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El Lopo
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
El Lopo
8.2
Spanish-style aperitivo bar known for sherry, vermouth, and tapas-sized snacks. Locals slide in for porrones, conservas, and Iberian-leaning small plates before or after dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas bravas-style potatoes with saffron aioli, Galician-style empanada (rotating fillings), Conservas: sardines or razor clams
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sherry-and-vermouth-driven Spanish aperitivo with snacky, seasonal tapas.
Who should go: Wine and sherry lovers sharing small plates
When to visit: Late afternoon to early evening for easy seats
What to order: Patatas bravas, conservas, daily empanada
Insider tip: Ask for a porrón pour to share at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm on Polk—plan extra time or use a nearby garage on California Street.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many lean stylish given the aperitivo vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily open evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tapas like patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and seasonal veg options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plate choices depending on the season.
Gluten-free options: Some options like conservas and salads, but not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively but intimate enough, with playful pours and shareable plates that make for a fun icebreaker.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—bar seats and small tables are often available if you come before 6:30pm; later in the evening, expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is more of an adult aperitivo bar focused on sherry, vermouth, and small plates. Best for ages 21+.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for pre-dinner drinks, adventurous sherry and vermouth selections, and a buzzy tapas vibe you won’t find at a standard wine bar.
Skip if: You want a full dinner with entrées—this is more for snacks and drinks than a complete sit-down meal.
El Lopo
7.9
Spanish sherry and vermouth bar with rotating pintxos, conservas, and shareable snacks, ideal for a low-pressure date. The Galician-leaning wine list and casual counter service keep it lively without being fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galician-style Empanada, Iberico Pork Meatball (sherry sauce), Yukon Potatoes with Saffron Aioli
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Sherry-first Spanish bar with pintxos, conservas, and free tapas hour.
Who should go: Wine and sherry lovers who share plates
When to visit: Late evening for a calmer room and bar seats
What to order: Empanada del día, Iberico meatball, manchego platter
Insider tip: Hit 4–6pm for complimentary tapas with drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Polk and nearby cross streets; expect to circle during peak evenings. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for a date night feel.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar chatter, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for bar seats; small tables can be tough without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: N/A — they do not serve lunch service, only evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like cheeses, empanadas, and conservas.
Vegan options: Limited — a few small plates and olives work, but most dishes feature dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Some items like conservas and manchego are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low-pressure counter service, sherry flights, and small bites make it a relaxed but engaging choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — bar and counter seats are usually available for walk-ins, though peak weekend hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids — it’s a sherry-forward bar with limited seating and no children’s menu. Better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: More casual and adventurous than traditional Spanish restaurants, with a focus on sherry, vermouth, and pintxos-style dining.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down dinner with larger entrées; El Lopo is best for drinks and shared small plates.