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Mercado Central NYC – Copa y Caña
Master Critic Review
Mercado Central NYC – Copa y Caña
8.2
Spanish colmado and tapas bar in Gowanus combining shelves of tinned fish, jamón, and pantry staples with a small café in back. Guests snack on boquerones, tortilla española, and squid-ink rice with vermouth or wine, making it feel closest to an in-Spain pintxo bar experience in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortilla Española, Boquerones with Olive Oil, Squid-Ink Rice with Piquillo Peppers
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Spanish specialty market certified as an official colmado where you can both shop for imports and sit down to serious tapas.
Who should go: Spanish product nerds and tapas fans who appreciate tinned fish.
When to visit: Late afternoons and early evenings before peak weekend crowds.
What to order: Tortilla española, a tinned-fish plate with boquerones, squid-ink rice special if offered.
Insider tip: Buy a favorite tin or jamón at the shop and have the café plate it for a small fee to turn shopping into an impromptu tapas session.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Gowanus is generally manageable on weeknights but tight on weekends; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy — neighborhood attire is the norm, though many lean slightly stylish for evening tapas.
Noise level: Moderate — the small café hums with conversation and music, but you can comfortably hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for a small table during peak hours; bar seats sometimes open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though inventory shoppers may fill seats briefly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — tortilla española, pan con tomate, manchego plates, and rotating veggie-forward tapas.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based conservas or vegetable tapas depending on the day's offerings.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-free (tinned fish, tortilla, rice dishes), but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate café setup, shareable tapas, and curated Spanish products create a relaxed but distinctive setting that works well for a low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the space is walk-in friendly, though weekend early evenings may require a short wait. Solo diners in particular can usually find a seat quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy small plates or snacks will be fine, but the space is compact with limited seating and not ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: A more authentic, market-meets-tapas-bar feel than nearby Spanish or Latin spots, especially for lovers of tinned fish, vermouth, and casual pintxo-style eating.
Skip if: You want full entrées, large-group seating, or a long, sit-down dinner experience — the space is small and designed for lighter, more informal dining.