** The National **
It is the last remnant of what once came to be Little Spain . On 14th Street, in the heart of Chelsea, it has been there since 1868. It was a social club and in recent years a restaurant, a meeting point for the Spanish at football matches, but also one of the favorites of New Yorkers. It closed for renovation a year ago and now has a crowdfunding campaign underway to be able to finish the works and open again.
The Spanish Circle (or Queens Spanish Center)
The solution for all those who arrive in Astoria without their Galician card . And a most authentic solution. Although its entrance is somewhat hidden, the bar is perhaps the most successful, a true meeting point for expatriates and Spanish emigrants who have been in the city for decades. Asturians, Galicians, who arrived in the sixties and seventies and who still go every weekend to drink some wine and play dominoes although now they live in New Jersey .
New Jersey or Lugo?
The Rioja
Close to El Círculo Español, a Spaniard, raised in Uruguay, but a lover of his parents' homemade meals, created this restaurant that, although it looks so typical Spanish from the outside that it's scary, It has the best bravas in the area.
The preserves of La Rioja, so you don't miss anything
nai caps
“They serve sangria, and although the tapas are not very large, it has a Spanish tavern atmosphere. It is very tasty and, I repeat, they put a lot of bread, which is what I miss most in the restaurants here”, says Anina García, Asturian in New York for four years.
Other recommended: Tía Pol, La Boquería, Txikito, Tertulia, Socarrat paellas, El Quinto Pino, Salinas, El Born …
Without ham there is no paradise
WHERE TO BUY SPANISH PRODUCTS
** Despaign **
"It's like feeling in Spain, but in a gourmet Spain" says Anina Garcia. You can find Cola-Cao, anchovy stuffed olives, preserves and one of the best Spanish wine offerings.
Dean & Deluca : Spanish place zero, it is the quintessential New York delicatessen and, therefore, because New Yorkers are not stupid, they come here to buy Iberian Ham . The good one.
The Churreria : to drink or take away, churros with chocolate are always appealing.
Eat churros (gourmet) for breakfast in New York
PLACES FREQUENT BY SPANIARDS
smorgasburg
The flea market Williamsburg it is increasingly touristy, but still draws locals every weekend. And many Spaniards. "I only move for the ham", recognizes Noelia Linares . “And I go there for the ham toasts from the Fermín stand”. Fermín also has a store in Manhattan, offering Iberian products at a good price.
Black Iron Burger
These burger joints created by a group of Spaniards have carved a niche for themselves in the city due to their quality, but they are also a meeting point for the expatriate community. A perfect place to watch football matches.
Berry Park
The days of Madrid-Barça You have to arrive with plenty of time, it fills up as long as they complete capacity they don't let anyone else pass.
century 21
Expats go less, but if you want to hear Spanish for a while, in this mythical outlet you will hear it more than in the Cervantes Institute, by the way, another fundamental meeting point, with exhibitions, colloquiums, screenings...
Eden Spa and Salon
Sorry? Yes, the lack of reliable hairdressers at respectable prices is the silent big problem for Spaniards in New York. In this one in Harlem, several expatriates swear that they "cut it like in Spain" . The hairdresser is from Gandía.
** Mini Thai Cafe **
Yes, it is a Thai restaurant, but there are those who come here frequently for company.