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Bota Tapas & Paella Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bota Tapas & Paella Bar
8.4
Spanish tapas and paella served from the Warwick’s streetfront space with heated outdoor tables. It’s a downtown go-to for shareable plates and a glass of Tempranillo before shows near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Gambas al ajillo, Pulpo a la plancha
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Downtown Spanish tapas with patio seating and reliable paella.
Who should go: Pre-show diners and tapas sharers
When to visit: Evenings after 7:30pm for easier patio seats
What to order: Seafood paella; garlic shrimp; grilled octopus
Insider tip: Ask for socarrat on the paella for extra caramelized crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite parking; nearby garages on O’Farrell and Mason ($10–$15 evening rates). Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean stylish since it’s pre-show dining.
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter on the heated patio—conversation-friendly unless peak weekend crowds.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; patio especially competitive pre-show.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; some tables available even outdoors.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple tapas (patatas bravas, tortilla Española, roasted veggies).
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 small plates can be adapted (salads, some veggie tapas).
Gluten-free options: Yes – many grilled seafood and meat dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the lively tapas format and heated outdoor tables make it ideal for sharing plates and conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays, but weekends and pre-show times fill fast; reservations are strongly recommended if you want the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – the menu skews adult, and the vibe leans date-night and group outings. Older kids may enjoy the paella, but it’s not geared for families with small children.
Best For
Better for: Spanish-style sharing with authentic paella and outdoor seating near theaters—great for groups or dates who want atmosphere.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, kid-friendly meal or need a fully vegan menu; choose elsewhere for those priorities.
Bota Tapas & Paella Bar
8.3
Spanish tapas and paellas near Union Square with a shareable, date-friendly menu and a polished bar program. Portions suit splitting, and the paella lineup anchors the experience without feeling overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Gambas al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: Paella-focused Spanish kitchen with a strong tapas lineup near theaters.
Who should go: Couples who like sharing paella and tapas
When to visit: After 8:00pm for a calmer dining room
What to order: Seafood paella; gambas al ajillo; croquetas
Insider tip: Paella cooks to order—plan for a 25–30 minute lead time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce around Union Square after 6pm; best bet is the Mason/O’Farrell garage a block away (~$5–7/hr).
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate-high; buzzy bar energy but you can still hold a conversation at tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes quicker.
Weekday lunch: No wait; service is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dedicated tapas like patatas bravas, veggie paella, and manchego plates.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options if you combine salads and sides; paella not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes – paella is naturally gluten-free and some tapas can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the shareable tapas format encourages interaction and the lively room feels fun without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect to wait at peak hours; bar seats open more often for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal – better for adults; no kids’ menu and atmosphere skews toward cocktails and date-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Ideal if you want authentic paella with polished bar service close to theaters and Union Square shopping.
Skip if: If you need a quiet, kid-friendly meal or fully vegan options, look elsewhere.
Bota Tapas & Paella Bar
8.2
Spanish tapas and paella bar inside the Warwick hotel serving classics like gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, and multiple paellas. Locals use it for pre-theater dinners and shareable small plates near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Paella and classic Spanish tapas a block from Union Square.
Who should go: Tapas lovers and pre-show diners
When to visit: Early evening before theater rush
What to order: Seafood paella, patatas bravas, garlic shrimp
Insider tip: Bar seats are quickest on busy show nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite valet; use nearby garages like the Union Square Garage on Geary. Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans with a nice top or jacket work well, but many dress a bit sharper for the theater crowd.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—expect background buzz from groups, but conversation is possible without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; walk-ins usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—patatas bravas, tortilla española, and multiple veggie tapas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—garlic mushrooms and a couple of veggie sides, but paellas use animal stock.
Gluten-free options: Yes—paella and many tapas are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise on safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—shareable plates and a buzzy, stylish room make it a fun and low-pressure setting for a date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or if you’re early, but reservations are smart on weekends or pre-theater nights. Bar seating is a reliable backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—geared more to adults and groups. Older kids who like sharing plates may enjoy, but it’s not set up for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater dining and authentic paella with a social, shareable format steps from Union Square.
Skip if: You want a quiet, kid-oriented dinner or a fully vegan meal—other spots may fit better.