0 Followers
Bartolo
Master Critic Review
Bartolo
8.6
Opened in 2025 by chef Ryan Bartlow of Ernesto’s, Bartolo is a subterranean Madrid-style taverna with low ceilings, dark wood, and a moody, romantic dining room. The menu leans into rich, traditional Spanish cooking—anchovies on pan de cristal, ajo blanco, oxtail, and occasional whole roasted asados—backed by a serious sherry and wine program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ajo blanco with honeydew or seasonal melon, Red wine–braised oxtail (Rabo de Toro) with patatas fritas, Cantabrian anchovies on pan de cristal
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Madrid-inspired, below-street-level taverna from Ernesto’s chef Ryan Bartlow, with serious Spanish cooking and transportive design.
Who should go: Date-night couples and small groups prioritizing atmosphere and serious Spanish wine.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours; reserve ahead for weekend evenings.
What to order: Ajo blanco, Cantabrian anchovies on pan de cristal, rabo de toro.
Insider tip: Book a later seating and build a longer meal around sherry, tapas, and a shared large-format asado if your group size and budget allow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on West Village side streets; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet service—most guests rely on nearby garages along Seventh Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; dark denim works, but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate—low ceilings and a lively dining room create ambience but still allow comfortable table conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service offered; closed during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful—ajo blanco, tortilla española, and select vegetable tapas appear regularly.
Vegan options: Very limited—Spanish menus here skew dairy- and seafood-heavy; expect 1–2 modifiable items at most.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes exist (anchovies, ajo blanco, rabo de toro), but shared prep spaces mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its moody, low-lit taverna setting and intimate tables create an ideal backdrop for a romantic first date, especially if both diners enjoy rich Spanish cooking and wine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights before 7pm, but walk-ins are tough on weekends. The bar counter sometimes seats small parties if you’re willing to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—the subterranean room, long meal pacing, and wine-driven format suit adults. Older teens may be fine, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven Spanish dining, sherry-focused nights, and rich, traditional plates served in a intimate, transportive room.
Skip if: You want a casual tapas crawl, lighter Mediterranean cooking, or a space suitable for families with young kids.