Dobleve

Eating your way through tapa bars in Granada is one way to really experience what life is like in this town. Hit it right and you’ll find the locals laughing, smiling, and really loving life. You’ll be pleasantly sated yourself and all for less than a dinner out in the US or even a movie ticket in some places. Although we will recommend some specific places in Granada (just ask us!), we do so mostly for those who may not find any of the good spots otherwise. Our real tapa recommendations are these:

• Respect the Spanish schedule. Afternoon tapas are served generally from 2-4 and at night tapas are generally served from 9-12. (Anything served outside these times is most likely touristy schlock.)
• Get out of the touristy areas. Walk up side streets and explore. Look for bars with lots of people in them and choose those.
• Free tapas are only served (during the above mentioned hours) and when you order beer, wine or something like soda (Fanta, Nestea, Coca Cola). Tapas are not served with cocktails or coffee.
• Be adventurous and keep an open mind. If you get off the beaten track you will be served all kinds of tapas that look nothing like manchego cheese, jamon or olives – the absolute staples of tourist tapas. We have tried all kinds of new things and combinations of foods we’ve never seen and we love it. What’s the worst that can happen??
• Don’t be intimidated. Learn how to order your drink, and that’s all you’ll really need. For example, if you like a small beer and a tapa, order a caña – “cahn-yah”. A larger beer – tuvo (too-boh). For a glass of red wine order vino tinto (bee-noh teen-toh), for a glass of white – vino blanco (bee-noh blahn-coh), or, order anything like Fanta, Coca Cola, Agua con gas, etc. and the rest will happen naturally.
• Tapas are automatically served when you order your drink and will follow a first, second, third, (etc.) pattern. So if you order one drink watch for the server to bring you (or hand over the bar) a plate of first tapas or “primeras”. Order another drink and soon you’ll be served a different tapa or the “Segunda” and this will last for as many drinks as you order although, most likely, you’ll be full or have hopped on to the next bar after two or three drinks and tapas. (There are just so many tapa bars and so little time!)

Enjoy!!