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Boqueria

53 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
$$$
Spanish, Hidden Gems 

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Boqueria 8.2
Chelsea
A lively Barcelona-style tapas bar where shareable small plates and steady kitchen timing drive repeat visits. The menu hits crowd favorites—crispy potatoes, charred seafood, and house-style paellas—while the upbeat room makes it easy to settle into a long meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Patatas bravas, Pulpo a la plancha, Paella de mariscos
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-energy tapas destination with strong multi-platform validation.
Who should go: Friends who like to order wide and share.
When to visit: Happy hour into dinner.
What to order: Patatas bravas, pulpo, seafood paella.
Insider tip: Order a mix of hot and cold tapas before committing to paella.
Boqueria 8.8
Chelsea / Flatiron border
A lively tapas spot offering Spanish‑style plates and small bites, drawing both locals and visitors for shared meals. The mix of classic tapas and vibrant atmosphere makes it a dependable casual dinner choice. Good portion sizes and fair pricing make it attractive for groups looking to sample varied dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: Patatas Bravas, Chorizo & Manchego Plate, Sangria Pitcher
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Spanish tapas done well with lively shared‑plate atmosphere.
Who should go: Groups, friends, casual diners
When to visit: Evening, dinner time
What to order: Patatas Bravas; Chorizo & Manchego Plate; Sangria Pitcher
Insider tip: Great for groups — request a high‑top for easier sharing
Boqueria 8.4
Chelsea / Flatiron boundary
A lively tapas‑style spot offering sharable plates and quick service, good for informal business lunches or light midday meals. The menu’s breadth—from small tapas to full mains—makes it easy to tailor to schedules and appetite. It balances quality and speed while offering a pleasant, vibrant atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes: Patatas Bravas, Grilled Octopus, Churros
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tapas‑style Spanish plates that suit group or solo lunches alike.
Who should go: Colleagues or clients grabbing lunch together
When to visit: 12–1:30pm weekdays
What to order: Patatas Bravas, Grilled Octopus, Churros
Insider tip: Share a few tapas instead of a full entrée for quicker service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but limited, valet options nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are fine, but aim for a dressier look.
Noise level: Moderate – good for casual conversation, but may get lively during peak times.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with various vegetable-based tapas.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options like patatas bravas and roasted vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to prevent cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the vibrant atmosphere and shareable plates make it a great casual spot for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While reservations are recommended, you can usually find a table during weekdays, especially if you're flexible with timing.
Is it kid-friendly? It's not specifically kid-focused, but the casual nature and shareable dishes can work for families with older children.
Best For
Better for: Faster service with a variety of tapas, perfect for a quick, casual business lunch or group gathering.
Skip if: Looking for a quieter, more intimate dining experience or a full entrée-focused meal.
Boqueria 8.5
Flatiron
A Spanish tapas bar offering shareable plates and midday specials — ideal for group meals or casual dinners without overspending. Its mix of small plates and ambient energy makes it a solid choice for budget‑conscious diners seeking flavor and variety.
Must-Try Dishes: Patatas bravas, Chorizo al vino, Gambas ajillo
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Tasty Spanish small plates at moderate prices in a social setting.
Who should go: Friends or small groups on a budget.
When to visit: Early evening or late lunch for midday deals.
What to order: Patatas bravas, chorizo al vino, garlic shrimp (gambas ajillo).
Insider tip: Lunch specials offer good value — ask for menu of the day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours. Consider using a nearby parking garage.
Dress code: Casual, with no strict dress code. Jeans and comfortable attire are fine.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but still suitable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak dining hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekdays, though it can get busier around 1-2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are several vegetarian-friendly options like patatas bravas and various salads.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2-3 vegan options, mostly relying on vegetable-based tapas.
Gluten-free options: Yes – they offer gluten-free options and are able to accommodate dietary restrictions with prior notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the ambiance is casual yet trendy, making it a great spot for a relaxed and enjoyable first date. The shared tapas style encourages conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can often get a table without a reservation, but during busy times (weekends or evenings), it's recommended to book ahead to avoid waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, Boqueria is suitable for kids. The casual atmosphere and small plates are great for families, though it's more of a casual dining experience than a dedicated kids' spot.
Best For
Better for: Boqueria excels in providing affordable, flavorful tapas in a lively, social setting, making it ideal for group gatherings or casual meals with friends.
Skip if: Skip Boqueria if you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience or if you're seeking fine dining with intricate dishes.

Hours

Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm