Amazing! Have been craving for tapas and paella for a while and finally got to try this place out. We came here at 5pm and had no problem getting seated. -paella: looks incredible and taste delicious too. I like toro 's paella more though it's decent. -must try the hanger steak. Cooked perfectly(~medium rare ) -figs and chorizo; one of the popular dishes here and I would say it's pretty special. Not a big fan of the sauce but they taste pretty good together
(4)
Melanie M.
The food was amazing. The waiter was so attentive. My friends and I will definitely be back for more!
(5)
Lanya O.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. We had a very large group (11 people) and were seated so quickly without a reservation. We also had some extra friends join us, and they moved us to a larger table. Rob, the manager, is excellent and so accommodating! When we were at the bar for a second, I was able try a couple different wines that the bartender suggested and finally settled on one. It was perfect. We got our table and ordered some empanadas and the migas (so good!!). We had a great time. We even got a paella on the house! Tyler and Gabe, our waiters never left a glass unfilled and were amazingly attentive. At the end of the meal, they even split all the checks by item -- which is so hard for tapas! All in all, this place is a perfect 5. It's perfect for a night out with friends, date night, really whatever. We'll definitely be back. Thanks, Barcelona!!
(5)
Ann L.
Barcelona has a perfect summer patio that is such a nice getaway from the city, you will not want to leave. I recommend the white sangria (getting the pitcher is the way to go.)
(4)
J B.
We sat at the bar. Here is our experience! What can I say, the service was lackluster. The tapas went out before our bread came out, the bartender forgot our drink order, and it was like an act of congress to get one of the 3 bartenders attention. Additionally we were left without silverware.... The food was not memorable...Some tapas better than others, try the chorizo with figs really yummy; all the others were so expensive for what they were. The crepas were meh, so so cold very cold instead of the hot pastry cold ice cream everything was just cold. Additionally the temperature in the place was sweltering! Open a window!! No hooks under the bar! Add some hooks! People, especially in Boston have on tons of layers, what should I do with coat Barcelona, should I place it on the dirty floor. The place has a great concept that's unique for the area! But we would think twice of going there again, because there is a lot of missing elements to a full experience for their patrons!!! I was very disappointed.
(1)
Shawn Z.
Harisson is the man! Very attentive, made drink suggestions that were on point. Best grilled cheese I've ever had in my life. Very comfortable in a classy environment!
(5)
Janet G.
Really cute restaurant! Came here for brunch on Sunday. I liked the bread they served, warm and crusty. We ordered jamon for the table, and love how they cut the leg in front of you. Very tasty too. I had the chorizo benedict. I would say that the benedict dishes are not spectacular. The chorizo was good but felt slightly unsatisfied. It was probably because I had food envy for my friend's duck confit hash. I was split between that and what I ended up ordering and I wish I picked the duck hash. Will have to return for it. My friends' french toast looked good and both parties enjoyed it. One of my friend's daughters even exclaimed "yummy!" on the first bite. The fried chicken looked good too. Love that they have a live band playing. Definite points here! Can't wait to come back and try the tapas!
(4)
Alex R.
We didn't make a reservation and had were told we would have a 30-45 minute wait. While we waited slightly longer than the time they had told us, the manager brought us a lovely charcuterie platter on the house. The staff was extremely friendly and on point, despite the extreme volume of customers. All the food we ordered was artfully made and tasted amazing. Instant favorite. Would recommend to friends 10/10.
(5)
Victoria P.
Delicious food/drinks and wonderful ambience. I've come here a few times and the food is always on par. My all time favorite dish is the mussels diablo - the mussels are super tender and the sauce has just the right amount of kick. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My boyfriend really likes the traditional red sangria and I really like the summer st. sling. The service is always great and I love the rustic look and feel.
(4)
Karina L.
Rob, the manager at Barcelona WIne Bar, invited us back to make amends for the service we had last time. After much confusion, we finally had the chance to stop by this past weekend. Rob and the wait staff went above and beyond. We'd come back in a heartbeat now to finish off trying out the rest of the menu. Our waitress (I wish I got her name) was immensely pleasant and other waiters dropped off some additional must-try tapas throughout the meal. What a treat! Patatas bravas - Don't be underwhelmed the description. The potatoes were crisp and HOT. The aioli was fantastic, and we finished off the rest of the sauce with bread after the potatoes were done. Pigs ear - Rob said people request to be emailed when it's on the menu (which isn't often, so we were lucky!). I normally dislike pigs ear since they're always so tough but this pigs ear, which takes 4+ days to make, was soft, fatty, and delicious. Comes with a very very generous fistful of jalapenos. Albondigas - Tasty and moist meatballs. Actually tasted wonderful with our lobster fideos, which we *had* to get again since it was our standout dish last time. Roasted cauliflower - Delicious and creamy. Reminiscent of the patatas bravas. Chorizo and figs - A must get -- Wonderfully sweet and salty. Tasted great on top of bread with the whipped sheep cheese we ordered. Overall, our meal was flawless. I thank Rob and our waitress for our wonderful experience, and we'll be sure to come back sometime soon.
(5)
Rob Y.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday. Interior is darker and cosy and there's also outdoor seating for the days when the weather is nice. The food was excellent. I had the oxtail hash and it was done so well. Very savory, rich and really hit the spot. People raved about their meals and service was good. I was surprised to hear that this was a chain restaurant having locations in Atlanta and all over Conn. because it really felt like a intimate family-run type of place. Really enjoyed the food here and looking forward to visiting again next time we're in the area.
(5)
Minju K.
I went for nice dinner with 7 people and we had a great great time here. Their Sangria is AMAZING. we had the traditional white wine sangria and I want to try other ones cuz I heard all of them are really. For 7 people we ordered about 10 dishes of tapas and 3 people portion of chorizo paella. I love the food here so much and it's a really really nice date spot or place for come for fancy dinner with friends :) I would definitely bring my guests in town for dinner
(5)
SaraLee C.
My boyfriend and I went late on Sat., night (around 11pm) and even with reservations, had to wait a little bit, so, bottom line, a crowded and popular place (an auspicious start)! Food/drinks: Overall, the food was pretty good. We had a combination of light and heavy plates: the steak tartare, kale salad, salvaje fideos, foie gras terrine. They tasted ... fine. But, after reading all these reviews, maybe my expectations were unfairly high, but, I was unimpressed with the taste and quality of the food. Obviously, the food tasted fine (see above: popular place in Brookline), but, I just wasn't impressed. The steak tartare... I've had better. The kale salad was heavy and oily for a "light" dish. Also, the fresh bread was (again) fine, but, nothing spectacular. The sangria was fine, but, I've had better and bigger. Oh! And they butchered dessert! That is just unforgivable. The cliche "less is more" is so true. We ordered the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence (see someone else's ... unintentionally misleading picture below). The chocolate and hazelnut core was great, but, the coconut ice cream was LOADED with miniature chocolate chips! Could I please get a side of ice cream with my chips, please?! I tried to pick out the chips, but, I gave up. The coconut ice cream probably would have tasted wonderfully with the chocolate and hazelnut, but, the chips absolutely ruined the experience. The tart raspberry sauce was beautiful and tasty. But, those damn chips. Service: Friendly enough, but, a little too casual. Ambiance: It was a Saturday night and despite being 11:30pm, it was crowded and LOUD. The music choice was interesting... interestingly odd at times. The interior design was somewhat inventive, but, spatial organization was .... unrefined; it was jam packed. I felt like a sardine. BOTTOM LINE: Unimpressed. It was a ... good dining experience, nothing spectacular.
(3)
Craig S.
Made reservations here for Valentine's Day and it was a great spot! The food was delicious (although we occasionally had to google what something on the menu was). Once we placed our order, I bet we didn't wait more than 4-5 minutes before the dishes started showing up. Very fast and very tasty. Only downside was our reservation was for 7 and we didn't get seated until nearly 8. Probably just a product of the holiday but it was still was a little upsetting. But the food, service and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)
John K.
Barcelona is a great place for dinner and drinks. I have been there a few times and have been pleased with each meal I have had. The service is also great as the wait staff is always positive and helpful when I have questions about the menu. By far the best dish on their tapas menu is the octopus. They make it so well, and it is tender and amazing. The only reasoning I am not giving it five stars is because of the price. It can get pretty pricey if you have more than a couple tapas and drinks, and because of the size of some of the plates, you need to eat more than a couple to feel satisfied. But overall, I would be very happy to go to Barcelona again!
(4)
Amanda D.
A friend and I snagged the last two open seats at the bar. We were both surprised to see how packed it was for a late dinner on a Sunday night. I soon discovered why. The bartender was attentive, knowledgeable and just a nice, amiable dude. Food was outstanding. This style of food is my jam. Good-sized small plates so that you can sample tons of dishes in a communal spirit. I was visiting Boston and my dining companion said this place is one of his favorites - and within walking distance to his place. He recommended the potato tortilla, which is not something I would normally order but holy sh*t balls, it was tasty. Probably my favorite out the many dishes we shared, including scallops, beet salad, roasted cauliflower and beef empanadas. All of it was so good. I also had a Rioja wine flight, all three wines were delicious. And the bartender was happy (in fact, he offered) to let me sample a few wines following the flight so that I could find something a little different but equally as good. (Yeah, I can throw down on some red wine.) My best meal during the four-day stay in Boston. Hands down.
(5)
Molly S.
Excellent food and wait staff. You definitely want to always have a reservation because it's super busy and it can sometimes be loud but that's mainly from a lot of people having a great time there :). Don't miss out on the sangria, it's fabulous!
(5)
Carrie L.
If you love tapas, you'll love Barcelona. The restaurant feels warm and inviting, high ceiling, very spacious, with a lot of outdoor seating. I recommend getting a reservation even if it's for a small party. You can also grab a drink at the bar as you wait. If you are fond of cheese, you have to get their Whipped Sheep's Cheese! Smooth soft texture of mild sheep's cheese, topped with pistachios and smoked paprika. It is perfection and I can't stop thinking about it!! It serves with 2 crispy sliced bread, but that's not enough. The cheese portion is plenty, so you'll have to ask for extra bread on the side to devour the whole thing. This is the one item that will keep me coming back for more. Kale Salad with anchovy vinaigrette and bread crumbs was another good tapa. This was my first time trying kale. Kale's taste is comparable to guava. I wish had more bread crumbs on it though. The main star of this dish is kale, just kale. Spiced Beef Empanadas: Saucy beef with red pepper sauce on the side. Definitely different but not my favorite. Jamon + Chicken Croquettes: Five tiny balls crispy fried on the outside with creamy interior. I couldn't taste the meat well, and the portion is small. Tasty nonetheless. Grilled Hanger Steak: At the recommendation of our server. Thinly sliced with black truffle vinaigrette. Tender, juicy, and the black truffle vinaigrette made it what it is. Foie Gras Terrine with olive oil crumble and jam. Paired with a Sherry wine. The foie gras was delicious, a bit salty.. but that compliments the Sherry pairing. Recommended tapas portion is 2-3 per person. They also have paella, suckling pig, and mixed grill I wanted to try next. Good meal!
(4)
Tim B.
Was talked into trying this place again. So sad I wasted my hard earned cash. What is the appeal of this place? Food is mediocre, over-priced, and the crowds make it am unpleasant experience. Must be the location, since if isn't the cuisine.
(1)
Cameron P.
I decided to check out Washington Sq after reading this write-up in the Boston Globe: bostonglobe.com/lifestyl… I dine out a lot but I don't venture far from my area since I live in Cambridge and there are already so many place for me to go. However, when the Boston Globe calls Washington Sq "Boston's Best Foodie Neighborhood" it demands exploration. I settles on Barcelona Wine Bar as my first point of attack and I'm glad I did. Usually I am weary of tapas places because when you really like a certain dish it sometimes hard to hold yourself back before the other person has a chance to get their portion (anyone else have this problem?). At Barcelona I did not have this problem. I waited with a friend for an hour before we got seated which I would almost never do but it was 100% worth it and I would do it again. The service is friendly, spectacular, knowledgeable, nice, and every other positive adjective you can think of. The environment rules. It's casual enough that you can feel comfortable in any attire but it's nice enough that it still has a distinguished feel. They also serve hors d'oeurves to patrons waiting in line. Now let me break down the order: -Meat and cheese combo plate, we picked Finnicchiona (salami), Oriol de Montbru (buffalo cheese, like from a buffalo, not like Buffalo Wings), and Cabra Romero (goat cheese with rosemary...this was $17.50 -Spiced Chickpea fries...5 home fry style cubes with taziki sauce...this was $3.50 -Chicory Salad with green apples and prosciutto...about $10 -Eggplant caponata...I'm not usually a big eggplant person but caponata is amazing...about $10 -Grilled Brussels sprouts...this was my second time having Brussels sprouts in 20 years because I hated them as a kid, I decided to try them here and I now love them...about $10 -Barcelona Mixed Grill for 1 but was more than enough for 2...steak, pork, sausage, and chicken...$24.50 That's right...ALL of that food for $75. They also made me a virgin Rasberry Mojito since I don't drink. Any places that make mocktails for sober patrons get extra points in my book. I don't remember my servers name but at the end of the meal the Assistant GM Rob came over and asked me how everything was. After telling him how incredible our experience was I got him to take a picture with me (see photos, I am on the right). I will definitely be back here. Make your reservations early to avoid a wait. A least a day in advance.
(5)
ILya G.
Food was great, but waiter was very slow took 35 min to bring one of order that i and my aunt orderid
(2)
Deborah J.
Great place, I celebrated my birthday dinner with a couple of friends, great service and food.
(4)
Helia Z.
This might just be my favorite Boston area spot. Love their drinks, love their food, love the atmosphere - even though it's really loud at times. Totally affordable tapas and they are all so good! Waiters are usually pretty great (and funny), some of the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment. Great for friends, groups, dates, family... love it.
(5)
Amanda L.
One of my good friends has been raving about this place. She probably goes once a week since she lives nearby and every time she goes it just sounds better and better so I had to try it out. I went with said friend and another girl on a Saturday evening. One of the ladies got to the restaurant around 5:30 to put our name in since the wait for this place is ridiculous. After putting in our name they told her it would be about 25-30 minutes until we were seated. We snagged 2 seats at the bar and drank some tasty sangria while we waited for the third friend to show up. First we were glad it took longer than the anticipated wait time as our final member of our party showed up around 6:30, but we waited, and waited some more. Luckily our tardy friend was able to grab a seat next to us at the bar. 7:30 rolled around and we still hadn't been called so we just decided to eat at the bar. I think this place needs to do a better job of estimating wait time. I get that it's never exact, but there's a huge difference between 25-30 minutes and 2 hours. (I should also note that the host showed up at the bar around 6:30 to let us know we would be seated shortly as a few tables were finishing up/just getting their bills). Too bad 'shortly' in his head equates to 1+ hour. The food was fine. We ordered and shared the following: - Kale Salad - Jamon & Chicken Croquettes - Patatas Bravas - Truffled "Bikini" - Roasted Cauliflower - Meatballs - Scallops over Chick Peas We look like farm animals ordering so much food but the portions are tiny. The Kale Salad was so 'blah.' Skip it. We also noticed that the same truffle sauce was on the Patatas Bravas, under the Croquettes and Truffled "Bikini" and also on the Roasted Cauliflower. Redundancy at its finest. Looks like they found their magic recipe for truffle sauce and put it on everything which is a little disappointing. It should also be noted that the Truffled "Bikini" is basically a grilled cheese with ham and truffle oil. Skip it. Save yourself $9 and make it at home. For me, the standout items were the meatballs, which were so flavorful and tender, and the roasted cauliflower. Perfectly roasted with just the right seasoning and not overly coated in that truffle sauce. With everything that we ordered and a pitcher of sangria and a few beers I thought everything seemed fairly priced. We ended up paying about $33 each (not including tip). Check this place out. The food is decent but either make a reservation or show up early to grab a seat at the bar.
(3)
Reynolds P.
come for the tapas. stay for the tapas.
(5)
Jenna A.
I had such a pleasant meal and glass of wine, I must repeat the evening to give a better, detailed review. LOL
(4)
Darneesh T.
I went here with a friend last night, and it was amazing. For 5:30 p on a Saturday, this place was already packed as I sat at the bar waiting for said friend (gotta love the T). Anyhoo, the bartenders were incredibly attentive and even gave us a complimentary crepe after we had the marvelous tapas, wine and sangria. The only bad part was the expensive bill, but you get what you pay for here. Would definitely come again...and may have to be rolled out of there because you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Pro-tip: good for dinner with friends and a third date with the bae...its a little too loud for the first two dates
(5)
Jackie K.
Not the best tapas...but close. Lots of vegetarian options...best ones are torta (chive), the cauliflower and brocollini. Underwhelming was the asparagus and artichokes and patatas bravas. In the middle was the mushroom salad. Great drink menu for whatever you want (except beer)--I like the Bourbon Spice rack for a drink --very sweet--and I do not usually drink bourbon. Wine list is good. Also--best dessert were the crepes--amazing. Great waitstaff and prompt and friendly service. I've been to this place in New Haven and love it there. Here there is a little more competition but it is still good. The place is also not too loud so you can talk with your friends without screaming at each other across the table.
(4)
Christina H.
I cannot say it enough - this place is great! Time & time again my girlfriend and I have experience exceptional service and delicious food. Our latest visit was on Saturday, July 11th, and we had an amazing time. Our waiter, Eamon, was incredibly attentive and had a great personality. The rest of the waitstaff that we encountered were just as pleasant. This restaurant has become one of my all-time favorites and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Dale F.
Delicious legitimate Catalonian-influenced cuisine. Fresh, locally sourced provisions. Exceptional wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Pleasant staff. Attractive.
(4)
Mike H.
I 100% know this review probably won't be that helpful, but just hear me out. I have a friend who absolutely has her game face on all the time. She organized a night out with four of our other friends, and planned out an itinerary. She even factored into the time it would take for a table to be ready (used it as bar mingling time), and travel time on to the next venue. All of this was done in a very non-controlling way, and totally worked. Well. She had been the only one that had ever been to Barcelona. So she took it upon herself to order for us as we all stared at the menu. Before we knew it, food was showing up at the table before I even had a chance to order another drink (the drinks were made very well, so kudos). I remember the food being delicious, and I'l try to remember what was ordered. I remember seeing meatballs, meat that was almond fed all its life, or something like that, hangar steak, patatas bravaro and a cheese plate. Next time I go I'll know what to order (or at least attempt it), but for a good group dinner, it's a fun time.
(5)
Lindsay K.
Had such a good meal here last night with some friends. Thought we were going to spend a fortune because of how much we ordered but were so pleasantly surprised when we got the check and it was totally reasonable!! The food itself was also amazing and perfectly portioned! Some of our favs included the sea bass ceviche, the ham and chz bikini (SO GOOOOOD), the hanger steak, the scallops. Since it was my friends birthday, we got the crepes which were also delicious! We also got a pitcher of sangria which was so yummy and worth it! Would definitely come back for another meal soon!
(5)
Ashley D.
Best place for tapas in Boston. I've been here a few times now and each time I've had an amazing experience. First off, they have a really, really good looking staff (never hurts a business). It's usually very crowded, especially on the weekend, but as long as your prepared to either wait a bit or make a later reservation, it's really not that bad. The bar has been pretty packed each time I've come in so it can be hard to get a drink while you're waiting but the bartenders are nice to look at so if you have to stand around waiting you at least have something pretty to focus your attention on. All the good things we ate: -chorizo with sweet and sour figs -paella dishes: I've tried the mushroom and the sausage and rabbit. My friend who's lived in Spain for a few months said that it is legit Spanish paella so she's backing it up. -patatas bravas -mushroom risotto -goat cheese croquettes The tapas menu changes on the regular so it varies everytime you visit, but honestly I can't imagine going wrong with anything on the menu. Each dish has a unique combo of traditional and creative flavors and they all taste awesome. One of our friends also has a lot of dietary restrictions and the kitchen and our waitress were extremely accommodating and so so sweet. If I had the money, I would be here every week! It's the perfect place to hangout with a group of friends and enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.
(5)
RoslindaMal E.
-The Bar- I arrived a bit early for my 8:15 reservation, so we hung out at the bar for a spell. The area around the bar felt club-esque; very vibrant and very loud from the background music and the wall to wall people. As the bar area is loud, you need to
(4)
Gretzsky Z.
The tapas here are good, but the dessert menu and service are lackluster. Therefore, I'm giving Barcelona two stars. I had a very bad experience here two Saturdays ago (November 8th). I came in with a group of three friends (four total including me) around 11 pm on Saturday. The restaurant and bar, yet we waited over 10 minutes to order a drink at the bar while we waited for a booth to open up. None of the bartenders even acknowledged us and we weren't able to order any drinks while we waited. After we were seated, we had our first server take our orders. Five minutes later-another server comes back and informs us that the first one is gone because they transitioned shifts. Which was fine-so we put in our oder again. I then received the wrong type of sangria-I ordered the "fall herb syrup" one, but was given the fruit sangria instead. Because of the slow service, I didn't even bother to re-order. The server also came back and asked me a second time what I had ordered for dessert. When I finally received my dessert (the chocolate hazelnut indulgence), I was immediately disappointed. There was no hint of hazelnut in it and it tasted like a re-heated frozen lava cake that you find at the grocery store or at Chili's. Definitely not up to par with the rest of the culinary offerings here. None of my friends liked the dessert either. When we got our bill, my friend noticed that she was charged for a drink that she didn't order. Needless to say, the service that night was inattentive and incredibly sloppy. I doubt that I am going to return to Barcelona because of this experience.
(2)
David C.
I've always lamented the lack of unique and delicious dining options in Brookline that don't serve sushi, but Barcelona Wine Bar, which recently opened in Washington Square featuring a delicious array of meats and cheeses, tapas, and larger plates, is a step in the right direction. I highly recommend the grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette and the chorizo with figs (make sure to request extra bread to mop of their respective sauces). Even if the food weren't as good as it is, BWB would be an amazing place to come for drinks. As I've only been for brunch (yes, they even do brunch, although it's a little pricey, and you're better off getting eggs than french toast) I've yet to see the bar area come alive, but given how warm and inviting the space is, I can only imagine good things. Expect to see me here again real soon with any number of empty cocktail glasses scattered in front of me. I saw lots on the menu that I need to try.
(4)
Camila S.
So good! Had the croquettes, patatas bravas, migas, albondigas, and egg tortilla. All were perfect! The tapas are reasonably priced for the caliber of restaurant. We sat outside when it was 50 degrees and were given blankets and sat near the heaters. Very nice environment. The service was impeccable. I loved this place! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Been here a few times and to the ones in CT. Each time drinks have come out completely wrong or been totally forgotten about when you order at your table. Disappointing because food is interesting and the hangar steak is awesome! 2 main issues: you have to call to make reservations. The woman who answered was rude and that's after calling 5 times to get someone to answer the phone. She then said they were too busy at time we wanted and had us come a half hour earlier. When we got there restaurant was completely empty. The host staff and bored servers congregate at entry way. Then they all constantly watch you eat your meal and whisper while staring at you so they can try to seat someone at your table when you get up. If you wanted to know what it's like to be a zoo animal this is the place for you. Don't like being rushed through a meal especially in a quieter neighborhood.
(3)
Annie I.
I have been here several times with my family and every single time they deliver. Great wine, great food, great experience. Get the serrano ham, the mushroom tapas, the truffle bikini, and the bravas. So so good!
(5)
Dot T.
This is one of our favorite local spots. We love everything about it here. The service is excellent - from management, to waitstaff, to bartenders. The atmosphere is inviting - both in the winter and the summer, and the music is great. We come back, however, for the food. There is something on the menu for everyone and the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal. We love that the menu changes, but the staples remain the same.
(5)
Clare F.
Going to a spanish place with chilli, hot pepper, and paprika allergies is not ideal. I understand that, and also do my best to try not to be too much of a pain, and to avoid opting for places that serve things with those ingredients. But bachelorette parties go great with sangria, so we ended up here last night. Our server James and his co-server Tyler were phenomenal. James was chatty and friendly, quick to recommend (even if it meant we opted for the $26 sangria pitcher rather than the $52 "carafe"). When someone's beer took some time to come out, he came over to reassure us that he was on top of it. We started with a few meats and cheeses. James was quick to warn me of cross-contamination with the meats, and to stick to the cheeses, which I was happy to do. We ordered the manchengo, a goat described as grassy, and a smoked cow's milk. They were all divine. The goat was incredible and spread well on the crusty bread, and the smoked cheese was even smokier than most smoked goudas, in a great way. The olive oil paired with the bread was super flavorful. The white sangria was the perfectly refreshing drink. We ended up getting two pitchers. I loved that it came with apple slices hanging out with the liquid - I had just as much fun fishing out the apples to eat as drinking the sangria itself! Be careful though - it is stronger than it tastes, We ordered several tapas next, several of which I couldn't eat, but whatever. James assured me that he'd get us patatas bravas without the spice and just the aioli, and I was able to munch on the kale salad as well. First patatas bravas plate comes out - served on top of a tomato-looking sauce. I had a friend try it first and she confirmed that the sauce had some heat. Totally fine. James came to check on us, and apologized that the potatoes had the spice, he had asked for it on the side. Totally fine. He said he would send over a new plate. The other food comes out and everyone loved it. I munched on kale and polished off the last piece of bread, waiting for potatoes. Out comes the second plate of patatas bravas. At first it looked ok, and then we discovered that the sauce was still there, but there was just less of it. I'm really not one to complain, servers have a hard enough job as it is, but James the wonder-waiter noticed it, and went back to the kitchen to try to get me a actual plate of potatoes I could eat. He was so apologetic and finally I got my non-spicy potatoes, still with the delicious aioli. What a treat! And everyone else had been able to eat the rest of the food, so I was pretty much the only one eating them. The manager came out and apologized as well, and James brought the dessert menu. We split three between the five of us - churros, a chocolate-hazelnut concoction, and cookies with a caramel sauce sandwiched in between them. All were divine. The churros were the right amount of cinnamon-y and flakey, and they were served with hot chocolate dipping sauce. The cookies were light and the caramel sauce had just enough salt to cut the sweetness. The chocolate hazelnut blog was unreal. It is always surprising how cheap tapas can run you with a big party, but when we got the bill we saw they had comped us ALL of the potato orders, as well as one of the desserts. Really appreciated that. Bravo, Barcelona. You are a model of customer service. Even if you had gotten everything right at the beginning, you still would have gotten the full five stars.
(5)
Marceline V.
Worth the wait! I visited for the first time last weekend and fell in love!! This was my first time at a tapas restaurant and I didn't think I would be full but was pleasantly surprised by how full one can get when sharing food. The wait was long...they opened at 5pm and they were busy for the rest of the night. While we waited they brought out appetizers to sample (Jamon and Chicken Croquettes) and traditional red Sangria. I didn't taste the appetizer (the pescetarian in the group) but the Sangria was very good. Once we were finally seated we were greeted by a great waiter who made our first time very pleasant. He answered all of our questions and gave great suggestions. For dinner I ordered the Spinach-Chickpea Casuela and the Lobster Fideos. Both of which were amazing! I also had the red ginger pepper Sangria and it was perfect! Just the thought of the whole night makes me want to run back there this evening!
(5)
Ashley R.
This is the best place for a group of people! Very casual and very friendly staff. I have been here a few times, and the other day was the first time the manager came over and actually had a conversation with me. He was very polite and friendly.
(5)
Nuvia B.
This was the best food I've had in a long time. The hanger steak and the hot dahlia were both superb!
(5)
Shivangi S.
I have been to this place twice in three days, and my two experiences were very different from each other. The first time I went was on a Saturday afternoon. Since I'm vegetarian, I ordered the tomato soup and they made the vegetable paella upon request. Both were fantastic! The tomato soup had a great depth of flavour and beautiful texture. For dessert, I ordered the churros and they were out of this world! Uber fluffy and delicious. The second time I went was for dinner on monday. The tomato soup was off the menu, which disappointed me. I ordered the butternut squash and chickpea tapas . Both were very average. So was the veggie paella. The only three things that made my night were their warm bread, churros and service!
(4)
Daniel P.
Great restaurant. My personal favorite that these guys do the Jamon Iberico the real way. It just melts in your mouth. All of the food here is good and very well done. Meats are juicy, salads well made, just overall great. This place is also kicking! There is always a line, but i think it is worth it. The food is a little pricey, but i think it is well worth it. Also the sangria is great as expected. Check it out!
(4)
Sonia N.
We went here as a large party for my birthday last week, a group of 10 to be exact and what can I say, we ate up a storm! Our pitchers of red sangria were never empty and we devoured any and all food that arrived at our table within minutes. Now for the food: Patatas Bravas: Perfect and crispy. We had to get 2 more orders. It was that good! Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Tasted fresh but salty. Must've heavy handed on the anchovies. Scallops a la Plancha - Tender and flavorful. Great addition. Squid Ink Fideos - Very tasty and unique. Highly recommended. Do us a favor and smile after and then laugh it off when you see the black teeth. Don't worry, it doesn't stain. Grilled Broccolini - Fresh and crunchy Calamari - This was ok...I would consider it standard fare. Mariscos Paella - This tasted better than many paellas I've had in the past so it's definitely worth getting if you love paellas. Portions are large enough to feed a family of 4 since it a 2 order minimum to order it. We had 4 servings worth for the table. The only odd thing was that one pot was salty while the paella on the other end of our table was not? Barcelona Mixed Grill - Same comment as the paella for the most part. Ginormous portions and the meat (per my carnivorous friends) was very tender but a tad bit salty. All in all? This place has great ambiance, attentive service and the food for the most part was a solid 4 stars. Between this or Fairsted Kitchen next door, this one wins hands down. I would absolutely go back if I'm around the Brookline/Brighton area again!
(4)
Peter W.
I have heard a lot of praise for this place so finally decided to give it a try. We had about 12 different tapas for four people. Everything was great except the meatballs was only ok. Their drinks are fun and tasty. I am definitely coming back to try different tapas and the big dinner platters. Service was solid. Atmosphere is hip.
(4)
Cailee M.
God I love this place, everything I've had has been phenomenal. I especially love the rabbit cassoulet, the papas, and the bone marrow (followed up by a bone luge--trust me, it sounds weird, but it's awesome). The service is also fantastic. If even the slightest thing goes wrong, expect some free apps or sangria as a gesture. Also, if you're waiting at the bar for a long time, they will also sometimes through some free apps your directions.
(5)
Y M.
I meant to give 4.5 stars, I took 1/2 star off just because their paella was a little bit to dry for my taste but everything else was perfect, drinks services and ambiance. I think to round it down would be unfair. I was there with my friends and they ate so little so we only ordered 5 tapas and paella I wish I am skinny I would have totally eaten more the other night. I will go back soon with my boy.
(5)
Felicia C.
Love love love this place. One of the places for multiple visits. The place is huge but very welcoming. Food is always consistent. Lots of drinks choices. Not a romantic place because it can get quite loud.
(5)
M K.
Wow, my husband and I ate there two weeks ago for the first time and we couldn't be more impressed! What a great meal we had there. My husband and I had these dishes: fig and chorizo (you have to get it! It's soooo delicious) fall chop salad (incredibly yummy!) grilled redfish (delicious, although the portion was kind of small) croquettes (yummy!) grilled eggplant with basil (this one was OK) steak with truffle sauce (we got this since people on Yelp seemed to love this dish, but we thought it was just OK). crepes (filled with caramel - while I am not too into sweets, this one was very good) My husband had a whisky cocktail and that was very good, too. Also, this place has great, very attentive service, and that made our dining experience incredibly enjoyable. We are definitely coming back. Oh, make sure to get a reservation because this place gets so busy on weekends!
(5)
Thomas N.
Came here for an friend b'day ( 16 people ) To make this nice and simple the group chose tapas menu Service, 10 stars! ********** Large group didn't even put an dent to their wonderful service. Ambience, nice and relaxing perfect lighting with toned down music in the background Food, not bad not bad at all ( grilled calamari,flank steak and shrimp scampi ) def need to come back for more! What I missed out on was this waiter walking around with an fresh whole prosciutto sliced to order... sighhhhh Till next time Barcelona!
(5)
Al Y.
Visited a Friday night in January 2015. The place was packed and a bit noisy and we waited around half an hour to be seated. For families with kids Friday night visit may not be the best idea. The food was really good. I mean Chorizo & fig was exceptional and the hanger steak was great (but small). The other platters and drinks were also very good. The waiters were friendly and attentive. Overall not a bad experience.
(3)
Jamal S.
The food is ok, we were a party of 7, there was nothing remarkable about anything we had. The paella lacked that distinctive saffron flavor, the mixed grill was good quality, the rest of the tapas were just fine.
(3)
Amy L.
Amazing atmosphere, such a fun place to enjoy delicious tapas. I LOVE their wine menu. I got a delicious Argentinean cabarnet. Only negative is that it takes a long time to get a table here so Make a reservation. Still give it 5 stars though and I will def be going back.
(5)
Serena P.
Delicious food. The only reason why I will four star instead of 5 is because we were on the waiting list to get seated and we told the hostess we were going to wait at the bar. Although she acknowledged this, they never called us to get seated even though we noticed people who came in after us were eventually getting seated before us. We assumed that they assumed we were going to eat at the bar even though we were on the waiting list. we would have liked to have been seated but we did not want to make a stink. our server also forgot about a dish but made up for that delay with a free appetizer, which was very tasty! All and all, a good experience but not one from a table like we had wanted.
(4)
Michael C.
A well deserved 5 stars for this epic wine and tapas bar. The layout of this place is unique and expansive, this is not a restaurant where you will ever feel congested. The set up allows this place to handle big group as well as small parties. I was surprised to find out this place was a small national chain, only because the food was so stellar. To top it off our bartender BJ and the manager Herman were both top notch, they seemed genuinely concerned about how we thought about our experience in their restaurant. The dishes ranged from good to outstanding. Here is what we had: White & Red Sangria's - Not the best sangria I've ever had but pretty damn good. Both were more juicy than some heavier sangria's I've had in the past. They also had a little fizz to them but they were both light and flavorful. Kale Salad - Normally I stay away from plain greens but this dish was anything but. Whatever they glazed the kale in was off the charts. Octopus Salad - This dish is hardly a salad, in fact it is more of a grilled octopus dish than anything else mixed with some sauteed onions and peppers. The octopus was perfectly flavored and tender. Lobster Fideos - One of the highlights of the meal. It is basically a take on paella but with a type of short noodle instead of rice. 4 generous chunks of lobster Grilled Hangar Steak - Another highlight of the meal. A very simple but straightforward dish. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak topped with a truffle reduction sauce. Chorizo + Sweet and Sour Figs - This dish could have been a little better. I think it came a little overcooked because some of the chorizo were hard as rocks with crystallized brown sugar while others were pretty tender. The figs and the sauce were so good though. Patatas Bravas - Loose translation is "angry potatoes". Pretty standard dish of lightly fried (or baked?) potatoes with a spicy ketchup sauce.
(5)
Tonya S.
After hearing raving reviews from my foodie friend about Barcelona, she finally brought me here to see what the fuss was all about. Let me tell you, it was exceptionally fantastic from the food, drinks, to the bar staff. We ordered an array of piquant tapas and colorful drinks that gradually came out throughout the evening with perfect timing. The crowd is pretty diverse but mostly young professionals until midnight strikes. It's interesting to see the crowd turnover to the late 30's - 40's crowd as we sipped on our drinks and batted off "men on the prowl". The atmosphere is tasteful and modernly designed. 8 cocktails, 1 dessert and 5 tapas later, we found our bill to be reasonable for the quality. Who would I take here? It would be anyone from your date, a few girlfriends to a small birthday party (but only if you make reservations!)
(5)
Julio D.
Bad food, that is all! I ordered a steak without souce and the waiter brought everything wrong... But if u r looking for nice place/beatiful maybe you will like it! But don't expect the best food of your life!
(1)
Sean G.
Awesome food, great service, and excellent cocktails. I highly recommend this place. It's tapas so you can try a little of everything. Jacob the manager was very accommodating and friendly. I really felt at home. Great place to bring a date because the ambiance was exceptional.
(5)
Anne F.
Excellent service. Our waiter was attentive and had several recommendations. When my roommate and I hesitated at the idea of bone marrow, he brought us an order on the house!
(4)
Sonia D.
OMG is all I have to say!!! This place is AMAZING, from the staff, food, knowledge and WINE. I am obsessed and so happy this place opened up. Also, happy that its not located in Boston so its not stuffy at all and more of a local crowd. I met a friend for dinner and wine on Sunday night and we couldn't have been happier with the decision we chose. I got there first and sat at the bar and was welcomed by BJ the bartender. Kind of sad that she is only here for the opening and then will go back home because she is super friendly and knowledgeable. Hopefully she will train others to be like her. They wine menu is pretty extensive and they are mainly Spanish and other countries I don't usually drink so I told BJ I like Pinot Noirs and she had me try an amazing one called Abadia Da Cova. The first sip went down so smooth that I didn't want to try anything else and had her pour me a glass. My friend got there a little bit after me and ordered the white sangria and he was a big fan. We continued to order a bunch of tapas. I took pictures of all and will also list them out. Octopus Salad Kale Salad Chorizo with sweet carmalized figs Flank steak (to die for) Lobster Fideos (served in a paella pan but instead of rice it had cut up vermicelli) Honestly, everything was so amazing and it was a perfect end to my weekend. BJ also introduced us to the manager Herman. He was super sweet and friendsly and made us feel like regulars already. When we were walking out he remembered my name and said bye. That is HUGE and makes you feel special. Great added touch and awesome management skills!!!!! We never felt rushed which was also nice. When we asked for our bill they give you a survey to complete and if you do you get a token for your next visit for a free tapas. SCORE! I will definitely be back and anyone looking for a cool spot that serves delicious wine and food, definitely check out Barcelona! I hope it stays a hidden gem for a little but chances are it won't. See you soon Barcelona wine bar!!
(5)
SL M.
Outdoor seating is awesome. This place has a ton of seats. Just as well as it has a true tapas menu to savor. Service was very friendly and patient. The sangria was very good (both white and red). We had chorizo with fig and a chickpea spinach dish. The chorizo was a little too sweet for me, but I'm particular in that I don't like many sweets. We found the bill to be very reasonable. We will be back.
(4)
Julia H.
I went on a Friday night with two other people, and the spacious restaurant was packed. We decided that if it was that crowded, it must be worth the hour and a half wait, and it was. I ordered three tapas; the potato tortilla, potatas bravas, and the watermelon radish salad with avocado. (I know, that's a lot of potato, but that was my own error.) The food arrived in a steady stream, and the service was reasonably good considering how busy it was. The only major detraction from the meal was the saltiness of the watermelon radish salad. The vinaigrette was salty, and it was topped with salt to finish it. The cleanliness of the dish was overwhelmed by the saltbomb that covered it. Overall, it has a great warm atmosphere that suits itself well to groups, but prepare to wait for a table if you go on a weekend.
(4)
Mike C.
One of the better tapas options in Boston. We prefer to come here as its in Brookline and Toro or Coppa are much harder to get to. There is plenty of street parking here, but be warned that some of the meters run to 8 pm. On weekends, I highly recommend getting a reservation as the wait can be extremely long. They do have a bar and sometimes the patio to the left is open for those to hang out. Drinks with house liquor were around $6 and the specialty cocktails around $10. The sangria is popular. Get a pitcher if you're gonna have a few glasses. The hostess is through the little entry way to the right. The tapas menu is pretty extensive here. They do have paella and grilled meat options charged per person, but I have never partaken. The options for a charcuterie board are fairly extensive. There a few dozen meats and cheeses to choose from. I would recommend doing a little research or smart phone googling to figure out what you would like. The serrano ham (like proscuitto) and the manchego cheese are the most popular. Vegetarians are welcome since half the tapas are vegetarian friendly. I'm more of a meat eater, so I only really venture as far as the potato bravas. Best dish the chorizo and figs. Salty and sweet. Recommend the ham and chicken croquettes, steak, lamb, mussels, and calamari. A lot of the other options are a bit underwhelming. For dessert we often get the churros and chocolate. All in all, a very solid option with a hip atmosphere. As a higher end tapas, it can get a bit expensive.
(4)
Siddharth I.
Good and service was good; PLEASE fix the crazy drafts at the tables by the door. It was too cold to enjoy the otherwise good food.
(3)
Zzzzz L.
Amazing food, even better service!!! On one of the busiest days of the year (Valentine's) we didn't feel rushed at all, our waiter was so knowledgable about all of the food options and took the time to go over the entire menu and made sure everything was to our liking. And again the food was AMAZING, especially the Brussel sprouts!
(5)
The Throwin S.
Great, friendly service. Jamon serrano: Perfect. Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Fresh, delicious, and guilt-free. Golden beets: topped with delicious little pistachio pieces--outstanding! Jamon/Chicken croquettes: perfect little fried balls of happiness. Hanger steak: drizzled with truffle sauce--superb, tender, full of flavor. Better than grilled ribeye or tenderloin. Sangria was okay (I tried both red and white). Many good brews on tap and wine list is also good. Great ambiance. Family friendly. Not cheap, but worth it. Easier to get a table, better access to parking, and nicer wait staff than Toro in Boston's South End.
(5)
Stephanie T.
Love. Pure love. This is such a great addition to the Brookline area! It looks like a place that should be in the downtown area or Newbury Street but that is why I love that its in Brookline. It has an outdoor porch with heat lamps, which is nice since summer is over. The food is amazing! get the Migas! Basically its chorizo with bits of buttered bread with a fried egg on top....yum. The service is pretty good. Some days the timing of when the food comes out is on point while other days its not, but the food makes up for it. It just makes me eat the tapas faster. Eating here is becoming a regular occurrence for me. I'm not sure if its a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm okay with it.
(5)
Alissa R.
Barcelona is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Boston. Not only is the food delicious, but the decor gives it a fun vibe and the service is awesome. It's the kind of place you want to sit and hang out in all night. Of the tapas, I had the chorizo with sweet and sour figs (delicious), the mushrooms with herbed goat cheese (also delicious), and a plate of Manchego cheese and serrano ham (can't go wrong there). They also have several varieties of sangria, and all of them look so amazing it's hard to choose one- I ended up deciding on the ginger spiced red sangria. Despite the restaurant being packed to the brim, I was surprised at how quickly our tapas came out. The service is unbelievable, not only did we have one main server, but a second server also checked on us AND every time that I have been there, the manager has come out to introduce himself and ask if there was anything we needed. The last time I was there, they even sent a plate of croquettes to our table on the house. I could honestly rave about Barcelona forever. The only thing is, you DEFINITELY need to make a reservation, especially if it's on the weekend, but honestly it would be wise to do it any night of the week. I would recommend asking to be seated in the bar area, where there are these awesome high booths that surround the bar. The entire restaurant always has a high energy, inviting, and friendly atmosphere that makes it hard to pay the check and leave.
(5)
Jack M.
We've been here about 10 times, beginning the second night it was open. The food varies from good to excellent, no complaints there. And no complaints at all about the wait staff - very attentive, helpful and informed. But I find it very loud. It's hard to have a conversation inside the restaurant. If you're going to be mostly engaged with your smart phone, that's not a problem. But the effort it requires to hear and be heard takes away some of the pleasure of dining out. We'll certainly try it again, but maybe we should sit outside where there may be less noise.
(3)
Taylor L.
This place is truely outstanding. The food, the service, everything is quite lovely. I have been several times and never have a been dissapointed. However, last time I went we had a reservation and it took forever for them to seat up, and then they ended up seating us outside and it was freezing. We were quite bumbed but when we were paying the bill the manager came up and COMPED OUT ENTIRE MEAL! the food is so yummy. The fried cabbage is delectable and unique. it has feta and a little bit of a honey drizzle. Also for dessert the warm chocolate lava cake is fantastic. I could go in detail about everything here but I would just be repeating myself about how good the food was. It's in my top 5 for the ATL!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Today was my first time to Barcelona, and I have to say that I LOVED it. The service was awesome, they where fast and very attentive. The food on the other hand was AMAZING, they really met my expectations. Will absolutely go back.
(5)
Jenn K.
I went to Barcelona to celebrate a birthday with my two sisters. We ordered paella for two (and we had some left over, the portions of paella are enormous) as well as several tapas. We thought the best part of the meal was that the kitchen had made too many tapas and offered us truffle hangar steak and patatas bravas...FO' FREE. Oh, and the truffled bikini grilled cheese that I want to eat 50 billion of (and never wear a bikini again). We THOUGHT that was the best part of the meal until... ...we were already at our table for two hours and had just ordered another pitcher of sangria when the manager came over and apologized that they needed our table for a large party and (we assumed he was asking we'd move to the bar) could we please move down two tables? As a peace offering, he'd comp our next pitcher of sangria as well as give us a dessert for free. What? How could we say no to any of that? We moved down two tables, got even more Buzzed Lightyear, and ended up ordering two desserts. What the hell, why not. They ended up giving us both desserts for free, too, and a token for a free tapas for the next time we went back in. Everyone is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food is bomb.com , as is the sangria. Atmosphere is lovely and loud enough that you feel like you're at a large family get-together. If you like amazing food, great ambiance and excellent customer service, go to Barcelona.
(5)
GJ B.
Definitely like the layout and decor inside. Pretty cool spot. Our waitress was a tad funny and didn't do a good job of attending to us. She would pop by to ask how things were but would be turning to leave before we could get off an answer. Maybe she was too busy, the place was absolutely packed on a Monday night. The manager looked like he should be riding a skateboard, not managing a restaurant. But what are looks, to each his own. We stuck with 3 tapas and a salad, so we need to go back and try the entrees. Chicken and Jamon Croquettes - J liked these Grilled Hanger Steak - disappointing in size - not as big as pictures on yelp Summer Vegetable - ok, but need to have the cheese more uniform throughout Watermelon and Feta Salad - good I think this place could be great, but they are pumping all the food out at such a high rate that it isn't all the best prepared or attended to. I am surprised by all the high reviews, but I'll be going back to check it out again. G
(3)
Michael G.
The staff was very attentive. The food was perfect. Barcelona creates a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal. I definitely will be back.
(5)
Kyleen K.
Best tapas in the city. Excellent variety, well-executed, delicious, and budget friendly. Just be prepared to wait if you walk in during the rush, but it's well worth the wait!
(5)
Alex F.
The place is very busy! Food is good, however, the portions are small and a bit overpriced according to size. Beef is a must have! They have delicious desserts (Flan and Indulgence)
(4)
Sophie P.
BRUNCH REVIEW Jazzy brunch! They have a small band playing near the windows by the bar, and it adds a great ambiance during the weekends. FOOD Lamb burger (+) You need to try this. Smothered in a tzatziki sauce, the grilled lamb drips into your mouth while crispy onions crunch in your mouth. This is the most unique burger I've had in awhile, and I was loving every bite of it. The fries were a little thicker than I would've liked, but this dish was perfect otherwise. Roasted beets (+) I was surprised by this dish. The beets had great flavor drizzled with balsamic vinegar, were a hot pink color which was so beautiful - It was like art! The pistachios added a great texture and touch to the dish. Grilled calamari - I usually go for fried calamari, but this was a great alternative of the traditional dish. Ensalata mixta with skirt steak - This salad was really plain without the steak. It was simply large pieces of lettuce, uncut, with raw onions, tomatoes, and olives topped with olive oil. We wanted some greens with our burger, so this was a good complement, but I would never get this dish without something else. Overall, this was a great option for brunch. I am still dreaming of that lamb burger.
(4)
Leah K.
Barcelona wine bar is clearly a hit. At 5:45 I met my friend for dinner there, and while the restaurant was almost empty, they said they only had a few seating options available (bar, high top by the window, or a seat that we could take for only an hour and 20 minutes). We were seated directly between the only other diners in the room. But honestly? That was ok with us. Lets start with the bread: too hot to touch, but you must, because it's steaming and fluffy with the most crispy crust. They serve good olive oil to go with it. We ordered a salad, mussels, meatballs, and patatas bravas. I think we made great choices! For around $25 per person (including a coke and a cocktail), we were full and happy. Salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, marinated onions, and olives topped with a sharp vinaigrette. I was ready to be underwhelmed (my friend chose it) but it was a great portion and with a bracing flavor. Probably a great paring with some richer tapas. Mussels: I've never seen mussels with as much meat as these! Aside from that, I don't have much to say...they were briny and came in a very spicy tomato based sauce. Meatballs: out of this world. We dipped our bread in the sauce (and barked at the waiter when he assumed we were finished because the meatballs were gone). Patatas bravas: the best I've had. They were really crispy and the sauce was sour (it's a cream sauce) and it comes with a spicy tomato sauce underneath. Very good. I also had a caipirinha, which came with 4 muddled limes. I'm a sour fiend, so this drink rocked my socks. It tasted like, lime, rum, and sugar...sour and sweet and not watered down. If you don't like a punchy drink, this isn't for you. I The waiters were great (aside from a bill mix-up). There was our waiter, a lady who also brought us food and drinks, the water guy, the manager...we basically had relationships with all these people. Which made us feel really well taken care of. I'm excited to head back to Barcelona and try whipped goat cheese, churros, chorizo, and everything else. This wins in my book.
(4)
Haley J.
This is a perfect neighborhood tapas restaurant with an excellent patio. You'll definitely want to try the red wine sangria, and go ahead and buy it by the pitcher.
(5)
Kunal C.
If you like tapas, come here! The food is off the hook and the sangria is one of the best I've had. Even if you don't eat, you can sit outside and grab a few drinks. Well worth a visit.
(5)
David A.
From the chicken,lamb, to the steak everything is always exceptional!! And service is always amazing !
(5)
Arvind S.
Food was OK. Nothing worth the hype. But I was really upset with the way they hurried us through. It was my wife's birthday and we were 6 of us. I me the waitress and asked for a cake to be brought at 12. And they brought it at 11:40. How hard is it? We planned it such a way that we stay there late which we did. We were drinking and eating until 1am eventually. This place is open until 2am and they were busy setting up empty tables. For the next day may be. Sucks. Poor service for an overpriced restaurant.
(1)
Vivian C.
Some day was Mother's Day. We arrived for an early dinner, but it seemed we were not the only ones to do so. Though a tad early for our reservations, we were still made to wait as they were a bit behind. They redeemed themselves, however, with an offering of grown up grilled cheese sandwich quarters - served hot and tasty. Sure, we're family, but there is still such a thing as too close - for some reason they saw fit to seat our party of 8 at 3 two top tables smushed together, while the family of 4 beside us had a generous 2 tables all to themselves. Once they left, however, I inquired about the possibility of adding one of those now vacated tables to our threesome if they weren't already reserved... to which we were happily given the a-okay and the proper assist. Service was mostly excellent, from the lady server who took our order to the bus boy who filled our waters quite regularly, de-crumbed our tables and ended up taking our dessert orders. The only bump was when our original server took away one of our tapas plates a bit too quickly, leaving behind a stream of the residual sauce on the table cloth, just missing my dad's sleeve. The other thing was the spacing out of the meal - fortunately we were sharing everything, since the tapas came one (or two) at a time, and we were able to finish and look up hopefully for more before another round would arrive. We had asked for everything to come out as it was prepared. Then finally, the two entree portions that we ordered - those came out one right after the other, which made for an opportunity to finally take a food accompanied table group picture! Food ranged from nothing special (Fiddleheads & Mushrooms 10.50 Garlic, Lemon Juice), and rather raw (Grilled Broccolini 6.50, Roasted Peppers, Balsamic), to the apex of our meal, the Grilled Hanger Steak* 9.50, Black Truffle Vinaigrette with its wonderful flavor! The steak was sliced 1 piece per person at our request, so that we could each try it. Inbetween were Scallops a la Plancha 11.50 Avocado Salad; Roasted Bone Marrow 11.50 Caramelized Garlic Gremolata; and Pulpo Gallego 9.50 Octopus, Fingerling Potatoes, Pimenton. The entrees were ordered sized for one, and for that, they were generous. The Mixed Grill Mariscos $24.50 Branzino, Prawns, Clams, Calamari, had good portions of the stated shellfish cooked well. The Paella Mariscos $24.50 Prawns, Squid, Clams, Mussels, was pretty filling, but I didn't appreciate that some of the rice had been burnt black where it hung out on the pan too long, so I tried to refrain from scraping it to the very bottom. I sampled the Churros Y Chocolate 8.00 Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce, and found that the chocolate wasn't the singularly sweet American sort, but rather spiced up and rather savory. The churros, however, were a convenient option to share. I preferred, however, the traditionally sweet and creamy Flan Catalan 6.00, which was sufficient for two to share.
(4)
Jeniely G.
Ok.. I am new in town but I am always craving for good food, not the one that come in big plates just the one that is so good and come in the right amount that you want to come back for more. I like the whole experience, service, good drinks, ambience and of course good food. Well in Barcelona you have it all.... I always said that a good sign is how crowded is the place, but I hate to wait. Well that did not happen the place was full but the service was right on, our waiter did everything to please us, even make white rice for my girl which did not want anything but that. The food was really good, I had the chorizos and they were fantastic, also the steak was my favorite. This will be my new spot in town.
(5)
Lauren E.
I went here before and enjoyed it. I tried going back, but couldn't get in touch with someone at this restaurant to make a reservation. Barcelona is a CT chain tapas place. Every other location manages to have an online reservation system, so why can't this location? It would make things a lot easier than calling, especially since this place can't staff people to answer the phone. I called this place four times to make a reservation. Each time I had to wait to get to an automated message just so I could be transferred to the reservation line. Then all it did was ring three (quick) times before an automated voice says the party is unavailable. Yes, I could've left a message, but at that point was frustrated. I've never had issues making reservations at other restaurants, whether by phone or online, but apparently Barcelona can't get it together. And don't make the excuse "it's too busy." Bull. Like I said, I never had issues getting through at other places that can be just as busy. I'm not going to waste time to show up, only to find out there is an hour long wait, when I can find this information out in two seconds over the phone or online. So Barcelona is a no-go for me.
(1)
Elcin N.
Great food and atmosphere. Boquerones is to die for, but one order of it will not be enough. They also have great sangria and bread. The decor inside and in the outside sitting area are very nice.
(5)
Isabel R.
Technically its Brookline but its closer to Cleveland Circle than to Coolidge Corner. Best tapas in Boston! Recommendations: Hanger Steak, Chorizo with Figs, Patatas Bravas, and Sangria. On Sundays they have a Brunch with live jazz music and the best Bloody Mary Bar I've ever seen! (and I'm not a fan of Bloody Marys. LOL!!!) Expect a wait! I usually drive there and get my name on the list go home and come back 30-60 minutes later. I like this location better than the South End. It has a different feel to it with a big outdoor patio. Love it!!!
(5)
Joelly J.
Great tapas restaurant! The portions are a bit small compared to other tapas restaurants but their venue definitely makes up for that! This is a very trendy and fun place near Brookline that would be a great spot for a date or girls night out! They have a great wine selection and a very tasty sangria! The ambience of this restauraunt is rare in Boston and reminds me of a typical New York spot! Order the octopus, tortilla espanola, sangria (by the pitcher) and anything from their dessert menu!!
(4)
Brittany P.
Just got home from an absolutely stellar dinner at Barcelona in Brookline! My date and I arrived to a busy restaurant around 7:30. There was a 30 minute wait but we didn't mind and were seated promptly at 8. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and romantic but there were a lot of big parties, so it looked like a great place for a larger celebration. Both of our waitresses were wonderful - so sweet and attentive as well as knowledgable about the menu. Our waitress even offered us a half pitcher of sangria which was only $13 and filled 3 glasses per person! For our tapas we ordered the patatas bravas, empanadas, and the roasted chicken. We also ordered the skirt steak. Everything was delicious and extremely fresh and flavorful. Even the coffee was great and a wonderful way to top off a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual but romantic dinner spot!
(5)
goblyn g.
A good selection of really tasty tapas, and drinks (food's a bit pricey, but it's GOOD, and they have some things you won't get in too many places here). Good for groups. I'd been there a few times, it worked well with both me+friend, or in larger parties, but it can get noisy (just a tad too noisy to my taste) and crowded, so if you're looking for a quiet one-on-one conversation, perhaps other places are better.
(4)
Demi L.
Long wait- totally worth it! Very cool restaurant with an amazing tapas & drink menu. Food was delicious!! One of the best restaurants in Brookline! Will definitely be back.
(5)
Yuka Y.
Tapas offerings are solid, averaging around $7/plate. The wait time is horrible and the system is rather disorganized with too many people hovering around the entrance waiting...waiting..and waiting. We waited about 1.5 hours just for a table inside, granted though it was Saturday evening @8. Expect a longer wait for a table inside. They do provide heated lamps outside, however, even those don't suffice against the evening chill. Recs: +Lamb chops- cooked medium rare and delightfully tender, but beware of subtle bones hidden throughout your meat +Grilled Broccolini as your veggies. Mindblew both me and my honey, we've never seen broccoli like this or had it cooked this way. Had a strong garlic essence and leaves that were slightly crispy. +Warm chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence with raspberry sauce & coconut ice cream- the chocolate cupcake sized cake is very hot with the ice cream on top a melting ooze of goodness. Miss: -Although the hangar steak was medium rare, it was unremarkable. A little on the dry side and the Black Truffle Vinaigrette sauce did not deliver. Loud atmosphere. This is an excellent place for drinking and people watching. The dim lighting makes it an intimate atmosphere, but the chaos around with large numbers of bussers and service staff moving around makes it not the most relaxing of places.
(4)
Susan S.
Amazing food and wonderful staff! We had made a reservation at another restaurant in the area, and had not yet been seated after 45 minutes, so I called Barcelona. The person I spoke with sympathized with my situation and found us a table within ten minutes of arriving. I am SO happy we dined there instead of our original choice! Their food was SO tasty, and we are foodies and I've been to Spain twice, so we're not an easy bunch to please! We each ordered and shared a bunch of tapas and there wasn't a single disappointment among them. They also have a great wine and drink list, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Our pair of four agreed to make this our 'regular' spot for future outings. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Sahar S.
This place is so cozy, walked in on a Sunday and there was a jazz band jamming. Food was great and super fast.
(5)
Eli F.
This is the first review I've ever written on Yelp, but my visit to Barcelona last night merits it. I am an avid tapas bar visitor, and prior to eating here Toro was my hands down favorite. Barcelona did a great job of exceeding my expectations. I still love Toro but Barcelona went above and beyond as far as service goes. I made reservations for myself and a friend visiting from out of town. After arriving, there was a minor delay in our seating so we made our way to the bar to wait it out. We were able to find seats at the bar anyway and we were looking forward to trying the drinks before dinner. We each ordered drinks, a Caipirinhia and a Bourbon Spice Rack. The Caipirinhia was excellent, but after trying the Bourbon Spice Rack, I stuck with it the rest of the night. Easily one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, so much so that I let the manager, Erick, know and he gave me a small sample of the ingredients (except the bourbon of course) to take home! Cannot wait to try and imitate the concoction. Once our table was ready we were escorted to the outdoor patio which was perfect because of the weather (mid to low 70's) and it was a lot quieter than inside. It wasn't overly loud inside but it was easier to have a conversation outside while at our table. Our server Nick was excellent. We had him pick out our chef selection starters and he hit it out of the park. The Soria (chorizo), Drunken Goat Cheese, Buefish Pate (easily my favorite) and the Spicy Eggplant were amazing. For dinner we ordered the Patatas Bravas, Mussels al Diablo, Ribeye Steak (Favorite item of the night, contemplated ordering twice but was getting extremely full by the end of the meal), and the Bone Marrow which was also excellent! I honestly wanted to hug the chef after our dinner. Thank you to Erick and Nick for providing excellent service, I will be visiting again soon!
Hanger steak is the way to go! I'm also a big fan of tapas because you can try a little bit of everything. It's a fancy place, but definitely worth the money. Very nice atmosphere. Request Nick as a server. He is amazing and will definitely take care of you!
(5)
San W.
Still awesome food and service! Be prepared to wait for an hour or more on a weekend night without a reservation though. But I have to say, I had the most pleasant waiting experience at a restaurant ever here last night. The owner/manager (?) came by a few times with free tapas to taste (those croquettes!) and a server made sure to check in about drink orders. Despite the place being so packed and busy, the staff never seemed rushed/impatient in their interactions with customers. And now on to the food! Being greedy and gluttonous, we ordered twelve tapas for three people. And two desserts. And coffee. Stuffed. To. Point. Of. Explosion. But so worth it! Highlights were the: - Braised Short Rib - Jamón and Chicken Croquettes - Chorizo and Sweet & Sour Figs - Grilled Hanger Steak - Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder I tried a white wine our waiter recommended, Ulacia (from Basque region), which I enjoyed. A fast pour from up high to preserve the CO2, it was bright, light, crisp, bubbly, and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. And YAY for another free tapa token! Can't wait to come back again.
(5)
Erica W.
I've been to Barcelona a few times and this is by far the best experience I have had. Our server, Isak, greeted us with a friendly hello and was more than helpful in our dining experience. He gave great drink, tapas, and dessert recommendations. He had superb knowledge of the menu which was fantastic because some of the items can be confusing to the average patron. My dinner date has a fish allergy and the executive chef took the time to come out of the kitchen to point out the particular items that would not be friendly to the allergy which was very helpful. Overall our favorites were the hanger steak and mushrooms with goat cheese but everything was delicious. The cocktails were superb. The bourbon spice rack was a perfect earthy drink to start off the night. And the crepes finished our meal on a very high note. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Marlana Y.
Hanger steak- my friends loved it and had to order another one Hamachi- if you love raw fish this is really good. Went down smooth Whipped cheese- just okay. This is a good app to start out with especially with the bread. Kale salad- big portion compared to other tapas. I felt like I could finish this on my own. Delicious! Paella- had the seafood paella and it was tasty. But be careful when eating it because some of the pieces of oyster shell would break and get stuck in my rice The ambience can be romantic but depending on how many people is in your party there may not be a lot of privacy between you and the table next to you.
(4)
Allan S.
I'm tempted to write a 'meh' review so as to keep this gem to myself. Great food, full bar, outstanding wines by the glass and attentive professional service. Worst thing I can say is no valet parking, or parking lot, just street parking so you will have to hunt a bit. But if you are up for the challenge you will be richly rewarded. Arrived with wifey on a Saturday night around 7:30 without dinner reservations because we decided to go out at the last minute and all the prime dining slots were taken. So we put our name on the list (an hour wait) and headed to the bar. 15 minutes later we luck out and snag two stools. Bartender could have not been more friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable. Took us through the menu giving tips on what to try and what to drink. The menu is expansive so it was nice to have someone walk us through it. Everything we tried was good with the possible exception of wifey's cocktail. She loves jalapeno margaritas and the Hot Dahlia just did not cut it. I've recently acquired a taste for Old Fashioneds and was not disappointed by the Bourbon Spice Rack. At the bartender's suggestion we followed up with the 2008 Tempranillo, Cerro Añon, Reserva, Rioja by the glass. ZOWIE! Had that again and regretted not ordering a bottle. For our meal we began with the Kale Salad. WOW! Full of flavor and the perfect hint of anchovy. The Grilled Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Vinaigrette was incredible. Small bites of beef full of flavor. The Hamachi Crudo .. as good. We finished with the Salvaje (Meat) Paella. Ate every bite. For dessert we had the Crepas Salguero which were HUGE (one order would have been more than enough for two) and the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence. The bartender had recommended the Churros, but we were not at all disappointed with our choices. So plan ahead, make a reservation, and enjoy!
(5)
Joyce L.
3.5 stars I came here with my older sister for her birthday, made a reservation and was seated within a couple minutes of arriving (parking is a hassle, T accessible though). Is it just me or is there no sign to the restaurant??? I kept walking past it and was so confused for the longest time.. Might have just been me, though.... On to the dishes... we ordered the following: 1. Crispy calamari: not worth it. probably the worst fried calamari I've had in Boston.. there was nothing to it, just seemed like a menu filler... 2. Chorizo & sweet-sour figs: one of their better dishes. a bit sweet, but I actually really enjoyed this. 3. truffled "bikini": overwhelmingly truffle-y. just a grilled cheese, but would be a lot better with a spice factor like jalapenos or something 4. patatas bravas: meh, overhyped on yelp. 5. grilled hanger steak: really good, small serving size 6. mussels diablo: the best thing we had that night! loved the spiciness 7. churros: A MUST! we ordered this on a whim... i'm so glad we did. piping hot, just the way I like it. the chocolate is more of a dark chocolate dip, so keep that in mind. 8. sangria: I ordered an entire pitcher for myself.. that's right. my sister is pregnant and the waitresses couldn't tell so they kept asking me if I was sure I wanted an entire pitcher for myself. Just to prove to the wait staff (and everyone around us who kept judging me), I finished the entire pitcher!! Just goes to show that, if you REALLY want to, you can finish an entire pitcher by yourself. A pitcher of sangria for ~$24. it was a pretty good deal The food? meh, not bad, but not stellar the service? awesome, the manager AND the waitresses checked up on us multiple times. the manager was extremely sweet. the ambiance? intimate and cute the price? not bad for the amount that we ordered! would I go here again? probably not for dinner. I think there are other places around Boston that are worth trying with the same appeal. I have to give it to their marketing team.. I filled out a survey at the end of our dinner and the manager/waitress both handed me a "free tapas" token(?). Supposedly, the next time I come, I can get one tapa for free so make sure you fill out the survey!! This is the only reason I would probably visit barcelona again... for sangria and my free tapas hehe
(3)
Raquel O.
In my 26 years of life on this planet, this restaurant has been one of the most memorable. I ordered the Hanger Steak, Mussels, Jamon Serrano and Patatas Bravas and they were all delectable. The servers were all extremely attentive and friendly. Phenomenal place.
(5)
K S.
This is a great place! I'm not usually one for chains or franchise restaurants, but this place doesn't feel like it! We always start with the manchego and Serrano ham! It's served with quince pace that is wonderful! The bread is always freshly baked. And the olive oil they serve with it has such a great fruitiness. I have tried many of the tapas items. We love the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, Patatas Bravas, albondigas, spiced beef empanadas, asparagus. The only things that I've tried that I wasn't a huge fan of was the chicken and jamon croquets and the fig and chorizo. The croquettes were ehhhh and the fig and chorizo was a little greasy. I would love to try the paella or the squid ink Fideos! Yum! Highly recommend this place but make sure you have a reservation any night of the week!!
(5)
Tracy S.
I went on a Wednesday night with about 20 coworkers. They have had large groups before and make menu suggestions for big groups. It was a beautiful day and we had half of the outdoor patio reserved as well as some room inside for the food. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that we were not allowed to bring the food outside. We had red sangria. It was truly one of the bed red sangrias I have had. Later, we had shots of the house tequila. I have to admit that college memories (or lack thereof) made me not a fan of tequila in the past. But, man this tequila was smooth. I'd get it again. Ok the food: first off- the free bread you get with the meal was amazing. A crunchy crust with a soft, spongy inside. The grilled cheese sandwich with truffle oil was equally amazing. The eggplant and the meatballs were a welcome change from the carbs. The eggplant had a very interesting flavor. However after a long night of sangria I wanted nothing more than the potatoes with the cheese sauce. Since I was not the person who set up the order, I didn't actually see the menu so I do not know the official names of the dishes. I will be going back as soon as I can. The atmosphere was cool and classy, but also laid back.
(5)
Shanna C.
Kale salad was delicious...hit the spot after a long day of studying...the meatballs were very flavorful as well.
(5)
Jeff M.
Having started my experience with Barcelona in New Haven this location has never lived up to the expectations set down in CT. I would not come here for dinner, but, I'd definitely go back for meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks. Its more that type of place then a proper restaurant to me. That being said the tenderloin is unreal.
(3)
Karen D.
Outstanding on all fronts. Got there about 6 on a Sunday, which was a good call since it filled up quickly. Two of us sat at the bar. Our bartender, Jess, and the other bartenders were very friendly, attentive and made great drinks. I had the Whisky Root, although I changed it to straight up, so I could savor it without the ice melting. Every tapas was great: gambas, bravas, peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, broccolini. The bartender sent out 2 tapas for us to try that I woulnd never have ordered and the were fantastic: smoked mackerel pate and brussel sprouts. The bar manager came over and chatted with us as well. Very welcoming. The place has great decor and the music was perfect. I'm looking forward to my next visit. And they gave us 2 tokens for 2 tapas next time.
(5)
Mary D.
Excellent I like the outside bar in the summer Inside is a little loud but the food is great.
(5)
Greg P.
Great Option for Tapas in Washington Square Barcelona is one of several newer entries on the dining scene in Washington Square. Located on Beacon St., Barcelona is easy to get to. A spacious restaurant, there is plenty of seating inside and out on the patio. The ambiance is warm and trendy/contemporary. The service is quite good with the manager coming to check on our table several times. Definitely get a reservation because it fills up quickly! The selection of tapas is broad with some very unique options. We started with a selection of two cheeses (Mahon and a soft sheep's milk). We also had the jamon serrano. Served with delicious house bread, the trio was fantastic. We then had the terrine of foie gras which was also delicious (although served with onions that detracted from the taste of the terrine). We had a great salad with kale, squash, and barley. They brought over some roasted brussel sprouts on the house that were also terrific. The climax of the meal was the squid ink fideos. Served in a large cast iron pan (like a paella pan) it was generous portions of squid, shrimp and black squid ink pasta. It was outstanding and quite a unique dish. We did not have any space left for dessert. Unlike other tapas experiences, these were quite generous proportions and we filled up quickly. You get excellent value for the money. Four of us ate well for about $90. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Amy M.
This place is truly a gem. We spent the night here for a friend's birthday, and certainly weren't disappointed. The menu was just as unique as the atmosphere -- I'd recommend for a special night out with a smaller group when you're looking for something different (or trying to impress your date). We tried both savory and sweet plates, and were impressed with both. But the drinks really won us over here -- many different wines to choose from, and sangria has multiple made-to-order variations of white, red, fruity, herbal, etc. Sangria was not very strong despite my expectations of a wine bar (too much ice, maybe?) but was fresh and different. Barcelona made for a pricey dinner, although we did find the tapas were large enough to be share-able. I'd say it's worth the experience, but if you're looking for a night out but on a budget, grab dinner first, and visit Barcelona for after-dinner drinks and small bites.
(5)
Shruthi S.
Love everything about this place, the ambiance, the friendly staff and the fresh food. The bread is perfect. We always order a loaf to take out at the end. If you plan on going during rush hours reservations are a good idea. We generally go around 6 to beat the crowd.
(5)
Lisa P.
Each time I've gone to Barcelona I'm impressed. They have a very knowledgeable and accommodating staff, tons of seating (inside, outside, and at the bar), and the food is fantastic. As someone with Celiac, I feel very comfortable eating here and know that the waiters and the chefs have taken my allergy seriously. They don't have a separate gluten free menu, but there is so much to choose from on the regular menu that's already gluten free, and the staff is good at informing me which items can be made gluten free or not. They also have gluten free rolls! and my own olive oil to dip it in. I highly suggest this restaurant for anyone with food allergies. Know that you will be taken care of.
(5)
April K.
This is a swanky, dimly lit restaurant/tapas bar with some of the best sangria I've ever had. However, I am not sure what was going on last night but I was so unimpressed after eating dinner here. When I used to come, their sangria was fresh and crisp, light and refreshing. Last night when we were waiting for our table, they served us a pitcher of purple mystery. The sangria was thick and too sweet, and we had no idea why it was such an odd color. We sent it back, and the waitress told us "Oh sorry, sometimes when it's been sitting for a while, it turns that color." Really? Thanks for serving us bottom of the barrel sangria that's been fermenting in your restaurant. She brings us another pitcher of the SAME weird purple shade, and then tells us that the sangria is actually supposed to be that color... The second batch tasted okay, but I just thought that was shady. For dinner, I was expecting to be blown away by each tapas dish. We ordered about 13 dishes for our table. It was fun because it was like going to a tasting event and getting to try everything, but nothing was that great. We got the sheep's cheese that just tasted like cream cheese. The fried pig ears just tasted like overly crispy french fries with too much citrus zest on it. The meatballs tasted like ordinary meatballs doused in cheap marinara sauce. The patatas bravaro were like home fries covered in chipotle mayo sauce, which was good, but when you think about it kind of expensive for a small plate of potatoes. Scallops, steak, soft shell crab, sausages... we tried a lot of stuff on the menu. Sadly, it was not memorable and nothing was strikingly amazing. Lastly, service was excruciatingly slow. It took the waiter 15 minutes to come and take our order. I had to ask them a few times to refill my water. Lastly, he asked us if we wanted dessert and we said no, just the check. Ten minutes later he comes back and asks us if we want to see a dessert menu... Not a huge deal but just added to our frustration of the slow service. Oh, and I got a splinter from the outdoor seating because the furniture is made of unfinished wood. I think I'll give it another try since everyone raves about this place and maybe we had an off night. p.s. tons of cougars on the prowl here.
(3)
Delyan C.
Great place! The food there is just unbelievable! You should definitely try the crepes!
(5)
Rogaa S.
Whoa Whoa Whoaaa !! Came for a birthday party of 15. we were late for our reservations and we were still seated immediately for a busy Friday night.. awesomeee. I didn't handle anything for the food making decisions, i think we have 10 tapas picked out the last two being the main dishes of grill meat platter and seafood paella. I understand tapas is bite size plates, but its just weird seeing a small ass plate in front of me with like two bites. Going in i was definitely thinking of what place i could hit up after this to satisfy this empty pit of a stomach i have. But surprisingly enough after it was all said and done 10 plates of food actually did the job for me. I cant remember any of the small dish plates we had cause like i said i didn't order anything. But i can say that the eggplant dish thing they order wasn't the best. Meatballs, fried cheese, empanadas, BONE MARROW, were all amazinggg. they also give you bread at the table that is awesome, not some cheap regular whatever bread most places will serve you. this had a nice crust on it and super soft on the inside, perfect for slopping up juices on the plate. person wise with all the dishes we ordered it was about 35 bucks a person which wasn't bad at all considering some of the dishes we ordered. excellent experience.
(5)
Christina G.
I'd give Barcelona's Brookline location 3.5 stars. Went for Sunday family dinner with my mother, brother and his fiancee. Slight service hiccup at the beginning I was the first to arrive and when I walked in, the host basically ignored me, despite my trying to get his attention. Two other groups walked in and he greeted them right away while still ignoring me. Not really sure why this happened as I like to think I didn't look that much like a bag lady. To be fair, I had left my pearls at home and maybe my outfit did not cut the mustard, but this being Boston, I do not expect Moscow-style face control on a Sunday night. I eventually got the host's attention and once we sat down, service was fine. Nice ambiance but a bit below my expectations, perhaps as I had recently been to Barcelona's new-ish location in DC, whose ambiance sets the bar high. We had some Serrano ham and a variety of tapas. My favorite dish by far, and the only standout, was the foie gras terrine with crumbled cookies and squash puree, paired with a glass of Amontillado included in the price. The caramel notes in the sherry provided a wonderful counterpoint to the foie. I'll have to remember that pairing next time I have foie gras. I liked the cookie crumbles, both for flavor and the creativity factor. I would go back for this dish over and over again. And the nice thing was that none of my companions liked foie gras, so I had it all to myself! Most of the other dishes tasted fine but did not stand out: - Braised short rib with squash - nice beefy flavor - Beet salad - refreshing, but the beets tasted canned. - Spiced beef empanadas - as expected - Albondigas (meatballs) - sauce was a bit sweet for my taste, but not bad Sadly, the watery braised duck with duck egg missed the mark. Interestingly, at the DC location, our table had ordered a duck hash that also disappointed us, so perhaps the Barcelona group just doesn't do duck very well. The crepas for dessert rounded out the meal nicely. I would get those again. In all, a solid choice if you are in the neighborhood and the line is not too long. Worth seeing; not worth going to see.
(3)
Lauren F.
Amazing all around and reasonably priced. Best desserts in town by far! I can sit at the bar all day and drink Sangria and eat dessert. This place is hot! I strongly suggest a reservation.
(5)
Danielle N.
This place is on the pricey side but they have a great selection of tapas. They also have delicious sangria! The staff is really friendly and they are always good about seating and accommodating you no matter what the situation is. I went here for a birthday. They were respectful and accommodating to our needs. They have delicious hanger steak! We tried squid ink paella that night! It was an interesting experience! Definitely coming back for more!
(5)
Viki N.
Best seafood paella ever! Super fresh seafood and you can actually taste it cooked into the rice. Really great service and the red sangria is amazing as well. Worth an out of town trip if you're a tapas lover!
(5)
Cerina H.
It's scary to say that this summer my attendance here has been once a week. I also really enjoy coming here by myself. Yeah, yeah, call me a loser but I get service beyond excellence when I come alone! They also give me tokens in exchange for free tappas at your next visit if you fill out their surveys...oops the secret's out! I've tried a lot of things here this summer. The seafood paella is my favorite and I get it almost every single time. The sangria is excellent but is not always consistent because it's sometimes really watery and sometimes not. I've tried most of the cocktails and they are all excellent. Brookline sour was good but tasted like lemonade haha. I recommend hanger steak, truffle bikini grilled cheese, meat balls, beet goat cheese salad, mushroom goat cheese. The only two things I've tried that I would not recommend are: St Louis style pork ribs-- they took this off for the winter and now it's back but it's not as good as last year for some reason and the cabbage that comes with it tasted really sour and unpleasant. Also, I would not recommend the squid ink noodles--a few pieces of squid and shrimp with a load of weird short noodles cooked in ink and lots of oil. Gave a funny after taste. Other than the above two, everything else is wonderful. Oh and did I mention that the bread is delicious? I can eat two baskets by myself. Note: if you don't want to wait for over an hour, get there before 6pm or go after 9:30pm. Or make sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Another trick is I wait at the bar and see who's signing their check and I ask them to save the seat for me when they leave..works every time!
(5)
Alyssa W.
First off, Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Barcelona Wine Bar!! I hope there are many more to come! 3rd review update and still a solid 5 star experience. After becoming a fairly frequent dinner diner, it took me a whole year to finaly come in on a weekend for brunch. Came in with a fairly large group, half of the group (my family) and the other half all new comers to BWB. Everything was great. I got to taste a little of many of the brunch options from people at my table. French toast, simple but delicious, eggs benedict, yum! short rib hash (best idea ever) Egg sandwhich never made it my way, but it looked amazing, steak and eggs looked so good, I want to eat one right now. Besides having great food, I love that they have the service to match. The last few times I've been in, if by chance or what, we have had Ruben as our waiter. He is great! Infact all their wait saff is great. Knowledgable and personable. While I eat here regularly, there are times where I havent been in for a few months and yet the front of the house always remembers me and gives a warm welcome back. The little things are what matter. For those of you who are reading this and want to try this place out, DO! Just know that, yea, they get busy. If you have a big group, call in ahead of time and make sure you can get a table and when you do. take your time, relax, chat with friends and enjoy. Definately DEFINATELY get the hangar steak and if they have specials that day, get them. I haven't been disappointed yet!
(5)
Stephen T.
Make sure you made reservations in advance for the weekends. The food is amazing. The ambience is great. The service is wonderful. Everytime I come here I leave very satisfied.
(5)
Jennifer T.
The food here was delicious and service was great! We came on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but thankfully they do take reservations, so we got seated quickly. The location is just past Washington Square, there are metered parking around, "Tappan St" C-line stop, "Beaconsfield" D-line isnt too far away, as well as some other street parking if you go on the other side of the train tracks. The server was very helpful and informative in describing the menu (simple flavors at the top, and gets more savory as you go down the menu). She also let us know that typically 2-3 dishes will feed a person. She wasn't around as much to check on us after the dishes got to us, but there were plenty of other staff that pass by that we were able to flag down when needed. The only peculiar thing was that some of the male staff were dressed in hawaiian shirts with their chest hair flaunting...it definitely can throw you off when they show up at your table and start having a convo about your food...we had a few double takes, wondering why this person was talking to us, and then realized they worked there, but just wanted to chitchat! As for the dishes, here are my takes: Hanger Steak - wasnt as good as the hype Fatty Deep-fried Pork Belly - my fave dish of the night! so very fatty and flavorful on the inside, with a very crispy outside, mmm! seared scallops with smashed avocado - perfectly seared, great flavor, and a surprisingly nice pairing with the guacamole Roasted Broccolini - perfect roasted flavor with some extra spice, however, not too many stalks in each order Spiced Beef Empanada - came with 2 small ones. hit the empanada spot, nothing unique to write home about though. San Simon Cheese - A smoky flavored hard cheese, reminded me of gouda. It was nice to pair with the quince paste, however, the quince:cheese ratio was a bit off, it would have been nicer with more quince. It also would have been better if they provided crackers to pair with it, rather than using the sourdough bread. We also got some eggplant dish - the portion was very generous, however, found it would likely be better for a larger group, as it's quite vinegary, and hard to finish the entire thing with only 3 of us.
(4)
Marely M.
Love this place! The food selection is big and they are so interesting like scallops with guacamole! The service was ok. They were a little slow when we needed them. I went there on Friday for tapas so it's busy. Although I heard is busy every night specially during summer since they have tables outside. I love the decor and music. The waitress was very nice and gave us tips. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)
Sarah K.
This restaurant never disappoints. I have only been here a few times, but I always leave full and happy! I love that they have a changing menu. Not only does the chef get to put on the items that he likes, but patrons can always get a taste of something new. You definitely won't get bored. Another great thing is their drinks menu. They definitely do their work to have a full wine, beer, and whiskey list. If you have trouble choosing, your server will always have a recommendation that fits your preferences. The atmosphere is great. There is always a large crowd though, so I recommend making reservations. I also wish the lighting was a little brighter, but you adjust.
(4)
Jose B.
The food could be a little tighter the service is great and the atmosphere is awesome.
(4)
Haley S.
Chorizo with sweet and sour figs - WOW!!! Hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette - yes please!!! Jamon and chicken croquettes - you'll need to order two of these, at least. Meatball tapa - huge hit at my table. I think this place is great, albeit overpriced. Considering you are getting tapas, not full meals, one would think it should cost a bit less. That said, I think the food is pretty good. I really liked a few of the tapas, and really disliked others. The server suggested we order a potato tapa, and when it arrived, it looked like home fries but tasted like day old overcooked potatoes. Needless to say, skip on this dish. I think it was called potatoes bravas, or something similar. Also, avoid the mussels al diablo. We ordered the dish mild, which came out in a tepid, under seasoned, flavorless broth. Everything else is pretty good. The bread they bring out is great. The server brought out practically a full loaf of bread! Major props for giving us so much, and for refilling the basket without being asked to when we plowed through it. This would be a great place to dine out year-round. It has a great ambiance in both the summer and winter. In winter, the heat is blasting, but not uncomfortable so, making it a great place to hide out from the cold weather. In summer, I think they open up the entire front part of the restaurant leading out to the large front patio area. Great place to go when you want a relaxed place to go and eat lighter fare.
(4)
Kristen K.
If you are going to name your restaurant after one of the best culinary cities in the world, you better up your game. Let's start with the bar. Cluttered with dirty drink mixing supplies, wine stained napkins laying across the bar, visible dirt and bread crumbs littered across the counter, bartenders with stains on their crumpled shirts. I was pretty shocked to see that the bar was not cleaned between customers. A couple left 30 minutes before we did, and there was still crumbs and stains where they were sitting. Audible bickering about missing check money, dropping glassware on the floor...time to clean up the bar. So unkempt Now the food. Decent charcuterie. Cheeses are a tad warm and weathered. Gambas (garlic shrimp ) lacking actual garlic. Hangar steak was tasty, as was the blistered shishito peppers. Excellent wine list. Delicious Cava. No Spanish ambiance. Very loud. After one visit, you get the overwhelming "chain restaurant" vibe. Moving on. ...
(3)
Miranda D.
Best restaurant if you are in the Brookline area!!! It is expensive. But some of the best food I have ever tasted!! It definitely makes you open up and try new things. I've tried blood sausage here, a squid ink dish, and other odd entrees! But it was all phenomenal!!! The staff is friendly, and share their opinions on the food! They always switch out their menu - so you never have all the same items! Fresh ingredients! Great sangria too
(5)
Robert S.
Went here with a group of 10. Not great for large groups, but the food was outstanding and we loved the energy of the place. Recommend, but not for someone looking for a quiet evening.
(4)
Judy N.
My boyfriend and I went there on a Saturday night, I called in earlier that day to set a reservation and was told that 630-730pm was their busiest time and it usually slows down a bit after that. When we got there at 945pm, it was packed!!!!! We waited at the bar until after 10 to be seated. The atmosphere was loud, there was a dj playing music and they had their door open to the front area seating. Lots of people mingling around. I guess I should've known since the place closes at 2am! The decor is cute, fits with the overall theme of the restaurant. The wine list is very extensive and impressive although we opted for the cocktails instead which were good. My favorite was the white sangria, if you like sweet cocktails you'll love this one!! We ordered four plates: Patatas bravas- delicious delicious delicious. Favorite dish of the night. Absolutely cannot go wrong with this one! Grilled asparagus- very well seasoned I was simply impressed. Calamari- now my boyfriend and I try the calamari of all the restaurants we go to so this one had a lot to live up to. Sadly, it did not fair too well compared to the others, I could've done without this dish. Grilled hangar steak- tender and juicy but the flavor isn't something I would rave about. It was good, not spectacular. That's also because I'm not the biggest fan of vinegar and I could taste it. If you don't mind that, then by all means try it! The waiter was funny, checked in with us often even though they were busy. I recommend this place for outings with friends, great late night hang out spot. I do not recommend it for a date night, especially if you're looking for a romantic/quiet setting. Overall, I like the place and I'm glad I tried it!
(4)
Lisa H.
I was there the weekend right after Halloween and we had such a great time! The place was really busy, and perhaps a tad noisy - but it didn't bother us. We didn't wait too long for a table. Nice wine selection, food was most excellent. Our party shared a couple of dishes and had the seafood paella. Also, churros. Yummy. You definitely get your money's worth here. Highlights of our night: Beet & Honeycrisp Apple Salad, Chorizo & Sweet Sour Figs, Mariscos Paella, Churros.
(5)
Oliver R.
I was first thinking that this was an ordinary Spanish restaurant, but when I finished, I found out that I was wrong?! This was no ordinary Spanish restaurant. That was an excellent one with quick service and 1 of the greatest Spanish foods, including the buttermilk chicken. I would definitely recommend Barcelona for a good restaurant.
(5)
Allison B.
Amazing! This is a great place for going with a group of friends. I went with 2 friends so there was 3 of is and we got 6 tapas and it was perfect, and not too expensive! We got a bottle of wine and I have to say - everything was amazing. Great place to try new & different things instead of getting your typical pasta or chicken dish. Great ambience as well. I wouldn't recommend going if you're in a rush. It's always crowded so you may want to make a reservation and expect to wait a bit even with a reservation.
(5)
Laura K.
Boring, average food. Be sure to ask for the sangria without the added sugar or it is like drinking a sugary soft drink. No international flair at all. Full confession: I am a true foody. Don't bother with this one.
(1)
Chase S.
Having spent a long summer in Barcelona, Spain this is the closest to legit tapas food and atmosphere I have experienced in the U.S. The feel of the place is a great modern Spanish architecture with lots of social-tapas-speakeasy feel. The menu always changes and in the 3 times I've dined there, it has never disappointed and remained stellar food and service. Almost each occasion we receive a courtesy of the chef appetizer if you're an earlier diner. The wine selection is robust Spain selections -- I recommend anything via Priorat! Their rose list for summer is impressive, as well. For food, it changes often but the authentic dishes like Patatas Bravas, Fideos, Chorizo and Fig, and anything with octopus are musts. Don't skimp on deserts, either--the churros are amazing. Don't be shy about the cheese and charcuterie -- the spanish meats are amazing. Even the fresh bread and spicy table olive oil is authentic and delirious. Reservations are ideal as the place is always popular and busy. Coming around 6pm you can walk in with a 2-4 person party on a weekday no problem. The same around 9pm if you want to get real Spanish authentic. The real kicker? The price. Dinners for 4 people usually run around $120 for some us. That's incredible for this level of dining and experience. Can you say, "Thanks, I'm an official regular for life?"
(5)
Meaghan D.
Unfortunately, I have to give Barcelona three stars. The food is high quality but the service is inconsistent. At a tapas restaurant, I would not expect to wait fifteen-twenty minutes for the server to visit the table and take additional food/ drink orders. While the host and managers were extremely helpful, the servers were not. I have been here three times and have either had bad service or my name has been overlooked on the wait list.
(3)
Tin H.
Our first time ! Sorry to say not impress ! Two items I like was the drink , Brookline sour and the three cheeses! Two goat cheese and mild cow cheese ! Not rush to come back !! Michael likes eggplant and shrimp ! So Michael will go back without me !
(2)
Joann H.
Love this place!! We had reservations on a busy Friday night. Our table was ready right after we got a pitcher of sangria at the bar. The sangria was really good but after pitcher 2, it was getting really overly sweet and heavy. The bread is SO GOOD. It comes out warm with some olive oil. The empanadas are amazing and come with a really good sauce. The raspberry chocolate cake is the perfect dessert - warm, almost molten on the inside, with a nice crust on the outside. Devoured the whole thing alone. Servers were all very attentive despite how busy it was. Definitely a great place to go with a group!
(5)
Carolina Z.
Great place for Spanish food in Boston. I am originally from Barcelona, Spain and just moved to the US 2 years ago. It is true that is very difficult to get loyal and real Spanish food but this is one of the best ones that I have tried. I'll give 4 stars instead of 5 because of the HUGE waits to get a table in this restaurant. It is worth it, though. But I still had to wait despite having a reservation. PS: There is another Barcelona in Boston South End. I've been to both and I prefer the one in Brookline.
(4)
Erica S.
I came here for brunch with few friends and the food was good. Live jazz band at the bar and we lingered at our table for a long time without the waitress rushing us. The orange juice tasted amazing and freshly squeezed. Service was great until our food was dropped off and no one ever came by to ask us how our food was. One of us felt we had received the wrong dish, I wanted a second round of orange juice, and the other one wanted hot sauce. By the time we could wrangle someone in my friends didn't care about there requests anymore. I requested an orange juice that never arrived. I would have thought it was a fluke but last time I was here it was at dinner and I ordered a cocktail that also never arrived. 3 stars for the good company and for the decent food and jazz but that's pretty much it. Really?
(3)
Miranda M.
I've been here many many times and am just getting around to a review, but WOW! This place is just amazing! I studied abroad in Spain in college and can say that these Tapas are just like I'm there again. Barcelona Wine Bar is almost always packed so I would definitely reccomend a reservation. They only reserve half the restaurant leaving the other half open for walk ins, but it's still a minium of an hour wait. However, if you're aware of this going in you can easily kill a half hour in their bar area sipping on some delicious sangria or a glass of their many wine options. My last visit there was amazing as usual, but one of the "servers" went above and beyond! Now, I put that in quotes because she was more or less the girl that gave us our menus and filled our water glasses BUT she was so great. It was packed (as usual). Three of us sat down in a booth leaving one empty spot. A guy in the bar area who I guess didn't feel like holding onto his coat asked if he could put his coat in the empty spot. Now neither of my friends, nor I, are very confrontational so my friend agreed even though it was pretty annoying for him to do that. This girl apparently witnessed this and told him that he could not leave his coat there. He proteseted and told her we said he could, but she kept right on and told him he couldn't. She was so great about it! I wish I had gotten her name. Anyway, all in all this place is amazing and I go here any time I have a chance!! My favorite dishes: Hanger Steak Patatas Bravas Croquettes Tortilla
(5)
M Egg A.
Delicious food, great service, amazing wine. Portions were perfect for the price, especially the meats and cheese plate. Almost couldn't finish it!! If it weren't so far from me, I'd frequent more. Definitely a fun spot to take out of town friends or your significant other.
(5)
Sophia L.
Warning: the menu posted on their website may not reflect the one available in the restaurant. For example, there was not a suckling pig on the menu when I went yesterday. That was a Tuesday night, and surprisingly BUSY. Despite full tables, the staff did their best to be attentive. I really appreciated the great service. I'm not sure if it is this busy every night, or because of spring (ceremony galore) and that I did not understand what people meant when they said this place is poppin'. I picked this place because I needed a reliable venue to go to for a large party. Barcelona did not disappoint, even for outside-of-Boston-visitors that had tapas from actual Barcelona. The traditional sangria was yummy, the bread was just right, the dishes came out quick, and the food was tasty. My favorite was the chorizo and figs (savory and sweet), small bowl of about 10 bite-sized pieces. The meatballs/Albondigas, Foie Gras, Grilled Hanger Steak, Lamb Ribs, and croquettes were a table-pleaser. I heard "melt in your mouth" foie gras and "tender and flavored just right" for the lamb ribs. The arugula with the lambchops was delicious, but wasn't easily sharable with a large table (perfect for two though, also the case for the foie gras). The one con was that we found the squid ink fideos too salty, and wishing instead they still had the lobster fideos to try. Regardless, I'll be back for a 6+ party. Definitely call in ahead of time.
(4)
A K.
Love, love, love this place. I could eat the hangar steak 3 meals a day. The food is always fresh, timely and the right size. The sangria is also fresh and delicious.
(5)
Sutanuka L.
I have never seen a place that crowded in Boston!!! Made a reservation but still had to wait for the tables to clear up. Make sure to make a reservation! The food was awesome. eat the paella(seafood). oh and try the suckling pig. fun atmosphere and the waiters were really nice.
(5)
Anna G.
This place is amazing. I've had numerous tapas and cheese plates here and it never disappoints. Great option if you have vegetarian friends or if you're interested in trying lots of unique flavors and foods. The atmosphere is also very cool and in the summer it's even better when they open up all the large windows. Sangria is delicious. This place is great for sharing and trying new things!
(5)
Anna B.
I almost nixed this place based on the fact it's new, popular and I'd been told to expect an hour+ wait. And there was an hour+ wait but they did a GREAT job. Although the bar was jammed I was able to get wine quickly (attentive bartender) and while we waited the staff occasionally came through with appetizers to give us something to nibble on. After being seated and starting dinner there was a delay getting some of what we ordered and they brought us a complementary plate so we wouldn't wait without something to eat. And the food was good. Nice job Barcelona, I'll be back.
(5)
Elizabeth R.
Amazing food and customer service! I've been to Barcelona on numerous occasions and have loved it every time. I once went with a group of 6 girlfriends for a birthday meal, and our reservation wasn't ready on time. Although we waited for over 30 minutes, the hostess provided us with sangria while we did. Upon seating, they also gave us two pitchers of sangria and our desserts on the house! I definitely appreciated the great customer service. And as the other reviewers have said, all tapas on the menu are delicious!
(5)
Jane M.
My boyfriend and I had dinner there tonight. We sat outside and it was a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend the red ginger sangria. Joy was our server and she could not have been more helpful with menu recommendations. The service was excellent! We will be back soon. Thanks!
(5)
Jake S.
This past weekend I revisited Barcelona with a party of 7. We had an 8 o clock reservation, however the party sitting our table was sitting there for 40 minutes after they paid. While we were waiting, we were each served complimentary Sangria as well as brought out samples of delicious grilled cheese sandwich triangles with Serrano ham. Upon being seated the host let us know that they had put in an order for FOUR tapas for us free of charge to thank us for our patience. They also comped a round of drinks for the entire party on top of the free Sangria they had already brought us. This is one restaurant that really knows how to keep their customers happy. Also, while I was waiting I brushed up against some flowers which left a large amount of pollen residue on my jacket. The manager (Brad) walked over after we were seated and told me (I didn't even complain) that the dry cleaning was on the restaurant and to send him an email if I couldn't get the pollen off of my jacket. Truly exceptional customer service in every way, and the food was exceptional as always. This has become one of my favorite spots and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I think I actually go too frequently, but I don't get sick of it because they always keep the menu fresh. I feel like this restaurant dropped right out of lower Manhattan and landed in Brookline.
(5)
Ben L.
You know what I hate? When a server introduces themselves and then you don't see them again until it's time for them to collect the money. This is the hugest dick thing that you can do as a server, unless you do it like they do at Barcelona, point out the other staff let me know that they'll be helping you out and that you're all part of a team. Who is this person shoving a plate in by face? Why it's John! I was just introduced to them. That aside the menu has enough options that I ended up having a very through back and forth trying to line up a good enough selection to fill us up and we didn't run out of options. Some of our food did end up arriving late, as in we ordered this item 15 minutes ago, everything else showed up, did something happen to it, should we send out a search team? But..... they made it up to us, and not in a sucks to be you fashion but a "oh shit, I can't believe that I fucked up your meal, let me check with my manager and do something cool for you" I mean really, these guy just really try and it makes it all worth it.
(4)
David S.
Finally a good restaurant at the OLD vinny T's .. Love there food.. best service.. 2 awesome waiters per table. not just one crappy one.
(5)
Luciana S.
I had to give 5 stars since I've been there 3 times in less than 10 days... A Wednesday, a Friday and a Monday. Sat in the main dining room, bar area and at the marble bar, the service was outstanding in all areas!!! Yesterday 2 of our dishes took too long (since our glasses were being filled and the atmosphere is so great , we honestly barely noticed) but they apologize profusely and didn't charge us. On our way out even the host apologized. Love the decor and finally a restaurant with perfect lighting. Who knew fluorescent lights could be warm and hip? Now, it has to be about the food and it was incredible! A variety of vegetable dishes that sometimes you can't find at a tapas bar. My vegetarian friends won't have a problem there ;-) Reservations highly recommended unless you go "early bird" hours. Can't wait for the patio to be open-- the way the weather is, it may be sooner than we expect.
(5)
P J.
Very surprised that so many people have enjoyed this restaurant. I had high hopes given the reviews. Went on a Friday night. Of course I was expecting busy, but wowza! It was bumpin' bumpin'. Which got me excited about my upcoming meal. Carved ourselves a little space at the bar. The wine was just so-so (and I tried the french ones too just to be sure I wasn't making a bad call), the food was also was meh at best. (Apologies for the use of "meh" as an adjective). The food wasn't that much better and way overpriced. (Go to Cuchi Cuchi for tapas WORTH the price). Service was at most times commendable, the owner was FAB! Very attentive to his patrons' comfort. The bartenders I think had been schooled in pouring by watching Cocktail (starring Tom Cruise). But they weren't as cute, and unfortunately not as talented. But they definitely get an A for effort. What they didn't get an A in was flirting with each other amidst diners, instead of attending to their diners. It was all very juvenile. I was excited for this stylish neighborhood resto, but alas, just another luke-warm dining experience in Boston.
(2)
Katie K.
I had the worst experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. My boyfriend made a 9PM reservation for Valentine's Day so we knew to expect some disruption but not to be totally ignored by the majority of the staff. We showed up and checked in with the host/manager at 8:30. He claimed our reservation was for 9:15 even though the hostess had earlier told my boyfriend it was at 9PM. Ok minor detail, we head to the bar. We waited for 10 minutes before someone even acknowledged we were standing there. Another 5 to place an order, which the bartender took and proceeded to forget about while he took someone else's food order seated at the bar. Another few minutes until we could flag down the bartender to reorder. At 9:15 we went back up to the hostess station to wait in a line of 10 people to check in again. The manager/host said it would be another 15 minutes (never noted that we had arrived or who we were to come find us) so we waited around and at 9:30 we were still #23 on the list to be seated. It seemed to me they over booked their reservations but instead of apologizing or explaining the situation most customers were ignored or told to wait another 15 minutes. I cannot review the food here because we ended up leaving and heading next door to Umami which welcomed us with open arms even though their restaurant was supposed to close 30 minutes later. I did note a few Barcelona customers had done the same as us. We were able to stay and order food with no rush to pay and leave so they could go home. I'm still on the fence about going back to try Barcelona again even though I live right around the corner and have been wanting to try it since the opening. I understand it was Valentine's Day but the lack of professionalism the staff had deters me greatly.
(1)
Heather C.
Absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Boston area. Perfect atmosphere. Wonderful wine selection. Delicious sangria. Excellent tapas/paella.
(5)
Melissa N.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar on a recent Tuesday night at 7 with four people. We didn't have a reservation, and it was quite busy, but we were seated right away at a table inside. I started with the Summer St. Sling, which was a cocktail with chamomile infused vodka, pink grapefruit, and lemon. It was very refreshing and tasty. It wasn't particularly potent, but I liked how it came in a regular drinking glass, as opposed to other places that serve their specialty cocktails in tiny little cups. I wasn't impressed with the short draft list at first glance, but I was delighted when I saw that they offer 7 oz draft beers for $3! I had an Allagash White and a Clown Shoes IPA, which were both good. We enjoyed our drinks with the excellent bread basket, which featured Tuscan bread and was served with high-quality olive oil. We ordered a bunch of tapas, and everything was delicious! I'll list everything we got and share my comments: - 6-month Manchego: A generous hunk of hard cheese that was scrumptious and satisfying. - Smoked whitefish pate: This was on the specials menu, and it was my favorite dish of the night! It was lemony, smoky, and spiced perfectly. - Beet and blackamber plum salad: This was my second favorite dish. The beets were perfection, and the whipped sheep's cheese was smooth and creamy. - Whipped sheep's cheese: My third favorite dish. The cheese was mild, and the crunchy pistachios were a wonderful addition. - Spicy eggplant caponata: Not particularly spicy, but tasty nonetheless. - Mushrooms and herbed goat cheese: We all felt this dish was much too salty, but it was probably an aberration. - Mussels al diablo: The mussels were fresh and plump, and the spicy tomato sauce was great for bread-dipping. - Crispy calamari: Lightly battered and addictive, and the smoked pepper aioli was delicious. - Gambas al ajillo: The shrimp were cooked well, but the portion was small for $9.50. The portion and flavor of this dish is far superior at Tasca in Brighton. Meat dishes that I didn't personally eat but my companions loved: - Truffled "bikini": This looked crazy delicious, and I could smell the truffle oil from across the table. - Spiced beef empanadas - Albondigas Other things I liked: - This is random, but the bathroom sink was really cool. I also liked the black and white photographs decorating the restaurant. They lent the space a cool and hip vibe. - If you fill out a comment card, you get a wooden coin that's good for one free tapa on your next visit! Things I didn't like: - For some reason, our table had two servers. They weren't communicating very well, so we would order with one of them, and then the other would come over and ask to take our order. It happened twice, and it was a little awkward. - We were deliberating between two tapas, and the waitress said she'd give us one of them on the house. We were thrilled, and she told us that the managers encourage them to do that. However, when the bill came, she hadn't comped the tapa. We felt weird saying anything about it, so we just paid the full bill. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my meal at Barcelona, and I'd recommend the restaurant to anyone who loves tapas! I plan to come back with my wooden coin on a nice summer evening and sit outside on the patio.
(4)
Susan W.
We've been twice and loved it both times. The food and drinks are top notch. It's fun to go with a group so that you can try a variety of dishes. The sommelier (Emily?) picked us some fabulous wines as well. Service was friendly but professional.
(4)
Janice L.
Saturday at 2 pm is quiet time to dine here. Had tapas rather than brunch entrees, first time here. Loved the kale salad and patatas Bravas w aioli and tomato sauce, good (if slightly overdone) chorizo w figs and grilled calamari (huge portion, couldn't finish). Steak w truffle oil very good but tres skimpy and slightly chewy for mucho price (7 one-bite slices for $9). Mushrooms w goat cheese, spinach w chick peas, potato tortilla all ok, nothing special. Some tapas portions quite large (calamari, patatas Bravas, chorizo). Kale and Bravas clearly the favorites at our table. Would never recognize the old Vinnie's, Barcelona more interesting decor, Euro mountain/forest chalet? Attentive and friendly service. Non-steak prices appropriate to portion size. Would return to try the entrees, and for that kale salad. Maybe another star if a couple more tapas had been stellar.
(3)
Nate S.
I've heard amazing things about this place, so I finally came for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere-- jazz trio playing for a full house of satisfied customers. We started off with some tapas that were recommended by our lovely waitress, Joy. Patatas bravas are a must. The brunch menu has something for everybody. While the mimosas were just average, the service more than made up for it. 5 stars for Joy and Brandon, 4 stars for Barcelona.
(4)
Stephen T.
I went with high hopes and was disappointed. Our table had four glasses of wine, 2 cheeses, one meat and five tapas. Meat and cheeses were no better than what we buy at Whole Foods and eat at home. Of the tapas, one was very good and the rest were overly sweet, overly salty or just unremarkable. We barely ate the sweet and salty dishes. The unremarkable dishes just didn't have anything in the way of complex flavor. All of the wines were tasty. The service was terrible, although I mostly give them a pass for that because they haven't been open very long and they comped us one of the tapas because it came out so late. The music was too loud to carry on much conversation, even at a booth in the corner. I don't think I'll go back, unless it's just for drinks on the patio.
(2)
Susan L.
Maybe it was too dark but I couldn't see the name of this place from the outside. However the inside was beautifully decorated and very chic. I've had tapas in Barcelona and I would say that this place lived up to its name for the most part. A wine expert helped us pick a white wine (which was too sweet for my taste, but still tasty) and we ordered six tapas to share: chorizo and figs (VERY filling), jamon and chicken croquettes (tasty), fiddlehead ferns (first time with fiddleheads and not bad!), mussels (yummy), empanadas (as expected), and broccollini (the surprise of the night...SO good!). You get more than one waiter so service was very efficient. Since we were just a party of two showing up at 9:30pm on a Friday, we got a table, but this place is definitely hopping. I would come back here just to try more tapas!
(5)
Sam G.
This place was awesome, and I lived in Barcelona for 4 months. Chorizo and figs were our favorite along with the Patatas Bravas. Great atmosphere and a stunning Brunch spot in Brookline.
(5)
Steap P.
My girlfriend and I went here for dinner last Saturday night because a co-worker of mine recommended it. Let me start by saying...Wow! The variety of tapas was great and the food was amazing! The food comes out very fast so be prepared to dive in quickly. We tried just about everything on the menu and the hanger steak or muscles was the best in my opinion. Service was top notch and very attentive. We had about 4 different people (managers/servers) tend to us. The wine list is huge and I'm sure if we asked for help they would be more than willing to provide information, but we went with the pitcher of traditional sangria which was perfect (so we got two)! We also got to try complimentary meat that was sliced right in front of us and it was dangerously addicting. The decor is very nice however I noticed some people had trouble seeing the menu because it was a little too dim. Great for a night out with friends or a date. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Ella F.
Barcelona is a great improvement over the last business at this location. I came here for apps/tappas and drinks with a large group. The food was delicious - I didn't have a single thing I didn't like. The service was good as well, especially for a large group. They also had generous pouring for the glasses of wine. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Cy K.
Very nice upscale wine bar with a decent mix of spirits. A nice touch is their addition of sherries which is a class of drinks I tend not to find in the states. Service was reasonably quick given the packed status of the bar, and the venue was quite nicely styled in dark wood, steel, and glass.
(4)
Marc L.
We love it here and start w/ the Jamon Iberico de Bellota pretty much everytime. It's outstanding. The menu has great variety and we've explored just about everything and it's all good. Will say that the bar staff is a bit slow... If you order food & drinks at the same time, the food always comes first...
(5)
Tio P.
Interesting wine list of Spanish wines as well as Cali and South American producers using Spanish varietals. Good BTG list. Even coming here just for the cheese would leave you satisfied. Well made menu of traditional and interesting tapas at very reasonable $ for the quality. Split the foie gras with a friend and glass of sherry!
(5)
Todd C.
"One of the best restaurants to go if you're looking for tapas and don't want to go through the hassle of driving into the city. Great food and exceptional service!"
(5)
Angela L.
Beautiful, delicious tapas in a great vibrant space. However, one pet peeve of mine happened which will make me, unfortunately, never return. It was honestly a mistake. Our large group of 8 mistakenly added up things wrong and left a 10% tip. The waitress came up to us as we were leaving and asked if anything was wrong, and if we'd like to add some more to the tip. Shouldn't the amount of the tip be the discretion of the paying customer, even if it was an honest mistake? I took out money from my wallet to offer to her, and she had the nerve to accept it. !!! So thanks but no thanks. I truly loved the place and the wonderful food, but you've lost a loyal neighborhood customer. Customer service needs to be worked on!
(1)
Jena H.
Celebrated a bachelorette party tonight and with a group of 15 not so adventurous eaters, they knocked it out of the park. Our server was super accommodating and very flexible. Our group never had tapas before and everyone was very scared of the menu when they first sat down. The waiter explained a lot of the dishes and made suggestions. He was on point. A few things came out that were not ordered but they let us keep it and didn't charge for it. After the end, everyone agreed the food was excellent. Our table was ready exactly at 9:45 when our reservation was scheduled and the manager called earlier this afternoon to confirm we were coming. The vibe of the place was pretty down to earth. There was a good mix of age groups there. The ambiance wasnt what you would normally expect for a bachelorette party-it wasnt girly or themed appropriate for this type of event. It has more of a barn meets industrial meets Meat market restaurant in classy brookline. Still sophisticated but laid back which was good for our group bc we were in our 30-60's. Stand out dishes were gambas, beet salad, croquettes, patatas bravos, meatballs, hanger steak and heirloom salad and churros for desseet. 90% of the food was excellent. Some picky eaters werent a fan of sauces or flavors but that isnt the restaurants fault. Their palletes arent used to trying new things. Overall, this place handled our group very well and I will definitely return for a second visit with my husband.
(5)
A M.
First time we enjoyed our experience a lot in terms of food, drinks, ambience etc. Second time around food was still delicious, especially hunger steak, veggie paella and spicy eggplant, however the drinks were not worth the money because alcohol is barely noticeable in them. They should look into new bartender or do a better training. I ordered Caperinha which I always get at brazilian steakhouses thus have a comparison. This Caperinha had probably half an inch of sugar on the bottom of the glass. It was impossible to drink this drink because of the overabundance of sugar content, it also had very little amount of lime. Our server (Jason, I believe?) was excellent. He offered to replace the drink (thank you, Jason) which we did. From this last experience, I wouldn't recommend any cocktails, stick purely to their wine selection! Here is my rating from our last experience: Food 4-5 stars Service and server 5 stars Cocktails 2-3 stars Ambience 5 stars
(3)
Melissa R.
This place was amazing! I used to live in Washington Square and wish it would have been around then - it has brought such energy to the area. The atmosphere was fun and lively. The food was really, really good. Everything that came out made the whole table happy. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
(5)
Michelle W.
Came here on a Wed night and it was packed! Tried so many things on the menu and everything was tasty and unique. What stood out was the 6 month Manchego, Potato Tortilla, Grilled Hangar Steak, Chorizo and Sweat Sour Figs. Service was exceptional. For dessert, the Churros with a side of dulce de leche. Would definitely come again.
(5)
B C.
Delicious, delicious, delicious. Our server was great. On the louder side so maybe not for an intimate occasion. Drinks were good, too.
(4)
J A.
This place is fantastic! The ambiance, food, staff, and service are all excellent. I came here for dinner with a friend on a Wednesday evening and were promptly seated and greeted by our friendly server. We ordered five dishes-chickpea frites, carrots & avocado salad, grilled hanger steak, potato tortilla, and patatas bravas. Everything was delicious and arrived at our table well presented. We ordered a pitcher of a winter themed red wine Sangria flavored with lavender & sage which was also very good. Overall this is a great addition to Washington Square and I look forward to returning soon.
(5)
Katie A.
Wonderful food and service from James! Sit outside If you can on a late summer evening and order a Hot Dahlia!
(5)
Lara G.
We were SO excited for Barcelona Wine Bar to open in our neighborhood, and we were expecting it to be good, but it has completely exceeded our expectations! Everything about our dining experience was phenomenal. The drinks are fabulous (sangrias are so good!) and the food is so delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The Potato Tortilla is the best I've ever tried. The brussel sprout and the the cauliflower dishes are so yummy. The chorizo and sweet-sour figs has this amazing flavor that I've never tried before. The grilled hanger steak was cooked to perfection and the yellowtail crudo was so fresh and delicious. Besides the delicious food and drinks, the service is great. Everyone (from the servers to the manager to the people who fill your water) is so friendly and inviting. After this experience, we thought, "This place must be too good to be true." So we went back again to test it out. And we were pleasantly surprised that it was just as good, if not better, the second time. If you haven't tried it yet, you have to go try it soon!!
(5)
Lauren T.
Barcelona Wine Bar, also known as Mecca. This rating is getting the full 5 stars because it honestly deserves it. Actually it deserves a 4.5 because it's in Brookline which basically feels like I'm traveling to Barcelona from my car-free life in the North End of Boston. I digress, this funky, rustic, mood lit restaurant is an incredible spot for a date. Not saying you couldn't go here with a few bros and a couple of your gal pals but me oh my, the lighting, the small plates, the delish wine options deserve to be shared with a significant other. The staff is incredible- Joy I see you girl! When a waitress comes over smiling ear to ear in a normal and not fake fashion, I take note. Joy did an amazing job explaining the menu and providing her thoughts on our choices without being passive or overbearing with her comments. We couldn't decide between two dishes and she brought us out both..that, my friends, is service. The options cover a wide range of tastes and interests for you vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores, aliens, weird girls who only eat foods that are beige, and all others. My group (2 females who know how to eat, 1 who does ok) split 8 small plates and we left very content. I believe they say 2-3 small plates per person and that was a very realistic guesstimate. The meat & cheese options at the top are incredible and the calamari is a must! It's fried but a little secret (shhh....) you can ask for it grilled! Good stuff, good stuff. Basically what immatryintatellya is get your butts to BWB. You will not regret it. Make a ressie or wait outside for like, ever.
(5)
Emily L.
Feeling adventurous? Have the braised rabbit! Wanting some comfort food? Have the spinach-chickpea cazuela! The tapas were delicious and there are enough options for someone to have a snack or to enjoy a delicious dinner. The place is a couple of blocks away from my apartment and I have only had the privilege to come here for a night cap but I look forward to coming here more often during the Spring and Summer months. This place is usually packed and there is a great mixed crowd that comes here. The establishment is very homey and the service is fantastic. If you have commitment issues, you can get a wine flight but if you're wanting to commit to a great wine, the bartender is incredibly helpful in giving you some excellent suggestions. I can't wait to start coming here on a regular basis!
(5)
Barbara B.
LOVED, very hip, cool, busy and great sangria and food and desserts; fun atmosphere; only glitch we were with friends and the only 60 year olds, eveyrone is so young!
(4)
Nadia C.
My first experience at Barcelona was at the Greenwich, CT location while on business, and it was absolutely AMAZING!!! So when I heard they were opening a location in Brookline, I was completely ecstatic. When the Brookline location finally opened, shortly after, we made reservations and went for dinner, and it was exactly as I had expected. The food was delicious, and the sangria was just as amazing as I had remembered. Fast forward to last night. I had made reservations to take a friend for a birthday dinner. Our reservations were at 8:00 but we weren't seated until 9:00. Then, another party that came in AFTER us was seated BEFORE us, which was really just very rude and annoying! The service wasn't up to par with what I've come to expect at Barcelona. Our waiter explained the menu, and said he would be back for our drink orders, but never returned! We had questions about the menu, and he was no where to be found to ask them. When he finally did return, he took our orders and said he would be back with some bread. Again, we waited way longer than we should have for the bread to arrive. When someone finally did bring us the bread, it had 2 pieces in it, as if they had taken it off another table and brought it to us. Really not an appealing thought. I had ordered the Potato Tortilla and the Chick Pea and Spinach Cazuela. Both tasted and looked as if they had been microwaved to be reheated. Again, not something I would expect to find at this restaurant. When I had finished my sangria, the waiter asked if he could bring me another, and I said yes. About 30 minutes passed, and I never received the drink. The waiter didn't even ask again until probably the 45 minute mark, which at that point, I declined the drink. I was completely put-off by the service and some of the food that I encountered there last night. I'm hoping this was a fluke night with the service, as I'm a very big advocate of this restaurant; I love the atmosphere and especially the sangria. Barcelona Wine bar, PLEASE step up your game, because I want to make myself a more permanent patron of your restaurant, and I hope I don't encounter the service that I experienced there last night again. :(
(3)
Matt R.
Great food, service and atmosphere. It's great on all fronts
(4)
Kris S.
It doesn't get much better than this place. Great food, excellent service, knowledgeable staff, lovely ambiance...and when you arrive and give your cell number for them to call you when a table is available, they always actually call you. The only downside is that it is always packed -- I mean, I've been on a Friday night, Saturday night, and TUESDAY -- yes, Tuesday -- night, and it is still an hour wait. But you know what, I cozy up at the bar and if we get seats great, and if not, I wait for a table, b/c the food is worth it. Always a terrific experience -- such a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Gary S.
The food was good. The restaurant has an attractive and modern look to it. However, it was extremely uncomfortable dining here on a recent hot summer evening. The waiters kept opening the glass doors that led from the dining rrom out to the sidewalk patio, allowing heat and humidity into the restaurant. Asking the waitress to turn up the air conditioning was to no avail. After a 90 minute dinner, I was soaked in my own sweat. An very unpleasant experience. I don't recommend eating here. Maybe winter is better.
(1)
Gabriela S.
Barcelona Wine Bar truly offers a first-rate dining experience, with a delicious selection of meats and cheeses, attentive and helpful servers, and a hip atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning.
(5)
Alan Y.
Great food and great sangria. Have been here in the past for just drinks which are good and wanted to try to the food. The circular bar is really cool too. Arrived on a Sunday night at 830 and it was still very busy but not packed. great atmosphere and space. We ordered the traditional sangria which was very tasty. Definitely recommended. For food we ordered the spicy eggplant caponata, grilled hanger steak, albondigas (meatballs), and the salvaje paella. everything was very good. the eggplant was very flavorful with a good kick. the hanger steak was very good and tender and the black truffle sauce was excellent. the meatballs with tomato sauce was also very very good. super tender and the tomato sauce was awesome. finally the paella was very good as well. only complaint was that it was a bit on the salty side and i love salt. The sausage (blood sausage and chorizo) in the paella were very tasty. There was a third type of sausage in there but not listed in the menu which was also excellent. Would definitely come back for the food, sangria and the cool atmosphere.
(4)
Kate S.
I've been twice since Barcelona Wine Bar opened, the first just to have a drink and sit at the bar. That bartenders were incredibly helpful and nice, especially considering how busy the place was. The second time around I ate dinner and the tapas was the best Ive had in a long time. Definitely will be back.
(5)
Stephanie R.
Great service and great tapas. Everyone is so friendly there and Jason the manager. This is such a great restaurant to have in the neighborhood. I love the decor and the bar area is very comfortable. They have a great wine menu and make great cocktails. Can't wait to go back there!
(5)
Kayla M.
I went here with two of my friends who I met studying abroad in Spain. We were all extremely pleased. I highly recommend the hanger steak tapa and mushrooms with herbed goat cheese. We thought the tortilla was authentic and delicious. The staff was very accommodating and friendly (you can't beat complimentary spiked cider in a snow storm!). Our waiter even brought us a complimentary dessert when they ran our of the one we asked for. Overall, highly I recommended!!
(5)
Ss S.
AMAZING FOOD. AND EVEN MORE AMAZING SERVICE. I had the best experience at barcelonas. the food was amazing as was the sangria. the ambiance and design was also so nice but the service was impeccable. the staff was so attentive but also not too over bearing. the owner came to ask how our experience was. everyone was so nice. it made the experience so much better. i will 100% go back and will definitely recommend to my friends. they were really accommodating as well with arranging special events and even sent us desserts on the house.
(5)
Mary C.
I'm very impressed with Brookline's newest addition. Everything we had was truly delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the dishes, but my two faves were the chicken mousse, and the chorizo with fried egg. We liked/loved many of the other dishes but those two will always give me a reason to come back. We accompanied our dinner with a pitcher of the sangria and that was really well made. Service there was great, our glasses were always refilled, and we sent one dish back because it was slightly over salted and within minutes we got a new plate. Our server was really friendly...he did a little dance for us (Peter Griffin's dance from family guy) :) Seriously some impeccable service. Great job to the folks at Barcelona Wine Bar... Keep doing what you're doing! Tip: Get there early they don't take reservations...
(5)
Smarty T.
Outstanding food and wine, and above all.. Great service. Thank you Kyle (bar) and Dan (manager) for a wonderful experience.
(5)
Jacki S.
Barcelona stands among my favorite restaurants ever, and the Brookline location is no different. I specially recommend the wine flights and the butternut squash tapas.
(5)
Samuel B.
Excellent service, excellent food, great wine selection, will definitely go back to this restaurant. Only downside is that it is a little too busy in the dining area with so many tables and employees moving through the space between the tables.
(4)
Natalia T.
overall, I would give this place about 3.5 stars. decor & atmosphere: very cozy patio with heaters outside, modern and inviting atmosphere. We were here very late Wednesday night and the place was about half full. I can see how it gets absolutely crowded and super loud during peak hours, so I would avoid it at those times. food: for drinks we got a pitcher of red sangria, which was ok. The pitcher was actually a good size (finally!!!), not one of those "pitcher" were you get a drink and a half out of and the rest is ice. It tasted like it had cherry syrup in it, and i'm not a fan. It also tasted a bit margarita-like, so I think they add a ton or lime juice or even maybe some tequila. we ordered spicy eggplant, braised rabbit, foi gras and pig ears tapas. All tasted pretty well. Foi gras was magical and came with a shot of sherry. Pig ears were a bit spicy and crunchy. Eggplant was ok, nothing to rave about. Braised rabbit was good, not spectacular, but given the limited amount of meat tapas, I would probably order it again. then we got an order of suckling pig! and i'm very glad we did! that dish made the night. It was a huuuuuge chunk of meat, super soft and juicy with an extremely delicious crust!!! yum yum!!!! The reason this place is not a 5-star in my book is this: 1. it's very expensive for what it is ... there are other cheaper options for tapas in the area. The only reason we would come back would be for suckling pig. 2. every dish came to the table very fast! How is this a bad thing when it's 10pm and you're starving? ... It was all probably pre-made before, which is ok for some dishes like spicy eggplant, but not ok for others, like braised rabbit ... it felt like they just warmed our entire meal up and then served it to us ... Which goes back to #1 ... paying $100+ for a pre-made meal is just not ok in my book.
(4)
Steiner H.
Barcelona deserves 6 stars and we only wish we went sooner to experience it! We've been hearing how great it is and it more than lived up to the talk. From start to finish it was beautiful. The interior is stunning and works so well for this space given we remember it as far back as Vinny T's. We sat in the far room to the right and it was lovely and private. The staff is extremely hospitable. Joy, our server, greeted us with the biggest smile and made us super comfortable with the flow of the place and the menu. We couldn't decide on which sangria so she brought us a sample of each. We LOVED the spicy ginger Sangria. What's more, each and every person who delivered a plate to our table was super friendly. And, to top it off, Brad, the manager, came over, shared his favorites and they were spot on! Here's what we had: The food came out quickly and each plate was scrumptuous! The sweet candied walnuts and olives were a great start. The kale salad, the beet salad, the eggplant caponata each had truly unique, fresh and distinct flavors. The rib eye & short rib were rich and flavorful with their complementary sides. My husband went gaga over the grilled calamari (Brad's favorite and now ours) and octopus; his eyes came out of his head. Finally, we had to try the churros. Wow, what a way to end the evening. Their lightness and chocolate dipping sauce was over the top! Gracias to Barcelona and the entire staff, it was divine!
(5)
Chris S.
I'll admit I love tapas and wine bars. I went in here with my girl friend and we had some drinks and tapas. Food was very good and the drink selection is very good too. Cool atmosphere and the help was friendly.
(4)
Kathleen R.
Lives up to the hype :-) My husband, daughters (twins, aged 11) and I had dinner there on Sunday night on the patio. A client had recommended it knowing that we loved the cuisine when we were in Spain this past Fall. I have to say that everything was delicious. If you love jamon iberico bellota, this is the only restaurant we've found in Boston that has it. The jamon serrano is good too. I had a nice Albarino that was a perfect accompaniment to the gambas. We didn't have the paella, but it was getting good reviews at the table next to us. We also had the patatas, olives and tortilla. They were great in accommodating my daughter's celiac disease, guiding us toward the gluten free items. The bread (not GF, unfortunately) was awesome. Iggy's maybe? The staff was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be going there again.
(5)
L B.
spicy eggplant caponata, chickpea fries with tzatziki, spinach-chickpea cazuela, honeyed delicata squash with pepitas, caramelized brussels, fresh bread, tempranillo...a sweet crepe for dessert with sherry... 70's music... the vibe is alive. the most european dinner in style and flavor that I've had outside of europe.
(5)
Jennifer S.
I've been living in Brookline since 2005. This place has, hands down, the best food and best service in the whole Boston area. I highly recommend it. This is also coming from someone who did not like the fact that American Craft closed in order for this place to open. Barclona Wine Bar was quite a treat and I plan on going back again and again! I was more than pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Whitney M.
Just had dinner here, it was amazing! Great ambience and decor, staff was super friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! The best tapas I've ever had. The chorizo and figs can't be missed, but every dish was spectacular, you won't be disappointed. Phenomenal drinks as well, summer st. sling was my favorite. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jamie S.
This is one of my favorite restaurants!! The ambiance is so great and the food is amazing! The waiters are also so nice and so informative, they'll help you out with choosing. They are also constantly adding more dishes and switching it up which is nice. It's great for both a big group and for a date! I highly recommend coming here! Just make sure to make a reservation because it is always busy.
(5)
Big S.
i cannot wait to go back. the food was great, our server recommended eating sampler style as we were in a big group. he chose everything and it was very good. best fried calamari ever. hanger steak and mushroom were also fantastic. crepe dessert was incredible. food was really good, best tapas place around. this storefront finally got a good restaurant hopefully the curse over the building is over
(5)
SunnyDay D.
Honestly, for my first visit I was totally turned off. It was actually quite the sad experience and it started at the front door. My friend and I walked in and stood by the hostess stand for approximately , oh, 5-7 mins. Both (what I assume) were the manager and hostess walked by. Not once, but TWICE. I mean we were clearly there to be seated--standing next to the hostess stand. NEITHER of them even asked if we had been helped, DESPITE the fact that they looked at us. Finally a nice gentleman (which I assume was a manager) came over and seated us. Our waitress arrived and took our order. My friend ordered orange juice to drink and requesting no ice, it came in a low ball glass (you know the kind you pour whiskey over the rocks in)--ummmm, ok. We were off to a bad start. We ordered food and as it was ready another server delivered it. We never saw the waitress again until we were done. She didn't even come to see if we needed more water (which we did). Really-- can't even comment on the food we ordered b/c it was such poor service (from start to when i left) that it detracted from the food. I mean, I don't remember the food being awful, but i don't remember what it tasted like either. I dine out an awful lot (perhaps more than I should), and I know that service can make or break the dinning experience as well as the taste of the food. Had it not been for the other (what I assume to be manager) approach us at our table once we were served, I would have given the review 1 start. Lucky for Barcelona, he saved them from that lone star. He was kind--adjusted a dish for us and genuinely acted as though he cared. Thank you to whom ever you were (you were the taller of the two gentlemen seating tables). The worst part was, my friend said she had experienced similar service at her prior visit--sad that it was repeated. Doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth for wanting to go again and spend my hard earned money. I'd hate to waste not only my time, but also my money. Try if you want, but don't expect decent service...
(2)
Pamela T.
Four of us went to the Barcelona Wine Bar last night and had a very good meal. The meat and cheese plate was excellent (be sure to try the aged goat cheese and the blue cheese) and we enjoyed the tapas. The kale with bread crumbs and salt, green beans, papas braves and the calamari were really memorable. We tried the roast pork and found it perfectly cooked but a little under seasoned. The service was great. We will go back and I would recommend you go.
(4)
Audrey B.
This is a must dining experience. From the moment we got there the staff were so attentive and helpful for the entire dining experience! We tried an array of tapas that were so delicious and 3 different paellas' that were fabulous. The desserts were yummy and we tried many, try the cookies! It is a new restaurant and already a big hit, the place was packed ,had a great vibe. The bar area is quite large and fun. Can't wait to bring my other friends back to it for a fun evening.
(5)
Joanie L.
Barcelona is the perfect addition to the Washington Square neighborhood. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable and the staff are friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. My only complaint is regarding the cocktails. I don't like the glasses they use for martini's. Not a very big deal but the drinks seem tiny. If what's poured is a standard size, change the size of the glass. It goes way to quickly!!
(4)
Jennifer J.
So glad that I had a chance to try Barcelona Wine Bar last weekend with my party of five. This is truly a restaurant with a staff that cares about their diner's experience. We found the menu, with it's assortment of appetizers, tapas and main selections quite varied with something for everyone. It's a great place to share plates and Jess, our server, was helpful with suggestions. A nice variety of delicious meats and cheeses served with crusty bread started us off. We then moved on to several excellent tapas and a paella packed with seafood. The wine list is extensive with selections at all price points. We settled on a less expensive rioja that was perfect with our meal. Again, server Jess was helpful with that. The atmosphere at Barcelona is a perfect blend of warm comfortable and trendy chic, with a decor I would describe as smart casual. The noise level is lively but not overwhelming, making for easy conversation. The staff and management were attentive and present without hovering.... something always appreciated by diners. To top it off Barcelona Wine Bar has an excellent dessert menu. We tried several and were not disappointed. The toasty churros served with warm chocolate sauce were killer. Can't recommend this welcome addition to the Boston dining scene enough. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Emily L.
My favorite new restaurant! The staff works incredibly hard and treats their customers very well. As someone who has a food allergy, I was put at ease when the waiter knew every ingredient of every item on the menu. They could even tweak dishes to accommodate me. I will return again and again! Thank you!!
(5)
Melisa C.
I heard that this place just opened, so my boyfriend and I checked it out on a Saturday night. We got there around 5:45 knowing that without reservations it would get busier as the night went on. When we arrived there were a good amount of tables open, and we were seated right next to the cheese counter by the kitchen with only a table to our right, not to our left as we were on the end. Instead of speaking up and asking for another table, we stuck with our table since the other 2 seater tables are only about a foot apart from one another so at least we were no sandwiched between other people. The downside to this was that since we were on the end, there is a high volume of traffic with the wait staff going back and forth. They also took our coats, so that was nice instead of having them hang on the back of our chairs. We ordered Chacuteria for 3, 2 cheeses: Valdeon, and Drunken Goat, and Jamon Serrano. Boyfriend like the ham a lot (I don't eat it), and the cheeses were nice. The Valdeon is for blue-cheese lovers, and the drunken goat is a bit milder. We also got an order of Crudo with scallops, Patatas Bravas, Hanger steak, and crispy calamari. Our favorite was definitely the hanger steak, cooked medium rare and very tender. The others were pretty good. My boyfriend had the Cerro Anon for his wine and I had white sangria, both very tasty. The manager was walking around and gave us samples of Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Boyfriend loved this and the manager was nice enough to give it him free of charge. Overall the restaurant has a nice ambiance, but it was was a bit noisy and hectic at times. It is a bit pricy as well, so not a place to go if you are watching your budget.
(4)
J p.
Great food, great service, great wine! Thank you Barcelona for a special birthday! We had a reservation and got seated almost right away. Our sever was very attentive and the tapas were delicious.
(5)
Pablo R.
My family decided to go to Barcelona for my parents 30th anniversary. We thought this would be a good choice, since it received great reviews, and because we are from Spain. Having tried other spanish restaurants, we knew going in that it wouldn't be authentic, so we kept this in mind. Reading through the menu online, I was quite looking forward to this dinner, since menu items sounded brilliant. Sadly...this brilliance was shortlived... We ordered a pitcher of red wine sangria to start out, which I found very refreshing, but a bit weak and in serious need of fruit and more liquor. The flavor that stood out the most to me was the tequila, which was great, but not quite sangria, but as an American twist, it was enjoyable. Our table was too close to the entrance, so people walking by were bumping into us on the way out. As you may aalready know by other reviews, you get multiple waitstaff per table which I must agree is a little strange and confusing, but nevertheless, the service was acceptable. After a while, they took our order, and plates started showing up within a few minutes. The calamari were average with an amazing dipping sauce. The croquettes were very different to what I'm used to, but had a satisfying cheese flavor, unfortunately, the portion is histerically small for the price they charge. The roasted beets were good, but again,too small. The chickpeas and spinach cazuelo were flavorless and very small, when I say small, I mean they came in a ramikin that would usually be used for a creme brulee. The gambas(shrimp) plate only contained 4, I did not try these as I don't eat shrimp, but I was told they were a little bland. The hangar steak was incredible in flavor, thanks to the truffle oil, but it was dry from being overcooked. If served anywhere from rare to medium well, this would have been the highlight of the night. The duck confeit with peas was also quite forgetable compared to other restaurants I have been to which were significantly cheaper. It reminded me more of canned peas and one of those rotissery chickens they have at star market for a little over $5. Now these tapas are not listed in chronological order to which they were ordered, but somewhere in between, we received the morcilla. At the same time, we ran out of bread, when we asked for more, they told us that they ran out. If you have ever been to Spain, you would know that morcilla is always served with bread, since eating blood sausage without bread, is like eating butter without bread...regardless, the morcilla had a great smokey flavor. Before comming here, I thought this would be one of the rare occasions where a chain could be good, but unfortunately they did not convince me, even if judging it as fusion or new american. At over $30 per person before tip, this is a mistake that I won't make again. The food was pretty good, but for a few more bucks, you can grab a brilliant prix fixe at one of many superior restaurants here in the Boston area.
(2)
Melissa C.
Went with a big group and the staff was so incredibly nice and accommodating ! We had jamie as the server and he was amazing ! Constantly checking up on us, let us sample things and even a few things on the house. The sangria is strong but delicious ! All the tapas were amazing as well and we tried a little of everything. Jamie kept introducing us to staff and they were all as incredibly nice and attentive as he was ! Definitely will be coming back !
(5)
Douglas C.
I lived in Boston for 2 years and this was hands down the best restaurant in the city. Reasonably priced and delicious tapas (I would recommend the empanadas, truffle bikini and any of the meat and cheeses). Great atmosphere! It gets crowded, so make a reservation.
(5)
Kelly F.
Second review from: Brunch After watching countless pictures go up on social media, and drooling over them slightly, I have finally visited my favorite restaurant for brunch and was not disappointed. I went with a girlfriend of mine right when they opened and within 15 minutes the place looked like it had been open for hours. The bloody mary bar looked insane (though I wish i liked them enough to get one) the mimosa was delicious! I ordered the Barcelona Benedict after researching the type of sausage they use and it was incredible. (I did get this a second time when I went back a couple weeks later). Not too much hollandaise sauce, perfect amount and delicious. At a second visit a couple of friends at the table ordered the biscut and fried chicken and I am very disappointed to not have gotten this myself! Tried a taste and it was mouthwatering good! The Gravy? I need the recipe! On the second visit, I brought a brunch-hater (these exist apparently and i'm even dating this one) and even he was blown away and wants to return. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
WINE A.
We loved everything about this place... the decor, the food, the service, the philosophy. You can see in everything they do that they strive to deliver only the finest food and are dedicated to service... to do whatever it takes to please the customer. Everyone we encountered... the hostess, the bussers, food runners, and our excellent waiter Ryan G... was friendly, efficient and professional. The management and staff should be truly commended for what they have accomplished here. The chow was fantastic. Started with the perfect Serrano Ham and the Drunken Goat cheese. With the warm and crusty bread and olive oil it's a great way to begin a meal here... and my plan for every future visit (perhaps alternating the goat cheese with the Manchego). Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela, Lobster Risotto, Beef Empanadas... all excellent and served piping hot. Finished with the Barcelona (mixed grill) served with a salad... this was served on a board, also perfectly done... a very straight forward dish of Steak, Chicken, Pork Loin and Sausage... a lot of food (figure 1 "serving" for 2 people). Finished with the flan... good. The wine list is excellent, varied, and fairly priced. Nice selection of wines by the glass, proper glassware. I left this amazing place thinking of how fast I might be able to return and asking myself, "Why can't all restaurants be this good?"
(5)
MisoSoup O.
Just a disclosure - we never contacted the owner. A place needs to be as good as it gets not after a review, but before a review....
(1)
H P.
Wonderful addition to the Boston Tapas scene. Excellent food, decor, and service. Really enjoyed our time here and look forward to going again.
(4)
C B.
Simple amazing. The best restaurant experience I have had in a long time. From the delicious tapas to the grade A service. This is a place i will definitely return to and recommend to friends and family.
(5)
D C.
While I dropped a pretty penny at this place, it was totally worth it. There was an hour-long wait on a Wednesday night, so we weren't seated till 9 PM, but the staff were very friendly. So my friend and I figured, who knows when we'll get the chance to eat here again, let's go all out! We both ordered the white sangria with Barcelona's house-made "Fall Herbs" cordial (Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Gin & Velvet Falernum), and both had the same reaction after tasting it, we should've ordered a pitcher! By far, the best, most harmonic sangria I've ever had. In life. I'm sure I could never duplicate the recipe but I would love to try! For tapas/entrees, we split the patatas bravas, which came in a mixture of slightly-tangy/spicy and mayo-y sauces, and were delish, the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, which seem to be stewed in a balsamic/wine sauce and are highly-recommended, the spinach-chickpea cazuela, which I had to look up to determine the nature of, but was a really wonderful (if over-salted) sort of warm bean salad, and the chicken pimientos, which was also fantastic, but, with all the other items, we really could've skipped, as we were already full by the time it arrived! My friend also had the beef empanadas (I don't do red meat) and loved them, and I had the Cod a la Plancha, which, along with being the most expensive tapa at $9.50, was my least favorite, as it was really bland. Could've done without that one. But the bread was great, as other Yelpers have mentioned, and I will happily go back to Barcelona, with a reservation, as soon as I can!
(4)
Jay S.
Absolutely outstanding. Everything from the way the staff treated us, the ambience and especially the amazing food was five star. Barcelona is truly special and will be enjoyed by all. We sampled about 15 tapas plates and each one delicious. The hanger steak just melted in your mouth, the chicken was packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Grilled squid was so good we ordered another plate despite having abundant amounts of food. Finishing with a perfect dessert of flan, an ice cream rolled in flour with butterscotch and chocolate and amazing cookies. Everything was first class.
(5)
Matt L.
There are several options in Boston for Tapas nowadays but I have to say this one has to take top honors. This looks to be one of the more popular options and was jam packed on a Sunday night. Sitting on Beacon in Brookline, the outside of the place looks like it is one of the trendiest spots on this street filled with restaurants. Large inside, with really cool tastefully done designs with dark wood and very large with a bar side and a deep dining room side and even an outside patio on both sides. The staff here is quick on their feet and we were seated right away. If you do not make a reservation here, you might be left standing outside with wait times up to two hours on weekends. This is a very lively and loud place and looks like it is always busy with several large groups in attendance. Menu offerings are some very creative cocktails, lots of various beers and a very vast wine list and of course lots and lots of tasty Sangria. The Tapas listings are of course several meats, cheeses and salads and seafood in smaller portions. We opted for the hanger steak, potato tortilla, mushrooms with balsamic, meatballs and mini grill cheeses. From start to finish every bite was delicious and tasted absolutely fantastic! Cooked to perfection with some interesting sauces and even the bread and olive oil was done beautifully. Service to start was a bit slow to start, however very friendly, helpful and ended very well. Even the dessert here, two crepes stuffed with dolce de leche and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and the churros with dark chocolate sauce to dip was unreal. Plus the prices are modest for the food ordered. Excellent meal and will surely return!
(5)
Foodie I.
9/3/2014 update We gave this place another try, this time on a mid week in the evening and had an outstanding meal, great service, and felt compelled to change the rating to a 5 Star experience. Four of us ordered 4 cheeses, 4 meats, a croquettes, a couple pitches of Sangria, and a couple flans for desert, and all were fantastic. The service was attentive and available without being overly hovering, and the food was all delicious! Great job Barcelona, you deserve a 5 Star rating!
(5)
Daniela R.
I would have given this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the sangria. All of the syrup was stuck on the bottom of the pitcher and our last glass was way to sweet. On another note, the service was on par. It was excellent. Our waitress kept filling up our glasses and was very attentive. The food came out in a timely manner. The food was very good as well. I hold Spanish food to a high standard as it is my favorite cuisine and I've travelled around Spain a lot. I thought I was going to be disappointed by the morcilla but Ivwas actually quite impressed. Everything was pretty good. Even the croquetas were great. The only thing I will say is that the deep fried calamari was less then exceptional. Ambiance and vibes are excellent and there was a good jazz band playing during brunch. I will be coming back soon.
Went on a weeknight with one of my vendors who recommended barcelona...he was from Portugal ... he would know, right? I reserved in advance for 4 at 7:30 ... we'll try to get you in, but we're booked up at that time. Wednesday night, Washington Square with tons of good restaurants...across Beacon from Ribelle. Bare in mind, almost non-existent signage ... look for a stack of wood beams - Entrance. OK, Ok we arrived a few minutes early... like 10...no prob, right this way. This was going well. Nice table. Prompt, polite service...laid down the drill, the waiter's name and the meal began in a very Spanish setting - a little noisy, great smells, good crowd and great vibe. Waiter recommended a red ±$40 "brought over a taste" ...Xlent way to start, then the parade of tapas ... salads, calamari, serano ham, beet pistachio salad, paella, hanger steak and more. All - over the top as was the whole experience. Well done. Later found out they are one of a number of barcelona wine bars, yet this one felt like the owners were sitting in the room with you...very welcoming, personalized and comfortable. We shall return.
(5)
K. H.
This place is amazing! We went on a busy Saturday night w/o reservations and they had us sat within 20 minutes. Although we waited a while for our drinks at the bar..the bartender was really sweet and made excellent drinks! Our server Joy was awesome! She is the main reason I wanted to write a review. She knew the menu well and was absolutely hilarious. They found a gem with her! We tried the hangsteak,empanadas and calamari. All were fabulous! The warm apple crisp for dessert is a must!! I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)
Sophie N.
Overrated. Pretentious bar scene. I HATE that it's a wine bar and they serve their red wine by the glass grossly warm. I venture to say it's below room temp. Really incredible that they would profess to be a wine bar.
(2)
Elayne P.
Best tapas I've had and I've been to Spain before! Got the Barcelona steakhouse for two (shared by three)...meat was perfectly cooked. Also ordered jamón serrano, chorizo and figs (my favorite omg) and mushrooms with goat cheese. All so so so delicious!! definitely will be going back!
(5)
Ben H.
My girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Barcelona last week for my birthday. It was my first time and I had heard nothing but good things. Overall our experience was ok, not great. We had a rude waiter who made no mention, even after checking my ID after ordering drinks, that it was my birthday. He had bigger parties to focus on and barely gave my girlfriend and I the time of day. My girlfriend had also set up, and confirmed, a birthday dessert for me which everyone knew about except the waiter. Our first experience was tainted which I wrote about in detail on the provided comment card and sent of a 140 character review on Twitter as well. Brad, a manager, reached out to me via email apologizing for our experience and inviting us back for a complimentary meal. We returned last night; Brad introduced himself, asked if the table he reserved for us on the patio was ok and quickly sat us down. Our waiter was fantastic and multiple managers introduced themselves to us and asked how things were. Our first experience last week wasn't a disaster by any means - they really went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing second experience. We even joked that we felt like food critics getting the royal treatment! The night ended with my birthday dessert, complete with a candle on top. At the end of the meal our waiter told us the entire meal was complimentary, however we left him a generous and well deserved tip. I will be back, without a doubt. Amazing food, awesome atmosphere and incredible staff.
(5)
Andreas L.
Really an awesome place with great food and amazing ambient. The male hostess was a bit grumpyish but who cares. Maybe he was jealous not to get the same level of attention like the waiters. The other staff was very friendly and knowledgable, helpful and eager to make my stay a nice experience. Certainly worth trying the white sangria "summer fresh" !
(4)
Jackie C.
Yes yes yes! So amazing! Ordered 6 tapas and 2 deserts and the bill was roughly $55? So reasonable! Get there early-ish cuz it fills up fast!
(5)
Caitlin B.
High quality Spanish food; drinks are unbelievable (and seasonal!) Atmosphere in restaurant is wonderful. I could stay all day and night!
(5)
Ali D.
I'm a huge fan of tapas and sangria, generally, and Barcelona is delicious! Wait times were very overwhelming when the restaurant first opened, and it's crowded most nights, so it's best to plan ahead and make a reservation. I had an odd experience during one visit where the waiter sat with us to chat for an inordinate amount of time... and then proceeded to bring over a dessert that we didn't order. While well-meaning, he charged us for the dish; and I would have rather picked something that I actually really wanted. While pricey, the food is of good quality and it's a nice little nice out with friends if you're in Brookline.
(4)
Elly W.
Had dinner here with some friends. Super busy place, thank goodness for reservations. The staff are super friendly and the environment is super cool. Everything is clean. The food was Awesome and the white sangria was very delicious. Definitely would go back. Enjoyed the foie gras pate with sherry. Also the Lamb chops are a must!!!
(4)
Lily S.
So it kind of pains me to write this, but...not really all that impressed. The first time I came here, I wasn't that hungry so I just picked off my dates' plate. I remember thinking that the smoked blue fish patty was one of the best things I'd ever put in my mouth. Coming back the second time, didn't really feel the same about the dish. We tried an assortment of things--one of the goat cheeses (good, but not amazing), the meatballs (the sauce was somewhat abrasive, but the meatballs themselves were good), the potato-whatevers (homefries--probably the biggest disappointment--dry and under seasoned...let me tell you, this fatty can house some carbs and i left two thirds of that plate full), and the hanger steak (good but not mouth-watering-panty-dropping great). The bread is good, the ambiance is good. I'd come here on a date but opt to sit at the bar. Their tables are incredibly long, so while you're like 2 inches away from the table next to you, it feels like you're 2 feet away from the person you are with. The service is fine, nothing out of the ordinary. The prices are totally reasonable for what you're getting. Also, BWB, why are you not on opentable? Ain't nobody got time to sit on hold and make reservations over the phone. What is this, 1975? I guess overall, I'm kind of like meh. Average meal. Which is really surprising since I generally tend to agree with what other Yelpers think. Will I be back? Maybe. It's close to where I live and there aren't that many nice places around. However, I don't think this place warrants more than a 15 min wait.
(3)
Madelyn W.
Good tapas. I still prefer Toro. All pretty good but not many dishes i can actually wow about. Maybe i didnt try the good ones. Did try the so raved about hanger steak (not impressed). Good dishes i can remember: the shrimp, butternut squash The good: plenty seats, allows reservation, more tapas items on the menu than toro The bad: extremely loud (the outdoor seating is probably better)
(4)
Alyssa K.
This restaurant is fantastic. The five stars are not only for the delicious food but also for the service/management. From the large assortment of wine to the unbelievable tapas, this place is the best. I can't wait to come back :)
(5)
Lan N.
I absolutely LOVE Barcelona Wine Bar. The ever changing menu features local seasonal ingredients so you always have delicious tapas to choose from. They also keep the staples like the croquettes and the truffled bikini which is nice as well. The sangria is awesome- I usually go for the white vs the red and it is so fresh and delicious. If you are into cocktails and want to be adventurous, I'd suggest the Hot Dahlia which is spicy and has a kick! My favorite tapas are the croquettes, summer squash (in summer months), and grilled broccolini. Right now they have a few squash tapas which both were awesome and tasted delicious. The acorn squash especially. I always recommend their vegetables dishes as I've found them most satisfying and fresh. If you are ever lucky enough to have Tyler as a waiter, he is awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks menu as well. He makes the experience that much better!!! Also, fill out those surveys if you get one! You'll get a free tapa coin for next time!!
(5)
Kristin F.
A group of friends and I went here while I was visiting Boston and had a great experience! First of all, we had reservations on a Friday night at 7:45p for a group of 6 and the place was packed so reservations are a definite must. We had to wait 10-15 minutes past our reservation time, but the wait wasn't bad at all because they had servers giving out free tapas to those waiting, which is great customer service and also helped some of us decide what we were going to order once seated. We were seated in a booth which surprisingly sat 6 comfortably. The restaurant has a descent beer/cider selection but I went with the white sangria which I highly recommend!! 2 of my friends ordered the vegetable paella which I didn't try but it looked great and they had a lot of leftovers to take home. Four of us ordered and shared tapas and a few meats/cheese platter. My favorite tapas were the chorizo and sweet-sour figs (very rich), the albondigas (amazing), the spiced beef empanadas (not too spicy but definitely a kick to them), and the beet and apple salad with feta cheese (very good combination). I honestly liked everything I ate except for an eggplant tapa which normally I think I would like but it appeared mashed and the texture was a little different than what I am use to. Overall the service was excellent. Twice while we were sitting, we were offered more free tapas! Our waiter was very personable and willing to explain anything we didn't understand. He also let me know that Barcelona just opened a DC branch so I am very happy I'll be able to try it in my home city! Also, the best part of the meal was probably how when we split the check 6 ways, it only came to $30 per person. 5/6 people had two drinks each and we all felt incredibly full afterwards. I don't think our experience could have been better and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Ashley C.
Great food and service can get packed quick so it's best to call ahead for a reservation
(4)
Tiana C.
I love it when a dining experience is absolutely worth every penny. This is one of the places. It's a bit spendy for the amount of food, but the experience itself makes it worth it. I had a blast here! Awesome atmosphere. Perfect for date night, girls night or friends. The red sangria was hands down the best I've ever had. We sampled a ton of things. I loved the tortilla, the croquettes and the flank steak. Everything was awesome. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Michelle A. L.
Took my parents to Barcelona for Easter brunch after hearing rave reviews about the menu and ambiance from friends and we were not disappointed. We made a reservation to avoid a wait and ended up being seated across the live jazz band. They were great and so was our server, Holly, who was very nice and attentive. The food deserves 5 stars. Everything we ordered (meat + cheese, tapas, entrees) was delicious! I can't wait to go back to try the dinner menu!
(5)
Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The food had always been delicious and the services/management had been very welcoming and caring. I felt like they genuinely wanted to know how my experience was. Certainly going back soon!
(5)
Hannah C.
This place is always busy - doesn't matter what time or day of the week it is. But I can see why. Been here a few times now and the service and food has always been great! I know everyone raves about the hanger steak, but for me it's just alright. My favorite is definitely the crispy pork belly. Can't go wrong with any of their tapas though, so make sure you try everything at least once! I also recommend a pitcher of their white sangria.
(5)
Lynn W.
Barcelona is about the food - simple, fresh, and yumtastic! It was our first visit and we know we'll be back over and over again (heck we may move nearby just so we can go more frequently). We had a great chat with the general manager (Jason) and executive chef (Emilio) who made us feel right at home. We were seated immediately even with no reservation during the busy dinner rush. Every tapas dish we tried from the mushroom/goat cheese, lamb, eggplant, etc. hit the spot.
(5)
Olivia W.
we liked the food a lot. Had a little problem with the service but the owner was very nice about it. Salami is yet the best we've ever had. This place is always crowded for a reason. Last time we had something called veal face/ cheek? And it was unbelievably delicious and this time I couldn't find it on the menu. Hope they will bring back that dish. Will go back.
(4)
Mariya-Andoniya A.
Absolutely love, love, love this place!!!! Great service and real good food and wine.
(5)
Jessica A.
This place has great food! I was not expecting it to be for some reason, but it was top notch! Loved the atmosphere and the service was excellent. Every single thing I had was amazing. The different types of sangria combinations were all very tasty. Looking forward trying the new South End location!
(5)
Joy W.
Apparently Barcelona tapas is the place to be! I have never seen a fancy restaurant so poppin! Seriously, there are some mighty fine looking people there. The place was packed yet we were lucky to be seated immediately for a table of 2. Barcelona tapas is a great place to meet a group of friends for a casual bite to eat or a full meal. Service is on point, the food all looks amazing (we enjoyed our small plates), and the atmosphere is one of the best I've been to. If I lived in Brookline, I could see myself often frequenting this awesome restaurant whenever I needed a nicer place to take someone. [63 of 100]
(5)
Megan F.
Wonderful service and the food.......I dined there last night with friends and family, and my favorite dishes were the serano ham, beet salad, squid ink pasta with calamari and the seafood paella, the list could go on and on. The service was extraordinary, even thought they were extremely busy and the atmosphere was trendy but not too noisy. My parents, who were visiting from San Diego were very impressed and wished there was one in Southern California.
(5)
Adam T.
Nice vibe and cool place but order was messed up and some "pretty pretty" average and bad dishes. Waiter seemed pretty upset with his life and his time working there. Service was really good though. In all, cool place but average food.
(3)
Mital P.
This place gets really busy... For good reason. We tried to make same day reservations for Saturday, figuring it was worth a shot... No go. The gentleman on the phone said they reserve 2/3 of the dining room for walk-ins, but coming in at an impacted time like 7pm would probably have a long wait. Naturally, we rolled in at 7pm and were told the wait was 2 hours for a party of 2. We deserved that. They came around with some sample tapas while we were waiting - the ham and cheese croquettes were amazing! We went over to the bar to get some drinks while we waited, but managed to get a couple seats there and ate at the bar. The must haves: Hanger steak - this is a must, especially if you like the taste of truffles Grilled pork belly - best tapas plate we ordered. Ham and cheese croquettes - we only ate these when they were being passed around, but you have to order them if you haven't tried them. The good: scallops - they were good, but I just can't group then with the other 3. Not a knock on the scallops, but the other 3 are that good. Blue cheese - delicious, but pretty standard if you've ever had a good slice of roquefort. I probably won't order again: Steak tartare - a bit on the bland side Hamachi crudo - the fish was not particularly fresh. The flavors would have been a great complement to each other if not for the heavy fishy aftertaste. Beef empanadas - nothing special. Other stuff: attire - you'll fit in whether you dress up or go casual ambience - it's a bit loud. If you go in a group, expect to only talk to and hear the person sitting next to you.
(4)
Silvia V.
I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar twice so far and am really loving it. The first time I was there for dinner and drinks on a Wednesday night and was surprised how full the restaurant was. The second time I went there on a Saturday night and the place was PACKED. Make sure you call them and make a reservation ahead of time as you can wait up to 2 hours for a table on a Saturday night. We had a reservation and had to wait only 5 minutes for our table to be cleared. Get the White Wine Sangria or if you like a good spicy margarita, the Hot Dahlia is very tasty. The bread they bring to the table is so delicious, still hot and the crust is crispy. I highly recommend the following tapas dishes: Jamon Serrano, Manchego, Chorizo & Sweet-Sour Figs, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Gambas al Ajillo, Mussels al Diablo, Pulpo Gallego, Grilled Hanger Steak (the best!), Crispy Calamari (you can also order it grilled - both are delicious), Fluke a la Plancha. The food is delicious. They messed up one of our orders, but it was corrected promptly and I like that both times I was there the manager came over to check on us and made sure we had a good time - this is what makes a great dining experience. The service was also phenomenal considering how packed the restaurant was. Looking forward to going back to Barcelona Wine Bar.
(5)
Anne C.
The best tapas anywhere hands down. We got the spanish olives, bone marrow, and the mussels el diablo. Yum, everything from start to finish. You really just have to come here and experience the whole deal. The bread is probably the best bread I've ever had in my life. I dream about this bread, I want to eat this bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want my children to eat this bread and realize that this bread is the best bread. I would move to Boston for this bread.
(5)
M W.
An exceptional dining experience. There are other places that claim to do upscale, traditional tapas but this place gets it right. It gets busy so a reservation is recommended but any time you wait at the festive bar is not lost as you can order some great drinks and small plates there before you are seated. The croquettes are awesome as is the steak with truffle oil. Highly recommend!
(5)
Ragini P.
awesome, awesome. I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. Service, food, drinks are all out of this world.
(5)
Hoffman W.
We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. It was too crowded for us to get a table, but we sat at the bar and got great service (food and drink) from our bartender, Harry. One of our plates was slightly late and we received another tapas plate and a dessert free of charge. A great spot for fresh, professionally-made cocktails. The white sangria is awesome, and we had a delicious Acadian redfish plate as well. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ines D.
I was dying to try this place, so i convince mu friend to have her birthday dinner there. We had reservation for 8, we ended ip waiting an hour, at first it was frustrated but it had raining so they were accommodating some customer inside. They gave us drinks and appetizer on the house, Their customer service was amazing. Food was phenomenal, i cant wait to go back again .
(5)
Sofy D.
Great food and great service! These guys are packed everyday, but what can you do- quality makes you come back over and over again. Try their mushrooms with goat cheese!
(5)
Christina V.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is AWESOME! Super fun atmosphere. Amazing tapas. Strong drinks. Impeccable service. Was here for a business meeting last week and I'm so glad this is the place we chose to be wined and dined. Everything we tried was delicious including the hanger steak, scallops, eggplant. The small plates packed so much flavor with a nice presentation. The place was hoppin on a Thursday night! Be sure to make a reservation. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Josh L.
The infamous Barcelona Wine Bar. I've always heard about this restaurant, and I'm so glad that my curiosity finally led me here. As you walk along Beacon St. and finally stumble upon this gem, you're not even sure if this is the correct place. There's no real sign telling you that you have arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar but I think that adds to the atmosphere of this restaurant. Upon entering we were greeted by a hostess who told us our seats weren't ready as yet (we were a little early, clearly excited about this experience), so we went by the bar to have a quick drink while we waited. We were seated by 7:40 for our 7:30 reservation, not bad I suppose. Finally seated at a table, we began to skim the menu, although we were very distracted by the delicious aromas that ambushed us from surrounding tables. We ordered the patatas bravas, jamon and chicken croquettes, truffled "bikini" , potato tortilla, grilled hanger steak and grilled lamb chops. Everything was amazing, there were so many different flavors and textures, my mind was blown. Barcelona is definitely an amazing restaurant, ambiance, quality of food and service taken into consideration. I always go here for big occasions and date nights. See ya for my next celebration!
(5)
Anastasia L.
Been here so many times and still loving their food. That's how good they are. They serve their bread warm with olive oil on the side. Here is a list of my favorites: Truffle bikini Hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette *MUST ORDER Albondigas PATATAS BRAVAS *MUST ORDER Croquetas Seared duck breast Clams and chorizo
(5)
Virginia C.
Sexy, fun, excellent service, wine list, and food menu. This is where you go with your girlfriends, on a first-date, or even with your family. Please be aware that this place gets busy and there may be a way. But I personally prefer this over Toro. Pros: -Sangria and more Sangria. I really hate that Boston doesn't have Happy Hours, but there is a Social Bar Food Menu from 4-6pm -Scallop Crudo* -Razor Clam Ceviche -Spiced Meatballs in Ham-Tomato Sauce -Hanger Steak* -Island Creek Oysters* -Swordfish a la Plancha* Cons - If you don't eat pork or trying to keep Kosher- I don't know if you would have the rewarding experience that I had! So- get it seat by the open patio and people watch, drink, and eat!
(5)
Angela Y.
+ grade-A deliciousness + bold flavors + small plates, but LOTS of bread to go with (you'll get full!) + friendly staff + a nice place to accommodate both small and large groups (also has outdoor seating!) -pricey, but hey it is tapas after all - selectio
(4)
Emily L.
Awesome food and service here. It gets super packed so make sure you make reservations! Even with reservations they will run behind and you can't get seated on time. We got the seafood paella amongst other dishes. I think that is a must.
(4)
Angela L.
Tapas. Need I say more? I've been here a few times already, and as per usual, go with all your friends so you can try EVERYTHING. Went here the other night with some friends for a little celebratory dinner. We started off with a pitcher of the red wine sangria (it's a must try. And it's pretty strong too!) If you're going to order the paella, order that first. It takes forever to cook. Be careful of not filling up too much on the other stuff otherwise you'll have no space for the paella. We ordered the seafood paella, it's pretty good, but not something I would go crazy over. The tapas are small, but filling. (Check my pictures for what they look like! I was too excited to eat the foie gras that I didn't get a picture) These are the things we did order and I would definitely recommend: -patatas bravas (almost like little French fries with this amazing spicy dipping sauce) -the hanger steak (cooked to perfection and the sauce gives it a nice kick) -the chorizo with fig (chorizo. Delish. And the figs make it a nice and sweet dish... And not to forget, put the figs on your bread for a little fig jam) -spicy beef empanada (small, but they're empanadas... Need I say more?) -and the foie gras (melts in your mouth goodness). The ones we tried that I was less thrilled about: -chicken and jamon croquetas (these are tiny. And where is the chicken?? Felt like I was just eating a crunchy cheese ball) -bok choy (good, but a little on the salty side) Overall. Great experience whenever I come here. Only sucky part is that it is ALWAYS busy, so make a reservation!! We came a little earlier to put our name down for walk in and had to wait at least 45min. They have a nice bar area and outdoor seating which has opened up, so grab a drink and sit outside while you wait.. And it is worth the wait! Service is great and the tapas come out really quick. Go make a reservation now and get ready for your tum to be happy :)
(4)
Kim B.
Barcelona is a luxury. It is that thing that you keep anticipating, you hold out for until you can afford it, and then you treat it like a fragile work of art. The experience itself is truly an art. It is an escape from the streets of Boston, entering into a busy, exciting, and tasteful environment. Since moving to the area, I have been here a few times. While I do not go often, I reserve a Barcelona experience for special occasions, such as Patch's welcome home party night 2. The environment is relaxing, citylike, with subway tiles, wooden beams, wooden floors, funky decor. It feels "NYC". Whatever that means, but its true. It has a formal dining area, as well as a bar area with high booths. Both experiences are busy and exciting. I will note, it is essential to have reservations. On one occasion, we were made to wait 45 minutes past our reservation time. While this is inexcusable, they did make up for it with complimentary appetizers and plates. And, while you are sitting and waiting at the bar, you hardly notice 45 minutes as you are soaking in the fun experience. The food options at Barcelona are exciting. Tapas allow you to try several types of food, and also to mix up the dishes. Barcelona also offers "bigger meals" where you order a slab or meat or 2 for the table. While it is expensive, the flavors, presentation, and uniqueness of the dishes makes it worthwhile. While having tried many items on the menu, of my favorite is the lamb, and the desserts. All of the desserts. That might be how they won my heart. Now Gster should note to just take me to the real Barcelona someday!
(5)
Patrick D.
We have dined at Barcelona Brookline on multiple occasions and have never ever been disappointed. Always have made a reservation well in advance (at least 10 days) to ensure you can dine at your specified date and time. We have been here for brunch on the weekends, dinner, or just for drinks when the wait to eat is too long. There has been a few times where we have not made a reservation and then been told there would be a 2 hr wait so we just hung out for drinks and went to eat someplace else. The restaurant is always packed; when it is super crowded on the weekends, free tapas are handed out as well as a complimentary tapas coin to use the next time you dine for a free item. The food, drinks, and service are all impeccable. The red sangria is very tasty as well as one of the tequila jalapeño cocktails. The freshest, doughiest yet crunchiest bread is brought to your table upon seating with a very delicious olive oil. Some favorite tapas are the hanger steak, patatas bravas, kale salad, albondigas, and the spicy eggplant capanota. For brunch, the bloody mary bar is just fantastic. For 10 dollars, they bring a glass of vodka to your table and you can then go to the bar area to make your own blood mary. This isn't a typical blood mary either - you are free to concoct your own spice level and add candied bacon, pickled veggies, cheese, more meats, and horseradish/jalapenos. We absolutely love it here and cannot say enough good things about this amazing establishment!
(5)
Joe B.
Make a reservation! This place, like other Barcelona's are a popular place for locals, and there is a 1-2 hour wait on the weekends If you don't call ahead, but if you have a reservation you will be seated promptly, I promise! If you're a party of 2, chances are you'll be sitting almost community style, shoulder to shoulder with other tables, but I must say, Barcelona is consistent wherever you go! We ordered 6 tapas, and 3 of them were favorites and recommendations from our waiter (oysters, poached veal, and tuna tartare). DELISH! Salads are enough for 3 people so prepare to share. It was a very enjoyable experience, and a sommelier in training paired our hanger steak with an affordable glass of Syrah South American Wine ($6/glass). While not leaving full to the brim, it was again, another extremely great experience to enjoy a tasting of traditional style Spanish Tapas, I will be back again!
(4)
Lisa R.
great atmosphere. authentic tapas which were perfectly excecuted. TIP: get the pitcher of sangria. We got a sampling of tapas including the hanger steak, patatas bravas, eggplant caponata, and crab. All were delicious. We got the churros of dessert, which I would pass on next time. It lacked flavor and tasted like plain fried dough. No wait on a Sunday night.
(4)
Ali M.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The staff is always so welcoming, friendly, has great recommendations (and also give complimentary tapas sometimes :) It's great to try new things and get a small taste, great for groups, fun area/patio. My favorites: -Croquettes (so tasty, must-have, just changed portion from 5 croquettes to 6 so perfect for sharing) -Truffle bikini (garlic aioli yum, little grilled cheeses with ham, so delicious!) -Seasonal risotto (lobster. so good) -Traditional sangria (good for splitting, ~$28 for 6 or 7 glasses, great fruit) -Hanger steak with truffle sauce
(5)
Ryan R.
Went here with a couple of friends for an early dinner. This place gets pretty packed so we made sure to make a reservation and were seated right away. First off, this place is lively. If you don't like crowds...or noise, this place is not for you. We were a small group so we did not mind it so much, but it could be overwhelming for some. I had a couple of drinks throughout the night--I think sangria and one of their cocktails, but wasn't too impressed by them. As for the food, we were able to try several dishes: Fuet and Cana de cabra (4 stars)--This meat and cheese pairing was actually pretty tasty though we didn't really need it after all of the other food we had ordered. Chicken & Jamon croquetas (4 stars)--These were a pretty tasty bite, but portion was pretty small overall. Spiced beef empanada (3 stars)--Decent flavor, but nothing to write home about. Hanger steak (5 stars)--By far, the best dish of the night. We actually ordered it twice--it was that good. Tuscan Kale (2 stars)--This dish was recommended by our waitress and I can definitely say that I was extremely underwhelmed. The kale was chewy, the dressing was limited and the whole dish did not really come together as I would have hoped. Grilled asparagus (4.5 stars)--I have had many renditions of this dish, and Barcelona does a nice job with theirs as well. Chorizo with figs (4 stars)--This dish was an interesting combination, but the pairing of flavors seemed to work well--decent sized portion as well. Overall, the service was friendly, the food flew out of the kitchen, and we were able to try several different dishes. That being said, this place did not come to the height of Alden and Harlow in Cambridge in the food selection and quality and really did not impress in the drink department. Nevertheless, a nice option in Brookline with a lively atmosphere. They also offer a nice outdoor patio space option during the warmer months.
(4)
Jonathan F.
Be prepared for a loud and crowded experience. We had a table by the entry to the outdoor dining and I was jostled, had water spilled on me, had plates broken at my feet and yet it was a good evening. It all seems to be part of the scene in Barcelona. Favorite dishes: Chorizo with figs and the Hanger Steak. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. A fun place with good food.
(4)
Maya R.
As someone who has visited Spain a number of times, I thought that Barcelona Brookline did an OK job of capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. It had all the classic dishes and drinks but it lacked the robust rustic flavor I normally associate with stellar Spanish food. This is not to say that the food wasn't good, it just wasn't what I expected.
(3)
J B.
Well worth it. What a great way of tasting small plates and not too expensive. This is a really good way to introduce people to new flavors. The menu has a wide range of plates for all. The sangria was really good too. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Cathy S.
Been meaning to try this restaurant and finally did so on a Wednesday evening and it was packed! The restaurant is very big and even so there were tons of people standing around waiting outside when we arrived at 7:45pm. The atmosphere is bustling inside, and many of the tables are positioned extremely close together so that it almost looks like long communal tables at a glance. They start you off with some really good crusty and warm bread with olive oil and also offer bread refills throughout the meal. We had a party of 6 and ordered the following: - mushrooms + herbed goat cheese: really tasty and one of my favorites of the night - hanger steak: steak was cooked beautifully, truffle sauce was not that memorable for me, portion didn't look as big as in some of the Yelp pictures - fried zucchini: awesome remoulade but was disappointed that there were only 3 sticks of zucchini - crispy calamari: big chunks of squid instead of the usual smaller rings, squid had nice texture - chorizo with sweet and sour figs: bold sweet and sour flavor, really liked the big pieces of chorizo - pork shoulder: liked that the chunks of pork were fatty, good beans - clams and chorizo: tasty broth - paella mariscos for two: very good with strong seafood flavor and plenty of shellfish and squid, also one of my favorites All in all everything was very flavorful and there wasn't one dish that I disliked. Given that it's tapas it can feel like some of the dishes are overpriced for the portion. Service was pretty good despite being busy, though they did seem to initially forget three of our tapas.
(4)
Alexandra L.
The Quick: Such a perfect place to get brunch-- sit outside and people watch while drinking delicious bloody Mary's. The Details: Every single tapas we tried was incredible, and with a group of 5 we might have tried almost all of them! There were too many bloody Mary's involved to remember what my favorite dish was, but you will enjoy everything. As a lady who brunches, I'm rating this spot a must try.
(4)
Vanessa T.
This is exactly what Brookline needed. I can't wait to return here on 7/27 with friends from NYC! The staff is wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. I have been twice for dinner and can't wait to try brunch. The menu changes from time to time and its always A+. This is not your typical "Brookline" restaurant. Anyone or anysize party can go here and not feel the typical attitude some other surrounding business will give you.
(5)
Samantha C.
Love the Brookline location of Barcelona. There's always parking and the outdoor seating is great. There always seems to be a wait when I go, but there is plenty of space around the bar to grab a glass of sangria and relax while you wait. Im not usually one to wait, but it is definitely worth the wait. Try a pitcher of the red or white sangria - both refreshing and pack a punch without tasting too strong to sip on. All of the tapas are amazing - my favorite was the chorizo with fig and the croquetas. Also try the watermelon feta salad - you'll be happy you did. The staff here really made the night. They were happy to offer us wine and food suggestions and were on top of everything. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with great food, wine, and people you need to try Barcelona!
(5)
Dave R.
Generally speaking, I don't do "chains." But Barcelona wine bar is different. As I understand it, each location has it's own head chef who establishes the location's menu based on the Barcelona Wine Bar "theme" and fresh / local ingredients. I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline numerous times but have never bothered to write a review because there's already 500+ Well, after my last visit I just had to add my 5-Stars vote... This place is awesome! First, full confession: I prefer to share with my dining companion(s) wherever I go. If it's a traditional restaurant that means a shared app. or two, maybe a shared salad, and a shared entree. So a tapas restaurant is right up my alley. On this night my date and I sat at the bar on a Friday night at about 5:30 and shared the Blistered Shishito Peppers w Sea Salt and the Cabrales Cheese Plate to start. Both were awesome. We then had the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in oil and garlic) and Potato Tortilla. The four small plates, cocktails wine, and conversation were a perfect end to the week. As alway, the service was awesome. Looking forward to my next visit. P.S. Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End is also very good. But I prefer the Brookline location.
(5)
Carla S.
I've been here several times.. The food is amazing! The service is great too, except for just once.. I had a waitress that just didn't do her job, idk if she was new but whoa.. She was off
(5)
Silly S.
Second time here. Really love Spanish Ham (Jamon Serrano), Hanger Steak and Grilled Ribeye Steak. Especially the truffle cream on hanger steak. My wife recommends Sour Figs. Will definitely come again.
(4)
Alexandra M.
Our half our wait turned into an hour quickly, and that was at 9pm! Pretty crazy. I don't normally eat that late, but I guess it's Spanish food so we should eat late :) We had a few drinks at the bar while we waited, which was packed. We started getting nervous for the table size, as unless you got a booth it seemed too small for tapas plates, and we were right. Our drinks were great, except the white sangria which was a bit boring. Like something was missing. My whisky root was great as was my caipirinha. I don't recall everything we had, but the olives were enough for 10 people, and the mussels were mostly great. One was still closed and one was really gritty (glad I got it at the end otherwise I would not have been able to keep eating them). The frittata wasn't close to the best either of us had had. Service was okay, had to ask for water refills and a few other things, and sometimes didn't see him for a long time.
(3)
Wei Ting C.
We went here on Saturday morning around 12pm, surprisingly it wasn't crowded at all. If you want to enjoy a lovely morning in Boston, this is a good place to go. I recommended Braised Oxtail Hash and Paella Mariscos. Although they made the paella too much socarrat, they took it back and remade it. Their service was really good. If you're going to order the paella, order this first. It took around 30 min to cook, but it worth the wait. I really enjoyed the food and it was not that expansive. I will definitely visit here again.
(4)
Zhenya K.
This was our first time at Barcelona. I have heard good things about the place, but wanted to try it out for myself. We made reservations for Saturday night for 9PM. We ended up getting to Barcelona 30 min earlier and seeing how busy the place was I thought there was no chance we were going to be seated earlier then 9PM. We were seated before our reservation time and as we requested outside in the corner for some privacy. I was truly blown away Then we met our waiter - Nick. One word - AMAZING! This guy was very kind, funny, knew the menu very well and answered our 100000 questions! Then the drinks came out....my apple martini was out of this world...my husband asked Nick to get him his favorite beer.....keep in mind my husband is not a big beer drinker....Nick pleasantly surprised him with a beer choice that was simply amazing and something we have never had before. YUM! The food started coming out......OMG - we couldn't stop...it was all so good! Highlights were "Bikini", "Hanger Steak", "Muscles Al Diablo" and other I can't remember now! Muscles were honestly to die for! We also ordered a sea food Paela....it came out and at first my husband and his friend dug in and said that it was just delightful. Then we realized that the bottom was quite burned...we told Nick about it. All he said was. "I heard you"...that it. We didn't think what to make out of that, but we weren't going to let that ruin our night. We ordered coffee, tea, desserts - all were very good! Then we asked for the check.......before getting the check , Nick informed us that he took the Paella off our check.....Thoughtful right??? We were ready to pay for it even though it was $50 for 2 people, but we thought, what the hell....it was a good night...so the paella was burned. But no, Nick took care of us from the very beginning to the very end! Overall experience is A+ we are definitely coming back here again and asking to be seated in Nick's section!!!!
Good food. A bit pricey but worth it. I love the lay out of Barcelona Brookline. Very open and airy. Large booths are good for groups. Trendy ambience. Great patio out front. Make a reservation. Recommend the potatoes with garlic aioli, calamari, asparagus salad, steak and eggs. Lovely Bloody Mary bar. Sangria also great.
(4)
Grace M.
Barcelona's a great trendy spot that'd be super fun for a date. I liked all the tapas I had and really liked their bread as well. I was so upset though when I found out the mushrooms I got were cooked in bone marrow or some kind of animal fat.. vegetarians beware to tell your server in advance! But that runs true of any kind of tapas joint.. I liked this place over Tasca on Comm. They're pretty close to one another so if you're trying to decide, I say go with Barcelona.
(4)
Naira Q.
Came here on a Monday around 430 for drinks and tapas after class. Beautiful outdoor seating, great for people watching on beacon street. Shared a pitcher of sangria with 6 people, it was enough for everyone to have a glass. We each ordered 1-2 apps and enjoyed sharing. Great service, location and food. Definitely will go back!
(5)
Ramzy K.
Ever heard of "tapas"? It's the new culinary fad taking the US by storm. Under the guise of traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurants offer small dishes for sharing amongst a large group of family or friends. However, most restaurants slyly take advantage of tapas' unique profitability, charging astronomical prices for app-sized portions of halfway decent food. Fortunately for us, Barcelona bucks this trend entirely. Located in the reinvigorated dining scene of Brookline, this bustling Spanish restaurant pairs an extensive menu of delectable plates with a robust, by-the-glass wine list. The prices are reasonable, and the taste is terrific. From the chorizos, chopped up and topped with a sunny side up egg, to the broccoli, cooked till crunchy and drizzled with a savory sauce, every dish has a personality of its own. The great food & drink come with personable servers and a lively, comfortable atmosphere. One of the only issues is unavoidable: it's very crowded. Either arrive early, or be prepared to wait, whether you have a reservation or not. So, even if the tapas movement continues to grow more popular by duping customers into buying mediocre apps with their hard-earned money, Barcelona gives you great hope that some good can come of it.
(4)
Haeden G.
The food was really great and authentic...you can never go wrong with Spanish ham! The octopus however was extremely salty and you could tell they were trying to flip the table, almost rushing us out despite our very expensive bill. Overall though, great food and friendly staff.
(4)
Mary Ann M.
THE BEST FOOD EVER! Kelly-Ann was our amazing server who just made us so happy! The manager David greeted us like we were family and it was actually our first time here. SUMMER SLING COCKTAIL ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! Love this drink! We had Ensalata Mista, cheese board with chorizo, artichokes, eggplant caponata, the gambas-yum, the beef empanadas omgggg, trumpet mushrooms, rib eye wow! We are definitely coming back not just for the food but because of the people (David!!!! & Kelly Ann) who work here are outstanding! We fell in love! RUN HERE DONT WALK, run!!!!!!
(5)
Stacey G.
I have been here twice and I cannot say enough good things. I am constantly raving about this restaurant and cannot wait to return. I have gone in a group setting and on a date. I was last here on Monday night and the service like always was impeccable. The staff is friendly and polite. The manager came over to make sure everything was okay and to tell us they are opening a location in the south end! Everything they serve is amazing. I've had the beet salad, kale salad, mushrooms with herb goat cheese, patatas bravas, hanger steak and butternut squash. It was all amazing but the patatas bravas dish is by far my favorite!! I do wish they served a salmon dish! The traditional white sangria is something everyone should try! Occasionally there is a wait so sit by the bar and have a drink. This place is well worth the wait!! They also have wooden benches and tables as well as a dining area outside which I enjoy when it's nice outside. 5 stars without a doubt. This is one of my favorite restaurants in boston
(5)
Alexis C.
This has become my new favorite restaurant! The food was sensation. The service was wonderful. The wine was spectacular. I went here on a first date. Although there probably won't be a second date, I will definitely be back. I couldn't name all six dishes we got and split but I do recall the pig ears and the spicy empanadas being particularly amazing. Our server was delightfully as well as anyone else who passed by the table willing to assistance us. The bartender was great help when it came to choosing a bottle before we sat down for our reservation. It was so good, we ended up getting a second bottle. We ended our night with dessert but it was certainly not as good as the rest of the meal. By the time we got our check the restaurant was packed and busy with a fun and lively atmosphere to it. I plan on coming back and bringing all my friends with me.
(5)
Rachell C.
Make sure you make a reservation, even on a week night this place is crazy busy. But that's because it's delicious and the service is great and the atmosphere is wonderful too!
(5)
Scott E.
I have been here several times, and it has been consistent each time. The tapas that I have tried have all been good. However, my favorite thing is getting some cheeses and charcuterie with a few flights of wine. The service and the knowledge about the menu cannot be beat either.
(5)
Jonny Q.
Let's start from the beginning so you can truly understand the great experience I had at this place. I have never given a review on yelp other than one of discouragement. I return to yelp in happiness. I got a call from "top of the hub" 3 hours before my reservation on Valentine's day saying it was previously reserved. Obviously frantic, I turned to yelp for guidance. Although I live in Allston, I barely find this place suitable for a Valentine's date. So I stumbled upon this establishment. I called, and without explanation they bent over backwards to get me a table at 6:45. It was 5pm. They were booked and they helped me. We showed up a few minutes late, they still accommodated us. They offered us free apps whilst having a drink waiting for our table. The server was humorous and unassuming. He didn't have any" nose in the air" way about him, although that is much of what I expected. Both managers briefly stopped by to hear about our evening at the end of our meal. I have never written a review. I didn't even mention the food which was remarkable. Is it obvious I enjoyed it? I'd like to personally thank the top of the hub. Thank you for turning us away. Try the gnocchi
(5)
Lisabetta P.
Excellent. EXCELLENT! Ex-cell-ent. Eccelente. Ottimo. I will definitely return because the only problem was I couldn't order every dish!
(5)
Rachel P.
I love the atmosphere, the restaurant is gorgeous. Both times I have been there it was a Sunday night and it was so busy both times. The food is delicious and the menu gets new tappas added often. Great selection of meats and cheeses. The tappas are generous portions and the cocktails are great. It is one of my favorite spots in the Boston area.
(4)
Sahil M.
Just overall a really cool place. Wish the prices were a tad bit lower, but honestly, probably one of the best places I could think of to spend a nice evening. The outdoor area is cool, the service is great, drinks are good. Solid all around.
(5)
Francine W.
Delicious. So many good dishes. Loved the squid ink noodles, the paella, and the service was excellent. Really nice inside too!
(5)
Kim D.
This place is amazing. First of all, the decor and atmosphere just set a wonderful night out tone. We had reservations and we're seated right away. The food was delicious. The charcuterie was perfectly salty and the hand crafted cocktails complemented it nicely. We had so many tapas, but a few highlights: hangar steak, beets, and seafood paella. The service was outstanding. We had a few very small hiccups but they more than took care of us when the bill came. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sam L.
I've been twice and I am continually impressed. The tapas are delicious (all of them) and the drinks are strong and tasty. Both times we asked our waiter what they would recommend, and were tastefully awarded for doing this. With a group, it was easy to order more once we realized it wouldn't be enough. I would recommend getting a reservation for dinner as that's what we've always done and we typically see people waiting for 30 mins to 2 hours.
(5)
Rachel K.
I went here over the weekend with a group of friends. We were able to try a lot of different items since we were a big group. Everything was amazing. I lived in Spain, so sometimes I can be picky with Spanish tapas, but Barcelona is the real deal. Some tapas highlights: mushroom goat cheese, chorizo and fig, potatas bravas, and croquettes. We also got the Barcelona mixed grill. Everything in it was juicy, tender, and delicious. I highly recommend getting that if you are with a large party. The service was great, but it got really busy. Be sure to book a reservation.
(5)
Karan S.
Overhyped! Just about average food. Nothing extraordinary which surprised me because of all the hype and long wait times. Tapas were just okay. We tried the chicken croquets, mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach-chickpea, whipped sheep's cheese & haddock. Some had the flavor missing while some were under-seasoned. Found the portions much smaller compared to other places. Veg paella and red sangria were the only good exceptions. Very very noisy ambience. Difficult communicating with the server. Our server was really slow in getting everything. I find Tasca and Dali much better in terms of food, ambience and service. Not sure if would go there again.
(2)
Elise H.
Food is amazing! Sit at the bar (lots of cute bartenders to talk to). And don't leave without trying a sangria or 2
(5)
Shir L.
Red wine sangria-consistently good Summer St. Sling-tastes light, like drinking lemonade Porkbelly - delicious, melt in your mouth. Shaved mushroom salad - too much dressing Grilled broccolini - ok Grilled hanger steak - decent but probably wouldnt order next time Mussels al Diablo - too spicy, killed all my taste buds Suckling pig - best dish and would come back for this next time!!!
(4)
Matt H.
I've only been once, but can't give anything other than 5 stars. Split the mixed grill for 2. It should be for 8. It was fantastic. We showed up on a Friday night at 630 and the host was transparent, telling me probably an hour or more for a table for 2. We only had time to finish one drink on the outdoor patio before a table was ready. The place was mobbed too. It is a very cool environment and the staff was legit. Food and drinks were top notch as well. If you are near this place, try it. Best complete dining experience I have had in the Boston area and I've been living here for 10 years.
(5)
Kelly O.
Attention: this place has a large outdoor patio specifically for drinking. As in, you're not required to sit at a table, or order food, or deal with waitstaff... you can simply mosey up to the indoor bar, order/pay for your drink, walk out to the lounge area, sit, and enjoy in the sunshine (or shade) for as long as you'd like without being bothered. Genius! I don't know why more places don't have this feature available, I can't stand the "you must order food" requirement in the majority of outdoor restaurant spaces in our fair city. Barcelona's drinking patio in particular is pretty spacious with various benches, stools, and tables for your use, and would be great for groups (the other side of the outdoor patio is specifically for seated dining, should you so choose). We were the only ones out there on our visit, and a waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us unsolicited glasses of water (score one for service). I tried their white and red sangria, and I really enjoyed both ($6/glass, which is pretty reasonable). Tapas seems on the pricey side though, which is why I haven't tried their food yet... for the moment, I'm perfectly happy sipping a drink on the patio and enjoying the summer. UPDATE: I recommend the spinach and chickpea cazuela and the tortilla. Jamon is as expected. Avoid the mussels (not good quality or flavor) and the cocktails (too pricey, not enough liquor, strange flavors).
(4)
Mike P.
Well, I probably haven't looked forward to trying a restaurant more than this one in a long time. Unfortunately, I share Anastasia's sentiments in her review. Not sure if I hit it on a bad night but the food was underwhelming to say the least. What made it especially displeasing was the bill at the end of the night. I was glad I was sitting down. The experience just wasn't worth it. You're definitely paying more for the ambiance and hippish vibe than the food, which goes against everything I believe in when dining out. Only thing that was pretty good was the short ribs. I'll still stick with Tasca. They still have the best sangria in New England and the food is on par with this place. However, you don't get the sticker shock at the end of the night. I guess this is what I get for being excited about a new restaurant that supposedly has great reviews. :'(
(2)
Rachel K.
What a great way to spend a Friday night after a long week: Barcelona Wine Bar, you did us good!! Though there was a long wait, we went to the standing room at the bar for some drinks until we could get a table. What a nice touch that the staff walks around with mini drink and food samples for those desperately waiting for a table, SUCH a nice touch! We finally got a table in the bar area, and we were blessed with not one but TWO waiters! Jamie was soo enthusiastic and full of on-point recommendations. If you get him as your waiter make sure to ask for the white wine which requires his fancy high pour. Joey was very helpful with recommendations as well. Great service all around. Do not come here without trying the Cana de Cabra cheese, which our waiter described as "life changing." The bread and oil, though simple, was the perfect carb-filled start to the evening. The Lobster Fideos is a must, I've never had a lobster dish anything like this.....it was full of flavor and crunch- my friend and I literally scraped the plate while the bus-girl thought we were crazy when we didn't want her to take away what looked like an empty plate. The asparagus/egg/truffle tapas was perfect for my truffle-addiction and a great side. We topped the night with the ricotta crepes which was a guilty, but all in all good decision. Wines overall are good, but I am partial to domestic wines which you will not find at Barcelona given the theme. I'm so happy to have a new regular spot for my weekend rotation and I'm already looking forward to coming back- though I don't know if I should share with the public my love for Barcelona WIne Bar as I'd love to frequent it with no long waits! So yeah, it sucks? Nahh just kidding!
(5)
Kiki P.
Barcelona Wine Bar is a hip and laid-back tapas restaurant with pretty good food. They have an outdoor patio which is perfect for a nice summer day. For dinner we tried the following tapas: THE GREAT Grilled asparagus with black truffle vinaigrette and farm egg. The poached egg on top of the perfectly cooked asparagus with a lovely hint of truffle made this dish elegant and delightful. Toasted white gazpacho with red grapes and tarragon: Very unique take on Gazpacho. It is not a tomato base but a nut base. Absolutely delicious. THE GOOD Gambas al ajillo with garlic and hot pepper oil: Simple but great choice Jamon and chicken croquettes: Can't really go wrong with croquettes THE AVERAGE Chorizo and sweet sour figs: This dish is overly sweet. It was not sour at all. I think adding something salty or sour to the combination would made it interesting. Spiced beef empanadas with red pepper sauce: These were okay. I have had better. The quality of the beef seemed low. Grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette: I really don't think truffle goes well with steak but maybe thats just me Smoked bluefish cakes with garlic aioli and arugula: These were similar to crab cakes but I like crab cakes better Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette and breadcrumbs. I did not like the anchovy flavor of this salad. The server told me it was mild but I did not think so. There is nothing to this salad at all. It literally only has kale in it. I think they should have added tomatoes and nuts, etc. It was a disappointment. Overall, I think the food at Barcelona is average. A couple of the dishes are awesome. I still am not sure what all the hype is about. I do really like the outdoor patio. If I do end up returning here, it will be because of that patio!
(3)
Jen H.
I've been here at least a dozen times, and it really never gets old. They have some of the best sangria I have ever had, although either it has decreased in its alcohol content over the past year or two, or I've become more tolerant! Best item, by far, is the hangar steak with truffle oil. So delicious. I'd also recommend their cheeses at the top of the menu. Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead though, as their wait can get pretty extensive...
(4)
Audrey X.
I would definitely recommend this place purely considering its atmosphere. Love the decoration of this place! The food was good. most of the tapas we ordered were good, but I wasn't impressed. The squid ink noodle and the salvaje paella though were outstanding. The service is really really good. Our waiter was friendly and informative. Also he scraped off noodles and rice sticked to the pan for us (they were delicious as well).
(4)
Mary G.
I love this place. Hands down best tapas. Every time people ask for a good place to go in the city, I recommend this place. ALWAYS great service. ALWAYS such a fun atmosphere, especially for groups. ALWAYS delicious food. The only thing I can say is make a reservation. Sometimes I still have to wait even if I book a table. Here is a list of my favorite dishes on their menu. Meat & Cheese section: Jamon de Mangalica - When they say ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. You ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. If you're sitting away from the bar, they bring over this large piece of delicious ham that is specially shipped from Spain and carve pieces for you right in front of you. Totally worth it. Aged Mahon - And if you want cheese to go with your meat, definitely choose the Aged Mahon. It's nutty and crumbles and is the perfect complement. Tapas Section: Jamon and Chicken Croquettes - Lightly breaded, cheesy and delicious. These bite-sized pieces of ham and chicken hit the spot. Patatas Bravas - Potatoes, please! These are cubed pieces of potatoes that are cooked perfectly (crispy on the outside and warm/soft on the inside) with a delicious garlic aioli and salsa. I order this EVERY time. Carmelized Brussel Sprouts - Okay, so before Barcelona I was afraid of even trying brussel sprouts. After Barcelona, I can't get enough of brussel sprouts. That's all you need to know. Migas - Very heavy and very delicious. It's bread, meat and eggs. How could you say no? If you are getting full, don't get this one. If you're just starting out, give it a try. Sometimes this can be pretty greasy, but sometimes I'm in the mood for that. AND of course, no tapas meal is complete without Sangria. I've tried all three on the same night. And it's safe to say that the Ginger Pepper Sangria made with Red wine was the group's favorite. Dessert Section: Churros y Chocolate - The quintessential Spanish treat. These are not the churros you get at a random street vendor or at a festival. They are what churros are truly meant to be. Paired with a chocolate sauce that is not too sweet and has a tiny kick to it, this dessert is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Pro tip: The tapas go from lightest at the top to heaviest at the bottom.
(5)
Yasa E.
Loud and definitely happening. Came with a party of 10 and got great service. The waitress was quick to suggest a $35/pp tasting menu which was a great idea. We basically told her what we definitely wanted and she surprised us with the rest. Pitchers and pitchers of sangria got sucked down very fast. The restaurant sent us a free champagne toast which was such a nice end to our beautiful celebratory dinner! Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Michelle S.
I was very impressed by my first experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. It has an edgy modern yet rustic, warm atmosphere, although a bit loud for conversation (came with a large crowd of 5 and it was a bit stressful to have dinner and casually catch up). But, I guess you just need to come in prepared for that - it's a really fun spot! The service was also fantastic. We had a really attentive team of a server and a water attendant. We got a pitcher of sangria that was delicious and we split a bunch of tapas. My favorites were the pig ears, chorizo & sweet figs, and grilled steak with black truffle sauce. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. Maybe leave out the empanadas? Not eventful enough compared to how amazing everything else was.
(4)
Jodi G.
The greatest place to come to Brookline! They are always booked out two weeks, and it is no surprise! I have never eaten something here that I don't like. The fig and chorizo tapas and the churro dessert are top notch. Yum! Yum! Yum! Please try this delicious restaurant!
(5)
Sheena B.
I came here with a group of 10 for a birthday dinner and everything was absolutely amazing. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations and advice. Some of the highlights of our meal was the hanger steak with truffle, fried calamari, patatas bravas, okra, potatato tortilla, mushroom with herbed goat cheese, and the bone marrow was fun because you can do a "marrow luge" with sherry after you eat it. Dont forget to order sangria also. Reasonably priced is also a plus! Overall, surpassed my expectations. Excellent food, service, ambiance, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Jessica C.
Ah! Barcelona's is amazing! Little pricy if you want to fill up on tapas, but they're worth it. I love the pig ears, especially. Also, the paella is excellent and also worth the money. The cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is super chill.
(5)
K S.
Everything is yummy! Try the fried pig ears!! Arrive early because this place gets packed! Even on random weekdays... Don't forget to try the cured meats and cheeses!
(5)
Ashley A.
My wife and I love this place. It is tapas heaven! There's a large assortment of tapas of which we have sampled a few dozen. Not a bad one in the bunch. It has always been busy -- even though there was already another great tapas place nearby. This places manages the crowds really well. I can't wait to go back this coming Wednesday.
(4)
Stella S.
By far the best tapas place on this earth!! There is a chance that you may have to wait (even if you have a reservation) but it is SO worth it!! Everything on the menu was out of this world. I especially loved the fig tapas dish that we ordered. The atmosphere is also really nice. I definitely suggest this place!
(5)
Ella R.
Love it here! Everything I've tried was delicious, and their Sangria is great as well. We started with a selection from their Meet & Cheese section (Jamon Serrano, Chorizo and Manchego), which came with a tasty sweet spread. They also gave us the most delicious bread basket and olive oil for dipping. We also had a bunch of different tapas (Patatas Bravas, Grilled Spring Onions, Grilled Asparagus (so good!), Albondigas, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Grilled Lamb Chops (a must!) and the Mixed Grill (Barcelona). Great ambiance and service!
(5)
Jeffrey M.
All our food was laced with salt and minimal on flavour. Our waitress was pleasant but both the food and the drinks were ill-timed. We asked her to let the kitchen pace the meal and even before our drinks came, half of the dishes we ordered were piled on our table. We love Spanish food but we are never returning
(1)
Emily Myles H.
Really liked Barcelona! One of the best authentic spanish tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Traditional sangria is to die for and a really good price for a pitcher. Both of the butternut squash tapas were excellent, the meatballs and potatas bravas were other group favorites. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Thanh L.
I've only been to about 7 tapas establishments in my life - all in Boston/Brookline and one in Spain. Barcelona Wine Bar is a definite contender for the #1 spot. I can't tell yet if this place will trump Toro in my book - I'll have to come back a couple more times to assess. However, it still sits pretty at #2. My cousins and I went to this place for a family dinner. The space is reminiscent of an All Saints store - cool, urban chic. Although disappointed that suckling pig wasn't on the menu, we ended up with some rave worthy dishes. Some dishes we ordered: -Grilled Hangar Steak - Must eat!! Skillfully cooked, juicy, tender, flavorful. A table favorite. -Morcilla - Totally worth ordering. This blood sausage was cooked just right. -Squid ink - Delicious, tender squid. Don't eat this on a date - you will have blue lips and stained teeth, unless you're attracted to that kinda thing. -Chorizo and fig - One of the best dishes all around! I love sweet and salty together and this dish balanced it beautifully. Another table favorite. -Ham and cheese croquettes - The cheese was melted perfectly and the bread a delight. Was there a hint of truffle? I think so because this sandwich was bangin! -Golden beets and blood orange - Delicious and light, balanced out all the meat dishes. -Seafood paella - pretty good, I enjoyed the seafood. Paella is never really a must for me though. -Crispy pig ears - I liked the texture. Greasy food, which begged for lime. There was supposed to be a hint of lime in the dish but I didn't get that (maybe they didn't use any in this time of lime crisis?) -Pork belly and shredded vegetable - Melt in your mouth pork belly. Fantastic flavor. I can't remember if the veggie was beet or red cabbage. Either way it was raw, crunchy and delightful. -Hamachi crudo - So so dish. Nothing special. -Spicy eggplant caponata - Tasted like it came from a Chinese fast food restaurant. It still tasted good, but I expected a tangier, more tomato-y dish. This was a disappointment. Sangria was standard. Not out of this world. A few more things: The waiters and staff were spunky, efficient, and friendly. Parking is abundant in the area and the restroom is clean. I would definitely recommend this place for the cool, urban ambience, the tasty tapas, and friendly service.
(5)
Carl H.
Got out for a date night last weekend, luckily called ahead for reservations (good heads up yelp). Had a drink while waiting for table, one of the managers brought around croquettes appetizer samples, very good. Great scene, drinks were great bar staff very attentive. Got a seat out on patio when sat had heat lamps for little chill. Split a sangria pitcher, had the tuna dish, speck and manchego cheese, steak with truffle, roasted mushrooms, just a great mix of choices and nice portions. Sometimes tapas can be lacking, perfect portions keep you wanting more. We have already spoken to three couples about taking them too. See you soon.
(4)
Mimi A.
I came to Barcelona hoping to have a couple of sangria's. However, after giving the server my Thai passport. The manager comes back to our table and questions if we have a "Taiwanese passport" and then goes on to claim that in the town of Brookline, they are not allowed to accept foreign issued passports and only US IDs or US passports. I'm sorry but, do you want me to become a US citizen to drink here?? So no foreigners can drink here? He also claims that "the company is trying to enforce this new policy". If this isn't discrimination then I don't know what is.
(1)
Clay N.
For some reason Toro gets more attention than Barcelona, but that says nothing about the quality of the two establishments. Barcelona may be the best bang for your buck tapas in New England. First things first, make a reservation if you plan on going on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and be prepared to have a drink at the bar or outside (during warm weather) while they prepare your table. Second, as a general rule, sangria must always be consumed by the pitcher. Please do not fool yourself into believing that you will not want a third glass. In terms of food, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Aim for three plates per person and, obviously, share generously. Best things on the menu: - Hanger Steak - Gambas al Ajillo - Grilled Brocolini - Scallops - Meatballs - Roasted Cauliflower
(5)
Michael M.
I could not be more pleased with my dining experience at Barcelona this evening. The food was great, but what was really exceptional was the service that we received (which is why I'm making it a point to write this review right away). We arrived shortly after the 4pm opening (which is admittedly early and potentially part of the reason for our wonderful service--I imagine it gets crowded here at peak dining hours). We were a party of 6, plus an infant. Emily F was our server and she was exceptionally kind, helpful, and personable. Not once during our meal did she make us feel rushed. The rest of the waitstaff was excellent as well--glasses were immediately filled, empty plates taken away, etc. The food was very good. Extensive menu of tapas. Some favorites included the Spicy Eggplant Caponata, Truffled "Bikini," and Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela. We ended the meal with Churros Y Chocolate--we were drinking the chocolate out of the serving dishes when the churros were gone. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Zhichun Y.
Really nice tapa restaurant. Food is delicious. Especially in the summer, it is nice dining experience dining there outside. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Tara G.
This place is my favorite! Food is incredible and the staff is the best around! 6 Stars!
(5)
Rita L.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough! The food is amazing and the service is spectacular! My darling and I came to this restaurant on January 1st on our very special personal occasion, and the host at the restaurant was aware of it and was extremely nice and accommodating. The restaurant gave us a complementary bottle of sparkling wine and our server was impeccably attentive and kind. I asked if they served octopus, and even though they didn't have it on the menu, the chef agreed to make a special for me. We were EXTREMELY pleased with the service, quality of food and environment! We are definitely coming back!
(5)
V M.
Such a great place! The staff were very friendly and patient in explaining the menu. Ordered 3 dishes off the tapas menu and ended with churros with chocolate sauce, to die for! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Nick F.
We've been to Barcelona twice, and both times we were extremely impressed. The tapas are all amazing, and I would personally recommend the Jamon and Chicken Croquettes or the Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela. I really wish I could give this place a 4.5 or even a 5, but the quality of the food isn't quite there yet. Most of the tapas was delicious, but lacking in freshness and a "wow-factor." Some, however, were just not good -- the brussels sprouts were overdone and bland. That said, the uber trendy atmosphere and outstanding service more than made up for the food (which was still very good). In fact, the service here is possibly the best I've experienced in Boston so far. The waiter knew the menu inside and out, down to every last detail, and genuinely enjoyed helping us pick out the best tapas for our tastes. I will definitely continue coming back to Barcelona. Edit: Been back two or three times since this original review. I don't know if something changed or not, regardless, this place is one of the best in Boston and deserves 5 stars. Service, food, atmosphere -- all are excellent.
(5)
John P.
Two recent experiences at Barcelona Brookline after dining at Barcelona D.C. 1 dinner, the other brunch. Takeaways: Enjoyable place to begin a night or indulge a bit on a weekend day. Sangria will keep me coming back along with some great tapas (Lobster one was a table favorite). Found the french toast w/ pear butter and berries also delicious and unique. Service was class and this Brookline location compares favorably to my experience at the DC location. Solid value overall and absolutely worth checking out if you live in the area.
(4)
Dennis C.
The things we got in order of deliciousness: - Lobster fideos - Foie Gras - Bacon wrapped mushrooms - Crepas salguero for dessert - Braised short ribs - Roasted cauliflower - Albondigas - Caramelized brussel sprouts Despite being at the bottom, the brussel sprouts were still pretty good, but the lobster fideos were simply phenomenal. It comes in a wok with four pieces of lobster, but they also use lobster meat to make the pasta and getting the crusty pasta at the bottom of the pan was sooo good. The foie gras was also interesting as this was the first time I've had it cold, but after the second bite I really enjoyed how it just melts and how well it goes with the fried garlic-y bread-y bedding it's served on as well as the sherry that it goes with. Great service, two very attentive waiters and the manager checked in at the end of our meal.
(5)
Raoul H.
To be fair- a few things were good. The crusty baked bread was yummy, and the staff was pretty nice. Other than that, this place had the feel of a large chain restaurant, huge and with a sort of mechanized, assembly line feel to the service and food. The atmosphere was the worst: loud, echo-filled, with employees actually running around. It's enormous inside, and the extensive use of metal makes it feel industrial, like a huge warehouse. It was not the cozy tapa bar experience I was hoping for. The tapa selection was okay, nothing too original, and not really many options that weren't very heavy. Probably the best aspect is the cheese selection, but there was no presentation at all to the cheese I ordered. A tiny dab of compote accompanied my hunk-o-cheese, and they even forgot to give me a knife to cut it with. The other dishes were quite salty and not presented well either. They forgot the cheese atop my cauliflower dish and were too busy running around to get me silverware or a second glass of wine. Overall, somewhere between a meh and a bad. The one thing this restaurant really has going for it is location. There aren't that many options in Washington Square, and people in that neighborhood are dying for a place to call their own, so they will likely continue to swamp this cold, metallic industrial warehouse.
(1)
Jennifer W.
Have been wanting to visit Barcelona Wine Bar ever since it opened, but it's a little far from where we live so didn't make it out there until now. We love tapas and sangria so were excited. First off, this place was PACKED, and we were told by the manager that it was a "slower" night. Not sure if I'd want to see what a busy night looks like. The wait was about an hour but luckily we snapped up a small bar table for 2 soon after we arrived. Their traditional sangria is really really good, and a pitcher is only $24. To be fair the pitcher has a ton of ice in it, but it's literally served in a beer pitcher, so it's a great deal compared to some of the other chic tapas bars around town. As for the food, we tried the truffled bikini, meatballs, patatas bravas, chicken liver mouse and steak with truffle vinaigrette. Everything was good to very good, with the patatas bravas and truffled bikini being our favorites. The onion jam on the chicken liver mouse was fabulous, just wish there was a bit more. The steak, which seems to be their most popular item was good, but the vinaigrette was a little too sour for my taste. For dessert, we had a hard time deciding between the crepe and the churros. We ended up ordering the crepe but the manager sent over churros anyway, very nice of her! Both were really good but super filling. We were ridiculously full when we left, while hoping their South End location opens soon so we'll have somewhere closer to home to indulge in some tapas and sangria.
(4)
Matt C.
The build up and excitement of trying Barcelona Wine Bar left me prepared to be disappointed. I am happy to report that even with lofty expectations, Barcelona is still able to exceed and satisfy. We went prepared to indulge in Tapas and were impressed that the menu is filled with wonderful and varied tapas options. However, be prepared to be tempted by many other items including Mixed Grills and Paella to share and some tantalizing meat + cheese options. The service was great and you can tell that the restaurant is firing on all cylinders even though they are relatively new. The lamb chops are superb and the chorizo and fig will make you wish that it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. I am already planning the best strategy for our return visit.
(4)
Vanessa P.
This place is amazing; everything about it. The ambiance is incredible, both inside and outside. Whenever a friend is visiting Boston, this is where I take them. The food is to die for. Croquettes and truffled bikini are delicious, but so is everything. Not surprisingly, the sangria is absolutely delicious, especially their herb one with rosemary. You have to get there on the earlier side of you don't want to wait! I've waited an hour and half to get a table (willingly). This place is just the coolest.
(5)
Rebecca C.
Wow. The bartender Steve was really helpful with choosing the perfect wine. I had the lamb and it was amazing. Wish it was cooked medium rare but I am going back for sure!!!
(5)
Rae G.
Wow! We had meat and cheese platter, octopus, scallops, spring risotto, and amazing bread and cocktails. Everything was awesome. The tables are quite close together, but the food was so good that I couldn't really notice. Reasonably priced for what you get... Confused about the reviews that say the portions are small.... It's a TAPAS restaurant lol.
(5)
Sarah M.
(Didn't realize this posted on the Brookline location's page, we actually dine in West Hartford.) We had a lovely evening and great experience, despite having to wait a few minutes for our reservation. Our waitressES (loved having two working the area) were attentive and knew the menu well and were full of recommendations. I can't remember everything we had, but loved it all ... except the Duck Fat Fries. We didn't touch them much and our waitress asked why. We were honest about it -- way too much jalapeño, she took them away, replaced them with a new dish, didn't charge us AND the manager came over to apologize personally and get more feed back. A+! I do know we started with some coppa, which was amazing. As was the hanger steak with truffle sauce. The duck pastrami sandwich left us wanting to order a second (but didn't). The chicken empenda had a similar effect and served with an amazing avocado cream. The list goes on. If you like tapas, you won't be disappointed. The pitcher of white winter herb sangria was delicious and a great value (which can be a trick by the restaurant)!
(4)
Annabel J.
Came here for dinner last night because I had been hearing lots of good buzz. The space looks great! Very cool space that feels big yet cozy at the same time. Atmosphere was great and the place was busy. We did not have a reservation and the hostess quoted us a wait time of 30-45 mins for a party of two but we were able to get seats right away at the bar so we just decided to eat there. I thought the prices were very reasonable and a great value considering the quality of the food and drink. Good cocktails and nice beer selection. I had the bramble rum and K had a twist on a whiskey sour that I think was called the Brookline sour or something like that. we shared 4 tapas and they were all awesome. Chorizo with sweet sour fig, mushrooms with goat cheese and balsamic reduction, roasted brussels sprouts and (drum roll) bone marrow with toast! All very yummy. Service was super friendly with the usual just-opened kinks that are to be expected when an entire staff is still training. Things were a little slow/forgetful but everyone was so gracious that it totally made up for it. When K ordered his drink, the bartender said it would be a few minutes because they couldn't find anymore of the whiskey it was supposed to have in it and they would need to check the basement. But then she brought over a complimentary sangria while he was waiting which was much appreciated. I will absolutely be back and have already recommended this spot to friends.
(4)
Jonathan M.
Amazing food, amazing service, and deication to being a neighborhood restaurant. When all other restaurants werw closed for the snow storm, Barcelona put their staff up at a local hotel so the restaurant could stay open...quite imressive! Also, try the lobster fideos...simply delicious!
(5)
Katy D.
Great addition to the area. Walked in on a weeknight with my boyfriend and grabbed a seat at the bar right away. Really loved the atmosphere. Great menu, plenty of vegetarian options. The bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I wasn't super hungry so I just got the Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela and a goat cheese that had been marinated in red wine. Just delicious! Also had a wine flight, which I was super excited about. I can't drink a ton in one sitting so it was awesome to try 3 Riojas- and all of them were excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Peter W.
When I called that day I was told they only take reservations for 1/3 of the restaurant. We went over that Friday night, 6:15 pm and after a 40 minute wait standing at the bar we were seated. So far, O.K. We ordered another drink and six tapas. Service started to get noticeably quite rushed and hectic, with different servers coming by, water pitchers pouring after a few sips and twice servers taking my unfinished drink. One waitress even asked if we had had enough and would we like to cancel our last order of tapas! Good food, but the service needs to slow down - it was a bit of a turn-off.
(4)
Jed S.
First off, the food was solid; the dishes alone would merit 3 or 4 stars, depending on dish. As well, the space was attractive. So why the two-star review? We arrived just after 6 on a recent Thursday evening. It was in the 70s, and we wanted to sit outside, and had heard this was a good place to do so. We made our intentions known to the host, who told us it would probably be about half an hour. No problem. There's a separate outdoor seating area without table service and with no food permitted, but you can sit there and have a drink from the bar. I went to the bar while my wife found us a couple seats (it was still early enough that there were a few, as long as you didn't mind sharing a table with others, which we didn't and they didn't). Bartenders were very busy. After 15 minutes, I finally managed to catch a bartender's eye; he handed me a menu. I politely declined the menu and told him that I knew what I wanted. He left to make drinks for someone else whose order he had just taken. I figured he would be back after that, maybe he just didn't want to hold too many things in his head at once. But he was not. After another ten futile minutes, I decided that sitting outside with my wife was more fun than standing inside alone trying to catch a bartender's attention. We relaxed outside sans drinks. Maybe half an hour later my phone rang; the hostess said that our table was ready, and we stepped back inside to be seated. The host apologized, saying he had "jumped the gun", and it would be just a few more minutes. Unfortunately, our outdoor seats were gone, so we were left to stand awkwardly in the entrance (the place was packed; no bar seats available, nothing). This wouldn't have been an issue except that it was actually 20+ minutes. The host did apologize again at some point, saying "sorry, they lied to me". Finally, we were taken out to a table. Hooray! Though it was much cooler and less sunny by this point (almost 8pm), it was still pretty nice out. The food, as already mentioned, ranged from decent to quite good. Excellent bread. Good wine list too. We finished, and the waiter asked if we wanted a check. We gave him a credit card on the spot, to save him trouble. He brought the card back, with the check and credit card receipt to sign. They had added two extra miscellaneous anonymous glasses of wine to our order (the wines we actually had ordered and drunk were listed by name). Had to call the waiter back and get him to redo everything. To sum up, we wanted to sit outside together in the sun, relax, have some drinks and some tasty food. A collection of small to medium problems, any one of which would have been no big deal, rendered the evening an irritating disappointment. Given the proliferation of good reviews, this may have been an anomaly. Still, I wouldn't recommend going there unless it's not crowded, and make sure to check your bill carefully. It's too bad, because I was prepared to like it - it's a lovely setting, and on paper it seems great.
(2)
Heather B.
Being a fan of tapas restaurants and reading a nice review in the Globe, we decided to check out Barcelona. We arrived around 9:30 PM on a Wednesday night. The place was packed, but the front of the house guy quickly found us a spot....and then we waited. Finally a waiter came by to give us water and said that our server (name I could not hear) would be by to take our order in a moment. No one came. Our water almost empty, another server came to help the table next to us. I asked if he could get our server because we wanted to order and had some questions. He was very nice and said he take our order and did. But then again we waited...then the original server for our table came by and we had to tell her that someone else already took care of us. Finally our drinks came and next the house-cured Carne Salado. We were then looking around to see if we would be getting any bread. All of the other tables had a basket. Our two other tapas came and we asked that server (someone different again) if we could get some bread....bread? Ah yes, bread.....finally it showed up. Meanwhile we are watching a multitude of servers, bussers and I am assuming managers whiz around us. I kept wondering how a place so fully staffed could have such lousy service? To top it off, we were seated at the long banquet that is in direct line with the front door...that never closes completely. Each time patrons would leave, the door would remain open and send a very cool breeze (55 out now at night) down the row of banquets. Staff members were continuously closing it. The bill finally came with a comment card stated at the top, 'complimentary Tapa - please fill out and hand to the manager'. I took it out wanting to actually write on it and hand it to a manager.....but now no one was around! Needless to say the food was decent and I would give Barcelona a 2nd chance at some point, but the service really took away from the experience.
(2)
Matt J.
The best churros ever, even beat some homemade ones! Drinks could be free poured . Little alcohol for an expensive drink .
(3)
Daniel W.
Excellent first visit to the new Barcelona! Attentive and informative wait staff, excellent choice of Spanish and other wines, truly excellent choices of tapas, very satisfying. Not cheap but worth the expense. The cheese selections were fantastic! A very, very fine experience was had by all three of us (including the hard-to-please vegetarian among us as well as the meat-eaters!)---try it soon before it gets too overbooked!
(5)
M M.
We are thrilled to finally have something fantastic in that space. We lived through the Vinny Testa era. Say no more. Longtime residents of Brookline, we have always believed that Washington Square had room for another higher-end restaurant. The service was fantastic -- the food amazing. This place will appeal to couples as well as family. My 11 year old son tried the rabbit tapas and amazing loved it. So did I and I do not like rabbit. While this is quality and high-end, creative cuisine, it is remarkable value, especially if you want a meal of tapas. Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)
Clark M.
Maybe it's too soon for me to write a review after this "meal". While the food was quite well prepared, who gives a shit when you leave the place starving. Two inattentive severs for a group of 15 undermine whatever good the chefs may try to do. The one complaint about the food was that portions are too small, even for tapas. I got about enough ceviche to fit into a small petri dish. But back to the original point, my party arrived at 8:45 stayed until 11:45 and the servers took the orders once and never came back to check up on us, had to stand up to flage them down just to get a refill on a drink. We all sat and waited as our food trickled in but it all went incredibly slow. I would have liked to order again, but there was no opportunity because no one ever came to check in untill the server came with the insultingly overpriced check for what amounted to less than appetizers. Not returning to this restuarant. This review is much to sober from some who just went out for tapas. Still hungry... I'm going to go eat my damn mozzerella sticks now
(1)
Paula O.
We went here for our first visit on a Sunday night with friends. We all loved the food (we ordered a wide range of tapas and a couple bottles of wine) and our waiter was really helpful with suggestions and in general very pleasant. I could see visiting here often except for one thing: the music was way too loud for conversation. Granted, we were sitting at a table in the bar area and right under a speaker. But we had made reservations and that was where we got seated. And frankly, having to yell is exhausting and not fun. Someone in our party made a personal face-to-face request to the manager to lower the volume and got a perfunctory, non-empathetic response. The music did get turned down a hair, but not enough to talk easily. I'd love to go back but I am hesitant because of that. I'd probably give 5 stars if not for that. The food was fantastic and the overall vibe of the place is friendly.
(3)
Jules V.
AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Can you tell we liked this restaurant? My boyfriend and I just tried this place out for the first time and were blown away. To start, the service was impeccable. Everyone that works there was such a delight and so attentive. Our server, Francisco and team, were so helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with while we were there. The food was outrageous! We had the Crispy Calamari (my boyfriends favorite) and it was the best we have had in Boston. We also had the Hanger Steak, Chick-pea/Spinach dish along with a few others. We finished off with the Churros with Dark Chocolate sauce!! DEVINE! I cant say enough good things about this place. Aside from the food, the ambiance was rustic, yet warm and inviting. All the decor was right on par with the essence of a true Spanish restaurant you could find in Spain. It is mid-January but it looks like they will have outdoor seating come the warmer months! All I cant say is, TRY IT OUT!! You're going to love it!
(5)
Anna K.
Great drinks and good tapas. Really busy place, even on weeknights, but good service nonetheless!
(4)
Cecile B.
Great dynamic spot in Washington Square, Brookline. It is a busy place, so be sure to make a reservation and come prepare to wait for your table. The hostess was less than friendly, but service was good. Food was delicious, we shared tapas and not one was disappointing. Visited October 2013
(5)
Caio M.
We had the pleasure of being served by Joy and she was attentive, pleasant and informative. Our dining experience lasted no shorter than 4 hours! Lots and lots of variety and showmanship with their service. Gluten free dishes and drinks. 3 different sangria choices! Their staff checked up on us constantly and we're looking forward to our next dining experience at Barcelona. Enjoy!
(5)
Molly F.
We went back in May, as I wanted to return before I moved away. We tried to make a reservation on Friday night, but were not allowed as they were entering their dinner rush. We were told that they usually have a lot of turnover when people leave the bar around 8, so we decided to walk over. We entered at about 8 and put our names on the list. The bar was packed, but we were again told that people would be heading out soon. Now I've lived in Boston long enough to know about the Fri/Sat dinner crowd. I definitely did not expect to be seated immediately. We hung around and had a drink or two at the bar - but, I was starving! When we tried to check where we were on the list with the host, he assured us we would be sat in 10-15 minutes. Although he took great pains to say he didn't really know for sure. This continued for over an hour. Every time we asked, he implied that tables were getting ready to leave. This prevented us from walking out the door to a less busy establishment! We were seated a little bit after 10pm. We were very close to the door, which was constantly opened and closed; this made our food cool really fast, which wasn't pleasant. I ate with my coat on. The food was still terrific. The service this time was meh. I was "hangry!" The cold wind and blah service did not cheer me up. I understand that places are busy on the big nights at the big times. I get that! However, please don't BS me around for over an hour! I recognize that I could have walked, but the host was hinting each time we asked that it would only be a little longer. And after sinking that much time in, who really wants to give up? I should have cut my losses. My advice: make a reservation if you can, and don't risk it on a busy night if you can't.
(3)
Monica A.
We bought a bottle from Spain. Very good. The spicy sangria. Very good. One of us got a cocktail with grapes floating around. That was sweet and very very good. Ambiance was loud and they played a random selection of music from the 80's and 90's.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
Great place. Great ambiance and energy. Just make sure you eat dinner before you come. Smallest portions ever. Tapas translates to starving. Fortunately Pinos is open late - chicken parm for dessert.
(3)
Phil O.
Wow, what an experience. This place is wayyyyy better than American Craft. My girlfriend and I ordered 5 tapas dishes, all of which were delectable. Although a bit on the expensive side, I plan on coming back here for sure.
(5)
Tina L.
I came here this past weekend with friends to celebrate a new job. I had been here before and enjoyed my experience so thought it would be a nice place to introduce to my other foodie friends. There were 8 of us and we purposely arrived early so we could get our name down. They initially told us one hour. Then one and a half. Then more than two hours go by, and with so many stomachs grumbling and friends getting "hangry", we finally had to leave and go to another restaurant. Meanwhile, a party of 14 was there for over two hours (walked in same time as me) and I assume they had made a reservation. However, when I had called earlier, they told me they didn't take reservations on weekends. Anyways, the party was in no rush to leave and management didn't seem to care to find us a table until we started for the door. The option they gave us was a booth for 6 where all the other waiting patrons would be hovering over us. No thanks. My suggestion to BWB is to have more tables for large parties or at least allow larger parties (say, 6 or more) to make reservations in advance. Couldn't believe we actually waited that long and still didn't get a table or apologies for underestimating the wait time so much. Perhaps it was to keep us there and feel like we were close to being seated. Anyways, everyone agreed that we don't ever want to wait that long again and will be considering other restaurants in the future. Lesson learned: wait time is waaaay long and not worth waiting that long for. Large groups, stay away!
(1)
Patrick C.
I went to Barcelona with some friends from India, it was an all and all awesome. Eric the manager came right to the table to check on the service. Our waiter, who I also believe was named Eric was tentative, not pushy and so easy to talk to. The Foie_gras pairing with the sherry was out of this world. The only downside to this place is the poor signage, we had to poke around a couple of times in different restaurants to verify where this place was. I highly recommend this place. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
(5)
Lily R.
A big fan of spanish food I've been to many tapas restaurants in boston and cambridge and cities in Spain as well. My advice is to SKIP the Barcelona Wine Bar and go to Toro in the South End or Dali or any others, honestly. It was like Fast Food tapas with a loud, overcrowded atmosphere (think boston sports bar without the TVs). I was not surprised to find out that it was a chain. I wish I had known before I tried it. Paella was a major disappointment.
(1)
JLH ..
I have the biggest crush on this place. This does remind me of being in Barcelona (without having to stand to eat pinchos) :) The wine is just amazing. the food is awesome. the bread is evil. (in a good way) The bartenders, servers, and host staff are all super friendly and knowlegable. it's officially my favorite neighborhood hang
(5)
M B.
Definately the go-to place when craving tapas. Like like like. Good ambiance, good service, good food, and good location.
(5)
Dorise G.
don't be in a rush. come on a tuesday. come when it's beautiful out, ask to be seated outside. service was decent, even if the food came out in 2 waves with looooong stretches in between. this is spanish food, friend - slow down. get a glass of sangria. everything's gonna be alright. in the first wave: ~ham & manchego (didn't eat the ham but the manchego was solidly fantastic. especially on their delicious warm crusty bread) ~potato tortilla - it's an omelet with potatoes inside that's kind of quiche-y but more separated. delish. ~OLIVES. get the olives. i realize this seems basic, but they're marinated a little citrus-y and are more special than your average assortment. ~spiced beef empanadas - good but expendable. i might opt for other things on the menu first. round one highlights: all good, but the olives and the manchego are must-haves. second wave: ~eggplant caponata. delicious, but wished it had arrived in the first wave before i had the opportunity to fill up on bread. the only leftover we wound up with. ~MACKEREL - like whoa - not smoked but i think coated and pan-fried with marinated tomato and olive garnish. so so good. ~ARANCINI - mushroom and onion arancini with drizzles of honey on top - these were savory dessert balls more than straight menu items, and made us feel less bad about being too full for dessert. round 2 highlights: would definitely get the mackerel and arancini again. would also steal it off someone else's plate. i'm just sayin. i will not attempt to brave this place on a weekend, but i'll tell ya - if you've got a mid-week cause for celebration, barcelona wine bar is a solid bet. tons of options (many exciting veg options, too!), and there are ways to do the tapas so that you'll be totally full, experiment a-plenty, and the bill won't be insane. next time, tho, i'm going to have to quell the ordering a smidge so i can try dessert, too! perfecto.
(4)
Mike G.
saw suckling pig on menu and thought, this needed to happen. 'cept they ran out. never the mind as everything (nearly) had was yum: charcuterÃa, wild dandelion salad, calamari, albondigas. word to chef, it won't break the bank to add more pasta in the lobster fideos as the dish got way rich and salty after the broth cooked down. so dudes and dudettes of Yelp, you did good recommending this joint. was happy and happening on a Sunday, much like in a taperia Madrileñas come midnight.
(4)
Molls S.
Had so much fun! All the staff was great and so nice. The manager got us a tongue to try... Not a fan but fun to try! Everything else was AMAZING! Very nice atmosphere to have some good drinks in.
(5)
Tom T.
What a fun place! Late night music and atmosphere make for a fun evening. I'm writing this review as someone in the industry just to preface. I think my server understood my dismay when I found out out they were out of bread (not the biggest of deals, I know) and when I jokingly asked what she would do to make up for the lack of gluten, she replied "nothing" and walked away. Half annoyed and half not happy I would not be able to construct an adult lunchable, I canceled the food part of my order. She delivered my drink order and then moments later, came over with the food I ordered claiming it was on her. I'm hoping it wasn't rung in, b/c I'll feel like ass. I was only joking about the lack of bread, which is very good mind you, but to deliver on an attempt to better my experience brought me much JOY. So again, thank you!
(5)
Le N.
Celebrated my birthday along with a friend's birthday here (group of 13 ppl) and I had a wonderful experience! Usually when you have a large group, service tends to be neglected since there's an automatic 18% gratuity applied. However, service here was top notched and tip was NOT automatically applied despite the large party. I had James as my server and I thought he was great. With a large group, they recommend that we do the chef special tasting for $35/person instead of everyone picking there own tapas/dishes. My party and I chose to do that to make ordering easier. James told us to let us know if there's something we really wanted to try from the menu and he'd incorporate it into the chef tasting; otherwise, he'd go off his own suggestion as well as the most popular dishes. Whatever we liked, we were allowed to ask for more of. They basically brought out 6 tapas (three of each) for us to start off with. Then 5 entree plates (each entree plate was meant to serve 2 ppl.. but it definitely can serve more than 2 ppl given the portion size!). Lastly, they brought out two types of dessert. There was more than enough food and the food was pretty good too. Now let me tell you why I thought James is more than awesome. I told him I was lactose tolerant and he was very considerate of that. Most of the dishes he brought out didn't contain dairy so that I could eat it as well; yet he still brought out a couple with dairy since they were their popular dishes. However, he made sure to inform me of which dishes had dairy so that I wouldn't eat it and was very informative about all the dishes. I really appreciate that - THANKS JAMES! And staff was very observant about whose glasses need to be refilled with water or more sangria - two thumbs up for this! Lastly, we brought a cake (two actually) to celebrate my friend's and my birthdays. The staff did a great job cutting the cake (and not charging a fee.. big plus for me!!) and plating it for her. Definitely will be back for good food and service! =)
(5)
Augustina L.
This is probably my favorite tapas restaurant in the Boston area. I go here once every few months and am never disappointed. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable about food, and really take time to explain their food. The housemade sausage is delicious (they don't always have this, but sometimes the chef decides to make homemade sausage). The cured meat are also excellent. Basically, everything is good, including the wine and cocktails. Even if you don't see it on the menu, ask for the pulpo (octopus). Sometimes they have it but don't put it on the menu.
(5)
Anabelle D.
If you like spanish food, this is the palce to go. High quality food and serivce, great decor/ambiance and really good value for what you pay.
(5)
Chrizzle D.
LOVE this place. I've been twice, and there is not ONE bad thing I've eaten here. Get the hanger steak with the truffle sauce and thank me later. Be sure to make reservations as this place gets suuuper busy. Made reservations for 8:45, but we ended up getting seated closer to 9:15. Would've been slightly peeved, except for the fact that they served us sangria as we waited. Our guests were quite pleased with this and were happy to stick around (especially with our endorsement of the food). Barcelona did not disappoint. Get out and try this place!
(5)
Joe J.
So last night had a huge meal at Barcelona Wine Bar and it did not disappoint on any level, or in any aspect. First, service is a team oriented thing here, so everyone helps clear tables, refill waters, etc. Employees are very helpful, insightful, and accommodating. The wine list here is superb and I was very happy with the recommendations given to us. Side note: Bloody Mary is very good here. Most of the menu items are tapas, and they all are prepared fresh and look/taste delicious. Salads are vibrant, sauces are flavorful, presentation is A+. Honeslty, you pay for what you get here, which is top of the line service and food. Just a rundown of what was ordered, without any complaints: Albondigas (meatballs) - 5 per order, delicious Raddish Salad - Excellent small starter salad Mixed olives - Great additional snack to the complementary bread Lobster Fideos - Excellent meal. A little different, but excellent nonetheless. Mixed Salad - Large fresh romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes and a light house dressing. Churrasco Steak (medium) - Excellent cooking job by the chef, also the green chimchurri sauce is amazing. Mussels - Deceptively spicy, but I love spicy food. Give this place a try if you are in the area. Honestly haven't had a bad experience here. Had brunch on a weekend, (lamb burger) and it was also very, very good. A++
(5)
Nicole M.
Absolutely loved it and thought it was worth all the hype. Went a while ago so I can't remember exact dishes, but I know we ate every nibble of our meal, and finished the carafe of sangria. We got mostly menu items but also some specials of the night. YUM. The vibe, the crowd, the food, the drinks - all fantastic. Also, we were both extremely surprised when the bill showed up and my response was "that's it?!!" I was expecting it to be much higher.
(5)
Eric F.
Wow this place is good. Delicious sangria and tapas. Great vibe. No complaints--highly recommended.
(5)
Laura A.
Went to dinner with a group of 7, all tapas were excellent! Wine selection and pairing / suggestions were great. Service was fast and staff seemed happy to be working here. We would come back anytime.
(5)
Mark M.
Friendly staff. Very attentive but not hovering. The wife and I rolled in without reservations or exceptions. We left planning our next visit. We sampled the tapas. The stand out for me was the chorizo assuage and dates (or maybe figs) salty sweet fatty heaven in this man's mouth. The wife approved of the empanadas and loved the kale dish. I would also add that the bread was a real standout as well. I'm not sure if it is made in house or not but it made every thing better included with the Serrano ham. Worth the trip to visit
(5)
Tru T.
After an awesome experience here last week, I'm Going here again tonight with other friends! Love this place! Great ambiance, food, sangria s! And it really wasn't expensive! We had quite the feast, going family style with our tapas several pitchers of sangria and each of us payed $25! Go here for birthdays or date nights or night out with friends!
(5)
Mia S.
I've been to Barcelona a half a dozen times since it's opened and I have to say--I'm always impressed. The food is delicious and if it's not, don't fret. Let the waiter know. The first time I ate here, all but one of the tapas were amazing. There was one we personally didn't care for and left alone. I didn't say anything because it was fine...just not our cup of tea (odd spice?) The waiter noticed and without asking brought us a small bonus dessert, saying, "I noticed you didn't go for that other plate..." I figured the above and beyond customer services was because they just opened. I haven't had a bad tapa since, but the service is still amazing and consistent. The staff really make the place! Be warned, waits can get really long on weekend (I'm talking 2 hours). But you can grab drinks at the bar and sit on the front patio while you wait. I also suggest dining like you're in Spain...I've sat down quickly if I show up after 10 p.m.
(4)
Joanna H.
The vibe of this place is awesome. It's the sort of place that reminds you that Boston is actually a city and there is still yet more to explore. Tapas weren't what impressed me here. It was the drinks and dessert: - Highly recommend the red wine sangria (so sweet and fruity, split it between two people and both will definitely get a nice buzz). - For cheese, do try the nutty, sheep cheese Manchego that is very rich and creamy. - Save room for dessert, because the (dark & rich) chocolate y churros and dulce de leche bocadillos are phenomenal. One major dislike: Stale and hard bread... always a turn-off
(5)
Sawyer E.
I LOVE BARCELONA!!!!!! This place opened just recently and the second I heard about it I had to go. I have already been there 3 times in past month, and every meal has been different but amazing. Sangria = BOOOOM. I dont usually go for the Sangria at any restaurant but they put a TON of booze in it. Its an affordable, delicious way to start the night. Food = The leg of ham that the HEAD CHEF cut at our table was melt in your mouth, meat heaven. I am especially fond of the sheeps cheese as well, but honestly you cannot go wrong. I even loved the beet salad and I have never been one to jump for beet joy! Service = GABE and Jamie were awesome. Funny, smart, they even helped us out with our order. I like that, you know what on the menu is awesome so tell me about it. Thats it! Go here and invite me so I can east some of your food.
(5)
R B.
Excellent place in every way. The warmest, most efficient staff. Delicious, consistent high quality food. Big variety. If you are adventurous there are interesting tapas options. If not, you can get something simple like a hangar steak. Lovely outdoor seating in the warm weather. Great bar area, as well as two dining areas. Good value. There is no better place ! You will be glad you went. Reservations for sure a good idea!
(5)
Hayley M.
Good. Very, very good. Let me start off by saying that I would have liked to give Barcelona 4.5 stars, but since yelp won't let me do that, 4 it is. I went to Barcelona with a reservation (THANK GOODNESS!) on Valentine's night. It was packed. I have no idea if it is always packed on a Thursday night or just for Valentine's Day, but either way I would recommend making a reservation. A couple that came in right behind us without one waited well over an hour for their table. We started off with a round of sangria, the traditional red for me and the flora for my man. His was quite strong and delicious, he polished it off before I was 1/3 of the way through mine. My red sangria was fantastic. It tasted like an alcoholic Hawaiian Punch (which sounds terrible but trust me it was wonderful). We ordered the Gambas al Ajillo, which I order at every single tapas restaurant, the Potato Tortilla, the Grilled Hanger Steak, the Grilled Sunchokes, and the Spicy Beef Empanadas. The Hanger Steak came highly recommended from one of my nearest and dearest friends (who loves yelp shoutouts. Hi Amy!). She said it was delicious and a large serving size, and she was right. We polished it off immediately and ordered a second plate of it. The meat was tender and the sauce on it was positively addictive. The tortilla was good but standard. The empanada was pretty good but the chive sour cream that came with the tortilla really kicked it up a notch. If you order the Beef Empanada, ask for a side of the chive sour cream. YUM. The only thing that didn't wow me was the fact that our food wasn't hot when it came out. They brought us our food as it was cooked, but at the same time, it was never hot. The Gambas are supposed to be bubbling, and the plate was, but the food inside was lukewarm. Hence the loss of a star. Overall, an amazing evening with wonderful and attentive service. I will attribute the food temperature to the sheer craziness of Valentine's Day. All of the food was perfectly spiced with great flavors in everything. I will definitely be back, and hopefully not on such a busy night!
(4)
Bets H.
I had the worst meal of my life at Barcelona. The paella was salty and tasted wrong. Some of the shellfish should have been discarded, because it was rotten. My dining companion had the pork belly, which was dry and tough. Note to kitchen...why don't you slice the meat before serving. It is very awkward and difficult at a small table for a patron to slice the pork. The tapas was awful. We ordered three and left them after a taste. The only good part of the meal were the servers. I had recently been at Barcelona in Stamford Connecticut where the food was so much better. I expected the same quality at the Brookline restaurant and was sorely disappointed. Oh, yes, and the noise level was deafening.
(1)
Jason M.
Have been to Barcelona 4 times in the past couple months and each time it has been outstanding. Their menu changes daily and all 20-30 times i've tried so far have been outstanding... particularly the bone marrow, the chorizo and figs, and the crudo. Their has been a decent wait each time ive been their but the hosts do a great job trying to accommodate you and went as far as taking down my number and calling me when my table was ready so I could go do the bar next door for a drink as their bar was already crowded. It gets a bit loud, but it doesnt really effect table conversation. the wait staff was extremely friendly and I haven't had any issues with my order or my bills. would recommend highly and will certainly be back.
(5)
Emily Z.
When a friend suggested Barcelona Wine Bar. I was thinking this would be a small intimate place that was more of a whole in the wall. Barcelona was nothing like that. For a Wednesday night the place was beyond packed. For only being opened two months word has really gotten around. The atmosphere reminded me of an old barrel room except it wasn't absolutely freezing. It was chic without being over kill and in the middle of the winter felt cozy and welcoming. We sat at the bar. Looking at the menu, I attempted to pick a glass of wine initially on my own. Now I'm not without hope on picking wine but Barcelona did a pretty good job of picking obscure wines that I wouldn't not normally have the opportunity to try at a wine store. I cannot express enough how amazing the bartender's customer service was. Seeing my confusion the waitress immediately offered to let me try different wines till I found one I was willing to drink an entire glass of. She had the patience of a saint, offering generous pours of a couple glasses before I settled on one I liked. She had to do this twice and the poor woman had to assist us in picking tapas as well careful to take in consideration foods we did not like (seafood and nuts). Her recommendations were spot on and delicious. Their dishes change constantly depending on the ingredients that are available. One week you could see a lot of items with squash and the next beets, it's very nice to have the variety in the menu. I could see coming back often for new home cooking meal tips. Neat tip about the bar, if you are there later in the evening, they often will create a tasting plate of one of their dishes and then serve everyone at the bar for free. Delicious and amazing to try new things. Also how I managed to get my seafood fix for the night, they couldn't have picked a better dish for the night!
(5)
Kaitlyn O.
Went to Barcelona on a Thursday night and got right in, which was lucky because the whole place filled up immediately thereafter. The atmosphere and decor were great - I loved all the wood and the general aura of the place. The waiter was prompt and friendly - no complaints here. We ordered: sangria, cucumber salad, beat salad, beef tartar, lamb chops, beef empanadas, and broccolini. The lamb was by far the best. It was excellent, in fact. The beef tartar and salads was good, the empanadas and the broccolini were OK. Because everything was pretty good, the lamb was amazing, and the atmosphere was great it got 4 stars.
(4)
Alex L.
Went to Barcelona Wine Bar last Friday with out of town friends and 2 kids. Had a fabulous time there. Arrived at restaurant at 6 and the place is packed. Reserved a table and got the table immediately. The place is very loud, somewhat causal and being a tapa place the menu has very good variety, all of which strangely make the restaurant very kids friendly. The service is good, albeit somewhat slow. We had 6-8 tapas and shared a paella. The manager (Nicole) apologized several times during the meal for the slow service and actually comped a couple tapas and paella because of it, which is a nice gesture. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Christine G.
My friends and I had an absolutely phenomenal time at Barcelona. We had reservations for 10 at 7:30, but our table wasn't ready until after 8 so we hung out at the very crowded bar and grabbed a few drinks. It wasn't a big deal. We were having a grand ol' time just talking to each other, but as soon as we sat down, we were showered with complementary tapas for the inconvenience. It was confusing at first--we thought we were receiving someone else's tapas and tried to send them back 2 or 3 times, but once we got it all figured out, it was great! The gesture was very much appreciated and really set the tone for the entire night. After we settled in, we ordered additional drinks and tapas. Everything was tasty, but there were definitely some stand-out dishes like the truffle bikini (which is called this because it is cut into a triangle. Sadly, this took us about 45 minutes to figure out), the herbed mushrooms and goat cheese, the jamon and chicken croquettes, and the patatas bravas. Also the patatas bravas. And the patatas bravas. Yes, we had at least 3 of those. You really can't go wrong with potatoes covered in cheese sauce. For dessert, we had lots and lots of churros with chocolate sauce. I haven't had churros since I was actually in Spain over a decade ago, so I was really excited for these. They were perfect--light and chewy. I was also able to get a half pour glass of wine with my dessert which I love. I *almost* docked a star for a few reasons. First off, it is incredibly crowded. While we were standing at the bar, we had to constantly move so that servers could get by. Not the fault of the restaurant, obviously, but something to keep in mind, especially on a Saturday night. Secondly, the communication wasn't stellar. Our server unfortunately had lost her voice and couldn't effectively speak over the noise. Eventually, she recruited another server to help with that part. Again, not their fault, but I've read other reviews that said the multiple server situation confused them, so perhaps it wasn't entirely situational. The servers were remarkably friendly, though, so that compensated for the miscommunication. Overall, dining at Barcelona was a fabulous experience. It's no wonder this place is so popular. Totally worth braving the crowd! (Tip: fill out a comment card!)
(5)
Reid F.
What a great place for tapas and Spanish specialties. The food is excellent, as is the service. Both Eric and James helped to provide us with an outstanding meal. The wine list is also very good, although many of the red wines by the glass are too young.
(5)
Ido W.
The bottom line: Impressive setup, friendly service, but I have had better food elsewhere on multiple occasions and the prices are a bit steep for the product. The Pros: The restaurant is beautiful and really gives you a feeling you are sitting in a classy place. The Cons: I like tapas. But despite the variety of dishes we tried, nothing really struck me as excellent. Most of what I had was just 'okay'. As note above, I think the price builds on the design more than the product.
(3)
Noelle L.
Love the decor inside, very sexy! Delicious tapas at a great price.. my fiance and I ordered 6 and couldn't finish them. The service was so SO personable and timely. Do get the balsamic mushrooms with goat cheese and the lobster pasta "risotto".. I'll be going back for sure
(5)
Timothy H.
So even though our friends told us that their food tastes microwaved and is overpriced, we decided that maybe they went on an off day and gave it a shot. I had a few whiskey drinks and we shared 5 tapas. I couldn't feel the drinks much and some of the dishes were slightly cold in the middle which is very reminiscent of an improperly nuked hot pocket. Overall, things weren't bad... but they weren't great. And it was very pricey, unjustifiably so. With other amazing restaurants in the area like The Abbey, Washington Square Tavern, and The Publick House... Im not sure of the fate of this new establishment... Take a pass on this one, as promising as it may seem on the inside.
(2)
Susan L.
I can't believe I only just discovered Barcelona! This place is HOPPIN along with many of the restaurants in Washington Square. I came here for my friend's moving-away party and there were nine of us at the table and she made a reservation for 8:45 but we weren't seated until close to 9:00. We ordered a bunch of tapas so I'll only mention a few dishes that I really enjoyed and would order again from top to bottom: - Chorizo and Figs - The chorizo and the figs balanced each other in taste: the chorizo was salty and meaty while the figs were sweet and a bit sour. Overall the dish was a bit on the sweet side (which I liked) but I offset it with the sheep's cheese put it on their house bread. YUMMM I could not get enough of this combination. - Whipped Sheep's Cheese - If you've never had sheep's cheese, well you're definitely missing out and should order this... well only if you like cheese. Who am I kidding - you're crazy if you don't like cheese! Anyway, the cheese is super soft and spreadable and topped with with crushed pistachios and paprika. - Brussel Sprouts - Cooked in bacon fat from the thick bits of bacon in this dish. Can't go wrong with anything cooked in bacon fat, right? - Mussels - Cooked in a tomato-base broth. Super tasty! If I wasn't so full, I would've drank that broth, too! - Kale Salad - I would kill for the anchovy vinaigrette they dressed the kale with. i never really had a raw kale, but it was perfect. - Grilled Hangar Steak - Tender and flavorful with hints of truffle. Oh and how can I forget the sangria? Do you not like red? Well, they also make a white sangria that was just as good! I'm surprised Barcelona is rated $$$, when it should really be rated $$ which is standard for a tapas joint. There's a separate bar area as well if you just want drinks or are waiting for a table. I'll definitely come back again soon the next time I'm in the mood for tapas!
(5)
Eric M.
I have two complaints about this place. 1) They're not in Chicago 2) They didn't have the awesome razor clams I had the last time I was in the city of Barcelona Other than that, I have no complains. I loved the food. I loved the service. I loved the selection of drinks. I loved the ambiance. I loved the bartenders. I loved the surface of the bar. I loved the crowd. All love, all around. I actually emailed them the next day and asked them to open a Chicago location. And where I live in Chicago is already near 3-4 very capable Spanish places. But that's how impressed I was with Barcelona Wine Bar - it was just really, really excellent. Even from where I'm staying in Cambridge, it's not at all convenient for me to get to Barcelona Wine Bar, but I will be back at least a couple times before I move back to Chicago next month. If you're wanting Spanish food in the Boston area, you really have to go to this place.
(5)
Jennifer T.
Hands down, best tapas place in Boston. Toro used to be my go-to-place, but even if Toro was accessible, food here is WAYYY better. I have been to Toro almost 3 times in one week. The first time was to meet a girlfriend for dinner and to scope out the place for my corporate retreat dinner. Then I came back again to share the experience with my boyfriend. Since then, I have been back multiple times and I only found this place at the end of February! Brad, the manager, is so sweet. This place has awesome food -- flavors that you'd never imagine and on top of that, top-notch customer service. I work in the service industry and this places delivers BETTER customer service when they are busy (that's usually harder). My faves: - chorizo & fig - lobster fideos (I think this is coming off the menu or is already gone) - hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette - foie gras My only recommendation is that you need to have a reservation. I'm awful at making reservations because of my work schedule so I just show up and I have to wait at least an hour (all 6-7 times that I've been here so far).
(5)
Kelsey F.
I was super excited when I made the connection that the Barcelona in Brookline was the same owners as the CT restaurants. I've been to both of the New Haven and West Hartford locations. With some high expectations the new one in Washington Square definitely exceeded them. My boyfriend and I came for dinner on its first weekend and have also visited with some girlfriends for Thursday night drinks. Both time the service was excellent. The servers and bartenders are on point, very attentive, and super friendly. Irene at the bar even gave me and my 4 girlfriends some free shots because they were visiting from Chicago. The shots were really good and made with jalapeño infuse tequila cilantro and some other goodness. They also have some pretty awesome and authentic sangria. As for the food, you really can't go wrong. Some of my favorite tapas are the chorizo with fig, hanger steak with truffle, and the mushroom and goat cheese. They also have a great selection of meats and cheeses to start with...not to mention the delicious fresh bread and olive oil they bring to your table! So I guess you get it...definitely go try out Barcelona. So excited to have them in the neighborhood!
(5)
Ryan O.
My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant after seeing the reviews on Yelp and it was great! We sat at the bar and shared a pitcher of the white ginger sangria recommended by our waitress, Irene. The sangria was awesome and the tapas were delicious! Irene was very personable and funny, and everything she recommended was great. Definitely coming back!
(5)
k n.
This place is very very loud and unpleasant inside. I was disappointed because I had heard so many great things on Yelp, but I think the managers must be writing the reviews. The food was just okay, not many options that were healthy, and more of a Argentinian or Latin American menu than a "Barcelona" menu.
(1)
Sandy H.
I've been here twice in the last few weeks and it's now become my favorite restaurant. Why? They have great service and great food. What more can you ask for? Our servers each time were very attentive and didn't try to push more food on us. They also gave great suggestions since the menu was overwhelming. I am determined to come back here with a bigger party so that I can try every dish. Bread - it was still a little warm and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside and crispy, crunchy on the outside. Sucking Pig Entree - This is definitely a dish you need to share. It was HUGE. A portion for one was the leg of a little porker. The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and seasoned well. Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela - chickpeas were a bit mushy and I'm not a huge fan of cumin so...maybe not this one next time. Spicy Eggplant Caponata - I really liked this dish. Savory and a bit spicy. It was great with the bread. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts - Solid dish, but I wished they were a little more crispy and minty. Kale Salad - Loved this dish! It was light and refreshing. The bread crumbs were a surprising touch. I really couldn't taste the anchovies in the vinaigrette. Octopus Salad - wasn't so impressed with this dish. Just a few tiny pieces of octopus and it's texture was a little off. The flavor was more interesting than good. Grilled Hanger Steak - cooked to medium rare perfection and the tangy truffle sauce was amazing. Fresh Sardines Special - took the suggestion of our server and got it. Never had sardines and we were pleasantly surprised. Warm Chocolate Indulgence - it's like a chocolate lava cake without the lava on the inside and with coconut ice cream on top. Needless to say, it was good. Crepas Salguero - Good stuff. Ours was really heavy on the dulce de leche, but I ain't complaining. Sangrias - The red was good, the white was okay, but my favorite is the sangria flora. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Cian C.
Visited with 6 friends on a busy Saturday night. After a bit of a wait for our table (~15mins), we were seated. Draught beer selection is short, but well chosen - bottle selection impressive for what is foremost a wine bar. We ordered a list of tapas for the table, the first of which arrived very promptly. Every dish was good, although where there was potential for greatness nothing stood out in particular. Both the Patatas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo are such simple dishes they should have tasted as a stand-out part of the meal, but didn't deliver. None the less, every dish was solidly above average, and the menu offers incredible selection. The final bill, after two rounds of drinks and many many tapas was only ~$150 for 6, which I thought incredibly reasonable. Would gladly return!
(4)
mari m.
A PF CHANG'S WANNA-BE FOR TAPAS Granted, I used to live in Barcelona. And granted, I'm a bit of a foodie. But this place is very lame -- worse than PF Chang's, which I don't even really like. AMBIANCE Chain restaurant trying unsuccessfully to be hip. And the feeble attempt at some form of authenticity -- the hams hanging near the kitchen -- is laughable. Get yourself a pata negra or forego the fakeness of it all. FOOD Mediocre. Food that was supposed to be hot was merely warm. The gambas didn't have enough garlic in them. I could go on and on. SERVICE Meh. They kept bringing our dishes to the party seated next to us. Over and over. And they would remove stuff without asking if we were done.
(2)
Siobhan B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline! I would highly recommend for a date or group of friends. I've eaten outside, at the bar, and in the dining area - all are great depending on your mood. My favorite tapas are the cheese place (cana de cabra and romao, cabra romero), grilled hanger steak, spring risotto, fiddleheads and mushrooms, mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, and patatas bravas. Save room for dessert - the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence and apple crisp are the perfect way to end a delicious meal!
(5)
Dave F.
Go for the wine list--the Spanish reds are fantastic here. Have measured expectations for the tapas though. The tapas are fine, but Tapeo and Taberna de Horo further down the C Line offer much more flavorful dishes. What works in suburban Connecticut doesn't quite cut it in Boston. The bartenders at Barcelona were all very nice and excited about service. The atmosphere is lively, highlighted by the circular wine bar--a fun spot to pull up a stool. Overall, Barcelona offers a nice experience, but we'll just stick to wine next time.
(3)
Allison L.
I went back for my birthday and they were wonderfully accommodating and brought me a gluten free chocolate cake for dessert! They even brought me two since we had a big group.
(5)
A L.
Place was pretty good. Super crowded, but they take your phone number so we were able to stroll down to another bar for a drink before we got sat. The wait was said to be an hour and a half but we didn't get called for two hours. Our sever was great but the food wasn't as good as I expected - and their sangria is TERRIBLE. I thought I was drinking from a frat house punch bowl. Not what I expected, but I'd give it another shot. But next time, I'll order a real cocktail.
(3)
Christine D.
Highly recommend. Night was busy, but service was great. We had a wine flight, which is a great value. About $15 for 3 good pours of interesting Spanish wines. Pork belly amazing. A number of seasonal local choices, like Fiddleheads. They need to improve their signage, almost impossible to find by sign. Make sure you use a good GPS or map. Once you are there, you will love it.
(5)
Ari L.
Decided to try this place the week before I moved out of the area. Unsure why I didn't go sooner. Everything was awesome. Cocktails were very unique and good and the food was great. Definitely would recommend the Beet and Plum Salad, the Chorizo and Figs, and the Hangar Steak. Edit: Follow up visits were significantly less great. Still ok, not exciting.
(3)
Ally S.
My boyfriend and I have come here once a week without fail for a while now. I just don't even know where to start. This is definitely my favorite place to eat in Brookline. It could possibly make my Boston Top 5 list. We usually stick to the meats and cheeses menu and the tapas menu, while we religiously polish off two pitches of red sangria. I've never been disappointed by anything there. My boyfriend and I work in the industry at a different restaurant. I'm a server, and he's a cook, which is what I think makes us appreciate this place so much. The service is impeccable, accommodating, and knowledgable, and the food is just amazing. Also, the decor is spot on. I even like the creepy series of Jack Nicholson pictures in the ladies' room. For us, it's usually a three or four course event with about three tapas per course. This would normally leave us with repeats by visit number three, but every time we've come, there's been something new and inevitably delicious. Yes, you're going to spend some money, and I promise you it's worth it. Don't forget the sangria, and get the foie gras, if it's available. That is all.
(5)
Rebecca G.
After not getting in on a Saturday evening due to a long wait, I was impressed that the manager called the next day to apologize and offer a future reservation. Tonight my friends and I took him up on this and had one of the best meals we've ever had in Boston (and we've gotten around). The service was superb, the food was flawless. The bread was outrageous! Do not miss out on the eggplant caponata, patatas bravas and brussel sprouts. I've fallen in love with the hot dahlia (jalapeño infused tequila) but you can't go wrong with the cocktails and if you can't make up your mind on wine or beer you can have a taste! Thank you Barcelona! You guys are doing everything right.
(5)
Maria L.
So many people recommend this place. So my husband and I went to have a great date night. Meh. After NYC Tapas bars, this place is average. Just because it's hopping at night doesn't mean it's well organized. They were friendly, I give them that. However, after we put in our food order, it was never communicated to the kitchen. So we sat for an hour hungry, drinking Sangria. I finally did the New York thing and complained, and it became apparent the food wasn't coming for some time. The weird thing was that our Paella order did somehow go through, but never made it to our table. So they tried to reheat it but ended up burning it. Then they told us they burned it and were making a new one. This is now 2 hrs in. They did give us a bunch of free appetizers and our bill was pretty much nothing for all the free stuff. They are super nice and the food that made it to us was good. But on busy nights, they need to get their act together.
(3)
Sean W.
I have been waiting for Barcelona Wine Bar to open since American Craft closed a year ago, and the wait was worth it. Having been to the Catalan epicenter of Barcelona twice in the past year, I have become a fan of tapas and Jamon Iberia. The setting for Barcelona Wine Bar is rustic Spanish that focused on small plates, charcuterie, and shared big plates - paella! Living just a block away, we decided to head up on opening night and just eat and drink at the marble bar. Wine, brews, and tapas are featured on the chalkboard. The draft beer list is limited to four options - but all four were local craft beer options, so I settled with a Clown Shoes Miracle IPA. My better half was offered a taste of a rosada before deciding what to settle on, the service was solid, especially for a busy first night. We started with the manchego cheese & jamon and beef charcuterie plate, before advancing to three of the small plates, including the chorizo and figs, empanadas, and spinach and chickpeas. We have a love for meats and cheeses and for not walking far for dinner, so I am sure we will be back.
(4)
Sara C.
Tapas are great and the energy is buzzing. But way too cramped and loud to enjoy the people you're with. Had to yell across the table. And service was spotty on a Friday night. But the tortilla and hangar steak and croquetas were tasty. I loved in spain and am rarely impressed by stateside tortilla. This one lived up! Croquetas were cheesy deliciousness. Beet salad was disappointing. Presentation was nice - but it was overloaded with pistachios and the beets didn't seem ripe. Liked the never ending bread basket though they could upgrade the olive oil selection.
(3)
Bethania P.
A great place! We loved the ambience, the service and the food. We had wine with dinner, but heard that the drinks are great at the bar- something to try next time! We really enjoyed the various tapas,but were VERY pleased with the Potato Tortilla. We also ordered and loved the lobster fideos. The fideos were so spicy and tasty. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Alexandria H.
I love coming to Barcelona! They always make me feel like a close friend and provide great recommendations for what to order. I love starting with a meat and cheese plate, and then moving onto some tapas to share. The food is always delicious, but the fig and chorizo tapas is my absolute favorite. Sweet and savory? Yes please. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy? The rose sangria. Delightful.
(5)
Nick S.
Brought a friend here for dinner a week ago. Fantastic atmosphere; unique and expansive menu; friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff and management. A little pricey, but you do get what you paid for. The beer menu is also fantastic if you're into rare and obscure craft beers.
(5)
Binks P.
I just wanted a salad or small bites and good wine for my last night in town, and found this place online. The kale salad was delish (and I've had some crappy kale salads), so I ordered the chorizo and sweet-sour figs, which were AMAZING! The dessert wine list was all sherry (which I don't know as well as port), so I asked the one of the staff, and she gave some helpful ideas for what would go well with my chocolate dessert. Staff were great, food was fabulous, and I will definitely stop by again next time I'm in Brookline!
(4)
Sarah K.
I was so excited when Barcelona opened in Boston, I used to frequent the CT locations while in college. A great menu of tapas, cheese & meats, a large list of wines by the glass. Great atmosphere, beautiful space.
(5)
Mona T.
I want to come here every week. We were a group of 4 and ordered 10 tapas. Favorites: Brussel sprouts, hangar steak, wild boar, chickpea fries, fig with chorizo and the croquettes (had to order seconds) For dessert if you like caramel i recommend the crepes if not the churros The service in the dining room was very fluid. They pay attention to every detail. Decor was also great.
(5)
Caroline F.
All I can say is delicious! Came with a group of 4 and ordered 12 tapas for us all. Best dish of the night was the sea bass ceviche. It was to die for, make sure you order it! other tasty options included meat & cheese plates, arugula salad with beets and goat cheese. If you come with someone who isn't a fan of the tapas way there are some entree options for them if they want to get a meal. My dad got the paella which was also really good. Barcelona was a great drink selection as well. You can really find almost anything there, they even had my favorite which is a caiprinha which is pretty hard to find. I also give service and dessert five stars.
(5)
K C.
Really love it here, ambiance, food, service, and drinks are all great! The patio is wonderful on a nice day. Great restaurant in the area definitely some of the best tapas in Boston!
(4)
Florina K.
There are soo many good things about this place. But first I would like to start out with the service. I don't know about you, but I go out in the city all the time, and the service is rarely up to par. The service here is AMAZING, the decor is great, and so is the atmosphere. The place is great for a date as well as a group. We had Scribbles, and Jaime as our waiters they were just great, we hope the next time we come back we get them again:) The food is also great! The skirt steak is phenomenal, a must try. And the chocolate indulgence is just addicting with amazing coconut chocolate chip ice cream. We are so excited for this place to open up their patio this summer as well:)
(5)
Wonder W.
Fantastic new addition to Brookline. Love love the interiors with raw wood panels, low lights and the different meats on hanger display. We had a carafe of rose sangria (fab) and shared a heap of tapas. All yum and our service was great. Totally packed on a Wednesday night so book ahead. Will be returning soon!!
(5)
Hillary L.
Love this place! I always bring guests here who are visiting from out of town. Definitely order the hanger stake and the chorizo. After that - just enjoy good food, good wine, good company!
(5)
Hayley B.
Barcelona wine bar is very close to my current apartment and has quickly become a go-to for a great meal with friends. The food is repeatedly outstanding. The first time I walked in they offered me sangria on the house while I waited for my table which was a great way to start off. I have tried many of the tapas here, with a few favorites being truffle hangar steak, tuffled bikini grilled cheese, empanadas, and the potato tortilla. I have sat inside every time because I only discovered this place mid fall, but I am anxiously awaiting the warmer weather where I can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere, food, and heat lamps.
(5)
Grace W.
Suckling Pig: delicious bacon candy that's crunchy in all the right places and melt-in-your-mouth awesome that will probably thicken your blood vessels a few nanometers. Ordered one serving for two people, which I recommend if you want to try other tapas. Don't be disappointed when the one serving comes out - it might look less than 50% the size of a two-serving portion, but the taste was there. Fig and sausages: i can see why it's popular, with the salty and sweet, but it's a bit too sweet and not as interesting as the rest of the menu for me. Mushrooms with goat cheese: this was really salty and the manager agreed. he was kind enough to offer a new batch, which never came, but at least they took it off the bill. Steak: solid, fragrant and delicious truffle sauce. Came out immediately so it didn't stay warm for long. Wine: La Montesa was a great pairing. Churros: a bit soft and mushy on the inside, but otherwise came out hot and delicious with the chocolate. The chocolate was in a large mug, so it was a bit awkward to dip into. Service: friendly, attentive and not overbearing. Portions overall were decent. Atmosphere conducive to just about any occasion, and you can tell that the staff wants to keep the customers (both waiting and eating) happy. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(4)
Alan L.
Great place! Highly recommend sitting outside. Even on a chilly night, the blankets and heat lamps make for an awesome dinner! Best things we ordered: hanger steak, red traditional sangria, and the crepes. WOW! SOOO GOOD!! Definitely coming back here soon!
(5)
Chris R.
Simply amazing. I've never had a bad dish here after trying dozens of things. The migas (fried egge over chopped sausage and fried bread) is amazing, perfect patatas bravas, ham and cheese croquettes are out of this world, and golden beet orange and pesto salad is really good. Returning specials to look for are mini pulled pork sandwiches and pigs ears (weird but amazing if you like bacon). Specials are always, always good. Everything's good. Try the paella too, and just get a couple of tapas (if you can stop yourself). Cheeses and wines are spectacular, but the real standouts for me are the manchego cheese and a ginger and chili pepper red sangria. Brunch is also spectacular. I've loved the morcilla (spanish blood sausage) eggs benedict with smashed potatoes, as well and oxtail hash that's to die for. Churros are quite good with great chocolate, if you ever have room for dessert.
(5)
Megan B.
This is a great new addition to Brookline! I read about the opening in Thrillist and wanted to try out Barcelona Wine Bar since I love tapas. I didn't know they had other locations, but the good reviews made this place look promising and I was not disappointed! It wasn't just the delicious food that impressed me either. The service was very attentive to our empty plates and water glasses and our waiter made great recommendations. The menu had unique options and was surprisingly, reasonably priced. (I personally always feel that tapas are a little over-priced). And the ambiance was great for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. I definitely plan to come back when the patio is open. Who doesn't ove sangria on a patio in the summer in Boston? I enjoyed everything we ordered but the best tapas were the lamb chops, chorizo and fig, and the mini jamon grilled cheese sandwiches. Quick tip: if you fill out the comment card at the table, you get a token for a free tapa. Free croquetas? Yes please!
(4)
Julie N.
Do not leave without eating the crepes. You're welcome. Okay, but seriously? Go here. Wait. Wait some more. And then stuff your face with the best tapas you've had since you went to Spain that time. Best of the best.
(5)
Steve S.
When I was a kid, this place was an upscale Italian restaurant named Walters. That was almost 40 years and 30 restaurants ago I think Barcelona may be here awhile. It is an expansive place with a bar to the left and two large dining rooms. It should be stated that I am not a tapas fan. Its not my thing, but Barcelona is different First the service is excellent. You are served by two waiters and a manager will check just in case. The food is wonderful, especially the salads. They were really unique in flavor. Even kale somehow tasted good, but there is a couple dishes for anyone Its funny. I was in Barcelona in June. I think the food in this Barcelona is actually better
(5)
Laura W.
Barcelona Wine Bar is officially my favorite restaurant in this state of MA. Why? It's the food, it's the staff, it's the design. The tapa style, aka mini plates, makes the dinner experience fast paced and exciting. I loved the grilled hanger steak, cooked to perfection. I didn't even need a knife to cut this steak and it melt in my mouth! With the large menu constantly changing, I don't think I would ever get tired eating at Barcelona. My waitress and waiter were very attentive plus the manager gave me an kind greeting. Granted this wasn't a busy Saturday that I picked to dine, but I came in without a reservation in the most popular restarant in town and the host offered us a table without any wait. I appreciate the quality of service and food at Barcelona which is getting harder and harder to find today.
(5)
Madeline F.
So excited to go back. I can't justify going out to dinner and not getting tapas. Everything was perfect, from food to drinks to service. I would say their cocktails rival any others I've had in the Allston/Brookline area. The interior is industrial and huge in a warm and sophisticated way, not drafty or impersonal. Hard to pick just one favorite small plate, but it comes down to the spinach chickpea cazuela, beets, and mushrooms with goat cheese. Oh and the squid ink dish was especially good.
(5)
Michael C.
Amazing experience. The tapas here are great, and they change seasonally, if not daily. Some highlights: chorizo with sweet and sour figs, suckling pig croquettes, fried summer squash. You must try the steak with truffle sauce, it may be the tastiest thing I've ever had. There is a good wine selection, and I recommend asking the sommelier for suggestions. The tapas are not huge portions, and they are a little overpriced, but they really care about quality. I mentioned to my waitress that one of the tapas tasted off, and she immediately offered to replace it, even though everyone in my party had already tried it. Later, a manager came by to get even more feedback, and by the end they had comped the dish. My suggestion: go there with some friends, order some wine, order some tapas; sit, relax, enjoy. If something doesn't look or taste right, tell the staff and they'll take care of you.
(5)
Sara M.
Growing up in Fairfield, CT, my family went to the Barcelona there for Tapas dinners and always had great meals. I was over the moon when I found out that we were getting one here too. Four of us went on a Thursday night, and reservations were a must. We tried some of the tempernillos, cocktails and a wine flight. The service, food, and drinks were all amazing. We had three servers for our table (I think one was a trainee), which could be overwhelming, but the food makes up for this 100%. We even got a free tapa coin from the manager for letting him know how everything was. This is a great place for people that like to try lots of little things, and eat long, relaxed meals. I cannot wait to go back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Navah F.
This is our go-to restaurant - whether it's a celebration or just because, Barcelona never disappoints. They do fantastic veggie dishes (like their spinach and chickpea cazuela...I get it every time) as well as suculant meat and fish. While some dishes rank higher than others, the overall atmosphere and consistency of the food and service ensures we''ll always come back. They take amazing care of their regulars, and are excited to hear your feedback (they give away free tapas tokens for leaving feedback at the end of the meal). Drinks are just as good as the food. The berry bramble and ginger chilie sangria are personal favorites, and the waiters are knowledgeable enough to do pairings. You won't find a better deal and more accomidating team of tapas maestros. Just be sure you put in for a reservation Wednesday - Sunday or you can expect 1-2 hour waits. It is worth the wait!
(5)
Steven C.
A few days before heading to Spain, my kids inform me of their desire to try Spanish cuisine. Yelped up the BWB. So the food seems a little bit more Madrid with some American fusion but I won't split hairs on the name. I can't find fault with a single dish - wonderfully prepared and great presenation. BTW - The spainish don't really care about presentation (IMHO). We started with a massive offering of jamon which was high quality but it would be nice to have multiple offerings. I know most Americans who have even heard of jamon thing of it as a single entity but there are other wonderful varieties of this cured hunk of yumminess. Our favorite dishes were the Hanger Steak and Sweet Breads. Th black truffle vinegrette on the steak was pure foodgasm heaven. Excellent service, decent price and crafted food. BTW - Their sangria rocks too!
(5)
Brian C.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday morning/early afternoon to find that the place wasn't that busy. Was a little concerned by this, but we sat down and placed our orders anyway, and I must say, this place was INCREDIBLE! Options for brunch include items from a Char-Grilled Lamb Burger, to a Plancha Omelette, to Smoke Blue Fish Cakes. There are a handful of tapas available during brunch in case you want to share something with your date or group of friends. Everyone in our party left the restaurant full and 100% satisfied! The have a full bar and can make you anything from a Tequila Sunrise, to a Bloody Mary, to Sangria. So, to conclude, be sure to have your stretchy pants ready at home, and come with an empty stomach! Enjoy!
(5)
Myechia J.
This is my new favorite restaurant. Service is excellent. Servers are friendly and knowledgable. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend dinner and drinks. The menu has great variety and will please any palate. Also, the sangria is amazing!
(5)
Brian D.
I must have tried everything in the menu when I came to town on a business trip. The potatoes, the hanger steak, and the spicy sangria were my favorites. The service was awesome as well would absolutely eat here again
(5)
Stephanie P.
This is such a great place, not just for a tapas restaurant but in general one of the best meals I've had out. Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend the eggplant dish and the Laurona wine.
(5)
Lauren D.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are attentive and always in good spirits. The ambiance is fresh and modern European. Now the food, just amazing, I have not tried a dish there I did not like, even the first time I dined at Barcelona Wine Bar, I was unsure about a dish I ordered was "cold" and asked to send it back, it was explained to me by the manager that the dish is typically served at room temperature and not hot. Even after hearing this I was given a new plate of something else I wanted to try, and two tokens for free tapas the next time I arrive. Now that is taking care of your customers in my opinion. I came back with my entire family and had a delicious meal with them, to which they all agreed was amazing. Some dishes are pricey, but if you do want to experience this wonderful little treasure on Beacon Street, grab a glass of their sangria in the bar/lounge and pick two to three tapas plates. Totally affordable if you can't go all out.
(5)
Jen F.
I really like Barcelona Wine Bar. I was a bit skeptical at first given that it's a chain, but having been back many times, it continues to be excellent. The food is really good and so is the service. Several items that truly stand out are: shaved mushroom salad, truffled "bikini", chicken pimientos, and their sangria. Love the sangria! It's safe to say that you can order pretty much any item on the menu and expect it to be delicious. All in all, a fantastic addition to Brookline!
(4)
Tammy K.
If someone had told me a month ago that my favorite tapas place in the Boston area would actually be a chain restaurant in Brookline, I would not have believed it. After having their tapas, I am now a BWB Belieber. Everything I've tasted, from the special duck cassoulet to the hangar steak with truffle oil to the hot turnips, is fantastic. Drinks are good, and atmosphere is perfect for date night, though some of the tables along the back wall are a bit scrunched together. Tip 1: Stick with the hot tapas. The cold tapas are good, but the hot tapas are better (with the exception of the jamon iberico, which is difficult to find around Boston and just plain delicious). Tip 2: Fill out the survey at the end to get a free tapa on your next visit.
(4)
Mackenzie M.
One of my absolute favorite places in Boston! I have been here four or five times including once for brunch and each time has been memorable. I can't stop saying great things about this place! Great options for beverages no matter what you're in the mood for and the tapas are amazing. Each dish is flavorful in its own way. Service, food, and atmosphere, are all consistently great each time I have come here. Dined here for brunch on a particularly sunny day and all that was open for tables were tables directly in the sun. Management came over to check on us and offer other tables once they opened and even opened the door to let some cool air in. That is going above and beyond. Thanks Barcelona for always making sure that your customers are happy and satisfied. Looking forward to trying Barcelona at the new Boston location!!!
(5)
K P.
Good-sized portions despite being tapas. The dishes can't compare to Toro in South End but definitely wins as the preferred atmosphere. Have had both brunch and dinner here numerous times and will definitely come back. Can not wait for the warm weather to dine at outdoor patio. Very spacious, great staff, yummy food. Great spot for dates also. I've also tried the South End location and was very disappointed. Stick to the Brookline location, it has not let me down.
(4)
Geoff B.
I made this review by mistake, I meant to click on a different restaurant. Please delete this.....would like to eat here though....
(5)
Gabby F.
Convenient: Literally next to door to my house. Efficient: The waitstaff are always very quick and eager to please. Sometimes a little too eager. Who doesn't love tapas? Come on. Get the kale salad.
(4)
Mike B.
Probably the best food I've ever eaten, the small plates(tapas) that are on the menu are a fun way to eat, so that you can try a bit of everything, the 6-month Manchego cheese was delicious. For the main course we ate Salvaje paella which also was phenomenal. Our server was quick to help us, as it was our first time there and he recommended dishes and was very kind. We also had a half pitcher of the white traditional sangria which was amazing as well. All in all no complaints, definitely have to try it again when i come back to Boston
(5)
Lee D.
Average food. Good beer. Nice ambience. Not the greatest tapas place, but pretty good.
(3)
Lisa B.
3 stars for food. 5 stars for ambiance. 4 stars for service. We finally checked out Barcelona Wine Bar after months of good intentions... as in we intended to go, but didn't. We decided to make a reservation to celebrate our recent wedding and upcoming trip to Barcelona (the city). The ambiance is top notch... It's always so nice to see people laughing and enjoying wine with friends. Our meat and cheese plate was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal: Carne Salado (meat) + Oriol de Montbru & Aged Mahon (cheeses). We also ordered the broccolini (okay with a slight kick at the end), mussels, patatas bravas, and soft shell crab. A few critical (but hopefully helpful) notes: 1. The cheeses were great, although it would have been nice for the server to tell us which was which. I feel like this is pretty standard practice, so perhaps our server forgot(?) 2. The patatas bravas were extremely salty... to the point of not tasting very good. 3. The mussels were very fishy - It didn't taste as though they'd been rinsed. We didn't like them very much, and I wouldn't recommend this dish. The bread that accompanied the mussels was also charred to the point of tasting like, well, charcoal. Our overall experience was very enjoyable, but the food was a bit lacking. I've definitely had better tapas in Boston. Our server was sweet, although our water glasses went empty a few times throughout the dinner. On the other hand, we never felt rushed. We really appreciated this since Barcelona is the hot new place in Washington Square. SO, the truth is that we had fun, but I'm not sure if we'll be back. Our bill was about $100 (before tip) for 2 people, and the food was not at the standard we expected.
Hands down one of the best-designed spaces anywhere in Boston. Barcelona replaces the many restaurants that have been in this space (Vinny T's, American Craft, Roadhouse, etc.) and it looks like it's here to stay. The bartenders know their thing and often give free samples which is a nice touch. Food (tapas) = solid. It's busy most nights, so be patient when you come by.
(4)
JP C.
Not a great experience. I was there for brunch. I ordered hot tea with milk and honey. The tea came (well, a cup of hot water and a separate tea bag) with a little jug of honey. I reminded the waitress about the milk. She came back with it, but then I had to ask for a spoon. Another waitress was passing by with a handful of soup spoons and she gave me one. I pointed out that it didn't fit into the honey jug. She got defensive and said, "I was just trying to help," as if it was my fault for wanting a teaspoon with my tea. OK, bad marks for tea. I ordered eggs benedict with jamon serrano. The eggs were perfectly poached, but the hollandaise sauce didn't seem to be made with lemon juice. The texture was nice, but the flavor was very flat. Also, I didn't have any silverware. That seemed to mystify the staff. Finally, I started to eat. Then the waitress came and topped up my cup of tea with hot water. That was the last straw. I think a restaurant should be able to deal with a customer wanting tea with brunch. I'm not a teetotaler, but I don't necessarily want to drink alcohol with every meal. I got the distinct feeling that I was somehow imposing - what with my demands for a teaspoon and then implements with which to eat my meal. I'm not inclined to try the tapas. If they can't make hollandaise properly, I have my doubts about the rest of the menu.
(1)
David S.
Great meal! Service was excellent. The waitress and management made sure that everything was on par. Favorites: Hanger steak , Brussels sprouts, and the halibut
(5)
Gwen H.
Awesome in every way possible. Arrived 645 on a Saturday without a reservation and of course expected to wait. They estimated an hour and it was probably only 30 minutes, during which we enjoyed a glass of wine while people watching. One waiter came by with complimentary croquettes! Our waiter ( William I think? ) was so nice and helpful, attentive but not too much. He alerted me to the gluten free bread and I almost fell out or my seat. We ate a lot. All was simply delicious and the perfect amount of food to share. THe suckling pig was incredible. So was the quinoa stuffed squash. Chorizo and figs. Brussels sprouts. Etc. Yes, this place is a gem. Happy we ended up here (we originally wanted to try toro but the wait was 2 hours!). As far as I'm concerned this place is the best.
(5)
Morgan F.
Best Spot in Boston! Barcelona is one of my favorite spots in Brookline and Boston overall. Great patio area, huge bar area and nice ambiance inside. They often have live music which is a plus. I love that they rotate their menu based on what's in season. I had fiddleheads for the first time here (which apparently are only in season for a few weeks out of the year) and hey were incredible! Meet and cheese selection is awesome and the steak tare tare is fab. The sangria is also to die for. They've got the trifecta! Atmosphere is great, foods awesome, and whoever is doing the staffing deserves a raise. Every single host, server, manager, bus boy etc, I've had contact with goes above and beyond and they genuinely care about your experience. I think I've met every manage but can't remember their names, but most recently John was really great. This is a great spot for date night, casual bar drinks and small plates, and for big groups. It's good for families but I'd suggest an earlier time as it gets a bit loud and crowded later on. Can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)
Jenna C.
I had been to Barcelona once before but this time was with a larger party to wish a good luck farewell to a co-worker. We had made a reservation for 7:30 and sat down at about 8. Our server was initially pleasant, but by the time we had our first round of drinks it was nearing 8:30, almost an hour after our reservation. Since we were a larger party, it was recommended to get the $35 per person option that brings out a variety of dishes without having to actually order them. This option seemed nice because the server mentioned dishes would continuously be brought out quicker than otherwise, but in reality it felt we waited longer than the tables around us who ordered after we did. As 9pm approached, the dishes started to arrive - small apps and salads were out first. Since it was anticipated dinner would be from about 730-930, some of us needed to wrap up dinner. Given the long waiting time and time for food to come, few of us did not get to try the "main" courses (meats etc) and only had salads. In addition and to top the night, when I asked for a separate check because I had to leave (it was nearly 9:40 at this point) it was visibly obvious the server did not appreciate my request and jokingly (I think) said it was "annoying". All and all, not the night that was planned...
(1)
Jenn S.
This place is pretty amazing. We have been a number of times and haven't had anything bad. Our favorites are the kale salad, lamb chops, hanger steak, olives, yellowtail crudo and the potato tortilla. I know that is a lot to have favorites but there really isn't anything bad. I would just like to note that while the Paella is good it is very heavy so try not to order to many other things with it. Staff is also always amazing. Try to make a reservation or you will be waiting for an hour or so.
(4)
Sarah Y.
I've been here 4-5 times in the past three months... and for very good reason. It's conveniently located in Brookline's Washington Square neighborhood, a few steps from the T and with street parking available. That said, it caters to the more affluent Brookline crowd and the prices reflect that. Tapas range from a few dollars to ~$13-14 depending on what you get. As a vegetarian (or if you just prefer vegetable/non-meat dishes), it's more affordable since the meat/seafood dishes are on the upper end of the price scale. The price is the only reason I'm docking it a star, since you could get similar dishes for a few Euros each in Spain /end snooty European travel reference. Given the limited selection of Spanish restaurants in the Boston area, Barcelona is one of the more authentic. I can't speak to the meat, but from my friends' and family's reviews, it's amazing! The cheese selection makes me unreasonably happy. The eclectic tapas selection gives you the best tastes of different regions of Spain - AndalucÃa, Catalonia, Valencia, etc. It's a mix of what you would find both in a typical Spanish home (the simple and fresh salads, potato tortilla, croquettes) and a typical tapas restaurant in Spain (albondigas, patatas bravas - which are SO GOOD by the way, olives). I've never had a bad experience with the service. Everyone who works there seems to genuinely love and appreciate food. Also, all the sangrias are great. One of our waitresses told us they change them up on a regular basis, so you can try something new each time you go back - which, trust me, you WILL go back! P.s. Make a reservation even if you don't think you need one. This place is consistently packed!
(4)
J p.
Ah... all is restored. My party visited last night and the stellar service and excellent food was the norm, as expected. Special call out and thanks to William for his cheery and outstanding service. All dishes ordered were fantastic. Personally I wasn't the biggest fan of the mushrooms with goat cheese as I thought it a wee bit tart/too acidic. Seafood was fresh and grilled lamb was perfectly prepared. O yes, please bring back the chickpea fries soon... Additionally as a follow up, hats off to the the proactive management team from BWB. They attempted to reach out to me in response to my prior review/comment about smoking. I personally didn't get a chance to get back in touch with them but it's refreshing to see such dedicated, committed and engaged management. I am a fan of this place and will continue hold them to their high benchmark they've set - excellent service, food and management... We'll be back soon...
(5)
Sarah B.
I've been here twice, and both experiences were excellent. Barcelona Wine Bar has great food, drinks, and decor, plus reasonable prices, but the thing that really puts them way over the top is their excellent service. Both times I have been blown away by the standard they set. I recently attended a friend's birthday dinner there, and although we had a reservation, we had to wait a bit to be seated. Barcelona more than made up for this with samples of sangria and tapas on the house - plus a few tapas dishes that they ordered for us so that once we were seated, our hungry bellies would be immediately satiated. The manager also personally stopped by more than once to check on us. What a champ! As for food - it's all tasty. My favorite dishes are the caramelized brussel sprouts and the croquetas. Looking forward to going back soon, as it's always a treat!
(5)
Danielle W.
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I have a pretty severe gluten allergy and eating out is always tricky. However, both the manager and our waiter were completely accommodating. My husband and I got there a little bit before the restaurant opened and the manager assured me that I would be safe eating here. When our waiter came over he actually went ahead and wrote on our menu the modifications that would be needed for each item (IE fresh goat cheese, not breaded and sub GF bread) and crossed out the things that just weren't doable. He made some really great suggestions as well. Right after that the manger came over and told me he had the kitchen fire up some GF bread for me. He also brought over a second bowl of dipping oil to avoid cross contamination between myself and my gluten eating husband. No up charge for the bread also! We started off with two tapas: cucumber salad and eggplant caponata. Both were delicious but I really loved the cucumber salad - super light and the dressing was perfect. We then did the vegetable paella and the barcelona mixed grill. SO MUCH FOOD! We hardly made a dent in the meat, but we happily took it home as leftovers. The paella was fantastic. I literally scraped the pot it came in. They offered us a GF dessert but by this point I was nearing a food coma and we opted out. Fantastic service, fantastic food, and so accommodating with gluten free. I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Ashley A.
Oh. My. Goodness. We went here with a group of friends for our monthly "dinner club". We were all completely blown away. Erik, our server suggested that because we had a larger group (9) that it would be beneficial for us to allow him to choose a number of tapas for us and we could pass them around the table. I am not an absurdly adventurous eater, but I was so impressed with every single dish that was brought out. It was a tasting menu, but it was absolutely fabulous. I can't really pinpoint anything that stood out as better than any other aspect, because the whole experience was great. We WILL be going here again. You'll pay a little bit more for your meal, but it is 100% worth it!
(5)
Ariana G.
My favorite restaurant in this area. Food is delicious, service is excellent and the wine list is extensive. They also have seasonal sangria options. Definitely try the croquettes and basically any dish with meat, especially the short rib plate.
(5)
Thomas S.
This place is great! The tortilla was spot on authentic, as were the bravas. The only thing missing that any true Catalan restaurant would have is pan con tomate. But great atmosphere, great wine, and good food!
(4)
Sara H.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar for my first time last night with my family. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I started with the 'classic' red sangria. My sister and I polished off the entire pitcher - it was the best sangria I've ever had. Maybe I'm sheltered, but I loved the spices. There were a few other varieties as well that I'd love to try, but this kind in particular was delicious. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We had Joy helping us out and she was funny and helpful without being in our faces all of the time. She had some great suggestions, and was able to give us ideas on how much to get since tapas plates tend to vary in sizes etc etc. I don't have a menu in front of me, but I specifically remember loving the steak with truffle sauce, the chicken pate, the lobster noodles, and this glazed butternut squash that tasted like candy. The price was extremely reasonable for the quality of food. Nothing was "meh" or disappointing to me. I live just down the street, so I'll definitely be back!
(5)
J C.
Wow! What a fantastic Tapas Bar. The ambiance was very fun. The food was absolutely delicious. You must try the churros and dark chocolate for dessert. The service was very friendly and professional. Make sure to make reservations!
(5)
Rebecca F.
Came here for dinner with my roommates on a Sunday night - what a fantastic space for a girls night out or a hot date! Barcelona is warm, intimate, but also lively. The bar itself is curved in such a way that it is social and inviting. Vegetarians, fear not: you will find some fabulous options. I tried the spinach/chickpea dish which was creamy without being rich, smooth but also textured. Also had the butternut squash with pumpkin seeds which was warming and tasted like sweet love on a plate. The tempranillo wine was the perfect compliment, and there are obviously plenty to choose from. They had a winter sangria that had lavender which looked really tasty. I can't wait to come back here in the spring to take advantage of the outdoor seating area!
(5)
Brooke P.
Went out with my friends last night to one of my fav places to eat. As always packed and the best delish food. The seafood paella is amazing a must have.
(4)
Erica D.
Barcelona, welcome to the neighborhood! I am a 44 yr old foodaholic who grew up in Brookline. My whole family adores Tapas and are thrilled this is now in our back yard. I know they have many locations in Connecticut and I now know why. This place is big, very rustic and well done atmosphere, busy, energetic, friendly and good. We are always greeted warmly even though we aren't true regulars yet. The staff are some of the best, intuitive and cooperative I've ever seen. Our waiters have been great the past 4 times we have been. They are very into the food they are serving their guests and know just how to direct you if needed. The menu is interesting and extensive. The portions are big. It's considered Tapas but the Spaniards would say each plate was an entree ;) We here in The States appreciate this! This is not your typical potato frittata, jamon And churros kinda place. The offerings are very interesting and different. We have tried almost everything on the menu and have never been unhappy with any of our choices! This may be because we know what to try and because we have had good suggestions from our servers. As I said before, the folks here are friendly, knowledgable, and really work beautifully together! Many times we watched the staff interact with one another with out speaking!! They all seem to be aware of the room, the guests and each other. All needs are met with professionalism and intuition. We went as far as to compliment one of our waitresses and asked if she was a manager? She said " no" but thanked us for the thought. She was so proprietary we figured she was management pitching in on the floor. Anyway... Nice addition to Brookline food scene. Very busy and loud all the time. ( only reason to dock one star) Young and old mixed clientele. Great staff Great food Not expensive Beware of Friday and Sat. Nights! Crazy busy!!! Love it
(4)
Molly S.
I love this place. The hanger steak and sangria are amazing. Our server was Harrison and he was really attentive. The food came out very quickly too.
(5)
Alisa S.
I'm aware of all the positive reviews going around, but i'll have to disagree, i've had a bad experience both times i went The place is always busy, could be good or bad. Bad in my situation slow service, food not as described on the menu, flavor profile is meh a.k.a nothing special in conclusion i told myself i won't be going back there again. It all changed 2 weekends ago when I was invited for a birthday celebration at Barcelona. Reservations were made and confirmed 2 nights prior to the celebration. On the night of the event, we walked in to Barcelona, there was 6 of us, we spoke with the hostess who was unable to find our names on the list, we waited for 15 minutes which was wayyyyy tooo long in this situation and left extremely disappointed. This confirmed that i won't be going back to dine there. The bar area is neat, would deff recommend going for a drink or two there, the food and the service not so much,
(2)
Jason Z.
Hands Down 5 Stars. I love tapas bars and this one is the best in Boston. There wasn't one menu item that disappointed. The drinks - Perfect! The one plate that was everybody's favorite was the Grilled Hanger Steak. So flavorful. Can't wait to go back
(5)
Jon M.
One of the best restaurants in Boston/Brookline, and the best Tapas I've ever had. I take my business clients here often & thoroughly enjoy for personal dates. --Excellent drink selection & fantastic bartenders --Tapas selection is extensive & changes often --Meat/cheese pairings are excellent --Service is first class, management is on top of everything & everyone is very friendly (friendly wait staff is a rarity in Boston) --Music selection & ambiance is first rate The only downside: the dining room waiters like to put their -- most likely not clean -- hands all over the rims of your drink glass every time they re-fill your drink. Gross. I've never had this not happen is dozens of visits. I should knock a star off this review for that alone, but alas, this place is too good and I'd rather drink out of a straw.
(5)
Lily F.
Amazing sangria (with a selection), great cocktail list, and great selection in the lunch menu. I enjoyed the love jazz near the window, atmosphere of the place. Pleasant and helpful waitress. Everything I ordered I LOVED. No complaints.
(5)
Braelyn G.
OK, was just here on July 4th weekend and found a new wondrous part of this fantastic restaurant! You can get a chefs tasting menu for $35 a head, and (here's the kicker) it's ALL YOU CAN EAT. However, this doesn't include alcoholic beverages or dessert (total bummer, even though I got it anyway). I highly, HIGHLY, recommend doing this! There's no minimum, so if you feel like hating the world and want to go alone then, hey, whatever floats your boat. But, if you're willing to share and want to bring some friends, do it to it! Also, sit on the patio in the summer months- it's beautiful, cooler temperature wise, and MUCH quieter than the inside!
(5)
Jenn S.
I can't even tell you how floored I was when I found out Barcelona was opening around the corner from my apartment. I'm from southern CT, where Barcelona started, so I've been going to their restaurants for years. I knew they recently opened in Atlanta; when my friend said a new tapas place was opening near me and I found out it was Barcelona, I was floored! I still can't believe I didn't know about it and wasn't one of the first to go there. Ahem. Anyway. I made a reservation for 7 people for a Friday night and was seated pretty much immediately after arriving. I found out we were only going to be 4 people, so I told the host/manager that they could move us to a smaller table, if they wanted. He was so appreciative, that he gave my friend & me each a complimentary glass of sangria! Nice. Once all 4 of us were comfortably settled into our booth right next to the packed bar, we got down to talking and drinking and eating. Over the course of the night, the 4 of us downed 2 pitchers of red sangria and 1 pitcher of white. The red was definitely better: more flavor, sweeter, bolder - overall a much better sangria. (One downside to the booths: the backs are connected to the other booths, so we kept shaking. It was quite annoying) As for the food, we just went for a bunch of tapas: - We started with a meat & cheese plate, going with the Jamon Serrano (Dry-Cured Spanish Ham), the 6-month Manchego cheese and I THINK the Aged Mahon (a Nutty Cow's Milk Cheese from Mallorca) - it had a wine coating, or something. Our favorite thing was definitely the quince paste that came with it. MMM. The rest of the tapas, in my personal order of preference, were: - The Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs - OMG - The Jamon + Chicken Croquettes - always fantastic (although, they were rather small and there were 5 on the plate, despite there being 4 of us...) - The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts (apparently with Sumac & Mint?) - A Butternut Squash dish that's not on the online menu... It was drizzled with honey and some sort of nut. The waiter recommended it and I was glad he did. - Spiced Beef Empanadas (with a Red Pepper Sauce) - ok, but not as fantastic as I hoped We also got Mussels al Diablo and Crispy Calamari (with a Smoked Pepper Aioli), but I didn't try either of these. My friends loved them though. HOWEVER, I did try the Bone Marrow with Parsley Toast - something I literally had said days before that I would never try. It comes served in the bone, which was not ultra appealing, but I tried it (as all my friends watched). The flavor was actually quite good and I even went back for more. It was VERY oily and the friend who had recommended it did not like the texture/consistency. And I almost forgot the dessert! We went for the Flan (fantastic) and the Churros Y Chocolate (dark chocolate dipping sauce), which were ok. The sauce was quite watery and the churros slightly soggy in places. The waiter then convinced 2 of us to do a shot of sherry down the bone... Would have been nice if he'd told us that there was a charge for that, but oh well... The shot was nothing fabulous, but it got people around us talking. My friend went last night and said she got complimentary grilled cheese. I am quite jealous, as I wanted to try the "Truffled 'Bikini.'" But I did get complimentary sangria, so why am I complaining? One of my friends knew a couple who was there for dinner as well... They, unfortunately, waited an hour and a half for a table. Needless to say, they are probably not as happy with this place as I am! The service is fantastic, the decor is great... Yes, it's LOUD, but it's a fun place for a group dinner - not a romantic restaurant. I will DEFINITELY be back and cannot wait to try the paella!
(5)
Em K.
I would like to consider myself a (self-proclaimed) tapas connoisseur. Wherever there is tapas, there is me. I first tried Barcelona on a whim. I was walking to meet a friend for drinks at Cityside but halfway up Beacon street I realized that I'd rather eat good food than drink cheap beer so I called her and said that we should meet at Barcelona instead. Turns out that was one of the better impulse decisions I've had in the past 6 months. It was a Thursday night but we were sat promptly and greeted almost immediately by a very nice server. Between the two of us we ordered the following items (don't judge, we wanted a hearty sampling..): - beef tongue slider - beet and honeycrisp apple salad - albondigas - roasted bone marrow - braised short rib - foie gras terrine - chorizo and sweet and sour figs ALL OF IT WAS GOOD. Honestly, I was expecting to have some lack lustre dishes (actually I was banking on it so I could avoid completely stuffing my face..) but that was just not the case. Everything was delicious and I left completed satiated. They are also one of my favorite places to order a caipirinha! Not many bars even carry cachaca so when I find one that does I always get a caipirinha and Barcelona's is worthy of a repeat. So go and eat your (small plates) heart out!
(4)
Ralph O.
Good food and great atmosphere. Barcelona is one the best value-for-money restaurants, with a good wine selection. Service is friendly and informal. I have been several times and I will keep going (although I won't wait for two hours in line to sit there)
(4)
Nancy O.
Had Tapas here with two pals tonight. Nice ambience, not too loud, not too quiet and flattering (aka dim) lighting with dark wood furnishings. We didn't have wine, so I can't comment on their extensive wine collection. Service: excellent--friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Irrelevant Sidebar: There are some exceptionally tall and handsome young men working here. Those don't usually grow in Boston. Where did they come from we wondered? Food: Yummy fresh bread to start. We stuck with the Tapas, which was good but not the best I've had. Potato tortilla was tasty, though portion was rather tiny for what it was. The fig and chorizo dish, the empanadas, and meatballs were our favorites, and the portions were good sized. We also had a little grilled ham & cheese sandwich that none of us cared for--the strong cheese and ham flavors clashed rather than complimented each other. We'll go back and try some of the other tapas dishes and perhaps some entrees. It's a fun place and the food is good, but not extraordinary. Tip; Make sure you stagger your order, or you will receive all of your tapas at the same time, and they come out quickly, which will make it a very short dining experience.
(4)
Corona W.
I've been here twice so far and I've had a great meal both times. The wine flights are a great value - three generous glasses of Rioja wine for 15.50. Management is also accommodating. We were given two plates of super delicious grilled calamari, on the house, after we were informed that the whole fish we had ordered had run out. My only complaint is that they ALWAYS run out of the pig ears so I have yet to try them....In any case, I love this place and will be back.
(4)
Parul L.
Hard to get a seat here on a Friday, and we waited a bit on our res, but free apps and sangria made it better ;). We tried a ton of stuff, which was all innovative and delicious. Definitely a great addition to the Bos rest scene. They messed our paella up and have us more free drinks while we waited,and the manager overheard me say I didn't want chocolate dessert, and brought a non-chocolate item without being asked. So sweet. Will def be back! Great time at Barcelona!
(5)
Molly C.
I have probably been to Barcelona Wine & Bar at least 20 times. The crowd is always lively and even though sometimes the wait is a little long, it is nice to see a well packed restaurant. The food is absolutely amazing, especially the Hanger Steak and Mushrooms with goat cheese. Pair them together and voila! you have the most fantastic combination. A pitcher of sangria is only $24 and lets be honest, for Boston, that is pretty spectacular. The white summer herb sangria is definitely my favorite, with hints of rosemary and Lavender. If you go with a big group it ends up being pretty inexpensive to split everything. Also the service is outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth a try!
(5)
gabrielle c.
My fiance has a place a few blocks away from Barcelona & we've had dinner, or have attempted to have dinner at this joint a couple of times. Barcelona is a chain- just like McDonald's or Burger King except it's tapas. I'm mainly based in NYC, specifically Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While I realize that I'm spoiled with relatively inexpensive, creative/eclectic/authentic restaurants & cafes, Barcelona is painfully average-this could be in a mall, in the midwest, in the airport, etc. This place is always jammed which is good for the owners wallets & I realize they are catering to the local residents tastes. Bostonians seem to like more of the same. All I want is a place to have a glass of wine, a nice small plate & to move on which isn't possible at Barcelona.
(1)
Caroline S.
This was a great dinner! However, we waited 2 hours after being told one hour, which was quite a big difference. Finally sitting down, we got 5 tapas to share between 2, which was perfect. Patatas bravas and empanadas were the favorites! Meatballs were good but burnt on the bottom. Also got the croquettes and eggplant, which were tasty. Overall, a great place, but wouldn't come back again without a reservation (if they take any).
(4)
Jen O.
Excellent food and ambience! Love the feel of the whole place! Even better is the food! Love to cuchinillo or suckling pig!!! Be adventurous! Try everything! Most of what we've tried are amazing! So you can't go wrong! Have fun! It is always packed, so make reservations a week or even two in advance to make sure you have a table! Can't wait to take visiting family to this place! Superb!
(5)
Michelle C.
I hate giving bad reviews, especially since I'm sure there are off days. Let me start off by saying I frequent Barcelona quite frequently and never had a bad experience. But after eating for two hours (unintentionally) since the service was incredibly slow, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. The meal started off great with their always delicious meat and cheese platter. However, things went downhill from there. We ordered the hangar steak with truffle sauce and we got the ribeye instead. The waitress brought out the correct order but thereafter, she never came by once to check up on us. I get it that the restaurant was packed but at 11PM, tables were clearing out. After twenty minutes of eating straight up serrano ham, I wanted someone (anyone please) to ask if we could use more water/bread. Not a single person. I finally had to grab another waitress's attention after both my date and I were both dying from thirst. By the time dessert came around, we hesitated to order knowing that it'll probably take another 30 minutes. But one cannot leave without dessert so we ordered the churros and flan, which was fabulous. We waited..again. Just us, the staff and another table that came in an hour after us. So two hours later, I'm left disappointed since I so wanted to like my meal better but service pretty much ruined it for me.
(2)
Ashley S.
SO GOOD. Everything here is IS GOOD. Sommelier made great wine recommendations too. Try the manchego cheese and the duck. Fantastic. Tables are really small and extremely cramped, so be aware of that. Also, don't sit by the door in wintertime or you'll get a face full of frozen air every time someone comes or goes.
(5)
Michael O.
I had heard great things about Barcelona and was anxious to check it out. I was in no rush at all, and the wait was a little longer than most places but the outside seating area was really nice, it was beautiful out so I had no problem waiting a bit longer and having a couple drinks. I went with my girlfriend and she loved it as well. Our waitress was an amazing woman named Joy who made the experience astronomically more enjoyable. We go out to eat quite a bit, and we both agreed she was the best waitress we have had in quite some time! GREAT food, great service, and the price was right. Highly recommend!
(5)
Tom G.
So, I've been here 3 more times and it's still really hit-or-miss. The food is pretty much the same quality every time but the front of house and the waitstaff are pretty uneven. And I've had the same cocktail 3 or 4 times (Brookline Sour) and it's tasted different almost every time, once with, um, less-than-fresh fruit. Not really acceptable. But the food is really nice and the wine list is thoughtful so it's a welcome addition.
(4)
Gabriela C.
we did a shot of sherry. in a bone marrow luge. after an amazing man, a hero of sorts, cut paper thin pieces of the finest salted pig leg next to our table on a cart. keep doing you, barcelona, keep doing you.
(5)
Shana K.
I have been here several times, and I can't begin to say enough good things about this place. I wanted to write a review after my first experience but thought I would hold off until I'd been a bit more often. I should also say that I've been to the Barcelona in South Norwalk, CT, which while fine, has nothing on this location either in terms of food or service. To start: the staff at the bar were unusually attentive, even when busy. I dine alone frequently, and it is a real pleasure when the staff doesn't ignore you simply on that basis. Nor is the service any less attentive at the table. I have brought my parents and guests from abroad here, and everyone was impressed by the servers' knowledge of the menu and ability to make excellent recommendations. The menu changes frequently, but there are some staples which don't change (or haven't in the time I've been attending) and are well worth your while. Some standouts for me have included the chicken liver mousse, the "truffled bikini" (a grilled cheese with Serrano ham and truffled aioli - delightfully unsalty and full of flavour) the grilled hangar steak (savoury and delicious), and whatever raw/ceviche style seafood they have going. I am not a big vegetable person, but vegetarians I know really loved the kale salad, as did I. All in all, a very solid and delicious option when dining in Brookline. Can't recommend highly enough.
(5)
Kobie E.
The food was so good, better than I ever imagined it could be!! The bartender Harrison was equally as awesome, friendly, helpful and his Sidecar was the best!!
(5)
Mal S.
Excellent food and service. The fresh toasty bread was a great way to start the meal. We had the pork belly, pulled pork, hanger steak, asparagus/egg, potato tortilla, and beef empanada. Every single dish was perfection. This place is a must try. I will definitely be returning. As a walk in on a Friday, we waited about 2 hours before we were seated. Make a reservation!
(5)
Anat S.
Second time at Barcelona...it was just as great as the first. The Sangria lived up to my memory as did the atmosphere and service. They really care about you, the guest, it's a refreshing feeling. The tapas are more hits than misses: Patatas bravas, insalata mista, ANY of their cheeses/meats...all YUM! Caponata is a gamble, but when it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! Ask for Joy, she is a Joy and enjoy.
(5)
Ryan M.
We chose Barcelona for an anniversary dinner tonight. It was a last minute call and since the restaurant only takes reservations for 1/3 of its tables, we were not able to make one. It didn't matter to us so we put our name in and had a couple of drinks at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we were served relatively quickly by our waiter. We put in orders for a bunch of plates and they were delivered very quickly. The food was excellent. Surprisingly, the spinach and chickpea with roasted garlic may have been the most memorable dish. Other tapas favorites such as patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo were great. The redfish a la plancha was excellent as was the ribeye with horseradish gremolata. The empanadas were good, but not great. After we received our plates is when things really fell apart. While I sat with an empty glass of beer in front of me, the waiter pulled up a chair to flirt with the girls next to us. All the while he continued to check in with the couple next to us as well. At least three times he came to check in on our neighbors without ever asking if we needed a drink, offering a desert menu, or asking if we wanted the check. After about 30 minutes, of sitting with no drinks, no food, and no service we managed to get the check and get out of there. We were inclined to order dessert, but after waiting as long as we did, we decided to satisfy our sweet teeth elsewhere. I doubt our server noticed. For great tapas try Tapeo, Toro, and Tasca. Barcelona is more about the scene than anything else and to be completely honest, it wasn't worth the wait...don't let the crowds fool you. If you show up, cross your fingers and maybe the service will be better which would have drastically improved our experience. I doubt we'll be back.
(2)
Neil H.
The parents were in town last night, and they wanted to take the girlfriend and me out for dinner. We chose Barcelona, and were not disappointed. The place was packed on a Saturday night at 8:45 when we walked in for our reservation. The host scared me a bit when he said they were running behind and that they'd be another 20 minutes. But, he under promised and over delivered. They had us seated in 10 minutes. The only thing was that it seemed like they didn't have the service capacity for the number of guests they had. Every single server was running around like a mad dog. If they had a few more runners on staff, it may make things better. The food was outstanding. My father said it was one of the best meals he had in a really long time. The noise in the place made for a fun atmosphere. And there was something for everyone to enjoy. Because of the slow service, the manager came over and checked in with us. He apologized and offered us free dessert. A nice touch, but also unnecessary since we were already well beyond the point of stuffed on great tapas. We've been to Barcelona a few times now, and will certainly return.
(5)
merisa t.
This place is amazing. The last time I was there, they had a bone marrow luge. I really don't think there is anything else to say.
(5)
Mikhail H.
Food, service and the whole dining experience were just about as perfect as you can get. They have a wonderful menu variety for great pricing. Their service is so good, in fact, that the waiter noticed I did not finish the mushrooms and goat cheese. He inquired if I was unhappy with it, offering to remove it from our bill which was pretty amazing for a restaurant.
(5)
aly m.
The service is terrible (and the terribleness clearly stems from a corporate policy requiring servers to be all up in your face as often as possible, and not from any ineptitude on the poor staff's part), the food is worse (if I want something that salty and sugary, I'll just drop seventy-five cents on a Slim Jim, thanks), and the company makes a habit of muscling into neighborhoods known for small, excellent, independently-owned restaurants. I wouldn't go back to Barcelona for anything, and I will do my best to dissuade anyone else from going there. They have no business being in Washington Square (or in the South End, for that matter.) I wish I could leave zero stars. Gross, gross, gross. They also have a monotonous, overpriced wine list. There is really nothing good about this place. AVOID.
(1)
Tracy R.
My absolute favorite place to go in Brookline (and actually Boston, too). The food is incredible. The chickpea dish is out of this world. The service is always great. The drinks, especially the sangria and fun takes on additional sangrias (there's one w lavender!) are all very good. It's always packed but with it being so good, who could blame them?! Definitely make a reservation. One out of about 10 times we wait forever to be seated so that's annoying but it's well worth it and you can go to the bar in the mean time. Definitely go to this place!!
(5)
Shirley M.
Just want to say that we've been to Barcelona Spain and that inspired us to try Barcelona Wine Bar and we were very satisfied, twice!!! Lindsay is very knowledgeable and helpful at the bar. The tapas is delicious and so was the wine. We would add that an actual trip to Barcelona for the staff would greatly add to the authenticity of the experience and increase the expertise that they (she) already has going on in this fun place. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Ika M.
This place was really fun! It's nice to order so many tapas to taste and share. We really enjoyed the squid ink noodles, scallops, flan, and beef dishes in particular. The price was right and the service was attentive. I just don't know why the dining area is so dark. We had to use the light on our cellphones to identify what was on our table and what we were eating. The plates were big enough to share (among the 6 of us) and they were all tasty. Will return!
(4)
Shannon D.
Like some other recent reviewers, I came here last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. We had an 8:45 reservation and when we first arrived there were only a few people waiting. They told us "tables were being cleared" but we weren't given an amount of time. I could tell by the faces of other ladies that they had been waiting a long time. Luckily we had eaten a snack earlier and had already started drinking so I was in a chipper mood even when a ridiculous amount of people started pouring in. This is a new restaurant to the area (though now I'm realizing this is a chain which is super surprising) and it was their first Valentine's Day. Yes, they clearly screwed up reservations and it really sucked for all of us who had to wait. I am quite sure it thoroughly sucked for the poor hostess too as she had to deal with a lot of pissy people. We were handed sangria while we waited which was nice and the right thing to do. Valentine's Day is rough, especially for a new restaurant that everyone wants to be at. -1 star for the wait. We were seated around 9:20 and once we saw the table we got the wait didn't even matter to us. I saw all the people cramped at the two seater tables and knew the amount of food we would be ordering would not fit at those tables. Luckily we got an awesome booth spot by the bar - Score! Our waitress Jess was great - very attentive knew the right times to come by and she was also helped out by a very friendly guy that I forget the name of. They were both cool, friendly and helpful. Food: Jamon Iberico de Bellota - Any time I can eat something I saw Anthony Bourdain eat I'm all about it. This was one of the highlights of the meal. Valdeon - I love sheep cheese. Bunuelos de Bacalao - very rich and filling Grilled Lamp Chops - melt in your mouth amazing Kumato Tomatoes - My boyfriend doesn't even like tomatoes but he loved these. Migas - very salty, it was good but not at the top of the list Gnocchi with black truffles - little pillows of deliciousness- Also at the top of the list. Flan Catalan - Best flan either of us had ever had. Crepas Salguero - Wow, sugar overload. I love a good dulce de leche - they were very good but I probably shouldn't eat anything today. The Bourbon Spice Rack cocktail is really good too. I like this restaurant a lot. I hope once the new restaurant craze ends we can come back because there are a ton of items on the menu I want to try. I can see this being a fun place to hang out at the bar and eat some snacks. I had an amazing Valentine's Day, thank you Barcelona for being a part of it.
(4)
Heather H.
I have been here at least 12 times in the last 6 months and it is beyond excellent every time! The food is perfect. The service is exceptional. Worth every penny!
(5)
Rita N.
Love the live jazz music at Sunday brunch
(5)
Connie C.
Brunchy, meaty, savory goodness. Absolutely loved everything from the decor, to incredible drink list, to plentiful brunch options. We tried a little of everything including oxtail hash, ricotta pancakes, rose sangria, jamon & manchego, pan con tomate, and fluke ala plancha. Everything was excellent, seasoned very well and extremely flavorful. There were a few tiny blips with service, but the food and overall experience were stellar. Can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(4)
Christy G.
This place is great! Came here on a date and got the best service. The waiter brought out free samples of some of the tapas. The food was terrific. I'm just knocking it a star because we made reservations that were apparently not written down so we had to stand and wait an hour at the bar which resulted in me getting more tipsy than I would have liked to by the end of the night. Great food and phenomenal service. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Maria S.
We've been a big fan since it opened. The ambiance is really great.with very unique food tasty food, cool music, fantastic crew who all pitch in to make it a memorable experience every time. Yesterday, the manager stopped by our table,asked if he could do anything. So he put in our drink order on the spot. They also give you tapas discs for free tapas when you fill out a short review.I should stop as this place is getting discovered.
(5)
Jeremy G.
The crowd is nice, and the service is reasonably polite. It's definitely a nice place to have a drink in that neighborhood (since other options are sparse). But when it come to food, it is very disappointing. The tapas are not bad, but they are not good neither. No particular taste, no exotic ingredients, just plain stuff. But the worst thing about it is the price. I was astonished to see that they manage to charge the usual price of a whole meal for three-four lone olives in a plate. If you want to recreate the Spanish tapas experience, charge 1 or 2 euros per item, not 10$...
(2)
Dom K.
Chorizo and figs is a must get. Also enjoyed the crispy pig ears. Tapas here are great in general, and relatively good value. A must-go for tapas in Boston!
(5)
Cansu S.
This tapas restaurant is probably my favorite restaurant in Boston. It is hard to find something that does not taste amazing. My favorite thing is to start with 2 cheese plates and 1 meat. Especially 6-months aged cheese is awesome. This place has this special "Jamon Iberico de Berlota" ("pata negra") which is the most expensive and exclusive pork product in the world - tastes awesome! My favorite plates are these: eggplant, broccolini, patatas bravas, mushroom with goat cheese, chorizo with figs, duck, hanger steak. Their churros dessert is so good too:) I love this place. Very important tip: if you complete their satisfaction survey, they give you a chip for 1 free tapa!
(5)
Arielle K.
This place is fantastic. The food is fresh, flavorful and interesting although slightly over-salted. Definitely try the patatas bravas, they can't be beat! In addition, the decor is funky and modern and the waitstaff is super friendly. Also a good place for brunch!
(5)
Farida W.
I usually am never impressed with restaurants enough to devote time to write a review online, but the superb service at Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline is well worth it. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are very attentive and friendly. If you go there, ask for Raffi/Rafael. He'll hook you up and always have a smile on his face. The prices are decent for alcohol and the tapas. They serve food very late into the night and even have a late-night menu as well. Originally from Connecticut, I was so excited when they opened a franchise near my neighborhood and it goes well above my expectations!
(5)
Matt C.
I've been lucky enough to travel the world and eat at a lot of truly amazing places but this place 101% takes the cake for best service/staff I've ever encountered. Rafi, Owen & BJ man the bar and take pride in their drink creations as if they own the joint. Aside form making some of the best cocktails I've ever drank they know the drinks origins and only use the highest quality liquor. I highly suggest any beverages on the drink list as they are all stellar - they may be on the smaller side but the quality surely makes up for smaller glass. Drinks aside, the tapas ROCK. I've been to Barcelona & Madrid but these tapas blow those out of the water. The croquette's, papas brava's, steak and brocollini were truly edible gold. My friends and I will surely be back. A lot of local establishments should be taking notes on how a place should be run from Barcelona Wine & Tapas Bar. A++
(5)
Alexis F.
I went for brunch , which was incredibly delicious, however I give 3 stars because of the service, cocktails, and state of cleanliness. Here were my issues in a nutshell: -the glasses and table had leftover food stuck to it and some napkins were dirty -the waitstaff was inattentive and very curt... and it wasn't even that busy! -my friend got a cocktail (I think it was the sling something or other) and it was meh... You can do better guys!!!
(3)
Amanda D.
This place was AMAZING! The wine, cocktails, and food--all delish! And everyone who works here is so friendly and attentive. Specifically, the Dolcetto they currently have by the glass is everything I've ever wanted in a red wine. The Bourbon Spice Rack is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, a great finish to a meal. The Paella was amazing! As were all of the tapas. Go! You won't regret it :)
(5)
Michael N.
We went for brunch and had a mixture of tapas and large plates. The jamon and chicken croquettes along with the papas bravas were fantastic. The mains were great but couldn't compare to the tapas (we had the French toast and the pulled pork). Highly recommended for a quick meal.
(5)
Jay M.
Brace yourselves - this is a long one! Firstly, thank you Barcelona for one of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent memory! Your staff is knowledgeable and attentive, the service was impeccable and the food... my God, THE FOOD! I had been meaning to make reservations to Toro for quite some time, but gathering the muster to get into the City on a weekday turns me off like no other. I like to be home after work. So much so that I would not mind moving into the dumpster behind the building just so that my commute can be nonexistent. If only I could wiggle my nose or tap my heels to be home... Ten times each week, I drive up and down Beacon passing through Washington Square on my commute. Each time, I wonder to myself - what is this beauty of wood, iron and glass that has replaced the atrocious curb appeal (or lack thereof) of Roadhouse? The patio is open, I either drive by or stop at the red light just ahead; it's 5:45pm and the place is filled, literally, to the curb with folks enjoying the food and ambience. What the fuck is the name of this place? The awning doesn't help! I. WANT. TO. GOOGLE. AND/OR. YELP. YOU! It was a Tuesday - just a Tuesday like any other except this Tuesday was tastier than most. I'm at my desk and finally remember to look up this place. I pull up Google Maps on my browser and proceed to pan and click to where I think this place is on the map. A few clicks later and I'm double-clicking down to find out that it's called Barcelona Wine Bar. It's a chain which originated in CT that specializes in tapas, you say? From Connecticut? Okay. I pull up the menu and spot sweetbreads - I'm sold! Knowing how packed the house gets (even on the weekdays!) I decided to call in for reservations. I spoke with Eric who took my name and confirmed my table for 6pm. Perfect! My partner and I arrive in Washington Square. We enter and are greeted warmly by the host. The interior is gorgeous, but we requested to be seated on the patio. Our server, Jess, was wonderful. She was attentive and knowledgeable; she knew the menu in and out and when I asked if sweetbreads were available, she said no, but went into the kitchen to confirm with the chef. This prompted Chef Steve to come out to our table to see who his "adventurous eaters" (his words) are. We chatted a bit and he offered to make us a squid ink paella to make up for it! Classy! Eric, who took my reservation over the phone, came by throughout the meal to make sure that everything was up to par. Of course, all expectations were exceeded especially after reading Yelp reviews of how bad service can be when it's busy. Not tonight! We talked a bit and he told us about the cooking classes that Chef Steve hosts once a month and I'm definitely down to check it out. Eric wasn't overbearing like most other front of house folks that are all up in your face and you can't get a bite in edgewise. Very nice guy! So, the service and ambience are on point. Let's get on with the food! We ordered. We ordered a lot! For two people, we could have had two more at the table with us. We started out with cocktails - a Hot Dahlia (roasted jalapeno-infused tequila, muddled orange & lime) and a Brumble Snap (rum, vermouth, fresh blackberries, ginger & mint). They were tasty, but the 3-4 Hot Dahlias after the fact make it obvious which one was the favorite! How can you go wrong with a spicy cocktail? You can't! It paired with every dish perfectly and the chili bite only made it better! * Crusty bread w. Spanish olive oil: fantastic starter, filler and sopper of juices and sauces * Grilled corn & manchego: tasty, but dismissible * Kale salad: bright, tart and good-fishy, the breadcrumbs were a nice touch for added crunch! * Spicy eggplant caponata: more sweet than spicy, but great with the bread * Chrorizo & figs: sweet, sticky, salty and meaty - what could be better? * Grilled Morcilla: I had to stop myself from ordering more plates of it - 'nuff said! * Grilled hanger steak w. black truffle vinaigrette: yummy, but lacked something that I can't pin down (watercress, maybe?) * Roasted bone marrow: glorified beef butter and worth every calorie! Could have used a sprinkle of sea salt though. They offer a bone-luge with sherry after you're done. * Lobster fideos: my partner called it rice-a-roni with lobster, but it's so much more than that! The crusty bits... * Suckling pig: we only got a piece of you, but I wanted ALL OF YOU! Sweet piglet of joy! * Chef's special squid ink paella: wafts of salted ocean air, toasted rice kernels and tender squid. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Barcelona Wine bar, although a chain, is doing everything right. If they keep this up, I would not be surprised to see more locations popping up. I hope to be back, real soon. The down-side is that my wallet might hate me. Remember, I drive by this place 10x each week!
(5)
Amanda R.
This was such an exciting find. I went here this past weekend with my tapas-and-wine-loving husband and parents and it was a hit all around. The food menu and wine list were both extensive and everything was delicious. We must have tried at least a dozen different tapas and they were phenomenal. For the vegetarians out there, their eggplant, patatas bravas, and Spanish tortilla were all super tasty. The desserts (we got both the churros and the crepas) were excellent, decadent and excellent. The service was wonderful, the sommelier really knew her stuff, the atmosphere was fun and lively without making it impossible for my hearing-impaired father to hear anyone. It was an all-around awesome experience and we will be going back.
(4)
Todd F.
Just went here for the first time tonight, and while Toro will always be my favorite spot for tapas in Boston, this place is so much easier to get a table at and the food is pretty much perfect and made me felt like I was back in Catalonia eating tapas. It was packed on a Wednesday night, so that certainly tells you how good it is. The drink selection is great, though I didn't have any of their special cocktails. The cava our waitress suggested was a perfect match to our meal; perfectly crisp and dry. The bread they serve is excellent and the Spanish olive oil is very light. Started with a meat and cheese plate of 6 month old manchengo, jamon serrano and coppa. All three were very fresh, not overly salty as each one tends to be. They obviously have a great source. The small plates we ordered: patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and meatballs were just as good as most places I've been to in Barcelona. Then the roasted bone marrow came; unctuous and full of flavor. Then the seafood paella arrived. Full bodied shrimps along with squid, clams and mussels. The mussels were a bit tough but the rice was extraordinary. Finished the meal with churros and a Spanish coffee. Go here, you won't be upset about your choice.
(5)
Liv K.
Excellent date night spot! The tapas are delicious, the drinks hit the spot and the atmosphere makes you feel like you've been transported to Spain. It's usually very busy, so if we don't have reservations we try to either get there on the earlier side or just try for a space at the bar. Oh- and when it's nice out, the patio is the best spot in town.
(4)
Cari H.
So, my bestie and I had a great experience here last weekend. We got there early, 6:30ish, on Friday and were lucky enough to snag a bar table. By 7:15, the place was hoppin! People couldn't even move around us, but the layout/ambiance overall was much more inviting than American Craft's. It was quite fun for our native Brookline! The food was excellent. Being still very new, our order got slightly messed up, but they accommodated us with a free, very tasty mushroom dish. Management even stopped by to make sure we were happy. There were perfectly attentive. Having spent some time in Spain, we avoided the croquettes, as we were still croquette-d out years after our trip. However, the mahon cheese, empanadas, mushrooms, spinach, brussel sprouts and drinks (shout out to the delicious Caipi Porto) were all worth going back for... and we will!
(5)
Mary L.
I have been here twice. The first time I had made reservations and we still had to wait for about 30 minutes to be seated. The manager realized how backed up the front of the house was getting and offered everybody waiting to be seated a complimentary glass of sangria, which was very tasty and had the right amount of alcohol. I was no longer annoyed after that! The second time I went here we were promptly seated (it was a Sunday night and not as busy as before). When my boyfriend and I ordered drinks, the waiter questioned his New York ID and asked if it was fake (my bf is late 20's). I think it would have been more appropriate to just ask for a back up credit card, ID, etc, as many places in Boston do that with all out of state ID's anyway. Later on in the meal when he saw we only ordered four tapas, he continued to suggest we order two to four more. At this point I found him annoying. In terms of the food, our favorite tapas were the empanadas (excellent!!!), albondigas, garlic shrimp and a beef tapa (not sure what the name was).
(3)
Donna B.
This place is way over rated. Management is pretty horrible. I had issue with the food being cooked correctly and the management did nothing to offer any help. Way over priced...I would pick a different restaurant.
(1)
christine f.
All around fabulous. Now I know why there's such a long wait. The restaurant is gorgeous - dark, romantic, cozy, great for groups. The menu, divine. Thoughtful, rich dishes that include twists on favorites. The short ribs and the truffle risotto and bone marrow were awesome. Kale salad was light and refreshing, served with crisp breadcrumbs. Wine was delicious. All this said, I should also reveal I ate at the chefs table in the kitchen - it was bright, loud, the nerve center of that restaurant, but so much fun and an experience not to be missed if you have the opportunity. Chef Steve is fun and friendly and the rest of the staff enjoyable too. Special place.
(5)
K M.
just go. a sammy 5 star instant classic
(5)
Kalua M.
Eating at Barcelona was my first time trying tapas - it was so delicious - I can't wait to return. There were three of us and we tried the malvarosa (sheep cheese), spinach-chickpea cazuela, spicy eggplant caponata and potato tortilla. The malvarosa was a gently firm cheese and went well with the other dishes. The spinach-chickpea cazuela was a warm dish slightly reminiscent of Indian food - really tasty! The spicy eggplant is the only dish I didn't like (but I don't like eggplant much because I don't like the slimy texture). It was a chilled dish. The potato tortilla was yummy - we ordered two to fill ourselves up.
(5)
Mazzy N.
One of the best restaurants Ive been to. The service is always very attentive. Maybe hard to get a drink at the bar when its busy at the bar, but they have always been accomodating. Sometimes will even offer a dish from the chef. The food is always spectacular. Wish there were a few more options for the cocktail list and could be a bit bigger portion size. The decor is all recycled products, but would never know, its so chic. Love the outdoor seating in the summer.
(5)
Howe L.
I'm placing a huge emphasis on the food - delicious in all aspects. Awesome wine choices, but i wasn't a fan of the diluted sangria. Decor is equally inviting. Get's a little too crowded however. Service was disappointing - the waiters seemed airheaded, as we had to request water, bread, knives, and other common sense things multiple times. The manager came around and was super friendly though. Still, probably one of the better tapas places in Boston.
(5)
Hsiang-I L.
Great place for tapas and some nice wine that's apparently hard to find in Boston. Very long list of tapas that I'll definitely have to revisit. The food was a hit or miss though. I love the charcuteries we got. But I was underwhelmed by the grilled fall veggies, and dessert crepe. Bone marrow was a OK. It's got decent selection of wine from Spain and Argentina. Our waiters were attentive and very helpful.
(4)
Kevin P.
My second time here so far. Every time I drive or walk by in the evening, this place is packed, and last night was no exception. This experience was definitely a big step up from my first time here, which was completely underwhelming. We didn't have a reservation, but the wait only ended up being about 30 minutes. When you put your name down, they also take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready, which gave us some time and freedom to walk around and enjoy the excellent Washington Square scenery, rather than hanging around the crowded bar. We had the opportunity to dine outside. The weather last night was excellent, so it was definitely a plus for us. It was also much quieter outside compared to the boomy interior of the restaurant, so we didn't have to work as hard to hear each other speaking. If you go when the elements are friendly, definitely opt to sit outdoors if you can. Service was very friendly, attentive and are not afraid to strike up small conversations with you, which I don't mind at all. They gave us some very nice, hot Tuscan bread with olive oil to start. Right away, we placed an order for the Paella Mariscos, which they prepare to order and takes roughly 35 - 40 minutes to cook, so make sure you mention it early on when you sit down, or you may end up waiting awhile for it. We also got an order of the Manchego, Jamon Serrano, and Drunken Goat cheese. For what you pay, the portion sizes look small, but are deceptively filling and satisfying! All three were excellent and very flavorful. The paella was spot on, and the assorted seafood was cooked perfectly, particularly the squid, which had a very nice texture, not too chewy or overcooked. Of course, the wine list was very extensive, also featuring a decent list of cocktails and beers. I really like that they also give the option to have smaller draft beer and wine pours, allowing you to taste a variety of selections for a reasonable price. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered a Pinor Noir (I'm not much of a wine guy,) and it turned out to be very refreshing, and complimented a lot of the flavors of the mixed plates. Overall, I'm glad we took the chance to try this place again, it definitely exceeded my expectations!
(5)
Ole R.
Had a really nice time here! Really good service, and good food. The different tapas dishes varied a little bit with regards to quality, but in total it was delicious. An excellent wine menu and great desserts topped the evening
(4)
Peter R.
This place is awesome. It has replaced American Craft, and while I liked American Craft, Barcelona Wine Bar is a significant improvement. Both the service and food are top notch. They are a restaurant that really stays on top of the fact that your water glass is getting low, which I like because I drink a lot of water. Since most of the time you're ordering tapas, you generally need to get 2-3 for each person to really feel like you had a full meal. Everything is good, but my favorites are: Grilled Hanger Steak Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs Gambas al Ajillo Kumato Tomatoes The atmosphere is also great. Definitely make an effort to check this place out.
(5)
Eric L.
Most of the dishes are too salty; and the dessert is too sweet. The only thing recommend is the seafood paella.
(3)
Cori H.
OK, I want to give you more stars Barcelona, I really do. You're trendy, you sound like you should be an awesome place, your sangria is great... I just can't do it. Reasons why: 1) Don't take reservations if you can't honor them. I have made reservations here on multiple occasions, each time I arrived with my whole party early for the reserved time and we still had to wait at least fourty five minutes for the table. One time we waited almost an hour and a half, only to be told after I hounded the hostess that if we wanted a table outside we could be seated immediately... that would have been nice to know upon arriving since I never specified we didn't want a table outside and wasn't aware we were waiting for an hour and a half unecessarily 2) Food - it's good, not great, just good 3) Price - MY GOD, I have been to tapas places all over the city and for the price you pay here you would expect exceptional food or big portions, neither holds true and last, but definitely not least 4) Everytime I come here, as soon as my food arrives at the table I am starving from having waited for fourty five minutes to ninety minutes for a table, and want to eat. Instead, I am bombarded by a manager or host who is coming over to chat me and my table mates up about our experience and the food... HELLO?!?! Let the people eat! Sorry Barcelona, I have tried multiple times to come to you and have my mind changed to no avail....
(2)
Laura A.
My husband has declared that saying you "love tapas" means nothing because you're essentially saying you love small plates of a wide variety. Ok, fair enough. But we LOVE Barcelona's tapas. The whipped sheep's cheese, patatas bravas, grilled hanger steak ( with black truffle vinaigrette - YUM!), and the spinach-chickpea cazuela are all absolutely amazing. We've enjoyed other dishes at Barcelona as well, but these are our go-to dishes. We have yet to try the paella, but every time I see the seafood paella served to a nearby table, I drool a little. So far none of the salads have been home runs for us, but we've only tried three (the kale, the beet and plum, and the radish) and we're not giving up yet! Also, the staff here is friendly and incredibly attentive. And it's important to mention that there is ample outdoor seating, which is a major bonus on a beautiful Brookline summer evening. Highly, highly recommend!
(4)
Rebecca W.
I love Barcelona! My favorite tapas are the hanger steak, croquettes, and potatoes bravas. The bartenders and servers are friendly and helpful with the menu. Great atmosphere, a popular place for young professionals. Barcelona has been a great addition to the area!
(5)
T A.
Decided to take a chance on Barcelona Wine Bar after a long flight from California and many skipped meals on the plane. I was not disappointed with the Clear Flour Bakery French Toast. Clear Flour is my favorite bakery so I figured the french toast couldn't be all bad. It was delicious! I would probably have the pear butter on the side next time as there was quite a bit, but I enjoyed the maple syrup more. The only reason that I gave a 4/5 stars is that the iced tea was quite pale in color and almost tasteless. Good iced tea should be fresh brewed and dark....no water added. I am a fan of Barcelona Wine Bar and will spread the word in Brookline!
(4)
AB H.
I had another great dinner at Barcelona! We sat outside this time. I ordered the blackberry bramble cocktail again - it is so yummy! We had a well balanced selection of tapas: beet, plum, walnut cheese salad - delicious! The toasted white gezpacho soup (made with toasted bread and nuts) with grapes was fabulous. When then had the hanger steak - so tender with a yummy sauce, and the lamb chops, perfectly cooked and served with a Romesco sauce. We topped the meal off with some aged Mahon cheese. I was a bit disappointed with the incredible small portion of fruit spread on the cheese plate. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. The manager checked in on us once just to say hi. The support staff was not so good. We asked for an extra plate; it never came. We asked for a spoon when the coffee was served - it came at least 5 minutes later. We sent back the olive oil that was served with the bread because it mistakenly had some hot pepper (I mean really hot) flakes in it, and they never brought us a new plate or said anything about the mishap.
(4)
A Q.
Never had a bad dish here! Great food, huge selection of wines and great wait staff that are very knowledgeable and friendly. Has a lively bar area in the evenings. Only downside is the very long wait if you don't have a reservation! I wish the restaurant would join Opentable!
(5)
Sonia S.
i am torn between 3.5 and 4. ambience is brilliant, great tunes and amazing bar staff, never missing a beat almost in tune with the music. food was equally good, apart from the gambas whilst i realise trying to do variations on traditional dishes this one plate didnt offer much at all. there you have it 3.5.
(4)
Lauren Z.
I had a fantastic experience at Barcelona Wine Bar tonight. Everyone was extremely kind, attentive, and friendly from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. I can't wait to come back! In particular, Emily made our not-so-great day a LOT better. I'm so happy we came here! Would absolutely recommend it.
(5)
Elle G.
Absolutely amazing dinner and drinks. Phenomenal service, food came out so fast not to mention amazing drinks. We ordered 4 deserts and were blown away by everything especially the crepes. Definitely get the flank steak and the truffle bikini! Well worth the wait, never disappoints.
(5)
Quang N.
Grabbed brunch here one weekend. Food was tasty, great environment, couldn't ask for anything more.
(5)
Chuckle H.
The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. The Sommelier was very friendly and attentive, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything, from the wine to the tequila to the food. Every other staff member I encountered was very pleasant. Can't say enough about the service. Nothings better than having the executive chef slice PATA NEGRA TABLESIDE! Even if the food was sh**, I'd still go back. but its not. I'll end this review like I started. The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL.
(5)
Jennifer D.
Love this place! It's become a neighborhood favorite of mine and I find myself always wanting to take friends here for dinner. They change the menu up a lot - I've been 3x in the last month or so and each time there are new items for me to try. Though I was sad to see the pulled pork biscuit sliders gone from the menu this time. They were sooo good. Bring them back! They also offer a good mix of meat and veggie options which is a plus for me since my boyfriend is a vegetarian and usually eating at a tapas place is a bit more difficult since there are usually fewer options we can both share. Atmosphere and food here are both amazing. I think the only complaint that I have is that the service is not always on point. The last 2 times I've been, I actually have had the same server so maybe it's just her - my first visit, my waiter was awesome. The last two times I was there, it took forever to get our drinks - the food actually came out to the table first. We even ordered our drinks well before we put our food order, but we kept being told that the bartender was backed up and the drinks would be out soon. I personally like to have a nice cocktail in front of me while schmoozing with friends and waiting for my food so it's kind of a bummer when this happens. My water glass also sat empty for awhile and the server didn't check in until we were almost finished with everything. The only reason I am still giving 5 stars is because the management here is one of the best I've experienced. On one visit, we ordered the suckling pig croquettes. I found them to be good but just too heavy for my liking so we left one on the plate. When the waitress cleared our plates, she asked about it. Apparently, they are supposed to report everything to their manager so he approached us shortly after and asked how we liked our food. He inquired about the croquettes and I assured him they were good, just too heavy for me to eat them all. He actually offered to replace them with something else, but at that point, I thought I was about to bust out of my pants because I had eaten so much so I said thanks, but turned down the offer. We get the check and see that the croquettes were removed from the bill. HOORAY for customer service. And on another visit, we were given a a dish on the house (that we didn't order). The food runner didn't specify why, but I had to assume it was a "thank you for waiting so freaking long for your drinks, here is some free risotto" gesture. HOORAY again. This kind of management will keep me coming back over and over. But definitely couldn't hurt to improve service on the floor to make sure food is not beating drinks to the table.
(5)
Jeffrey K.
Possibly our favorite spot in the area. The only Tapas restaurant that we've been to in the Boston area that has a wider variety of good food. Love the pata negra. The meat balls are delicious as are the lamb chops. Don't be afraid to take a chance on some of the more unusual items. We had fiddleheads here and they were awesome. The only dish that was disappointing is the Chorizo. Not sure why but it just doesn't work. The vibe here is excellent due to the large space and the fact that the staff really seems to enjoy Spanish food. Just try to have a conversation about the food and it will be a long and passionate conversation. Oh, watch out for the Sangria. It packs a punch!!
(5)
Betts C.
It's very hard/impossible to get five stars out of me, so believe me when I say that Barcelona is good. And fun. I've only been there for brunch, but amusingly we didn't get brunch food; the tapas just looked way too good. We sat outside, a space that has a really pleasant atmosphere and enough space to make you feel comfortable and not at all crowded or lacking in privacy, as with many outdoor spaces in the area. We tried a range of things, from the traditional to the not so. The tortilla is always a good test, and theirs was fluffy and served with an excellent dipping sauce, taking it above the norm. The chorizo and figs were awesome, with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. We also tried a short rib tapas that was divine, very tender and flavorful, a beet salad and a radish salad, which were each fresh and bright, just as they should be. None of it stood out as just outstanding, but all of it was beyond good. Plus, the bread and oil they serve is delicious. Drinks-wise, there are definitely some fun things going on. They have Spanish style beer servings (i.e. in small, petite glasses that are about half-servings) and you can get half-pours of wine, which turned out to be very generous. Overall, it was an excellent way to spend the day. Our server was informative and friendly, although he did seem to think that the whole tapas things was mind-blowingly new, something that it is, well, not. But the attention to the food and the interest in our experience were nice, so I guess I can't fault him that. I can imagine that at night the scene is a little different. On a Sunday afternoon, it was very abandoned, especially the indoor space. I'm guessing that's different than the norm, but I truly cannot say. I can simply vouch for it as a good spot to spend a lazy spring or summer day, with good food and a nice range of drink options.
(4)
Amanda L.
Any restaurant that honors a reservation that I made for a different location, even when they are full, is amazing in my book.Barcelona Wine Bar did exactly this after they could not find my reservation and I realized that I had made it for their restaurant in Atlanta.! Regardless, they sat me right when the next table opened up, even though there was a 1 hour wait for walk-ins. Customer service does not get better than this. After we were sat at our table, it got even better, our server was so amazing with explaining the menu and making recommendations. This was key because they menu is long and full of things I had never heard of... which is a foodie dream come true. We started with a pitcher of ginger infused red sangria and a cheese/charcuterie plate. The serrano ham was spot on and complimented the drunken goat cheese that our server recommended perfectly. We also tried the blood sausage, fried manchego, chorizo and figs, and brussels sprouts. All good but the blood sausage was the stand-out favorite- it was spicy, flavorful and incredibly rich. The dulce de leche crepes were a cannot miss... perfectly caramelly with fluffy crepes and delicious whipped cream. I would go back just for those crepes.
(5)
Jenna O.
LOVE this place. My roommate and I decided to give Barcelona a go last night, and we were not disappointed. We started the night off right with a pitcher of the red sangria that was light and refreshing! We ordered the chickpea fries to start and they were tasty little fries that came with a tzaztiki sauce which i thought complemented their spice perfectly. Our next "course" (we chose to have things come out in waves) was the eggplant caponata- which was a great combo of sweet and spicy, the sauce was to die. The caramelized Brussels sprouts were pretty good too but I think I can make them just as well. My roommate finished with the hangar steak that she really liked and I went for the Fluke fish. The fish was perfectly cooked and the salsa verde on top was a great addition. We also shared the Kale salad..but I have to say..not sure what all the hype is about. Ambiance and atmosphere is great here, will definitely be coming back with the BF.
(4)
H. A.
Okay, round 2 was much better. Fun to try different wines with their small tasting pours. The actual glass pour is pretty generous. Also, the atmosphere was fun and lively. Definitely a good time with some delicious food. Tapas: 1. Whipped sheep's cheese and pistachios-- Not as good as last time. This one basically just tasted like cream cheese. 2. Mahon, manchego, and smoked ham antipasto- EXCELLENT. Perfect on their crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread. The ham was high quality, the aged mahon nutty and flavorful. 3. Steak- Just get it. It delivers. 4. Risotto- A standout. Loved by all. 5. Patatas- Good, but a little salty. 6. Kale salad- Also good, very flavorful. 7. Fois gras terrine- Was not a fan at all. Foie gras was very cold and not soft at all. 8. Summer squash dish- Okay, but not outstanding. 9. Eggplant- This was a special dish that was delicious! Smoky grilled eggplant on top of bread slices.
(4)
Alfredo M.
The food might be good but the owners have no regards towards their customers' time or patience. If you make a reservation and get there in time you will be made to wait an additional 30 to 45 minutes because they are trying to stuff as many customers as many people as possible so no table is actually "reserved" for you.
(1)
Jason F.
this place was really nice, but a little pricey. the service is excellent, the staff are really nice and well knowledged in the tapas. the grilled hangar steak was great as was the patatas bravas. pretty much everything was great. we had a few other tapas, but those ones really stood out.
(4)
mike g.
Barcelona is one of the best restaraunts in the greater Boston area. I heard about the place from a few of my friends so I decided to take my family there to try it out. Making reservations was a breeze. The food was delicious. There is nothing negative I can say. One favorite while we were there was the Seafood paellae. The grilled cheese with truffle sauce was very good. The patatas were also a big hit. The spicy roasted eggplant was perfect. The service was exceptional, and it was not to loud. Overall, the meal was delicious, each tapa a delicacy of its own. I am looking forward to my next dinner there. I would highly recommend this restaraunt to anyone who is looking for a taste of Spain right around the corner.
(5)
Diana S.
Fantastic time at Barcelona. Sat outside since the weather was so warm. Food was great. We tried the spicy sausage spread and two cheeses to start-drunken goat cheese ws the best of the 3. Tried a variety of tapas-all good. Topped off with a crepe with delicious caramel-too much though after a number of tapas. The grilled flal vegetables with tahi-basil pesto were fantastic as was the corn. Highly reocmmend it. Lots of wines by the lgass. Can't wait to go again.
(4)
Catherine S.
I'm obsessed. These tapas are so unique and absolutely delicious. If you go, get the truffled bikini, spiced beef empanadas, the migas, or the foie gras (if you're into that. I didn't think I was til I tried it. Crazy good). The wine menu is intimidating, but the waiter was so nice that he helped us select one that fit our tastes and our price range, and we were satisfied. We also ordered the churros for dessert; if I died right after, I would've died happy, because these were amazing! They came out warm, and you dipped them into a mug of very good chocolate. And of course I had a dessert wine that was amazing. Try your best to come here sometime, I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Louise S.
My second time here was not as good as the first. The service was not very good on a Sunday at 5:30pm. There were plenty of workers around but they were busy chatting with each other and not serving. Took quite a while to get a drink. Was never offered a second drink. We were served food but no utensils. We had to go to a nearby table and take our own utensils. The visit was very choppy and inconsistent.
(3)
Amy K.
Highly recommended. We did eight plates over 3 rounds of dinner and everything was awesome. It was just enough with just enough time in between that we got to try a bunch of plates but weren't overly full... We had enough room for dessert! Hanger steak and the chopped salad were the highlights. Service was great. They were always there but not intrusive at all. The server helped with things we didn't know about on the menu without seeming annoyed. Dessert was the perfect end with the Churros. We will definitely go back!!!
(5)
Karl R.
Great food, great atmosphere. A welcome addition to the area.
(4)
Dana K.
Easily one of the best (and hottest) restaurant in the Boston metro area. Great interior design - a mix of reclaimed wood and oxidized iron achieve a warm, inviting feel. The food is simply exceptional - with both innovative and classic options. I could lick the truffle sauce from the steak right off the plate. Huge selection of wines (something like 300-400 by the bottle options). The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)
S S.
Good food, very friendly service but very very very slow service especially considering how many staff they have on at any given time. We came in on a wed at 5pm and were promptly seated on the patio. At that point there was one person at the bar, one table in the restaurant and one other table at the restaurant. While two very friendly servers came on 2 separate occasions to explain the layout of the menu for us, it took a long time for someone to actually take our drink order. When our drinks finally came, we sat some more waiting for someone to come take our food order. Meanwhile the patio is filling up, we see our waiter running around, he has someone following him around (a trainer or trainee), there's lots of staff shuffling about. Finally someone came to take our food order, and we waited some more, and some more, before our food began arriving, a couple plates at a time. The food was very good but again, despite all the staff on the patio, I waited a long time to find someone to order extra bread for my mussels, waited a long time for the bread to arrive, meanwhile the mussels are getting cold.... My husband waited and waited with an empty glass looking for someone from whom to order another beer... Then waited some more trying to locate someone to bring a menu so we could order more tapas, had to ask two different servers twice before menu arrived... sat for a VERY long time with a pile (and I mean pile) of dirty plates and dishes, mussel shells and all, in front of us. What was especially bothersome is that there were plenty of staff on the patio, including some standing by the entry with seemingly nothing to do, but no one bothered to come over and check on us, clear our plates, no one noticed we were often with empty glasses looking to order more drinks. Finally someone came to take our order but we didn't feel like waiting for more food (by this point the patio was packed, our original waiter was nowhere to be found and we decided to cut our losses) so we ordered an espresso, a beer and asked for the check. Not surprisingly, took forever for the beer and espresso, they were delivered to a dirty table, the table was so full of dirty dishes there was barely a spot for my little coffee cup (!). Waited forever for the check, when it finally arrived waited forever to for someone to come pick it up and run our credit card... It was very frustrating. I'm giving 4 stars because I live in the neighborhood and I'd like to see this place succeed. Also because the food was good and the service was friendly including a very nice manager who came over to chat with us. For that matter, everyone was very nice, including food runners and all the servers who waited on us. But the 4 stars do not reflect the experience we had that day. We'll definitely give it another try and are actually looking forward to having a different, better experience. Speaking of coming back, I filled out a comment card including my contact info with the promise of a free tapas - what a clever way of getting people back- but nothing came in the mail or via email. That was three weeks ago and Im still waiting..
(4)
Gilad S.
Food is delicious, staff is friendly, wine selection and recommendations were impressive, thank you!
(5)
JP E.
Awesome food and really fun and knowledgeable service. We tried a bunch of different plates and didn't have a complaint about a single one! Our waiter was super knowledgeable about the different wines and helped pair our food and drinks. Everything was delicious but the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese and the chicken croquettes were definite stand outs!
(5)
Cathy S.
Been meaning to try this restaurant and finally did so on a Wednesday evening and it was packed! The restaurant is very big and even so there were tons of people standing around waiting outside when we arrived at 7:45pm. The atmosphere is bustling inside, and many of the tables are positioned extremely close together so that it almost looks like long communal tables at a glance. They start you off with some really good crusty and warm bread with olive oil and also offer bread refills throughout the meal. We had a party of 6 and ordered the following: - mushrooms + herbed goat cheese: really tasty and one of my favorites of the night - hanger steak: steak was cooked beautifully, truffle sauce was not that memorable for me, portion didn't look as big as in some of the Yelp pictures - fried zucchini: awesome remoulade but was disappointed that there were only 3 sticks of zucchini - crispy calamari: big chunks of squid instead of the usual smaller rings, squid had nice texture - chorizo with sweet and sour figs: bold sweet and sour flavor, really liked the big pieces of chorizo - pork shoulder: liked that the chunks of pork were fatty, good beans - clams and chorizo: tasty broth - paella mariscos for two: very good with strong seafood flavor and plenty of shellfish and squid, also one of my favorites All in all everything was very flavorful and there wasn't one dish that I disliked. Given that it's tapas it can feel like some of the dishes are overpriced for the portion. Service was pretty good despite being busy, though they did seem to initially forget three of our tapas.
(4)
Ali M.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The staff is always so welcoming, friendly, has great recommendations (and also give complimentary tapas sometimes :) It's great to try new things and get a small taste, great for groups, fun area/patio. My favorites: -Croquettes (so tasty, must-have, just changed portion from 5 croquettes to 6 so perfect for sharing) -Truffle bikini (garlic aioli yum, little grilled cheeses with ham, so delicious!) -Seasonal risotto (lobster. so good) -Traditional sangria (good for splitting, ~$28 for 6 or 7 glasses, great fruit) -Hanger steak with truffle sauce
(5)
Ines D.
I was dying to try this place, so i convince mu friend to have her birthday dinner there. We had reservation for 8, we ended ip waiting an hour, at first it was frustrated but it had raining so they were accommodating some customer inside. They gave us drinks and appetizer on the house, Their customer service was amazing. Food was phenomenal, i cant wait to go back again .
(5)
Sofy D.
Great food and great service! These guys are packed everyday, but what can you do- quality makes you come back over and over again. Try their mushrooms with goat cheese!
(5)
Josh L.
The infamous Barcelona Wine Bar. I've always heard about this restaurant, and I'm so glad that my curiosity finally led me here. As you walk along Beacon St. and finally stumble upon this gem, you're not even sure if this is the correct place. There's no real sign telling you that you have arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar but I think that adds to the atmosphere of this restaurant. Upon entering we were greeted by a hostess who told us our seats weren't ready as yet (we were a little early, clearly excited about this experience), so we went by the bar to have a quick drink while we waited. We were seated by 7:40 for our 7:30 reservation, not bad I suppose. Finally seated at a table, we began to skim the menu, although we were very distracted by the delicious aromas that ambushed us from surrounding tables. We ordered the patatas bravas, jamon and chicken croquettes, truffled "bikini" , potato tortilla, grilled hanger steak and grilled lamb chops. Everything was amazing, there were so many different flavors and textures, my mind was blown. Barcelona is definitely an amazing restaurant, ambiance, quality of food and service taken into consideration. I always go here for big occasions and date nights. See ya for my next celebration!
(5)
Anastasia L.
Been here so many times and still loving their food. That's how good they are. They serve their bread warm with olive oil on the side. Here is a list of my favorites: Truffle bikini Hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette *MUST ORDER Albondigas PATATAS BRAVAS *MUST ORDER Croquetas Seared duck breast Clams and chorizo
(5)
Virginia C.
Sexy, fun, excellent service, wine list, and food menu. This is where you go with your girlfriends, on a first-date, or even with your family. Please be aware that this place gets busy and there may be a way. But I personally prefer this over Toro. Pros: -Sangria and more Sangria. I really hate that Boston doesn't have Happy Hours, but there is a Social Bar Food Menu from 4-6pm -Scallop Crudo* -Razor Clam Ceviche -Spiced Meatballs in Ham-Tomato Sauce -Hanger Steak* -Island Creek Oysters* -Swordfish a la Plancha* Cons - If you don't eat pork or trying to keep Kosher- I don't know if you would have the rewarding experience that I had! So- get it seat by the open patio and people watch, drink, and eat!
(5)
Angela Y.
+ grade-A deliciousness + bold flavors + small plates, but LOTS of bread to go with (you'll get full!) + friendly staff + a nice place to accommodate both small and large groups (also has outdoor seating!) -pricey, but hey it is tapas after all - selectio
(4)
Emily L.
Awesome food and service here. It gets super packed so make sure you make reservations! Even with reservations they will run behind and you can't get seated on time. We got the seafood paella amongst other dishes. I think that is a must.
(4)
Angela L.
Tapas. Need I say more? I've been here a few times already, and as per usual, go with all your friends so you can try EVERYTHING. Went here the other night with some friends for a little celebratory dinner. We started off with a pitcher of the red wine sangria (it's a must try. And it's pretty strong too!) If you're going to order the paella, order that first. It takes forever to cook. Be careful of not filling up too much on the other stuff otherwise you'll have no space for the paella. We ordered the seafood paella, it's pretty good, but not something I would go crazy over. The tapas are small, but filling. (Check my pictures for what they look like! I was too excited to eat the foie gras that I didn't get a picture) These are the things we did order and I would definitely recommend: -patatas bravas (almost like little French fries with this amazing spicy dipping sauce) -the hanger steak (cooked to perfection and the sauce gives it a nice kick) -the chorizo with fig (chorizo. Delish. And the figs make it a nice and sweet dish... And not to forget, put the figs on your bread for a little fig jam) -spicy beef empanada (small, but they're empanadas... Need I say more?) -and the foie gras (melts in your mouth goodness). The ones we tried that I was less thrilled about: -chicken and jamon croquetas (these are tiny. And where is the chicken?? Felt like I was just eating a crunchy cheese ball) -bok choy (good, but a little on the salty side) Overall. Great experience whenever I come here. Only sucky part is that it is ALWAYS busy, so make a reservation!! We came a little earlier to put our name down for walk in and had to wait at least 45min. They have a nice bar area and outdoor seating which has opened up, so grab a drink and sit outside while you wait.. And it is worth the wait! Service is great and the tapas come out really quick. Go make a reservation now and get ready for your tum to be happy :)
(4)
Kim B.
Barcelona is a luxury. It is that thing that you keep anticipating, you hold out for until you can afford it, and then you treat it like a fragile work of art. The experience itself is truly an art. It is an escape from the streets of Boston, entering into a busy, exciting, and tasteful environment. Since moving to the area, I have been here a few times. While I do not go often, I reserve a Barcelona experience for special occasions, such as Patch's welcome home party night 2. The environment is relaxing, citylike, with subway tiles, wooden beams, wooden floors, funky decor. It feels "NYC". Whatever that means, but its true. It has a formal dining area, as well as a bar area with high booths. Both experiences are busy and exciting. I will note, it is essential to have reservations. On one occasion, we were made to wait 45 minutes past our reservation time. While this is inexcusable, they did make up for it with complimentary appetizers and plates. And, while you are sitting and waiting at the bar, you hardly notice 45 minutes as you are soaking in the fun experience. The food options at Barcelona are exciting. Tapas allow you to try several types of food, and also to mix up the dishes. Barcelona also offers "bigger meals" where you order a slab or meat or 2 for the table. While it is expensive, the flavors, presentation, and uniqueness of the dishes makes it worthwhile. While having tried many items on the menu, of my favorite is the lamb, and the desserts. All of the desserts. That might be how they won my heart. Now Gster should note to just take me to the real Barcelona someday!
(5)
Patrick D.
We have dined at Barcelona Brookline on multiple occasions and have never ever been disappointed. Always have made a reservation well in advance (at least 10 days) to ensure you can dine at your specified date and time. We have been here for brunch on the weekends, dinner, or just for drinks when the wait to eat is too long. There has been a few times where we have not made a reservation and then been told there would be a 2 hr wait so we just hung out for drinks and went to eat someplace else. The restaurant is always packed; when it is super crowded on the weekends, free tapas are handed out as well as a complimentary tapas coin to use the next time you dine for a free item. The food, drinks, and service are all impeccable. The red sangria is very tasty as well as one of the tequila jalapeño cocktails. The freshest, doughiest yet crunchiest bread is brought to your table upon seating with a very delicious olive oil. Some favorite tapas are the hanger steak, patatas bravas, kale salad, albondigas, and the spicy eggplant capanota. For brunch, the bloody mary bar is just fantastic. For 10 dollars, they bring a glass of vodka to your table and you can then go to the bar area to make your own blood mary. This isn't a typical blood mary either - you are free to concoct your own spice level and add candied bacon, pickled veggies, cheese, more meats, and horseradish/jalapenos. We absolutely love it here and cannot say enough good things about this amazing establishment!
(5)
Joe B.
Make a reservation! This place, like other Barcelona's are a popular place for locals, and there is a 1-2 hour wait on the weekends If you don't call ahead, but if you have a reservation you will be seated promptly, I promise! If you're a party of 2, chances are you'll be sitting almost community style, shoulder to shoulder with other tables, but I must say, Barcelona is consistent wherever you go! We ordered 6 tapas, and 3 of them were favorites and recommendations from our waiter (oysters, poached veal, and tuna tartare). DELISH! Salads are enough for 3 people so prepare to share. It was a very enjoyable experience, and a sommelier in training paired our hanger steak with an affordable glass of Syrah South American Wine ($6/glass). While not leaving full to the brim, it was again, another extremely great experience to enjoy a tasting of traditional style Spanish Tapas, I will be back again!
(4)
Lisa R.
great atmosphere. authentic tapas which were perfectly excecuted. TIP: get the pitcher of sangria. We got a sampling of tapas including the hanger steak, patatas bravas, eggplant caponata, and crab. All were delicious. We got the churros of dessert, which I would pass on next time. It lacked flavor and tasted like plain fried dough. No wait on a Sunday night.
(4)
Ryan R.
Went here with a couple of friends for an early dinner. This place gets pretty packed so we made sure to make a reservation and were seated right away. First off, this place is lively. If you don't like crowds...or noise, this place is not for you. We were a small group so we did not mind it so much, but it could be overwhelming for some. I had a couple of drinks throughout the night--I think sangria and one of their cocktails, but wasn't too impressed by them. As for the food, we were able to try several dishes: Fuet and Cana de cabra (4 stars)--This meat and cheese pairing was actually pretty tasty though we didn't really need it after all of the other food we had ordered. Chicken & Jamon croquetas (4 stars)--These were a pretty tasty bite, but portion was pretty small overall. Spiced beef empanada (3 stars)--Decent flavor, but nothing to write home about. Hanger steak (5 stars)--By far, the best dish of the night. We actually ordered it twice--it was that good. Tuscan Kale (2 stars)--This dish was recommended by our waitress and I can definitely say that I was extremely underwhelmed. The kale was chewy, the dressing was limited and the whole dish did not really come together as I would have hoped. Grilled asparagus (4.5 stars)--I have had many renditions of this dish, and Barcelona does a nice job with theirs as well. Chorizo with figs (4 stars)--This dish was an interesting combination, but the pairing of flavors seemed to work well--decent sized portion as well. Overall, the service was friendly, the food flew out of the kitchen, and we were able to try several different dishes. That being said, this place did not come to the height of Alden and Harlow in Cambridge in the food selection and quality and really did not impress in the drink department. Nevertheless, a nice option in Brookline with a lively atmosphere. They also offer a nice outdoor patio space option during the warmer months.
(4)
Jonathan F.
Be prepared for a loud and crowded experience. We had a table by the entry to the outdoor dining and I was jostled, had water spilled on me, had plates broken at my feet and yet it was a good evening. It all seems to be part of the scene in Barcelona. Favorite dishes: Chorizo with figs and the Hanger Steak. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. A fun place with good food.
(4)
Maya R.
As someone who has visited Spain a number of times, I thought that Barcelona Brookline did an OK job of capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. It had all the classic dishes and drinks but it lacked the robust rustic flavor I normally associate with stellar Spanish food. This is not to say that the food wasn't good, it just wasn't what I expected.
(3)
J B.
Well worth it. What a great way of tasting small plates and not too expensive. This is a really good way to introduce people to new flavors. The menu has a wide range of plates for all. The sangria was really good too. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Vanessa T.
This is exactly what Brookline needed. I can't wait to return here on 7/27 with friends from NYC! The staff is wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. I have been twice for dinner and can't wait to try brunch. The menu changes from time to time and its always A+. This is not your typical "Brookline" restaurant. Anyone or anysize party can go here and not feel the typical attitude some other surrounding business will give you.
(5)
Samantha C.
Love the Brookline location of Barcelona. There's always parking and the outdoor seating is great. There always seems to be a wait when I go, but there is plenty of space around the bar to grab a glass of sangria and relax while you wait. Im not usually one to wait, but it is definitely worth the wait. Try a pitcher of the red or white sangria - both refreshing and pack a punch without tasting too strong to sip on. All of the tapas are amazing - my favorite was the chorizo with fig and the croquetas. Also try the watermelon feta salad - you'll be happy you did. The staff here really made the night. They were happy to offer us wine and food suggestions and were on top of everything. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with great food, wine, and people you need to try Barcelona!
(5)
Dave R.
Generally speaking, I don't do "chains." But Barcelona wine bar is different. As I understand it, each location has it's own head chef who establishes the location's menu based on the Barcelona Wine Bar "theme" and fresh / local ingredients. I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline numerous times but have never bothered to write a review because there's already 500+ Well, after my last visit I just had to add my 5-Stars vote... This place is awesome! First, full confession: I prefer to share with my dining companion(s) wherever I go. If it's a traditional restaurant that means a shared app. or two, maybe a shared salad, and a shared entree. So a tapas restaurant is right up my alley. On this night my date and I sat at the bar on a Friday night at about 5:30 and shared the Blistered Shishito Peppers w Sea Salt and the Cabrales Cheese Plate to start. Both were awesome. We then had the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in oil and garlic) and Potato Tortilla. The four small plates, cocktails wine, and conversation were a perfect end to the week. As alway, the service was awesome. Looking forward to my next visit. P.S. Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End is also very good. But I prefer the Brookline location.
(5)
Carla S.
I've been here several times.. The food is amazing! The service is great too, except for just once.. I had a waitress that just didn't do her job, idk if she was new but whoa.. She was off
(5)
Silly S.
Second time here. Really love Spanish Ham (Jamon Serrano), Hanger Steak and Grilled Ribeye Steak. Especially the truffle cream on hanger steak. My wife recommends Sour Figs. Will definitely come again.
(4)
Alexandra M.
Our half our wait turned into an hour quickly, and that was at 9pm! Pretty crazy. I don't normally eat that late, but I guess it's Spanish food so we should eat late :) We had a few drinks at the bar while we waited, which was packed. We started getting nervous for the table size, as unless you got a booth it seemed too small for tapas plates, and we were right. Our drinks were great, except the white sangria which was a bit boring. Like something was missing. My whisky root was great as was my caipirinha. I don't recall everything we had, but the olives were enough for 10 people, and the mussels were mostly great. One was still closed and one was really gritty (glad I got it at the end otherwise I would not have been able to keep eating them). The frittata wasn't close to the best either of us had had. Service was okay, had to ask for water refills and a few other things, and sometimes didn't see him for a long time.
(3)
Zhenya K.
This was our first time at Barcelona. I have heard good things about the place, but wanted to try it out for myself. We made reservations for Saturday night for 9PM. We ended up getting to Barcelona 30 min earlier and seeing how busy the place was I thought there was no chance we were going to be seated earlier then 9PM. We were seated before our reservation time and as we requested outside in the corner for some privacy. I was truly blown away Then we met our waiter - Nick. One word - AMAZING! This guy was very kind, funny, knew the menu very well and answered our 100000 questions! Then the drinks came out....my apple martini was out of this world...my husband asked Nick to get him his favorite beer.....keep in mind my husband is not a big beer drinker....Nick pleasantly surprised him with a beer choice that was simply amazing and something we have never had before. YUM! The food started coming out......OMG - we couldn't stop...it was all so good! Highlights were "Bikini", "Hanger Steak", "Muscles Al Diablo" and other I can't remember now! Muscles were honestly to die for! We also ordered a sea food Paela....it came out and at first my husband and his friend dug in and said that it was just delightful. Then we realized that the bottom was quite burned...we told Nick about it. All he said was. "I heard you"...that it. We didn't think what to make out of that, but we weren't going to let that ruin our night. We ordered coffee, tea, desserts - all were very good! Then we asked for the check.......before getting the check , Nick informed us that he took the Paella off our check.....Thoughtful right??? We were ready to pay for it even though it was $50 for 2 people, but we thought, what the hell....it was a good night...so the paella was burned. But no, Nick took care of us from the very beginning to the very end! Overall experience is A+ we are definitely coming back here again and asking to be seated in Nick's section!!!!
Good food. A bit pricey but worth it. I love the lay out of Barcelona Brookline. Very open and airy. Large booths are good for groups. Trendy ambience. Great patio out front. Make a reservation. Recommend the potatoes with garlic aioli, calamari, asparagus salad, steak and eggs. Lovely Bloody Mary bar. Sangria also great.
(4)
Grace M.
Barcelona's a great trendy spot that'd be super fun for a date. I liked all the tapas I had and really liked their bread as well. I was so upset though when I found out the mushrooms I got were cooked in bone marrow or some kind of animal fat.. vegetarians beware to tell your server in advance! But that runs true of any kind of tapas joint.. I liked this place over Tasca on Comm. They're pretty close to one another so if you're trying to decide, I say go with Barcelona.
(4)
Naira Q.
Came here on a Monday around 430 for drinks and tapas after class. Beautiful outdoor seating, great for people watching on beacon street. Shared a pitcher of sangria with 6 people, it was enough for everyone to have a glass. We each ordered 1-2 apps and enjoyed sharing. Great service, location and food. Definitely will go back!
(5)
Wei Ting C.
We went here on Saturday morning around 12pm, surprisingly it wasn't crowded at all. If you want to enjoy a lovely morning in Boston, this is a good place to go. I recommended Braised Oxtail Hash and Paella Mariscos. Although they made the paella too much socarrat, they took it back and remade it. Their service was really good. If you're going to order the paella, order this first. It took around 30 min to cook, but it worth the wait. I really enjoyed the food and it was not that expansive. I will definitely visit here again.
(4)
Christina V.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is AWESOME! Super fun atmosphere. Amazing tapas. Strong drinks. Impeccable service. Was here for a business meeting last week and I'm so glad this is the place we chose to be wined and dined. Everything we tried was delicious including the hanger steak, scallops, eggplant. The small plates packed so much flavor with a nice presentation. The place was hoppin on a Thursday night! Be sure to make a reservation. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Anne C.
The best tapas anywhere hands down. We got the spanish olives, bone marrow, and the mussels el diablo. Yum, everything from start to finish. You really just have to come here and experience the whole deal. The bread is probably the best bread I've ever had in my life. I dream about this bread, I want to eat this bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want my children to eat this bread and realize that this bread is the best bread. I would move to Boston for this bread.
(5)
M W.
An exceptional dining experience. There are other places that claim to do upscale, traditional tapas but this place gets it right. It gets busy so a reservation is recommended but any time you wait at the festive bar is not lost as you can order some great drinks and small plates there before you are seated. The croquettes are awesome as is the steak with truffle oil. Highly recommend!
(5)
Ragini P.
awesome, awesome. I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. Service, food, drinks are all out of this world.
(5)
Ramzy K.
Ever heard of "tapas"? It's the new culinary fad taking the US by storm. Under the guise of traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurants offer small dishes for sharing amongst a large group of family or friends. However, most restaurants slyly take advantage of tapas' unique profitability, charging astronomical prices for app-sized portions of halfway decent food. Fortunately for us, Barcelona bucks this trend entirely. Located in the reinvigorated dining scene of Brookline, this bustling Spanish restaurant pairs an extensive menu of delectable plates with a robust, by-the-glass wine list. The prices are reasonable, and the taste is terrific. From the chorizos, chopped up and topped with a sunny side up egg, to the broccoli, cooked till crunchy and drizzled with a savory sauce, every dish has a personality of its own. The great food & drink come with personable servers and a lively, comfortable atmosphere. One of the only issues is unavoidable: it's very crowded. Either arrive early, or be prepared to wait, whether you have a reservation or not. So, even if the tapas movement continues to grow more popular by duping customers into buying mediocre apps with their hard-earned money, Barcelona gives you great hope that some good can come of it.
(4)
Haeden G.
The food was really great and authentic...you can never go wrong with Spanish ham! The octopus however was extremely salty and you could tell they were trying to flip the table, almost rushing us out despite our very expensive bill. Overall though, great food and friendly staff.
(4)
Mary Ann M.
THE BEST FOOD EVER! Kelly-Ann was our amazing server who just made us so happy! The manager David greeted us like we were family and it was actually our first time here. SUMMER SLING COCKTAIL ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! Love this drink! We had Ensalata Mista, cheese board with chorizo, artichokes, eggplant caponata, the gambas-yum, the beef empanadas omgggg, trumpet mushrooms, rib eye wow! We are definitely coming back not just for the food but because of the people (David!!!! & Kelly Ann) who work here are outstanding! We fell in love! RUN HERE DONT WALK, run!!!!!!
(5)
Stacey G.
I have been here twice and I cannot say enough good things. I am constantly raving about this restaurant and cannot wait to return. I have gone in a group setting and on a date. I was last here on Monday night and the service like always was impeccable. The staff is friendly and polite. The manager came over to make sure everything was okay and to tell us they are opening a location in the south end! Everything they serve is amazing. I've had the beet salad, kale salad, mushrooms with herb goat cheese, patatas bravas, hanger steak and butternut squash. It was all amazing but the patatas bravas dish is by far my favorite!! I do wish they served a salmon dish! The traditional white sangria is something everyone should try! Occasionally there is a wait so sit by the bar and have a drink. This place is well worth the wait!! They also have wooden benches and tables as well as a dining area outside which I enjoy when it's nice outside. 5 stars without a doubt. This is one of my favorite restaurants in boston
(5)
Hoffman W.
We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. It was too crowded for us to get a table, but we sat at the bar and got great service (food and drink) from our bartender, Harry. One of our plates was slightly late and we received another tapas plate and a dessert free of charge. A great spot for fresh, professionally-made cocktails. The white sangria is awesome, and we had a delicious Acadian redfish plate as well. Highly recommended.
(5)
Alexis C.
This has become my new favorite restaurant! The food was sensation. The service was wonderful. The wine was spectacular. I went here on a first date. Although there probably won't be a second date, I will definitely be back. I couldn't name all six dishes we got and split but I do recall the pig ears and the spicy empanadas being particularly amazing. Our server was delightfully as well as anyone else who passed by the table willing to assistance us. The bartender was great help when it came to choosing a bottle before we sat down for our reservation. It was so good, we ended up getting a second bottle. We ended our night with dessert but it was certainly not as good as the rest of the meal. By the time we got our check the restaurant was packed and busy with a fun and lively atmosphere to it. I plan on coming back and bringing all my friends with me.
(5)
Cerina H.
It's scary to say that this summer my attendance here has been once a week. I also really enjoy coming here by myself. Yeah, yeah, call me a loser but I get service beyond excellence when I come alone! They also give me tokens in exchange for free tappas at your next visit if you fill out their surveys...oops the secret's out! I've tried a lot of things here this summer. The seafood paella is my favorite and I get it almost every single time. The sangria is excellent but is not always consistent because it's sometimes really watery and sometimes not. I've tried most of the cocktails and they are all excellent. Brookline sour was good but tasted like lemonade haha. I recommend hanger steak, truffle bikini grilled cheese, meat balls, beet goat cheese salad, mushroom goat cheese. The only two things I've tried that I would not recommend are: St Louis style pork ribs-- they took this off for the winter and now it's back but it's not as good as last year for some reason and the cabbage that comes with it tasted really sour and unpleasant. Also, I would not recommend the squid ink noodles--a few pieces of squid and shrimp with a load of weird short noodles cooked in ink and lots of oil. Gave a funny after taste. Other than the above two, everything else is wonderful. Oh and did I mention that the bread is delicious? I can eat two baskets by myself. Note: if you don't want to wait for over an hour, get there before 6pm or go after 9:30pm. Or make sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Another trick is I wait at the bar and see who's signing their check and I ask them to save the seat for me when they leave..works every time!
(5)
GJ B.
Definitely like the layout and decor inside. Pretty cool spot. Our waitress was a tad funny and didn't do a good job of attending to us. She would pop by to ask how things were but would be turning to leave before we could get off an answer. Maybe she was too busy, the place was absolutely packed on a Monday night. The manager looked like he should be riding a skateboard, not managing a restaurant. But what are looks, to each his own. We stuck with 3 tapas and a salad, so we need to go back and try the entrees. Chicken and Jamon Croquettes - J liked these Grilled Hanger Steak - disappointing in size - not as big as pictures on yelp Summer Vegetable - ok, but need to have the cheese more uniform throughout Watermelon and Feta Salad - good I think this place could be great, but they are pumping all the food out at such a high rate that it isn't all the best prepared or attended to. I am surprised by all the high reviews, but I'll be going back to check it out again. G
(3)
Michael G.
The staff was very attentive. The food was perfect. Barcelona creates a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal. I definitely will be back.
(5)
Kyleen K.
Best tapas in the city. Excellent variety, well-executed, delicious, and budget friendly. Just be prepared to wait if you walk in during the rush, but it's well worth the wait!
(5)
Alex F.
The place is very busy! Food is good, however, the portions are small and a bit overpriced according to size. Beef is a must have! They have delicious desserts (Flan and Indulgence)
(4)
Joelly J.
Great tapas restaurant! The portions are a bit small compared to other tapas restaurants but their venue definitely makes up for that! This is a very trendy and fun place near Brookline that would be a great spot for a date or girls night out! They have a great wine selection and a very tasty sangria! The ambience of this restauraunt is rare in Boston and reminds me of a typical New York spot! Order the octopus, tortilla espanola, sangria (by the pitcher) and anything from their dessert menu!!
(4)
Leah K.
Barcelona wine bar is clearly a hit. At 5:45 I met my friend for dinner there, and while the restaurant was almost empty, they said they only had a few seating options available (bar, high top by the window, or a seat that we could take for only an hour and 20 minutes). We were seated directly between the only other diners in the room. But honestly? That was ok with us. Lets start with the bread: too hot to touch, but you must, because it's steaming and fluffy with the most crispy crust. They serve good olive oil to go with it. We ordered a salad, mussels, meatballs, and patatas bravas. I think we made great choices! For around $25 per person (including a coke and a cocktail), we were full and happy. Salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, marinated onions, and olives topped with a sharp vinaigrette. I was ready to be underwhelmed (my friend chose it) but it was a great portion and with a bracing flavor. Probably a great paring with some richer tapas. Mussels: I've never seen mussels with as much meat as these! Aside from that, I don't have much to say...they were briny and came in a very spicy tomato based sauce. Meatballs: out of this world. We dipped our bread in the sauce (and barked at the waiter when he assumed we were finished because the meatballs were gone). Patatas bravas: the best I've had. They were really crispy and the sauce was sour (it's a cream sauce) and it comes with a spicy tomato sauce underneath. Very good. I also had a caipirinha, which came with 4 muddled limes. I'm a sour fiend, so this drink rocked my socks. It tasted like, lime, rum, and sugar...sour and sweet and not watered down. If you don't like a punchy drink, this isn't for you. I The waiters were great (aside from a bill mix-up). There was our waiter, a lady who also brought us food and drinks, the water guy, the manager...we basically had relationships with all these people. Which made us feel really well taken care of. I'm excited to head back to Barcelona and try whipped goat cheese, churros, chorizo, and everything else. This wins in my book.
(4)
Haley J.
This is a perfect neighborhood tapas restaurant with an excellent patio. You'll definitely want to try the red wine sangria, and go ahead and buy it by the pitcher.
(5)
Kunal C.
If you like tapas, come here! The food is off the hook and the sangria is one of the best I've had. Even if you don't eat, you can sit outside and grab a few drinks. Well worth a visit.
(5)
David A.
From the chicken,lamb, to the steak everything is always exceptional!! And service is always amazing !
(5)
Isabel R.
Technically its Brookline but its closer to Cleveland Circle than to Coolidge Corner. Best tapas in Boston! Recommendations: Hanger Steak, Chorizo with Figs, Patatas Bravas, and Sangria. On Sundays they have a Brunch with live jazz music and the best Bloody Mary Bar I've ever seen! (and I'm not a fan of Bloody Marys. LOL!!!) Expect a wait! I usually drive there and get my name on the list go home and come back 30-60 minutes later. I like this location better than the South End. It has a different feel to it with a big outdoor patio. Love it!!!
(5)
Vivian C.
Some day was Mother's Day. We arrived for an early dinner, but it seemed we were not the only ones to do so. Though a tad early for our reservations, we were still made to wait as they were a bit behind. They redeemed themselves, however, with an offering of grown up grilled cheese sandwich quarters - served hot and tasty. Sure, we're family, but there is still such a thing as too close - for some reason they saw fit to seat our party of 8 at 3 two top tables smushed together, while the family of 4 beside us had a generous 2 tables all to themselves. Once they left, however, I inquired about the possibility of adding one of those now vacated tables to our threesome if they weren't already reserved... to which we were happily given the a-okay and the proper assist. Service was mostly excellent, from the lady server who took our order to the bus boy who filled our waters quite regularly, de-crumbed our tables and ended up taking our dessert orders. The only bump was when our original server took away one of our tapas plates a bit too quickly, leaving behind a stream of the residual sauce on the table cloth, just missing my dad's sleeve. The other thing was the spacing out of the meal - fortunately we were sharing everything, since the tapas came one (or two) at a time, and we were able to finish and look up hopefully for more before another round would arrive. We had asked for everything to come out as it was prepared. Then finally, the two entree portions that we ordered - those came out one right after the other, which made for an opportunity to finally take a food accompanied table group picture! Food ranged from nothing special (Fiddleheads & Mushrooms 10.50 Garlic, Lemon Juice), and rather raw (Grilled Broccolini 6.50, Roasted Peppers, Balsamic), to the apex of our meal, the Grilled Hanger Steak* 9.50, Black Truffle Vinaigrette with its wonderful flavor! The steak was sliced 1 piece per person at our request, so that we could each try it. Inbetween were Scallops a la Plancha 11.50 Avocado Salad; Roasted Bone Marrow 11.50 Caramelized Garlic Gremolata; and Pulpo Gallego 9.50 Octopus, Fingerling Potatoes, Pimenton. The entrees were ordered sized for one, and for that, they were generous. The Mixed Grill Mariscos $24.50 Branzino, Prawns, Clams, Calamari, had good portions of the stated shellfish cooked well. The Paella Mariscos $24.50 Prawns, Squid, Clams, Mussels, was pretty filling, but I didn't appreciate that some of the rice had been burnt black where it hung out on the pan too long, so I tried to refrain from scraping it to the very bottom. I sampled the Churros Y Chocolate 8.00 Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce, and found that the chocolate wasn't the singularly sweet American sort, but rather spiced up and rather savory. The churros, however, were a convenient option to share. I preferred, however, the traditionally sweet and creamy Flan Catalan 6.00, which was sufficient for two to share.
(4)
Jacqueline C.
Amazing! Have been craving for tapas and paella for a while and finally got to try this place out. We came here at 5pm and had no problem getting seated. -paella: looks incredible and taste delicious too. I like toro 's paella more though it's decent. -must try the hanger steak. Cooked perfectly(~medium rare ) -figs and chorizo; one of the popular dishes here and I would say it's pretty special. Not a big fan of the sauce but they taste pretty good together
(4)
Sophie P.
BRUNCH REVIEW Jazzy brunch! They have a small band playing near the windows by the bar, and it adds a great ambiance during the weekends. FOOD Lamb burger (+) You need to try this. Smothered in a tzatziki sauce, the grilled lamb drips into your mouth while crispy onions crunch in your mouth. This is the most unique burger I've had in awhile, and I was loving every bite of it. The fries were a little thicker than I would've liked, but this dish was perfect otherwise. Roasted beets (+) I was surprised by this dish. The beets had great flavor drizzled with balsamic vinegar, were a hot pink color which was so beautiful - It was like art! The pistachios added a great texture and touch to the dish. Grilled calamari - I usually go for fried calamari, but this was a great alternative of the traditional dish. Ensalata mixta with skirt steak - This salad was really plain without the steak. It was simply large pieces of lettuce, uncut, with raw onions, tomatoes, and olives topped with olive oil. We wanted some greens with our burger, so this was a good complement, but I would never get this dish without something else. Overall, this was a great option for brunch. I am still dreaming of that lamb burger.
(4)
Jeniely G.
Ok.. I am new in town but I am always craving for good food, not the one that come in big plates just the one that is so good and come in the right amount that you want to come back for more. I like the whole experience, service, good drinks, ambience and of course good food. Well in Barcelona you have it all.... I always said that a good sign is how crowded is the place, but I hate to wait. Well that did not happen the place was full but the service was right on, our waiter did everything to please us, even make white rice for my girl which did not want anything but that. The food was really good, I had the chorizos and they were fantastic, also the steak was my favorite. This will be my new spot in town.
(5)
Lauren E.
I went here before and enjoyed it. I tried going back, but couldn't get in touch with someone at this restaurant to make a reservation. Barcelona is a CT chain tapas place. Every other location manages to have an online reservation system, so why can't this location? It would make things a lot easier than calling, especially since this place can't staff people to answer the phone. I called this place four times to make a reservation. Each time I had to wait to get to an automated message just so I could be transferred to the reservation line. Then all it did was ring three (quick) times before an automated voice says the party is unavailable. Yes, I could've left a message, but at that point was frustrated. I've never had issues making reservations at other restaurants, whether by phone or online, but apparently Barcelona can't get it together. And don't make the excuse "it's too busy." Bull. Like I said, I never had issues getting through at other places that can be just as busy. I'm not going to waste time to show up, only to find out there is an hour long wait, when I can find this information out in two seconds over the phone or online. So Barcelona is a no-go for me.
(1)
Elcin N.
Great food and atmosphere. Boquerones is to die for, but one order of it will not be enough. They also have great sangria and bread. The decor inside and in the outside sitting area are very nice.
(5)
Brittany P.
Just got home from an absolutely stellar dinner at Barcelona in Brookline! My date and I arrived to a busy restaurant around 7:30. There was a 30 minute wait but we didn't mind and were seated promptly at 8. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and romantic but there were a lot of big parties, so it looked like a great place for a larger celebration. Both of our waitresses were wonderful - so sweet and attentive as well as knowledgable about the menu. Our waitress even offered us a half pitcher of sangria which was only $13 and filled 3 glasses per person! For our tapas we ordered the patatas bravas, empanadas, and the roasted chicken. We also ordered the skirt steak. Everything was delicious and extremely fresh and flavorful. Even the coffee was great and a wonderful way to top off a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual but romantic dinner spot!
(5)
goblyn g.
A good selection of really tasty tapas, and drinks (food's a bit pricey, but it's GOOD, and they have some things you won't get in too many places here). Good for groups. I'd been there a few times, it worked well with both me+friend, or in larger parties, but it can get noisy (just a tad too noisy to my taste) and crowded, so if you're looking for a quiet one-on-one conversation, perhaps other places are better.
(4)
Demi L.
Long wait- totally worth it! Very cool restaurant with an amazing tapas & drink menu. Food was delicious!! One of the best restaurants in Brookline! Will definitely be back.
(5)
Yuka Y.
Tapas offerings are solid, averaging around $7/plate. The wait time is horrible and the system is rather disorganized with too many people hovering around the entrance waiting...waiting..and waiting. We waited about 1.5 hours just for a table inside, granted though it was Saturday evening @8. Expect a longer wait for a table inside. They do provide heated lamps outside, however, even those don't suffice against the evening chill. Recs: +Lamb chops- cooked medium rare and delightfully tender, but beware of subtle bones hidden throughout your meat +Grilled Broccolini as your veggies. Mindblew both me and my honey, we've never seen broccoli like this or had it cooked this way. Had a strong garlic essence and leaves that were slightly crispy. +Warm chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence with raspberry sauce & coconut ice cream- the chocolate cupcake sized cake is very hot with the ice cream on top a melting ooze of goodness. Miss: -Although the hangar steak was medium rare, it was unremarkable. A little on the dry side and the Black Truffle Vinaigrette sauce did not deliver. Loud atmosphere. This is an excellent place for drinking and people watching. The dim lighting makes it an intimate atmosphere, but the chaos around with large numbers of bussers and service staff moving around makes it not the most relaxing of places.
(4)
Susan S.
Amazing food and wonderful staff! We had made a reservation at another restaurant in the area, and had not yet been seated after 45 minutes, so I called Barcelona. The person I spoke with sympathized with my situation and found us a table within ten minutes of arriving. I am SO happy we dined there instead of our original choice! Their food was SO tasty, and we are foodies and I've been to Spain twice, so we're not an easy bunch to please! We each ordered and shared a bunch of tapas and there wasn't a single disappointment among them. They also have a great wine and drink list, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Our pair of four agreed to make this our 'regular' spot for future outings. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Sahar S.
This place is so cozy, walked in on a Sunday and there was a jazz band jamming. Food was great and super fast.
(5)
Eli F.
This is the first review I've ever written on Yelp, but my visit to Barcelona last night merits it. I am an avid tapas bar visitor, and prior to eating here Toro was my hands down favorite. Barcelona did a great job of exceeding my expectations. I still love Toro but Barcelona went above and beyond as far as service goes. I made reservations for myself and a friend visiting from out of town. After arriving, there was a minor delay in our seating so we made our way to the bar to wait it out. We were able to find seats at the bar anyway and we were looking forward to trying the drinks before dinner. We each ordered drinks, a Caipirinhia and a Bourbon Spice Rack. The Caipirinhia was excellent, but after trying the Bourbon Spice Rack, I stuck with it the rest of the night. Easily one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, so much so that I let the manager, Erick, know and he gave me a small sample of the ingredients (except the bourbon of course) to take home! Cannot wait to try and imitate the concoction. Once our table was ready we were escorted to the outdoor patio which was perfect because of the weather (mid to low 70's) and it was a lot quieter than inside. It wasn't overly loud inside but it was easier to have a conversation outside while at our table. Our server Nick was excellent. We had him pick out our chef selection starters and he hit it out of the park. The Soria (chorizo), Drunken Goat Cheese, Buefish Pate (easily my favorite) and the Spicy Eggplant were amazing. For dinner we ordered the Patatas Bravas, Mussels al Diablo, Ribeye Steak (Favorite item of the night, contemplated ordering twice but was getting extremely full by the end of the meal), and the Bone Marrow which was also excellent! I honestly wanted to hug the chef after our dinner. Thank you to Erick and Nick for providing excellent service, I will be visiting again soon!
(5)
Arvind S.
Food was OK. Nothing worth the hype. But I was really upset with the way they hurried us through. It was my wife's birthday and we were 6 of us. I me the waitress and asked for a cake to be brought at 12. And they brought it at 11:40. How hard is it? We planned it such a way that we stay there late which we did. We were drinking and eating until 1am eventually. This place is open until 2am and they were busy setting up empty tables. For the next day may be. Sucks. Poor service for an overpriced restaurant.
Hanger steak is the way to go! I'm also a big fan of tapas because you can try a little bit of everything. It's a fancy place, but definitely worth the money. Very nice atmosphere. Request Nick as a server. He is amazing and will definitely take care of you!
(5)
San W.
Still awesome food and service! Be prepared to wait for an hour or more on a weekend night without a reservation though. But I have to say, I had the most pleasant waiting experience at a restaurant ever here last night. The owner/manager (?) came by a few times with free tapas to taste (those croquettes!) and a server made sure to check in about drink orders. Despite the place being so packed and busy, the staff never seemed rushed/impatient in their interactions with customers. And now on to the food! Being greedy and gluttonous, we ordered twelve tapas for three people. And two desserts. And coffee. Stuffed. To. Point. Of. Explosion. But so worth it! Highlights were the: - Braised Short Rib - Jamón and Chicken Croquettes - Chorizo and Sweet & Sour Figs - Grilled Hanger Steak - Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder I tried a white wine our waiter recommended, Ulacia (from Basque region), which I enjoyed. A fast pour from up high to preserve the CO2, it was bright, light, crisp, bubbly, and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. And YAY for another free tapa token! Can't wait to come back again.
(5)
Erica W.
I've been to Barcelona a few times and this is by far the best experience I have had. Our server, Isak, greeted us with a friendly hello and was more than helpful in our dining experience. He gave great drink, tapas, and dessert recommendations. He had superb knowledge of the menu which was fantastic because some of the items can be confusing to the average patron. My dinner date has a fish allergy and the executive chef took the time to come out of the kitchen to point out the particular items that would not be friendly to the allergy which was very helpful. Overall our favorites were the hanger steak and mushrooms with goat cheese but everything was delicious. The cocktails were superb. The bourbon spice rack was a perfect earthy drink to start off the night. And the crepes finished our meal on a very high note. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Marlana Y.
Hanger steak- my friends loved it and had to order another one Hamachi- if you love raw fish this is really good. Went down smooth Whipped cheese- just okay. This is a good app to start out with especially with the bread. Kale salad- big portion compared to other tapas. I felt like I could finish this on my own. Delicious! Paella- had the seafood paella and it was tasty. But be careful when eating it because some of the pieces of oyster shell would break and get stuck in my rice The ambience can be romantic but depending on how many people is in your party there may not be a lot of privacy between you and the table next to you.
(4)
Allan S.
I'm tempted to write a 'meh' review so as to keep this gem to myself. Great food, full bar, outstanding wines by the glass and attentive professional service. Worst thing I can say is no valet parking, or parking lot, just street parking so you will have to hunt a bit. But if you are up for the challenge you will be richly rewarded. Arrived with wifey on a Saturday night around 7:30 without dinner reservations because we decided to go out at the last minute and all the prime dining slots were taken. So we put our name on the list (an hour wait) and headed to the bar. 15 minutes later we luck out and snag two stools. Bartender could have not been more friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable. Took us through the menu giving tips on what to try and what to drink. The menu is expansive so it was nice to have someone walk us through it. Everything we tried was good with the possible exception of wifey's cocktail. She loves jalapeno margaritas and the Hot Dahlia just did not cut it. I've recently acquired a taste for Old Fashioneds and was not disappointed by the Bourbon Spice Rack. At the bartender's suggestion we followed up with the 2008 Tempranillo, Cerro Añon, Reserva, Rioja by the glass. ZOWIE! Had that again and regretted not ordering a bottle. For our meal we began with the Kale Salad. WOW! Full of flavor and the perfect hint of anchovy. The Grilled Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Vinaigrette was incredible. Small bites of beef full of flavor. The Hamachi Crudo .. as good. We finished with the Salvaje (Meat) Paella. Ate every bite. For dessert we had the Crepas Salguero which were HUGE (one order would have been more than enough for two) and the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence. The bartender had recommended the Churros, but we were not at all disappointed with our choices. So plan ahead, make a reservation, and enjoy!
(5)
Joyce L.
3.5 stars I came here with my older sister for her birthday, made a reservation and was seated within a couple minutes of arriving (parking is a hassle, T accessible though). Is it just me or is there no sign to the restaurant??? I kept walking past it and was so confused for the longest time.. Might have just been me, though.... On to the dishes... we ordered the following: 1. Crispy calamari: not worth it. probably the worst fried calamari I've had in Boston.. there was nothing to it, just seemed like a menu filler... 2. Chorizo & sweet-sour figs: one of their better dishes. a bit sweet, but I actually really enjoyed this. 3. truffled "bikini": overwhelmingly truffle-y. just a grilled cheese, but would be a lot better with a spice factor like jalapenos or something 4. patatas bravas: meh, overhyped on yelp. 5. grilled hanger steak: really good, small serving size 6. mussels diablo: the best thing we had that night! loved the spiciness 7. churros: A MUST! we ordered this on a whim... i'm so glad we did. piping hot, just the way I like it. the chocolate is more of a dark chocolate dip, so keep that in mind. 8. sangria: I ordered an entire pitcher for myself.. that's right. my sister is pregnant and the waitresses couldn't tell so they kept asking me if I was sure I wanted an entire pitcher for myself. Just to prove to the wait staff (and everyone around us who kept judging me), I finished the entire pitcher!! Just goes to show that, if you REALLY want to, you can finish an entire pitcher by yourself. A pitcher of sangria for ~$24. it was a pretty good deal The food? meh, not bad, but not stellar the service? awesome, the manager AND the waitresses checked up on us multiple times. the manager was extremely sweet. the ambiance? intimate and cute the price? not bad for the amount that we ordered! would I go here again? probably not for dinner. I think there are other places around Boston that are worth trying with the same appeal. I have to give it to their marketing team.. I filled out a survey at the end of our dinner and the manager/waitress both handed me a "free tapas" token(?). Supposedly, the next time I come, I can get one tapa for free so make sure you fill out the survey!! This is the only reason I would probably visit barcelona again... for sangria and my free tapas hehe
(3)
Raquel O.
In my 26 years of life on this planet, this restaurant has been one of the most memorable. I ordered the Hanger Steak, Mussels, Jamon Serrano and Patatas Bravas and they were all delectable. The servers were all extremely attentive and friendly. Phenomenal place.
(5)
K S.
This is a great place! I'm not usually one for chains or franchise restaurants, but this place doesn't feel like it! We always start with the manchego and Serrano ham! It's served with quince pace that is wonderful! The bread is always freshly baked. And the olive oil they serve with it has such a great fruitiness. I have tried many of the tapas items. We love the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, Patatas Bravas, albondigas, spiced beef empanadas, asparagus. The only things that I've tried that I wasn't a huge fan of was the chicken and jamon croquets and the fig and chorizo. The croquettes were ehhhh and the fig and chorizo was a little greasy. I would love to try the paella or the squid ink Fideos! Yum! Highly recommend this place but make sure you have a reservation any night of the week!!
(5)
Tracy S.
I went on a Wednesday night with about 20 coworkers. They have had large groups before and make menu suggestions for big groups. It was a beautiful day and we had half of the outdoor patio reserved as well as some room inside for the food. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that we were not allowed to bring the food outside. We had red sangria. It was truly one of the bed red sangrias I have had. Later, we had shots of the house tequila. I have to admit that college memories (or lack thereof) made me not a fan of tequila in the past. But, man this tequila was smooth. I'd get it again. Ok the food: first off- the free bread you get with the meal was amazing. A crunchy crust with a soft, spongy inside. The grilled cheese sandwich with truffle oil was equally amazing. The eggplant and the meatballs were a welcome change from the carbs. The eggplant had a very interesting flavor. However after a long night of sangria I wanted nothing more than the potatoes with the cheese sauce. Since I was not the person who set up the order, I didn't actually see the menu so I do not know the official names of the dishes. I will be going back as soon as I can. The atmosphere was cool and classy, but also laid back.
(5)
Shanna C.
Kale salad was delicious...hit the spot after a long day of studying...the meatballs were very flavorful as well.
(5)
Jeff M.
Having started my experience with Barcelona in New Haven this location has never lived up to the expectations set down in CT. I would not come here for dinner, but, I'd definitely go back for meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks. Its more that type of place then a proper restaurant to me. That being said the tenderloin is unreal.
(3)
Karen D.
Outstanding on all fronts. Got there about 6 on a Sunday, which was a good call since it filled up quickly. Two of us sat at the bar. Our bartender, Jess, and the other bartenders were very friendly, attentive and made great drinks. I had the Whisky Root, although I changed it to straight up, so I could savor it without the ice melting. Every tapas was great: gambas, bravas, peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, broccolini. The bartender sent out 2 tapas for us to try that I woulnd never have ordered and the were fantastic: smoked mackerel pate and brussel sprouts. The bar manager came over and chatted with us as well. Very welcoming. The place has great decor and the music was perfect. I'm looking forward to my next visit. And they gave us 2 tokens for 2 tapas next time.
(5)
Mary D.
Excellent I like the outside bar in the summer Inside is a little loud but the food is great.
(5)
Greg P.
Great Option for Tapas in Washington Square Barcelona is one of several newer entries on the dining scene in Washington Square. Located on Beacon St., Barcelona is easy to get to. A spacious restaurant, there is plenty of seating inside and out on the patio. The ambiance is warm and trendy/contemporary. The service is quite good with the manager coming to check on our table several times. Definitely get a reservation because it fills up quickly! The selection of tapas is broad with some very unique options. We started with a selection of two cheeses (Mahon and a soft sheep's milk). We also had the jamon serrano. Served with delicious house bread, the trio was fantastic. We then had the terrine of foie gras which was also delicious (although served with onions that detracted from the taste of the terrine). We had a great salad with kale, squash, and barley. They brought over some roasted brussel sprouts on the house that were also terrific. The climax of the meal was the squid ink fideos. Served in a large cast iron pan (like a paella pan) it was generous portions of squid, shrimp and black squid ink pasta. It was outstanding and quite a unique dish. We did not have any space left for dessert. Unlike other tapas experiences, these were quite generous proportions and we filled up quickly. You get excellent value for the money. Four of us ate well for about $90. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Amy M.
This place is truly a gem. We spent the night here for a friend's birthday, and certainly weren't disappointed. The menu was just as unique as the atmosphere -- I'd recommend for a special night out with a smaller group when you're looking for something different (or trying to impress your date). We tried both savory and sweet plates, and were impressed with both. But the drinks really won us over here -- many different wines to choose from, and sangria has multiple made-to-order variations of white, red, fruity, herbal, etc. Sangria was not very strong despite my expectations of a wine bar (too much ice, maybe?) but was fresh and different. Barcelona made for a pricey dinner, although we did find the tapas were large enough to be share-able. I'd say it's worth the experience, but if you're looking for a night out but on a budget, grab dinner first, and visit Barcelona for after-dinner drinks and small bites.
(5)
Shruthi S.
Love everything about this place, the ambiance, the friendly staff and the fresh food. The bread is perfect. We always order a loaf to take out at the end. If you plan on going during rush hours reservations are a good idea. We generally go around 6 to beat the crowd.
(5)
Lisa P.
Each time I've gone to Barcelona I'm impressed. They have a very knowledgeable and accommodating staff, tons of seating (inside, outside, and at the bar), and the food is fantastic. As someone with Celiac, I feel very comfortable eating here and know that the waiters and the chefs have taken my allergy seriously. They don't have a separate gluten free menu, but there is so much to choose from on the regular menu that's already gluten free, and the staff is good at informing me which items can be made gluten free or not. They also have gluten free rolls! and my own olive oil to dip it in. I highly suggest this restaurant for anyone with food allergies. Know that you will be taken care of.
(5)
Lisa H.
I was there the weekend right after Halloween and we had such a great time! The place was really busy, and perhaps a tad noisy - but it didn't bother us. We didn't wait too long for a table. Nice wine selection, food was most excellent. Our party shared a couple of dishes and had the seafood paella. Also, churros. Yummy. You definitely get your money's worth here. Highlights of our night: Beet & Honeycrisp Apple Salad, Chorizo & Sweet Sour Figs, Mariscos Paella, Churros.
(5)
April K.
This is a swanky, dimly lit restaurant/tapas bar with some of the best sangria I've ever had. However, I am not sure what was going on last night but I was so unimpressed after eating dinner here. When I used to come, their sangria was fresh and crisp, light and refreshing. Last night when we were waiting for our table, they served us a pitcher of purple mystery. The sangria was thick and too sweet, and we had no idea why it was such an odd color. We sent it back, and the waitress told us "Oh sorry, sometimes when it's been sitting for a while, it turns that color." Really? Thanks for serving us bottom of the barrel sangria that's been fermenting in your restaurant. She brings us another pitcher of the SAME weird purple shade, and then tells us that the sangria is actually supposed to be that color... The second batch tasted okay, but I just thought that was shady. For dinner, I was expecting to be blown away by each tapas dish. We ordered about 13 dishes for our table. It was fun because it was like going to a tasting event and getting to try everything, but nothing was that great. We got the sheep's cheese that just tasted like cream cheese. The fried pig ears just tasted like overly crispy french fries with too much citrus zest on it. The meatballs tasted like ordinary meatballs doused in cheap marinara sauce. The patatas bravaro were like home fries covered in chipotle mayo sauce, which was good, but when you think about it kind of expensive for a small plate of potatoes. Scallops, steak, soft shell crab, sausages... we tried a lot of stuff on the menu. Sadly, it was not memorable and nothing was strikingly amazing. Lastly, service was excruciatingly slow. It took the waiter 15 minutes to come and take our order. I had to ask them a few times to refill my water. Lastly, he asked us if we wanted dessert and we said no, just the check. Ten minutes later he comes back and asks us if we want to see a dessert menu... Not a huge deal but just added to our frustration of the slow service. Oh, and I got a splinter from the outdoor seating because the furniture is made of unfinished wood. I think I'll give it another try since everyone raves about this place and maybe we had an off night. p.s. tons of cougars on the prowl here.
(3)
Delyan C.
Great place! The food there is just unbelievable! You should definitely try the crepes!
(5)
Rogaa S.
Whoa Whoa Whoaaa !! Came for a birthday party of 15. we were late for our reservations and we were still seated immediately for a busy Friday night.. awesomeee. I didn't handle anything for the food making decisions, i think we have 10 tapas picked out the last two being the main dishes of grill meat platter and seafood paella. I understand tapas is bite size plates, but its just weird seeing a small ass plate in front of me with like two bites. Going in i was definitely thinking of what place i could hit up after this to satisfy this empty pit of a stomach i have. But surprisingly enough after it was all said and done 10 plates of food actually did the job for me. I cant remember any of the small dish plates we had cause like i said i didn't order anything. But i can say that the eggplant dish thing they order wasn't the best. Meatballs, fried cheese, empanadas, BONE MARROW, were all amazinggg. they also give you bread at the table that is awesome, not some cheap regular whatever bread most places will serve you. this had a nice crust on it and super soft on the inside, perfect for slopping up juices on the plate. person wise with all the dishes we ordered it was about 35 bucks a person which wasn't bad at all considering some of the dishes we ordered. excellent experience.
(5)
Christina G.
I'd give Barcelona's Brookline location 3.5 stars. Went for Sunday family dinner with my mother, brother and his fiancee. Slight service hiccup at the beginning I was the first to arrive and when I walked in, the host basically ignored me, despite my trying to get his attention. Two other groups walked in and he greeted them right away while still ignoring me. Not really sure why this happened as I like to think I didn't look that much like a bag lady. To be fair, I had left my pearls at home and maybe my outfit did not cut the mustard, but this being Boston, I do not expect Moscow-style face control on a Sunday night. I eventually got the host's attention and once we sat down, service was fine. Nice ambiance but a bit below my expectations, perhaps as I had recently been to Barcelona's new-ish location in DC, whose ambiance sets the bar high. We had some Serrano ham and a variety of tapas. My favorite dish by far, and the only standout, was the foie gras terrine with crumbled cookies and squash puree, paired with a glass of Amontillado included in the price. The caramel notes in the sherry provided a wonderful counterpoint to the foie. I'll have to remember that pairing next time I have foie gras. I liked the cookie crumbles, both for flavor and the creativity factor. I would go back for this dish over and over again. And the nice thing was that none of my companions liked foie gras, so I had it all to myself! Most of the other dishes tasted fine but did not stand out: - Braised short rib with squash - nice beefy flavor - Beet salad - refreshing, but the beets tasted canned. - Spiced beef empanadas - as expected - Albondigas (meatballs) - sauce was a bit sweet for my taste, but not bad Sadly, the watery braised duck with duck egg missed the mark. Interestingly, at the DC location, our table had ordered a duck hash that also disappointed us, so perhaps the Barcelona group just doesn't do duck very well. The crepas for dessert rounded out the meal nicely. I would get those again. In all, a solid choice if you are in the neighborhood and the line is not too long. Worth seeing; not worth going to see.
(3)
Lauren F.
Amazing all around and reasonably priced. Best desserts in town by far! I can sit at the bar all day and drink Sangria and eat dessert. This place is hot! I strongly suggest a reservation.
(5)
Danielle N.
This place is on the pricey side but they have a great selection of tapas. They also have delicious sangria! The staff is really friendly and they are always good about seating and accommodating you no matter what the situation is. I went here for a birthday. They were respectful and accommodating to our needs. They have delicious hanger steak! We tried squid ink paella that night! It was an interesting experience! Definitely coming back for more!
(5)
Oliver R.
I was first thinking that this was an ordinary Spanish restaurant, but when I finished, I found out that I was wrong?! This was no ordinary Spanish restaurant. That was an excellent one with quick service and 1 of the greatest Spanish foods, including the buttermilk chicken. I would definitely recommend Barcelona for a good restaurant.
(5)
Jennifer T.
The food here was delicious and service was great! We came on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but thankfully they do take reservations, so we got seated quickly. The location is just past Washington Square, there are metered parking around, "Tappan St" C-line stop, "Beaconsfield" D-line isnt too far away, as well as some other street parking if you go on the other side of the train tracks. The server was very helpful and informative in describing the menu (simple flavors at the top, and gets more savory as you go down the menu). She also let us know that typically 2-3 dishes will feed a person. She wasn't around as much to check on us after the dishes got to us, but there were plenty of other staff that pass by that we were able to flag down when needed. The only peculiar thing was that some of the male staff were dressed in hawaiian shirts with their chest hair flaunting...it definitely can throw you off when they show up at your table and start having a convo about your food...we had a few double takes, wondering why this person was talking to us, and then realized they worked there, but just wanted to chitchat! As for the dishes, here are my takes: Hanger Steak - wasnt as good as the hype Fatty Deep-fried Pork Belly - my fave dish of the night! so very fatty and flavorful on the inside, with a very crispy outside, mmm! seared scallops with smashed avocado - perfectly seared, great flavor, and a surprisingly nice pairing with the guacamole Roasted Broccolini - perfect roasted flavor with some extra spice, however, not too many stalks in each order Spiced Beef Empanada - came with 2 small ones. hit the empanada spot, nothing unique to write home about though. San Simon Cheese - A smoky flavored hard cheese, reminded me of gouda. It was nice to pair with the quince paste, however, the quince:cheese ratio was a bit off, it would have been nicer with more quince. It also would have been better if they provided crackers to pair with it, rather than using the sourdough bread. We also got some eggplant dish - the portion was very generous, however, found it would likely be better for a larger group, as it's quite vinegary, and hard to finish the entire thing with only 3 of us.
(4)
Marely M.
Love this place! The food selection is big and they are so interesting like scallops with guacamole! The service was ok. They were a little slow when we needed them. I went there on Friday for tapas so it's busy. Although I heard is busy every night specially during summer since they have tables outside. I love the decor and music. The waitress was very nice and gave us tips. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)
Sarah K.
This restaurant never disappoints. I have only been here a few times, but I always leave full and happy! I love that they have a changing menu. Not only does the chef get to put on the items that he likes, but patrons can always get a taste of something new. You definitely won't get bored. Another great thing is their drinks menu. They definitely do their work to have a full wine, beer, and whiskey list. If you have trouble choosing, your server will always have a recommendation that fits your preferences. The atmosphere is great. There is always a large crowd though, so I recommend making reservations. I also wish the lighting was a little brighter, but you adjust.
(4)
Jose B.
The food could be a little tighter the service is great and the atmosphere is awesome.
(4)
Alyssa W.
First off, Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Barcelona Wine Bar!! I hope there are many more to come! 3rd review update and still a solid 5 star experience. After becoming a fairly frequent dinner diner, it took me a whole year to finaly come in on a weekend for brunch. Came in with a fairly large group, half of the group (my family) and the other half all new comers to BWB. Everything was great. I got to taste a little of many of the brunch options from people at my table. French toast, simple but delicious, eggs benedict, yum! short rib hash (best idea ever) Egg sandwhich never made it my way, but it looked amazing, steak and eggs looked so good, I want to eat one right now. Besides having great food, I love that they have the service to match. The last few times I've been in, if by chance or what, we have had Ruben as our waiter. He is great! Infact all their wait saff is great. Knowledgable and personable. While I eat here regularly, there are times where I havent been in for a few months and yet the front of the house always remembers me and gives a warm welcome back. The little things are what matter. For those of you who are reading this and want to try this place out, DO! Just know that, yea, they get busy. If you have a big group, call in ahead of time and make sure you can get a table and when you do. take your time, relax, chat with friends and enjoy. Definately DEFINATELY get the hangar steak and if they have specials that day, get them. I haven't been disappointed yet!
(5)
Stephen T.
Make sure you made reservations in advance for the weekends. The food is amazing. The ambience is great. The service is wonderful. Everytime I come here I leave very satisfied.
(5)
Haley S.
Chorizo with sweet and sour figs - WOW!!! Hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette - yes please!!! Jamon and chicken croquettes - you'll need to order two of these, at least. Meatball tapa - huge hit at my table. I think this place is great, albeit overpriced. Considering you are getting tapas, not full meals, one would think it should cost a bit less. That said, I think the food is pretty good. I really liked a few of the tapas, and really disliked others. The server suggested we order a potato tapa, and when it arrived, it looked like home fries but tasted like day old overcooked potatoes. Needless to say, skip on this dish. I think it was called potatoes bravas, or something similar. Also, avoid the mussels al diablo. We ordered the dish mild, which came out in a tepid, under seasoned, flavorless broth. Everything else is pretty good. The bread they bring out is great. The server brought out practically a full loaf of bread! Major props for giving us so much, and for refilling the basket without being asked to when we plowed through it. This would be a great place to dine out year-round. It has a great ambiance in both the summer and winter. In winter, the heat is blasting, but not uncomfortable so, making it a great place to hide out from the cold weather. In summer, I think they open up the entire front part of the restaurant leading out to the large front patio area. Great place to go when you want a relaxed place to go and eat lighter fare.
(4)
Kristen K.
If you are going to name your restaurant after one of the best culinary cities in the world, you better up your game. Let's start with the bar. Cluttered with dirty drink mixing supplies, wine stained napkins laying across the bar, visible dirt and bread crumbs littered across the counter, bartenders with stains on their crumpled shirts. I was pretty shocked to see that the bar was not cleaned between customers. A couple left 30 minutes before we did, and there was still crumbs and stains where they were sitting. Audible bickering about missing check money, dropping glassware on the floor...time to clean up the bar. So unkempt Now the food. Decent charcuterie. Cheeses are a tad warm and weathered. Gambas (garlic shrimp ) lacking actual garlic. Hangar steak was tasty, as was the blistered shishito peppers. Excellent wine list. Delicious Cava. No Spanish ambiance. Very loud. After one visit, you get the overwhelming "chain restaurant" vibe. Moving on. ...
(3)
Miranda D.
Best restaurant if you are in the Brookline area!!! It is expensive. But some of the best food I have ever tasted!! It definitely makes you open up and try new things. I've tried blood sausage here, a squid ink dish, and other odd entrees! But it was all phenomenal!!! The staff is friendly, and share their opinions on the food! They always switch out their menu - so you never have all the same items! Fresh ingredients! Great sangria too
(5)
Robert S.
Went here with a group of 10. Not great for large groups, but the food was outstanding and we loved the energy of the place. Recommend, but not for someone looking for a quiet evening.
(4)
Judy N.
My boyfriend and I went there on a Saturday night, I called in earlier that day to set a reservation and was told that 630-730pm was their busiest time and it usually slows down a bit after that. When we got there at 945pm, it was packed!!!!! We waited at the bar until after 10 to be seated. The atmosphere was loud, there was a dj playing music and they had their door open to the front area seating. Lots of people mingling around. I guess I should've known since the place closes at 2am! The decor is cute, fits with the overall theme of the restaurant. The wine list is very extensive and impressive although we opted for the cocktails instead which were good. My favorite was the white sangria, if you like sweet cocktails you'll love this one!! We ordered four plates: Patatas bravas- delicious delicious delicious. Favorite dish of the night. Absolutely cannot go wrong with this one! Grilled asparagus- very well seasoned I was simply impressed. Calamari- now my boyfriend and I try the calamari of all the restaurants we go to so this one had a lot to live up to. Sadly, it did not fair too well compared to the others, I could've done without this dish. Grilled hangar steak- tender and juicy but the flavor isn't something I would rave about. It was good, not spectacular. That's also because I'm not the biggest fan of vinegar and I could taste it. If you don't mind that, then by all means try it! The waiter was funny, checked in with us often even though they were busy. I recommend this place for outings with friends, great late night hang out spot. I do not recommend it for a date night, especially if you're looking for a romantic/quiet setting. Overall, I like the place and I'm glad I tried it!
(4)
Allison B.
Amazing! This is a great place for going with a group of friends. I went with 2 friends so there was 3 of is and we got 6 tapas and it was perfect, and not too expensive! We got a bottle of wine and I have to say - everything was amazing. Great place to try new & different things instead of getting your typical pasta or chicken dish. Great ambience as well. I wouldn't recommend going if you're in a rush. It's always crowded so you may want to make a reservation and expect to wait a bit even with a reservation.
(5)
Laura K.
Boring, average food. Be sure to ask for the sangria without the added sugar or it is like drinking a sugary soft drink. No international flair at all. Full confession: I am a true foody. Don't bother with this one.
(1)
Chase S.
Having spent a long summer in Barcelona, Spain this is the closest to legit tapas food and atmosphere I have experienced in the U.S. The feel of the place is a great modern Spanish architecture with lots of social-tapas-speakeasy feel. The menu always changes and in the 3 times I've dined there, it has never disappointed and remained stellar food and service. Almost each occasion we receive a courtesy of the chef appetizer if you're an earlier diner. The wine selection is robust Spain selections -- I recommend anything via Priorat! Their rose list for summer is impressive, as well. For food, it changes often but the authentic dishes like Patatas Bravas, Fideos, Chorizo and Fig, and anything with octopus are musts. Don't skimp on deserts, either--the churros are amazing. Don't be shy about the cheese and charcuterie -- the spanish meats are amazing. Even the fresh bread and spicy table olive oil is authentic and delirious. Reservations are ideal as the place is always popular and busy. Coming around 6pm you can walk in with a 2-4 person party on a weekday no problem. The same around 9pm if you want to get real Spanish authentic. The real kicker? The price. Dinners for 4 people usually run around $120 for some us. That's incredible for this level of dining and experience. Can you say, "Thanks, I'm an official regular for life?"
(5)
Meaghan D.
Unfortunately, I have to give Barcelona three stars. The food is high quality but the service is inconsistent. At a tapas restaurant, I would not expect to wait fifteen-twenty minutes for the server to visit the table and take additional food/ drink orders. While the host and managers were extremely helpful, the servers were not. I have been here three times and have either had bad service or my name has been overlooked on the wait list.
(3)
Tin H.
Our first time ! Sorry to say not impress ! Two items I like was the drink , Brookline sour and the three cheeses! Two goat cheese and mild cow cheese ! Not rush to come back !! Michael likes eggplant and shrimp ! So Michael will go back without me !
(2)
Joann H.
Love this place!! We had reservations on a busy Friday night. Our table was ready right after we got a pitcher of sangria at the bar. The sangria was really good but after pitcher 2, it was getting really overly sweet and heavy. The bread is SO GOOD. It comes out warm with some olive oil. The empanadas are amazing and come with a really good sauce. The raspberry chocolate cake is the perfect dessert - warm, almost molten on the inside, with a nice crust on the outside. Devoured the whole thing alone. Servers were all very attentive despite how busy it was. Definitely a great place to go with a group!
(5)
Carolina Z.
Great place for Spanish food in Boston. I am originally from Barcelona, Spain and just moved to the US 2 years ago. It is true that is very difficult to get loyal and real Spanish food but this is one of the best ones that I have tried. I'll give 4 stars instead of 5 because of the HUGE waits to get a table in this restaurant. It is worth it, though. But I still had to wait despite having a reservation. PS: There is another Barcelona in Boston South End. I've been to both and I prefer the one in Brookline.
(4)
Viki N.
Best seafood paella ever! Super fresh seafood and you can actually taste it cooked into the rice. Really great service and the red sangria is amazing as well. Worth an out of town trip if you're a tapas lover!
(5)
Erica S.
I came here for brunch with few friends and the food was good. Live jazz band at the bar and we lingered at our table for a long time without the waitress rushing us. The orange juice tasted amazing and freshly squeezed. Service was great until our food was dropped off and no one ever came by to ask us how our food was. One of us felt we had received the wrong dish, I wanted a second round of orange juice, and the other one wanted hot sauce. By the time we could wrangle someone in my friends didn't care about there requests anymore. I requested an orange juice that never arrived. I would have thought it was a fluke but last time I was here it was at dinner and I ordered a cocktail that also never arrived. 3 stars for the good company and for the decent food and jazz but that's pretty much it. Really?
(3)
Jay S.
Absolutely outstanding. Everything from the way the staff treated us, the ambience and especially the amazing food was five star. Barcelona is truly special and will be enjoyed by all. We sampled about 15 tapas plates and each one delicious. The hanger steak just melted in your mouth, the chicken was packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Grilled squid was so good we ordered another plate despite having abundant amounts of food. Finishing with a perfect dessert of flan, an ice cream rolled in flour with butterscotch and chocolate and amazing cookies. Everything was first class.
(5)
Miranda M.
I've been here many many times and am just getting around to a review, but WOW! This place is just amazing! I studied abroad in Spain in college and can say that these Tapas are just like I'm there again. Barcelona Wine Bar is almost always packed so I would definitely reccomend a reservation. They only reserve half the restaurant leaving the other half open for walk ins, but it's still a minium of an hour wait. However, if you're aware of this going in you can easily kill a half hour in their bar area sipping on some delicious sangria or a glass of their many wine options. My last visit there was amazing as usual, but one of the "servers" went above and beyond! Now, I put that in quotes because she was more or less the girl that gave us our menus and filled our water glasses BUT she was so great. It was packed (as usual). Three of us sat down in a booth leaving one empty spot. A guy in the bar area who I guess didn't feel like holding onto his coat asked if he could put his coat in the empty spot. Now neither of my friends, nor I, are very confrontational so my friend agreed even though it was pretty annoying for him to do that. This girl apparently witnessed this and told him that he could not leave his coat there. He proteseted and told her we said he could, but she kept right on and told him he couldn't. She was so great about it! I wish I had gotten her name. Anyway, all in all this place is amazing and I go here any time I have a chance!! My favorite dishes: Hanger Steak Patatas Bravas Croquettes Tortilla
(5)
Douglas C.
I lived in Boston for 2 years and this was hands down the best restaurant in the city. Reasonably priced and delicious tapas (I would recommend the empanadas, truffle bikini and any of the meat and cheeses). Great atmosphere! It gets crowded, so make a reservation.
(5)
Kelly F.
Second review from: Brunch After watching countless pictures go up on social media, and drooling over them slightly, I have finally visited my favorite restaurant for brunch and was not disappointed. I went with a girlfriend of mine right when they opened and within 15 minutes the place looked like it had been open for hours. The bloody mary bar looked insane (though I wish i liked them enough to get one) the mimosa was delicious! I ordered the Barcelona Benedict after researching the type of sausage they use and it was incredible. (I did get this a second time when I went back a couple weeks later). Not too much hollandaise sauce, perfect amount and delicious. At a second visit a couple of friends at the table ordered the biscut and fried chicken and I am very disappointed to not have gotten this myself! Tried a taste and it was mouthwatering good! The Gravy? I need the recipe! On the second visit, I brought a brunch-hater (these exist apparently and i'm even dating this one) and even he was blown away and wants to return. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
WINE A.
We loved everything about this place... the decor, the food, the service, the philosophy. You can see in everything they do that they strive to deliver only the finest food and are dedicated to service... to do whatever it takes to please the customer. Everyone we encountered... the hostess, the bussers, food runners, and our excellent waiter Ryan G... was friendly, efficient and professional. The management and staff should be truly commended for what they have accomplished here. The chow was fantastic. Started with the perfect Serrano Ham and the Drunken Goat cheese. With the warm and crusty bread and olive oil it's a great way to begin a meal here... and my plan for every future visit (perhaps alternating the goat cheese with the Manchego). Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela, Lobster Risotto, Beef Empanadas... all excellent and served piping hot. Finished with the Barcelona (mixed grill) served with a salad... this was served on a board, also perfectly done... a very straight forward dish of Steak, Chicken, Pork Loin and Sausage... a lot of food (figure 1 "serving" for 2 people). Finished with the flan... good. The wine list is excellent, varied, and fairly priced. Nice selection of wines by the glass, proper glassware. I left this amazing place thinking of how fast I might be able to return and asking myself, "Why can't all restaurants be this good?"
(5)
MisoSoup O.
Just a disclosure - we never contacted the owner. A place needs to be as good as it gets not after a review, but before a review....
(1)
H P.
Wonderful addition to the Boston Tapas scene. Excellent food, decor, and service. Really enjoyed our time here and look forward to going again.
(4)
C B.
Simple amazing. The best restaurant experience I have had in a long time. From the delicious tapas to the grade A service. This is a place i will definitely return to and recommend to friends and family.
(5)
D C.
While I dropped a pretty penny at this place, it was totally worth it. There was an hour-long wait on a Wednesday night, so we weren't seated till 9 PM, but the staff were very friendly. So my friend and I figured, who knows when we'll get the chance to eat here again, let's go all out! We both ordered the white sangria with Barcelona's house-made "Fall Herbs" cordial (Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Gin & Velvet Falernum), and both had the same reaction after tasting it, we should've ordered a pitcher! By far, the best, most harmonic sangria I've ever had. In life. I'm sure I could never duplicate the recipe but I would love to try! For tapas/entrees, we split the patatas bravas, which came in a mixture of slightly-tangy/spicy and mayo-y sauces, and were delish, the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, which seem to be stewed in a balsamic/wine sauce and are highly-recommended, the spinach-chickpea cazuela, which I had to look up to determine the nature of, but was a really wonderful (if over-salted) sort of warm bean salad, and the chicken pimientos, which was also fantastic, but, with all the other items, we really could've skipped, as we were already full by the time it arrived! My friend also had the beef empanadas (I don't do red meat) and loved them, and I had the Cod a la Plancha, which, along with being the most expensive tapa at $9.50, was my least favorite, as it was really bland. Could've done without that one. But the bread was great, as other Yelpers have mentioned, and I will happily go back to Barcelona, with a reservation, as soon as I can!
(4)
Melanie M.
The food was amazing. The waiter was so attentive. My friends and I will definitely be back for more!
(5)
Lanya O.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. We had a very large group (11 people) and were seated so quickly without a reservation. We also had some extra friends join us, and they moved us to a larger table. Rob, the manager, is excellent and so accommodating! When we were at the bar for a second, I was able try a couple different wines that the bartender suggested and finally settled on one. It was perfect. We got our table and ordered some empanadas and the migas (so good!!). We had a great time. We even got a paella on the house! Tyler and Gabe, our waiters never left a glass unfilled and were amazingly attentive. At the end of the meal, they even split all the checks by item -- which is so hard for tapas! All in all, this place is a perfect 5. It's perfect for a night out with friends, date night, really whatever. We'll definitely be back. Thanks, Barcelona!!
(5)
Ann L.
Barcelona has a perfect summer patio that is such a nice getaway from the city, you will not want to leave. I recommend the white sangria (getting the pitcher is the way to go.)
(4)
J B.
We sat at the bar. Here is our experience! What can I say, the service was lackluster. The tapas went out before our bread came out, the bartender forgot our drink order, and it was like an act of congress to get one of the 3 bartenders attention. Additionally we were left without silverware.... The food was not memorable...Some tapas better than others, try the chorizo with figs really yummy; all the others were so expensive for what they were. The crepas were meh, so so cold very cold instead of the hot pastry cold ice cream everything was just cold. Additionally the temperature in the place was sweltering! Open a window!! No hooks under the bar! Add some hooks! People, especially in Boston have on tons of layers, what should I do with coat Barcelona, should I place it on the dirty floor. The place has a great concept that's unique for the area! But we would think twice of going there again, because there is a lot of missing elements to a full experience for their patrons!!! I was very disappointed.
(1)
Shawn Z.
Harisson is the man! Very attentive, made drink suggestions that were on point. Best grilled cheese I've ever had in my life. Very comfortable in a classy environment!
(5)
Janet G.
Really cute restaurant! Came here for brunch on Sunday. I liked the bread they served, warm and crusty. We ordered jamon for the table, and love how they cut the leg in front of you. Very tasty too. I had the chorizo benedict. I would say that the benedict dishes are not spectacular. The chorizo was good but felt slightly unsatisfied. It was probably because I had food envy for my friend's duck confit hash. I was split between that and what I ended up ordering and I wish I picked the duck hash. Will have to return for it. My friends' french toast looked good and both parties enjoyed it. One of my friend's daughters even exclaimed "yummy!" on the first bite. The fried chicken looked good too. Love that they have a live band playing. Definite points here! Can't wait to come back and try the tapas!
(4)
Alex R.
We didn't make a reservation and had were told we would have a 30-45 minute wait. While we waited slightly longer than the time they had told us, the manager brought us a lovely charcuterie platter on the house. The staff was extremely friendly and on point, despite the extreme volume of customers. All the food we ordered was artfully made and tasted amazing. Instant favorite. Would recommend to friends 10/10.
(5)
Victoria P.
Delicious food/drinks and wonderful ambience. I've come here a few times and the food is always on par. My all time favorite dish is the mussels diablo - the mussels are super tender and the sauce has just the right amount of kick. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My boyfriend really likes the traditional red sangria and I really like the summer st. sling. The service is always great and I love the rustic look and feel.
(4)
Karina L.
Rob, the manager at Barcelona WIne Bar, invited us back to make amends for the service we had last time. After much confusion, we finally had the chance to stop by this past weekend. Rob and the wait staff went above and beyond. We'd come back in a heartbeat now to finish off trying out the rest of the menu. Our waitress (I wish I got her name) was immensely pleasant and other waiters dropped off some additional must-try tapas throughout the meal. What a treat! Patatas bravas - Don't be underwhelmed the description. The potatoes were crisp and HOT. The aioli was fantastic, and we finished off the rest of the sauce with bread after the potatoes were done. Pigs ear - Rob said people request to be emailed when it's on the menu (which isn't often, so we were lucky!). I normally dislike pigs ear since they're always so tough but this pigs ear, which takes 4+ days to make, was soft, fatty, and delicious. Comes with a very very generous fistful of jalapenos. Albondigas - Tasty and moist meatballs. Actually tasted wonderful with our lobster fideos, which we *had* to get again since it was our standout dish last time. Roasted cauliflower - Delicious and creamy. Reminiscent of the patatas bravas. Chorizo and figs - A must get -- Wonderfully sweet and salty. Tasted great on top of bread with the whipped sheep cheese we ordered. Overall, our meal was flawless. I thank Rob and our waitress for our wonderful experience, and we'll be sure to come back sometime soon.
(5)
Rob Y.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday. Interior is darker and cosy and there's also outdoor seating for the days when the weather is nice. The food was excellent. I had the oxtail hash and it was done so well. Very savory, rich and really hit the spot. People raved about their meals and service was good. I was surprised to hear that this was a chain restaurant having locations in Atlanta and all over Conn. because it really felt like a intimate family-run type of place. Really enjoyed the food here and looking forward to visiting again next time we're in the area.
(5)
Deborah J.
Great place, I celebrated my birthday dinner with a couple of friends, great service and food.
(4)
Helia Z.
This might just be my favorite Boston area spot. Love their drinks, love their food, love the atmosphere - even though it's really loud at times. Totally affordable tapas and they are all so good! Waiters are usually pretty great (and funny), some of the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment. Great for friends, groups, dates, family... love it.
(5)
Jackie K.
Not the best tapas...but close. Lots of vegetarian options...best ones are torta (chive), the cauliflower and brocollini. Underwhelming was the asparagus and artichokes and patatas bravas. In the middle was the mushroom salad. Great drink menu for whatever you want (except beer)--I like the Bourbon Spice rack for a drink --very sweet--and I do not usually drink bourbon. Wine list is good. Also--best dessert were the crepes--amazing. Great waitstaff and prompt and friendly service. I've been to this place in New Haven and love it there. Here there is a little more competition but it is still good. The place is also not too loud so you can talk with your friends without screaming at each other across the table.
(4)
SaraLee C.
My boyfriend and I went late on Sat., night (around 11pm) and even with reservations, had to wait a little bit, so, bottom line, a crowded and popular place (an auspicious start)! Food/drinks: Overall, the food was pretty good. We had a combination of light and heavy plates: the steak tartare, kale salad, salvaje fideos, foie gras terrine. They tasted ... fine. But, after reading all these reviews, maybe my expectations were unfairly high, but, I was unimpressed with the taste and quality of the food. Obviously, the food tasted fine (see above: popular place in Brookline), but, I just wasn't impressed. The steak tartare... I've had better. The kale salad was heavy and oily for a "light" dish. Also, the fresh bread was (again) fine, but, nothing spectacular. The sangria was fine, but, I've had better and bigger. Oh! And they butchered dessert! That is just unforgivable. The cliche "less is more" is so true. We ordered the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence (see someone else's ... unintentionally misleading picture below). The chocolate and hazelnut core was great, but, the coconut ice cream was LOADED with miniature chocolate chips! Could I please get a side of ice cream with my chips, please?! I tried to pick out the chips, but, I gave up. The coconut ice cream probably would have tasted wonderfully with the chocolate and hazelnut, but, the chips absolutely ruined the experience. The tart raspberry sauce was beautiful and tasty. But, those damn chips. Service: Friendly enough, but, a little too casual. Ambiance: It was a Saturday night and despite being 11:30pm, it was crowded and LOUD. The music choice was interesting... interestingly odd at times. The interior design was somewhat inventive, but, spatial organization was .... unrefined; it was jam packed. I felt like a sardine. BOTTOM LINE: Unimpressed. It was a ... good dining experience, nothing spectacular.
(3)
Craig S.
Made reservations here for Valentine's Day and it was a great spot! The food was delicious (although we occasionally had to google what something on the menu was). Once we placed our order, I bet we didn't wait more than 4-5 minutes before the dishes started showing up. Very fast and very tasty. Only downside was our reservation was for 7 and we didn't get seated until nearly 8. Probably just a product of the holiday but it was still was a little upsetting. But the food, service and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)
John K.
Barcelona is a great place for dinner and drinks. I have been there a few times and have been pleased with each meal I have had. The service is also great as the wait staff is always positive and helpful when I have questions about the menu. By far the best dish on their tapas menu is the octopus. They make it so well, and it is tender and amazing. The only reasoning I am not giving it five stars is because of the price. It can get pretty pricey if you have more than a couple tapas and drinks, and because of the size of some of the plates, you need to eat more than a couple to feel satisfied. But overall, I would be very happy to go to Barcelona again!
(4)
Amanda D.
A friend and I snagged the last two open seats at the bar. We were both surprised to see how packed it was for a late dinner on a Sunday night. I soon discovered why. The bartender was attentive, knowledgeable and just a nice, amiable dude. Food was outstanding. This style of food is my jam. Good-sized small plates so that you can sample tons of dishes in a communal spirit. I was visiting Boston and my dining companion said this place is one of his favorites - and within walking distance to his place. He recommended the potato tortilla, which is not something I would normally order but holy sh*t balls, it was tasty. Probably my favorite out the many dishes we shared, including scallops, beet salad, roasted cauliflower and beef empanadas. All of it was so good. I also had a Rioja wine flight, all three wines were delicious. And the bartender was happy (in fact, he offered) to let me sample a few wines following the flight so that I could find something a little different but equally as good. (Yeah, I can throw down on some red wine.) My best meal during the four-day stay in Boston. Hands down.
(5)
Molly S.
Excellent food and wait staff. You definitely want to always have a reservation because it's super busy and it can sometimes be loud but that's mainly from a lot of people having a great time there :). Don't miss out on the sangria, it's fabulous!
(5)
Carrie L.
If you love tapas, you'll love Barcelona. The restaurant feels warm and inviting, high ceiling, very spacious, with a lot of outdoor seating. I recommend getting a reservation even if it's for a small party. You can also grab a drink at the bar as you wait. If you are fond of cheese, you have to get their Whipped Sheep's Cheese! Smooth soft texture of mild sheep's cheese, topped with pistachios and smoked paprika. It is perfection and I can't stop thinking about it!! It serves with 2 crispy sliced bread, but that's not enough. The cheese portion is plenty, so you'll have to ask for extra bread on the side to devour the whole thing. This is the one item that will keep me coming back for more. Kale Salad with anchovy vinaigrette and bread crumbs was another good tapa. This was my first time trying kale. Kale's taste is comparable to guava. I wish had more bread crumbs on it though. The main star of this dish is kale, just kale. Spiced Beef Empanadas: Saucy beef with red pepper sauce on the side. Definitely different but not my favorite. Jamon + Chicken Croquettes: Five tiny balls crispy fried on the outside with creamy interior. I couldn't taste the meat well, and the portion is small. Tasty nonetheless. Grilled Hanger Steak: At the recommendation of our server. Thinly sliced with black truffle vinaigrette. Tender, juicy, and the black truffle vinaigrette made it what it is. Foie Gras Terrine with olive oil crumble and jam. Paired with a Sherry wine. The foie gras was delicious, a bit salty.. but that compliments the Sherry pairing. Recommended tapas portion is 2-3 per person. They also have paella, suckling pig, and mixed grill I wanted to try next. Good meal!
(4)
Tim B.
Was talked into trying this place again. So sad I wasted my hard earned cash. What is the appeal of this place? Food is mediocre, over-priced, and the crowds make it am unpleasant experience. Must be the location, since if isn't the cuisine.
(1)
Cameron P.
I decided to check out Washington Sq after reading this write-up in the Boston Globe: bostonglobe.com/lifestyl… I dine out a lot but I don't venture far from my area since I live in Cambridge and there are already so many place for me to go. However, when the Boston Globe calls Washington Sq "Boston's Best Foodie Neighborhood" it demands exploration. I settles on Barcelona Wine Bar as my first point of attack and I'm glad I did. Usually I am weary of tapas places because when you really like a certain dish it sometimes hard to hold yourself back before the other person has a chance to get their portion (anyone else have this problem?). At Barcelona I did not have this problem. I waited with a friend for an hour before we got seated which I would almost never do but it was 100% worth it and I would do it again. The service is friendly, spectacular, knowledgeable, nice, and every other positive adjective you can think of. The environment rules. It's casual enough that you can feel comfortable in any attire but it's nice enough that it still has a distinguished feel. They also serve hors d'oeurves to patrons waiting in line. Now let me break down the order: -Meat and cheese combo plate, we picked Finnicchiona (salami), Oriol de Montbru (buffalo cheese, like from a buffalo, not like Buffalo Wings), and Cabra Romero (goat cheese with rosemary...this was $17.50 -Spiced Chickpea fries...5 home fry style cubes with taziki sauce...this was $3.50 -Chicory Salad with green apples and prosciutto...about $10 -Eggplant caponata...I'm not usually a big eggplant person but caponata is amazing...about $10 -Grilled Brussels sprouts...this was my second time having Brussels sprouts in 20 years because I hated them as a kid, I decided to try them here and I now love them...about $10 -Barcelona Mixed Grill for 1 but was more than enough for 2...steak, pork, sausage, and chicken...$24.50 That's right...ALL of that food for $75. They also made me a virgin Rasberry Mojito since I don't drink. Any places that make mocktails for sober patrons get extra points in my book. I don't remember my servers name but at the end of the meal the Assistant GM Rob came over and asked me how everything was. After telling him how incredible our experience was I got him to take a picture with me (see photos, I am on the right). I will definitely be back here. Make your reservations early to avoid a wait. A least a day in advance.
(5)
ILya G.
Food was great, but waiter was very slow took 35 min to bring one of order that i and my aunt orderid
(2)
Christina H.
I cannot say it enough - this place is great! Time & time again my girlfriend and I have experience exceptional service and delicious food. Our latest visit was on Saturday, July 11th, and we had an amazing time. Our waiter, Eamon, was incredibly attentive and had a great personality. The rest of the waitstaff that we encountered were just as pleasant. This restaurant has become one of my all-time favorites and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Dale F.
Delicious legitimate Catalonian-influenced cuisine. Fresh, locally sourced provisions. Exceptional wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Pleasant staff. Attractive.
(4)
Amanda L.
One of my good friends has been raving about this place. She probably goes once a week since she lives nearby and every time she goes it just sounds better and better so I had to try it out. I went with said friend and another girl on a Saturday evening. One of the ladies got to the restaurant around 5:30 to put our name in since the wait for this place is ridiculous. After putting in our name they told her it would be about 25-30 minutes until we were seated. We snagged 2 seats at the bar and drank some tasty sangria while we waited for the third friend to show up. First we were glad it took longer than the anticipated wait time as our final member of our party showed up around 6:30, but we waited, and waited some more. Luckily our tardy friend was able to grab a seat next to us at the bar. 7:30 rolled around and we still hadn't been called so we just decided to eat at the bar. I think this place needs to do a better job of estimating wait time. I get that it's never exact, but there's a huge difference between 25-30 minutes and 2 hours. (I should also note that the host showed up at the bar around 6:30 to let us know we would be seated shortly as a few tables were finishing up/just getting their bills). Too bad 'shortly' in his head equates to 1+ hour. The food was fine. We ordered and shared the following: - Kale Salad - Jamon & Chicken Croquettes - Patatas Bravas - Truffled "Bikini" - Roasted Cauliflower - Meatballs - Scallops over Chick Peas We look like farm animals ordering so much food but the portions are tiny. The Kale Salad was so 'blah.' Skip it. We also noticed that the same truffle sauce was on the Patatas Bravas, under the Croquettes and Truffled "Bikini" and also on the Roasted Cauliflower. Redundancy at its finest. Looks like they found their magic recipe for truffle sauce and put it on everything which is a little disappointing. It should also be noted that the Truffled "Bikini" is basically a grilled cheese with ham and truffle oil. Skip it. Save yourself $9 and make it at home. For me, the standout items were the meatballs, which were so flavorful and tender, and the roasted cauliflower. Perfectly roasted with just the right seasoning and not overly coated in that truffle sauce. With everything that we ordered and a pitcher of sangria and a few beers I thought everything seemed fairly priced. We ended up paying about $33 each (not including tip). Check this place out. The food is decent but either make a reservation or show up early to grab a seat at the bar.
(3)
Reynolds P.
come for the tapas. stay for the tapas.
(5)
Jenna A.
I had such a pleasant meal and glass of wine, I must repeat the evening to give a better, detailed review. LOL
(4)
Darneesh T.
I went here with a friend last night, and it was amazing. For 5:30 p on a Saturday, this place was already packed as I sat at the bar waiting for said friend (gotta love the T). Anyhoo, the bartenders were incredibly attentive and even gave us a complimentary crepe after we had the marvelous tapas, wine and sangria. The only bad part was the expensive bill, but you get what you pay for here. Would definitely come again...and may have to be rolled out of there because you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Pro-tip: good for dinner with friends and a third date with the bae...its a little too loud for the first two dates
(5)
Mike H.
I 100% know this review probably won't be that helpful, but just hear me out. I have a friend who absolutely has her game face on all the time. She organized a night out with four of our other friends, and planned out an itinerary. She even factored into the time it would take for a table to be ready (used it as bar mingling time), and travel time on to the next venue. All of this was done in a very non-controlling way, and totally worked. Well. She had been the only one that had ever been to Barcelona. So she took it upon herself to order for us as we all stared at the menu. Before we knew it, food was showing up at the table before I even had a chance to order another drink (the drinks were made very well, so kudos). I remember the food being delicious, and I'l try to remember what was ordered. I remember seeing meatballs, meat that was almond fed all its life, or something like that, hangar steak, patatas bravaro and a cheese plate. Next time I go I'll know what to order (or at least attempt it), but for a good group dinner, it's a fun time.
(5)
Lindsay K.
Had such a good meal here last night with some friends. Thought we were going to spend a fortune because of how much we ordered but were so pleasantly surprised when we got the check and it was totally reasonable!! The food itself was also amazing and perfectly portioned! Some of our favs included the sea bass ceviche, the ham and chz bikini (SO GOOOOOD), the hanger steak, the scallops. Since it was my friends birthday, we got the crepes which were also delicious! We also got a pitcher of sangria which was so yummy and worth it! Would definitely come back for another meal soon!
(5)
Ashley D.
Best place for tapas in Boston. I've been here a few times now and each time I've had an amazing experience. First off, they have a really, really good looking staff (never hurts a business). It's usually very crowded, especially on the weekend, but as long as your prepared to either wait a bit or make a later reservation, it's really not that bad. The bar has been pretty packed each time I've come in so it can be hard to get a drink while you're waiting but the bartenders are nice to look at so if you have to stand around waiting you at least have something pretty to focus your attention on. All the good things we ate: -chorizo with sweet and sour figs -paella dishes: I've tried the mushroom and the sausage and rabbit. My friend who's lived in Spain for a few months said that it is legit Spanish paella so she's backing it up. -patatas bravas -mushroom risotto -goat cheese croquettes The tapas menu changes on the regular so it varies everytime you visit, but honestly I can't imagine going wrong with anything on the menu. Each dish has a unique combo of traditional and creative flavors and they all taste awesome. One of our friends also has a lot of dietary restrictions and the kitchen and our waitress were extremely accommodating and so so sweet. If I had the money, I would be here every week! It's the perfect place to hangout with a group of friends and enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.
(5)
RoslindaMal E.
-The Bar- I arrived a bit early for my 8:15 reservation, so we hung out at the bar for a spell. The area around the bar felt club-esque; very vibrant and very loud from the background music and the wall to wall people. As the bar area is loud, you need to
(4)
Gretzsky Z.
The tapas here are good, but the dessert menu and service are lackluster. Therefore, I'm giving Barcelona two stars. I had a very bad experience here two Saturdays ago (November 8th). I came in with a group of three friends (four total including me) around 11 pm on Saturday. The restaurant and bar, yet we waited over 10 minutes to order a drink at the bar while we waited for a booth to open up. None of the bartenders even acknowledged us and we weren't able to order any drinks while we waited. After we were seated, we had our first server take our orders. Five minutes later-another server comes back and informs us that the first one is gone because they transitioned shifts. Which was fine-so we put in our oder again. I then received the wrong type of sangria-I ordered the "fall herb syrup" one, but was given the fruit sangria instead. Because of the slow service, I didn't even bother to re-order. The server also came back and asked me a second time what I had ordered for dessert. When I finally received my dessert (the chocolate hazelnut indulgence), I was immediately disappointed. There was no hint of hazelnut in it and it tasted like a re-heated frozen lava cake that you find at the grocery store or at Chili's. Definitely not up to par with the rest of the culinary offerings here. None of my friends liked the dessert either. When we got our bill, my friend noticed that she was charged for a drink that she didn't order. Needless to say, the service that night was inattentive and incredibly sloppy. I doubt that I am going to return to Barcelona because of this experience.
(2)
David C.
I've always lamented the lack of unique and delicious dining options in Brookline that don't serve sushi, but Barcelona Wine Bar, which recently opened in Washington Square featuring a delicious array of meats and cheeses, tapas, and larger plates, is a step in the right direction. I highly recommend the grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette and the chorizo with figs (make sure to request extra bread to mop of their respective sauces). Even if the food weren't as good as it is, BWB would be an amazing place to come for drinks. As I've only been for brunch (yes, they even do brunch, although it's a little pricey, and you're better off getting eggs than french toast) I've yet to see the bar area come alive, but given how warm and inviting the space is, I can only imagine good things. Expect to see me here again real soon with any number of empty cocktail glasses scattered in front of me. I saw lots on the menu that I need to try.
(4)
Camila S.
So good! Had the croquettes, patatas bravas, migas, albondigas, and egg tortilla. All were perfect! The tapas are reasonably priced for the caliber of restaurant. We sat outside when it was 50 degrees and were given blankets and sat near the heaters. Very nice environment. The service was impeccable. I loved this place! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Been here a few times and to the ones in CT. Each time drinks have come out completely wrong or been totally forgotten about when you order at your table. Disappointing because food is interesting and the hangar steak is awesome! 2 main issues: you have to call to make reservations. The woman who answered was rude and that's after calling 5 times to get someone to answer the phone. She then said they were too busy at time we wanted and had us come a half hour earlier. When we got there restaurant was completely empty. The host staff and bored servers congregate at entry way. Then they all constantly watch you eat your meal and whisper while staring at you so they can try to seat someone at your table when you get up. If you wanted to know what it's like to be a zoo animal this is the place for you. Don't like being rushed through a meal especially in a quieter neighborhood.
(3)
Annie I.
I have been here several times with my family and every single time they deliver. Great wine, great food, great experience. Get the serrano ham, the mushroom tapas, the truffle bikini, and the bravas. So so good!
(5)
Dot T.
This is one of our favorite local spots. We love everything about it here. The service is excellent - from management, to waitstaff, to bartenders. The atmosphere is inviting - both in the winter and the summer, and the music is great. We come back, however, for the food. There is something on the menu for everyone and the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal. We love that the menu changes, but the staples remain the same.
(5)
Minju K.
I went for nice dinner with 7 people and we had a great great time here. Their Sangria is AMAZING. we had the traditional white wine sangria and I want to try other ones cuz I heard all of them are really. For 7 people we ordered about 10 dishes of tapas and 3 people portion of chorizo paella. I love the food here so much and it's a really really nice date spot or place for come for fancy dinner with friends :) I would definitely bring my guests in town for dinner
(5)
Clare F.
Going to a spanish place with chilli, hot pepper, and paprika allergies is not ideal. I understand that, and also do my best to try not to be too much of a pain, and to avoid opting for places that serve things with those ingredients. But bachelorette parties go great with sangria, so we ended up here last night. Our server James and his co-server Tyler were phenomenal. James was chatty and friendly, quick to recommend (even if it meant we opted for the $26 sangria pitcher rather than the $52 "carafe"). When someone's beer took some time to come out, he came over to reassure us that he was on top of it. We started with a few meats and cheeses. James was quick to warn me of cross-contamination with the meats, and to stick to the cheeses, which I was happy to do. We ordered the manchengo, a goat described as grassy, and a smoked cow's milk. They were all divine. The goat was incredible and spread well on the crusty bread, and the smoked cheese was even smokier than most smoked goudas, in a great way. The olive oil paired with the bread was super flavorful. The white sangria was the perfectly refreshing drink. We ended up getting two pitchers. I loved that it came with apple slices hanging out with the liquid - I had just as much fun fishing out the apples to eat as drinking the sangria itself! Be careful though - it is stronger than it tastes, We ordered several tapas next, several of which I couldn't eat, but whatever. James assured me that he'd get us patatas bravas without the spice and just the aioli, and I was able to munch on the kale salad as well. First patatas bravas plate comes out - served on top of a tomato-looking sauce. I had a friend try it first and she confirmed that the sauce had some heat. Totally fine. James came to check on us, and apologized that the potatoes had the spice, he had asked for it on the side. Totally fine. He said he would send over a new plate. The other food comes out and everyone loved it. I munched on kale and polished off the last piece of bread, waiting for potatoes. Out comes the second plate of patatas bravas. At first it looked ok, and then we discovered that the sauce was still there, but there was just less of it. I'm really not one to complain, servers have a hard enough job as it is, but James the wonder-waiter noticed it, and went back to the kitchen to try to get me a actual plate of potatoes I could eat. He was so apologetic and finally I got my non-spicy potatoes, still with the delicious aioli. What a treat! And everyone else had been able to eat the rest of the food, so I was pretty much the only one eating them. The manager came out and apologized as well, and James brought the dessert menu. We split three between the five of us - churros, a chocolate-hazelnut concoction, and cookies with a caramel sauce sandwiched in between them. All were divine. The churros were the right amount of cinnamon-y and flakey, and they were served with hot chocolate dipping sauce. The cookies were light and the caramel sauce had just enough salt to cut the sweetness. The chocolate hazelnut blog was unreal. It is always surprising how cheap tapas can run you with a big party, but when we got the bill we saw they had comped us ALL of the potato orders, as well as one of the desserts. Really appreciated that. Bravo, Barcelona. You are a model of customer service. Even if you had gotten everything right at the beginning, you still would have gotten the full five stars.
(5)
Alexandra L.
The Quick: Such a perfect place to get brunch-- sit outside and people watch while drinking delicious bloody Mary's. The Details: Every single tapas we tried was incredible, and with a group of 5 we might have tried almost all of them! There were too many bloody Mary's involved to remember what my favorite dish was, but you will enjoy everything. As a lady who brunches, I'm rating this spot a must try.
(4)
Marceline V.
Worth the wait! I visited for the first time last weekend and fell in love!! This was my first time at a tapas restaurant and I didn't think I would be full but was pleasantly surprised by how full one can get when sharing food. The wait was long...they opened at 5pm and they were busy for the rest of the night. While we waited they brought out appetizers to sample (Jamon and Chicken Croquettes) and traditional red Sangria. I didn't taste the appetizer (the pescetarian in the group) but the Sangria was very good. Once we were finally seated we were greeted by a great waiter who made our first time very pleasant. He answered all of our questions and gave great suggestions. For dinner I ordered the Spinach-Chickpea Casuela and the Lobster Fideos. Both of which were amazing! I also had the red ginger pepper Sangria and it was perfect! Just the thought of the whole night makes me want to run back there this evening!
(5)
Ashley R.
This is the best place for a group of people! Very casual and very friendly staff. I have been here a few times, and the other day was the first time the manager came over and actually had a conversation with me. He was very polite and friendly.
(5)
Nuvia B.
This was the best food I've had in a long time. The hanger steak and the hot dahlia were both superb!
(5)
Shivangi S.
I have been to this place twice in three days, and my two experiences were very different from each other. The first time I went was on a Saturday afternoon. Since I'm vegetarian, I ordered the tomato soup and they made the vegetable paella upon request. Both were fantastic! The tomato soup had a great depth of flavour and beautiful texture. For dessert, I ordered the churros and they were out of this world! Uber fluffy and delicious. The second time I went was for dinner on monday. The tomato soup was off the menu, which disappointed me. I ordered the butternut squash and chickpea tapas . Both were very average. So was the veggie paella. The only three things that made my night were their warm bread, churros and service!
(4)
Daniel P.
Great restaurant. My personal favorite that these guys do the Jamon Iberico the real way. It just melts in your mouth. All of the food here is good and very well done. Meats are juicy, salads well made, just overall great. This place is also kicking! There is always a line, but i think it is worth it. The food is a little pricey, but i think it is well worth it. Also the sangria is great as expected. Check it out!
(4)
Sonia N.
We went here as a large party for my birthday last week, a group of 10 to be exact and what can I say, we ate up a storm! Our pitchers of red sangria were never empty and we devoured any and all food that arrived at our table within minutes. Now for the food: Patatas Bravas: Perfect and crispy. We had to get 2 more orders. It was that good! Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Tasted fresh but salty. Must've heavy handed on the anchovies. Scallops a la Plancha - Tender and flavorful. Great addition. Squid Ink Fideos - Very tasty and unique. Highly recommended. Do us a favor and smile after and then laugh it off when you see the black teeth. Don't worry, it doesn't stain. Grilled Broccolini - Fresh and crunchy Calamari - This was ok...I would consider it standard fare. Mariscos Paella - This tasted better than many paellas I've had in the past so it's definitely worth getting if you love paellas. Portions are large enough to feed a family of 4 since it a 2 order minimum to order it. We had 4 servings worth for the table. The only odd thing was that one pot was salty while the paella on the other end of our table was not? Barcelona Mixed Grill - Same comment as the paella for the most part. Ginormous portions and the meat (per my carnivorous friends) was very tender but a tad bit salty. All in all? This place has great ambiance, attentive service and the food for the most part was a solid 4 stars. Between this or Fairsted Kitchen next door, this one wins hands down. I would absolutely go back if I'm around the Brookline/Brighton area again!
(4)
Peter W.
I have heard a lot of praise for this place so finally decided to give it a try. We had about 12 different tapas for four people. Everything was great except the meatballs was only ok. Their drinks are fun and tasty. I am definitely coming back to try different tapas and the big dinner platters. Service was solid. Atmosphere is hip.
(4)
Cailee M.
God I love this place, everything I've had has been phenomenal. I especially love the rabbit cassoulet, the papas, and the bone marrow (followed up by a bone luge--trust me, it sounds weird, but it's awesome). The service is also fantastic. If even the slightest thing goes wrong, expect some free apps or sangria as a gesture. Also, if you're waiting at the bar for a long time, they will also sometimes through some free apps your directions.
(5)
Y M.
I meant to give 4.5 stars, I took 1/2 star off just because their paella was a little bit to dry for my taste but everything else was perfect, drinks services and ambiance. I think to round it down would be unfair. I was there with my friends and they ate so little so we only ordered 5 tapas and paella I wish I am skinny I would have totally eaten more the other night. I will go back soon with my boy.
(5)
Felicia C.
Love love love this place. One of the places for multiple visits. The place is huge but very welcoming. Food is always consistent. Lots of drinks choices. Not a romantic place because it can get quite loud.
(5)
M K.
Wow, my husband and I ate there two weeks ago for the first time and we couldn't be more impressed! What a great meal we had there. My husband and I had these dishes: fig and chorizo (you have to get it! It's soooo delicious) fall chop salad (incredibly yummy!) grilled redfish (delicious, although the portion was kind of small) croquettes (yummy!) grilled eggplant with basil (this one was OK) steak with truffle sauce (we got this since people on Yelp seemed to love this dish, but we thought it was just OK). crepes (filled with caramel - while I am not too into sweets, this one was very good) My husband had a whisky cocktail and that was very good, too. Also, this place has great, very attentive service, and that made our dining experience incredibly enjoyable. We are definitely coming back. Oh, make sure to get a reservation because this place gets so busy on weekends!
(5)
Thomas N.
Came here for an friend b'day ( 16 people ) To make this nice and simple the group chose tapas menu Service, 10 stars! ********** Large group didn't even put an dent to their wonderful service. Ambience, nice and relaxing perfect lighting with toned down music in the background Food, not bad not bad at all ( grilled calamari,flank steak and shrimp scampi ) def need to come back for more! What I missed out on was this waiter walking around with an fresh whole prosciutto sliced to order... sighhhhh Till next time Barcelona!
(5)
Al Y.
Visited a Friday night in January 2015. The place was packed and a bit noisy and we waited around half an hour to be seated. For families with kids Friday night visit may not be the best idea. The food was really good. I mean Chorizo & fig was exceptional and the hanger steak was great (but small). The other platters and drinks were also very good. The waiters were friendly and attentive. Overall not a bad experience.
(3)
K. H.
This place is amazing! We went on a busy Saturday night w/o reservations and they had us sat within 20 minutes. Although we waited a while for our drinks at the bar..the bartender was really sweet and made excellent drinks! Our server Joy was awesome! She is the main reason I wanted to write a review. She knew the menu well and was absolutely hilarious. They found a gem with her! We tried the hangsteak,empanadas and calamari. All were fabulous! The warm apple crisp for dessert is a must!! I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)
Sophie N.
Overrated. Pretentious bar scene. I HATE that it's a wine bar and they serve their red wine by the glass grossly warm. I venture to say it's below room temp. Really incredible that they would profess to be a wine bar.
(2)
Elayne P.
Best tapas I've had and I've been to Spain before! Got the Barcelona steakhouse for two (shared by three)...meat was perfectly cooked. Also ordered jamón serrano, chorizo and figs (my favorite omg) and mushrooms with goat cheese. All so so so delicious!! definitely will be going back!
(5)
Michael C.
A well deserved 5 stars for this epic wine and tapas bar. The layout of this place is unique and expansive, this is not a restaurant where you will ever feel congested. The set up allows this place to handle big group as well as small parties. I was surprised to find out this place was a small national chain, only because the food was so stellar. To top it off our bartender BJ and the manager Herman were both top notch, they seemed genuinely concerned about how we thought about our experience in their restaurant. The dishes ranged from good to outstanding. Here is what we had: White & Red Sangria's - Not the best sangria I've ever had but pretty damn good. Both were more juicy than some heavier sangria's I've had in the past. They also had a little fizz to them but they were both light and flavorful. Kale Salad - Normally I stay away from plain greens but this dish was anything but. Whatever they glazed the kale in was off the charts. Octopus Salad - This dish is hardly a salad, in fact it is more of a grilled octopus dish than anything else mixed with some sauteed onions and peppers. The octopus was perfectly flavored and tender. Lobster Fideos - One of the highlights of the meal. It is basically a take on paella but with a type of short noodle instead of rice. 4 generous chunks of lobster Grilled Hangar Steak - Another highlight of the meal. A very simple but straightforward dish. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak topped with a truffle reduction sauce. Chorizo + Sweet and Sour Figs - This dish could have been a little better. I think it came a little overcooked because some of the chorizo were hard as rocks with crystallized brown sugar while others were pretty tender. The figs and the sauce were so good though. Patatas Bravas - Loose translation is "angry potatoes". Pretty standard dish of lightly fried (or baked?) potatoes with a spicy ketchup sauce.
(5)
Tonya S.
After hearing raving reviews from my foodie friend about Barcelona, she finally brought me here to see what the fuss was all about. Let me tell you, it was exceptionally fantastic from the food, drinks, to the bar staff. We ordered an array of piquant tapas and colorful drinks that gradually came out throughout the evening with perfect timing. The crowd is pretty diverse but mostly young professionals until midnight strikes. It's interesting to see the crowd turnover to the late 30's - 40's crowd as we sipped on our drinks and batted off "men on the prowl". The atmosphere is tasteful and modernly designed. 8 cocktails, 1 dessert and 5 tapas later, we found our bill to be reasonable for the quality. Who would I take here? It would be anyone from your date, a few girlfriends to a small birthday party (but only if you make reservations!)
(5)
Jamal S.
The food is ok, we were a party of 7, there was nothing remarkable about anything we had. The paella lacked that distinctive saffron flavor, the mixed grill was good quality, the rest of the tapas were just fine.
(3)
Amy L.
Amazing atmosphere, such a fun place to enjoy delicious tapas. I LOVE their wine menu. I got a delicious Argentinean cabarnet. Only negative is that it takes a long time to get a table here so Make a reservation. Still give it 5 stars though and I will def be going back.
(5)
Sonia D.
OMG is all I have to say!!! This place is AMAZING, from the staff, food, knowledge and WINE. I am obsessed and so happy this place opened up. Also, happy that its not located in Boston so its not stuffy at all and more of a local crowd. I met a friend for dinner and wine on Sunday night and we couldn't have been happier with the decision we chose. I got there first and sat at the bar and was welcomed by BJ the bartender. Kind of sad that she is only here for the opening and then will go back home because she is super friendly and knowledgeable. Hopefully she will train others to be like her. They wine menu is pretty extensive and they are mainly Spanish and other countries I don't usually drink so I told BJ I like Pinot Noirs and she had me try an amazing one called Abadia Da Cova. The first sip went down so smooth that I didn't want to try anything else and had her pour me a glass. My friend got there a little bit after me and ordered the white sangria and he was a big fan. We continued to order a bunch of tapas. I took pictures of all and will also list them out. Octopus Salad Kale Salad Chorizo with sweet carmalized figs Flank steak (to die for) Lobster Fideos (served in a paella pan but instead of rice it had cut up vermicelli) Honestly, everything was so amazing and it was a perfect end to my weekend. BJ also introduced us to the manager Herman. He was super sweet and friendsly and made us feel like regulars already. When we were walking out he remembered my name and said bye. That is HUGE and makes you feel special. Great added touch and awesome management skills!!!!! We never felt rushed which was also nice. When we asked for our bill they give you a survey to complete and if you do you get a token for your next visit for a free tapas. SCORE! I will definitely be back and anyone looking for a cool spot that serves delicious wine and food, definitely check out Barcelona! I hope it stays a hidden gem for a little but chances are it won't. See you soon Barcelona wine bar!!
(5)
SL M.
Outdoor seating is awesome. This place has a ton of seats. Just as well as it has a true tapas menu to savor. Service was very friendly and patient. The sangria was very good (both white and red). We had chorizo with fig and a chickpea spinach dish. The chorizo was a little too sweet for me, but I'm particular in that I don't like many sweets. We found the bill to be very reasonable. We will be back.
(4)
Julia H.
I went on a Friday night with two other people, and the spacious restaurant was packed. We decided that if it was that crowded, it must be worth the hour and a half wait, and it was. I ordered three tapas; the potato tortilla, potatas bravas, and the watermelon radish salad with avocado. (I know, that's a lot of potato, but that was my own error.) The food arrived in a steady stream, and the service was reasonably good considering how busy it was. The only major detraction from the meal was the saltiness of the watermelon radish salad. The vinaigrette was salty, and it was topped with salt to finish it. The cleanliness of the dish was overwhelmed by the saltbomb that covered it. Overall, it has a great warm atmosphere that suits itself well to groups, but prepare to wait for a table if you go on a weekend.
(4)
Matt L.
There are several options in Boston for Tapas nowadays but I have to say this one has to take top honors. This looks to be one of the more popular options and was jam packed on a Sunday night. Sitting on Beacon in Brookline, the outside of the place looks like it is one of the trendiest spots on this street filled with restaurants. Large inside, with really cool tastefully done designs with dark wood and very large with a bar side and a deep dining room side and even an outside patio on both sides. The staff here is quick on their feet and we were seated right away. If you do not make a reservation here, you might be left standing outside with wait times up to two hours on weekends. This is a very lively and loud place and looks like it is always busy with several large groups in attendance. Menu offerings are some very creative cocktails, lots of various beers and a very vast wine list and of course lots and lots of tasty Sangria. The Tapas listings are of course several meats, cheeses and salads and seafood in smaller portions. We opted for the hanger steak, potato tortilla, mushrooms with balsamic, meatballs and mini grill cheeses. From start to finish every bite was delicious and tasted absolutely fantastic! Cooked to perfection with some interesting sauces and even the bread and olive oil was done beautifully. Service to start was a bit slow to start, however very friendly, helpful and ended very well. Even the dessert here, two crepes stuffed with dolce de leche and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and the churros with dark chocolate sauce to dip was unreal. Plus the prices are modest for the food ordered. Excellent meal and will surely return!
(5)
Foodie I.
9/3/2014 update We gave this place another try, this time on a mid week in the evening and had an outstanding meal, great service, and felt compelled to change the rating to a 5 Star experience. Four of us ordered 4 cheeses, 4 meats, a croquettes, a couple pitches of Sangria, and a couple flans for desert, and all were fantastic. The service was attentive and available without being overly hovering, and the food was all delicious! Great job Barcelona, you deserve a 5 Star rating!
(5)
Daniela R.
I would have given this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the sangria. All of the syrup was stuck on the bottom of the pitcher and our last glass was way to sweet. On another note, the service was on par. It was excellent. Our waitress kept filling up our glasses and was very attentive. The food came out in a timely manner. The food was very good as well. I hold Spanish food to a high standard as it is my favorite cuisine and I've travelled around Spain a lot. I thought I was going to be disappointed by the morcilla but Ivwas actually quite impressed. Everything was pretty good. Even the croquetas were great. The only thing I will say is that the deep fried calamari was less then exceptional. Ambiance and vibes are excellent and there was a good jazz band playing during brunch. I will be coming back soon.
Went on a weeknight with one of my vendors who recommended barcelona...he was from Portugal ... he would know, right? I reserved in advance for 4 at 7:30 ... we'll try to get you in, but we're booked up at that time. Wednesday night, Washington Square with tons of good restaurants...across Beacon from Ribelle. Bare in mind, almost non-existent signage ... look for a stack of wood beams - Entrance. OK, Ok we arrived a few minutes early... like 10...no prob, right this way. This was going well. Nice table. Prompt, polite service...laid down the drill, the waiter's name and the meal began in a very Spanish setting - a little noisy, great smells, good crowd and great vibe. Waiter recommended a red ±$40 "brought over a taste" ...Xlent way to start, then the parade of tapas ... salads, calamari, serano ham, beet pistachio salad, paella, hanger steak and more. All - over the top as was the whole experience. Well done. Later found out they are one of a number of barcelona wine bars, yet this one felt like the owners were sitting in the room with you...very welcoming, personalized and comfortable. We shall return.
(5)
Michelle A. L.
Took my parents to Barcelona for Easter brunch after hearing rave reviews about the menu and ambiance from friends and we were not disappointed. We made a reservation to avoid a wait and ended up being seated across the live jazz band. They were great and so was our server, Holly, who was very nice and attentive. The food deserves 5 stars. Everything we ordered (meat + cheese, tapas, entrees) was delicious! I can't wait to go back to try the dinner menu!
(5)
Ben H.
My girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Barcelona last week for my birthday. It was my first time and I had heard nothing but good things. Overall our experience was ok, not great. We had a rude waiter who made no mention, even after checking my ID after ordering drinks, that it was my birthday. He had bigger parties to focus on and barely gave my girlfriend and I the time of day. My girlfriend had also set up, and confirmed, a birthday dessert for me which everyone knew about except the waiter. Our first experience was tainted which I wrote about in detail on the provided comment card and sent of a 140 character review on Twitter as well. Brad, a manager, reached out to me via email apologizing for our experience and inviting us back for a complimentary meal. We returned last night; Brad introduced himself, asked if the table he reserved for us on the patio was ok and quickly sat us down. Our waiter was fantastic and multiple managers introduced themselves to us and asked how things were. Our first experience last week wasn't a disaster by any means - they really went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing second experience. We even joked that we felt like food critics getting the royal treatment! The night ended with my birthday dessert, complete with a candle on top. At the end of the meal our waiter told us the entire meal was complimentary, however we left him a generous and well deserved tip. I will be back, without a doubt. Amazing food, awesome atmosphere and incredible staff.
(5)
Andreas L.
Really an awesome place with great food and amazing ambient. The male hostess was a bit grumpyish but who cares. Maybe he was jealous not to get the same level of attention like the waiters. The other staff was very friendly and knowledgable, helpful and eager to make my stay a nice experience. Certainly worth trying the white sangria "summer fresh" !
(4)
Jackie C.
Yes yes yes! So amazing! Ordered 6 tapas and 2 deserts and the bill was roughly $55? So reasonable! Get there early-ish cuz it fills up fast!
(5)
Caitlin B.
High quality Spanish food; drinks are unbelievable (and seasonal!) Atmosphere in restaurant is wonderful. I could stay all day and night!
(5)
Ali D.
I'm a huge fan of tapas and sangria, generally, and Barcelona is delicious! Wait times were very overwhelming when the restaurant first opened, and it's crowded most nights, so it's best to plan ahead and make a reservation. I had an odd experience during one visit where the waiter sat with us to chat for an inordinate amount of time... and then proceeded to bring over a dessert that we didn't order. While well-meaning, he charged us for the dish; and I would have rather picked something that I actually really wanted. While pricey, the food is of good quality and it's a nice little nice out with friends if you're in Brookline.
(4)
Elly W.
Had dinner here with some friends. Super busy place, thank goodness for reservations. The staff are super friendly and the environment is super cool. Everything is clean. The food was Awesome and the white sangria was very delicious. Definitely would go back. Enjoyed the foie gras pate with sherry. Also the Lamb chops are a must!!!
(4)
Serena P.
Delicious food. The only reason why I will four star instead of 5 is because we were on the waiting list to get seated and we told the hostess we were going to wait at the bar. Although she acknowledged this, they never called us to get seated even though we noticed people who came in after us were eventually getting seated before us. We assumed that they assumed we were going to eat at the bar even though we were on the waiting list. we would have liked to have been seated but we did not want to make a stink. our server also forgot about a dish but made up for that delay with a free appetizer, which was very tasty! All and all, a good experience but not one from a table like we had wanted.
(4)
Lily S.
So it kind of pains me to write this, but...not really all that impressed. The first time I came here, I wasn't that hungry so I just picked off my dates' plate. I remember thinking that the smoked blue fish patty was one of the best things I'd ever put in my mouth. Coming back the second time, didn't really feel the same about the dish. We tried an assortment of things--one of the goat cheeses (good, but not amazing), the meatballs (the sauce was somewhat abrasive, but the meatballs themselves were good), the potato-whatevers (homefries--probably the biggest disappointment--dry and under seasoned...let me tell you, this fatty can house some carbs and i left two thirds of that plate full), and the hanger steak (good but not mouth-watering-panty-dropping great). The bread is good, the ambiance is good. I'd come here on a date but opt to sit at the bar. Their tables are incredibly long, so while you're like 2 inches away from the table next to you, it feels like you're 2 feet away from the person you are with. The service is fine, nothing out of the ordinary. The prices are totally reasonable for what you're getting. Also, BWB, why are you not on opentable? Ain't nobody got time to sit on hold and make reservations over the phone. What is this, 1975? I guess overall, I'm kind of like meh. Average meal. Which is really surprising since I generally tend to agree with what other Yelpers think. Will I be back? Maybe. It's close to where I live and there aren't that many nice places around. However, I don't think this place warrants more than a 15 min wait.
(3)
Madelyn W.
Good tapas. I still prefer Toro. All pretty good but not many dishes i can actually wow about. Maybe i didnt try the good ones. Did try the so raved about hanger steak (not impressed). Good dishes i can remember: the shrimp, butternut squash The good: plenty seats, allows reservation, more tapas items on the menu than toro The bad: extremely loud (the outdoor seating is probably better)
(4)
Alyssa K.
This restaurant is fantastic. The five stars are not only for the delicious food but also for the service/management. From the large assortment of wine to the unbelievable tapas, this place is the best. I can't wait to come back :)
(5)
Lan N.
I absolutely LOVE Barcelona Wine Bar. The ever changing menu features local seasonal ingredients so you always have delicious tapas to choose from. They also keep the staples like the croquettes and the truffled bikini which is nice as well. The sangria is awesome- I usually go for the white vs the red and it is so fresh and delicious. If you are into cocktails and want to be adventurous, I'd suggest the Hot Dahlia which is spicy and has a kick! My favorite tapas are the croquettes, summer squash (in summer months), and grilled broccolini. Right now they have a few squash tapas which both were awesome and tasted delicious. The acorn squash especially. I always recommend their vegetables dishes as I've found them most satisfying and fresh. If you are ever lucky enough to have Tyler as a waiter, he is awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks menu as well. He makes the experience that much better!!! Also, fill out those surveys if you get one! You'll get a free tapa coin for next time!!
(5)
Kristin F.
A group of friends and I went here while I was visiting Boston and had a great experience! First of all, we had reservations on a Friday night at 7:45p for a group of 6 and the place was packed so reservations are a definite must. We had to wait 10-15 minutes past our reservation time, but the wait wasn't bad at all because they had servers giving out free tapas to those waiting, which is great customer service and also helped some of us decide what we were going to order once seated. We were seated in a booth which surprisingly sat 6 comfortably. The restaurant has a descent beer/cider selection but I went with the white sangria which I highly recommend!! 2 of my friends ordered the vegetable paella which I didn't try but it looked great and they had a lot of leftovers to take home. Four of us ordered and shared tapas and a few meats/cheese platter. My favorite tapas were the chorizo and sweet-sour figs (very rich), the albondigas (amazing), the spiced beef empanadas (not too spicy but definitely a kick to them), and the beet and apple salad with feta cheese (very good combination). I honestly liked everything I ate except for an eggplant tapa which normally I think I would like but it appeared mashed and the texture was a little different than what I am use to. Overall the service was excellent. Twice while we were sitting, we were offered more free tapas! Our waiter was very personable and willing to explain anything we didn't understand. He also let me know that Barcelona just opened a DC branch so I am very happy I'll be able to try it in my home city! Also, the best part of the meal was probably how when we split the check 6 ways, it only came to $30 per person. 5/6 people had two drinks each and we all felt incredibly full afterwards. I don't think our experience could have been better and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Ashley C.
Great food and service can get packed quick so it's best to call ahead for a reservation
(4)
Tiana C.
I love it when a dining experience is absolutely worth every penny. This is one of the places. It's a bit spendy for the amount of food, but the experience itself makes it worth it. I had a blast here! Awesome atmosphere. Perfect for date night, girls night or friends. The red sangria was hands down the best I've ever had. We sampled a ton of things. I loved the tortilla, the croquettes and the flank steak. Everything was awesome. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Joy W.
Apparently Barcelona tapas is the place to be! I have never seen a fancy restaurant so poppin! Seriously, there are some mighty fine looking people there. The place was packed yet we were lucky to be seated immediately for a table of 2. Barcelona tapas is a great place to meet a group of friends for a casual bite to eat or a full meal. Service is on point, the food all looks amazing (we enjoyed our small plates), and the atmosphere is one of the best I've been to. If I lived in Brookline, I could see myself often frequenting this awesome restaurant whenever I needed a nicer place to take someone. [63 of 100]
(5)
Megan F.
Wonderful service and the food.......I dined there last night with friends and family, and my favorite dishes were the serano ham, beet salad, squid ink pasta with calamari and the seafood paella, the list could go on and on. The service was extraordinary, even thought they were extremely busy and the atmosphere was trendy but not too noisy. My parents, who were visiting from San Diego were very impressed and wished there was one in Southern California.
(5)
Adam T.
Nice vibe and cool place but order was messed up and some "pretty pretty" average and bad dishes. Waiter seemed pretty upset with his life and his time working there. Service was really good though. In all, cool place but average food.
(3)
Olivia W.
we liked the food a lot. Had a little problem with the service but the owner was very nice about it. Salami is yet the best we've ever had. This place is always crowded for a reason. Last time we had something called veal face/ cheek? And it was unbelievably delicious and this time I couldn't find it on the menu. Hope they will bring back that dish. Will go back.
(4)
Mariya-Andoniya A.
Absolutely love, love, love this place!!!! Great service and real good food and wine.
(5)
Jessica A.
This place has great food! I was not expecting it to be for some reason, but it was top notch! Loved the atmosphere and the service was excellent. Every single thing I had was amazing. The different types of sangria combinations were all very tasty. Looking forward trying the new South End location!
(5)
Julio D.
Bad food, that is all! I ordered a steak without souce and the waiter brought everything wrong... But if u r looking for nice place/beatiful maybe you will like it! But don't expect the best food of your life!
(1)
Sean G.
Awesome food, great service, and excellent cocktails. I highly recommend this place. It's tapas so you can try a little of everything. Jacob the manager was very accommodating and friendly. I really felt at home. Great place to bring a date because the ambiance was exceptional.
(5)
Anne F.
Excellent service. Our waiter was attentive and had several recommendations. When my roommate and I hesitated at the idea of bone marrow, he brought us an order on the house!
(4)
Mital P.
This place gets really busy... For good reason. We tried to make same day reservations for Saturday, figuring it was worth a shot... No go. The gentleman on the phone said they reserve 2/3 of the dining room for walk-ins, but coming in at an impacted time like 7pm would probably have a long wait. Naturally, we rolled in at 7pm and were told the wait was 2 hours for a party of 2. We deserved that. They came around with some sample tapas while we were waiting - the ham and cheese croquettes were amazing! We went over to the bar to get some drinks while we waited, but managed to get a couple seats there and ate at the bar. The must haves: Hanger steak - this is a must, especially if you like the taste of truffles Grilled pork belly - best tapas plate we ordered. Ham and cheese croquettes - we only ate these when they were being passed around, but you have to order them if you haven't tried them. The good: scallops - they were good, but I just can't group then with the other 3. Not a knock on the scallops, but the other 3 are that good. Blue cheese - delicious, but pretty standard if you've ever had a good slice of roquefort. I probably won't order again: Steak tartare - a bit on the bland side Hamachi crudo - the fish was not particularly fresh. The flavors would have been a great complement to each other if not for the heavy fishy aftertaste. Beef empanadas - nothing special. Other stuff: attire - you'll fit in whether you dress up or go casual ambience - it's a bit loud. If you go in a group, expect to only talk to and hear the person sitting next to you.
(4)
Silvia V.
I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar twice so far and am really loving it. The first time I was there for dinner and drinks on a Wednesday night and was surprised how full the restaurant was. The second time I went there on a Saturday night and the place was PACKED. Make sure you call them and make a reservation ahead of time as you can wait up to 2 hours for a table on a Saturday night. We had a reservation and had to wait only 5 minutes for our table to be cleared. Get the White Wine Sangria or if you like a good spicy margarita, the Hot Dahlia is very tasty. The bread they bring to the table is so delicious, still hot and the crust is crispy. I highly recommend the following tapas dishes: Jamon Serrano, Manchego, Chorizo & Sweet-Sour Figs, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Gambas al Ajillo, Mussels al Diablo, Pulpo Gallego, Grilled Hanger Steak (the best!), Crispy Calamari (you can also order it grilled - both are delicious), Fluke a la Plancha. The food is delicious. They messed up one of our orders, but it was corrected promptly and I like that both times I was there the manager came over to check on us and made sure we had a good time - this is what makes a great dining experience. The service was also phenomenal considering how packed the restaurant was. Looking forward to going back to Barcelona Wine Bar.
(5)
Jeffrey M.
All our food was laced with salt and minimal on flavour. Our waitress was pleasant but both the food and the drinks were ill-timed. We asked her to let the kitchen pace the meal and even before our drinks came, half of the dishes we ordered were piled on our table. We love Spanish food but we are never returning
(1)
Emily Myles H.
Really liked Barcelona! One of the best authentic spanish tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Traditional sangria is to die for and a really good price for a pitcher. Both of the butternut squash tapas were excellent, the meatballs and potatas bravas were other group favorites. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Hannah C.
This place is always busy - doesn't matter what time or day of the week it is. But I can see why. Been here a few times now and the service and food has always been great! I know everyone raves about the hanger steak, but for me it's just alright. My favorite is definitely the crispy pork belly. Can't go wrong with any of their tapas though, so make sure you try everything at least once! I also recommend a pitcher of their white sangria.
(5)
Lynn W.
Barcelona is about the food - simple, fresh, and yumtastic! It was our first visit and we know we'll be back over and over again (heck we may move nearby just so we can go more frequently). We had a great chat with the general manager (Jason) and executive chef (Emilio) who made us feel right at home. We were seated immediately even with no reservation during the busy dinner rush. Every tapas dish we tried from the mushroom/goat cheese, lamb, eggplant, etc. hit the spot.
(5)
Thanh L.
I've only been to about 7 tapas establishments in my life - all in Boston/Brookline and one in Spain. Barcelona Wine Bar is a definite contender for the #1 spot. I can't tell yet if this place will trump Toro in my book - I'll have to come back a couple more times to assess. However, it still sits pretty at #2. My cousins and I went to this place for a family dinner. The space is reminiscent of an All Saints store - cool, urban chic. Although disappointed that suckling pig wasn't on the menu, we ended up with some rave worthy dishes. Some dishes we ordered: -Grilled Hangar Steak - Must eat!! Skillfully cooked, juicy, tender, flavorful. A table favorite. -Morcilla - Totally worth ordering. This blood sausage was cooked just right. -Squid ink - Delicious, tender squid. Don't eat this on a date - you will have blue lips and stained teeth, unless you're attracted to that kinda thing. -Chorizo and fig - One of the best dishes all around! I love sweet and salty together and this dish balanced it beautifully. Another table favorite. -Ham and cheese croquettes - The cheese was melted perfectly and the bread a delight. Was there a hint of truffle? I think so because this sandwich was bangin! -Golden beets and blood orange - Delicious and light, balanced out all the meat dishes. -Seafood paella - pretty good, I enjoyed the seafood. Paella is never really a must for me though. -Crispy pig ears - I liked the texture. Greasy food, which begged for lime. There was supposed to be a hint of lime in the dish but I didn't get that (maybe they didn't use any in this time of lime crisis?) -Pork belly and shredded vegetable - Melt in your mouth pork belly. Fantastic flavor. I can't remember if the veggie was beet or red cabbage. Either way it was raw, crunchy and delightful. -Hamachi crudo - So so dish. Nothing special. -Spicy eggplant caponata - Tasted like it came from a Chinese fast food restaurant. It still tasted good, but I expected a tangier, more tomato-y dish. This was a disappointment. Sangria was standard. Not out of this world. A few more things: The waiters and staff were spunky, efficient, and friendly. Parking is abundant in the area and the restroom is clean. I would definitely recommend this place for the cool, urban ambience, the tasty tapas, and friendly service.
(5)
Carl H.
Got out for a date night last weekend, luckily called ahead for reservations (good heads up yelp). Had a drink while waiting for table, one of the managers brought around croquettes appetizer samples, very good. Great scene, drinks were great bar staff very attentive. Got a seat out on patio when sat had heat lamps for little chill. Split a sangria pitcher, had the tuna dish, speck and manchego cheese, steak with truffle, roasted mushrooms, just a great mix of choices and nice portions. Sometimes tapas can be lacking, perfect portions keep you wanting more. We have already spoken to three couples about taking them too. See you soon.
(4)
Mimi A.
I came to Barcelona hoping to have a couple of sangria's. However, after giving the server my Thai passport. The manager comes back to our table and questions if we have a "Taiwanese passport" and then goes on to claim that in the town of Brookline, they are not allowed to accept foreign issued passports and only US IDs or US passports. I'm sorry but, do you want me to become a US citizen to drink here?? So no foreigners can drink here? He also claims that "the company is trying to enforce this new policy". If this isn't discrimination then I don't know what is.
(1)
Clay N.
For some reason Toro gets more attention than Barcelona, but that says nothing about the quality of the two establishments. Barcelona may be the best bang for your buck tapas in New England. First things first, make a reservation if you plan on going on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and be prepared to have a drink at the bar or outside (during warm weather) while they prepare your table. Second, as a general rule, sangria must always be consumed by the pitcher. Please do not fool yourself into believing that you will not want a third glass. In terms of food, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Aim for three plates per person and, obviously, share generously. Best things on the menu: - Hanger Steak - Gambas al Ajillo - Grilled Brocolini - Scallops - Meatballs - Roasted Cauliflower
(5)
Michael M.
I could not be more pleased with my dining experience at Barcelona this evening. The food was great, but what was really exceptional was the service that we received (which is why I'm making it a point to write this review right away). We arrived shortly after the 4pm opening (which is admittedly early and potentially part of the reason for our wonderful service--I imagine it gets crowded here at peak dining hours). We were a party of 6, plus an infant. Emily F was our server and she was exceptionally kind, helpful, and personable. Not once during our meal did she make us feel rushed. The rest of the waitstaff was excellent as well--glasses were immediately filled, empty plates taken away, etc. The food was very good. Extensive menu of tapas. Some favorites included the Spicy Eggplant Caponata, Truffled "Bikini," and Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela. We ended the meal with Churros Y Chocolate--we were drinking the chocolate out of the serving dishes when the churros were gone. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Zhichun Y.
Really nice tapa restaurant. Food is delicious. Especially in the summer, it is nice dining experience dining there outside. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Tara G.
This place is my favorite! Food is incredible and the staff is the best around! 6 Stars!
(5)
Rita L.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough! The food is amazing and the service is spectacular! My darling and I came to this restaurant on January 1st on our very special personal occasion, and the host at the restaurant was aware of it and was extremely nice and accommodating. The restaurant gave us a complementary bottle of sparkling wine and our server was impeccably attentive and kind. I asked if they served octopus, and even though they didn't have it on the menu, the chef agreed to make a special for me. We were EXTREMELY pleased with the service, quality of food and environment! We are definitely coming back!
(5)
V M.
Such a great place! The staff were very friendly and patient in explaining the menu. Ordered 3 dishes off the tapas menu and ended with churros with chocolate sauce, to die for! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mike C.
One of the better tapas options in Boston. We prefer to come here as its in Brookline and Toro or Coppa are much harder to get to. There is plenty of street parking here, but be warned that some of the meters run to 8 pm. On weekends, I highly recommend getting a reservation as the wait can be extremely long. They do have a bar and sometimes the patio to the left is open for those to hang out. Drinks with house liquor were around $6 and the specialty cocktails around $10. The sangria is popular. Get a pitcher if you're gonna have a few glasses. The hostess is through the little entry way to the right. The tapas menu is pretty extensive here. They do have paella and grilled meat options charged per person, but I have never partaken. The options for a charcuterie board are fairly extensive. There a few dozen meats and cheeses to choose from. I would recommend doing a little research or smart phone googling to figure out what you would like. The serrano ham (like proscuitto) and the manchego cheese are the most popular. Vegetarians are welcome since half the tapas are vegetarian friendly. I'm more of a meat eater, so I only really venture as far as the potato bravas. Best dish the chorizo and figs. Salty and sweet. Recommend the ham and chicken croquettes, steak, lamb, mussels, and calamari. A lot of the other options are a bit underwhelming. For dessert we often get the churros and chocolate. All in all, a very solid option with a hip atmosphere. As a higher end tapas, it can get a bit expensive.
(4)
Siddharth I.
Good and service was good; PLEASE fix the crazy drafts at the tables by the door. It was too cold to enjoy the otherwise good food.
(3)
Zzzzz L.
Amazing food, even better service!!! On one of the busiest days of the year (Valentine's) we didn't feel rushed at all, our waiter was so knowledgable about all of the food options and took the time to go over the entire menu and made sure everything was to our liking. And again the food was AMAZING, especially the Brussel sprouts!
(5)
The Throwin S.
Great, friendly service. Jamon serrano: Perfect. Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Fresh, delicious, and guilt-free. Golden beets: topped with delicious little pistachio pieces--outstanding! Jamon/Chicken croquettes: perfect little fried balls of happiness. Hanger steak: drizzled with truffle sauce--superb, tender, full of flavor. Better than grilled ribeye or tenderloin. Sangria was okay (I tried both red and white). Many good brews on tap and wine list is also good. Great ambiance. Family friendly. Not cheap, but worth it. Easier to get a table, better access to parking, and nicer wait staff than Toro in Boston's South End.
(5)
Stephanie T.
Love. Pure love. This is such a great addition to the Brookline area! It looks like a place that should be in the downtown area or Newbury Street but that is why I love that its in Brookline. It has an outdoor porch with heat lamps, which is nice since summer is over. The food is amazing! get the Migas! Basically its chorizo with bits of buttered bread with a fried egg on top....yum. The service is pretty good. Some days the timing of when the food comes out is on point while other days its not, but the food makes up for it. It just makes me eat the tapas faster. Eating here is becoming a regular occurrence for me. I'm not sure if its a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm okay with it.
(5)
Alissa R.
Barcelona is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Boston. Not only is the food delicious, but the decor gives it a fun vibe and the service is awesome. It's the kind of place you want to sit and hang out in all night. Of the tapas, I had the chorizo with sweet and sour figs (delicious), the mushrooms with herbed goat cheese (also delicious), and a plate of Manchego cheese and serrano ham (can't go wrong there). They also have several varieties of sangria, and all of them look so amazing it's hard to choose one- I ended up deciding on the ginger spiced red sangria. Despite the restaurant being packed to the brim, I was surprised at how quickly our tapas came out. The service is unbelievable, not only did we have one main server, but a second server also checked on us AND every time that I have been there, the manager has come out to introduce himself and ask if there was anything we needed. The last time I was there, they even sent a plate of croquettes to our table on the house. I could honestly rave about Barcelona forever. The only thing is, you DEFINITELY need to make a reservation, especially if it's on the weekend, but honestly it would be wise to do it any night of the week. I would recommend asking to be seated in the bar area, where there are these awesome high booths that surround the bar. The entire restaurant always has a high energy, inviting, and friendly atmosphere that makes it hard to pay the check and leave.
(5)
Jack M.
We've been here about 10 times, beginning the second night it was open. The food varies from good to excellent, no complaints there. And no complaints at all about the wait staff - very attentive, helpful and informed. But I find it very loud. It's hard to have a conversation inside the restaurant. If you're going to be mostly engaged with your smart phone, that's not a problem. But the effort it requires to hear and be heard takes away some of the pleasure of dining out. We'll certainly try it again, but maybe we should sit outside where there may be less noise.
(3)
Taylor L.
This place is truely outstanding. The food, the service, everything is quite lovely. I have been several times and never have a been dissapointed. However, last time I went we had a reservation and it took forever for them to seat up, and then they ended up seating us outside and it was freezing. We were quite bumbed but when we were paying the bill the manager came up and COMPED OUT ENTIRE MEAL! the food is so yummy. The fried cabbage is delectable and unique. it has feta and a little bit of a honey drizzle. Also for dessert the warm chocolate lava cake is fantastic. I could go in detail about everything here but I would just be repeating myself about how good the food was. It's in my top 5 for the ATL!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Today was my first time to Barcelona, and I have to say that I LOVED it. The service was awesome, they where fast and very attentive. The food on the other hand was AMAZING, they really met my expectations. Will absolutely go back.
(5)
Jenn K.
I went to Barcelona to celebrate a birthday with my two sisters. We ordered paella for two (and we had some left over, the portions of paella are enormous) as well as several tapas. We thought the best part of the meal was that the kitchen had made too many tapas and offered us truffle hangar steak and patatas bravas...FO' FREE. Oh, and the truffled bikini grilled cheese that I want to eat 50 billion of (and never wear a bikini again). We THOUGHT that was the best part of the meal until... ...we were already at our table for two hours and had just ordered another pitcher of sangria when the manager came over and apologized that they needed our table for a large party and (we assumed he was asking we'd move to the bar) could we please move down two tables? As a peace offering, he'd comp our next pitcher of sangria as well as give us a dessert for free. What? How could we say no to any of that? We moved down two tables, got even more Buzzed Lightyear, and ended up ordering two desserts. What the hell, why not. They ended up giving us both desserts for free, too, and a token for a free tapas for the next time we went back in. Everyone is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food is bomb.com , as is the sangria. Atmosphere is lovely and loud enough that you feel like you're at a large family get-together. If you like amazing food, great ambiance and excellent customer service, go to Barcelona.
(5)
M Egg A.
Delicious food, great service, amazing wine. Portions were perfect for the price, especially the meats and cheese plate. Almost couldn't finish it!! If it weren't so far from me, I'd frequent more. Definitely a fun spot to take out of town friends or your significant other.
(5)
Sophia L.
Warning: the menu posted on their website may not reflect the one available in the restaurant. For example, there was not a suckling pig on the menu when I went yesterday. That was a Tuesday night, and surprisingly BUSY. Despite full tables, the staff did their best to be attentive. I really appreciated the great service. I'm not sure if it is this busy every night, or because of spring (ceremony galore) and that I did not understand what people meant when they said this place is poppin'. I picked this place because I needed a reliable venue to go to for a large party. Barcelona did not disappoint, even for outside-of-Boston-visitors that had tapas from actual Barcelona. The traditional sangria was yummy, the bread was just right, the dishes came out quick, and the food was tasty. My favorite was the chorizo and figs (savory and sweet), small bowl of about 10 bite-sized pieces. The meatballs/Albondigas, Foie Gras, Grilled Hanger Steak, Lamb Ribs, and croquettes were a table-pleaser. I heard "melt in your mouth" foie gras and "tender and flavored just right" for the lamb ribs. The arugula with the lambchops was delicious, but wasn't easily sharable with a large table (perfect for two though, also the case for the foie gras). The one con was that we found the squid ink fideos too salty, and wishing instead they still had the lobster fideos to try. Regardless, I'll be back for a 6+ party. Definitely call in ahead of time.
(4)
A K.
Love, love, love this place. I could eat the hangar steak 3 meals a day. The food is always fresh, timely and the right size. The sangria is also fresh and delicious.
(5)
Sutanuka L.
I have never seen a place that crowded in Boston!!! Made a reservation but still had to wait for the tables to clear up. Make sure to make a reservation! The food was awesome. eat the paella(seafood). oh and try the suckling pig. fun atmosphere and the waiters were really nice.
(5)
Elizabeth R.
Amazing food and customer service! I've been to Barcelona on numerous occasions and have loved it every time. I once went with a group of 6 girlfriends for a birthday meal, and our reservation wasn't ready on time. Although we waited for over 30 minutes, the hostess provided us with sangria while we did. Upon seating, they also gave us two pitchers of sangria and our desserts on the house! I definitely appreciated the great customer service. And as the other reviewers have said, all tapas on the menu are delicious!
(5)
Jane M.
My boyfriend and I had dinner there tonight. We sat outside and it was a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend the red ginger sangria. Joy was our server and she could not have been more helpful with menu recommendations. The service was excellent! We will be back soon. Thanks!
(5)
Jake S.
This past weekend I revisited Barcelona with a party of 7. We had an 8 o clock reservation, however the party sitting our table was sitting there for 40 minutes after they paid. While we were waiting, we were each served complimentary Sangria as well as brought out samples of delicious grilled cheese sandwich triangles with Serrano ham. Upon being seated the host let us know that they had put in an order for FOUR tapas for us free of charge to thank us for our patience. They also comped a round of drinks for the entire party on top of the free Sangria they had already brought us. This is one restaurant that really knows how to keep their customers happy. Also, while I was waiting I brushed up against some flowers which left a large amount of pollen residue on my jacket. The manager (Brad) walked over after we were seated and told me (I didn't even complain) that the dry cleaning was on the restaurant and to send him an email if I couldn't get the pollen off of my jacket. Truly exceptional customer service in every way, and the food was exceptional as always. This has become one of my favorite spots and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I think I actually go too frequently, but I don't get sick of it because they always keep the menu fresh. I feel like this restaurant dropped right out of lower Manhattan and landed in Brookline.
(5)
Ben L.
You know what I hate? When a server introduces themselves and then you don't see them again until it's time for them to collect the money. This is the hugest dick thing that you can do as a server, unless you do it like they do at Barcelona, point out the other staff let me know that they'll be helping you out and that you're all part of a team. Who is this person shoving a plate in by face? Why it's John! I was just introduced to them. That aside the menu has enough options that I ended up having a very through back and forth trying to line up a good enough selection to fill us up and we didn't run out of options. Some of our food did end up arriving late, as in we ordered this item 15 minutes ago, everything else showed up, did something happen to it, should we send out a search team? But..... they made it up to us, and not in a sucks to be you fashion but a "oh shit, I can't believe that I fucked up your meal, let me check with my manager and do something cool for you" I mean really, these guy just really try and it makes it all worth it.
(4)
David S.
Finally a good restaurant at the OLD vinny T's .. Love there food.. best service.. 2 awesome waiters per table. not just one crappy one.
(5)
Luciana S.
I had to give 5 stars since I've been there 3 times in less than 10 days... A Wednesday, a Friday and a Monday. Sat in the main dining room, bar area and at the marble bar, the service was outstanding in all areas!!! Yesterday 2 of our dishes took too long (since our glasses were being filled and the atmosphere is so great , we honestly barely noticed) but they apologize profusely and didn't charge us. On our way out even the host apologized. Love the decor and finally a restaurant with perfect lighting. Who knew fluorescent lights could be warm and hip? Now, it has to be about the food and it was incredible! A variety of vegetable dishes that sometimes you can't find at a tapas bar. My vegetarian friends won't have a problem there ;-) Reservations highly recommended unless you go "early bird" hours. Can't wait for the patio to be open-- the way the weather is, it may be sooner than we expect.
(5)
Anna G.
This place is amazing. I've had numerous tapas and cheese plates here and it never disappoints. Great option if you have vegetarian friends or if you're interested in trying lots of unique flavors and foods. The atmosphere is also very cool and in the summer it's even better when they open up all the large windows. Sangria is delicious. This place is great for sharing and trying new things!
(5)
P J.
Very surprised that so many people have enjoyed this restaurant. I had high hopes given the reviews. Went on a Friday night. Of course I was expecting busy, but wowza! It was bumpin' bumpin'. Which got me excited about my upcoming meal. Carved ourselves a little space at the bar. The wine was just so-so (and I tried the french ones too just to be sure I wasn't making a bad call), the food was also was meh at best. (Apologies for the use of "meh" as an adjective). The food wasn't that much better and way overpriced. (Go to Cuchi Cuchi for tapas WORTH the price). Service was at most times commendable, the owner was FAB! Very attentive to his patrons' comfort. The bartenders I think had been schooled in pouring by watching Cocktail (starring Tom Cruise). But they weren't as cute, and unfortunately not as talented. But they definitely get an A for effort. What they didn't get an A in was flirting with each other amidst diners, instead of attending to their diners. It was all very juvenile. I was excited for this stylish neighborhood resto, but alas, just another luke-warm dining experience in Boston.
(2)
Katie K.
I had the worst experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. My boyfriend made a 9PM reservation for Valentine's Day so we knew to expect some disruption but not to be totally ignored by the majority of the staff. We showed up and checked in with the host/manager at 8:30. He claimed our reservation was for 9:15 even though the hostess had earlier told my boyfriend it was at 9PM. Ok minor detail, we head to the bar. We waited for 10 minutes before someone even acknowledged we were standing there. Another 5 to place an order, which the bartender took and proceeded to forget about while he took someone else's food order seated at the bar. Another few minutes until we could flag down the bartender to reorder. At 9:15 we went back up to the hostess station to wait in a line of 10 people to check in again. The manager/host said it would be another 15 minutes (never noted that we had arrived or who we were to come find us) so we waited around and at 9:30 we were still #23 on the list to be seated. It seemed to me they over booked their reservations but instead of apologizing or explaining the situation most customers were ignored or told to wait another 15 minutes. I cannot review the food here because we ended up leaving and heading next door to Umami which welcomed us with open arms even though their restaurant was supposed to close 30 minutes later. I did note a few Barcelona customers had done the same as us. We were able to stay and order food with no rush to pay and leave so they could go home. I'm still on the fence about going back to try Barcelona again even though I live right around the corner and have been wanting to try it since the opening. I understand it was Valentine's Day but the lack of professionalism the staff had deters me greatly.
(1)
Heather C.
Absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Boston area. Perfect atmosphere. Wonderful wine selection. Delicious sangria. Excellent tapas/paella.
(5)
Melissa N.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar on a recent Tuesday night at 7 with four people. We didn't have a reservation, and it was quite busy, but we were seated right away at a table inside. I started with the Summer St. Sling, which was a cocktail with chamomile infused vodka, pink grapefruit, and lemon. It was very refreshing and tasty. It wasn't particularly potent, but I liked how it came in a regular drinking glass, as opposed to other places that serve their specialty cocktails in tiny little cups. I wasn't impressed with the short draft list at first glance, but I was delighted when I saw that they offer 7 oz draft beers for $3! I had an Allagash White and a Clown Shoes IPA, which were both good. We enjoyed our drinks with the excellent bread basket, which featured Tuscan bread and was served with high-quality olive oil. We ordered a bunch of tapas, and everything was delicious! I'll list everything we got and share my comments: - 6-month Manchego: A generous hunk of hard cheese that was scrumptious and satisfying. - Smoked whitefish pate: This was on the specials menu, and it was my favorite dish of the night! It was lemony, smoky, and spiced perfectly. - Beet and blackamber plum salad: This was my second favorite dish. The beets were perfection, and the whipped sheep's cheese was smooth and creamy. - Whipped sheep's cheese: My third favorite dish. The cheese was mild, and the crunchy pistachios were a wonderful addition. - Spicy eggplant caponata: Not particularly spicy, but tasty nonetheless. - Mushrooms and herbed goat cheese: We all felt this dish was much too salty, but it was probably an aberration. - Mussels al diablo: The mussels were fresh and plump, and the spicy tomato sauce was great for bread-dipping. - Crispy calamari: Lightly battered and addictive, and the smoked pepper aioli was delicious. - Gambas al ajillo: The shrimp were cooked well, but the portion was small for $9.50. The portion and flavor of this dish is far superior at Tasca in Brighton. Meat dishes that I didn't personally eat but my companions loved: - Truffled "bikini": This looked crazy delicious, and I could smell the truffle oil from across the table. - Spiced beef empanadas - Albondigas Other things I liked: - This is random, but the bathroom sink was really cool. I also liked the black and white photographs decorating the restaurant. They lent the space a cool and hip vibe. - If you fill out a comment card, you get a wooden coin that's good for one free tapa on your next visit! Things I didn't like: - For some reason, our table had two servers. They weren't communicating very well, so we would order with one of them, and then the other would come over and ask to take our order. It happened twice, and it was a little awkward. - We were deliberating between two tapas, and the waitress said she'd give us one of them on the house. We were thrilled, and she told us that the managers encourage them to do that. However, when the bill came, she hadn't comped the tapa. We felt weird saying anything about it, so we just paid the full bill. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my meal at Barcelona, and I'd recommend the restaurant to anyone who loves tapas! I plan to come back with my wooden coin on a nice summer evening and sit outside on the patio.
(4)
Susan W.
We've been twice and loved it both times. The food and drinks are top notch. It's fun to go with a group so that you can try a variety of dishes. The sommelier (Emily?) picked us some fabulous wines as well. Service was friendly but professional.
(4)
Janice L.
Saturday at 2 pm is quiet time to dine here. Had tapas rather than brunch entrees, first time here. Loved the kale salad and patatas Bravas w aioli and tomato sauce, good (if slightly overdone) chorizo w figs and grilled calamari (huge portion, couldn't finish). Steak w truffle oil very good but tres skimpy and slightly chewy for mucho price (7 one-bite slices for $9). Mushrooms w goat cheese, spinach w chick peas, potato tortilla all ok, nothing special. Some tapas portions quite large (calamari, patatas Bravas, chorizo). Kale and Bravas clearly the favorites at our table. Would never recognize the old Vinnie's, Barcelona more interesting decor, Euro mountain/forest chalet? Attentive and friendly service. Non-steak prices appropriate to portion size. Would return to try the entrees, and for that kale salad. Maybe another star if a couple more tapas had been stellar.
(3)
Nate S.
I've heard amazing things about this place, so I finally came for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere-- jazz trio playing for a full house of satisfied customers. We started off with some tapas that were recommended by our lovely waitress, Joy. Patatas bravas are a must. The brunch menu has something for everybody. While the mimosas were just average, the service more than made up for it. 5 stars for Joy and Brandon, 4 stars for Barcelona.
(4)
Stephen T.
I went with high hopes and was disappointed. Our table had four glasses of wine, 2 cheeses, one meat and five tapas. Meat and cheeses were no better than what we buy at Whole Foods and eat at home. Of the tapas, one was very good and the rest were overly sweet, overly salty or just unremarkable. We barely ate the sweet and salty dishes. The unremarkable dishes just didn't have anything in the way of complex flavor. All of the wines were tasty. The service was terrible, although I mostly give them a pass for that because they haven't been open very long and they comped us one of the tapas because it came out so late. The music was too loud to carry on much conversation, even at a booth in the corner. I don't think I'll go back, unless it's just for drinks on the patio.
(2)
Susan L.
Maybe it was too dark but I couldn't see the name of this place from the outside. However the inside was beautifully decorated and very chic. I've had tapas in Barcelona and I would say that this place lived up to its name for the most part. A wine expert helped us pick a white wine (which was too sweet for my taste, but still tasty) and we ordered six tapas to share: chorizo and figs (VERY filling), jamon and chicken croquettes (tasty), fiddlehead ferns (first time with fiddleheads and not bad!), mussels (yummy), empanadas (as expected), and broccollini (the surprise of the night...SO good!). You get more than one waiter so service was very efficient. Since we were just a party of two showing up at 9:30pm on a Friday, we got a table, but this place is definitely hopping. I would come back here just to try more tapas!
(5)
Sam G.
This place was awesome, and I lived in Barcelona for 4 months. Chorizo and figs were our favorite along with the Patatas Bravas. Great atmosphere and a stunning Brunch spot in Brookline.
(5)
Steap P.
My girlfriend and I went here for dinner last Saturday night because a co-worker of mine recommended it. Let me start by saying...Wow! The variety of tapas was great and the food was amazing! The food comes out very fast so be prepared to dive in quickly. We tried just about everything on the menu and the hanger steak or muscles was the best in my opinion. Service was top notch and very attentive. We had about 4 different people (managers/servers) tend to us. The wine list is huge and I'm sure if we asked for help they would be more than willing to provide information, but we went with the pitcher of traditional sangria which was perfect (so we got two)! We also got to try complimentary meat that was sliced right in front of us and it was dangerously addicting. The decor is very nice however I noticed some people had trouble seeing the menu because it was a little too dim. Great for a night out with friends or a date. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Ella F.
Barcelona is a great improvement over the last business at this location. I came here for apps/tappas and drinks with a large group. The food was delicious - I didn't have a single thing I didn't like. The service was good as well, especially for a large group. They also had generous pouring for the glasses of wine. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Cy K.
Very nice upscale wine bar with a decent mix of spirits. A nice touch is their addition of sherries which is a class of drinks I tend not to find in the states. Service was reasonably quick given the packed status of the bar, and the venue was quite nicely styled in dark wood, steel, and glass.
(4)
Marc L.
We love it here and start w/ the Jamon Iberico de Bellota pretty much everytime. It's outstanding. The menu has great variety and we've explored just about everything and it's all good. Will say that the bar staff is a bit slow... If you order food & drinks at the same time, the food always comes first...
(5)
Tio P.
Interesting wine list of Spanish wines as well as Cali and South American producers using Spanish varietals. Good BTG list. Even coming here just for the cheese would leave you satisfied. Well made menu of traditional and interesting tapas at very reasonable $ for the quality. Split the foie gras with a friend and glass of sherry!
(5)
Todd C.
"One of the best restaurants to go if you're looking for tapas and don't want to go through the hassle of driving into the city. Great food and exceptional service!"
(5)
Angela L.
Beautiful, delicious tapas in a great vibrant space. However, one pet peeve of mine happened which will make me, unfortunately, never return. It was honestly a mistake. Our large group of 8 mistakenly added up things wrong and left a 10% tip. The waitress came up to us as we were leaving and asked if anything was wrong, and if we'd like to add some more to the tip. Shouldn't the amount of the tip be the discretion of the paying customer, even if it was an honest mistake? I took out money from my wallet to offer to her, and she had the nerve to accept it. !!! So thanks but no thanks. I truly loved the place and the wonderful food, but you've lost a loyal neighborhood customer. Customer service needs to be worked on!
(1)
Anna B.
I almost nixed this place based on the fact it's new, popular and I'd been told to expect an hour+ wait. And there was an hour+ wait but they did a GREAT job. Although the bar was jammed I was able to get wine quickly (attentive bartender) and while we waited the staff occasionally came through with appetizers to give us something to nibble on. After being seated and starting dinner there was a delay getting some of what we ordered and they brought us a complementary plate so we wouldn't wait without something to eat. And the food was good. Nice job Barcelona, I'll be back.
(5)
Jena H.
Celebrated a bachelorette party tonight and with a group of 15 not so adventurous eaters, they knocked it out of the park. Our server was super accommodating and very flexible. Our group never had tapas before and everyone was very scared of the menu when they first sat down. The waiter explained a lot of the dishes and made suggestions. He was on point. A few things came out that were not ordered but they let us keep it and didn't charge for it. After the end, everyone agreed the food was excellent. Our table was ready exactly at 9:45 when our reservation was scheduled and the manager called earlier this afternoon to confirm we were coming. The vibe of the place was pretty down to earth. There was a good mix of age groups there. The ambiance wasnt what you would normally expect for a bachelorette party-it wasnt girly or themed appropriate for this type of event. It has more of a barn meets industrial meets Meat market restaurant in classy brookline. Still sophisticated but laid back which was good for our group bc we were in our 30-60's. Stand out dishes were gambas, beet salad, croquettes, patatas bravos, meatballs, hanger steak and heirloom salad and churros for desseet. 90% of the food was excellent. Some picky eaters werent a fan of sauces or flavors but that isnt the restaurants fault. Their palletes arent used to trying new things. Overall, this place handled our group very well and I will definitely return for a second visit with my husband.
(5)
A M.
First time we enjoyed our experience a lot in terms of food, drinks, ambience etc. Second time around food was still delicious, especially hunger steak, veggie paella and spicy eggplant, however the drinks were not worth the money because alcohol is barely noticeable in them. They should look into new bartender or do a better training. I ordered Caperinha which I always get at brazilian steakhouses thus have a comparison. This Caperinha had probably half an inch of sugar on the bottom of the glass. It was impossible to drink this drink because of the overabundance of sugar content, it also had very little amount of lime. Our server (Jason, I believe?) was excellent. He offered to replace the drink (thank you, Jason) which we did. From this last experience, I wouldn't recommend any cocktails, stick purely to their wine selection! Here is my rating from our last experience: Food 4-5 stars Service and server 5 stars Cocktails 2-3 stars Ambience 5 stars
(3)
Melissa R.
This place was amazing! I used to live in Washington Square and wish it would have been around then - it has brought such energy to the area. The atmosphere was fun and lively. The food was really, really good. Everything that came out made the whole table happy. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
(5)
Michelle W.
Came here on a Wed night and it was packed! Tried so many things on the menu and everything was tasty and unique. What stood out was the 6 month Manchego, Potato Tortilla, Grilled Hangar Steak, Chorizo and Sweat Sour Figs. Service was exceptional. For dessert, the Churros with a side of dulce de leche. Would definitely come again.
(5)
B C.
Delicious, delicious, delicious. Our server was great. On the louder side so maybe not for an intimate occasion. Drinks were good, too.
(4)
Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The food had always been delicious and the services/management had been very welcoming and caring. I felt like they genuinely wanted to know how my experience was. Certainly going back soon!
(5)
J A.
This place is fantastic! The ambiance, food, staff, and service are all excellent. I came here for dinner with a friend on a Wednesday evening and were promptly seated and greeted by our friendly server. We ordered five dishes-chickpea frites, carrots & avocado salad, grilled hanger steak, potato tortilla, and patatas bravas. Everything was delicious and arrived at our table well presented. We ordered a pitcher of a winter themed red wine Sangria flavored with lavender & sage which was also very good. Overall this is a great addition to Washington Square and I look forward to returning soon.
(5)
Katie A.
Wonderful food and service from James! Sit outside If you can on a late summer evening and order a Hot Dahlia!
(5)
Lara G.
We were SO excited for Barcelona Wine Bar to open in our neighborhood, and we were expecting it to be good, but it has completely exceeded our expectations! Everything about our dining experience was phenomenal. The drinks are fabulous (sangrias are so good!) and the food is so delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The Potato Tortilla is the best I've ever tried. The brussel sprout and the the cauliflower dishes are so yummy. The chorizo and sweet-sour figs has this amazing flavor that I've never tried before. The grilled hanger steak was cooked to perfection and the yellowtail crudo was so fresh and delicious. Besides the delicious food and drinks, the service is great. Everyone (from the servers to the manager to the people who fill your water) is so friendly and inviting. After this experience, we thought, "This place must be too good to be true." So we went back again to test it out. And we were pleasantly surprised that it was just as good, if not better, the second time. If you haven't tried it yet, you have to go try it soon!!
(5)
Lauren T.
Barcelona Wine Bar, also known as Mecca. This rating is getting the full 5 stars because it honestly deserves it. Actually it deserves a 4.5 because it's in Brookline which basically feels like I'm traveling to Barcelona from my car-free life in the North End of Boston. I digress, this funky, rustic, mood lit restaurant is an incredible spot for a date. Not saying you couldn't go here with a few bros and a couple of your gal pals but me oh my, the lighting, the small plates, the delish wine options deserve to be shared with a significant other. The staff is incredible- Joy I see you girl! When a waitress comes over smiling ear to ear in a normal and not fake fashion, I take note. Joy did an amazing job explaining the menu and providing her thoughts on our choices without being passive or overbearing with her comments. We couldn't decide between two dishes and she brought us out both..that, my friends, is service. The options cover a wide range of tastes and interests for you vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores, aliens, weird girls who only eat foods that are beige, and all others. My group (2 females who know how to eat, 1 who does ok) split 8 small plates and we left very content. I believe they say 2-3 small plates per person and that was a very realistic guesstimate. The meat & cheese options at the top are incredible and the calamari is a must! It's fried but a little secret (shhh....) you can ask for it grilled! Good stuff, good stuff. Basically what immatryintatellya is get your butts to BWB. You will not regret it. Make a ressie or wait outside for like, ever.
(5)
Emily L.
Feeling adventurous? Have the braised rabbit! Wanting some comfort food? Have the spinach-chickpea cazuela! The tapas were delicious and there are enough options for someone to have a snack or to enjoy a delicious dinner. The place is a couple of blocks away from my apartment and I have only had the privilege to come here for a night cap but I look forward to coming here more often during the Spring and Summer months. This place is usually packed and there is a great mixed crowd that comes here. The establishment is very homey and the service is fantastic. If you have commitment issues, you can get a wine flight but if you're wanting to commit to a great wine, the bartender is incredibly helpful in giving you some excellent suggestions. I can't wait to start coming here on a regular basis!
(5)
Barbara B.
LOVED, very hip, cool, busy and great sangria and food and desserts; fun atmosphere; only glitch we were with friends and the only 60 year olds, eveyrone is so young!
(4)
Gabriela S.
Barcelona Wine Bar truly offers a first-rate dining experience, with a delicious selection of meats and cheeses, attentive and helpful servers, and a hip atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning.
(5)
Nadia C.
My first experience at Barcelona was at the Greenwich, CT location while on business, and it was absolutely AMAZING!!! So when I heard they were opening a location in Brookline, I was completely ecstatic. When the Brookline location finally opened, shortly after, we made reservations and went for dinner, and it was exactly as I had expected. The food was delicious, and the sangria was just as amazing as I had remembered. Fast forward to last night. I had made reservations to take a friend for a birthday dinner. Our reservations were at 8:00 but we weren't seated until 9:00. Then, another party that came in AFTER us was seated BEFORE us, which was really just very rude and annoying! The service wasn't up to par with what I've come to expect at Barcelona. Our waiter explained the menu, and said he would be back for our drink orders, but never returned! We had questions about the menu, and he was no where to be found to ask them. When he finally did return, he took our orders and said he would be back with some bread. Again, we waited way longer than we should have for the bread to arrive. When someone finally did bring us the bread, it had 2 pieces in it, as if they had taken it off another table and brought it to us. Really not an appealing thought. I had ordered the Potato Tortilla and the Chick Pea and Spinach Cazuela. Both tasted and looked as if they had been microwaved to be reheated. Again, not something I would expect to find at this restaurant. When I had finished my sangria, the waiter asked if he could bring me another, and I said yes. About 30 minutes passed, and I never received the drink. The waiter didn't even ask again until probably the 45 minute mark, which at that point, I declined the drink. I was completely put-off by the service and some of the food that I encountered there last night. I'm hoping this was a fluke night with the service, as I'm a very big advocate of this restaurant; I love the atmosphere and especially the sangria. Barcelona Wine bar, PLEASE step up your game, because I want to make myself a more permanent patron of your restaurant, and I hope I don't encounter the service that I experienced there last night again. :(
(3)
Matt R.
Great food, service and atmosphere. It's great on all fronts
(4)
Kris S.
It doesn't get much better than this place. Great food, excellent service, knowledgeable staff, lovely ambiance...and when you arrive and give your cell number for them to call you when a table is available, they always actually call you. The only downside is that it is always packed -- I mean, I've been on a Friday night, Saturday night, and TUESDAY -- yes, Tuesday -- night, and it is still an hour wait. But you know what, I cozy up at the bar and if we get seats great, and if not, I wait for a table, b/c the food is worth it. Always a terrific experience -- such a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Gary S.
The food was good. The restaurant has an attractive and modern look to it. However, it was extremely uncomfortable dining here on a recent hot summer evening. The waiters kept opening the glass doors that led from the dining rrom out to the sidewalk patio, allowing heat and humidity into the restaurant. Asking the waitress to turn up the air conditioning was to no avail. After a 90 minute dinner, I was soaked in my own sweat. An very unpleasant experience. I don't recommend eating here. Maybe winter is better.
(1)
Alan Y.
Great food and great sangria. Have been here in the past for just drinks which are good and wanted to try to the food. The circular bar is really cool too. Arrived on a Sunday night at 830 and it was still very busy but not packed. great atmosphere and space. We ordered the traditional sangria which was very tasty. Definitely recommended. For food we ordered the spicy eggplant caponata, grilled hanger steak, albondigas (meatballs), and the salvaje paella. everything was very good. the eggplant was very flavorful with a good kick. the hanger steak was very good and tender and the black truffle sauce was excellent. the meatballs with tomato sauce was also very very good. super tender and the tomato sauce was awesome. finally the paella was very good as well. only complaint was that it was a bit on the salty side and i love salt. The sausage (blood sausage and chorizo) in the paella were very tasty. There was a third type of sausage in there but not listed in the menu which was also excellent. Would definitely come back for the food, sangria and the cool atmosphere.
(4)
Kate S.
I've been twice since Barcelona Wine Bar opened, the first just to have a drink and sit at the bar. That bartenders were incredibly helpful and nice, especially considering how busy the place was. The second time around I ate dinner and the tapas was the best Ive had in a long time. Definitely will be back.
(5)
Stephanie R.
Great service and great tapas. Everyone is so friendly there and Jason the manager. This is such a great restaurant to have in the neighborhood. I love the decor and the bar area is very comfortable. They have a great wine menu and make great cocktails. Can't wait to go back there!
(5)
Kayla M.
I went here with two of my friends who I met studying abroad in Spain. We were all extremely pleased. I highly recommend the hanger steak tapa and mushrooms with herbed goat cheese. We thought the tortilla was authentic and delicious. The staff was very accommodating and friendly (you can't beat complimentary spiked cider in a snow storm!). Our waiter even brought us a complimentary dessert when they ran our of the one we asked for. Overall, highly I recommended!!
(5)
Ss S.
AMAZING FOOD. AND EVEN MORE AMAZING SERVICE. I had the best experience at barcelonas. the food was amazing as was the sangria. the ambiance and design was also so nice but the service was impeccable. the staff was so attentive but also not too over bearing. the owner came to ask how our experience was. everyone was so nice. it made the experience so much better. i will 100% go back and will definitely recommend to my friends. they were really accommodating as well with arranging special events and even sent us desserts on the house.
(5)
Mary C.
I'm very impressed with Brookline's newest addition. Everything we had was truly delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the dishes, but my two faves were the chicken mousse, and the chorizo with fried egg. We liked/loved many of the other dishes but those two will always give me a reason to come back. We accompanied our dinner with a pitcher of the sangria and that was really well made. Service there was great, our glasses were always refilled, and we sent one dish back because it was slightly over salted and within minutes we got a new plate. Our server was really friendly...he did a little dance for us (Peter Griffin's dance from family guy) :) Seriously some impeccable service. Great job to the folks at Barcelona Wine Bar... Keep doing what you're doing! Tip: Get there early they don't take reservations...
(5)
Smarty T.
Outstanding food and wine, and above all.. Great service. Thank you Kyle (bar) and Dan (manager) for a wonderful experience.
(5)
Jacki S.
Barcelona stands among my favorite restaurants ever, and the Brookline location is no different. I specially recommend the wine flights and the butternut squash tapas.
(5)
Natalia T.
overall, I would give this place about 3.5 stars. decor & atmosphere: very cozy patio with heaters outside, modern and inviting atmosphere. We were here very late Wednesday night and the place was about half full. I can see how it gets absolutely crowded and super loud during peak hours, so I would avoid it at those times. food: for drinks we got a pitcher of red sangria, which was ok. The pitcher was actually a good size (finally!!!), not one of those "pitcher" were you get a drink and a half out of and the rest is ice. It tasted like it had cherry syrup in it, and i'm not a fan. It also tasted a bit margarita-like, so I think they add a ton or lime juice or even maybe some tequila. we ordered spicy eggplant, braised rabbit, foi gras and pig ears tapas. All tasted pretty well. Foi gras was magical and came with a shot of sherry. Pig ears were a bit spicy and crunchy. Eggplant was ok, nothing to rave about. Braised rabbit was good, not spectacular, but given the limited amount of meat tapas, I would probably order it again. then we got an order of suckling pig! and i'm very glad we did! that dish made the night. It was a huuuuuge chunk of meat, super soft and juicy with an extremely delicious crust!!! yum yum!!!! The reason this place is not a 5-star in my book is this: 1. it's very expensive for what it is ... there are other cheaper options for tapas in the area. The only reason we would come back would be for suckling pig. 2. every dish came to the table very fast! How is this a bad thing when it's 10pm and you're starving? ... It was all probably pre-made before, which is ok for some dishes like spicy eggplant, but not ok for others, like braised rabbit ... it felt like they just warmed our entire meal up and then served it to us ... Which goes back to #1 ... paying $100+ for a pre-made meal is just not ok in my book.
(4)
Steiner H.
Barcelona deserves 6 stars and we only wish we went sooner to experience it! We've been hearing how great it is and it more than lived up to the talk. From start to finish it was beautiful. The interior is stunning and works so well for this space given we remember it as far back as Vinny T's. We sat in the far room to the right and it was lovely and private. The staff is extremely hospitable. Joy, our server, greeted us with the biggest smile and made us super comfortable with the flow of the place and the menu. We couldn't decide on which sangria so she brought us a sample of each. We LOVED the spicy ginger Sangria. What's more, each and every person who delivered a plate to our table was super friendly. And, to top it off, Brad, the manager, came over, shared his favorites and they were spot on! Here's what we had: The food came out quickly and each plate was scrumptuous! The sweet candied walnuts and olives were a great start. The kale salad, the beet salad, the eggplant caponata each had truly unique, fresh and distinct flavors. The rib eye & short rib were rich and flavorful with their complementary sides. My husband went gaga over the grilled calamari (Brad's favorite and now ours) and octopus; his eyes came out of his head. Finally, we had to try the churros. Wow, what a way to end the evening. Their lightness and chocolate dipping sauce was over the top! Gracias to Barcelona and the entire staff, it was divine!
(5)
Chris S.
I'll admit I love tapas and wine bars. I went in here with my girl friend and we had some drinks and tapas. Food was very good and the drink selection is very good too. Cool atmosphere and the help was friendly.
(4)
Samuel B.
Excellent service, excellent food, great wine selection, will definitely go back to this restaurant. Only downside is that it is a little too busy in the dining area with so many tables and employees moving through the space between the tables.
(4)
Kathleen R.
Lives up to the hype :-) My husband, daughters (twins, aged 11) and I had dinner there on Sunday night on the patio. A client had recommended it knowing that we loved the cuisine when we were in Spain this past Fall. I have to say that everything was delicious. If you love jamon iberico bellota, this is the only restaurant we've found in Boston that has it. The jamon serrano is good too. I had a nice Albarino that was a perfect accompaniment to the gambas. We didn't have the paella, but it was getting good reviews at the table next to us. We also had the patatas, olives and tortilla. They were great in accommodating my daughter's celiac disease, guiding us toward the gluten free items. The bread (not GF, unfortunately) was awesome. Iggy's maybe? The staff was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be going there again.
(5)
L B.
spicy eggplant caponata, chickpea fries with tzatziki, spinach-chickpea cazuela, honeyed delicata squash with pepitas, caramelized brussels, fresh bread, tempranillo...a sweet crepe for dessert with sherry... 70's music... the vibe is alive. the most european dinner in style and flavor that I've had outside of europe.
(5)
Jennifer S.
I've been living in Brookline since 2005. This place has, hands down, the best food and best service in the whole Boston area. I highly recommend it. This is also coming from someone who did not like the fact that American Craft closed in order for this place to open. Barclona Wine Bar was quite a treat and I plan on going back again and again! I was more than pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Whitney M.
Just had dinner here, it was amazing! Great ambience and decor, staff was super friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! The best tapas I've ever had. The chorizo and figs can't be missed, but every dish was spectacular, you won't be disappointed. Phenomenal drinks as well, summer st. sling was my favorite. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
SunnyDay D.
Honestly, for my first visit I was totally turned off. It was actually quite the sad experience and it started at the front door. My friend and I walked in and stood by the hostess stand for approximately , oh, 5-7 mins. Both (what I assume) were the manager and hostess walked by. Not once, but TWICE. I mean we were clearly there to be seated--standing next to the hostess stand. NEITHER of them even asked if we had been helped, DESPITE the fact that they looked at us. Finally a nice gentleman (which I assume was a manager) came over and seated us. Our waitress arrived and took our order. My friend ordered orange juice to drink and requesting no ice, it came in a low ball glass (you know the kind you pour whiskey over the rocks in)--ummmm, ok. We were off to a bad start. We ordered food and as it was ready another server delivered it. We never saw the waitress again until we were done. She didn't even come to see if we needed more water (which we did). Really-- can't even comment on the food we ordered b/c it was such poor service (from start to when i left) that it detracted from the food. I mean, I don't remember the food being awful, but i don't remember what it tasted like either. I dine out an awful lot (perhaps more than I should), and I know that service can make or break the dinning experience as well as the taste of the food. Had it not been for the other (what I assume to be manager) approach us at our table once we were served, I would have given the review 1 start. Lucky for Barcelona, he saved them from that lone star. He was kind--adjusted a dish for us and genuinely acted as though he cared. Thank you to whom ever you were (you were the taller of the two gentlemen seating tables). The worst part was, my friend said she had experienced similar service at her prior visit--sad that it was repeated. Doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth for wanting to go again and spend my hard earned money. I'd hate to waste not only my time, but also my money. Try if you want, but don't expect decent service...
(2)
Pamela T.
Four of us went to the Barcelona Wine Bar last night and had a very good meal. The meat and cheese plate was excellent (be sure to try the aged goat cheese and the blue cheese) and we enjoyed the tapas. The kale with bread crumbs and salt, green beans, papas braves and the calamari were really memorable. We tried the roast pork and found it perfectly cooked but a little under seasoned. The service was great. We will go back and I would recommend you go.
(4)
Audrey B.
This is a must dining experience. From the moment we got there the staff were so attentive and helpful for the entire dining experience! We tried an array of tapas that were so delicious and 3 different paellas' that were fabulous. The desserts were yummy and we tried many, try the cookies! It is a new restaurant and already a big hit, the place was packed ,had a great vibe. The bar area is quite large and fun. Can't wait to bring my other friends back to it for a fun evening.
(5)
Joanie L.
Barcelona is the perfect addition to the Washington Square neighborhood. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable and the staff are friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. My only complaint is regarding the cocktails. I don't like the glasses they use for martini's. Not a very big deal but the drinks seem tiny. If what's poured is a standard size, change the size of the glass. It goes way to quickly!!
(4)
Enrique A D.
One word AWESOME! Definitely i will come back ,
(5)
Jennifer J.
So glad that I had a chance to try Barcelona Wine Bar last weekend with my party of five. This is truly a restaurant with a staff that cares about their diner's experience. We found the menu, with it's assortment of appetizers, tapas and main selections quite varied with something for everyone. It's a great place to share plates and Jess, our server, was helpful with suggestions. A nice variety of delicious meats and cheeses served with crusty bread started us off. We then moved on to several excellent tapas and a paella packed with seafood. The wine list is extensive with selections at all price points. We settled on a less expensive rioja that was perfect with our meal. Again, server Jess was helpful with that. The atmosphere at Barcelona is a perfect blend of warm comfortable and trendy chic, with a decor I would describe as smart casual. The noise level is lively but not overwhelming, making for easy conversation. The staff and management were attentive and present without hovering.... something always appreciated by diners. To top it off Barcelona Wine Bar has an excellent dessert menu. We tried several and were not disappointed. The toasty churros served with warm chocolate sauce were killer. Can't recommend this welcome addition to the Boston dining scene enough. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Emily L.
My favorite new restaurant! The staff works incredibly hard and treats their customers very well. As someone who has a food allergy, I was put at ease when the waiter knew every ingredient of every item on the menu. They could even tweak dishes to accommodate me. I will return again and again! Thank you!!
(5)
Melisa C.
I heard that this place just opened, so my boyfriend and I checked it out on a Saturday night. We got there around 5:45 knowing that without reservations it would get busier as the night went on. When we arrived there were a good amount of tables open, and we were seated right next to the cheese counter by the kitchen with only a table to our right, not to our left as we were on the end. Instead of speaking up and asking for another table, we stuck with our table since the other 2 seater tables are only about a foot apart from one another so at least we were no sandwiched between other people. The downside to this was that since we were on the end, there is a high volume of traffic with the wait staff going back and forth. They also took our coats, so that was nice instead of having them hang on the back of our chairs. We ordered Chacuteria for 3, 2 cheeses: Valdeon, and Drunken Goat, and Jamon Serrano. Boyfriend like the ham a lot (I don't eat it), and the cheeses were nice. The Valdeon is for blue-cheese lovers, and the drunken goat is a bit milder. We also got an order of Crudo with scallops, Patatas Bravas, Hanger steak, and crispy calamari. Our favorite was definitely the hanger steak, cooked medium rare and very tender. The others were pretty good. My boyfriend had the Cerro Anon for his wine and I had white sangria, both very tasty. The manager was walking around and gave us samples of Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Boyfriend loved this and the manager was nice enough to give it him free of charge. Overall the restaurant has a nice ambiance, but it was was a bit noisy and hectic at times. It is a bit pricy as well, so not a place to go if you are watching your budget.
(4)
J p.
Great food, great service, great wine! Thank you Barcelona for a special birthday! We had a reservation and got seated almost right away. Our sever was very attentive and the tapas were delicious.
(5)
Jamie S.
This is one of my favorite restaurants!! The ambiance is so great and the food is amazing! The waiters are also so nice and so informative, they'll help you out with choosing. They are also constantly adding more dishes and switching it up which is nice. It's great for both a big group and for a date! I highly recommend coming here! Just make sure to make a reservation because it is always busy.
(5)
Big S.
i cannot wait to go back. the food was great, our server recommended eating sampler style as we were in a big group. he chose everything and it was very good. best fried calamari ever. hanger steak and mushroom were also fantastic. crepe dessert was incredible. food was really good, best tapas place around. this storefront finally got a good restaurant hopefully the curse over the building is over
(5)
Pablo R.
My family decided to go to Barcelona for my parents 30th anniversary. We thought this would be a good choice, since it received great reviews, and because we are from Spain. Having tried other spanish restaurants, we knew going in that it wouldn't be authentic, so we kept this in mind. Reading through the menu online, I was quite looking forward to this dinner, since menu items sounded brilliant. Sadly...this brilliance was shortlived... We ordered a pitcher of red wine sangria to start out, which I found very refreshing, but a bit weak and in serious need of fruit and more liquor. The flavor that stood out the most to me was the tequila, which was great, but not quite sangria, but as an American twist, it was enjoyable. Our table was too close to the entrance, so people walking by were bumping into us on the way out. As you may aalready know by other reviews, you get multiple waitstaff per table which I must agree is a little strange and confusing, but nevertheless, the service was acceptable. After a while, they took our order, and plates started showing up within a few minutes. The calamari were average with an amazing dipping sauce. The croquettes were very different to what I'm used to, but had a satisfying cheese flavor, unfortunately, the portion is histerically small for the price they charge. The roasted beets were good, but again,too small. The chickpeas and spinach cazuelo were flavorless and very small, when I say small, I mean they came in a ramikin that would usually be used for a creme brulee. The gambas(shrimp) plate only contained 4, I did not try these as I don't eat shrimp, but I was told they were a little bland. The hangar steak was incredible in flavor, thanks to the truffle oil, but it was dry from being overcooked. If served anywhere from rare to medium well, this would have been the highlight of the night. The duck confeit with peas was also quite forgetable compared to other restaurants I have been to which were significantly cheaper. It reminded me more of canned peas and one of those rotissery chickens they have at star market for a little over $5. Now these tapas are not listed in chronological order to which they were ordered, but somewhere in between, we received the morcilla. At the same time, we ran out of bread, when we asked for more, they told us that they ran out. If you have ever been to Spain, you would know that morcilla is always served with bread, since eating blood sausage without bread, is like eating butter without bread...regardless, the morcilla had a great smokey flavor. Before comming here, I thought this would be one of the rare occasions where a chain could be good, but unfortunately they did not convince me, even if judging it as fusion or new american. At over $30 per person before tip, this is a mistake that I won't make again. The food was pretty good, but for a few more bucks, you can grab a brilliant prix fixe at one of many superior restaurants here in the Boston area.
(2)
Melissa C.
Went with a big group and the staff was so incredibly nice and accommodating ! We had jamie as the server and he was amazing ! Constantly checking up on us, let us sample things and even a few things on the house. The sangria is strong but delicious ! All the tapas were amazing as well and we tried a little of everything. Jamie kept introducing us to staff and they were all as incredibly nice and attentive as he was ! Definitely will be coming back !
(5)
Rachell C.
Make sure you make a reservation, even on a week night this place is crazy busy. But that's because it's delicious and the service is great and the atmosphere is wonderful too!
(5)
Scott E.
I have been here several times, and it has been consistent each time. The tapas that I have tried have all been good. However, my favorite thing is getting some cheeses and charcuterie with a few flights of wine. The service and the knowledge about the menu cannot be beat either.
(5)
Jonny Q.
Let's start from the beginning so you can truly understand the great experience I had at this place. I have never given a review on yelp other than one of discouragement. I return to yelp in happiness. I got a call from "top of the hub" 3 hours before my reservation on Valentine's day saying it was previously reserved. Obviously frantic, I turned to yelp for guidance. Although I live in Allston, I barely find this place suitable for a Valentine's date. So I stumbled upon this establishment. I called, and without explanation they bent over backwards to get me a table at 6:45. It was 5pm. They were booked and they helped me. We showed up a few minutes late, they still accommodated us. They offered us free apps whilst having a drink waiting for our table. The server was humorous and unassuming. He didn't have any" nose in the air" way about him, although that is much of what I expected. Both managers briefly stopped by to hear about our evening at the end of our meal. I have never written a review. I didn't even mention the food which was remarkable. Is it obvious I enjoyed it? I'd like to personally thank the top of the hub. Thank you for turning us away. Try the gnocchi
(5)
Lisabetta P.
Excellent. EXCELLENT! Ex-cell-ent. Eccelente. Ottimo. I will definitely return because the only problem was I couldn't order every dish!
(5)
Rachel P.
I love the atmosphere, the restaurant is gorgeous. Both times I have been there it was a Sunday night and it was so busy both times. The food is delicious and the menu gets new tappas added often. Great selection of meats and cheeses. The tappas are generous portions and the cocktails are great. It is one of my favorite spots in the Boston area.
(4)
Sahil M.
Just overall a really cool place. Wish the prices were a tad bit lower, but honestly, probably one of the best places I could think of to spend a nice evening. The outdoor area is cool, the service is great, drinks are good. Solid all around.
(5)
Francine W.
Delicious. So many good dishes. Loved the squid ink noodles, the paella, and the service was excellent. Really nice inside too!
(5)
Kim D.
This place is amazing. First of all, the decor and atmosphere just set a wonderful night out tone. We had reservations and we're seated right away. The food was delicious. The charcuterie was perfectly salty and the hand crafted cocktails complemented it nicely. We had so many tapas, but a few highlights: hangar steak, beets, and seafood paella. The service was outstanding. We had a few very small hiccups but they more than took care of us when the bill came. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sam L.
I've been twice and I am continually impressed. The tapas are delicious (all of them) and the drinks are strong and tasty. Both times we asked our waiter what they would recommend, and were tastefully awarded for doing this. With a group, it was easy to order more once we realized it wouldn't be enough. I would recommend getting a reservation for dinner as that's what we've always done and we typically see people waiting for 30 mins to 2 hours.
(5)
Rachel K.
I went here over the weekend with a group of friends. We were able to try a lot of different items since we were a big group. Everything was amazing. I lived in Spain, so sometimes I can be picky with Spanish tapas, but Barcelona is the real deal. Some tapas highlights: mushroom goat cheese, chorizo and fig, potatas bravas, and croquettes. We also got the Barcelona mixed grill. Everything in it was juicy, tender, and delicious. I highly recommend getting that if you are with a large party. The service was great, but it got really busy. Be sure to book a reservation.
(5)
Karan S.
Overhyped! Just about average food. Nothing extraordinary which surprised me because of all the hype and long wait times. Tapas were just okay. We tried the chicken croquets, mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach-chickpea, whipped sheep's cheese & haddock. Some had the flavor missing while some were under-seasoned. Found the portions much smaller compared to other places. Veg paella and red sangria were the only good exceptions. Very very noisy ambience. Difficult communicating with the server. Our server was really slow in getting everything. I find Tasca and Dali much better in terms of food, ambience and service. Not sure if would go there again.
(2)
Elise H.
Food is amazing! Sit at the bar (lots of cute bartenders to talk to). And don't leave without trying a sangria or 2
(5)
Shir L.
Red wine sangria-consistently good Summer St. Sling-tastes light, like drinking lemonade Porkbelly - delicious, melt in your mouth. Shaved mushroom salad - too much dressing Grilled broccolini - ok Grilled hanger steak - decent but probably wouldnt order next time Mussels al Diablo - too spicy, killed all my taste buds Suckling pig - best dish and would come back for this next time!!!
(4)
Matt H.
I've only been once, but can't give anything other than 5 stars. Split the mixed grill for 2. It should be for 8. It was fantastic. We showed up on a Friday night at 630 and the host was transparent, telling me probably an hour or more for a table for 2. We only had time to finish one drink on the outdoor patio before a table was ready. The place was mobbed too. It is a very cool environment and the staff was legit. Food and drinks were top notch as well. If you are near this place, try it. Best complete dining experience I have had in the Boston area and I've been living here for 10 years.
(5)
Kelly O.
Attention: this place has a large outdoor patio specifically for drinking. As in, you're not required to sit at a table, or order food, or deal with waitstaff... you can simply mosey up to the indoor bar, order/pay for your drink, walk out to the lounge area, sit, and enjoy in the sunshine (or shade) for as long as you'd like without being bothered. Genius! I don't know why more places don't have this feature available, I can't stand the "you must order food" requirement in the majority of outdoor restaurant spaces in our fair city. Barcelona's drinking patio in particular is pretty spacious with various benches, stools, and tables for your use, and would be great for groups (the other side of the outdoor patio is specifically for seated dining, should you so choose). We were the only ones out there on our visit, and a waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us unsolicited glasses of water (score one for service). I tried their white and red sangria, and I really enjoyed both ($6/glass, which is pretty reasonable). Tapas seems on the pricey side though, which is why I haven't tried their food yet... for the moment, I'm perfectly happy sipping a drink on the patio and enjoying the summer. UPDATE: I recommend the spinach and chickpea cazuela and the tortilla. Jamon is as expected. Avoid the mussels (not good quality or flavor) and the cocktails (too pricey, not enough liquor, strange flavors).
(4)
Mike P.
Well, I probably haven't looked forward to trying a restaurant more than this one in a long time. Unfortunately, I share Anastasia's sentiments in her review. Not sure if I hit it on a bad night but the food was underwhelming to say the least. What made it especially displeasing was the bill at the end of the night. I was glad I was sitting down. The experience just wasn't worth it. You're definitely paying more for the ambiance and hippish vibe than the food, which goes against everything I believe in when dining out. Only thing that was pretty good was the short ribs. I'll still stick with Tasca. They still have the best sangria in New England and the food is on par with this place. However, you don't get the sticker shock at the end of the night. I guess this is what I get for being excited about a new restaurant that supposedly has great reviews. :'(
(2)
Rachel K.
What a great way to spend a Friday night after a long week: Barcelona Wine Bar, you did us good!! Though there was a long wait, we went to the standing room at the bar for some drinks until we could get a table. What a nice touch that the staff walks around with mini drink and food samples for those desperately waiting for a table, SUCH a nice touch! We finally got a table in the bar area, and we were blessed with not one but TWO waiters! Jamie was soo enthusiastic and full of on-point recommendations. If you get him as your waiter make sure to ask for the white wine which requires his fancy high pour. Joey was very helpful with recommendations as well. Great service all around. Do not come here without trying the Cana de Cabra cheese, which our waiter described as "life changing." The bread and oil, though simple, was the perfect carb-filled start to the evening. The Lobster Fideos is a must, I've never had a lobster dish anything like this.....it was full of flavor and crunch- my friend and I literally scraped the plate while the bus-girl thought we were crazy when we didn't want her to take away what looked like an empty plate. The asparagus/egg/truffle tapas was perfect for my truffle-addiction and a great side. We topped the night with the ricotta crepes which was a guilty, but all in all good decision. Wines overall are good, but I am partial to domestic wines which you will not find at Barcelona given the theme. I'm so happy to have a new regular spot for my weekend rotation and I'm already looking forward to coming back- though I don't know if I should share with the public my love for Barcelona WIne Bar as I'd love to frequent it with no long waits! So yeah, it sucks? Nahh just kidding!
(5)
Kiki P.
Barcelona Wine Bar is a hip and laid-back tapas restaurant with pretty good food. They have an outdoor patio which is perfect for a nice summer day. For dinner we tried the following tapas: THE GREAT Grilled asparagus with black truffle vinaigrette and farm egg. The poached egg on top of the perfectly cooked asparagus with a lovely hint of truffle made this dish elegant and delightful. Toasted white gazpacho with red grapes and tarragon: Very unique take on Gazpacho. It is not a tomato base but a nut base. Absolutely delicious. THE GOOD Gambas al ajillo with garlic and hot pepper oil: Simple but great choice Jamon and chicken croquettes: Can't really go wrong with croquettes THE AVERAGE Chorizo and sweet sour figs: This dish is overly sweet. It was not sour at all. I think adding something salty or sour to the combination would made it interesting. Spiced beef empanadas with red pepper sauce: These were okay. I have had better. The quality of the beef seemed low. Grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette: I really don't think truffle goes well with steak but maybe thats just me Smoked bluefish cakes with garlic aioli and arugula: These were similar to crab cakes but I like crab cakes better Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette and breadcrumbs. I did not like the anchovy flavor of this salad. The server told me it was mild but I did not think so. There is nothing to this salad at all. It literally only has kale in it. I think they should have added tomatoes and nuts, etc. It was a disappointment. Overall, I think the food at Barcelona is average. A couple of the dishes are awesome. I still am not sure what all the hype is about. I do really like the outdoor patio. If I do end up returning here, it will be because of that patio!
(3)
Jen H.
I've been here at least a dozen times, and it really never gets old. They have some of the best sangria I have ever had, although either it has decreased in its alcohol content over the past year or two, or I've become more tolerant! Best item, by far, is the hangar steak with truffle oil. So delicious. I'd also recommend their cheeses at the top of the menu. Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead though, as their wait can get pretty extensive...
(4)
Audrey X.
I would definitely recommend this place purely considering its atmosphere. Love the decoration of this place! The food was good. most of the tapas we ordered were good, but I wasn't impressed. The squid ink noodle and the salvaje paella though were outstanding. The service is really really good. Our waiter was friendly and informative. Also he scraped off noodles and rice sticked to the pan for us (they were delicious as well).
(4)
Mary G.
I love this place. Hands down best tapas. Every time people ask for a good place to go in the city, I recommend this place. ALWAYS great service. ALWAYS such a fun atmosphere, especially for groups. ALWAYS delicious food. The only thing I can say is make a reservation. Sometimes I still have to wait even if I book a table. Here is a list of my favorite dishes on their menu. Meat & Cheese section: Jamon de Mangalica - When they say ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. You ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. If you're sitting away from the bar, they bring over this large piece of delicious ham that is specially shipped from Spain and carve pieces for you right in front of you. Totally worth it. Aged Mahon - And if you want cheese to go with your meat, definitely choose the Aged Mahon. It's nutty and crumbles and is the perfect complement. Tapas Section: Jamon and Chicken Croquettes - Lightly breaded, cheesy and delicious. These bite-sized pieces of ham and chicken hit the spot. Patatas Bravas - Potatoes, please! These are cubed pieces of potatoes that are cooked perfectly (crispy on the outside and warm/soft on the inside) with a delicious garlic aioli and salsa. I order this EVERY time. Carmelized Brussel Sprouts - Okay, so before Barcelona I was afraid of even trying brussel sprouts. After Barcelona, I can't get enough of brussel sprouts. That's all you need to know. Migas - Very heavy and very delicious. It's bread, meat and eggs. How could you say no? If you are getting full, don't get this one. If you're just starting out, give it a try. Sometimes this can be pretty greasy, but sometimes I'm in the mood for that. AND of course, no tapas meal is complete without Sangria. I've tried all three on the same night. And it's safe to say that the Ginger Pepper Sangria made with Red wine was the group's favorite. Dessert Section: Churros y Chocolate - The quintessential Spanish treat. These are not the churros you get at a random street vendor or at a festival. They are what churros are truly meant to be. Paired with a chocolate sauce that is not too sweet and has a tiny kick to it, this dessert is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Pro tip: The tapas go from lightest at the top to heaviest at the bottom.
(5)
Yasa E.
Loud and definitely happening. Came with a party of 10 and got great service. The waitress was quick to suggest a $35/pp tasting menu which was a great idea. We basically told her what we definitely wanted and she surprised us with the rest. Pitchers and pitchers of sangria got sucked down very fast. The restaurant sent us a free champagne toast which was such a nice end to our beautiful celebratory dinner! Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Michelle S.
I was very impressed by my first experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. It has an edgy modern yet rustic, warm atmosphere, although a bit loud for conversation (came with a large crowd of 5 and it was a bit stressful to have dinner and casually catch up). But, I guess you just need to come in prepared for that - it's a really fun spot! The service was also fantastic. We had a really attentive team of a server and a water attendant. We got a pitcher of sangria that was delicious and we split a bunch of tapas. My favorites were the pig ears, chorizo & sweet figs, and grilled steak with black truffle sauce. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. Maybe leave out the empanadas? Not eventful enough compared to how amazing everything else was.
(4)
Jodi G.
The greatest place to come to Brookline! They are always booked out two weeks, and it is no surprise! I have never eaten something here that I don't like. The fig and chorizo tapas and the churro dessert are top notch. Yum! Yum! Yum! Please try this delicious restaurant!
(5)
Sheena B.
I came here with a group of 10 for a birthday dinner and everything was absolutely amazing. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations and advice. Some of the highlights of our meal was the hanger steak with truffle, fried calamari, patatas bravas, okra, potatato tortilla, mushroom with herbed goat cheese, and the bone marrow was fun because you can do a "marrow luge" with sherry after you eat it. Dont forget to order sangria also. Reasonably priced is also a plus! Overall, surpassed my expectations. Excellent food, service, ambiance, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Jessica C.
Ah! Barcelona's is amazing! Little pricy if you want to fill up on tapas, but they're worth it. I love the pig ears, especially. Also, the paella is excellent and also worth the money. The cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is super chill.
(5)
K S.
Everything is yummy! Try the fried pig ears!! Arrive early because this place gets packed! Even on random weekdays... Don't forget to try the cured meats and cheeses!
(5)
Ashley A.
My wife and I love this place. It is tapas heaven! There's a large assortment of tapas of which we have sampled a few dozen. Not a bad one in the bunch. It has always been busy -- even though there was already another great tapas place nearby. This places manages the crowds really well. I can't wait to go back this coming Wednesday.
(4)
Stella S.
By far the best tapas place on this earth!! There is a chance that you may have to wait (even if you have a reservation) but it is SO worth it!! Everything on the menu was out of this world. I especially loved the fig tapas dish that we ordered. The atmosphere is also really nice. I definitely suggest this place!
(5)
Ella R.
Love it here! Everything I've tried was delicious, and their Sangria is great as well. We started with a selection from their Meet & Cheese section (Jamon Serrano, Chorizo and Manchego), which came with a tasty sweet spread. They also gave us the most delicious bread basket and olive oil for dipping. We also had a bunch of different tapas (Patatas Bravas, Grilled Spring Onions, Grilled Asparagus (so good!), Albondigas, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Grilled Lamb Chops (a must!) and the Mixed Grill (Barcelona). Great ambiance and service!
(5)
Nick F.
We've been to Barcelona twice, and both times we were extremely impressed. The tapas are all amazing, and I would personally recommend the Jamon and Chicken Croquettes or the Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela. I really wish I could give this place a 4.5 or even a 5, but the quality of the food isn't quite there yet. Most of the tapas was delicious, but lacking in freshness and a "wow-factor." Some, however, were just not good -- the brussels sprouts were overdone and bland. That said, the uber trendy atmosphere and outstanding service more than made up for the food (which was still very good). In fact, the service here is possibly the best I've experienced in Boston so far. The waiter knew the menu inside and out, down to every last detail, and genuinely enjoyed helping us pick out the best tapas for our tastes. I will definitely continue coming back to Barcelona. Edit: Been back two or three times since this original review. I don't know if something changed or not, regardless, this place is one of the best in Boston and deserves 5 stars. Service, food, atmosphere -- all are excellent.
(5)
John P.
Two recent experiences at Barcelona Brookline after dining at Barcelona D.C. 1 dinner, the other brunch. Takeaways: Enjoyable place to begin a night or indulge a bit on a weekend day. Sangria will keep me coming back along with some great tapas (Lobster one was a table favorite). Found the french toast w/ pear butter and berries also delicious and unique. Service was class and this Brookline location compares favorably to my experience at the DC location. Solid value overall and absolutely worth checking out if you live in the area.
(4)
Dennis C.
The things we got in order of deliciousness: - Lobster fideos - Foie Gras - Bacon wrapped mushrooms - Crepas salguero for dessert - Braised short ribs - Roasted cauliflower - Albondigas - Caramelized brussel sprouts Despite being at the bottom, the brussel sprouts were still pretty good, but the lobster fideos were simply phenomenal. It comes in a wok with four pieces of lobster, but they also use lobster meat to make the pasta and getting the crusty pasta at the bottom of the pan was sooo good. The foie gras was also interesting as this was the first time I've had it cold, but after the second bite I really enjoyed how it just melts and how well it goes with the fried garlic-y bread-y bedding it's served on as well as the sherry that it goes with. Great service, two very attentive waiters and the manager checked in at the end of our meal.
(5)
Raoul H.
To be fair- a few things were good. The crusty baked bread was yummy, and the staff was pretty nice. Other than that, this place had the feel of a large chain restaurant, huge and with a sort of mechanized, assembly line feel to the service and food. The atmosphere was the worst: loud, echo-filled, with employees actually running around. It's enormous inside, and the extensive use of metal makes it feel industrial, like a huge warehouse. It was not the cozy tapa bar experience I was hoping for. The tapa selection was okay, nothing too original, and not really many options that weren't very heavy. Probably the best aspect is the cheese selection, but there was no presentation at all to the cheese I ordered. A tiny dab of compote accompanied my hunk-o-cheese, and they even forgot to give me a knife to cut it with. The other dishes were quite salty and not presented well either. They forgot the cheese atop my cauliflower dish and were too busy running around to get me silverware or a second glass of wine. Overall, somewhere between a meh and a bad. The one thing this restaurant really has going for it is location. There aren't that many options in Washington Square, and people in that neighborhood are dying for a place to call their own, so they will likely continue to swamp this cold, metallic industrial warehouse.
(1)
Jennifer W.
Have been wanting to visit Barcelona Wine Bar ever since it opened, but it's a little far from where we live so didn't make it out there until now. We love tapas and sangria so were excited. First off, this place was PACKED, and we were told by the manager that it was a "slower" night. Not sure if I'd want to see what a busy night looks like. The wait was about an hour but luckily we snapped up a small bar table for 2 soon after we arrived. Their traditional sangria is really really good, and a pitcher is only $24. To be fair the pitcher has a ton of ice in it, but it's literally served in a beer pitcher, so it's a great deal compared to some of the other chic tapas bars around town. As for the food, we tried the truffled bikini, meatballs, patatas bravas, chicken liver mouse and steak with truffle vinaigrette. Everything was good to very good, with the patatas bravas and truffled bikini being our favorites. The onion jam on the chicken liver mouse was fabulous, just wish there was a bit more. The steak, which seems to be their most popular item was good, but the vinaigrette was a little too sour for my taste. For dessert, we had a hard time deciding between the crepe and the churros. We ended up ordering the crepe but the manager sent over churros anyway, very nice of her! Both were really good but super filling. We were ridiculously full when we left, while hoping their South End location opens soon so we'll have somewhere closer to home to indulge in some tapas and sangria.
(4)
Matt C.
The build up and excitement of trying Barcelona Wine Bar left me prepared to be disappointed. I am happy to report that even with lofty expectations, Barcelona is still able to exceed and satisfy. We went prepared to indulge in Tapas and were impressed that the menu is filled with wonderful and varied tapas options. However, be prepared to be tempted by many other items including Mixed Grills and Paella to share and some tantalizing meat + cheese options. The service was great and you can tell that the restaurant is firing on all cylinders even though they are relatively new. The lamb chops are superb and the chorizo and fig will make you wish that it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. I am already planning the best strategy for our return visit.
(4)
Vanessa P.
This place is amazing; everything about it. The ambiance is incredible, both inside and outside. Whenever a friend is visiting Boston, this is where I take them. The food is to die for. Croquettes and truffled bikini are delicious, but so is everything. Not surprisingly, the sangria is absolutely delicious, especially their herb one with rosemary. You have to get there on the earlier side of you don't want to wait! I've waited an hour and half to get a table (willingly). This place is just the coolest.
(5)
Rebecca C.
Wow. The bartender Steve was really helpful with choosing the perfect wine. I had the lamb and it was amazing. Wish it was cooked medium rare but I am going back for sure!!!
(5)
Rae G.
Wow! We had meat and cheese platter, octopus, scallops, spring risotto, and amazing bread and cocktails. Everything was awesome. The tables are quite close together, but the food was so good that I couldn't really notice. Reasonably priced for what you get... Confused about the reviews that say the portions are small.... It's a TAPAS restaurant lol.
(5)
Sarah M.
(Didn't realize this posted on the Brookline location's page, we actually dine in West Hartford.) We had a lovely evening and great experience, despite having to wait a few minutes for our reservation. Our waitressES (loved having two working the area) were attentive and knew the menu well and were full of recommendations. I can't remember everything we had, but loved it all ... except the Duck Fat Fries. We didn't touch them much and our waitress asked why. We were honest about it -- way too much jalapeño, she took them away, replaced them with a new dish, didn't charge us AND the manager came over to apologize personally and get more feed back. A+! I do know we started with some coppa, which was amazing. As was the hanger steak with truffle sauce. The duck pastrami sandwich left us wanting to order a second (but didn't). The chicken empenda had a similar effect and served with an amazing avocado cream. The list goes on. If you like tapas, you won't be disappointed. The pitcher of white winter herb sangria was delicious and a great value (which can be a trick by the restaurant)!
(4)
Hayley B.
Barcelona wine bar is very close to my current apartment and has quickly become a go-to for a great meal with friends. The food is repeatedly outstanding. The first time I walked in they offered me sangria on the house while I waited for my table which was a great way to start off. I have tried many of the tapas here, with a few favorites being truffle hangar steak, tuffled bikini grilled cheese, empanadas, and the potato tortilla. I have sat inside every time because I only discovered this place mid fall, but I am anxiously awaiting the warmer weather where I can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere, food, and heat lamps.
(5)
Grace W.
Suckling Pig: delicious bacon candy that's crunchy in all the right places and melt-in-your-mouth awesome that will probably thicken your blood vessels a few nanometers. Ordered one serving for two people, which I recommend if you want to try other tapas. Don't be disappointed when the one serving comes out - it might look less than 50% the size of a two-serving portion, but the taste was there. Fig and sausages: i can see why it's popular, with the salty and sweet, but it's a bit too sweet and not as interesting as the rest of the menu for me. Mushrooms with goat cheese: this was really salty and the manager agreed. he was kind enough to offer a new batch, which never came, but at least they took it off the bill. Steak: solid, fragrant and delicious truffle sauce. Came out immediately so it didn't stay warm for long. Wine: La Montesa was a great pairing. Churros: a bit soft and mushy on the inside, but otherwise came out hot and delicious with the chocolate. The chocolate was in a large mug, so it was a bit awkward to dip into. Service: friendly, attentive and not overbearing. Portions overall were decent. Atmosphere conducive to just about any occasion, and you can tell that the staff wants to keep the customers (both waiting and eating) happy. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(4)
Alan L.
Great place! Highly recommend sitting outside. Even on a chilly night, the blankets and heat lamps make for an awesome dinner! Best things we ordered: hanger steak, red traditional sangria, and the crepes. WOW! SOOO GOOD!! Definitely coming back here soon!
(5)
Chris R.
Simply amazing. I've never had a bad dish here after trying dozens of things. The migas (fried egge over chopped sausage and fried bread) is amazing, perfect patatas bravas, ham and cheese croquettes are out of this world, and golden beet orange and pesto salad is really good. Returning specials to look for are mini pulled pork sandwiches and pigs ears (weird but amazing if you like bacon). Specials are always, always good. Everything's good. Try the paella too, and just get a couple of tapas (if you can stop yourself). Cheeses and wines are spectacular, but the real standouts for me are the manchego cheese and a ginger and chili pepper red sangria. Brunch is also spectacular. I've loved the morcilla (spanish blood sausage) eggs benedict with smashed potatoes, as well and oxtail hash that's to die for. Churros are quite good with great chocolate, if you ever have room for dessert.
(5)
Megan B.
This is a great new addition to Brookline! I read about the opening in Thrillist and wanted to try out Barcelona Wine Bar since I love tapas. I didn't know they had other locations, but the good reviews made this place look promising and I was not disappointed! It wasn't just the delicious food that impressed me either. The service was very attentive to our empty plates and water glasses and our waiter made great recommendations. The menu had unique options and was surprisingly, reasonably priced. (I personally always feel that tapas are a little over-priced). And the ambiance was great for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. I definitely plan to come back when the patio is open. Who doesn't ove sangria on a patio in the summer in Boston? I enjoyed everything we ordered but the best tapas were the lamb chops, chorizo and fig, and the mini jamon grilled cheese sandwiches. Quick tip: if you fill out the comment card at the table, you get a token for a free tapa. Free croquetas? Yes please!
(4)
Julie N.
Do not leave without eating the crepes. You're welcome. Okay, but seriously? Go here. Wait. Wait some more. And then stuff your face with the best tapas you've had since you went to Spain that time. Best of the best.
(5)
Steve S.
When I was a kid, this place was an upscale Italian restaurant named Walters. That was almost 40 years and 30 restaurants ago I think Barcelona may be here awhile. It is an expansive place with a bar to the left and two large dining rooms. It should be stated that I am not a tapas fan. Its not my thing, but Barcelona is different First the service is excellent. You are served by two waiters and a manager will check just in case. The food is wonderful, especially the salads. They were really unique in flavor. Even kale somehow tasted good, but there is a couple dishes for anyone Its funny. I was in Barcelona in June. I think the food in this Barcelona is actually better
(5)
Laura W.
Barcelona Wine Bar is officially my favorite restaurant in this state of MA. Why? It's the food, it's the staff, it's the design. The tapa style, aka mini plates, makes the dinner experience fast paced and exciting. I loved the grilled hanger steak, cooked to perfection. I didn't even need a knife to cut this steak and it melt in my mouth! With the large menu constantly changing, I don't think I would ever get tired eating at Barcelona. My waitress and waiter were very attentive plus the manager gave me an kind greeting. Granted this wasn't a busy Saturday that I picked to dine, but I came in without a reservation in the most popular restarant in town and the host offered us a table without any wait. I appreciate the quality of service and food at Barcelona which is getting harder and harder to find today.
(5)
Madeline F.
So excited to go back. I can't justify going out to dinner and not getting tapas. Everything was perfect, from food to drinks to service. I would say their cocktails rival any others I've had in the Allston/Brookline area. The interior is industrial and huge in a warm and sophisticated way, not drafty or impersonal. Hard to pick just one favorite small plate, but it comes down to the spinach chickpea cazuela, beets, and mushrooms with goat cheese. Oh and the squid ink dish was especially good.
(5)
Michael C.
Amazing experience. The tapas here are great, and they change seasonally, if not daily. Some highlights: chorizo with sweet and sour figs, suckling pig croquettes, fried summer squash. You must try the steak with truffle sauce, it may be the tastiest thing I've ever had. There is a good wine selection, and I recommend asking the sommelier for suggestions. The tapas are not huge portions, and they are a little overpriced, but they really care about quality. I mentioned to my waitress that one of the tapas tasted off, and she immediately offered to replace it, even though everyone in my party had already tried it. Later, a manager came by to get even more feedback, and by the end they had comped the dish. My suggestion: go there with some friends, order some wine, order some tapas; sit, relax, enjoy. If something doesn't look or taste right, tell the staff and they'll take care of you.
(5)
Sara M.
Growing up in Fairfield, CT, my family went to the Barcelona there for Tapas dinners and always had great meals. I was over the moon when I found out that we were getting one here too. Four of us went on a Thursday night, and reservations were a must. We tried some of the tempernillos, cocktails and a wine flight. The service, food, and drinks were all amazing. We had three servers for our table (I think one was a trainee), which could be overwhelming, but the food makes up for this 100%. We even got a free tapa coin from the manager for letting him know how everything was. This is a great place for people that like to try lots of little things, and eat long, relaxed meals. I cannot wait to go back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Navah F.
This is our go-to restaurant - whether it's a celebration or just because, Barcelona never disappoints. They do fantastic veggie dishes (like their spinach and chickpea cazuela...I get it every time) as well as suculant meat and fish. While some dishes rank higher than others, the overall atmosphere and consistency of the food and service ensures we''ll always come back. They take amazing care of their regulars, and are excited to hear your feedback (they give away free tapas tokens for leaving feedback at the end of the meal). Drinks are just as good as the food. The berry bramble and ginger chilie sangria are personal favorites, and the waiters are knowledgeable enough to do pairings. You won't find a better deal and more accomidating team of tapas maestros. Just be sure you put in for a reservation Wednesday - Sunday or you can expect 1-2 hour waits. It is worth the wait!
(5)
Steven C.
A few days before heading to Spain, my kids inform me of their desire to try Spanish cuisine. Yelped up the BWB. So the food seems a little bit more Madrid with some American fusion but I won't split hairs on the name. I can't find fault with a single dish - wonderfully prepared and great presenation. BTW - The spainish don't really care about presentation (IMHO). We started with a massive offering of jamon which was high quality but it would be nice to have multiple offerings. I know most Americans who have even heard of jamon thing of it as a single entity but there are other wonderful varieties of this cured hunk of yumminess. Our favorite dishes were the Hanger Steak and Sweet Breads. Th black truffle vinegrette on the steak was pure foodgasm heaven. Excellent service, decent price and crafted food. BTW - Their sangria rocks too!
(5)
Brian C.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday morning/early afternoon to find that the place wasn't that busy. Was a little concerned by this, but we sat down and placed our orders anyway, and I must say, this place was INCREDIBLE! Options for brunch include items from a Char-Grilled Lamb Burger, to a Plancha Omelette, to Smoke Blue Fish Cakes. There are a handful of tapas available during brunch in case you want to share something with your date or group of friends. Everyone in our party left the restaurant full and 100% satisfied! The have a full bar and can make you anything from a Tequila Sunrise, to a Bloody Mary, to Sangria. So, to conclude, be sure to have your stretchy pants ready at home, and come with an empty stomach! Enjoy!
(5)
Myechia J.
This is my new favorite restaurant. Service is excellent. Servers are friendly and knowledgable. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend dinner and drinks. The menu has great variety and will please any palate. Also, the sangria is amazing!
(5)
Brian D.
I must have tried everything in the menu when I came to town on a business trip. The potatoes, the hanger steak, and the spicy sangria were my favorites. The service was awesome as well would absolutely eat here again
(5)
Stephanie P.
This is such a great place, not just for a tapas restaurant but in general one of the best meals I've had out. Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend the eggplant dish and the Laurona wine.
(5)
Lauren D.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are attentive and always in good spirits. The ambiance is fresh and modern European. Now the food, just amazing, I have not tried a dish there I did not like, even the first time I dined at Barcelona Wine Bar, I was unsure about a dish I ordered was "cold" and asked to send it back, it was explained to me by the manager that the dish is typically served at room temperature and not hot. Even after hearing this I was given a new plate of something else I wanted to try, and two tokens for free tapas the next time I arrive. Now that is taking care of your customers in my opinion. I came back with my entire family and had a delicious meal with them, to which they all agreed was amazing. Some dishes are pricey, but if you do want to experience this wonderful little treasure on Beacon Street, grab a glass of their sangria in the bar/lounge and pick two to three tapas plates. Totally affordable if you can't go all out.
(5)
Jen F.
I really like Barcelona Wine Bar. I was a bit skeptical at first given that it's a chain, but having been back many times, it continues to be excellent. The food is really good and so is the service. Several items that truly stand out are: shaved mushroom salad, truffled "bikini", chicken pimientos, and their sangria. Love the sangria! It's safe to say that you can order pretty much any item on the menu and expect it to be delicious. All in all, a fantastic addition to Brookline!
(4)
Tammy K.
If someone had told me a month ago that my favorite tapas place in the Boston area would actually be a chain restaurant in Brookline, I would not have believed it. After having their tapas, I am now a BWB Belieber. Everything I've tasted, from the special duck cassoulet to the hangar steak with truffle oil to the hot turnips, is fantastic. Drinks are good, and atmosphere is perfect for date night, though some of the tables along the back wall are a bit scrunched together. Tip 1: Stick with the hot tapas. The cold tapas are good, but the hot tapas are better (with the exception of the jamon iberico, which is difficult to find around Boston and just plain delicious). Tip 2: Fill out the survey at the end to get a free tapa on your next visit.
(4)
Mackenzie M.
One of my absolute favorite places in Boston! I have been here four or five times including once for brunch and each time has been memorable. I can't stop saying great things about this place! Great options for beverages no matter what you're in the mood for and the tapas are amazing. Each dish is flavorful in its own way. Service, food, and atmosphere, are all consistently great each time I have come here. Dined here for brunch on a particularly sunny day and all that was open for tables were tables directly in the sun. Management came over to check on us and offer other tables once they opened and even opened the door to let some cool air in. That is going above and beyond. Thanks Barcelona for always making sure that your customers are happy and satisfied. Looking forward to trying Barcelona at the new Boston location!!!
(5)
K P.
Good-sized portions despite being tapas. The dishes can't compare to Toro in South End but definitely wins as the preferred atmosphere. Have had both brunch and dinner here numerous times and will definitely come back. Can not wait for the warm weather to dine at outdoor patio. Very spacious, great staff, yummy food. Great spot for dates also. I've also tried the South End location and was very disappointed. Stick to the Brookline location, it has not let me down.
(4)
Geoff B.
I made this review by mistake, I meant to click on a different restaurant. Please delete this.....would like to eat here though....
(5)
Gabby F.
Convenient: Literally next to door to my house. Efficient: The waitstaff are always very quick and eager to please. Sometimes a little too eager. Who doesn't love tapas? Come on. Get the kale salad.
(4)
Mike B.
Probably the best food I've ever eaten, the small plates(tapas) that are on the menu are a fun way to eat, so that you can try a bit of everything, the 6-month Manchego cheese was delicious. For the main course we ate Salvaje paella which also was phenomenal. Our server was quick to help us, as it was our first time there and he recommended dishes and was very kind. We also had a half pitcher of the white traditional sangria which was amazing as well. All in all no complaints, definitely have to try it again when i come back to Boston
(5)
Lee D.
Average food. Good beer. Nice ambience. Not the greatest tapas place, but pretty good.
(3)
Lisa B.
3 stars for food. 5 stars for ambiance. 4 stars for service. We finally checked out Barcelona Wine Bar after months of good intentions... as in we intended to go, but didn't. We decided to make a reservation to celebrate our recent wedding and upcoming trip to Barcelona (the city). The ambiance is top notch... It's always so nice to see people laughing and enjoying wine with friends. Our meat and cheese plate was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal: Carne Salado (meat) + Oriol de Montbru & Aged Mahon (cheeses). We also ordered the broccolini (okay with a slight kick at the end), mussels, patatas bravas, and soft shell crab. A few critical (but hopefully helpful) notes: 1. The cheeses were great, although it would have been nice for the server to tell us which was which. I feel like this is pretty standard practice, so perhaps our server forgot(?) 2. The patatas bravas were extremely salty... to the point of not tasting very good. 3. The mussels were very fishy - It didn't taste as though they'd been rinsed. We didn't like them very much, and I wouldn't recommend this dish. The bread that accompanied the mussels was also charred to the point of tasting like, well, charcoal. Our overall experience was very enjoyable, but the food was a bit lacking. I've definitely had better tapas in Boston. Our server was sweet, although our water glasses went empty a few times throughout the dinner. On the other hand, we never felt rushed. We really appreciated this since Barcelona is the hot new place in Washington Square. SO, the truth is that we had fun, but I'm not sure if we'll be back. Our bill was about $100 (before tip) for 2 people, and the food was not at the standard we expected.
Hands down one of the best-designed spaces anywhere in Boston. Barcelona replaces the many restaurants that have been in this space (Vinny T's, American Craft, Roadhouse, etc.) and it looks like it's here to stay. The bartenders know their thing and often give free samples which is a nice touch. Food (tapas) = solid. It's busy most nights, so be patient when you come by.
(4)
JP C.
Not a great experience. I was there for brunch. I ordered hot tea with milk and honey. The tea came (well, a cup of hot water and a separate tea bag) with a little jug of honey. I reminded the waitress about the milk. She came back with it, but then I had to ask for a spoon. Another waitress was passing by with a handful of soup spoons and she gave me one. I pointed out that it didn't fit into the honey jug. She got defensive and said, "I was just trying to help," as if it was my fault for wanting a teaspoon with my tea. OK, bad marks for tea. I ordered eggs benedict with jamon serrano. The eggs were perfectly poached, but the hollandaise sauce didn't seem to be made with lemon juice. The texture was nice, but the flavor was very flat. Also, I didn't have any silverware. That seemed to mystify the staff. Finally, I started to eat. Then the waitress came and topped up my cup of tea with hot water. That was the last straw. I think a restaurant should be able to deal with a customer wanting tea with brunch. I'm not a teetotaler, but I don't necessarily want to drink alcohol with every meal. I got the distinct feeling that I was somehow imposing - what with my demands for a teaspoon and then implements with which to eat my meal. I'm not inclined to try the tapas. If they can't make hollandaise properly, I have my doubts about the rest of the menu.
(1)
David S.
Great meal! Service was excellent. The waitress and management made sure that everything was on par. Favorites: Hanger steak , Brussels sprouts, and the halibut
(5)
Gwen H.
Awesome in every way possible. Arrived 645 on a Saturday without a reservation and of course expected to wait. They estimated an hour and it was probably only 30 minutes, during which we enjoyed a glass of wine while people watching. One waiter came by with complimentary croquettes! Our waiter ( William I think? ) was so nice and helpful, attentive but not too much. He alerted me to the gluten free bread and I almost fell out or my seat. We ate a lot. All was simply delicious and the perfect amount of food to share. THe suckling pig was incredible. So was the quinoa stuffed squash. Chorizo and figs. Brussels sprouts. Etc. Yes, this place is a gem. Happy we ended up here (we originally wanted to try toro but the wait was 2 hours!). As far as I'm concerned this place is the best.
(5)
Morgan F.
Best Spot in Boston! Barcelona is one of my favorite spots in Brookline and Boston overall. Great patio area, huge bar area and nice ambiance inside. They often have live music which is a plus. I love that they rotate their menu based on what's in season. I had fiddleheads for the first time here (which apparently are only in season for a few weeks out of the year) and hey were incredible! Meet and cheese selection is awesome and the steak tare tare is fab. The sangria is also to die for. They've got the trifecta! Atmosphere is great, foods awesome, and whoever is doing the staffing deserves a raise. Every single host, server, manager, bus boy etc, I've had contact with goes above and beyond and they genuinely care about your experience. I think I've met every manage but can't remember their names, but most recently John was really great. This is a great spot for date night, casual bar drinks and small plates, and for big groups. It's good for families but I'd suggest an earlier time as it gets a bit loud and crowded later on. Can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)
Jenna C.
I had been to Barcelona once before but this time was with a larger party to wish a good luck farewell to a co-worker. We had made a reservation for 7:30 and sat down at about 8. Our server was initially pleasant, but by the time we had our first round of drinks it was nearing 8:30, almost an hour after our reservation. Since we were a larger party, it was recommended to get the $35 per person option that brings out a variety of dishes without having to actually order them. This option seemed nice because the server mentioned dishes would continuously be brought out quicker than otherwise, but in reality it felt we waited longer than the tables around us who ordered after we did. As 9pm approached, the dishes started to arrive - small apps and salads were out first. Since it was anticipated dinner would be from about 730-930, some of us needed to wrap up dinner. Given the long waiting time and time for food to come, few of us did not get to try the "main" courses (meats etc) and only had salads. In addition and to top the night, when I asked for a separate check because I had to leave (it was nearly 9:40 at this point) it was visibly obvious the server did not appreciate my request and jokingly (I think) said it was "annoying". All and all, not the night that was planned...
(1)
Jenn S.
This place is pretty amazing. We have been a number of times and haven't had anything bad. Our favorites are the kale salad, lamb chops, hanger steak, olives, yellowtail crudo and the potato tortilla. I know that is a lot to have favorites but there really isn't anything bad. I would just like to note that while the Paella is good it is very heavy so try not to order to many other things with it. Staff is also always amazing. Try to make a reservation or you will be waiting for an hour or so.
(4)
Sarah Y.
I've been here 4-5 times in the past three months... and for very good reason. It's conveniently located in Brookline's Washington Square neighborhood, a few steps from the T and with street parking available. That said, it caters to the more affluent Brookline crowd and the prices reflect that. Tapas range from a few dollars to ~$13-14 depending on what you get. As a vegetarian (or if you just prefer vegetable/non-meat dishes), it's more affordable since the meat/seafood dishes are on the upper end of the price scale. The price is the only reason I'm docking it a star, since you could get similar dishes for a few Euros each in Spain /end snooty European travel reference. Given the limited selection of Spanish restaurants in the Boston area, Barcelona is one of the more authentic. I can't speak to the meat, but from my friends' and family's reviews, it's amazing! The cheese selection makes me unreasonably happy. The eclectic tapas selection gives you the best tastes of different regions of Spain - AndalucÃa, Catalonia, Valencia, etc. It's a mix of what you would find both in a typical Spanish home (the simple and fresh salads, potato tortilla, croquettes) and a typical tapas restaurant in Spain (albondigas, patatas bravas - which are SO GOOD by the way, olives). I've never had a bad experience with the service. Everyone who works there seems to genuinely love and appreciate food. Also, all the sangrias are great. One of our waitresses told us they change them up on a regular basis, so you can try something new each time you go back - which, trust me, you WILL go back! P.s. Make a reservation even if you don't think you need one. This place is consistently packed!
(4)
J p.
Ah... all is restored. My party visited last night and the stellar service and excellent food was the norm, as expected. Special call out and thanks to William for his cheery and outstanding service. All dishes ordered were fantastic. Personally I wasn't the biggest fan of the mushrooms with goat cheese as I thought it a wee bit tart/too acidic. Seafood was fresh and grilled lamb was perfectly prepared. O yes, please bring back the chickpea fries soon... Additionally as a follow up, hats off to the the proactive management team from BWB. They attempted to reach out to me in response to my prior review/comment about smoking. I personally didn't get a chance to get back in touch with them but it's refreshing to see such dedicated, committed and engaged management. I am a fan of this place and will continue hold them to their high benchmark they've set - excellent service, food and management... We'll be back soon...
(5)
Sarah B.
I've been here twice, and both experiences were excellent. Barcelona Wine Bar has great food, drinks, and decor, plus reasonable prices, but the thing that really puts them way over the top is their excellent service. Both times I have been blown away by the standard they set. I recently attended a friend's birthday dinner there, and although we had a reservation, we had to wait a bit to be seated. Barcelona more than made up for this with samples of sangria and tapas on the house - plus a few tapas dishes that they ordered for us so that once we were seated, our hungry bellies would be immediately satiated. The manager also personally stopped by more than once to check on us. What a champ! As for food - it's all tasty. My favorite dishes are the caramelized brussel sprouts and the croquetas. Looking forward to going back soon, as it's always a treat!
(5)
Danielle W.
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I have a pretty severe gluten allergy and eating out is always tricky. However, both the manager and our waiter were completely accommodating. My husband and I got there a little bit before the restaurant opened and the manager assured me that I would be safe eating here. When our waiter came over he actually went ahead and wrote on our menu the modifications that would be needed for each item (IE fresh goat cheese, not breaded and sub GF bread) and crossed out the things that just weren't doable. He made some really great suggestions as well. Right after that the manger came over and told me he had the kitchen fire up some GF bread for me. He also brought over a second bowl of dipping oil to avoid cross contamination between myself and my gluten eating husband. No up charge for the bread also! We started off with two tapas: cucumber salad and eggplant caponata. Both were delicious but I really loved the cucumber salad - super light and the dressing was perfect. We then did the vegetable paella and the barcelona mixed grill. SO MUCH FOOD! We hardly made a dent in the meat, but we happily took it home as leftovers. The paella was fantastic. I literally scraped the pot it came in. They offered us a GF dessert but by this point I was nearing a food coma and we opted out. Fantastic service, fantastic food, and so accommodating with gluten free. I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Ashley A.
Oh. My. Goodness. We went here with a group of friends for our monthly "dinner club". We were all completely blown away. Erik, our server suggested that because we had a larger group (9) that it would be beneficial for us to allow him to choose a number of tapas for us and we could pass them around the table. I am not an absurdly adventurous eater, but I was so impressed with every single dish that was brought out. It was a tasting menu, but it was absolutely fabulous. I can't really pinpoint anything that stood out as better than any other aspect, because the whole experience was great. We WILL be going here again. You'll pay a little bit more for your meal, but it is 100% worth it!
(5)
Ralph O.
Good food and great atmosphere. Barcelona is one the best value-for-money restaurants, with a good wine selection. Service is friendly and informal. I have been several times and I will keep going (although I won't wait for two hours in line to sit there)
(4)
Jenn S.
I can't even tell you how floored I was when I found out Barcelona was opening around the corner from my apartment. I'm from southern CT, where Barcelona started, so I've been going to their restaurants for years. I knew they recently opened in Atlanta; when my friend said a new tapas place was opening near me and I found out it was Barcelona, I was floored! I still can't believe I didn't know about it and wasn't one of the first to go there. Ahem. Anyway. I made a reservation for 7 people for a Friday night and was seated pretty much immediately after arriving. I found out we were only going to be 4 people, so I told the host/manager that they could move us to a smaller table, if they wanted. He was so appreciative, that he gave my friend & me each a complimentary glass of sangria! Nice. Once all 4 of us were comfortably settled into our booth right next to the packed bar, we got down to talking and drinking and eating. Over the course of the night, the 4 of us downed 2 pitchers of red sangria and 1 pitcher of white. The red was definitely better: more flavor, sweeter, bolder - overall a much better sangria. (One downside to the booths: the backs are connected to the other booths, so we kept shaking. It was quite annoying) As for the food, we just went for a bunch of tapas: - We started with a meat & cheese plate, going with the Jamon Serrano (Dry-Cured Spanish Ham), the 6-month Manchego cheese and I THINK the Aged Mahon (a Nutty Cow's Milk Cheese from Mallorca) - it had a wine coating, or something. Our favorite thing was definitely the quince paste that came with it. MMM. The rest of the tapas, in my personal order of preference, were: - The Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs - OMG - The Jamon + Chicken Croquettes - always fantastic (although, they were rather small and there were 5 on the plate, despite there being 4 of us...) - The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts (apparently with Sumac & Mint?) - A Butternut Squash dish that's not on the online menu... It was drizzled with honey and some sort of nut. The waiter recommended it and I was glad he did. - Spiced Beef Empanadas (with a Red Pepper Sauce) - ok, but not as fantastic as I hoped We also got Mussels al Diablo and Crispy Calamari (with a Smoked Pepper Aioli), but I didn't try either of these. My friends loved them though. HOWEVER, I did try the Bone Marrow with Parsley Toast - something I literally had said days before that I would never try. It comes served in the bone, which was not ultra appealing, but I tried it (as all my friends watched). The flavor was actually quite good and I even went back for more. It was VERY oily and the friend who had recommended it did not like the texture/consistency. And I almost forgot the dessert! We went for the Flan (fantastic) and the Churros Y Chocolate (dark chocolate dipping sauce), which were ok. The sauce was quite watery and the churros slightly soggy in places. The waiter then convinced 2 of us to do a shot of sherry down the bone... Would have been nice if he'd told us that there was a charge for that, but oh well... The shot was nothing fabulous, but it got people around us talking. My friend went last night and said she got complimentary grilled cheese. I am quite jealous, as I wanted to try the "Truffled 'Bikini.'" But I did get complimentary sangria, so why am I complaining? One of my friends knew a couple who was there for dinner as well... They, unfortunately, waited an hour and a half for a table. Needless to say, they are probably not as happy with this place as I am! The service is fantastic, the decor is great... Yes, it's LOUD, but it's a fun place for a group dinner - not a romantic restaurant. I will DEFINITELY be back and cannot wait to try the paella!
(5)
Nancy O.
Had Tapas here with two pals tonight. Nice ambience, not too loud, not too quiet and flattering (aka dim) lighting with dark wood furnishings. We didn't have wine, so I can't comment on their extensive wine collection. Service: excellent--friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Irrelevant Sidebar: There are some exceptionally tall and handsome young men working here. Those don't usually grow in Boston. Where did they come from we wondered? Food: Yummy fresh bread to start. We stuck with the Tapas, which was good but not the best I've had. Potato tortilla was tasty, though portion was rather tiny for what it was. The fig and chorizo dish, the empanadas, and meatballs were our favorites, and the portions were good sized. We also had a little grilled ham & cheese sandwich that none of us cared for--the strong cheese and ham flavors clashed rather than complimented each other. We'll go back and try some of the other tapas dishes and perhaps some entrees. It's a fun place and the food is good, but not extraordinary. Tip; Make sure you stagger your order, or you will receive all of your tapas at the same time, and they come out quickly, which will make it a very short dining experience.
(4)
Corona W.
I've been here twice so far and I've had a great meal both times. The wine flights are a great value - three generous glasses of Rioja wine for 15.50. Management is also accommodating. We were given two plates of super delicious grilled calamari, on the house, after we were informed that the whole fish we had ordered had run out. My only complaint is that they ALWAYS run out of the pig ears so I have yet to try them....In any case, I love this place and will be back.
(4)
Lily F.
Amazing sangria (with a selection), great cocktail list, and great selection in the lunch menu. I enjoyed the love jazz near the window, atmosphere of the place. Pleasant and helpful waitress. Everything I ordered I LOVED. No complaints.
(5)
Braelyn G.
OK, was just here on July 4th weekend and found a new wondrous part of this fantastic restaurant! You can get a chefs tasting menu for $35 a head, and (here's the kicker) it's ALL YOU CAN EAT. However, this doesn't include alcoholic beverages or dessert (total bummer, even though I got it anyway). I highly, HIGHLY, recommend doing this! There's no minimum, so if you feel like hating the world and want to go alone then, hey, whatever floats your boat. But, if you're willing to share and want to bring some friends, do it to it! Also, sit on the patio in the summer months- it's beautiful, cooler temperature wise, and MUCH quieter than the inside!
(5)
Parul L.
Hard to get a seat here on a Friday, and we waited a bit on our res, but free apps and sangria made it better ;). We tried a ton of stuff, which was all innovative and delicious. Definitely a great addition to the Bos rest scene. They messed our paella up and have us more free drinks while we waited,and the manager overheard me say I didn't want chocolate dessert, and brought a non-chocolate item without being asked. So sweet. Will def be back! Great time at Barcelona!
(5)
Molly C.
I have probably been to Barcelona Wine & Bar at least 20 times. The crowd is always lively and even though sometimes the wait is a little long, it is nice to see a well packed restaurant. The food is absolutely amazing, especially the Hanger Steak and Mushrooms with goat cheese. Pair them together and voila! you have the most fantastic combination. A pitcher of sangria is only $24 and lets be honest, for Boston, that is pretty spectacular. The white summer herb sangria is definitely my favorite, with hints of rosemary and Lavender. If you go with a big group it ends up being pretty inexpensive to split everything. Also the service is outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth a try!
(5)
gabrielle c.
My fiance has a place a few blocks away from Barcelona & we've had dinner, or have attempted to have dinner at this joint a couple of times. Barcelona is a chain- just like McDonald's or Burger King except it's tapas. I'm mainly based in NYC, specifically Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While I realize that I'm spoiled with relatively inexpensive, creative/eclectic/authentic restaurants & cafes, Barcelona is painfully average-this could be in a mall, in the midwest, in the airport, etc. This place is always jammed which is good for the owners wallets & I realize they are catering to the local residents tastes. Bostonians seem to like more of the same. All I want is a place to have a glass of wine, a nice small plate & to move on which isn't possible at Barcelona.
(1)
Caroline S.
This was a great dinner! However, we waited 2 hours after being told one hour, which was quite a big difference. Finally sitting down, we got 5 tapas to share between 2, which was perfect. Patatas bravas and empanadas were the favorites! Meatballs were good but burnt on the bottom. Also got the croquettes and eggplant, which were tasty. Overall, a great place, but wouldn't come back again without a reservation (if they take any).
(4)
Jen O.
Excellent food and ambience! Love the feel of the whole place! Even better is the food! Love to cuchinillo or suckling pig!!! Be adventurous! Try everything! Most of what we've tried are amazing! So you can't go wrong! Have fun! It is always packed, so make reservations a week or even two in advance to make sure you have a table! Can't wait to take visiting family to this place! Superb!
(5)
Michelle C.
I hate giving bad reviews, especially since I'm sure there are off days. Let me start off by saying I frequent Barcelona quite frequently and never had a bad experience. But after eating for two hours (unintentionally) since the service was incredibly slow, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. The meal started off great with their always delicious meat and cheese platter. However, things went downhill from there. We ordered the hangar steak with truffle sauce and we got the ribeye instead. The waitress brought out the correct order but thereafter, she never came by once to check up on us. I get it that the restaurant was packed but at 11PM, tables were clearing out. After twenty minutes of eating straight up serrano ham, I wanted someone (anyone please) to ask if we could use more water/bread. Not a single person. I finally had to grab another waitress's attention after both my date and I were both dying from thirst. By the time dessert came around, we hesitated to order knowing that it'll probably take another 30 minutes. But one cannot leave without dessert so we ordered the churros and flan, which was fabulous. We waited..again. Just us, the staff and another table that came in an hour after us. So two hours later, I'm left disappointed since I so wanted to like my meal better but service pretty much ruined it for me.
(2)
Ashley S.
SO GOOD. Everything here is IS GOOD. Sommelier made great wine recommendations too. Try the manchego cheese and the duck. Fantastic. Tables are really small and extremely cramped, so be aware of that. Also, don't sit by the door in wintertime or you'll get a face full of frozen air every time someone comes or goes.
(5)
Michael O.
I had heard great things about Barcelona and was anxious to check it out. I was in no rush at all, and the wait was a little longer than most places but the outside seating area was really nice, it was beautiful out so I had no problem waiting a bit longer and having a couple drinks. I went with my girlfriend and she loved it as well. Our waitress was an amazing woman named Joy who made the experience astronomically more enjoyable. We go out to eat quite a bit, and we both agreed she was the best waitress we have had in quite some time! GREAT food, great service, and the price was right. Highly recommend!
(5)
Tom G.
So, I've been here 3 more times and it's still really hit-or-miss. The food is pretty much the same quality every time but the front of house and the waitstaff are pretty uneven. And I've had the same cocktail 3 or 4 times (Brookline Sour) and it's tasted different almost every time, once with, um, less-than-fresh fruit. Not really acceptable. But the food is really nice and the wine list is thoughtful so it's a welcome addition.
(4)
Gabriela C.
we did a shot of sherry. in a bone marrow luge. after an amazing man, a hero of sorts, cut paper thin pieces of the finest salted pig leg next to our table on a cart. keep doing you, barcelona, keep doing you.
(5)
Shana K.
I have been here several times, and I can't begin to say enough good things about this place. I wanted to write a review after my first experience but thought I would hold off until I'd been a bit more often. I should also say that I've been to the Barcelona in South Norwalk, CT, which while fine, has nothing on this location either in terms of food or service. To start: the staff at the bar were unusually attentive, even when busy. I dine alone frequently, and it is a real pleasure when the staff doesn't ignore you simply on that basis. Nor is the service any less attentive at the table. I have brought my parents and guests from abroad here, and everyone was impressed by the servers' knowledge of the menu and ability to make excellent recommendations. The menu changes frequently, but there are some staples which don't change (or haven't in the time I've been attending) and are well worth your while. Some standouts for me have included the chicken liver mousse, the "truffled bikini" (a grilled cheese with Serrano ham and truffled aioli - delightfully unsalty and full of flavour) the grilled hangar steak (savoury and delicious), and whatever raw/ceviche style seafood they have going. I am not a big vegetable person, but vegetarians I know really loved the kale salad, as did I. All in all, a very solid and delicious option when dining in Brookline. Can't recommend highly enough.
(5)
Kobie E.
The food was so good, better than I ever imagined it could be!! The bartender Harrison was equally as awesome, friendly, helpful and his Sidecar was the best!!
(5)
Mal S.
Excellent food and service. The fresh toasty bread was a great way to start the meal. We had the pork belly, pulled pork, hanger steak, asparagus/egg, potato tortilla, and beef empanada. Every single dish was perfection. This place is a must try. I will definitely be returning. As a walk in on a Friday, we waited about 2 hours before we were seated. Make a reservation!
(5)
Anat S.
Second time at Barcelona...it was just as great as the first. The Sangria lived up to my memory as did the atmosphere and service. They really care about you, the guest, it's a refreshing feeling. The tapas are more hits than misses: Patatas bravas, insalata mista, ANY of their cheeses/meats...all YUM! Caponata is a gamble, but when it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! Ask for Joy, she is a Joy and enjoy.
(5)
Ryan M.
We chose Barcelona for an anniversary dinner tonight. It was a last minute call and since the restaurant only takes reservations for 1/3 of its tables, we were not able to make one. It didn't matter to us so we put our name in and had a couple of drinks at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we were served relatively quickly by our waiter. We put in orders for a bunch of plates and they were delivered very quickly. The food was excellent. Surprisingly, the spinach and chickpea with roasted garlic may have been the most memorable dish. Other tapas favorites such as patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo were great. The redfish a la plancha was excellent as was the ribeye with horseradish gremolata. The empanadas were good, but not great. After we received our plates is when things really fell apart. While I sat with an empty glass of beer in front of me, the waiter pulled up a chair to flirt with the girls next to us. All the while he continued to check in with the couple next to us as well. At least three times he came to check in on our neighbors without ever asking if we needed a drink, offering a desert menu, or asking if we wanted the check. After about 30 minutes, of sitting with no drinks, no food, and no service we managed to get the check and get out of there. We were inclined to order dessert, but after waiting as long as we did, we decided to satisfy our sweet teeth elsewhere. I doubt our server noticed. For great tapas try Tapeo, Toro, and Tasca. Barcelona is more about the scene than anything else and to be completely honest, it wasn't worth the wait...don't let the crowds fool you. If you show up, cross your fingers and maybe the service will be better which would have drastically improved our experience. I doubt we'll be back.
(2)
Neil H.
The parents were in town last night, and they wanted to take the girlfriend and me out for dinner. We chose Barcelona, and were not disappointed. The place was packed on a Saturday night at 8:45 when we walked in for our reservation. The host scared me a bit when he said they were running behind and that they'd be another 20 minutes. But, he under promised and over delivered. They had us seated in 10 minutes. The only thing was that it seemed like they didn't have the service capacity for the number of guests they had. Every single server was running around like a mad dog. If they had a few more runners on staff, it may make things better. The food was outstanding. My father said it was one of the best meals he had in a really long time. The noise in the place made for a fun atmosphere. And there was something for everyone to enjoy. Because of the slow service, the manager came over and checked in with us. He apologized and offered us free dessert. A nice touch, but also unnecessary since we were already well beyond the point of stuffed on great tapas. We've been to Barcelona a few times now, and will certainly return.
(5)
merisa t.
This place is amazing. The last time I was there, they had a bone marrow luge. I really don't think there is anything else to say.
(5)
Mikhail H.
Food, service and the whole dining experience were just about as perfect as you can get. They have a wonderful menu variety for great pricing. Their service is so good, in fact, that the waiter noticed I did not finish the mushrooms and goat cheese. He inquired if I was unhappy with it, offering to remove it from our bill which was pretty amazing for a restaurant.
(5)
aly m.
The service is terrible (and the terribleness clearly stems from a corporate policy requiring servers to be all up in your face as often as possible, and not from any ineptitude on the poor staff's part), the food is worse (if I want something that salty and sugary, I'll just drop seventy-five cents on a Slim Jim, thanks), and the company makes a habit of muscling into neighborhoods known for small, excellent, independently-owned restaurants. I wouldn't go back to Barcelona for anything, and I will do my best to dissuade anyone else from going there. They have no business being in Washington Square (or in the South End, for that matter.) I wish I could leave zero stars. Gross, gross, gross. They also have a monotonous, overpriced wine list. There is really nothing good about this place. AVOID.
(1)
Tracy R.
My absolute favorite place to go in Brookline (and actually Boston, too). The food is incredible. The chickpea dish is out of this world. The service is always great. The drinks, especially the sangria and fun takes on additional sangrias (there's one w lavender!) are all very good. It's always packed but with it being so good, who could blame them?! Definitely make a reservation. One out of about 10 times we wait forever to be seated so that's annoying but it's well worth it and you can go to the bar in the mean time. Definitely go to this place!!
(5)
Shirley M.
Just want to say that we've been to Barcelona Spain and that inspired us to try Barcelona Wine Bar and we were very satisfied, twice!!! Lindsay is very knowledgeable and helpful at the bar. The tapas is delicious and so was the wine. We would add that an actual trip to Barcelona for the staff would greatly add to the authenticity of the experience and increase the expertise that they (she) already has going on in this fun place. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Ika M.
This place was really fun! It's nice to order so many tapas to taste and share. We really enjoyed the squid ink noodles, scallops, flan, and beef dishes in particular. The price was right and the service was attentive. I just don't know why the dining area is so dark. We had to use the light on our cellphones to identify what was on our table and what we were eating. The plates were big enough to share (among the 6 of us) and they were all tasty. Will return!
(4)
Anna K.
Great drinks and good tapas. Really busy place, even on weeknights, but good service nonetheless!
(4)
M B.
Definately the go-to place when craving tapas. Like like like. Good ambiance, good service, good food, and good location.
(5)
Molly F.
We went back in May, as I wanted to return before I moved away. We tried to make a reservation on Friday night, but were not allowed as they were entering their dinner rush. We were told that they usually have a lot of turnover when people leave the bar around 8, so we decided to walk over. We entered at about 8 and put our names on the list. The bar was packed, but we were again told that people would be heading out soon. Now I've lived in Boston long enough to know about the Fri/Sat dinner crowd. I definitely did not expect to be seated immediately. We hung around and had a drink or two at the bar - but, I was starving! When we tried to check where we were on the list with the host, he assured us we would be sat in 10-15 minutes. Although he took great pains to say he didn't really know for sure. This continued for over an hour. Every time we asked, he implied that tables were getting ready to leave. This prevented us from walking out the door to a less busy establishment! We were seated a little bit after 10pm. We were very close to the door, which was constantly opened and closed; this made our food cool really fast, which wasn't pleasant. I ate with my coat on. The food was still terrific. The service this time was meh. I was "hangry!" The cold wind and blah service did not cheer me up. I understand that places are busy on the big nights at the big times. I get that! However, please don't BS me around for over an hour! I recognize that I could have walked, but the host was hinting each time we asked that it would only be a little longer. And after sinking that much time in, who really wants to give up? I should have cut my losses. My advice: make a reservation if you can, and don't risk it on a busy night if you can't.
(3)
Monica A.
We bought a bottle from Spain. Very good. The spicy sangria. Very good. One of us got a cocktail with grapes floating around. That was sweet and very very good. Ambiance was loud and they played a random selection of music from the 80's and 90's.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
Great place. Great ambiance and energy. Just make sure you eat dinner before you come. Smallest portions ever. Tapas translates to starving. Fortunately Pinos is open late - chicken parm for dessert.
(3)
Cecile B.
Great dynamic spot in Washington Square, Brookline. It is a busy place, so be sure to make a reservation and come prepare to wait for your table. The hostess was less than friendly, but service was good. Food was delicious, we shared tapas and not one was disappointing. Visited October 2013
(5)
Caio M.
We had the pleasure of being served by Joy and she was attentive, pleasant and informative. Our dining experience lasted no shorter than 4 hours! Lots and lots of variety and showmanship with their service. Gluten free dishes and drinks. 3 different sangria choices! Their staff checked up on us constantly and we're looking forward to our next dining experience at Barcelona. Enjoy!
(5)
JLH ..
I have the biggest crush on this place. This does remind me of being in Barcelona (without having to stand to eat pinchos) :) The wine is just amazing. the food is awesome. the bread is evil. (in a good way) The bartenders, servers, and host staff are all super friendly and knowlegable. it's officially my favorite neighborhood hang
(5)
Tina L.
I came here this past weekend with friends to celebrate a new job. I had been here before and enjoyed my experience so thought it would be a nice place to introduce to my other foodie friends. There were 8 of us and we purposely arrived early so we could get our name down. They initially told us one hour. Then one and a half. Then more than two hours go by, and with so many stomachs grumbling and friends getting "hangry", we finally had to leave and go to another restaurant. Meanwhile, a party of 14 was there for over two hours (walked in same time as me) and I assume they had made a reservation. However, when I had called earlier, they told me they didn't take reservations on weekends. Anyways, the party was in no rush to leave and management didn't seem to care to find us a table until we started for the door. The option they gave us was a booth for 6 where all the other waiting patrons would be hovering over us. No thanks. My suggestion to BWB is to have more tables for large parties or at least allow larger parties (say, 6 or more) to make reservations in advance. Couldn't believe we actually waited that long and still didn't get a table or apologies for underestimating the wait time so much. Perhaps it was to keep us there and feel like we were close to being seated. Anyways, everyone agreed that we don't ever want to wait that long again and will be considering other restaurants in the future. Lesson learned: wait time is waaaay long and not worth waiting that long for. Large groups, stay away!
(1)
Patrick C.
I went to Barcelona with some friends from India, it was an all and all awesome. Eric the manager came right to the table to check on the service. Our waiter, who I also believe was named Eric was tentative, not pushy and so easy to talk to. The Foie_gras pairing with the sherry was out of this world. The only downside to this place is the poor signage, we had to poke around a couple of times in different restaurants to verify where this place was. I highly recommend this place. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
(5)
Lily R.
A big fan of spanish food I've been to many tapas restaurants in boston and cambridge and cities in Spain as well. My advice is to SKIP the Barcelona Wine Bar and go to Toro in the South End or Dali or any others, honestly. It was like Fast Food tapas with a loud, overcrowded atmosphere (think boston sports bar without the TVs). I was not surprised to find out that it was a chain. I wish I had known before I tried it. Paella was a major disappointment.
(1)
Phil O.
Wow, what an experience. This place is wayyyyy better than American Craft. My girlfriend and I ordered 5 tapas dishes, all of which were delectable. Although a bit on the expensive side, I plan on coming back here for sure.
(5)
Dorise G.
don't be in a rush. come on a tuesday. come when it's beautiful out, ask to be seated outside. service was decent, even if the food came out in 2 waves with looooong stretches in between. this is spanish food, friend - slow down. get a glass of sangria. everything's gonna be alright. in the first wave: ~ham & manchego (didn't eat the ham but the manchego was solidly fantastic. especially on their delicious warm crusty bread) ~potato tortilla - it's an omelet with potatoes inside that's kind of quiche-y but more separated. delish. ~OLIVES. get the olives. i realize this seems basic, but they're marinated a little citrus-y and are more special than your average assortment. ~spiced beef empanadas - good but expendable. i might opt for other things on the menu first. round one highlights: all good, but the olives and the manchego are must-haves. second wave: ~eggplant caponata. delicious, but wished it had arrived in the first wave before i had the opportunity to fill up on bread. the only leftover we wound up with. ~MACKEREL - like whoa - not smoked but i think coated and pan-fried with marinated tomato and olive garnish. so so good. ~ARANCINI - mushroom and onion arancini with drizzles of honey on top - these were savory dessert balls more than straight menu items, and made us feel less bad about being too full for dessert. round 2 highlights: would definitely get the mackerel and arancini again. would also steal it off someone else's plate. i'm just sayin. i will not attempt to brave this place on a weekend, but i'll tell ya - if you've got a mid-week cause for celebration, barcelona wine bar is a solid bet. tons of options (many exciting veg options, too!), and there are ways to do the tapas so that you'll be totally full, experiment a-plenty, and the bill won't be insane. next time, tho, i'm going to have to quell the ordering a smidge so i can try dessert, too! perfecto.
(4)
Mike G.
saw suckling pig on menu and thought, this needed to happen. 'cept they ran out. never the mind as everything (nearly) had was yum: charcuterÃa, wild dandelion salad, calamari, albondigas. word to chef, it won't break the bank to add more pasta in the lobster fideos as the dish got way rich and salty after the broth cooked down. so dudes and dudettes of Yelp, you did good recommending this joint. was happy and happening on a Sunday, much like in a taperia Madrileñas come midnight.
(4)
Molls S.
Had so much fun! All the staff was great and so nice. The manager got us a tongue to try... Not a fan but fun to try! Everything else was AMAZING! Very nice atmosphere to have some good drinks in.
(5)
Tom T.
What a fun place! Late night music and atmosphere make for a fun evening. I'm writing this review as someone in the industry just to preface. I think my server understood my dismay when I found out out they were out of bread (not the biggest of deals, I know) and when I jokingly asked what she would do to make up for the lack of gluten, she replied "nothing" and walked away. Half annoyed and half not happy I would not be able to construct an adult lunchable, I canceled the food part of my order. She delivered my drink order and then moments later, came over with the food I ordered claiming it was on her. I'm hoping it wasn't rung in, b/c I'll feel like ass. I was only joking about the lack of bread, which is very good mind you, but to deliver on an attempt to better my experience brought me much JOY. So again, thank you!
(5)
Le N.
Celebrated my birthday along with a friend's birthday here (group of 13 ppl) and I had a wonderful experience! Usually when you have a large group, service tends to be neglected since there's an automatic 18% gratuity applied. However, service here was top notched and tip was NOT automatically applied despite the large party. I had James as my server and I thought he was great. With a large group, they recommend that we do the chef special tasting for $35/person instead of everyone picking there own tapas/dishes. My party and I chose to do that to make ordering easier. James told us to let us know if there's something we really wanted to try from the menu and he'd incorporate it into the chef tasting; otherwise, he'd go off his own suggestion as well as the most popular dishes. Whatever we liked, we were allowed to ask for more of. They basically brought out 6 tapas (three of each) for us to start off with. Then 5 entree plates (each entree plate was meant to serve 2 ppl.. but it definitely can serve more than 2 ppl given the portion size!). Lastly, they brought out two types of dessert. There was more than enough food and the food was pretty good too. Now let me tell you why I thought James is more than awesome. I told him I was lactose tolerant and he was very considerate of that. Most of the dishes he brought out didn't contain dairy so that I could eat it as well; yet he still brought out a couple with dairy since they were their popular dishes. However, he made sure to inform me of which dishes had dairy so that I wouldn't eat it and was very informative about all the dishes. I really appreciate that - THANKS JAMES! And staff was very observant about whose glasses need to be refilled with water or more sangria - two thumbs up for this! Lastly, we brought a cake (two actually) to celebrate my friend's and my birthdays. The staff did a great job cutting the cake (and not charging a fee.. big plus for me!!) and plating it for her. Definitely will be back for good food and service! =)
(5)
Augustina L.
This is probably my favorite tapas restaurant in the Boston area. I go here once every few months and am never disappointed. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable about food, and really take time to explain their food. The housemade sausage is delicious (they don't always have this, but sometimes the chef decides to make homemade sausage). The cured meat are also excellent. Basically, everything is good, including the wine and cocktails. Even if you don't see it on the menu, ask for the pulpo (octopus). Sometimes they have it but don't put it on the menu.
(5)
Anabelle D.
If you like spanish food, this is the palce to go. High quality food and serivce, great decor/ambiance and really good value for what you pay.
(5)
Chrizzle D.
LOVE this place. I've been twice, and there is not ONE bad thing I've eaten here. Get the hanger steak with the truffle sauce and thank me later. Be sure to make reservations as this place gets suuuper busy. Made reservations for 8:45, but we ended up getting seated closer to 9:15. Would've been slightly peeved, except for the fact that they served us sangria as we waited. Our guests were quite pleased with this and were happy to stick around (especially with our endorsement of the food). Barcelona did not disappoint. Get out and try this place!
(5)
Joe J.
So last night had a huge meal at Barcelona Wine Bar and it did not disappoint on any level, or in any aspect. First, service is a team oriented thing here, so everyone helps clear tables, refill waters, etc. Employees are very helpful, insightful, and accommodating. The wine list here is superb and I was very happy with the recommendations given to us. Side note: Bloody Mary is very good here. Most of the menu items are tapas, and they all are prepared fresh and look/taste delicious. Salads are vibrant, sauces are flavorful, presentation is A+. Honeslty, you pay for what you get here, which is top of the line service and food. Just a rundown of what was ordered, without any complaints: Albondigas (meatballs) - 5 per order, delicious Raddish Salad - Excellent small starter salad Mixed olives - Great additional snack to the complementary bread Lobster Fideos - Excellent meal. A little different, but excellent nonetheless. Mixed Salad - Large fresh romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes and a light house dressing. Churrasco Steak (medium) - Excellent cooking job by the chef, also the green chimchurri sauce is amazing. Mussels - Deceptively spicy, but I love spicy food. Give this place a try if you are in the area. Honestly haven't had a bad experience here. Had brunch on a weekend, (lamb burger) and it was also very, very good. A++
(5)
Nicole M.
Absolutely loved it and thought it was worth all the hype. Went a while ago so I can't remember exact dishes, but I know we ate every nibble of our meal, and finished the carafe of sangria. We got mostly menu items but also some specials of the night. YUM. The vibe, the crowd, the food, the drinks - all fantastic. Also, we were both extremely surprised when the bill showed up and my response was "that's it?!!" I was expecting it to be much higher.
(5)
Eric F.
Wow this place is good. Delicious sangria and tapas. Great vibe. No complaints--highly recommended.
(5)
Laura A.
Went to dinner with a group of 7, all tapas were excellent! Wine selection and pairing / suggestions were great. Service was fast and staff seemed happy to be working here. We would come back anytime.
(5)
Mark M.
Friendly staff. Very attentive but not hovering. The wife and I rolled in without reservations or exceptions. We left planning our next visit. We sampled the tapas. The stand out for me was the chorizo assuage and dates (or maybe figs) salty sweet fatty heaven in this man's mouth. The wife approved of the empanadas and loved the kale dish. I would also add that the bread was a real standout as well. I'm not sure if it is made in house or not but it made every thing better included with the Serrano ham. Worth the trip to visit
(5)
Tru T.
After an awesome experience here last week, I'm Going here again tonight with other friends! Love this place! Great ambiance, food, sangria s! And it really wasn't expensive! We had quite the feast, going family style with our tapas several pitchers of sangria and each of us payed $25! Go here for birthdays or date nights or night out with friends!
(5)
Mia S.
I've been to Barcelona a half a dozen times since it's opened and I have to say--I'm always impressed. The food is delicious and if it's not, don't fret. Let the waiter know. The first time I ate here, all but one of the tapas were amazing. There was one we personally didn't care for and left alone. I didn't say anything because it was fine...just not our cup of tea (odd spice?) The waiter noticed and without asking brought us a small bonus dessert, saying, "I noticed you didn't go for that other plate..." I figured the above and beyond customer services was because they just opened. I haven't had a bad tapa since, but the service is still amazing and consistent. The staff really make the place! Be warned, waits can get really long on weekend (I'm talking 2 hours). But you can grab drinks at the bar and sit on the front patio while you wait. I also suggest dining like you're in Spain...I've sat down quickly if I show up after 10 p.m.
(4)
Joanna H.
The vibe of this place is awesome. It's the sort of place that reminds you that Boston is actually a city and there is still yet more to explore. Tapas weren't what impressed me here. It was the drinks and dessert: - Highly recommend the red wine sangria (so sweet and fruity, split it between two people and both will definitely get a nice buzz). - For cheese, do try the nutty, sheep cheese Manchego that is very rich and creamy. - Save room for dessert, because the (dark & rich) chocolate y churros and dulce de leche bocadillos are phenomenal. One major dislike: Stale and hard bread... always a turn-off
(5)
Sawyer E.
I LOVE BARCELONA!!!!!! This place opened just recently and the second I heard about it I had to go. I have already been there 3 times in past month, and every meal has been different but amazing. Sangria = BOOOOM. I dont usually go for the Sangria at any restaurant but they put a TON of booze in it. Its an affordable, delicious way to start the night. Food = The leg of ham that the HEAD CHEF cut at our table was melt in your mouth, meat heaven. I am especially fond of the sheeps cheese as well, but honestly you cannot go wrong. I even loved the beet salad and I have never been one to jump for beet joy! Service = GABE and Jamie were awesome. Funny, smart, they even helped us out with our order. I like that, you know what on the menu is awesome so tell me about it. Thats it! Go here and invite me so I can east some of your food.
(5)
R B.
Excellent place in every way. The warmest, most efficient staff. Delicious, consistent high quality food. Big variety. If you are adventurous there are interesting tapas options. If not, you can get something simple like a hangar steak. Lovely outdoor seating in the warm weather. Great bar area, as well as two dining areas. Good value. There is no better place ! You will be glad you went. Reservations for sure a good idea!
(5)
Thomas S.
This place is great! The tortilla was spot on authentic, as were the bravas. The only thing missing that any true Catalan restaurant would have is pan con tomate. But great atmosphere, great wine, and good food!
(4)
Sara H.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar for my first time last night with my family. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I started with the 'classic' red sangria. My sister and I polished off the entire pitcher - it was the best sangria I've ever had. Maybe I'm sheltered, but I loved the spices. There were a few other varieties as well that I'd love to try, but this kind in particular was delicious. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We had Joy helping us out and she was funny and helpful without being in our faces all of the time. She had some great suggestions, and was able to give us ideas on how much to get since tapas plates tend to vary in sizes etc etc. I don't have a menu in front of me, but I specifically remember loving the steak with truffle sauce, the chicken pate, the lobster noodles, and this glazed butternut squash that tasted like candy. The price was extremely reasonable for the quality of food. Nothing was "meh" or disappointing to me. I live just down the street, so I'll definitely be back!
(5)
J C.
Wow! What a fantastic Tapas Bar. The ambiance was very fun. The food was absolutely delicious. You must try the churros and dark chocolate for dessert. The service was very friendly and professional. Make sure to make reservations!
(5)
Ariana G.
My favorite restaurant in this area. Food is delicious, service is excellent and the wine list is extensive. They also have seasonal sangria options. Definitely try the croquettes and basically any dish with meat, especially the short rib plate.
(5)
Rebecca F.
Came here for dinner with my roommates on a Sunday night - what a fantastic space for a girls night out or a hot date! Barcelona is warm, intimate, but also lively. The bar itself is curved in such a way that it is social and inviting. Vegetarians, fear not: you will find some fabulous options. I tried the spinach/chickpea dish which was creamy without being rich, smooth but also textured. Also had the butternut squash with pumpkin seeds which was warming and tasted like sweet love on a plate. The tempranillo wine was the perfect compliment, and there are obviously plenty to choose from. They had a winter sangria that had lavender which looked really tasty. I can't wait to come back here in the spring to take advantage of the outdoor seating area!
(5)
Brooke P.
Went out with my friends last night to one of my fav places to eat. As always packed and the best delish food. The seafood paella is amazing a must have.
(4)
Erica D.
Barcelona, welcome to the neighborhood! I am a 44 yr old foodaholic who grew up in Brookline. My whole family adores Tapas and are thrilled this is now in our back yard. I know they have many locations in Connecticut and I now know why. This place is big, very rustic and well done atmosphere, busy, energetic, friendly and good. We are always greeted warmly even though we aren't true regulars yet. The staff are some of the best, intuitive and cooperative I've ever seen. Our waiters have been great the past 4 times we have been. They are very into the food they are serving their guests and know just how to direct you if needed. The menu is interesting and extensive. The portions are big. It's considered Tapas but the Spaniards would say each plate was an entree ;) We here in The States appreciate this! This is not your typical potato frittata, jamon And churros kinda place. The offerings are very interesting and different. We have tried almost everything on the menu and have never been unhappy with any of our choices! This may be because we know what to try and because we have had good suggestions from our servers. As I said before, the folks here are friendly, knowledgable, and really work beautifully together! Many times we watched the staff interact with one another with out speaking!! They all seem to be aware of the room, the guests and each other. All needs are met with professionalism and intuition. We went as far as to compliment one of our waitresses and asked if she was a manager? She said " no" but thanked us for the thought. She was so proprietary we figured she was management pitching in on the floor. Anyway... Nice addition to Brookline food scene. Very busy and loud all the time. ( only reason to dock one star) Young and old mixed clientele. Great staff Great food Not expensive Beware of Friday and Sat. Nights! Crazy busy!!! Love it
(4)
Molly S.
I love this place. The hanger steak and sangria are amazing. Our server was Harrison and he was really attentive. The food came out very quickly too.
(5)
Alisa S.
I'm aware of all the positive reviews going around, but i'll have to disagree, i've had a bad experience both times i went The place is always busy, could be good or bad. Bad in my situation slow service, food not as described on the menu, flavor profile is meh a.k.a nothing special in conclusion i told myself i won't be going back there again. It all changed 2 weekends ago when I was invited for a birthday celebration at Barcelona. Reservations were made and confirmed 2 nights prior to the celebration. On the night of the event, we walked in to Barcelona, there was 6 of us, we spoke with the hostess who was unable to find our names on the list, we waited for 15 minutes which was wayyyyy tooo long in this situation and left extremely disappointed. This confirmed that i won't be going back to dine there. The bar area is neat, would deff recommend going for a drink or two there, the food and the service not so much,
(2)
Jason Z.
Hands Down 5 Stars. I love tapas bars and this one is the best in Boston. There wasn't one menu item that disappointed. The drinks - Perfect! The one plate that was everybody's favorite was the Grilled Hanger Steak. So flavorful. Can't wait to go back
(5)
Jon M.
One of the best restaurants in Boston/Brookline, and the best Tapas I've ever had. I take my business clients here often & thoroughly enjoy for personal dates. --Excellent drink selection & fantastic bartenders --Tapas selection is extensive & changes often --Meat/cheese pairings are excellent --Service is first class, management is on top of everything & everyone is very friendly (friendly wait staff is a rarity in Boston) --Music selection & ambiance is first rate The only downside: the dining room waiters like to put their -- most likely not clean -- hands all over the rims of your drink glass every time they re-fill your drink. Gross. I've never had this not happen is dozens of visits. I should knock a star off this review for that alone, but alas, this place is too good and I'd rather drink out of a straw.
(5)
Em K.
I would like to consider myself a (self-proclaimed) tapas connoisseur. Wherever there is tapas, there is me. I first tried Barcelona on a whim. I was walking to meet a friend for drinks at Cityside but halfway up Beacon street I realized that I'd rather eat good food than drink cheap beer so I called her and said that we should meet at Barcelona instead. Turns out that was one of the better impulse decisions I've had in the past 6 months. It was a Thursday night but we were sat promptly and greeted almost immediately by a very nice server. Between the two of us we ordered the following items (don't judge, we wanted a hearty sampling..): - beef tongue slider - beet and honeycrisp apple salad - albondigas - roasted bone marrow - braised short rib - foie gras terrine - chorizo and sweet and sour figs ALL OF IT WAS GOOD. Honestly, I was expecting to have some lack lustre dishes (actually I was banking on it so I could avoid completely stuffing my face..) but that was just not the case. Everything was delicious and I left completed satiated. They are also one of my favorite places to order a caipirinha! Not many bars even carry cachaca so when I find one that does I always get a caipirinha and Barcelona's is worthy of a repeat. So go and eat your (small plates) heart out!
(4)
Hayley M.
Good. Very, very good. Let me start off by saying that I would have liked to give Barcelona 4.5 stars, but since yelp won't let me do that, 4 it is. I went to Barcelona with a reservation (THANK GOODNESS!) on Valentine's night. It was packed. I have no idea if it is always packed on a Thursday night or just for Valentine's Day, but either way I would recommend making a reservation. A couple that came in right behind us without one waited well over an hour for their table. We started off with a round of sangria, the traditional red for me and the flora for my man. His was quite strong and delicious, he polished it off before I was 1/3 of the way through mine. My red sangria was fantastic. It tasted like an alcoholic Hawaiian Punch (which sounds terrible but trust me it was wonderful). We ordered the Gambas al Ajillo, which I order at every single tapas restaurant, the Potato Tortilla, the Grilled Hanger Steak, the Grilled Sunchokes, and the Spicy Beef Empanadas. The Hanger Steak came highly recommended from one of my nearest and dearest friends (who loves yelp shoutouts. Hi Amy!). She said it was delicious and a large serving size, and she was right. We polished it off immediately and ordered a second plate of it. The meat was tender and the sauce on it was positively addictive. The tortilla was good but standard. The empanada was pretty good but the chive sour cream that came with the tortilla really kicked it up a notch. If you order the Beef Empanada, ask for a side of the chive sour cream. YUM. The only thing that didn't wow me was the fact that our food wasn't hot when it came out. They brought us our food as it was cooked, but at the same time, it was never hot. The Gambas are supposed to be bubbling, and the plate was, but the food inside was lukewarm. Hence the loss of a star. Overall, an amazing evening with wonderful and attentive service. I will attribute the food temperature to the sheer craziness of Valentine's Day. All of the food was perfectly spiced with great flavors in everything. I will definitely be back, and hopefully not on such a busy night!
(4)
Bets H.
I had the worst meal of my life at Barcelona. The paella was salty and tasted wrong. Some of the shellfish should have been discarded, because it was rotten. My dining companion had the pork belly, which was dry and tough. Note to kitchen...why don't you slice the meat before serving. It is very awkward and difficult at a small table for a patron to slice the pork. The tapas was awful. We ordered three and left them after a taste. The only good part of the meal were the servers. I had recently been at Barcelona in Stamford Connecticut where the food was so much better. I expected the same quality at the Brookline restaurant and was sorely disappointed. Oh, yes, and the noise level was deafening.
(1)
Jason M.
Have been to Barcelona 4 times in the past couple months and each time it has been outstanding. Their menu changes daily and all 20-30 times i've tried so far have been outstanding... particularly the bone marrow, the chorizo and figs, and the crudo. Their has been a decent wait each time ive been their but the hosts do a great job trying to accommodate you and went as far as taking down my number and calling me when my table was ready so I could go do the bar next door for a drink as their bar was already crowded. It gets a bit loud, but it doesnt really effect table conversation. the wait staff was extremely friendly and I haven't had any issues with my order or my bills. would recommend highly and will certainly be back.
(5)
Emily Z.
When a friend suggested Barcelona Wine Bar. I was thinking this would be a small intimate place that was more of a whole in the wall. Barcelona was nothing like that. For a Wednesday night the place was beyond packed. For only being opened two months word has really gotten around. The atmosphere reminded me of an old barrel room except it wasn't absolutely freezing. It was chic without being over kill and in the middle of the winter felt cozy and welcoming. We sat at the bar. Looking at the menu, I attempted to pick a glass of wine initially on my own. Now I'm not without hope on picking wine but Barcelona did a pretty good job of picking obscure wines that I wouldn't not normally have the opportunity to try at a wine store. I cannot express enough how amazing the bartender's customer service was. Seeing my confusion the waitress immediately offered to let me try different wines till I found one I was willing to drink an entire glass of. She had the patience of a saint, offering generous pours of a couple glasses before I settled on one I liked. She had to do this twice and the poor woman had to assist us in picking tapas as well careful to take in consideration foods we did not like (seafood and nuts). Her recommendations were spot on and delicious. Their dishes change constantly depending on the ingredients that are available. One week you could see a lot of items with squash and the next beets, it's very nice to have the variety in the menu. I could see coming back often for new home cooking meal tips. Neat tip about the bar, if you are there later in the evening, they often will create a tasting plate of one of their dishes and then serve everyone at the bar for free. Delicious and amazing to try new things. Also how I managed to get my seafood fix for the night, they couldn't have picked a better dish for the night!
(5)
Kaitlyn O.
Went to Barcelona on a Thursday night and got right in, which was lucky because the whole place filled up immediately thereafter. The atmosphere and decor were great - I loved all the wood and the general aura of the place. The waiter was prompt and friendly - no complaints here. We ordered: sangria, cucumber salad, beat salad, beef tartar, lamb chops, beef empanadas, and broccolini. The lamb was by far the best. It was excellent, in fact. The beef tartar and salads was good, the empanadas and the broccolini were OK. Because everything was pretty good, the lamb was amazing, and the atmosphere was great it got 4 stars.
(4)
Alex L.
Went to Barcelona Wine Bar last Friday with out of town friends and 2 kids. Had a fabulous time there. Arrived at restaurant at 6 and the place is packed. Reserved a table and got the table immediately. The place is very loud, somewhat causal and being a tapa place the menu has very good variety, all of which strangely make the restaurant very kids friendly. The service is good, albeit somewhat slow. We had 6-8 tapas and shared a paella. The manager (Nicole) apologized several times during the meal for the slow service and actually comped a couple tapas and paella because of it, which is a nice gesture. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Christine G.
My friends and I had an absolutely phenomenal time at Barcelona. We had reservations for 10 at 7:30, but our table wasn't ready until after 8 so we hung out at the very crowded bar and grabbed a few drinks. It wasn't a big deal. We were having a grand ol' time just talking to each other, but as soon as we sat down, we were showered with complementary tapas for the inconvenience. It was confusing at first--we thought we were receiving someone else's tapas and tried to send them back 2 or 3 times, but once we got it all figured out, it was great! The gesture was very much appreciated and really set the tone for the entire night. After we settled in, we ordered additional drinks and tapas. Everything was tasty, but there were definitely some stand-out dishes like the truffle bikini (which is called this because it is cut into a triangle. Sadly, this took us about 45 minutes to figure out), the herbed mushrooms and goat cheese, the jamon and chicken croquettes, and the patatas bravas. Also the patatas bravas. And the patatas bravas. Yes, we had at least 3 of those. You really can't go wrong with potatoes covered in cheese sauce. For dessert, we had lots and lots of churros with chocolate sauce. I haven't had churros since I was actually in Spain over a decade ago, so I was really excited for these. They were perfect--light and chewy. I was also able to get a half pour glass of wine with my dessert which I love. I *almost* docked a star for a few reasons. First off, it is incredibly crowded. While we were standing at the bar, we had to constantly move so that servers could get by. Not the fault of the restaurant, obviously, but something to keep in mind, especially on a Saturday night. Secondly, the communication wasn't stellar. Our server unfortunately had lost her voice and couldn't effectively speak over the noise. Eventually, she recruited another server to help with that part. Again, not their fault, but I've read other reviews that said the multiple server situation confused them, so perhaps it wasn't entirely situational. The servers were remarkably friendly, though, so that compensated for the miscommunication. Overall, dining at Barcelona was a fabulous experience. It's no wonder this place is so popular. Totally worth braving the crowd! (Tip: fill out a comment card!)
(5)
Reid F.
What a great place for tapas and Spanish specialties. The food is excellent, as is the service. Both Eric and James helped to provide us with an outstanding meal. The wine list is also very good, although many of the red wines by the glass are too young.
(5)
Ido W.
The bottom line: Impressive setup, friendly service, but I have had better food elsewhere on multiple occasions and the prices are a bit steep for the product. The Pros: The restaurant is beautiful and really gives you a feeling you are sitting in a classy place. The Cons: I like tapas. But despite the variety of dishes we tried, nothing really struck me as excellent. Most of what I had was just 'okay'. As note above, I think the price builds on the design more than the product.
(3)
Noelle L.
Love the decor inside, very sexy! Delicious tapas at a great price.. my fiance and I ordered 6 and couldn't finish them. The service was so SO personable and timely. Do get the balsamic mushrooms with goat cheese and the lobster pasta "risotto".. I'll be going back for sure
(5)
Timothy H.
So even though our friends told us that their food tastes microwaved and is overpriced, we decided that maybe they went on an off day and gave it a shot. I had a few whiskey drinks and we shared 5 tapas. I couldn't feel the drinks much and some of the dishes were slightly cold in the middle which is very reminiscent of an improperly nuked hot pocket. Overall, things weren't bad... but they weren't great. And it was very pricey, unjustifiably so. With other amazing restaurants in the area like The Abbey, Washington Square Tavern, and The Publick House... Im not sure of the fate of this new establishment... Take a pass on this one, as promising as it may seem on the inside.
(2)
Susan L.
I can't believe I only just discovered Barcelona! This place is HOPPIN along with many of the restaurants in Washington Square. I came here for my friend's moving-away party and there were nine of us at the table and she made a reservation for 8:45 but we weren't seated until close to 9:00. We ordered a bunch of tapas so I'll only mention a few dishes that I really enjoyed and would order again from top to bottom: - Chorizo and Figs - The chorizo and the figs balanced each other in taste: the chorizo was salty and meaty while the figs were sweet and a bit sour. Overall the dish was a bit on the sweet side (which I liked) but I offset it with the sheep's cheese put it on their house bread. YUMMM I could not get enough of this combination. - Whipped Sheep's Cheese - If you've never had sheep's cheese, well you're definitely missing out and should order this... well only if you like cheese. Who am I kidding - you're crazy if you don't like cheese! Anyway, the cheese is super soft and spreadable and topped with with crushed pistachios and paprika. - Brussel Sprouts - Cooked in bacon fat from the thick bits of bacon in this dish. Can't go wrong with anything cooked in bacon fat, right? - Mussels - Cooked in a tomato-base broth. Super tasty! If I wasn't so full, I would've drank that broth, too! - Kale Salad - I would kill for the anchovy vinaigrette they dressed the kale with. i never really had a raw kale, but it was perfect. - Grilled Hangar Steak - Tender and flavorful with hints of truffle. Oh and how can I forget the sangria? Do you not like red? Well, they also make a white sangria that was just as good! I'm surprised Barcelona is rated $$$, when it should really be rated $$ which is standard for a tapas joint. There's a separate bar area as well if you just want drinks or are waiting for a table. I'll definitely come back again soon the next time I'm in the mood for tapas!
(5)
Eric M.
I have two complaints about this place. 1) They're not in Chicago 2) They didn't have the awesome razor clams I had the last time I was in the city of Barcelona Other than that, I have no complains. I loved the food. I loved the service. I loved the selection of drinks. I loved the ambiance. I loved the bartenders. I loved the surface of the bar. I loved the crowd. All love, all around. I actually emailed them the next day and asked them to open a Chicago location. And where I live in Chicago is already near 3-4 very capable Spanish places. But that's how impressed I was with Barcelona Wine Bar - it was just really, really excellent. Even from where I'm staying in Cambridge, it's not at all convenient for me to get to Barcelona Wine Bar, but I will be back at least a couple times before I move back to Chicago next month. If you're wanting Spanish food in the Boston area, you really have to go to this place.
(5)
Jennifer T.
Hands down, best tapas place in Boston. Toro used to be my go-to-place, but even if Toro was accessible, food here is WAYYY better. I have been to Toro almost 3 times in one week. The first time was to meet a girlfriend for dinner and to scope out the place for my corporate retreat dinner. Then I came back again to share the experience with my boyfriend. Since then, I have been back multiple times and I only found this place at the end of February! Brad, the manager, is so sweet. This place has awesome food -- flavors that you'd never imagine and on top of that, top-notch customer service. I work in the service industry and this places delivers BETTER customer service when they are busy (that's usually harder). My faves: - chorizo & fig - lobster fideos (I think this is coming off the menu or is already gone) - hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette - foie gras My only recommendation is that you need to have a reservation. I'm awful at making reservations because of my work schedule so I just show up and I have to wait at least an hour (all 6-7 times that I've been here so far).
(5)
Kelsey F.
I was super excited when I made the connection that the Barcelona in Brookline was the same owners as the CT restaurants. I've been to both of the New Haven and West Hartford locations. With some high expectations the new one in Washington Square definitely exceeded them. My boyfriend and I came for dinner on its first weekend and have also visited with some girlfriends for Thursday night drinks. Both time the service was excellent. The servers and bartenders are on point, very attentive, and super friendly. Irene at the bar even gave me and my 4 girlfriends some free shots because they were visiting from Chicago. The shots were really good and made with jalapeño infuse tequila cilantro and some other goodness. They also have some pretty awesome and authentic sangria. As for the food, you really can't go wrong. Some of my favorite tapas are the chorizo with fig, hanger steak with truffle, and the mushroom and goat cheese. They also have a great selection of meats and cheeses to start with...not to mention the delicious fresh bread and olive oil they bring to your table! So I guess you get it...definitely go try out Barcelona. So excited to have them in the neighborhood!
(5)
Ryan O.
My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant after seeing the reviews on Yelp and it was great! We sat at the bar and shared a pitcher of the white ginger sangria recommended by our waitress, Irene. The sangria was awesome and the tapas were delicious! Irene was very personable and funny, and everything she recommended was great. Definitely coming back!
(5)
k n.
This place is very very loud and unpleasant inside. I was disappointed because I had heard so many great things on Yelp, but I think the managers must be writing the reviews. The food was just okay, not many options that were healthy, and more of a Argentinian or Latin American menu than a "Barcelona" menu.
(1)
Sandy H.
I've been here twice in the last few weeks and it's now become my favorite restaurant. Why? They have great service and great food. What more can you ask for? Our servers each time were very attentive and didn't try to push more food on us. They also gave great suggestions since the menu was overwhelming. I am determined to come back here with a bigger party so that I can try every dish. Bread - it was still a little warm and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside and crispy, crunchy on the outside. Sucking Pig Entree - This is definitely a dish you need to share. It was HUGE. A portion for one was the leg of a little porker. The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and seasoned well. Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela - chickpeas were a bit mushy and I'm not a huge fan of cumin so...maybe not this one next time. Spicy Eggplant Caponata - I really liked this dish. Savory and a bit spicy. It was great with the bread. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts - Solid dish, but I wished they were a little more crispy and minty. Kale Salad - Loved this dish! It was light and refreshing. The bread crumbs were a surprising touch. I really couldn't taste the anchovies in the vinaigrette. Octopus Salad - wasn't so impressed with this dish. Just a few tiny pieces of octopus and it's texture was a little off. The flavor was more interesting than good. Grilled Hanger Steak - cooked to medium rare perfection and the tangy truffle sauce was amazing. Fresh Sardines Special - took the suggestion of our server and got it. Never had sardines and we were pleasantly surprised. Warm Chocolate Indulgence - it's like a chocolate lava cake without the lava on the inside and with coconut ice cream on top. Needless to say, it was good. Crepas Salguero - Good stuff. Ours was really heavy on the dulce de leche, but I ain't complaining. Sangrias - The red was good, the white was okay, but my favorite is the sangria flora. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Cian C.
Visited with 6 friends on a busy Saturday night. After a bit of a wait for our table (~15mins), we were seated. Draught beer selection is short, but well chosen - bottle selection impressive for what is foremost a wine bar. We ordered a list of tapas for the table, the first of which arrived very promptly. Every dish was good, although where there was potential for greatness nothing stood out in particular. Both the Patatas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo are such simple dishes they should have tasted as a stand-out part of the meal, but didn't deliver. None the less, every dish was solidly above average, and the menu offers incredible selection. The final bill, after two rounds of drinks and many many tapas was only ~$150 for 6, which I thought incredibly reasonable. Would gladly return!
(4)
mari m.
A PF CHANG'S WANNA-BE FOR TAPAS Granted, I used to live in Barcelona. And granted, I'm a bit of a foodie. But this place is very lame -- worse than PF Chang's, which I don't even really like. AMBIANCE Chain restaurant trying unsuccessfully to be hip. And the feeble attempt at some form of authenticity -- the hams hanging near the kitchen -- is laughable. Get yourself a pata negra or forego the fakeness of it all. FOOD Mediocre. Food that was supposed to be hot was merely warm. The gambas didn't have enough garlic in them. I could go on and on. SERVICE Meh. They kept bringing our dishes to the party seated next to us. Over and over. And they would remove stuff without asking if we were done.
(2)
Siobhan B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline! I would highly recommend for a date or group of friends. I've eaten outside, at the bar, and in the dining area - all are great depending on your mood. My favorite tapas are the cheese place (cana de cabra and romao, cabra romero), grilled hanger steak, spring risotto, fiddleheads and mushrooms, mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, and patatas bravas. Save room for dessert - the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence and apple crisp are the perfect way to end a delicious meal!
(5)
Dave F.
Go for the wine list--the Spanish reds are fantastic here. Have measured expectations for the tapas though. The tapas are fine, but Tapeo and Taberna de Horo further down the C Line offer much more flavorful dishes. What works in suburban Connecticut doesn't quite cut it in Boston. The bartenders at Barcelona were all very nice and excited about service. The atmosphere is lively, highlighted by the circular wine bar--a fun spot to pull up a stool. Overall, Barcelona offers a nice experience, but we'll just stick to wine next time.
(3)
Allison L.
I went back for my birthday and they were wonderfully accommodating and brought me a gluten free chocolate cake for dessert! They even brought me two since we had a big group.
(5)
A L.
Place was pretty good. Super crowded, but they take your phone number so we were able to stroll down to another bar for a drink before we got sat. The wait was said to be an hour and a half but we didn't get called for two hours. Our sever was great but the food wasn't as good as I expected - and their sangria is TERRIBLE. I thought I was drinking from a frat house punch bowl. Not what I expected, but I'd give it another shot. But next time, I'll order a real cocktail.
(3)
Christine D.
Highly recommend. Night was busy, but service was great. We had a wine flight, which is a great value. About $15 for 3 good pours of interesting Spanish wines. Pork belly amazing. A number of seasonal local choices, like Fiddleheads. They need to improve their signage, almost impossible to find by sign. Make sure you use a good GPS or map. Once you are there, you will love it.
(5)
Ari L.
Decided to try this place the week before I moved out of the area. Unsure why I didn't go sooner. Everything was awesome. Cocktails were very unique and good and the food was great. Definitely would recommend the Beet and Plum Salad, the Chorizo and Figs, and the Hangar Steak. Edit: Follow up visits were significantly less great. Still ok, not exciting.
(3)
Ally S.
My boyfriend and I have come here once a week without fail for a while now. I just don't even know where to start. This is definitely my favorite place to eat in Brookline. It could possibly make my Boston Top 5 list. We usually stick to the meats and cheeses menu and the tapas menu, while we religiously polish off two pitches of red sangria. I've never been disappointed by anything there. My boyfriend and I work in the industry at a different restaurant. I'm a server, and he's a cook, which is what I think makes us appreciate this place so much. The service is impeccable, accommodating, and knowledgable, and the food is just amazing. Also, the decor is spot on. I even like the creepy series of Jack Nicholson pictures in the ladies' room. For us, it's usually a three or four course event with about three tapas per course. This would normally leave us with repeats by visit number three, but every time we've come, there's been something new and inevitably delicious. Yes, you're going to spend some money, and I promise you it's worth it. Don't forget the sangria, and get the foie gras, if it's available. That is all.
(5)
Rebecca G.
After not getting in on a Saturday evening due to a long wait, I was impressed that the manager called the next day to apologize and offer a future reservation. Tonight my friends and I took him up on this and had one of the best meals we've ever had in Boston (and we've gotten around). The service was superb, the food was flawless. The bread was outrageous! Do not miss out on the eggplant caponata, patatas bravas and brussel sprouts. I've fallen in love with the hot dahlia (jalapeño infused tequila) but you can't go wrong with the cocktails and if you can't make up your mind on wine or beer you can have a taste! Thank you Barcelona! You guys are doing everything right.
(5)
Maria L.
So many people recommend this place. So my husband and I went to have a great date night. Meh. After NYC Tapas bars, this place is average. Just because it's hopping at night doesn't mean it's well organized. They were friendly, I give them that. However, after we put in our food order, it was never communicated to the kitchen. So we sat for an hour hungry, drinking Sangria. I finally did the New York thing and complained, and it became apparent the food wasn't coming for some time. The weird thing was that our Paella order did somehow go through, but never made it to our table. So they tried to reheat it but ended up burning it. Then they told us they burned it and were making a new one. This is now 2 hrs in. They did give us a bunch of free appetizers and our bill was pretty much nothing for all the free stuff. They are super nice and the food that made it to us was good. But on busy nights, they need to get their act together.
(3)
Sean W.
I have been waiting for Barcelona Wine Bar to open since American Craft closed a year ago, and the wait was worth it. Having been to the Catalan epicenter of Barcelona twice in the past year, I have become a fan of tapas and Jamon Iberia. The setting for Barcelona Wine Bar is rustic Spanish that focused on small plates, charcuterie, and shared big plates - paella! Living just a block away, we decided to head up on opening night and just eat and drink at the marble bar. Wine, brews, and tapas are featured on the chalkboard. The draft beer list is limited to four options - but all four were local craft beer options, so I settled with a Clown Shoes Miracle IPA. My better half was offered a taste of a rosada before deciding what to settle on, the service was solid, especially for a busy first night. We started with the manchego cheese & jamon and beef charcuterie plate, before advancing to three of the small plates, including the chorizo and figs, empanadas, and spinach and chickpeas. We have a love for meats and cheeses and for not walking far for dinner, so I am sure we will be back.
(4)
Sara C.
Tapas are great and the energy is buzzing. But way too cramped and loud to enjoy the people you're with. Had to yell across the table. And service was spotty on a Friday night. But the tortilla and hangar steak and croquetas were tasty. I loved in spain and am rarely impressed by stateside tortilla. This one lived up! Croquetas were cheesy deliciousness. Beet salad was disappointing. Presentation was nice - but it was overloaded with pistachios and the beets didn't seem ripe. Liked the never ending bread basket though they could upgrade the olive oil selection.
(3)
Bethania P.
A great place! We loved the ambience, the service and the food. We had wine with dinner, but heard that the drinks are great at the bar- something to try next time! We really enjoyed the various tapas,but were VERY pleased with the Potato Tortilla. We also ordered and loved the lobster fideos. The fideos were so spicy and tasty. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Alexandria H.
I love coming to Barcelona! They always make me feel like a close friend and provide great recommendations for what to order. I love starting with a meat and cheese plate, and then moving onto some tapas to share. The food is always delicious, but the fig and chorizo tapas is my absolute favorite. Sweet and savory? Yes please. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy? The rose sangria. Delightful.
(5)
Nick S.
Brought a friend here for dinner a week ago. Fantastic atmosphere; unique and expansive menu; friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff and management. A little pricey, but you do get what you paid for. The beer menu is also fantastic if you're into rare and obscure craft beers.
(5)
Binks P.
I just wanted a salad or small bites and good wine for my last night in town, and found this place online. The kale salad was delish (and I've had some crappy kale salads), so I ordered the chorizo and sweet-sour figs, which were AMAZING! The dessert wine list was all sherry (which I don't know as well as port), so I asked the one of the staff, and she gave some helpful ideas for what would go well with my chocolate dessert. Staff were great, food was fabulous, and I will definitely stop by again next time I'm in Brookline!
(4)
Sarah K.
I was so excited when Barcelona opened in Boston, I used to frequent the CT locations while in college. A great menu of tapas, cheese & meats, a large list of wines by the glass. Great atmosphere, beautiful space.
(5)
Mona T.
I want to come here every week. We were a group of 4 and ordered 10 tapas. Favorites: Brussel sprouts, hangar steak, wild boar, chickpea fries, fig with chorizo and the croquettes (had to order seconds) For dessert if you like caramel i recommend the crepes if not the churros The service in the dining room was very fluid. They pay attention to every detail. Decor was also great.
(5)
Caroline F.
All I can say is delicious! Came with a group of 4 and ordered 12 tapas for us all. Best dish of the night was the sea bass ceviche. It was to die for, make sure you order it! other tasty options included meat & cheese plates, arugula salad with beets and goat cheese. If you come with someone who isn't a fan of the tapas way there are some entree options for them if they want to get a meal. My dad got the paella which was also really good. Barcelona was a great drink selection as well. You can really find almost anything there, they even had my favorite which is a caiprinha which is pretty hard to find. I also give service and dessert five stars.
(5)
K C.
Really love it here, ambiance, food, service, and drinks are all great! The patio is wonderful on a nice day. Great restaurant in the area definitely some of the best tapas in Boston!
(4)
Florina K.
There are soo many good things about this place. But first I would like to start out with the service. I don't know about you, but I go out in the city all the time, and the service is rarely up to par. The service here is AMAZING, the decor is great, and so is the atmosphere. The place is great for a date as well as a group. We had Scribbles, and Jaime as our waiters they were just great, we hope the next time we come back we get them again:) The food is also great! The skirt steak is phenomenal, a must try. And the chocolate indulgence is just addicting with amazing coconut chocolate chip ice cream. We are so excited for this place to open up their patio this summer as well:)
(5)
Wonder W.
Fantastic new addition to Brookline. Love love the interiors with raw wood panels, low lights and the different meats on hanger display. We had a carafe of rose sangria (fab) and shared a heap of tapas. All yum and our service was great. Totally packed on a Wednesday night so book ahead. Will be returning soon!!
(5)
Hillary L.
Love this place! I always bring guests here who are visiting from out of town. Definitely order the hanger stake and the chorizo. After that - just enjoy good food, good wine, good company!
(5)
Shannon D.
Like some other recent reviewers, I came here last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. We had an 8:45 reservation and when we first arrived there were only a few people waiting. They told us "tables were being cleared" but we weren't given an amount of time. I could tell by the faces of other ladies that they had been waiting a long time. Luckily we had eaten a snack earlier and had already started drinking so I was in a chipper mood even when a ridiculous amount of people started pouring in. This is a new restaurant to the area (though now I'm realizing this is a chain which is super surprising) and it was their first Valentine's Day. Yes, they clearly screwed up reservations and it really sucked for all of us who had to wait. I am quite sure it thoroughly sucked for the poor hostess too as she had to deal with a lot of pissy people. We were handed sangria while we waited which was nice and the right thing to do. Valentine's Day is rough, especially for a new restaurant that everyone wants to be at. -1 star for the wait. We were seated around 9:20 and once we saw the table we got the wait didn't even matter to us. I saw all the people cramped at the two seater tables and knew the amount of food we would be ordering would not fit at those tables. Luckily we got an awesome booth spot by the bar - Score! Our waitress Jess was great - very attentive knew the right times to come by and she was also helped out by a very friendly guy that I forget the name of. They were both cool, friendly and helpful. Food: Jamon Iberico de Bellota - Any time I can eat something I saw Anthony Bourdain eat I'm all about it. This was one of the highlights of the meal. Valdeon - I love sheep cheese. Bunuelos de Bacalao - very rich and filling Grilled Lamp Chops - melt in your mouth amazing Kumato Tomatoes - My boyfriend doesn't even like tomatoes but he loved these. Migas - very salty, it was good but not at the top of the list Gnocchi with black truffles - little pillows of deliciousness- Also at the top of the list. Flan Catalan - Best flan either of us had ever had. Crepas Salguero - Wow, sugar overload. I love a good dulce de leche - they were very good but I probably shouldn't eat anything today. The Bourbon Spice Rack cocktail is really good too. I like this restaurant a lot. I hope once the new restaurant craze ends we can come back because there are a ton of items on the menu I want to try. I can see this being a fun place to hang out at the bar and eat some snacks. I had an amazing Valentine's Day, thank you Barcelona for being a part of it.
(4)
Heather H.
I have been here at least 12 times in the last 6 months and it is beyond excellent every time! The food is perfect. The service is exceptional. Worth every penny!
(5)
Rita N.
Love the live jazz music at Sunday brunch
(5)
Connie C.
Brunchy, meaty, savory goodness. Absolutely loved everything from the decor, to incredible drink list, to plentiful brunch options. We tried a little of everything including oxtail hash, ricotta pancakes, rose sangria, jamon & manchego, pan con tomate, and fluke ala plancha. Everything was excellent, seasoned very well and extremely flavorful. There were a few tiny blips with service, but the food and overall experience were stellar. Can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(4)
Christy G.
This place is great! Came here on a date and got the best service. The waiter brought out free samples of some of the tapas. The food was terrific. I'm just knocking it a star because we made reservations that were apparently not written down so we had to stand and wait an hour at the bar which resulted in me getting more tipsy than I would have liked to by the end of the night. Great food and phenomenal service. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Maria S.
We've been a big fan since it opened. The ambiance is really great.with very unique food tasty food, cool music, fantastic crew who all pitch in to make it a memorable experience every time. Yesterday, the manager stopped by our table,asked if he could do anything. So he put in our drink order on the spot. They also give you tapas discs for free tapas when you fill out a short review.I should stop as this place is getting discovered.
(5)
Jeremy G.
The crowd is nice, and the service is reasonably polite. It's definitely a nice place to have a drink in that neighborhood (since other options are sparse). But when it come to food, it is very disappointing. The tapas are not bad, but they are not good neither. No particular taste, no exotic ingredients, just plain stuff. But the worst thing about it is the price. I was astonished to see that they manage to charge the usual price of a whole meal for three-four lone olives in a plate. If you want to recreate the Spanish tapas experience, charge 1 or 2 euros per item, not 10$...
(2)
Dom K.
Chorizo and figs is a must get. Also enjoyed the crispy pig ears. Tapas here are great in general, and relatively good value. A must-go for tapas in Boston!
(5)
Arielle K.
This place is fantastic. The food is fresh, flavorful and interesting although slightly over-salted. Definitely try the patatas bravas, they can't be beat! In addition, the decor is funky and modern and the waitstaff is super friendly. Also a good place for brunch!
(5)
Farida W.
I usually am never impressed with restaurants enough to devote time to write a review online, but the superb service at Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline is well worth it. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are very attentive and friendly. If you go there, ask for Raffi/Rafael. He'll hook you up and always have a smile on his face. The prices are decent for alcohol and the tapas. They serve food very late into the night and even have a late-night menu as well. Originally from Connecticut, I was so excited when they opened a franchise near my neighborhood and it goes well above my expectations!
(5)
Donna B.
This place is way over rated. Management is pretty horrible. I had issue with the food being cooked correctly and the management did nothing to offer any help. Way over priced...I would pick a different restaurant.
(1)
Cansu S.
This tapas restaurant is probably my favorite restaurant in Boston. It is hard to find something that does not taste amazing. My favorite thing is to start with 2 cheese plates and 1 meat. Especially 6-months aged cheese is awesome. This place has this special "Jamon Iberico de Berlota" ("pata negra") which is the most expensive and exclusive pork product in the world - tastes awesome! My favorite plates are these: eggplant, broccolini, patatas bravas, mushroom with goat cheese, chorizo with figs, duck, hanger steak. Their churros dessert is so good too:) I love this place. Very important tip: if you complete their satisfaction survey, they give you a chip for 1 free tapa!
(5)
Matt C.
I've been lucky enough to travel the world and eat at a lot of truly amazing places but this place 101% takes the cake for best service/staff I've ever encountered. Rafi, Owen & BJ man the bar and take pride in their drink creations as if they own the joint. Aside form making some of the best cocktails I've ever drank they know the drinks origins and only use the highest quality liquor. I highly suggest any beverages on the drink list as they are all stellar - they may be on the smaller side but the quality surely makes up for smaller glass. Drinks aside, the tapas ROCK. I've been to Barcelona & Madrid but these tapas blow those out of the water. The croquette's, papas brava's, steak and brocollini were truly edible gold. My friends and I will surely be back. A lot of local establishments should be taking notes on how a place should be run from Barcelona Wine & Tapas Bar. A++
(5)
Alexis F.
I went for brunch , which was incredibly delicious, however I give 3 stars because of the service, cocktails, and state of cleanliness. Here were my issues in a nutshell: -the glasses and table had leftover food stuck to it and some napkins were dirty -the waitstaff was inattentive and very curt... and it wasn't even that busy! -my friend got a cocktail (I think it was the sling something or other) and it was meh... You can do better guys!!!
(3)
Amanda D.
This place was AMAZING! The wine, cocktails, and food--all delish! And everyone who works here is so friendly and attentive. Specifically, the Dolcetto they currently have by the glass is everything I've ever wanted in a red wine. The Bourbon Spice Rack is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, a great finish to a meal. The Paella was amazing! As were all of the tapas. Go! You won't regret it :)
(5)
Michael N.
We went for brunch and had a mixture of tapas and large plates. The jamon and chicken croquettes along with the papas bravas were fantastic. The mains were great but couldn't compare to the tapas (we had the French toast and the pulled pork). Highly recommended for a quick meal.
(5)
Jay M.
Brace yourselves - this is a long one! Firstly, thank you Barcelona for one of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent memory! Your staff is knowledgeable and attentive, the service was impeccable and the food... my God, THE FOOD! I had been meaning to make reservations to Toro for quite some time, but gathering the muster to get into the City on a weekday turns me off like no other. I like to be home after work. So much so that I would not mind moving into the dumpster behind the building just so that my commute can be nonexistent. If only I could wiggle my nose or tap my heels to be home... Ten times each week, I drive up and down Beacon passing through Washington Square on my commute. Each time, I wonder to myself - what is this beauty of wood, iron and glass that has replaced the atrocious curb appeal (or lack thereof) of Roadhouse? The patio is open, I either drive by or stop at the red light just ahead; it's 5:45pm and the place is filled, literally, to the curb with folks enjoying the food and ambience. What the fuck is the name of this place? The awning doesn't help! I. WANT. TO. GOOGLE. AND/OR. YELP. YOU! It was a Tuesday - just a Tuesday like any other except this Tuesday was tastier than most. I'm at my desk and finally remember to look up this place. I pull up Google Maps on my browser and proceed to pan and click to where I think this place is on the map. A few clicks later and I'm double-clicking down to find out that it's called Barcelona Wine Bar. It's a chain which originated in CT that specializes in tapas, you say? From Connecticut? Okay. I pull up the menu and spot sweetbreads - I'm sold! Knowing how packed the house gets (even on the weekdays!) I decided to call in for reservations. I spoke with Eric who took my name and confirmed my table for 6pm. Perfect! My partner and I arrive in Washington Square. We enter and are greeted warmly by the host. The interior is gorgeous, but we requested to be seated on the patio. Our server, Jess, was wonderful. She was attentive and knowledgeable; she knew the menu in and out and when I asked if sweetbreads were available, she said no, but went into the kitchen to confirm with the chef. This prompted Chef Steve to come out to our table to see who his "adventurous eaters" (his words) are. We chatted a bit and he offered to make us a squid ink paella to make up for it! Classy! Eric, who took my reservation over the phone, came by throughout the meal to make sure that everything was up to par. Of course, all expectations were exceeded especially after reading Yelp reviews of how bad service can be when it's busy. Not tonight! We talked a bit and he told us about the cooking classes that Chef Steve hosts once a month and I'm definitely down to check it out. Eric wasn't overbearing like most other front of house folks that are all up in your face and you can't get a bite in edgewise. Very nice guy! So, the service and ambience are on point. Let's get on with the food! We ordered. We ordered a lot! For two people, we could have had two more at the table with us. We started out with cocktails - a Hot Dahlia (roasted jalapeno-infused tequila, muddled orange & lime) and a Brumble Snap (rum, vermouth, fresh blackberries, ginger & mint). They were tasty, but the 3-4 Hot Dahlias after the fact make it obvious which one was the favorite! How can you go wrong with a spicy cocktail? You can't! It paired with every dish perfectly and the chili bite only made it better! * Crusty bread w. Spanish olive oil: fantastic starter, filler and sopper of juices and sauces * Grilled corn & manchego: tasty, but dismissible * Kale salad: bright, tart and good-fishy, the breadcrumbs were a nice touch for added crunch! * Spicy eggplant caponata: more sweet than spicy, but great with the bread * Chrorizo & figs: sweet, sticky, salty and meaty - what could be better? * Grilled Morcilla: I had to stop myself from ordering more plates of it - 'nuff said! * Grilled hanger steak w. black truffle vinaigrette: yummy, but lacked something that I can't pin down (watercress, maybe?) * Roasted bone marrow: glorified beef butter and worth every calorie! Could have used a sprinkle of sea salt though. They offer a bone-luge with sherry after you're done. * Lobster fideos: my partner called it rice-a-roni with lobster, but it's so much more than that! The crusty bits... * Suckling pig: we only got a piece of you, but I wanted ALL OF YOU! Sweet piglet of joy! * Chef's special squid ink paella: wafts of salted ocean air, toasted rice kernels and tender squid. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Barcelona Wine bar, although a chain, is doing everything right. If they keep this up, I would not be surprised to see more locations popping up. I hope to be back, real soon. The down-side is that my wallet might hate me. Remember, I drive by this place 10x each week!
(5)
Amanda R.
This was such an exciting find. I went here this past weekend with my tapas-and-wine-loving husband and parents and it was a hit all around. The food menu and wine list were both extensive and everything was delicious. We must have tried at least a dozen different tapas and they were phenomenal. For the vegetarians out there, their eggplant, patatas bravas, and Spanish tortilla were all super tasty. The desserts (we got both the churros and the crepas) were excellent, decadent and excellent. The service was wonderful, the sommelier really knew her stuff, the atmosphere was fun and lively without making it impossible for my hearing-impaired father to hear anyone. It was an all-around awesome experience and we will be going back.
(4)
Todd F.
Just went here for the first time tonight, and while Toro will always be my favorite spot for tapas in Boston, this place is so much easier to get a table at and the food is pretty much perfect and made me felt like I was back in Catalonia eating tapas. It was packed on a Wednesday night, so that certainly tells you how good it is. The drink selection is great, though I didn't have any of their special cocktails. The cava our waitress suggested was a perfect match to our meal; perfectly crisp and dry. The bread they serve is excellent and the Spanish olive oil is very light. Started with a meat and cheese plate of 6 month old manchengo, jamon serrano and coppa. All three were very fresh, not overly salty as each one tends to be. They obviously have a great source. The small plates we ordered: patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and meatballs were just as good as most places I've been to in Barcelona. Then the roasted bone marrow came; unctuous and full of flavor. Then the seafood paella arrived. Full bodied shrimps along with squid, clams and mussels. The mussels were a bit tough but the rice was extraordinary. Finished the meal with churros and a Spanish coffee. Go here, you won't be upset about your choice.
(5)
Liv K.
Excellent date night spot! The tapas are delicious, the drinks hit the spot and the atmosphere makes you feel like you've been transported to Spain. It's usually very busy, so if we don't have reservations we try to either get there on the earlier side or just try for a space at the bar. Oh- and when it's nice out, the patio is the best spot in town.
(4)
Cari H.
So, my bestie and I had a great experience here last weekend. We got there early, 6:30ish, on Friday and were lucky enough to snag a bar table. By 7:15, the place was hoppin! People couldn't even move around us, but the layout/ambiance overall was much more inviting than American Craft's. It was quite fun for our native Brookline! The food was excellent. Being still very new, our order got slightly messed up, but they accommodated us with a free, very tasty mushroom dish. Management even stopped by to make sure we were happy. There were perfectly attentive. Having spent some time in Spain, we avoided the croquettes, as we were still croquette-d out years after our trip. However, the mahon cheese, empanadas, mushrooms, spinach, brussel sprouts and drinks (shout out to the delicious Caipi Porto) were all worth going back for... and we will!
(5)
Mary L.
I have been here twice. The first time I had made reservations and we still had to wait for about 30 minutes to be seated. The manager realized how backed up the front of the house was getting and offered everybody waiting to be seated a complimentary glass of sangria, which was very tasty and had the right amount of alcohol. I was no longer annoyed after that! The second time I went here we were promptly seated (it was a Sunday night and not as busy as before). When my boyfriend and I ordered drinks, the waiter questioned his New York ID and asked if it was fake (my bf is late 20's). I think it would have been more appropriate to just ask for a back up credit card, ID, etc, as many places in Boston do that with all out of state ID's anyway. Later on in the meal when he saw we only ordered four tapas, he continued to suggest we order two to four more. At this point I found him annoying. In terms of the food, our favorite tapas were the empanadas (excellent!!!), albondigas, garlic shrimp and a beef tapa (not sure what the name was).
(3)
christine f.
All around fabulous. Now I know why there's such a long wait. The restaurant is gorgeous - dark, romantic, cozy, great for groups. The menu, divine. Thoughtful, rich dishes that include twists on favorites. The short ribs and the truffle risotto and bone marrow were awesome. Kale salad was light and refreshing, served with crisp breadcrumbs. Wine was delicious. All this said, I should also reveal I ate at the chefs table in the kitchen - it was bright, loud, the nerve center of that restaurant, but so much fun and an experience not to be missed if you have the opportunity. Chef Steve is fun and friendly and the rest of the staff enjoyable too. Special place.
(5)
K M.
just go. a sammy 5 star instant classic
(5)
Kalua M.
Eating at Barcelona was my first time trying tapas - it was so delicious - I can't wait to return. There were three of us and we tried the malvarosa (sheep cheese), spinach-chickpea cazuela, spicy eggplant caponata and potato tortilla. The malvarosa was a gently firm cheese and went well with the other dishes. The spinach-chickpea cazuela was a warm dish slightly reminiscent of Indian food - really tasty! The spicy eggplant is the only dish I didn't like (but I don't like eggplant much because I don't like the slimy texture). It was a chilled dish. The potato tortilla was yummy - we ordered two to fill ourselves up.
(5)
Mazzy N.
One of the best restaurants Ive been to. The service is always very attentive. Maybe hard to get a drink at the bar when its busy at the bar, but they have always been accomodating. Sometimes will even offer a dish from the chef. The food is always spectacular. Wish there were a few more options for the cocktail list and could be a bit bigger portion size. The decor is all recycled products, but would never know, its so chic. Love the outdoor seating in the summer.
(5)
Hsiang-I L.
Great place for tapas and some nice wine that's apparently hard to find in Boston. Very long list of tapas that I'll definitely have to revisit. The food was a hit or miss though. I love the charcuteries we got. But I was underwhelmed by the grilled fall veggies, and dessert crepe. Bone marrow was a OK. It's got decent selection of wine from Spain and Argentina. Our waiters were attentive and very helpful.
(4)
T A.
Decided to take a chance on Barcelona Wine Bar after a long flight from California and many skipped meals on the plane. I was not disappointed with the Clear Flour Bakery French Toast. Clear Flour is my favorite bakery so I figured the french toast couldn't be all bad. It was delicious! I would probably have the pear butter on the side next time as there was quite a bit, but I enjoyed the maple syrup more. The only reason that I gave a 4/5 stars is that the iced tea was quite pale in color and almost tasteless. Good iced tea should be fresh brewed and dark....no water added. I am a fan of Barcelona Wine Bar and will spread the word in Brookline!
(4)
Kevin P.
My second time here so far. Every time I drive or walk by in the evening, this place is packed, and last night was no exception. This experience was definitely a big step up from my first time here, which was completely underwhelming. We didn't have a reservation, but the wait only ended up being about 30 minutes. When you put your name down, they also take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready, which gave us some time and freedom to walk around and enjoy the excellent Washington Square scenery, rather than hanging around the crowded bar. We had the opportunity to dine outside. The weather last night was excellent, so it was definitely a plus for us. It was also much quieter outside compared to the boomy interior of the restaurant, so we didn't have to work as hard to hear each other speaking. If you go when the elements are friendly, definitely opt to sit outdoors if you can. Service was very friendly, attentive and are not afraid to strike up small conversations with you, which I don't mind at all. They gave us some very nice, hot Tuscan bread with olive oil to start. Right away, we placed an order for the Paella Mariscos, which they prepare to order and takes roughly 35 - 40 minutes to cook, so make sure you mention it early on when you sit down, or you may end up waiting awhile for it. We also got an order of the Manchego, Jamon Serrano, and Drunken Goat cheese. For what you pay, the portion sizes look small, but are deceptively filling and satisfying! All three were excellent and very flavorful. The paella was spot on, and the assorted seafood was cooked perfectly, particularly the squid, which had a very nice texture, not too chewy or overcooked. Of course, the wine list was very extensive, also featuring a decent list of cocktails and beers. I really like that they also give the option to have smaller draft beer and wine pours, allowing you to taste a variety of selections for a reasonable price. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered a Pinor Noir (I'm not much of a wine guy,) and it turned out to be very refreshing, and complimented a lot of the flavors of the mixed plates. Overall, I'm glad we took the chance to try this place again, it definitely exceeded my expectations!
(5)
Ole R.
Had a really nice time here! Really good service, and good food. The different tapas dishes varied a little bit with regards to quality, but in total it was delicious. An excellent wine menu and great desserts topped the evening
(4)
Peter R.
This place is awesome. It has replaced American Craft, and while I liked American Craft, Barcelona Wine Bar is a significant improvement. Both the service and food are top notch. They are a restaurant that really stays on top of the fact that your water glass is getting low, which I like because I drink a lot of water. Since most of the time you're ordering tapas, you generally need to get 2-3 for each person to really feel like you had a full meal. Everything is good, but my favorites are: Grilled Hanger Steak Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs Gambas al Ajillo Kumato Tomatoes The atmosphere is also great. Definitely make an effort to check this place out.
(5)
Eric L.
Most of the dishes are too salty; and the dessert is too sweet. The only thing recommend is the seafood paella.
(3)
Cori H.
OK, I want to give you more stars Barcelona, I really do. You're trendy, you sound like you should be an awesome place, your sangria is great... I just can't do it. Reasons why: 1) Don't take reservations if you can't honor them. I have made reservations here on multiple occasions, each time I arrived with my whole party early for the reserved time and we still had to wait at least fourty five minutes for the table. One time we waited almost an hour and a half, only to be told after I hounded the hostess that if we wanted a table outside we could be seated immediately... that would have been nice to know upon arriving since I never specified we didn't want a table outside and wasn't aware we were waiting for an hour and a half unecessarily 2) Food - it's good, not great, just good 3) Price - MY GOD, I have been to tapas places all over the city and for the price you pay here you would expect exceptional food or big portions, neither holds true and last, but definitely not least 4) Everytime I come here, as soon as my food arrives at the table I am starving from having waited for fourty five minutes to ninety minutes for a table, and want to eat. Instead, I am bombarded by a manager or host who is coming over to chat me and my table mates up about our experience and the food... HELLO?!?! Let the people eat! Sorry Barcelona, I have tried multiple times to come to you and have my mind changed to no avail....
(2)
Laura A.
My husband has declared that saying you "love tapas" means nothing because you're essentially saying you love small plates of a wide variety. Ok, fair enough. But we LOVE Barcelona's tapas. The whipped sheep's cheese, patatas bravas, grilled hanger steak ( with black truffle vinaigrette - YUM!), and the spinach-chickpea cazuela are all absolutely amazing. We've enjoyed other dishes at Barcelona as well, but these are our go-to dishes. We have yet to try the paella, but every time I see the seafood paella served to a nearby table, I drool a little. So far none of the salads have been home runs for us, but we've only tried three (the kale, the beet and plum, and the radish) and we're not giving up yet! Also, the staff here is friendly and incredibly attentive. And it's important to mention that there is ample outdoor seating, which is a major bonus on a beautiful Brookline summer evening. Highly, highly recommend!
(4)
Rebecca W.
I love Barcelona! My favorite tapas are the hanger steak, croquettes, and potatoes bravas. The bartenders and servers are friendly and helpful with the menu. Great atmosphere, a popular place for young professionals. Barcelona has been a great addition to the area!
(5)
Howe L.
I'm placing a huge emphasis on the food - delicious in all aspects. Awesome wine choices, but i wasn't a fan of the diluted sangria. Decor is equally inviting. Get's a little too crowded however. Service was disappointing - the waiters seemed airheaded, as we had to request water, bread, knives, and other common sense things multiple times. The manager came around and was super friendly though. Still, probably one of the better tapas places in Boston.
(5)
AB H.
I had another great dinner at Barcelona! We sat outside this time. I ordered the blackberry bramble cocktail again - it is so yummy! We had a well balanced selection of tapas: beet, plum, walnut cheese salad - delicious! The toasted white gezpacho soup (made with toasted bread and nuts) with grapes was fabulous. When then had the hanger steak - so tender with a yummy sauce, and the lamb chops, perfectly cooked and served with a Romesco sauce. We topped the meal off with some aged Mahon cheese. I was a bit disappointed with the incredible small portion of fruit spread on the cheese plate. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. The manager checked in on us once just to say hi. The support staff was not so good. We asked for an extra plate; it never came. We asked for a spoon when the coffee was served - it came at least 5 minutes later. We sent back the olive oil that was served with the bread because it mistakenly had some hot pepper (I mean really hot) flakes in it, and they never brought us a new plate or said anything about the mishap.
(4)
A Q.
Never had a bad dish here! Great food, huge selection of wines and great wait staff that are very knowledgeable and friendly. Has a lively bar area in the evenings. Only downside is the very long wait if you don't have a reservation! I wish the restaurant would join Opentable!
(5)
Sonia S.
i am torn between 3.5 and 4. ambience is brilliant, great tunes and amazing bar staff, never missing a beat almost in tune with the music. food was equally good, apart from the gambas whilst i realise trying to do variations on traditional dishes this one plate didnt offer much at all. there you have it 3.5.
(4)
Lauren Z.
I had a fantastic experience at Barcelona Wine Bar tonight. Everyone was extremely kind, attentive, and friendly from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. I can't wait to come back! In particular, Emily made our not-so-great day a LOT better. I'm so happy we came here! Would absolutely recommend it.
(5)
Elle G.
Absolutely amazing dinner and drinks. Phenomenal service, food came out so fast not to mention amazing drinks. We ordered 4 deserts and were blown away by everything especially the crepes. Definitely get the flank steak and the truffle bikini! Well worth the wait, never disappoints.
(5)
Quang N.
Grabbed brunch here one weekend. Food was tasty, great environment, couldn't ask for anything more.
(5)
Chuckle H.
The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. The Sommelier was very friendly and attentive, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything, from the wine to the tequila to the food. Every other staff member I encountered was very pleasant. Can't say enough about the service. Nothings better than having the executive chef slice PATA NEGRA TABLESIDE! Even if the food was sh**, I'd still go back. but its not. I'll end this review like I started. The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL.
(5)
Jennifer D.
Love this place! It's become a neighborhood favorite of mine and I find myself always wanting to take friends here for dinner. They change the menu up a lot - I've been 3x in the last month or so and each time there are new items for me to try. Though I was sad to see the pulled pork biscuit sliders gone from the menu this time. They were sooo good. Bring them back! They also offer a good mix of meat and veggie options which is a plus for me since my boyfriend is a vegetarian and usually eating at a tapas place is a bit more difficult since there are usually fewer options we can both share. Atmosphere and food here are both amazing. I think the only complaint that I have is that the service is not always on point. The last 2 times I've been, I actually have had the same server so maybe it's just her - my first visit, my waiter was awesome. The last two times I was there, it took forever to get our drinks - the food actually came out to the table first. We even ordered our drinks well before we put our food order, but we kept being told that the bartender was backed up and the drinks would be out soon. I personally like to have a nice cocktail in front of me while schmoozing with friends and waiting for my food so it's kind of a bummer when this happens. My water glass also sat empty for awhile and the server didn't check in until we were almost finished with everything. The only reason I am still giving 5 stars is because the management here is one of the best I've experienced. On one visit, we ordered the suckling pig croquettes. I found them to be good but just too heavy for my liking so we left one on the plate. When the waitress cleared our plates, she asked about it. Apparently, they are supposed to report everything to their manager so he approached us shortly after and asked how we liked our food. He inquired about the croquettes and I assured him they were good, just too heavy for me to eat them all. He actually offered to replace them with something else, but at that point, I thought I was about to bust out of my pants because I had eaten so much so I said thanks, but turned down the offer. We get the check and see that the croquettes were removed from the bill. HOORAY for customer service. And on another visit, we were given a a dish on the house (that we didn't order). The food runner didn't specify why, but I had to assume it was a "thank you for waiting so freaking long for your drinks, here is some free risotto" gesture. HOORAY again. This kind of management will keep me coming back over and over. But definitely couldn't hurt to improve service on the floor to make sure food is not beating drinks to the table.
(5)
Jeffrey K.
Possibly our favorite spot in the area. The only Tapas restaurant that we've been to in the Boston area that has a wider variety of good food. Love the pata negra. The meat balls are delicious as are the lamb chops. Don't be afraid to take a chance on some of the more unusual items. We had fiddleheads here and they were awesome. The only dish that was disappointing is the Chorizo. Not sure why but it just doesn't work. The vibe here is excellent due to the large space and the fact that the staff really seems to enjoy Spanish food. Just try to have a conversation about the food and it will be a long and passionate conversation. Oh, watch out for the Sangria. It packs a punch!!
(5)
Betts C.
It's very hard/impossible to get five stars out of me, so believe me when I say that Barcelona is good. And fun. I've only been there for brunch, but amusingly we didn't get brunch food; the tapas just looked way too good. We sat outside, a space that has a really pleasant atmosphere and enough space to make you feel comfortable and not at all crowded or lacking in privacy, as with many outdoor spaces in the area. We tried a range of things, from the traditional to the not so. The tortilla is always a good test, and theirs was fluffy and served with an excellent dipping sauce, taking it above the norm. The chorizo and figs were awesome, with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. We also tried a short rib tapas that was divine, very tender and flavorful, a beet salad and a radish salad, which were each fresh and bright, just as they should be. None of it stood out as just outstanding, but all of it was beyond good. Plus, the bread and oil they serve is delicious. Drinks-wise, there are definitely some fun things going on. They have Spanish style beer servings (i.e. in small, petite glasses that are about half-servings) and you can get half-pours of wine, which turned out to be very generous. Overall, it was an excellent way to spend the day. Our server was informative and friendly, although he did seem to think that the whole tapas things was mind-blowingly new, something that it is, well, not. But the attention to the food and the interest in our experience were nice, so I guess I can't fault him that. I can imagine that at night the scene is a little different. On a Sunday afternoon, it was very abandoned, especially the indoor space. I'm guessing that's different than the norm, but I truly cannot say. I can simply vouch for it as a good spot to spend a lazy spring or summer day, with good food and a nice range of drink options.
(4)
Amanda L.
Any restaurant that honors a reservation that I made for a different location, even when they are full, is amazing in my book.Barcelona Wine Bar did exactly this after they could not find my reservation and I realized that I had made it for their restaurant in Atlanta.! Regardless, they sat me right when the next table opened up, even though there was a 1 hour wait for walk-ins. Customer service does not get better than this. After we were sat at our table, it got even better, our server was so amazing with explaining the menu and making recommendations. This was key because they menu is long and full of things I had never heard of... which is a foodie dream come true. We started with a pitcher of ginger infused red sangria and a cheese/charcuterie plate. The serrano ham was spot on and complimented the drunken goat cheese that our server recommended perfectly. We also tried the blood sausage, fried manchego, chorizo and figs, and brussels sprouts. All good but the blood sausage was the stand-out favorite- it was spicy, flavorful and incredibly rich. The dulce de leche crepes were a cannot miss... perfectly caramelly with fluffy crepes and delicious whipped cream. I would go back just for those crepes.
(5)
Jenna O.
LOVE this place. My roommate and I decided to give Barcelona a go last night, and we were not disappointed. We started the night off right with a pitcher of the red sangria that was light and refreshing! We ordered the chickpea fries to start and they were tasty little fries that came with a tzaztiki sauce which i thought complemented their spice perfectly. Our next "course" (we chose to have things come out in waves) was the eggplant caponata- which was a great combo of sweet and spicy, the sauce was to die. The caramelized Brussels sprouts were pretty good too but I think I can make them just as well. My roommate finished with the hangar steak that she really liked and I went for the Fluke fish. The fish was perfectly cooked and the salsa verde on top was a great addition. We also shared the Kale salad..but I have to say..not sure what all the hype is about. Ambiance and atmosphere is great here, will definitely be coming back with the BF.
(4)
H. A.
Okay, round 2 was much better. Fun to try different wines with their small tasting pours. The actual glass pour is pretty generous. Also, the atmosphere was fun and lively. Definitely a good time with some delicious food. Tapas: 1. Whipped sheep's cheese and pistachios-- Not as good as last time. This one basically just tasted like cream cheese. 2. Mahon, manchego, and smoked ham antipasto- EXCELLENT. Perfect on their crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread. The ham was high quality, the aged mahon nutty and flavorful. 3. Steak- Just get it. It delivers. 4. Risotto- A standout. Loved by all. 5. Patatas- Good, but a little salty. 6. Kale salad- Also good, very flavorful. 7. Fois gras terrine- Was not a fan at all. Foie gras was very cold and not soft at all. 8. Summer squash dish- Okay, but not outstanding. 9. Eggplant- This was a special dish that was delicious! Smoky grilled eggplant on top of bread slices.
(4)
Alfredo M.
The food might be good but the owners have no regards towards their customers' time or patience. If you make a reservation and get there in time you will be made to wait an additional 30 to 45 minutes because they are trying to stuff as many customers as many people as possible so no table is actually "reserved" for you.
(1)
Jason F.
this place was really nice, but a little pricey. the service is excellent, the staff are really nice and well knowledged in the tapas. the grilled hangar steak was great as was the patatas bravas. pretty much everything was great. we had a few other tapas, but those ones really stood out.
(4)
mike g.
Barcelona is one of the best restaraunts in the greater Boston area. I heard about the place from a few of my friends so I decided to take my family there to try it out. Making reservations was a breeze. The food was delicious. There is nothing negative I can say. One favorite while we were there was the Seafood paellae. The grilled cheese with truffle sauce was very good. The patatas were also a big hit. The spicy roasted eggplant was perfect. The service was exceptional, and it was not to loud. Overall, the meal was delicious, each tapa a delicacy of its own. I am looking forward to my next dinner there. I would highly recommend this restaraunt to anyone who is looking for a taste of Spain right around the corner.
(5)
Diana S.
Fantastic time at Barcelona. Sat outside since the weather was so warm. Food was great. We tried the spicy sausage spread and two cheeses to start-drunken goat cheese ws the best of the 3. Tried a variety of tapas-all good. Topped off with a crepe with delicious caramel-too much though after a number of tapas. The grilled flal vegetables with tahi-basil pesto were fantastic as was the corn. Highly reocmmend it. Lots of wines by the lgass. Can't wait to go again.
(4)
Catherine S.
I'm obsessed. These tapas are so unique and absolutely delicious. If you go, get the truffled bikini, spiced beef empanadas, the migas, or the foie gras (if you're into that. I didn't think I was til I tried it. Crazy good). The wine menu is intimidating, but the waiter was so nice that he helped us select one that fit our tastes and our price range, and we were satisfied. We also ordered the churros for dessert; if I died right after, I would've died happy, because these were amazing! They came out warm, and you dipped them into a mug of very good chocolate. And of course I had a dessert wine that was amazing. Try your best to come here sometime, I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Louise S.
My second time here was not as good as the first. The service was not very good on a Sunday at 5:30pm. There were plenty of workers around but they were busy chatting with each other and not serving. Took quite a while to get a drink. Was never offered a second drink. We were served food but no utensils. We had to go to a nearby table and take our own utensils. The visit was very choppy and inconsistent.
(3)
Amy K.
Highly recommended. We did eight plates over 3 rounds of dinner and everything was awesome. It was just enough with just enough time in between that we got to try a bunch of plates but weren't overly full... We had enough room for dessert! Hanger steak and the chopped salad were the highlights. Service was great. They were always there but not intrusive at all. The server helped with things we didn't know about on the menu without seeming annoyed. Dessert was the perfect end with the Churros. We will definitely go back!!!
(5)
Karl R.
Great food, great atmosphere. A welcome addition to the area.
(4)
S S.
Good food, very friendly service but very very very slow service especially considering how many staff they have on at any given time. We came in on a wed at 5pm and were promptly seated on the patio. At that point there was one person at the bar, one table in the restaurant and one other table at the restaurant. While two very friendly servers came on 2 separate occasions to explain the layout of the menu for us, it took a long time for someone to actually take our drink order. When our drinks finally came, we sat some more waiting for someone to come take our food order. Meanwhile the patio is filling up, we see our waiter running around, he has someone following him around (a trainer or trainee), there's lots of staff shuffling about. Finally someone came to take our food order, and we waited some more, and some more, before our food began arriving, a couple plates at a time. The food was very good but again, despite all the staff on the patio, I waited a long time to find someone to order extra bread for my mussels, waited a long time for the bread to arrive, meanwhile the mussels are getting cold.... My husband waited and waited with an empty glass looking for someone from whom to order another beer... Then waited some more trying to locate someone to bring a menu so we could order more tapas, had to ask two different servers twice before menu arrived... sat for a VERY long time with a pile (and I mean pile) of dirty plates and dishes, mussel shells and all, in front of us. What was especially bothersome is that there were plenty of staff on the patio, including some standing by the entry with seemingly nothing to do, but no one bothered to come over and check on us, clear our plates, no one noticed we were often with empty glasses looking to order more drinks. Finally someone came to take our order but we didn't feel like waiting for more food (by this point the patio was packed, our original waiter was nowhere to be found and we decided to cut our losses) so we ordered an espresso, a beer and asked for the check. Not surprisingly, took forever for the beer and espresso, they were delivered to a dirty table, the table was so full of dirty dishes there was barely a spot for my little coffee cup (!). Waited forever for the check, when it finally arrived waited forever to for someone to come pick it up and run our credit card... It was very frustrating. I'm giving 4 stars because I live in the neighborhood and I'd like to see this place succeed. Also because the food was good and the service was friendly including a very nice manager who came over to chat with us. For that matter, everyone was very nice, including food runners and all the servers who waited on us. But the 4 stars do not reflect the experience we had that day. We'll definitely give it another try and are actually looking forward to having a different, better experience. Speaking of coming back, I filled out a comment card including my contact info with the promise of a free tapas - what a clever way of getting people back- but nothing came in the mail or via email. That was three weeks ago and Im still waiting..
(4)
Gilad S.
Food is delicious, staff is friendly, wine selection and recommendations were impressive, thank you!
(5)
JP E.
Awesome food and really fun and knowledgeable service. We tried a bunch of different plates and didn't have a complaint about a single one! Our waiter was super knowledgeable about the different wines and helped pair our food and drinks. Everything was delicious but the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese and the chicken croquettes were definite stand outs!
(5)
Annabel J.
Came here for dinner last night because I had been hearing lots of good buzz. The space looks great! Very cool space that feels big yet cozy at the same time. Atmosphere was great and the place was busy. We did not have a reservation and the hostess quoted us a wait time of 30-45 mins for a party of two but we were able to get seats right away at the bar so we just decided to eat there. I thought the prices were very reasonable and a great value considering the quality of the food and drink. Good cocktails and nice beer selection. I had the bramble rum and K had a twist on a whiskey sour that I think was called the Brookline sour or something like that. we shared 4 tapas and they were all awesome. Chorizo with sweet sour fig, mushrooms with goat cheese and balsamic reduction, roasted brussels sprouts and (drum roll) bone marrow with toast! All very yummy. Service was super friendly with the usual just-opened kinks that are to be expected when an entire staff is still training. Things were a little slow/forgetful but everyone was so gracious that it totally made up for it. When K ordered his drink, the bartender said it would be a few minutes because they couldn't find anymore of the whiskey it was supposed to have in it and they would need to check the basement. But then she brought over a complimentary sangria while he was waiting which was much appreciated. I will absolutely be back and have already recommended this spot to friends.
(4)
Jonathan M.
Amazing food, amazing service, and deication to being a neighborhood restaurant. When all other restaurants werw closed for the snow storm, Barcelona put their staff up at a local hotel so the restaurant could stay open...quite imressive! Also, try the lobster fideos...simply delicious!
(5)
Katy D.
Great addition to the area. Walked in on a weeknight with my boyfriend and grabbed a seat at the bar right away. Really loved the atmosphere. Great menu, plenty of vegetarian options. The bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I wasn't super hungry so I just got the Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela and a goat cheese that had been marinated in red wine. Just delicious! Also had a wine flight, which I was super excited about. I can't drink a ton in one sitting so it was awesome to try 3 Riojas- and all of them were excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Peter W.
When I called that day I was told they only take reservations for 1/3 of the restaurant. We went over that Friday night, 6:15 pm and after a 40 minute wait standing at the bar we were seated. So far, O.K. We ordered another drink and six tapas. Service started to get noticeably quite rushed and hectic, with different servers coming by, water pitchers pouring after a few sips and twice servers taking my unfinished drink. One waitress even asked if we had had enough and would we like to cancel our last order of tapas! Good food, but the service needs to slow down - it was a bit of a turn-off.
(4)
Jed S.
First off, the food was solid; the dishes alone would merit 3 or 4 stars, depending on dish. As well, the space was attractive. So why the two-star review? We arrived just after 6 on a recent Thursday evening. It was in the 70s, and we wanted to sit outside, and had heard this was a good place to do so. We made our intentions known to the host, who told us it would probably be about half an hour. No problem. There's a separate outdoor seating area without table service and with no food permitted, but you can sit there and have a drink from the bar. I went to the bar while my wife found us a couple seats (it was still early enough that there were a few, as long as you didn't mind sharing a table with others, which we didn't and they didn't). Bartenders were very busy. After 15 minutes, I finally managed to catch a bartender's eye; he handed me a menu. I politely declined the menu and told him that I knew what I wanted. He left to make drinks for someone else whose order he had just taken. I figured he would be back after that, maybe he just didn't want to hold too many things in his head at once. But he was not. After another ten futile minutes, I decided that sitting outside with my wife was more fun than standing inside alone trying to catch a bartender's attention. We relaxed outside sans drinks. Maybe half an hour later my phone rang; the hostess said that our table was ready, and we stepped back inside to be seated. The host apologized, saying he had "jumped the gun", and it would be just a few more minutes. Unfortunately, our outdoor seats were gone, so we were left to stand awkwardly in the entrance (the place was packed; no bar seats available, nothing). This wouldn't have been an issue except that it was actually 20+ minutes. The host did apologize again at some point, saying "sorry, they lied to me". Finally, we were taken out to a table. Hooray! Though it was much cooler and less sunny by this point (almost 8pm), it was still pretty nice out. The food, as already mentioned, ranged from decent to quite good. Excellent bread. Good wine list too. We finished, and the waiter asked if we wanted a check. We gave him a credit card on the spot, to save him trouble. He brought the card back, with the check and credit card receipt to sign. They had added two extra miscellaneous anonymous glasses of wine to our order (the wines we actually had ordered and drunk were listed by name). Had to call the waiter back and get him to redo everything. To sum up, we wanted to sit outside together in the sun, relax, have some drinks and some tasty food. A collection of small to medium problems, any one of which would have been no big deal, rendered the evening an irritating disappointment. Given the proliferation of good reviews, this may have been an anomaly. Still, I wouldn't recommend going there unless it's not crowded, and make sure to check your bill carefully. It's too bad, because I was prepared to like it - it's a lovely setting, and on paper it seems great.
(2)
Dana K.
Easily one of the best (and hottest) restaurant in the Boston metro area. Great interior design - a mix of reclaimed wood and oxidized iron achieve a warm, inviting feel. The food is simply exceptional - with both innovative and classic options. I could lick the truffle sauce from the steak right off the plate. Huge selection of wines (something like 300-400 by the bottle options). The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)
Heather B.
Being a fan of tapas restaurants and reading a nice review in the Globe, we decided to check out Barcelona. We arrived around 9:30 PM on a Wednesday night. The place was packed, but the front of the house guy quickly found us a spot....and then we waited. Finally a waiter came by to give us water and said that our server (name I could not hear) would be by to take our order in a moment. No one came. Our water almost empty, another server came to help the table next to us. I asked if he could get our server because we wanted to order and had some questions. He was very nice and said he take our order and did. But then again we waited...then the original server for our table came by and we had to tell her that someone else already took care of us. Finally our drinks came and next the house-cured Carne Salado. We were then looking around to see if we would be getting any bread. All of the other tables had a basket. Our two other tapas came and we asked that server (someone different again) if we could get some bread....bread? Ah yes, bread.....finally it showed up. Meanwhile we are watching a multitude of servers, bussers and I am assuming managers whiz around us. I kept wondering how a place so fully staffed could have such lousy service? To top it off, we were seated at the long banquet that is in direct line with the front door...that never closes completely. Each time patrons would leave, the door would remain open and send a very cool breeze (55 out now at night) down the row of banquets. Staff members were continuously closing it. The bill finally came with a comment card stated at the top, 'complimentary Tapa - please fill out and hand to the manager'. I took it out wanting to actually write on it and hand it to a manager.....but now no one was around! Needless to say the food was decent and I would give Barcelona a 2nd chance at some point, but the service really took away from the experience.
(2)
Matt J.
The best churros ever, even beat some homemade ones! Drinks could be free poured . Little alcohol for an expensive drink .
(3)
Daniel W.
Excellent first visit to the new Barcelona! Attentive and informative wait staff, excellent choice of Spanish and other wines, truly excellent choices of tapas, very satisfying. Not cheap but worth the expense. The cheese selections were fantastic! A very, very fine experience was had by all three of us (including the hard-to-please vegetarian among us as well as the meat-eaters!)---try it soon before it gets too overbooked!
(5)
M M.
We are thrilled to finally have something fantastic in that space. We lived through the Vinny Testa era. Say no more. Longtime residents of Brookline, we have always believed that Washington Square had room for another higher-end restaurant. The service was fantastic -- the food amazing. This place will appeal to couples as well as family. My 11 year old son tried the rabbit tapas and amazing loved it. So did I and I do not like rabbit. While this is quality and high-end, creative cuisine, it is remarkable value, especially if you want a meal of tapas. Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)
Clark M.
Maybe it's too soon for me to write a review after this "meal". While the food was quite well prepared, who gives a shit when you leave the place starving. Two inattentive severs for a group of 15 undermine whatever good the chefs may try to do. The one complaint about the food was that portions are too small, even for tapas. I got about enough ceviche to fit into a small petri dish. But back to the original point, my party arrived at 8:45 stayed until 11:45 and the servers took the orders once and never came back to check up on us, had to stand up to flage them down just to get a refill on a drink. We all sat and waited as our food trickled in but it all went incredibly slow. I would have liked to order again, but there was no opportunity because no one ever came to check in untill the server came with the insultingly overpriced check for what amounted to less than appetizers. Not returning to this restuarant. This review is much to sober from some who just went out for tapas. Still hungry... I'm going to go eat my damn mozzerella sticks now
(1)
Paula O.
We went here for our first visit on a Sunday night with friends. We all loved the food (we ordered a wide range of tapas and a couple bottles of wine) and our waiter was really helpful with suggestions and in general very pleasant. I could see visiting here often except for one thing: the music was way too loud for conversation. Granted, we were sitting at a table in the bar area and right under a speaker. But we had made reservations and that was where we got seated. And frankly, having to yell is exhausting and not fun. Someone in our party made a personal face-to-face request to the manager to lower the volume and got a perfunctory, non-empathetic response. The music did get turned down a hair, but not enough to talk easily. I'd love to go back but I am hesitant because of that. I'd probably give 5 stars if not for that. The food was fantastic and the overall vibe of the place is friendly.
(3)
Jules V.
AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Can you tell we liked this restaurant? My boyfriend and I just tried this place out for the first time and were blown away. To start, the service was impeccable. Everyone that works there was such a delight and so attentive. Our server, Francisco and team, were so helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with while we were there. The food was outrageous! We had the Crispy Calamari (my boyfriends favorite) and it was the best we have had in Boston. We also had the Hanger Steak, Chick-pea/Spinach dish along with a few others. We finished off with the Churros with Dark Chocolate sauce!! DEVINE! I cant say enough good things about this place. Aside from the food, the ambiance was rustic, yet warm and inviting. All the decor was right on par with the essence of a true Spanish restaurant you could find in Spain. It is mid-January but it looks like they will have outdoor seating come the warmer months! All I cant say is, TRY IT OUT!! You're going to love it!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Enrique A D.
One word AWESOME! Definitely i will come back ,
(5)Jacqueline C.
Amazing! Have been craving for tapas and paella for a while and finally got to try this place out. We came here at 5pm and had no problem getting seated. -paella: looks incredible and taste delicious too. I like toro 's paella more though it's decent. -must try the hanger steak. Cooked perfectly(~medium rare ) -figs and chorizo; one of the popular dishes here and I would say it's pretty special. Not a big fan of the sauce but they taste pretty good together
(4)Melanie M.
The food was amazing. The waiter was so attentive. My friends and I will definitely be back for more!
(5)Lanya O.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. We had a very large group (11 people) and were seated so quickly without a reservation. We also had some extra friends join us, and they moved us to a larger table. Rob, the manager, is excellent and so accommodating! When we were at the bar for a second, I was able try a couple different wines that the bartender suggested and finally settled on one. It was perfect. We got our table and ordered some empanadas and the migas (so good!!). We had a great time. We even got a paella on the house! Tyler and Gabe, our waiters never left a glass unfilled and were amazingly attentive. At the end of the meal, they even split all the checks by item -- which is so hard for tapas! All in all, this place is a perfect 5. It's perfect for a night out with friends, date night, really whatever. We'll definitely be back. Thanks, Barcelona!!
(5)Ann L.
Barcelona has a perfect summer patio that is such a nice getaway from the city, you will not want to leave. I recommend the white sangria (getting the pitcher is the way to go.)
(4)J B.
We sat at the bar. Here is our experience! What can I say, the service was lackluster. The tapas went out before our bread came out, the bartender forgot our drink order, and it was like an act of congress to get one of the 3 bartenders attention. Additionally we were left without silverware.... The food was not memorable...Some tapas better than others, try the chorizo with figs really yummy; all the others were so expensive for what they were. The crepas were meh, so so cold very cold instead of the hot pastry cold ice cream everything was just cold. Additionally the temperature in the place was sweltering! Open a window!! No hooks under the bar! Add some hooks! People, especially in Boston have on tons of layers, what should I do with coat Barcelona, should I place it on the dirty floor. The place has a great concept that's unique for the area! But we would think twice of going there again, because there is a lot of missing elements to a full experience for their patrons!!! I was very disappointed.
(1)Shawn Z.
Harisson is the man! Very attentive, made drink suggestions that were on point. Best grilled cheese I've ever had in my life. Very comfortable in a classy environment!
(5)Janet G.
Really cute restaurant! Came here for brunch on Sunday. I liked the bread they served, warm and crusty. We ordered jamon for the table, and love how they cut the leg in front of you. Very tasty too. I had the chorizo benedict. I would say that the benedict dishes are not spectacular. The chorizo was good but felt slightly unsatisfied. It was probably because I had food envy for my friend's duck confit hash. I was split between that and what I ended up ordering and I wish I picked the duck hash. Will have to return for it. My friends' french toast looked good and both parties enjoyed it. One of my friend's daughters even exclaimed "yummy!" on the first bite. The fried chicken looked good too. Love that they have a live band playing. Definite points here! Can't wait to come back and try the tapas!
(4)Alex R.
We didn't make a reservation and had were told we would have a 30-45 minute wait. While we waited slightly longer than the time they had told us, the manager brought us a lovely charcuterie platter on the house. The staff was extremely friendly and on point, despite the extreme volume of customers. All the food we ordered was artfully made and tasted amazing. Instant favorite. Would recommend to friends 10/10.
(5)Victoria P.
Delicious food/drinks and wonderful ambience. I've come here a few times and the food is always on par. My all time favorite dish is the mussels diablo - the mussels are super tender and the sauce has just the right amount of kick. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My boyfriend really likes the traditional red sangria and I really like the summer st. sling. The service is always great and I love the rustic look and feel.
(4)Karina L.
Rob, the manager at Barcelona WIne Bar, invited us back to make amends for the service we had last time. After much confusion, we finally had the chance to stop by this past weekend. Rob and the wait staff went above and beyond. We'd come back in a heartbeat now to finish off trying out the rest of the menu. Our waitress (I wish I got her name) was immensely pleasant and other waiters dropped off some additional must-try tapas throughout the meal. What a treat! Patatas bravas - Don't be underwhelmed the description. The potatoes were crisp and HOT. The aioli was fantastic, and we finished off the rest of the sauce with bread after the potatoes were done. Pigs ear - Rob said people request to be emailed when it's on the menu (which isn't often, so we were lucky!). I normally dislike pigs ear since they're always so tough but this pigs ear, which takes 4+ days to make, was soft, fatty, and delicious. Comes with a very very generous fistful of jalapenos. Albondigas - Tasty and moist meatballs. Actually tasted wonderful with our lobster fideos, which we *had* to get again since it was our standout dish last time. Roasted cauliflower - Delicious and creamy. Reminiscent of the patatas bravas. Chorizo and figs - A must get -- Wonderfully sweet and salty. Tasted great on top of bread with the whipped sheep cheese we ordered. Overall, our meal was flawless. I thank Rob and our waitress for our wonderful experience, and we'll be sure to come back sometime soon.
(5)Rob Y.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday. Interior is darker and cosy and there's also outdoor seating for the days when the weather is nice. The food was excellent. I had the oxtail hash and it was done so well. Very savory, rich and really hit the spot. People raved about their meals and service was good. I was surprised to hear that this was a chain restaurant having locations in Atlanta and all over Conn. because it really felt like a intimate family-run type of place. Really enjoyed the food here and looking forward to visiting again next time we're in the area.
(5)Minju K.
I went for nice dinner with 7 people and we had a great great time here. Their Sangria is AMAZING. we had the traditional white wine sangria and I want to try other ones cuz I heard all of them are really. For 7 people we ordered about 10 dishes of tapas and 3 people portion of chorizo paella. I love the food here so much and it's a really really nice date spot or place for come for fancy dinner with friends :) I would definitely bring my guests in town for dinner
(5)SaraLee C.
My boyfriend and I went late on Sat., night (around 11pm) and even with reservations, had to wait a little bit, so, bottom line, a crowded and popular place (an auspicious start)! Food/drinks: Overall, the food was pretty good. We had a combination of light and heavy plates: the steak tartare, kale salad, salvaje fideos, foie gras terrine. They tasted ... fine. But, after reading all these reviews, maybe my expectations were unfairly high, but, I was unimpressed with the taste and quality of the food. Obviously, the food tasted fine (see above: popular place in Brookline), but, I just wasn't impressed. The steak tartare... I've had better. The kale salad was heavy and oily for a "light" dish. Also, the fresh bread was (again) fine, but, nothing spectacular. The sangria was fine, but, I've had better and bigger. Oh! And they butchered dessert! That is just unforgivable. The cliche "less is more" is so true. We ordered the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence (see someone else's ... unintentionally misleading picture below). The chocolate and hazelnut core was great, but, the coconut ice cream was LOADED with miniature chocolate chips! Could I please get a side of ice cream with my chips, please?! I tried to pick out the chips, but, I gave up. The coconut ice cream probably would have tasted wonderfully with the chocolate and hazelnut, but, the chips absolutely ruined the experience. The tart raspberry sauce was beautiful and tasty. But, those damn chips. Service: Friendly enough, but, a little too casual. Ambiance: It was a Saturday night and despite being 11:30pm, it was crowded and LOUD. The music choice was interesting... interestingly odd at times. The interior design was somewhat inventive, but, spatial organization was .... unrefined; it was jam packed. I felt like a sardine. BOTTOM LINE: Unimpressed. It was a ... good dining experience, nothing spectacular.
(3)Craig S.
Made reservations here for Valentine's Day and it was a great spot! The food was delicious (although we occasionally had to google what something on the menu was). Once we placed our order, I bet we didn't wait more than 4-5 minutes before the dishes started showing up. Very fast and very tasty. Only downside was our reservation was for 7 and we didn't get seated until nearly 8. Probably just a product of the holiday but it was still was a little upsetting. But the food, service and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)John K.
Barcelona is a great place for dinner and drinks. I have been there a few times and have been pleased with each meal I have had. The service is also great as the wait staff is always positive and helpful when I have questions about the menu. By far the best dish on their tapas menu is the octopus. They make it so well, and it is tender and amazing. The only reasoning I am not giving it five stars is because of the price. It can get pretty pricey if you have more than a couple tapas and drinks, and because of the size of some of the plates, you need to eat more than a couple to feel satisfied. But overall, I would be very happy to go to Barcelona again!
(4)Amanda D.
A friend and I snagged the last two open seats at the bar. We were both surprised to see how packed it was for a late dinner on a Sunday night. I soon discovered why. The bartender was attentive, knowledgeable and just a nice, amiable dude. Food was outstanding. This style of food is my jam. Good-sized small plates so that you can sample tons of dishes in a communal spirit. I was visiting Boston and my dining companion said this place is one of his favorites - and within walking distance to his place. He recommended the potato tortilla, which is not something I would normally order but holy sh*t balls, it was tasty. Probably my favorite out the many dishes we shared, including scallops, beet salad, roasted cauliflower and beef empanadas. All of it was so good. I also had a Rioja wine flight, all three wines were delicious. And the bartender was happy (in fact, he offered) to let me sample a few wines following the flight so that I could find something a little different but equally as good. (Yeah, I can throw down on some red wine.) My best meal during the four-day stay in Boston. Hands down.
(5)Molly S.
Excellent food and wait staff. You definitely want to always have a reservation because it's super busy and it can sometimes be loud but that's mainly from a lot of people having a great time there :). Don't miss out on the sangria, it's fabulous!
(5)Carrie L.
If you love tapas, you'll love Barcelona. The restaurant feels warm and inviting, high ceiling, very spacious, with a lot of outdoor seating. I recommend getting a reservation even if it's for a small party. You can also grab a drink at the bar as you wait. If you are fond of cheese, you have to get their Whipped Sheep's Cheese! Smooth soft texture of mild sheep's cheese, topped with pistachios and smoked paprika. It is perfection and I can't stop thinking about it!! It serves with 2 crispy sliced bread, but that's not enough. The cheese portion is plenty, so you'll have to ask for extra bread on the side to devour the whole thing. This is the one item that will keep me coming back for more. Kale Salad with anchovy vinaigrette and bread crumbs was another good tapa. This was my first time trying kale. Kale's taste is comparable to guava. I wish had more bread crumbs on it though. The main star of this dish is kale, just kale. Spiced Beef Empanadas: Saucy beef with red pepper sauce on the side. Definitely different but not my favorite. Jamon + Chicken Croquettes: Five tiny balls crispy fried on the outside with creamy interior. I couldn't taste the meat well, and the portion is small. Tasty nonetheless. Grilled Hanger Steak: At the recommendation of our server. Thinly sliced with black truffle vinaigrette. Tender, juicy, and the black truffle vinaigrette made it what it is. Foie Gras Terrine with olive oil crumble and jam. Paired with a Sherry wine. The foie gras was delicious, a bit salty.. but that compliments the Sherry pairing. Recommended tapas portion is 2-3 per person. They also have paella, suckling pig, and mixed grill I wanted to try next. Good meal!
(4)Tim B.
Was talked into trying this place again. So sad I wasted my hard earned cash. What is the appeal of this place? Food is mediocre, over-priced, and the crowds make it am unpleasant experience. Must be the location, since if isn't the cuisine.
(1)Cameron P.
I decided to check out Washington Sq after reading this write-up in the Boston Globe: bostonglobe.com/lifestyl… I dine out a lot but I don't venture far from my area since I live in Cambridge and there are already so many place for me to go. However, when the Boston Globe calls Washington Sq "Boston's Best Foodie Neighborhood" it demands exploration. I settles on Barcelona Wine Bar as my first point of attack and I'm glad I did. Usually I am weary of tapas places because when you really like a certain dish it sometimes hard to hold yourself back before the other person has a chance to get their portion (anyone else have this problem?). At Barcelona I did not have this problem. I waited with a friend for an hour before we got seated which I would almost never do but it was 100% worth it and I would do it again. The service is friendly, spectacular, knowledgeable, nice, and every other positive adjective you can think of. The environment rules. It's casual enough that you can feel comfortable in any attire but it's nice enough that it still has a distinguished feel. They also serve hors d'oeurves to patrons waiting in line. Now let me break down the order: -Meat and cheese combo plate, we picked Finnicchiona (salami), Oriol de Montbru (buffalo cheese, like from a buffalo, not like Buffalo Wings), and Cabra Romero (goat cheese with rosemary...this was $17.50 -Spiced Chickpea fries...5 home fry style cubes with taziki sauce...this was $3.50 -Chicory Salad with green apples and prosciutto...about $10 -Eggplant caponata...I'm not usually a big eggplant person but caponata is amazing...about $10 -Grilled Brussels sprouts...this was my second time having Brussels sprouts in 20 years because I hated them as a kid, I decided to try them here and I now love them...about $10 -Barcelona Mixed Grill for 1 but was more than enough for 2...steak, pork, sausage, and chicken...$24.50 That's right...ALL of that food for $75. They also made me a virgin Rasberry Mojito since I don't drink. Any places that make mocktails for sober patrons get extra points in my book. I don't remember my servers name but at the end of the meal the Assistant GM Rob came over and asked me how everything was. After telling him how incredible our experience was I got him to take a picture with me (see photos, I am on the right). I will definitely be back here. Make your reservations early to avoid a wait. A least a day in advance.
(5)ILya G.
Food was great, but waiter was very slow took 35 min to bring one of order that i and my aunt orderid
(2)Deborah J.
Great place, I celebrated my birthday dinner with a couple of friends, great service and food.
(4)Helia Z.
This might just be my favorite Boston area spot. Love their drinks, love their food, love the atmosphere - even though it's really loud at times. Totally affordable tapas and they are all so good! Waiters are usually pretty great (and funny), some of the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment. Great for friends, groups, dates, family... love it.
(5)Amanda L.
One of my good friends has been raving about this place. She probably goes once a week since she lives nearby and every time she goes it just sounds better and better so I had to try it out. I went with said friend and another girl on a Saturday evening. One of the ladies got to the restaurant around 5:30 to put our name in since the wait for this place is ridiculous. After putting in our name they told her it would be about 25-30 minutes until we were seated. We snagged 2 seats at the bar and drank some tasty sangria while we waited for the third friend to show up. First we were glad it took longer than the anticipated wait time as our final member of our party showed up around 6:30, but we waited, and waited some more. Luckily our tardy friend was able to grab a seat next to us at the bar. 7:30 rolled around and we still hadn't been called so we just decided to eat at the bar. I think this place needs to do a better job of estimating wait time. I get that it's never exact, but there's a huge difference between 25-30 minutes and 2 hours. (I should also note that the host showed up at the bar around 6:30 to let us know we would be seated shortly as a few tables were finishing up/just getting their bills). Too bad 'shortly' in his head equates to 1+ hour. The food was fine. We ordered and shared the following: - Kale Salad - Jamon & Chicken Croquettes - Patatas Bravas - Truffled "Bikini" - Roasted Cauliflower - Meatballs - Scallops over Chick Peas We look like farm animals ordering so much food but the portions are tiny. The Kale Salad was so 'blah.' Skip it. We also noticed that the same truffle sauce was on the Patatas Bravas, under the Croquettes and Truffled "Bikini" and also on the Roasted Cauliflower. Redundancy at its finest. Looks like they found their magic recipe for truffle sauce and put it on everything which is a little disappointing. It should also be noted that the Truffled "Bikini" is basically a grilled cheese with ham and truffle oil. Skip it. Save yourself $9 and make it at home. For me, the standout items were the meatballs, which were so flavorful and tender, and the roasted cauliflower. Perfectly roasted with just the right seasoning and not overly coated in that truffle sauce. With everything that we ordered and a pitcher of sangria and a few beers I thought everything seemed fairly priced. We ended up paying about $33 each (not including tip). Check this place out. The food is decent but either make a reservation or show up early to grab a seat at the bar.
(3)Reynolds P.
come for the tapas. stay for the tapas.
(5)Jenna A.
I had such a pleasant meal and glass of wine, I must repeat the evening to give a better, detailed review. LOL
(4)Darneesh T.
I went here with a friend last night, and it was amazing. For 5:30 p on a Saturday, this place was already packed as I sat at the bar waiting for said friend (gotta love the T). Anyhoo, the bartenders were incredibly attentive and even gave us a complimentary crepe after we had the marvelous tapas, wine and sangria. The only bad part was the expensive bill, but you get what you pay for here. Would definitely come again...and may have to be rolled out of there because you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Pro-tip: good for dinner with friends and a third date with the bae...its a little too loud for the first two dates
(5)Jackie K.
Not the best tapas...but close. Lots of vegetarian options...best ones are torta (chive), the cauliflower and brocollini. Underwhelming was the asparagus and artichokes and patatas bravas. In the middle was the mushroom salad. Great drink menu for whatever you want (except beer)--I like the Bourbon Spice rack for a drink --very sweet--and I do not usually drink bourbon. Wine list is good. Also--best dessert were the crepes--amazing. Great waitstaff and prompt and friendly service. I've been to this place in New Haven and love it there. Here there is a little more competition but it is still good. The place is also not too loud so you can talk with your friends without screaming at each other across the table.
(4)Christina H.
I cannot say it enough - this place is great! Time & time again my girlfriend and I have experience exceptional service and delicious food. Our latest visit was on Saturday, July 11th, and we had an amazing time. Our waiter, Eamon, was incredibly attentive and had a great personality. The rest of the waitstaff that we encountered were just as pleasant. This restaurant has become one of my all-time favorites and I will definitely be back.
(5)Dale F.
Delicious legitimate Catalonian-influenced cuisine. Fresh, locally sourced provisions. Exceptional wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Pleasant staff. Attractive.
(4)Mike H.
I 100% know this review probably won't be that helpful, but just hear me out. I have a friend who absolutely has her game face on all the time. She organized a night out with four of our other friends, and planned out an itinerary. She even factored into the time it would take for a table to be ready (used it as bar mingling time), and travel time on to the next venue. All of this was done in a very non-controlling way, and totally worked. Well. She had been the only one that had ever been to Barcelona. So she took it upon herself to order for us as we all stared at the menu. Before we knew it, food was showing up at the table before I even had a chance to order another drink (the drinks were made very well, so kudos). I remember the food being delicious, and I'l try to remember what was ordered. I remember seeing meatballs, meat that was almond fed all its life, or something like that, hangar steak, patatas bravaro and a cheese plate. Next time I go I'll know what to order (or at least attempt it), but for a good group dinner, it's a fun time.
(5)Lindsay K.
Had such a good meal here last night with some friends. Thought we were going to spend a fortune because of how much we ordered but were so pleasantly surprised when we got the check and it was totally reasonable!! The food itself was also amazing and perfectly portioned! Some of our favs included the sea bass ceviche, the ham and chz bikini (SO GOOOOOD), the hanger steak, the scallops. Since it was my friends birthday, we got the crepes which were also delicious! We also got a pitcher of sangria which was so yummy and worth it! Would definitely come back for another meal soon!
(5)Ashley D.
Best place for tapas in Boston. I've been here a few times now and each time I've had an amazing experience. First off, they have a really, really good looking staff (never hurts a business). It's usually very crowded, especially on the weekend, but as long as your prepared to either wait a bit or make a later reservation, it's really not that bad. The bar has been pretty packed each time I've come in so it can be hard to get a drink while you're waiting but the bartenders are nice to look at so if you have to stand around waiting you at least have something pretty to focus your attention on. All the good things we ate: -chorizo with sweet and sour figs -paella dishes: I've tried the mushroom and the sausage and rabbit. My friend who's lived in Spain for a few months said that it is legit Spanish paella so she's backing it up. -patatas bravas -mushroom risotto -goat cheese croquettes The tapas menu changes on the regular so it varies everytime you visit, but honestly I can't imagine going wrong with anything on the menu. Each dish has a unique combo of traditional and creative flavors and they all taste awesome. One of our friends also has a lot of dietary restrictions and the kitchen and our waitress were extremely accommodating and so so sweet. If I had the money, I would be here every week! It's the perfect place to hangout with a group of friends and enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.
(5)RoslindaMal E.
-The Bar- I arrived a bit early for my 8:15 reservation, so we hung out at the bar for a spell. The area around the bar felt club-esque; very vibrant and very loud from the background music and the wall to wall people. As the bar area is loud, you need to
(4)Gretzsky Z.
The tapas here are good, but the dessert menu and service are lackluster. Therefore, I'm giving Barcelona two stars. I had a very bad experience here two Saturdays ago (November 8th). I came in with a group of three friends (four total including me) around 11 pm on Saturday. The restaurant and bar, yet we waited over 10 minutes to order a drink at the bar while we waited for a booth to open up. None of the bartenders even acknowledged us and we weren't able to order any drinks while we waited. After we were seated, we had our first server take our orders. Five minutes later-another server comes back and informs us that the first one is gone because they transitioned shifts. Which was fine-so we put in our oder again. I then received the wrong type of sangria-I ordered the "fall herb syrup" one, but was given the fruit sangria instead. Because of the slow service, I didn't even bother to re-order. The server also came back and asked me a second time what I had ordered for dessert. When I finally received my dessert (the chocolate hazelnut indulgence), I was immediately disappointed. There was no hint of hazelnut in it and it tasted like a re-heated frozen lava cake that you find at the grocery store or at Chili's. Definitely not up to par with the rest of the culinary offerings here. None of my friends liked the dessert either. When we got our bill, my friend noticed that she was charged for a drink that she didn't order. Needless to say, the service that night was inattentive and incredibly sloppy. I doubt that I am going to return to Barcelona because of this experience.
(2)David C.
I've always lamented the lack of unique and delicious dining options in Brookline that don't serve sushi, but Barcelona Wine Bar, which recently opened in Washington Square featuring a delicious array of meats and cheeses, tapas, and larger plates, is a step in the right direction. I highly recommend the grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette and the chorizo with figs (make sure to request extra bread to mop of their respective sauces). Even if the food weren't as good as it is, BWB would be an amazing place to come for drinks. As I've only been for brunch (yes, they even do brunch, although it's a little pricey, and you're better off getting eggs than french toast) I've yet to see the bar area come alive, but given how warm and inviting the space is, I can only imagine good things. Expect to see me here again real soon with any number of empty cocktail glasses scattered in front of me. I saw lots on the menu that I need to try.
(4)Camila S.
So good! Had the croquettes, patatas bravas, migas, albondigas, and egg tortilla. All were perfect! The tapas are reasonably priced for the caliber of restaurant. We sat outside when it was 50 degrees and were given blankets and sat near the heaters. Very nice environment. The service was impeccable. I loved this place! Definitely coming back!
(5)Jennifer C.
Been here a few times and to the ones in CT. Each time drinks have come out completely wrong or been totally forgotten about when you order at your table. Disappointing because food is interesting and the hangar steak is awesome! 2 main issues: you have to call to make reservations. The woman who answered was rude and that's after calling 5 times to get someone to answer the phone. She then said they were too busy at time we wanted and had us come a half hour earlier. When we got there restaurant was completely empty. The host staff and bored servers congregate at entry way. Then they all constantly watch you eat your meal and whisper while staring at you so they can try to seat someone at your table when you get up. If you wanted to know what it's like to be a zoo animal this is the place for you. Don't like being rushed through a meal especially in a quieter neighborhood.
(3)Annie I.
I have been here several times with my family and every single time they deliver. Great wine, great food, great experience. Get the serrano ham, the mushroom tapas, the truffle bikini, and the bravas. So so good!
(5)Dot T.
This is one of our favorite local spots. We love everything about it here. The service is excellent - from management, to waitstaff, to bartenders. The atmosphere is inviting - both in the winter and the summer, and the music is great. We come back, however, for the food. There is something on the menu for everyone and the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal. We love that the menu changes, but the staples remain the same.
(5)Clare F.
Going to a spanish place with chilli, hot pepper, and paprika allergies is not ideal. I understand that, and also do my best to try not to be too much of a pain, and to avoid opting for places that serve things with those ingredients. But bachelorette parties go great with sangria, so we ended up here last night. Our server James and his co-server Tyler were phenomenal. James was chatty and friendly, quick to recommend (even if it meant we opted for the $26 sangria pitcher rather than the $52 "carafe"). When someone's beer took some time to come out, he came over to reassure us that he was on top of it. We started with a few meats and cheeses. James was quick to warn me of cross-contamination with the meats, and to stick to the cheeses, which I was happy to do. We ordered the manchengo, a goat described as grassy, and a smoked cow's milk. They were all divine. The goat was incredible and spread well on the crusty bread, and the smoked cheese was even smokier than most smoked goudas, in a great way. The olive oil paired with the bread was super flavorful. The white sangria was the perfectly refreshing drink. We ended up getting two pitchers. I loved that it came with apple slices hanging out with the liquid - I had just as much fun fishing out the apples to eat as drinking the sangria itself! Be careful though - it is stronger than it tastes, We ordered several tapas next, several of which I couldn't eat, but whatever. James assured me that he'd get us patatas bravas without the spice and just the aioli, and I was able to munch on the kale salad as well. First patatas bravas plate comes out - served on top of a tomato-looking sauce. I had a friend try it first and she confirmed that the sauce had some heat. Totally fine. James came to check on us, and apologized that the potatoes had the spice, he had asked for it on the side. Totally fine. He said he would send over a new plate. The other food comes out and everyone loved it. I munched on kale and polished off the last piece of bread, waiting for potatoes. Out comes the second plate of patatas bravas. At first it looked ok, and then we discovered that the sauce was still there, but there was just less of it. I'm really not one to complain, servers have a hard enough job as it is, but James the wonder-waiter noticed it, and went back to the kitchen to try to get me a actual plate of potatoes I could eat. He was so apologetic and finally I got my non-spicy potatoes, still with the delicious aioli. What a treat! And everyone else had been able to eat the rest of the food, so I was pretty much the only one eating them. The manager came out and apologized as well, and James brought the dessert menu. We split three between the five of us - churros, a chocolate-hazelnut concoction, and cookies with a caramel sauce sandwiched in between them. All were divine. The churros were the right amount of cinnamon-y and flakey, and they were served with hot chocolate dipping sauce. The cookies were light and the caramel sauce had just enough salt to cut the sweetness. The chocolate hazelnut blog was unreal. It is always surprising how cheap tapas can run you with a big party, but when we got the bill we saw they had comped us ALL of the potato orders, as well as one of the desserts. Really appreciated that. Bravo, Barcelona. You are a model of customer service. Even if you had gotten everything right at the beginning, you still would have gotten the full five stars.
(5)Marceline V.
Worth the wait! I visited for the first time last weekend and fell in love!! This was my first time at a tapas restaurant and I didn't think I would be full but was pleasantly surprised by how full one can get when sharing food. The wait was long...they opened at 5pm and they were busy for the rest of the night. While we waited they brought out appetizers to sample (Jamon and Chicken Croquettes) and traditional red Sangria. I didn't taste the appetizer (the pescetarian in the group) but the Sangria was very good. Once we were finally seated we were greeted by a great waiter who made our first time very pleasant. He answered all of our questions and gave great suggestions. For dinner I ordered the Spinach-Chickpea Casuela and the Lobster Fideos. Both of which were amazing! I also had the red ginger pepper Sangria and it was perfect! Just the thought of the whole night makes me want to run back there this evening!
(5)Ashley R.
This is the best place for a group of people! Very casual and very friendly staff. I have been here a few times, and the other day was the first time the manager came over and actually had a conversation with me. He was very polite and friendly.
(5)Nuvia B.
This was the best food I've had in a long time. The hanger steak and the hot dahlia were both superb!
(5)Shivangi S.
I have been to this place twice in three days, and my two experiences were very different from each other. The first time I went was on a Saturday afternoon. Since I'm vegetarian, I ordered the tomato soup and they made the vegetable paella upon request. Both were fantastic! The tomato soup had a great depth of flavour and beautiful texture. For dessert, I ordered the churros and they were out of this world! Uber fluffy and delicious. The second time I went was for dinner on monday. The tomato soup was off the menu, which disappointed me. I ordered the butternut squash and chickpea tapas . Both were very average. So was the veggie paella. The only three things that made my night were their warm bread, churros and service!
(4)Daniel P.
Great restaurant. My personal favorite that these guys do the Jamon Iberico the real way. It just melts in your mouth. All of the food here is good and very well done. Meats are juicy, salads well made, just overall great. This place is also kicking! There is always a line, but i think it is worth it. The food is a little pricey, but i think it is well worth it. Also the sangria is great as expected. Check it out!
(4)Sonia N.
We went here as a large party for my birthday last week, a group of 10 to be exact and what can I say, we ate up a storm! Our pitchers of red sangria were never empty and we devoured any and all food that arrived at our table within minutes. Now for the food: Patatas Bravas: Perfect and crispy. We had to get 2 more orders. It was that good! Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Tasted fresh but salty. Must've heavy handed on the anchovies. Scallops a la Plancha - Tender and flavorful. Great addition. Squid Ink Fideos - Very tasty and unique. Highly recommended. Do us a favor and smile after and then laugh it off when you see the black teeth. Don't worry, it doesn't stain. Grilled Broccolini - Fresh and crunchy Calamari - This was ok...I would consider it standard fare. Mariscos Paella - This tasted better than many paellas I've had in the past so it's definitely worth getting if you love paellas. Portions are large enough to feed a family of 4 since it a 2 order minimum to order it. We had 4 servings worth for the table. The only odd thing was that one pot was salty while the paella on the other end of our table was not? Barcelona Mixed Grill - Same comment as the paella for the most part. Ginormous portions and the meat (per my carnivorous friends) was very tender but a tad bit salty. All in all? This place has great ambiance, attentive service and the food for the most part was a solid 4 stars. Between this or Fairsted Kitchen next door, this one wins hands down. I would absolutely go back if I'm around the Brookline/Brighton area again!
(4)Peter W.
I have heard a lot of praise for this place so finally decided to give it a try. We had about 12 different tapas for four people. Everything was great except the meatballs was only ok. Their drinks are fun and tasty. I am definitely coming back to try different tapas and the big dinner platters. Service was solid. Atmosphere is hip.
(4)Cailee M.
God I love this place, everything I've had has been phenomenal. I especially love the rabbit cassoulet, the papas, and the bone marrow (followed up by a bone luge--trust me, it sounds weird, but it's awesome). The service is also fantastic. If even the slightest thing goes wrong, expect some free apps or sangria as a gesture. Also, if you're waiting at the bar for a long time, they will also sometimes through some free apps your directions.
(5)Y M.
I meant to give 4.5 stars, I took 1/2 star off just because their paella was a little bit to dry for my taste but everything else was perfect, drinks services and ambiance. I think to round it down would be unfair. I was there with my friends and they ate so little so we only ordered 5 tapas and paella I wish I am skinny I would have totally eaten more the other night. I will go back soon with my boy.
(5)Felicia C.
Love love love this place. One of the places for multiple visits. The place is huge but very welcoming. Food is always consistent. Lots of drinks choices. Not a romantic place because it can get quite loud.
(5)M K.
Wow, my husband and I ate there two weeks ago for the first time and we couldn't be more impressed! What a great meal we had there. My husband and I had these dishes: fig and chorizo (you have to get it! It's soooo delicious) fall chop salad (incredibly yummy!) grilled redfish (delicious, although the portion was kind of small) croquettes (yummy!) grilled eggplant with basil (this one was OK) steak with truffle sauce (we got this since people on Yelp seemed to love this dish, but we thought it was just OK). crepes (filled with caramel - while I am not too into sweets, this one was very good) My husband had a whisky cocktail and that was very good, too. Also, this place has great, very attentive service, and that made our dining experience incredibly enjoyable. We are definitely coming back. Oh, make sure to get a reservation because this place gets so busy on weekends!
(5)Thomas N.
Came here for an friend b'day ( 16 people ) To make this nice and simple the group chose tapas menu Service, 10 stars! ********** Large group didn't even put an dent to their wonderful service. Ambience, nice and relaxing perfect lighting with toned down music in the background Food, not bad not bad at all ( grilled calamari,flank steak and shrimp scampi ) def need to come back for more! What I missed out on was this waiter walking around with an fresh whole prosciutto sliced to order... sighhhhh Till next time Barcelona!
(5)Al Y.
Visited a Friday night in January 2015. The place was packed and a bit noisy and we waited around half an hour to be seated. For families with kids Friday night visit may not be the best idea. The food was really good. I mean Chorizo & fig was exceptional and the hanger steak was great (but small). The other platters and drinks were also very good. The waiters were friendly and attentive. Overall not a bad experience.
(3)Jamal S.
The food is ok, we were a party of 7, there was nothing remarkable about anything we had. The paella lacked that distinctive saffron flavor, the mixed grill was good quality, the rest of the tapas were just fine.
(3)Amy L.
Amazing atmosphere, such a fun place to enjoy delicious tapas. I LOVE their wine menu. I got a delicious Argentinean cabarnet. Only negative is that it takes a long time to get a table here so Make a reservation. Still give it 5 stars though and I will def be going back.
(5)Serena P.
Delicious food. The only reason why I will four star instead of 5 is because we were on the waiting list to get seated and we told the hostess we were going to wait at the bar. Although she acknowledged this, they never called us to get seated even though we noticed people who came in after us were eventually getting seated before us. We assumed that they assumed we were going to eat at the bar even though we were on the waiting list. we would have liked to have been seated but we did not want to make a stink. our server also forgot about a dish but made up for that delay with a free appetizer, which was very tasty! All and all, a good experience but not one from a table like we had wanted.
(4)Michael C.
A well deserved 5 stars for this epic wine and tapas bar. The layout of this place is unique and expansive, this is not a restaurant where you will ever feel congested. The set up allows this place to handle big group as well as small parties. I was surprised to find out this place was a small national chain, only because the food was so stellar. To top it off our bartender BJ and the manager Herman were both top notch, they seemed genuinely concerned about how we thought about our experience in their restaurant. The dishes ranged from good to outstanding. Here is what we had: White & Red Sangria's - Not the best sangria I've ever had but pretty damn good. Both were more juicy than some heavier sangria's I've had in the past. They also had a little fizz to them but they were both light and flavorful. Kale Salad - Normally I stay away from plain greens but this dish was anything but. Whatever they glazed the kale in was off the charts. Octopus Salad - This dish is hardly a salad, in fact it is more of a grilled octopus dish than anything else mixed with some sauteed onions and peppers. The octopus was perfectly flavored and tender. Lobster Fideos - One of the highlights of the meal. It is basically a take on paella but with a type of short noodle instead of rice. 4 generous chunks of lobster Grilled Hangar Steak - Another highlight of the meal. A very simple but straightforward dish. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak topped with a truffle reduction sauce. Chorizo + Sweet and Sour Figs - This dish could have been a little better. I think it came a little overcooked because some of the chorizo were hard as rocks with crystallized brown sugar while others were pretty tender. The figs and the sauce were so good though. Patatas Bravas - Loose translation is "angry potatoes". Pretty standard dish of lightly fried (or baked?) potatoes with a spicy ketchup sauce.
(5)Tonya S.
After hearing raving reviews from my foodie friend about Barcelona, she finally brought me here to see what the fuss was all about. Let me tell you, it was exceptionally fantastic from the food, drinks, to the bar staff. We ordered an array of piquant tapas and colorful drinks that gradually came out throughout the evening with perfect timing. The crowd is pretty diverse but mostly young professionals until midnight strikes. It's interesting to see the crowd turnover to the late 30's - 40's crowd as we sipped on our drinks and batted off "men on the prowl". The atmosphere is tasteful and modernly designed. 8 cocktails, 1 dessert and 5 tapas later, we found our bill to be reasonable for the quality. Who would I take here? It would be anyone from your date, a few girlfriends to a small birthday party (but only if you make reservations!)
(5)Julio D.
Bad food, that is all! I ordered a steak without souce and the waiter brought everything wrong... But if u r looking for nice place/beatiful maybe you will like it! But don't expect the best food of your life!
(1)Sean G.
Awesome food, great service, and excellent cocktails. I highly recommend this place. It's tapas so you can try a little of everything. Jacob the manager was very accommodating and friendly. I really felt at home. Great place to bring a date because the ambiance was exceptional.
(5)Anne F.
Excellent service. Our waiter was attentive and had several recommendations. When my roommate and I hesitated at the idea of bone marrow, he brought us an order on the house!
(4)Sonia D.
OMG is all I have to say!!! This place is AMAZING, from the staff, food, knowledge and WINE. I am obsessed and so happy this place opened up. Also, happy that its not located in Boston so its not stuffy at all and more of a local crowd. I met a friend for dinner and wine on Sunday night and we couldn't have been happier with the decision we chose. I got there first and sat at the bar and was welcomed by BJ the bartender. Kind of sad that she is only here for the opening and then will go back home because she is super friendly and knowledgeable. Hopefully she will train others to be like her. They wine menu is pretty extensive and they are mainly Spanish and other countries I don't usually drink so I told BJ I like Pinot Noirs and she had me try an amazing one called Abadia Da Cova. The first sip went down so smooth that I didn't want to try anything else and had her pour me a glass. My friend got there a little bit after me and ordered the white sangria and he was a big fan. We continued to order a bunch of tapas. I took pictures of all and will also list them out. Octopus Salad Kale Salad Chorizo with sweet carmalized figs Flank steak (to die for) Lobster Fideos (served in a paella pan but instead of rice it had cut up vermicelli) Honestly, everything was so amazing and it was a perfect end to my weekend. BJ also introduced us to the manager Herman. He was super sweet and friendsly and made us feel like regulars already. When we were walking out he remembered my name and said bye. That is HUGE and makes you feel special. Great added touch and awesome management skills!!!!! We never felt rushed which was also nice. When we asked for our bill they give you a survey to complete and if you do you get a token for your next visit for a free tapas. SCORE! I will definitely be back and anyone looking for a cool spot that serves delicious wine and food, definitely check out Barcelona! I hope it stays a hidden gem for a little but chances are it won't. See you soon Barcelona wine bar!!
(5)SL M.
Outdoor seating is awesome. This place has a ton of seats. Just as well as it has a true tapas menu to savor. Service was very friendly and patient. The sangria was very good (both white and red). We had chorizo with fig and a chickpea spinach dish. The chorizo was a little too sweet for me, but I'm particular in that I don't like many sweets. We found the bill to be very reasonable. We will be back.
(4)Julia H.
I went on a Friday night with two other people, and the spacious restaurant was packed. We decided that if it was that crowded, it must be worth the hour and a half wait, and it was. I ordered three tapas; the potato tortilla, potatas bravas, and the watermelon radish salad with avocado. (I know, that's a lot of potato, but that was my own error.) The food arrived in a steady stream, and the service was reasonably good considering how busy it was. The only major detraction from the meal was the saltiness of the watermelon radish salad. The vinaigrette was salty, and it was topped with salt to finish it. The cleanliness of the dish was overwhelmed by the saltbomb that covered it. Overall, it has a great warm atmosphere that suits itself well to groups, but prepare to wait for a table if you go on a weekend.
(4)Mike C.
One of the better tapas options in Boston. We prefer to come here as its in Brookline and Toro or Coppa are much harder to get to. There is plenty of street parking here, but be warned that some of the meters run to 8 pm. On weekends, I highly recommend getting a reservation as the wait can be extremely long. They do have a bar and sometimes the patio to the left is open for those to hang out. Drinks with house liquor were around $6 and the specialty cocktails around $10. The sangria is popular. Get a pitcher if you're gonna have a few glasses. The hostess is through the little entry way to the right. The tapas menu is pretty extensive here. They do have paella and grilled meat options charged per person, but I have never partaken. The options for a charcuterie board are fairly extensive. There a few dozen meats and cheeses to choose from. I would recommend doing a little research or smart phone googling to figure out what you would like. The serrano ham (like proscuitto) and the manchego cheese are the most popular. Vegetarians are welcome since half the tapas are vegetarian friendly. I'm more of a meat eater, so I only really venture as far as the potato bravas. Best dish the chorizo and figs. Salty and sweet. Recommend the ham and chicken croquettes, steak, lamb, mussels, and calamari. A lot of the other options are a bit underwhelming. For dessert we often get the churros and chocolate. All in all, a very solid option with a hip atmosphere. As a higher end tapas, it can get a bit expensive.
(4)Siddharth I.
Good and service was good; PLEASE fix the crazy drafts at the tables by the door. It was too cold to enjoy the otherwise good food.
(3)Zzzzz L.
Amazing food, even better service!!! On one of the busiest days of the year (Valentine's) we didn't feel rushed at all, our waiter was so knowledgable about all of the food options and took the time to go over the entire menu and made sure everything was to our liking. And again the food was AMAZING, especially the Brussel sprouts!
(5)The Throwin S.
Great, friendly service. Jamon serrano: Perfect. Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Fresh, delicious, and guilt-free. Golden beets: topped with delicious little pistachio pieces--outstanding! Jamon/Chicken croquettes: perfect little fried balls of happiness. Hanger steak: drizzled with truffle sauce--superb, tender, full of flavor. Better than grilled ribeye or tenderloin. Sangria was okay (I tried both red and white). Many good brews on tap and wine list is also good. Great ambiance. Family friendly. Not cheap, but worth it. Easier to get a table, better access to parking, and nicer wait staff than Toro in Boston's South End.
(5)Stephanie T.
Love. Pure love. This is such a great addition to the Brookline area! It looks like a place that should be in the downtown area or Newbury Street but that is why I love that its in Brookline. It has an outdoor porch with heat lamps, which is nice since summer is over. The food is amazing! get the Migas! Basically its chorizo with bits of buttered bread with a fried egg on top....yum. The service is pretty good. Some days the timing of when the food comes out is on point while other days its not, but the food makes up for it. It just makes me eat the tapas faster. Eating here is becoming a regular occurrence for me. I'm not sure if its a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm okay with it.
(5)Alissa R.
Barcelona is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Boston. Not only is the food delicious, but the decor gives it a fun vibe and the service is awesome. It's the kind of place you want to sit and hang out in all night. Of the tapas, I had the chorizo with sweet and sour figs (delicious), the mushrooms with herbed goat cheese (also delicious), and a plate of Manchego cheese and serrano ham (can't go wrong there). They also have several varieties of sangria, and all of them look so amazing it's hard to choose one- I ended up deciding on the ginger spiced red sangria. Despite the restaurant being packed to the brim, I was surprised at how quickly our tapas came out. The service is unbelievable, not only did we have one main server, but a second server also checked on us AND every time that I have been there, the manager has come out to introduce himself and ask if there was anything we needed. The last time I was there, they even sent a plate of croquettes to our table on the house. I could honestly rave about Barcelona forever. The only thing is, you DEFINITELY need to make a reservation, especially if it's on the weekend, but honestly it would be wise to do it any night of the week. I would recommend asking to be seated in the bar area, where there are these awesome high booths that surround the bar. The entire restaurant always has a high energy, inviting, and friendly atmosphere that makes it hard to pay the check and leave.
(5)Jack M.
We've been here about 10 times, beginning the second night it was open. The food varies from good to excellent, no complaints there. And no complaints at all about the wait staff - very attentive, helpful and informed. But I find it very loud. It's hard to have a conversation inside the restaurant. If you're going to be mostly engaged with your smart phone, that's not a problem. But the effort it requires to hear and be heard takes away some of the pleasure of dining out. We'll certainly try it again, but maybe we should sit outside where there may be less noise.
(3)Taylor L.
This place is truely outstanding. The food, the service, everything is quite lovely. I have been several times and never have a been dissapointed. However, last time I went we had a reservation and it took forever for them to seat up, and then they ended up seating us outside and it was freezing. We were quite bumbed but when we were paying the bill the manager came up and COMPED OUT ENTIRE MEAL! the food is so yummy. The fried cabbage is delectable and unique. it has feta and a little bit of a honey drizzle. Also for dessert the warm chocolate lava cake is fantastic. I could go in detail about everything here but I would just be repeating myself about how good the food was. It's in my top 5 for the ATL!
(5)Jennifer R.
Today was my first time to Barcelona, and I have to say that I LOVED it. The service was awesome, they where fast and very attentive. The food on the other hand was AMAZING, they really met my expectations. Will absolutely go back.
(5)Jenn K.
I went to Barcelona to celebrate a birthday with my two sisters. We ordered paella for two (and we had some left over, the portions of paella are enormous) as well as several tapas. We thought the best part of the meal was that the kitchen had made too many tapas and offered us truffle hangar steak and patatas bravas...FO' FREE. Oh, and the truffled bikini grilled cheese that I want to eat 50 billion of (and never wear a bikini again). We THOUGHT that was the best part of the meal until... ...we were already at our table for two hours and had just ordered another pitcher of sangria when the manager came over and apologized that they needed our table for a large party and (we assumed he was asking we'd move to the bar) could we please move down two tables? As a peace offering, he'd comp our next pitcher of sangria as well as give us a dessert for free. What? How could we say no to any of that? We moved down two tables, got even more Buzzed Lightyear, and ended up ordering two desserts. What the hell, why not. They ended up giving us both desserts for free, too, and a token for a free tapas for the next time we went back in. Everyone is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food is bomb.com , as is the sangria. Atmosphere is lovely and loud enough that you feel like you're at a large family get-together. If you like amazing food, great ambiance and excellent customer service, go to Barcelona.
(5)GJ B.
Definitely like the layout and decor inside. Pretty cool spot. Our waitress was a tad funny and didn't do a good job of attending to us. She would pop by to ask how things were but would be turning to leave before we could get off an answer. Maybe she was too busy, the place was absolutely packed on a Monday night. The manager looked like he should be riding a skateboard, not managing a restaurant. But what are looks, to each his own. We stuck with 3 tapas and a salad, so we need to go back and try the entrees. Chicken and Jamon Croquettes - J liked these Grilled Hanger Steak - disappointing in size - not as big as pictures on yelp Summer Vegetable - ok, but need to have the cheese more uniform throughout Watermelon and Feta Salad - good I think this place could be great, but they are pumping all the food out at such a high rate that it isn't all the best prepared or attended to. I am surprised by all the high reviews, but I'll be going back to check it out again. G
(3)Michael G.
The staff was very attentive. The food was perfect. Barcelona creates a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal. I definitely will be back.
(5)Kyleen K.
Best tapas in the city. Excellent variety, well-executed, delicious, and budget friendly. Just be prepared to wait if you walk in during the rush, but it's well worth the wait!
(5)Alex F.
The place is very busy! Food is good, however, the portions are small and a bit overpriced according to size. Beef is a must have! They have delicious desserts (Flan and Indulgence)
(4)Sophie P.
BRUNCH REVIEW Jazzy brunch! They have a small band playing near the windows by the bar, and it adds a great ambiance during the weekends. FOOD Lamb burger (+) You need to try this. Smothered in a tzatziki sauce, the grilled lamb drips into your mouth while crispy onions crunch in your mouth. This is the most unique burger I've had in awhile, and I was loving every bite of it. The fries were a little thicker than I would've liked, but this dish was perfect otherwise. Roasted beets (+) I was surprised by this dish. The beets had great flavor drizzled with balsamic vinegar, were a hot pink color which was so beautiful - It was like art! The pistachios added a great texture and touch to the dish. Grilled calamari - I usually go for fried calamari, but this was a great alternative of the traditional dish. Ensalata mixta with skirt steak - This salad was really plain without the steak. It was simply large pieces of lettuce, uncut, with raw onions, tomatoes, and olives topped with olive oil. We wanted some greens with our burger, so this was a good complement, but I would never get this dish without something else. Overall, this was a great option for brunch. I am still dreaming of that lamb burger.
(4)Leah K.
Barcelona wine bar is clearly a hit. At 5:45 I met my friend for dinner there, and while the restaurant was almost empty, they said they only had a few seating options available (bar, high top by the window, or a seat that we could take for only an hour and 20 minutes). We were seated directly between the only other diners in the room. But honestly? That was ok with us. Lets start with the bread: too hot to touch, but you must, because it's steaming and fluffy with the most crispy crust. They serve good olive oil to go with it. We ordered a salad, mussels, meatballs, and patatas bravas. I think we made great choices! For around $25 per person (including a coke and a cocktail), we were full and happy. Salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, marinated onions, and olives topped with a sharp vinaigrette. I was ready to be underwhelmed (my friend chose it) but it was a great portion and with a bracing flavor. Probably a great paring with some richer tapas. Mussels: I've never seen mussels with as much meat as these! Aside from that, I don't have much to say...they were briny and came in a very spicy tomato based sauce. Meatballs: out of this world. We dipped our bread in the sauce (and barked at the waiter when he assumed we were finished because the meatballs were gone). Patatas bravas: the best I've had. They were really crispy and the sauce was sour (it's a cream sauce) and it comes with a spicy tomato sauce underneath. Very good. I also had a caipirinha, which came with 4 muddled limes. I'm a sour fiend, so this drink rocked my socks. It tasted like, lime, rum, and sugar...sour and sweet and not watered down. If you don't like a punchy drink, this isn't for you. I The waiters were great (aside from a bill mix-up). There was our waiter, a lady who also brought us food and drinks, the water guy, the manager...we basically had relationships with all these people. Which made us feel really well taken care of. I'm excited to head back to Barcelona and try whipped goat cheese, churros, chorizo, and everything else. This wins in my book.
(4)Haley J.
This is a perfect neighborhood tapas restaurant with an excellent patio. You'll definitely want to try the red wine sangria, and go ahead and buy it by the pitcher.
(5)Kunal C.
If you like tapas, come here! The food is off the hook and the sangria is one of the best I've had. Even if you don't eat, you can sit outside and grab a few drinks. Well worth a visit.
(5)David A.
From the chicken,lamb, to the steak everything is always exceptional!! And service is always amazing !
(5)Arvind S.
Food was OK. Nothing worth the hype. But I was really upset with the way they hurried us through. It was my wife's birthday and we were 6 of us. I me the waitress and asked for a cake to be brought at 12. And they brought it at 11:40. How hard is it? We planned it such a way that we stay there late which we did. We were drinking and eating until 1am eventually. This place is open until 2am and they were busy setting up empty tables. For the next day may be. Sucks. Poor service for an overpriced restaurant.
(1)Vivian C.
Some day was Mother's Day. We arrived for an early dinner, but it seemed we were not the only ones to do so. Though a tad early for our reservations, we were still made to wait as they were a bit behind. They redeemed themselves, however, with an offering of grown up grilled cheese sandwich quarters - served hot and tasty. Sure, we're family, but there is still such a thing as too close - for some reason they saw fit to seat our party of 8 at 3 two top tables smushed together, while the family of 4 beside us had a generous 2 tables all to themselves. Once they left, however, I inquired about the possibility of adding one of those now vacated tables to our threesome if they weren't already reserved... to which we were happily given the a-okay and the proper assist. Service was mostly excellent, from the lady server who took our order to the bus boy who filled our waters quite regularly, de-crumbed our tables and ended up taking our dessert orders. The only bump was when our original server took away one of our tapas plates a bit too quickly, leaving behind a stream of the residual sauce on the table cloth, just missing my dad's sleeve. The other thing was the spacing out of the meal - fortunately we were sharing everything, since the tapas came one (or two) at a time, and we were able to finish and look up hopefully for more before another round would arrive. We had asked for everything to come out as it was prepared. Then finally, the two entree portions that we ordered - those came out one right after the other, which made for an opportunity to finally take a food accompanied table group picture! Food ranged from nothing special (Fiddleheads & Mushrooms 10.50 Garlic, Lemon Juice), and rather raw (Grilled Broccolini 6.50, Roasted Peppers, Balsamic), to the apex of our meal, the Grilled Hanger Steak* 9.50, Black Truffle Vinaigrette with its wonderful flavor! The steak was sliced 1 piece per person at our request, so that we could each try it. Inbetween were Scallops a la Plancha 11.50 Avocado Salad; Roasted Bone Marrow 11.50 Caramelized Garlic Gremolata; and Pulpo Gallego 9.50 Octopus, Fingerling Potatoes, Pimenton. The entrees were ordered sized for one, and for that, they were generous. The Mixed Grill Mariscos $24.50 Branzino, Prawns, Clams, Calamari, had good portions of the stated shellfish cooked well. The Paella Mariscos $24.50 Prawns, Squid, Clams, Mussels, was pretty filling, but I didn't appreciate that some of the rice had been burnt black where it hung out on the pan too long, so I tried to refrain from scraping it to the very bottom. I sampled the Churros Y Chocolate 8.00 Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce, and found that the chocolate wasn't the singularly sweet American sort, but rather spiced up and rather savory. The churros, however, were a convenient option to share. I preferred, however, the traditionally sweet and creamy Flan Catalan 6.00, which was sufficient for two to share.
(4)Jeniely G.
Ok.. I am new in town but I am always craving for good food, not the one that come in big plates just the one that is so good and come in the right amount that you want to come back for more. I like the whole experience, service, good drinks, ambience and of course good food. Well in Barcelona you have it all.... I always said that a good sign is how crowded is the place, but I hate to wait. Well that did not happen the place was full but the service was right on, our waiter did everything to please us, even make white rice for my girl which did not want anything but that. The food was really good, I had the chorizos and they were fantastic, also the steak was my favorite. This will be my new spot in town.
(5)Lauren E.
I went here before and enjoyed it. I tried going back, but couldn't get in touch with someone at this restaurant to make a reservation. Barcelona is a CT chain tapas place. Every other location manages to have an online reservation system, so why can't this location? It would make things a lot easier than calling, especially since this place can't staff people to answer the phone. I called this place four times to make a reservation. Each time I had to wait to get to an automated message just so I could be transferred to the reservation line. Then all it did was ring three (quick) times before an automated voice says the party is unavailable. Yes, I could've left a message, but at that point was frustrated. I've never had issues making reservations at other restaurants, whether by phone or online, but apparently Barcelona can't get it together. And don't make the excuse "it's too busy." Bull. Like I said, I never had issues getting through at other places that can be just as busy. I'm not going to waste time to show up, only to find out there is an hour long wait, when I can find this information out in two seconds over the phone or online. So Barcelona is a no-go for me.
(1)Elcin N.
Great food and atmosphere. Boquerones is to die for, but one order of it will not be enough. They also have great sangria and bread. The decor inside and in the outside sitting area are very nice.
(5)Isabel R.
Technically its Brookline but its closer to Cleveland Circle than to Coolidge Corner. Best tapas in Boston! Recommendations: Hanger Steak, Chorizo with Figs, Patatas Bravas, and Sangria. On Sundays they have a Brunch with live jazz music and the best Bloody Mary Bar I've ever seen! (and I'm not a fan of Bloody Marys. LOL!!!) Expect a wait! I usually drive there and get my name on the list go home and come back 30-60 minutes later. I like this location better than the South End. It has a different feel to it with a big outdoor patio. Love it!!!
(5)Joelly J.
Great tapas restaurant! The portions are a bit small compared to other tapas restaurants but their venue definitely makes up for that! This is a very trendy and fun place near Brookline that would be a great spot for a date or girls night out! They have a great wine selection and a very tasty sangria! The ambience of this restauraunt is rare in Boston and reminds me of a typical New York spot! Order the octopus, tortilla espanola, sangria (by the pitcher) and anything from their dessert menu!!
(4)Brittany P.
Just got home from an absolutely stellar dinner at Barcelona in Brookline! My date and I arrived to a busy restaurant around 7:30. There was a 30 minute wait but we didn't mind and were seated promptly at 8. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and romantic but there were a lot of big parties, so it looked like a great place for a larger celebration. Both of our waitresses were wonderful - so sweet and attentive as well as knowledgable about the menu. Our waitress even offered us a half pitcher of sangria which was only $13 and filled 3 glasses per person! For our tapas we ordered the patatas bravas, empanadas, and the roasted chicken. We also ordered the skirt steak. Everything was delicious and extremely fresh and flavorful. Even the coffee was great and a wonderful way to top off a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual but romantic dinner spot!
(5)goblyn g.
A good selection of really tasty tapas, and drinks (food's a bit pricey, but it's GOOD, and they have some things you won't get in too many places here). Good for groups. I'd been there a few times, it worked well with both me+friend, or in larger parties, but it can get noisy (just a tad too noisy to my taste) and crowded, so if you're looking for a quiet one-on-one conversation, perhaps other places are better.
(4)Demi L.
Long wait- totally worth it! Very cool restaurant with an amazing tapas & drink menu. Food was delicious!! One of the best restaurants in Brookline! Will definitely be back.
(5)Yuka Y.
Tapas offerings are solid, averaging around $7/plate. The wait time is horrible and the system is rather disorganized with too many people hovering around the entrance waiting...waiting..and waiting. We waited about 1.5 hours just for a table inside, granted though it was Saturday evening @8. Expect a longer wait for a table inside. They do provide heated lamps outside, however, even those don't suffice against the evening chill. Recs: +Lamb chops- cooked medium rare and delightfully tender, but beware of subtle bones hidden throughout your meat +Grilled Broccolini as your veggies. Mindblew both me and my honey, we've never seen broccoli like this or had it cooked this way. Had a strong garlic essence and leaves that were slightly crispy. +Warm chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence with raspberry sauce & coconut ice cream- the chocolate cupcake sized cake is very hot with the ice cream on top a melting ooze of goodness. Miss: -Although the hangar steak was medium rare, it was unremarkable. A little on the dry side and the Black Truffle Vinaigrette sauce did not deliver. Loud atmosphere. This is an excellent place for drinking and people watching. The dim lighting makes it an intimate atmosphere, but the chaos around with large numbers of bussers and service staff moving around makes it not the most relaxing of places.
(4)Susan S.
Amazing food and wonderful staff! We had made a reservation at another restaurant in the area, and had not yet been seated after 45 minutes, so I called Barcelona. The person I spoke with sympathized with my situation and found us a table within ten minutes of arriving. I am SO happy we dined there instead of our original choice! Their food was SO tasty, and we are foodies and I've been to Spain twice, so we're not an easy bunch to please! We each ordered and shared a bunch of tapas and there wasn't a single disappointment among them. They also have a great wine and drink list, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Our pair of four agreed to make this our 'regular' spot for future outings. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Sahar S.
This place is so cozy, walked in on a Sunday and there was a jazz band jamming. Food was great and super fast.
(5)Eli F.
This is the first review I've ever written on Yelp, but my visit to Barcelona last night merits it. I am an avid tapas bar visitor, and prior to eating here Toro was my hands down favorite. Barcelona did a great job of exceeding my expectations. I still love Toro but Barcelona went above and beyond as far as service goes. I made reservations for myself and a friend visiting from out of town. After arriving, there was a minor delay in our seating so we made our way to the bar to wait it out. We were able to find seats at the bar anyway and we were looking forward to trying the drinks before dinner. We each ordered drinks, a Caipirinhia and a Bourbon Spice Rack. The Caipirinhia was excellent, but after trying the Bourbon Spice Rack, I stuck with it the rest of the night. Easily one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, so much so that I let the manager, Erick, know and he gave me a small sample of the ingredients (except the bourbon of course) to take home! Cannot wait to try and imitate the concoction. Once our table was ready we were escorted to the outdoor patio which was perfect because of the weather (mid to low 70's) and it was a lot quieter than inside. It wasn't overly loud inside but it was easier to have a conversation outside while at our table. Our server Nick was excellent. We had him pick out our chef selection starters and he hit it out of the park. The Soria (chorizo), Drunken Goat Cheese, Buefish Pate (easily my favorite) and the Spicy Eggplant were amazing. For dinner we ordered the Patatas Bravas, Mussels al Diablo, Ribeye Steak (Favorite item of the night, contemplated ordering twice but was getting extremely full by the end of the meal), and the Bone Marrow which was also excellent! I honestly wanted to hug the chef after our dinner. Thank you to Erick and Nick for providing excellent service, I will be visiting again soon!
(5)Lauren T.
I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. To begin my long rant of how wonderful the service and food was: SERVICE: We originally wanted a table, but the wait was rather long, so we sat at the bar where we were waited on by Harrison. Harrison was friendly and attentive, a rare combination to find in Boston. My boyfriend is allergic to eggs, milk and nuts which is always a challenge for us when we dine out. Not this night, Harrison immediately whipped out a menu and asked the chef to cross off any meal which would be dangerous which made ordering a breeze. How the chef had time to do this during a busy dinner rush is beyond me, but I am eternally grateful! Towards the end of our meal the Sous Chef, David, introduced himself to us, really nice guy! Turns out he has food allergies too and could relate to our struggle. As we enjoyed some wonderful coffee after our meal (since dessert is a non-option for those with all of those allergies) a box of Sour Patch Kids appeared; compliments of David. It was incredibly thoughtful and honestly an act I'll never forget. It really speaks volumes about the high regard he has for his customers in wanting EVERYONE to be comfortable. FOOD: The menu has a great selection of tapas. Everything we ordered arrived at an appropriate temperature, in a timely manner, and was delicious. My favorite was the ceviche, boy, it was out of this world! Harrison suggested the rosé sangria which paired beautifully with the seafood we ordered. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to our next date night at Barcelona!
(5)Alice C.
Hanger steak is the way to go! I'm also a big fan of tapas because you can try a little bit of everything. It's a fancy place, but definitely worth the money. Very nice atmosphere. Request Nick as a server. He is amazing and will definitely take care of you!
(5)San W.
Still awesome food and service! Be prepared to wait for an hour or more on a weekend night without a reservation though. But I have to say, I had the most pleasant waiting experience at a restaurant ever here last night. The owner/manager (?) came by a few times with free tapas to taste (those croquettes!) and a server made sure to check in about drink orders. Despite the place being so packed and busy, the staff never seemed rushed/impatient in their interactions with customers. And now on to the food! Being greedy and gluttonous, we ordered twelve tapas for three people. And two desserts. And coffee. Stuffed. To. Point. Of. Explosion. But so worth it! Highlights were the: - Braised Short Rib - Jamón and Chicken Croquettes - Chorizo and Sweet & Sour Figs - Grilled Hanger Steak - Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder I tried a white wine our waiter recommended, Ulacia (from Basque region), which I enjoyed. A fast pour from up high to preserve the CO2, it was bright, light, crisp, bubbly, and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. And YAY for another free tapa token! Can't wait to come back again.
(5)Erica W.
I've been to Barcelona a few times and this is by far the best experience I have had. Our server, Isak, greeted us with a friendly hello and was more than helpful in our dining experience. He gave great drink, tapas, and dessert recommendations. He had superb knowledge of the menu which was fantastic because some of the items can be confusing to the average patron. My dinner date has a fish allergy and the executive chef took the time to come out of the kitchen to point out the particular items that would not be friendly to the allergy which was very helpful. Overall our favorites were the hanger steak and mushrooms with goat cheese but everything was delicious. The cocktails were superb. The bourbon spice rack was a perfect earthy drink to start off the night. And the crepes finished our meal on a very high note. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Marlana Y.
Hanger steak- my friends loved it and had to order another one Hamachi- if you love raw fish this is really good. Went down smooth Whipped cheese- just okay. This is a good app to start out with especially with the bread. Kale salad- big portion compared to other tapas. I felt like I could finish this on my own. Delicious! Paella- had the seafood paella and it was tasty. But be careful when eating it because some of the pieces of oyster shell would break and get stuck in my rice The ambience can be romantic but depending on how many people is in your party there may not be a lot of privacy between you and the table next to you.
(4)Allan S.
I'm tempted to write a 'meh' review so as to keep this gem to myself. Great food, full bar, outstanding wines by the glass and attentive professional service. Worst thing I can say is no valet parking, or parking lot, just street parking so you will have to hunt a bit. But if you are up for the challenge you will be richly rewarded. Arrived with wifey on a Saturday night around 7:30 without dinner reservations because we decided to go out at the last minute and all the prime dining slots were taken. So we put our name on the list (an hour wait) and headed to the bar. 15 minutes later we luck out and snag two stools. Bartender could have not been more friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable. Took us through the menu giving tips on what to try and what to drink. The menu is expansive so it was nice to have someone walk us through it. Everything we tried was good with the possible exception of wifey's cocktail. She loves jalapeno margaritas and the Hot Dahlia just did not cut it. I've recently acquired a taste for Old Fashioneds and was not disappointed by the Bourbon Spice Rack. At the bartender's suggestion we followed up with the 2008 Tempranillo, Cerro Añon, Reserva, Rioja by the glass. ZOWIE! Had that again and regretted not ordering a bottle. For our meal we began with the Kale Salad. WOW! Full of flavor and the perfect hint of anchovy. The Grilled Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Vinaigrette was incredible. Small bites of beef full of flavor. The Hamachi Crudo .. as good. We finished with the Salvaje (Meat) Paella. Ate every bite. For dessert we had the Crepas Salguero which were HUGE (one order would have been more than enough for two) and the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence. The bartender had recommended the Churros, but we were not at all disappointed with our choices. So plan ahead, make a reservation, and enjoy!
(5)Joyce L.
3.5 stars I came here with my older sister for her birthday, made a reservation and was seated within a couple minutes of arriving (parking is a hassle, T accessible though). Is it just me or is there no sign to the restaurant??? I kept walking past it and was so confused for the longest time.. Might have just been me, though.... On to the dishes... we ordered the following: 1. Crispy calamari: not worth it. probably the worst fried calamari I've had in Boston.. there was nothing to it, just seemed like a menu filler... 2. Chorizo & sweet-sour figs: one of their better dishes. a bit sweet, but I actually really enjoyed this. 3. truffled "bikini": overwhelmingly truffle-y. just a grilled cheese, but would be a lot better with a spice factor like jalapenos or something 4. patatas bravas: meh, overhyped on yelp. 5. grilled hanger steak: really good, small serving size 6. mussels diablo: the best thing we had that night! loved the spiciness 7. churros: A MUST! we ordered this on a whim... i'm so glad we did. piping hot, just the way I like it. the chocolate is more of a dark chocolate dip, so keep that in mind. 8. sangria: I ordered an entire pitcher for myself.. that's right. my sister is pregnant and the waitresses couldn't tell so they kept asking me if I was sure I wanted an entire pitcher for myself. Just to prove to the wait staff (and everyone around us who kept judging me), I finished the entire pitcher!! Just goes to show that, if you REALLY want to, you can finish an entire pitcher by yourself. A pitcher of sangria for ~$24. it was a pretty good deal The food? meh, not bad, but not stellar the service? awesome, the manager AND the waitresses checked up on us multiple times. the manager was extremely sweet. the ambiance? intimate and cute the price? not bad for the amount that we ordered! would I go here again? probably not for dinner. I think there are other places around Boston that are worth trying with the same appeal. I have to give it to their marketing team.. I filled out a survey at the end of our dinner and the manager/waitress both handed me a "free tapas" token(?). Supposedly, the next time I come, I can get one tapa for free so make sure you fill out the survey!! This is the only reason I would probably visit barcelona again... for sangria and my free tapas hehe
(3)Raquel O.
In my 26 years of life on this planet, this restaurant has been one of the most memorable. I ordered the Hanger Steak, Mussels, Jamon Serrano and Patatas Bravas and they were all delectable. The servers were all extremely attentive and friendly. Phenomenal place.
(5)K S.
This is a great place! I'm not usually one for chains or franchise restaurants, but this place doesn't feel like it! We always start with the manchego and Serrano ham! It's served with quince pace that is wonderful! The bread is always freshly baked. And the olive oil they serve with it has such a great fruitiness. I have tried many of the tapas items. We love the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, Patatas Bravas, albondigas, spiced beef empanadas, asparagus. The only things that I've tried that I wasn't a huge fan of was the chicken and jamon croquets and the fig and chorizo. The croquettes were ehhhh and the fig and chorizo was a little greasy. I would love to try the paella or the squid ink Fideos! Yum! Highly recommend this place but make sure you have a reservation any night of the week!!
(5)Tracy S.
I went on a Wednesday night with about 20 coworkers. They have had large groups before and make menu suggestions for big groups. It was a beautiful day and we had half of the outdoor patio reserved as well as some room inside for the food. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that we were not allowed to bring the food outside. We had red sangria. It was truly one of the bed red sangrias I have had. Later, we had shots of the house tequila. I have to admit that college memories (or lack thereof) made me not a fan of tequila in the past. But, man this tequila was smooth. I'd get it again. Ok the food: first off- the free bread you get with the meal was amazing. A crunchy crust with a soft, spongy inside. The grilled cheese sandwich with truffle oil was equally amazing. The eggplant and the meatballs were a welcome change from the carbs. The eggplant had a very interesting flavor. However after a long night of sangria I wanted nothing more than the potatoes with the cheese sauce. Since I was not the person who set up the order, I didn't actually see the menu so I do not know the official names of the dishes. I will be going back as soon as I can. The atmosphere was cool and classy, but also laid back.
(5)Shanna C.
Kale salad was delicious...hit the spot after a long day of studying...the meatballs were very flavorful as well.
(5)Jeff M.
Having started my experience with Barcelona in New Haven this location has never lived up to the expectations set down in CT. I would not come here for dinner, but, I'd definitely go back for meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks. Its more that type of place then a proper restaurant to me. That being said the tenderloin is unreal.
(3)Karen D.
Outstanding on all fronts. Got there about 6 on a Sunday, which was a good call since it filled up quickly. Two of us sat at the bar. Our bartender, Jess, and the other bartenders were very friendly, attentive and made great drinks. I had the Whisky Root, although I changed it to straight up, so I could savor it without the ice melting. Every tapas was great: gambas, bravas, peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, broccolini. The bartender sent out 2 tapas for us to try that I woulnd never have ordered and the were fantastic: smoked mackerel pate and brussel sprouts. The bar manager came over and chatted with us as well. Very welcoming. The place has great decor and the music was perfect. I'm looking forward to my next visit. And they gave us 2 tokens for 2 tapas next time.
(5)Mary D.
Excellent I like the outside bar in the summer Inside is a little loud but the food is great.
(5)Greg P.
Great Option for Tapas in Washington Square Barcelona is one of several newer entries on the dining scene in Washington Square. Located on Beacon St., Barcelona is easy to get to. A spacious restaurant, there is plenty of seating inside and out on the patio. The ambiance is warm and trendy/contemporary. The service is quite good with the manager coming to check on our table several times. Definitely get a reservation because it fills up quickly! The selection of tapas is broad with some very unique options. We started with a selection of two cheeses (Mahon and a soft sheep's milk). We also had the jamon serrano. Served with delicious house bread, the trio was fantastic. We then had the terrine of foie gras which was also delicious (although served with onions that detracted from the taste of the terrine). We had a great salad with kale, squash, and barley. They brought over some roasted brussel sprouts on the house that were also terrific. The climax of the meal was the squid ink fideos. Served in a large cast iron pan (like a paella pan) it was generous portions of squid, shrimp and black squid ink pasta. It was outstanding and quite a unique dish. We did not have any space left for dessert. Unlike other tapas experiences, these were quite generous proportions and we filled up quickly. You get excellent value for the money. Four of us ate well for about $90. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Amy M.
This place is truly a gem. We spent the night here for a friend's birthday, and certainly weren't disappointed. The menu was just as unique as the atmosphere -- I'd recommend for a special night out with a smaller group when you're looking for something different (or trying to impress your date). We tried both savory and sweet plates, and were impressed with both. But the drinks really won us over here -- many different wines to choose from, and sangria has multiple made-to-order variations of white, red, fruity, herbal, etc. Sangria was not very strong despite my expectations of a wine bar (too much ice, maybe?) but was fresh and different. Barcelona made for a pricey dinner, although we did find the tapas were large enough to be share-able. I'd say it's worth the experience, but if you're looking for a night out but on a budget, grab dinner first, and visit Barcelona for after-dinner drinks and small bites.
(5)Shruthi S.
Love everything about this place, the ambiance, the friendly staff and the fresh food. The bread is perfect. We always order a loaf to take out at the end. If you plan on going during rush hours reservations are a good idea. We generally go around 6 to beat the crowd.
(5)Lisa P.
Each time I've gone to Barcelona I'm impressed. They have a very knowledgeable and accommodating staff, tons of seating (inside, outside, and at the bar), and the food is fantastic. As someone with Celiac, I feel very comfortable eating here and know that the waiters and the chefs have taken my allergy seriously. They don't have a separate gluten free menu, but there is so much to choose from on the regular menu that's already gluten free, and the staff is good at informing me which items can be made gluten free or not. They also have gluten free rolls! and my own olive oil to dip it in. I highly suggest this restaurant for anyone with food allergies. Know that you will be taken care of.
(5)April K.
This is a swanky, dimly lit restaurant/tapas bar with some of the best sangria I've ever had. However, I am not sure what was going on last night but I was so unimpressed after eating dinner here. When I used to come, their sangria was fresh and crisp, light and refreshing. Last night when we were waiting for our table, they served us a pitcher of purple mystery. The sangria was thick and too sweet, and we had no idea why it was such an odd color. We sent it back, and the waitress told us "Oh sorry, sometimes when it's been sitting for a while, it turns that color." Really? Thanks for serving us bottom of the barrel sangria that's been fermenting in your restaurant. She brings us another pitcher of the SAME weird purple shade, and then tells us that the sangria is actually supposed to be that color... The second batch tasted okay, but I just thought that was shady. For dinner, I was expecting to be blown away by each tapas dish. We ordered about 13 dishes for our table. It was fun because it was like going to a tasting event and getting to try everything, but nothing was that great. We got the sheep's cheese that just tasted like cream cheese. The fried pig ears just tasted like overly crispy french fries with too much citrus zest on it. The meatballs tasted like ordinary meatballs doused in cheap marinara sauce. The patatas bravaro were like home fries covered in chipotle mayo sauce, which was good, but when you think about it kind of expensive for a small plate of potatoes. Scallops, steak, soft shell crab, sausages... we tried a lot of stuff on the menu. Sadly, it was not memorable and nothing was strikingly amazing. Lastly, service was excruciatingly slow. It took the waiter 15 minutes to come and take our order. I had to ask them a few times to refill my water. Lastly, he asked us if we wanted dessert and we said no, just the check. Ten minutes later he comes back and asks us if we want to see a dessert menu... Not a huge deal but just added to our frustration of the slow service. Oh, and I got a splinter from the outdoor seating because the furniture is made of unfinished wood. I think I'll give it another try since everyone raves about this place and maybe we had an off night. p.s. tons of cougars on the prowl here.
(3)Delyan C.
Great place! The food there is just unbelievable! You should definitely try the crepes!
(5)Rogaa S.
Whoa Whoa Whoaaa !! Came for a birthday party of 15. we were late for our reservations and we were still seated immediately for a busy Friday night.. awesomeee. I didn't handle anything for the food making decisions, i think we have 10 tapas picked out the last two being the main dishes of grill meat platter and seafood paella. I understand tapas is bite size plates, but its just weird seeing a small ass plate in front of me with like two bites. Going in i was definitely thinking of what place i could hit up after this to satisfy this empty pit of a stomach i have. But surprisingly enough after it was all said and done 10 plates of food actually did the job for me. I cant remember any of the small dish plates we had cause like i said i didn't order anything. But i can say that the eggplant dish thing they order wasn't the best. Meatballs, fried cheese, empanadas, BONE MARROW, were all amazinggg. they also give you bread at the table that is awesome, not some cheap regular whatever bread most places will serve you. this had a nice crust on it and super soft on the inside, perfect for slopping up juices on the plate. person wise with all the dishes we ordered it was about 35 bucks a person which wasn't bad at all considering some of the dishes we ordered. excellent experience.
(5)Christina G.
I'd give Barcelona's Brookline location 3.5 stars. Went for Sunday family dinner with my mother, brother and his fiancee. Slight service hiccup at the beginning I was the first to arrive and when I walked in, the host basically ignored me, despite my trying to get his attention. Two other groups walked in and he greeted them right away while still ignoring me. Not really sure why this happened as I like to think I didn't look that much like a bag lady. To be fair, I had left my pearls at home and maybe my outfit did not cut the mustard, but this being Boston, I do not expect Moscow-style face control on a Sunday night. I eventually got the host's attention and once we sat down, service was fine. Nice ambiance but a bit below my expectations, perhaps as I had recently been to Barcelona's new-ish location in DC, whose ambiance sets the bar high. We had some Serrano ham and a variety of tapas. My favorite dish by far, and the only standout, was the foie gras terrine with crumbled cookies and squash puree, paired with a glass of Amontillado included in the price. The caramel notes in the sherry provided a wonderful counterpoint to the foie. I'll have to remember that pairing next time I have foie gras. I liked the cookie crumbles, both for flavor and the creativity factor. I would go back for this dish over and over again. And the nice thing was that none of my companions liked foie gras, so I had it all to myself! Most of the other dishes tasted fine but did not stand out: - Braised short rib with squash - nice beefy flavor - Beet salad - refreshing, but the beets tasted canned. - Spiced beef empanadas - as expected - Albondigas (meatballs) - sauce was a bit sweet for my taste, but not bad Sadly, the watery braised duck with duck egg missed the mark. Interestingly, at the DC location, our table had ordered a duck hash that also disappointed us, so perhaps the Barcelona group just doesn't do duck very well. The crepas for dessert rounded out the meal nicely. I would get those again. In all, a solid choice if you are in the neighborhood and the line is not too long. Worth seeing; not worth going to see.
(3)Lauren F.
Amazing all around and reasonably priced. Best desserts in town by far! I can sit at the bar all day and drink Sangria and eat dessert. This place is hot! I strongly suggest a reservation.
(5)Danielle N.
This place is on the pricey side but they have a great selection of tapas. They also have delicious sangria! The staff is really friendly and they are always good about seating and accommodating you no matter what the situation is. I went here for a birthday. They were respectful and accommodating to our needs. They have delicious hanger steak! We tried squid ink paella that night! It was an interesting experience! Definitely coming back for more!
(5)Viki N.
Best seafood paella ever! Super fresh seafood and you can actually taste it cooked into the rice. Really great service and the red sangria is amazing as well. Worth an out of town trip if you're a tapas lover!
(5)Cerina H.
It's scary to say that this summer my attendance here has been once a week. I also really enjoy coming here by myself. Yeah, yeah, call me a loser but I get service beyond excellence when I come alone! They also give me tokens in exchange for free tappas at your next visit if you fill out their surveys...oops the secret's out! I've tried a lot of things here this summer. The seafood paella is my favorite and I get it almost every single time. The sangria is excellent but is not always consistent because it's sometimes really watery and sometimes not. I've tried most of the cocktails and they are all excellent. Brookline sour was good but tasted like lemonade haha. I recommend hanger steak, truffle bikini grilled cheese, meat balls, beet goat cheese salad, mushroom goat cheese. The only two things I've tried that I would not recommend are: St Louis style pork ribs-- they took this off for the winter and now it's back but it's not as good as last year for some reason and the cabbage that comes with it tasted really sour and unpleasant. Also, I would not recommend the squid ink noodles--a few pieces of squid and shrimp with a load of weird short noodles cooked in ink and lots of oil. Gave a funny after taste. Other than the above two, everything else is wonderful. Oh and did I mention that the bread is delicious? I can eat two baskets by myself. Note: if you don't want to wait for over an hour, get there before 6pm or go after 9:30pm. Or make sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Another trick is I wait at the bar and see who's signing their check and I ask them to save the seat for me when they leave..works every time!
(5)Alyssa W.
First off, Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Barcelona Wine Bar!! I hope there are many more to come! 3rd review update and still a solid 5 star experience. After becoming a fairly frequent dinner diner, it took me a whole year to finaly come in on a weekend for brunch. Came in with a fairly large group, half of the group (my family) and the other half all new comers to BWB. Everything was great. I got to taste a little of many of the brunch options from people at my table. French toast, simple but delicious, eggs benedict, yum! short rib hash (best idea ever) Egg sandwhich never made it my way, but it looked amazing, steak and eggs looked so good, I want to eat one right now. Besides having great food, I love that they have the service to match. The last few times I've been in, if by chance or what, we have had Ruben as our waiter. He is great! Infact all their wait saff is great. Knowledgable and personable. While I eat here regularly, there are times where I havent been in for a few months and yet the front of the house always remembers me and gives a warm welcome back. The little things are what matter. For those of you who are reading this and want to try this place out, DO! Just know that, yea, they get busy. If you have a big group, call in ahead of time and make sure you can get a table and when you do. take your time, relax, chat with friends and enjoy. Definately DEFINATELY get the hangar steak and if they have specials that day, get them. I haven't been disappointed yet!
(5)Stephen T.
Make sure you made reservations in advance for the weekends. The food is amazing. The ambience is great. The service is wonderful. Everytime I come here I leave very satisfied.
(5)Jennifer T.
The food here was delicious and service was great! We came on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but thankfully they do take reservations, so we got seated quickly. The location is just past Washington Square, there are metered parking around, "Tappan St" C-line stop, "Beaconsfield" D-line isnt too far away, as well as some other street parking if you go on the other side of the train tracks. The server was very helpful and informative in describing the menu (simple flavors at the top, and gets more savory as you go down the menu). She also let us know that typically 2-3 dishes will feed a person. She wasn't around as much to check on us after the dishes got to us, but there were plenty of other staff that pass by that we were able to flag down when needed. The only peculiar thing was that some of the male staff were dressed in hawaiian shirts with their chest hair flaunting...it definitely can throw you off when they show up at your table and start having a convo about your food...we had a few double takes, wondering why this person was talking to us, and then realized they worked there, but just wanted to chitchat! As for the dishes, here are my takes: Hanger Steak - wasnt as good as the hype Fatty Deep-fried Pork Belly - my fave dish of the night! so very fatty and flavorful on the inside, with a very crispy outside, mmm! seared scallops with smashed avocado - perfectly seared, great flavor, and a surprisingly nice pairing with the guacamole Roasted Broccolini - perfect roasted flavor with some extra spice, however, not too many stalks in each order Spiced Beef Empanada - came with 2 small ones. hit the empanada spot, nothing unique to write home about though. San Simon Cheese - A smoky flavored hard cheese, reminded me of gouda. It was nice to pair with the quince paste, however, the quince:cheese ratio was a bit off, it would have been nicer with more quince. It also would have been better if they provided crackers to pair with it, rather than using the sourdough bread. We also got some eggplant dish - the portion was very generous, however, found it would likely be better for a larger group, as it's quite vinegary, and hard to finish the entire thing with only 3 of us.
(4)Marely M.
Love this place! The food selection is big and they are so interesting like scallops with guacamole! The service was ok. They were a little slow when we needed them. I went there on Friday for tapas so it's busy. Although I heard is busy every night specially during summer since they have tables outside. I love the decor and music. The waitress was very nice and gave us tips. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)Sarah K.
This restaurant never disappoints. I have only been here a few times, but I always leave full and happy! I love that they have a changing menu. Not only does the chef get to put on the items that he likes, but patrons can always get a taste of something new. You definitely won't get bored. Another great thing is their drinks menu. They definitely do their work to have a full wine, beer, and whiskey list. If you have trouble choosing, your server will always have a recommendation that fits your preferences. The atmosphere is great. There is always a large crowd though, so I recommend making reservations. I also wish the lighting was a little brighter, but you adjust.
(4)Jose B.
The food could be a little tighter the service is great and the atmosphere is awesome.
(4)Haley S.
Chorizo with sweet and sour figs - WOW!!! Hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette - yes please!!! Jamon and chicken croquettes - you'll need to order two of these, at least. Meatball tapa - huge hit at my table. I think this place is great, albeit overpriced. Considering you are getting tapas, not full meals, one would think it should cost a bit less. That said, I think the food is pretty good. I really liked a few of the tapas, and really disliked others. The server suggested we order a potato tapa, and when it arrived, it looked like home fries but tasted like day old overcooked potatoes. Needless to say, skip on this dish. I think it was called potatoes bravas, or something similar. Also, avoid the mussels al diablo. We ordered the dish mild, which came out in a tepid, under seasoned, flavorless broth. Everything else is pretty good. The bread they bring out is great. The server brought out practically a full loaf of bread! Major props for giving us so much, and for refilling the basket without being asked to when we plowed through it. This would be a great place to dine out year-round. It has a great ambiance in both the summer and winter. In winter, the heat is blasting, but not uncomfortable so, making it a great place to hide out from the cold weather. In summer, I think they open up the entire front part of the restaurant leading out to the large front patio area. Great place to go when you want a relaxed place to go and eat lighter fare.
(4)Kristen K.
If you are going to name your restaurant after one of the best culinary cities in the world, you better up your game. Let's start with the bar. Cluttered with dirty drink mixing supplies, wine stained napkins laying across the bar, visible dirt and bread crumbs littered across the counter, bartenders with stains on their crumpled shirts. I was pretty shocked to see that the bar was not cleaned between customers. A couple left 30 minutes before we did, and there was still crumbs and stains where they were sitting. Audible bickering about missing check money, dropping glassware on the floor...time to clean up the bar. So unkempt Now the food. Decent charcuterie. Cheeses are a tad warm and weathered. Gambas (garlic shrimp ) lacking actual garlic. Hangar steak was tasty, as was the blistered shishito peppers. Excellent wine list. Delicious Cava. No Spanish ambiance. Very loud. After one visit, you get the overwhelming "chain restaurant" vibe. Moving on. ...
(3)Miranda D.
Best restaurant if you are in the Brookline area!!! It is expensive. But some of the best food I have ever tasted!! It definitely makes you open up and try new things. I've tried blood sausage here, a squid ink dish, and other odd entrees! But it was all phenomenal!!! The staff is friendly, and share their opinions on the food! They always switch out their menu - so you never have all the same items! Fresh ingredients! Great sangria too
(5)Robert S.
Went here with a group of 10. Not great for large groups, but the food was outstanding and we loved the energy of the place. Recommend, but not for someone looking for a quiet evening.
(4)Judy N.
My boyfriend and I went there on a Saturday night, I called in earlier that day to set a reservation and was told that 630-730pm was their busiest time and it usually slows down a bit after that. When we got there at 945pm, it was packed!!!!! We waited at the bar until after 10 to be seated. The atmosphere was loud, there was a dj playing music and they had their door open to the front area seating. Lots of people mingling around. I guess I should've known since the place closes at 2am! The decor is cute, fits with the overall theme of the restaurant. The wine list is very extensive and impressive although we opted for the cocktails instead which were good. My favorite was the white sangria, if you like sweet cocktails you'll love this one!! We ordered four plates: Patatas bravas- delicious delicious delicious. Favorite dish of the night. Absolutely cannot go wrong with this one! Grilled asparagus- very well seasoned I was simply impressed. Calamari- now my boyfriend and I try the calamari of all the restaurants we go to so this one had a lot to live up to. Sadly, it did not fair too well compared to the others, I could've done without this dish. Grilled hangar steak- tender and juicy but the flavor isn't something I would rave about. It was good, not spectacular. That's also because I'm not the biggest fan of vinegar and I could taste it. If you don't mind that, then by all means try it! The waiter was funny, checked in with us often even though they were busy. I recommend this place for outings with friends, great late night hang out spot. I do not recommend it for a date night, especially if you're looking for a romantic/quiet setting. Overall, I like the place and I'm glad I tried it!
(4)Lisa H.
I was there the weekend right after Halloween and we had such a great time! The place was really busy, and perhaps a tad noisy - but it didn't bother us. We didn't wait too long for a table. Nice wine selection, food was most excellent. Our party shared a couple of dishes and had the seafood paella. Also, churros. Yummy. You definitely get your money's worth here. Highlights of our night: Beet & Honeycrisp Apple Salad, Chorizo & Sweet Sour Figs, Mariscos Paella, Churros.
(5)Oliver R.
I was first thinking that this was an ordinary Spanish restaurant, but when I finished, I found out that I was wrong?! This was no ordinary Spanish restaurant. That was an excellent one with quick service and 1 of the greatest Spanish foods, including the buttermilk chicken. I would definitely recommend Barcelona for a good restaurant.
(5)Allison B.
Amazing! This is a great place for going with a group of friends. I went with 2 friends so there was 3 of is and we got 6 tapas and it was perfect, and not too expensive! We got a bottle of wine and I have to say - everything was amazing. Great place to try new & different things instead of getting your typical pasta or chicken dish. Great ambience as well. I wouldn't recommend going if you're in a rush. It's always crowded so you may want to make a reservation and expect to wait a bit even with a reservation.
(5)Laura K.
Boring, average food. Be sure to ask for the sangria without the added sugar or it is like drinking a sugary soft drink. No international flair at all. Full confession: I am a true foody. Don't bother with this one.
(1)Chase S.
Having spent a long summer in Barcelona, Spain this is the closest to legit tapas food and atmosphere I have experienced in the U.S. The feel of the place is a great modern Spanish architecture with lots of social-tapas-speakeasy feel. The menu always changes and in the 3 times I've dined there, it has never disappointed and remained stellar food and service. Almost each occasion we receive a courtesy of the chef appetizer if you're an earlier diner. The wine selection is robust Spain selections -- I recommend anything via Priorat! Their rose list for summer is impressive, as well. For food, it changes often but the authentic dishes like Patatas Bravas, Fideos, Chorizo and Fig, and anything with octopus are musts. Don't skimp on deserts, either--the churros are amazing. Don't be shy about the cheese and charcuterie -- the spanish meats are amazing. Even the fresh bread and spicy table olive oil is authentic and delirious. Reservations are ideal as the place is always popular and busy. Coming around 6pm you can walk in with a 2-4 person party on a weekday no problem. The same around 9pm if you want to get real Spanish authentic. The real kicker? The price. Dinners for 4 people usually run around $120 for some us. That's incredible for this level of dining and experience. Can you say, "Thanks, I'm an official regular for life?"
(5)Meaghan D.
Unfortunately, I have to give Barcelona three stars. The food is high quality but the service is inconsistent. At a tapas restaurant, I would not expect to wait fifteen-twenty minutes for the server to visit the table and take additional food/ drink orders. While the host and managers were extremely helpful, the servers were not. I have been here three times and have either had bad service or my name has been overlooked on the wait list.
(3)Tin H.
Our first time ! Sorry to say not impress ! Two items I like was the drink , Brookline sour and the three cheeses! Two goat cheese and mild cow cheese ! Not rush to come back !! Michael likes eggplant and shrimp ! So Michael will go back without me !
(2)Joann H.
Love this place!! We had reservations on a busy Friday night. Our table was ready right after we got a pitcher of sangria at the bar. The sangria was really good but after pitcher 2, it was getting really overly sweet and heavy. The bread is SO GOOD. It comes out warm with some olive oil. The empanadas are amazing and come with a really good sauce. The raspberry chocolate cake is the perfect dessert - warm, almost molten on the inside, with a nice crust on the outside. Devoured the whole thing alone. Servers were all very attentive despite how busy it was. Definitely a great place to go with a group!
(5)Carolina Z.
Great place for Spanish food in Boston. I am originally from Barcelona, Spain and just moved to the US 2 years ago. It is true that is very difficult to get loyal and real Spanish food but this is one of the best ones that I have tried. I'll give 4 stars instead of 5 because of the HUGE waits to get a table in this restaurant. It is worth it, though. But I still had to wait despite having a reservation. PS: There is another Barcelona in Boston South End. I've been to both and I prefer the one in Brookline.
(4)Erica S.
I came here for brunch with few friends and the food was good. Live jazz band at the bar and we lingered at our table for a long time without the waitress rushing us. The orange juice tasted amazing and freshly squeezed. Service was great until our food was dropped off and no one ever came by to ask us how our food was. One of us felt we had received the wrong dish, I wanted a second round of orange juice, and the other one wanted hot sauce. By the time we could wrangle someone in my friends didn't care about there requests anymore. I requested an orange juice that never arrived. I would have thought it was a fluke but last time I was here it was at dinner and I ordered a cocktail that also never arrived. 3 stars for the good company and for the decent food and jazz but that's pretty much it. Really?
(3)Miranda M.
I've been here many many times and am just getting around to a review, but WOW! This place is just amazing! I studied abroad in Spain in college and can say that these Tapas are just like I'm there again. Barcelona Wine Bar is almost always packed so I would definitely reccomend a reservation. They only reserve half the restaurant leaving the other half open for walk ins, but it's still a minium of an hour wait. However, if you're aware of this going in you can easily kill a half hour in their bar area sipping on some delicious sangria or a glass of their many wine options. My last visit there was amazing as usual, but one of the "servers" went above and beyond! Now, I put that in quotes because she was more or less the girl that gave us our menus and filled our water glasses BUT she was so great. It was packed (as usual). Three of us sat down in a booth leaving one empty spot. A guy in the bar area who I guess didn't feel like holding onto his coat asked if he could put his coat in the empty spot. Now neither of my friends, nor I, are very confrontational so my friend agreed even though it was pretty annoying for him to do that. This girl apparently witnessed this and told him that he could not leave his coat there. He proteseted and told her we said he could, but she kept right on and told him he couldn't. She was so great about it! I wish I had gotten her name. Anyway, all in all this place is amazing and I go here any time I have a chance!! My favorite dishes: Hanger Steak Patatas Bravas Croquettes Tortilla
(5)M Egg A.
Delicious food, great service, amazing wine. Portions were perfect for the price, especially the meats and cheese plate. Almost couldn't finish it!! If it weren't so far from me, I'd frequent more. Definitely a fun spot to take out of town friends or your significant other.
(5)Sophia L.
Warning: the menu posted on their website may not reflect the one available in the restaurant. For example, there was not a suckling pig on the menu when I went yesterday. That was a Tuesday night, and surprisingly BUSY. Despite full tables, the staff did their best to be attentive. I really appreciated the great service. I'm not sure if it is this busy every night, or because of spring (ceremony galore) and that I did not understand what people meant when they said this place is poppin'. I picked this place because I needed a reliable venue to go to for a large party. Barcelona did not disappoint, even for outside-of-Boston-visitors that had tapas from actual Barcelona. The traditional sangria was yummy, the bread was just right, the dishes came out quick, and the food was tasty. My favorite was the chorizo and figs (savory and sweet), small bowl of about 10 bite-sized pieces. The meatballs/Albondigas, Foie Gras, Grilled Hanger Steak, Lamb Ribs, and croquettes were a table-pleaser. I heard "melt in your mouth" foie gras and "tender and flavored just right" for the lamb ribs. The arugula with the lambchops was delicious, but wasn't easily sharable with a large table (perfect for two though, also the case for the foie gras). The one con was that we found the squid ink fideos too salty, and wishing instead they still had the lobster fideos to try. Regardless, I'll be back for a 6+ party. Definitely call in ahead of time.
(4)A K.
Love, love, love this place. I could eat the hangar steak 3 meals a day. The food is always fresh, timely and the right size. The sangria is also fresh and delicious.
(5)Sutanuka L.
I have never seen a place that crowded in Boston!!! Made a reservation but still had to wait for the tables to clear up. Make sure to make a reservation! The food was awesome. eat the paella(seafood). oh and try the suckling pig. fun atmosphere and the waiters were really nice.
(5)Anna G.
This place is amazing. I've had numerous tapas and cheese plates here and it never disappoints. Great option if you have vegetarian friends or if you're interested in trying lots of unique flavors and foods. The atmosphere is also very cool and in the summer it's even better when they open up all the large windows. Sangria is delicious. This place is great for sharing and trying new things!
(5)Anna B.
I almost nixed this place based on the fact it's new, popular and I'd been told to expect an hour+ wait. And there was an hour+ wait but they did a GREAT job. Although the bar was jammed I was able to get wine quickly (attentive bartender) and while we waited the staff occasionally came through with appetizers to give us something to nibble on. After being seated and starting dinner there was a delay getting some of what we ordered and they brought us a complementary plate so we wouldn't wait without something to eat. And the food was good. Nice job Barcelona, I'll be back.
(5)Elizabeth R.
Amazing food and customer service! I've been to Barcelona on numerous occasions and have loved it every time. I once went with a group of 6 girlfriends for a birthday meal, and our reservation wasn't ready on time. Although we waited for over 30 minutes, the hostess provided us with sangria while we did. Upon seating, they also gave us two pitchers of sangria and our desserts on the house! I definitely appreciated the great customer service. And as the other reviewers have said, all tapas on the menu are delicious!
(5)Jane M.
My boyfriend and I had dinner there tonight. We sat outside and it was a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend the red ginger sangria. Joy was our server and she could not have been more helpful with menu recommendations. The service was excellent! We will be back soon. Thanks!
(5)Jake S.
This past weekend I revisited Barcelona with a party of 7. We had an 8 o clock reservation, however the party sitting our table was sitting there for 40 minutes after they paid. While we were waiting, we were each served complimentary Sangria as well as brought out samples of delicious grilled cheese sandwich triangles with Serrano ham. Upon being seated the host let us know that they had put in an order for FOUR tapas for us free of charge to thank us for our patience. They also comped a round of drinks for the entire party on top of the free Sangria they had already brought us. This is one restaurant that really knows how to keep their customers happy. Also, while I was waiting I brushed up against some flowers which left a large amount of pollen residue on my jacket. The manager (Brad) walked over after we were seated and told me (I didn't even complain) that the dry cleaning was on the restaurant and to send him an email if I couldn't get the pollen off of my jacket. Truly exceptional customer service in every way, and the food was exceptional as always. This has become one of my favorite spots and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I think I actually go too frequently, but I don't get sick of it because they always keep the menu fresh. I feel like this restaurant dropped right out of lower Manhattan and landed in Brookline.
(5)Ben L.
You know what I hate? When a server introduces themselves and then you don't see them again until it's time for them to collect the money. This is the hugest dick thing that you can do as a server, unless you do it like they do at Barcelona, point out the other staff let me know that they'll be helping you out and that you're all part of a team. Who is this person shoving a plate in by face? Why it's John! I was just introduced to them. That aside the menu has enough options that I ended up having a very through back and forth trying to line up a good enough selection to fill us up and we didn't run out of options. Some of our food did end up arriving late, as in we ordered this item 15 minutes ago, everything else showed up, did something happen to it, should we send out a search team? But..... they made it up to us, and not in a sucks to be you fashion but a "oh shit, I can't believe that I fucked up your meal, let me check with my manager and do something cool for you" I mean really, these guy just really try and it makes it all worth it.
(4)David S.
Finally a good restaurant at the OLD vinny T's .. Love there food.. best service.. 2 awesome waiters per table. not just one crappy one.
(5)Luciana S.
I had to give 5 stars since I've been there 3 times in less than 10 days... A Wednesday, a Friday and a Monday. Sat in the main dining room, bar area and at the marble bar, the service was outstanding in all areas!!! Yesterday 2 of our dishes took too long (since our glasses were being filled and the atmosphere is so great , we honestly barely noticed) but they apologize profusely and didn't charge us. On our way out even the host apologized. Love the decor and finally a restaurant with perfect lighting. Who knew fluorescent lights could be warm and hip? Now, it has to be about the food and it was incredible! A variety of vegetable dishes that sometimes you can't find at a tapas bar. My vegetarian friends won't have a problem there ;-) Reservations highly recommended unless you go "early bird" hours. Can't wait for the patio to be open-- the way the weather is, it may be sooner than we expect.
(5)P J.
Very surprised that so many people have enjoyed this restaurant. I had high hopes given the reviews. Went on a Friday night. Of course I was expecting busy, but wowza! It was bumpin' bumpin'. Which got me excited about my upcoming meal. Carved ourselves a little space at the bar. The wine was just so-so (and I tried the french ones too just to be sure I wasn't making a bad call), the food was also was meh at best. (Apologies for the use of "meh" as an adjective). The food wasn't that much better and way overpriced. (Go to Cuchi Cuchi for tapas WORTH the price). Service was at most times commendable, the owner was FAB! Very attentive to his patrons' comfort. The bartenders I think had been schooled in pouring by watching Cocktail (starring Tom Cruise). But they weren't as cute, and unfortunately not as talented. But they definitely get an A for effort. What they didn't get an A in was flirting with each other amidst diners, instead of attending to their diners. It was all very juvenile. I was excited for this stylish neighborhood resto, but alas, just another luke-warm dining experience in Boston.
(2)Katie K.
I had the worst experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. My boyfriend made a 9PM reservation for Valentine's Day so we knew to expect some disruption but not to be totally ignored by the majority of the staff. We showed up and checked in with the host/manager at 8:30. He claimed our reservation was for 9:15 even though the hostess had earlier told my boyfriend it was at 9PM. Ok minor detail, we head to the bar. We waited for 10 minutes before someone even acknowledged we were standing there. Another 5 to place an order, which the bartender took and proceeded to forget about while he took someone else's food order seated at the bar. Another few minutes until we could flag down the bartender to reorder. At 9:15 we went back up to the hostess station to wait in a line of 10 people to check in again. The manager/host said it would be another 15 minutes (never noted that we had arrived or who we were to come find us) so we waited around and at 9:30 we were still #23 on the list to be seated. It seemed to me they over booked their reservations but instead of apologizing or explaining the situation most customers were ignored or told to wait another 15 minutes. I cannot review the food here because we ended up leaving and heading next door to Umami which welcomed us with open arms even though their restaurant was supposed to close 30 minutes later. I did note a few Barcelona customers had done the same as us. We were able to stay and order food with no rush to pay and leave so they could go home. I'm still on the fence about going back to try Barcelona again even though I live right around the corner and have been wanting to try it since the opening. I understand it was Valentine's Day but the lack of professionalism the staff had deters me greatly.
(1)Heather C.
Absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Boston area. Perfect atmosphere. Wonderful wine selection. Delicious sangria. Excellent tapas/paella.
(5)Melissa N.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar on a recent Tuesday night at 7 with four people. We didn't have a reservation, and it was quite busy, but we were seated right away at a table inside. I started with the Summer St. Sling, which was a cocktail with chamomile infused vodka, pink grapefruit, and lemon. It was very refreshing and tasty. It wasn't particularly potent, but I liked how it came in a regular drinking glass, as opposed to other places that serve their specialty cocktails in tiny little cups. I wasn't impressed with the short draft list at first glance, but I was delighted when I saw that they offer 7 oz draft beers for $3! I had an Allagash White and a Clown Shoes IPA, which were both good. We enjoyed our drinks with the excellent bread basket, which featured Tuscan bread and was served with high-quality olive oil. We ordered a bunch of tapas, and everything was delicious! I'll list everything we got and share my comments: - 6-month Manchego: A generous hunk of hard cheese that was scrumptious and satisfying. - Smoked whitefish pate: This was on the specials menu, and it was my favorite dish of the night! It was lemony, smoky, and spiced perfectly. - Beet and blackamber plum salad: This was my second favorite dish. The beets were perfection, and the whipped sheep's cheese was smooth and creamy. - Whipped sheep's cheese: My third favorite dish. The cheese was mild, and the crunchy pistachios were a wonderful addition. - Spicy eggplant caponata: Not particularly spicy, but tasty nonetheless. - Mushrooms and herbed goat cheese: We all felt this dish was much too salty, but it was probably an aberration. - Mussels al diablo: The mussels were fresh and plump, and the spicy tomato sauce was great for bread-dipping. - Crispy calamari: Lightly battered and addictive, and the smoked pepper aioli was delicious. - Gambas al ajillo: The shrimp were cooked well, but the portion was small for $9.50. The portion and flavor of this dish is far superior at Tasca in Brighton. Meat dishes that I didn't personally eat but my companions loved: - Truffled "bikini": This looked crazy delicious, and I could smell the truffle oil from across the table. - Spiced beef empanadas - Albondigas Other things I liked: - This is random, but the bathroom sink was really cool. I also liked the black and white photographs decorating the restaurant. They lent the space a cool and hip vibe. - If you fill out a comment card, you get a wooden coin that's good for one free tapa on your next visit! Things I didn't like: - For some reason, our table had two servers. They weren't communicating very well, so we would order with one of them, and then the other would come over and ask to take our order. It happened twice, and it was a little awkward. - We were deliberating between two tapas, and the waitress said she'd give us one of them on the house. We were thrilled, and she told us that the managers encourage them to do that. However, when the bill came, she hadn't comped the tapa. We felt weird saying anything about it, so we just paid the full bill. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my meal at Barcelona, and I'd recommend the restaurant to anyone who loves tapas! I plan to come back with my wooden coin on a nice summer evening and sit outside on the patio.
(4)Susan W.
We've been twice and loved it both times. The food and drinks are top notch. It's fun to go with a group so that you can try a variety of dishes. The sommelier (Emily?) picked us some fabulous wines as well. Service was friendly but professional.
(4)Janice L.
Saturday at 2 pm is quiet time to dine here. Had tapas rather than brunch entrees, first time here. Loved the kale salad and patatas Bravas w aioli and tomato sauce, good (if slightly overdone) chorizo w figs and grilled calamari (huge portion, couldn't finish). Steak w truffle oil very good but tres skimpy and slightly chewy for mucho price (7 one-bite slices for $9). Mushrooms w goat cheese, spinach w chick peas, potato tortilla all ok, nothing special. Some tapas portions quite large (calamari, patatas Bravas, chorizo). Kale and Bravas clearly the favorites at our table. Would never recognize the old Vinnie's, Barcelona more interesting decor, Euro mountain/forest chalet? Attentive and friendly service. Non-steak prices appropriate to portion size. Would return to try the entrees, and for that kale salad. Maybe another star if a couple more tapas had been stellar.
(3)Nate S.
I've heard amazing things about this place, so I finally came for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere-- jazz trio playing for a full house of satisfied customers. We started off with some tapas that were recommended by our lovely waitress, Joy. Patatas bravas are a must. The brunch menu has something for everybody. While the mimosas were just average, the service more than made up for it. 5 stars for Joy and Brandon, 4 stars for Barcelona.
(4)Stephen T.
I went with high hopes and was disappointed. Our table had four glasses of wine, 2 cheeses, one meat and five tapas. Meat and cheeses were no better than what we buy at Whole Foods and eat at home. Of the tapas, one was very good and the rest were overly sweet, overly salty or just unremarkable. We barely ate the sweet and salty dishes. The unremarkable dishes just didn't have anything in the way of complex flavor. All of the wines were tasty. The service was terrible, although I mostly give them a pass for that because they haven't been open very long and they comped us one of the tapas because it came out so late. The music was too loud to carry on much conversation, even at a booth in the corner. I don't think I'll go back, unless it's just for drinks on the patio.
(2)Susan L.
Maybe it was too dark but I couldn't see the name of this place from the outside. However the inside was beautifully decorated and very chic. I've had tapas in Barcelona and I would say that this place lived up to its name for the most part. A wine expert helped us pick a white wine (which was too sweet for my taste, but still tasty) and we ordered six tapas to share: chorizo and figs (VERY filling), jamon and chicken croquettes (tasty), fiddlehead ferns (first time with fiddleheads and not bad!), mussels (yummy), empanadas (as expected), and broccollini (the surprise of the night...SO good!). You get more than one waiter so service was very efficient. Since we were just a party of two showing up at 9:30pm on a Friday, we got a table, but this place is definitely hopping. I would come back here just to try more tapas!
(5)Sam G.
This place was awesome, and I lived in Barcelona for 4 months. Chorizo and figs were our favorite along with the Patatas Bravas. Great atmosphere and a stunning Brunch spot in Brookline.
(5)Steap P.
My girlfriend and I went here for dinner last Saturday night because a co-worker of mine recommended it. Let me start by saying...Wow! The variety of tapas was great and the food was amazing! The food comes out very fast so be prepared to dive in quickly. We tried just about everything on the menu and the hanger steak or muscles was the best in my opinion. Service was top notch and very attentive. We had about 4 different people (managers/servers) tend to us. The wine list is huge and I'm sure if we asked for help they would be more than willing to provide information, but we went with the pitcher of traditional sangria which was perfect (so we got two)! We also got to try complimentary meat that was sliced right in front of us and it was dangerously addicting. The decor is very nice however I noticed some people had trouble seeing the menu because it was a little too dim. Great for a night out with friends or a date. Will definitely be back!
(5)Ella F.
Barcelona is a great improvement over the last business at this location. I came here for apps/tappas and drinks with a large group. The food was delicious - I didn't have a single thing I didn't like. The service was good as well, especially for a large group. They also had generous pouring for the glasses of wine. I will definitely be back.
(4)Cy K.
Very nice upscale wine bar with a decent mix of spirits. A nice touch is their addition of sherries which is a class of drinks I tend not to find in the states. Service was reasonably quick given the packed status of the bar, and the venue was quite nicely styled in dark wood, steel, and glass.
(4)Marc L.
We love it here and start w/ the Jamon Iberico de Bellota pretty much everytime. It's outstanding. The menu has great variety and we've explored just about everything and it's all good. Will say that the bar staff is a bit slow... If you order food & drinks at the same time, the food always comes first...
(5)Tio P.
Interesting wine list of Spanish wines as well as Cali and South American producers using Spanish varietals. Good BTG list. Even coming here just for the cheese would leave you satisfied. Well made menu of traditional and interesting tapas at very reasonable $ for the quality. Split the foie gras with a friend and glass of sherry!
(5)Todd C.
"One of the best restaurants to go if you're looking for tapas and don't want to go through the hassle of driving into the city. Great food and exceptional service!"
(5)Angela L.
Beautiful, delicious tapas in a great vibrant space. However, one pet peeve of mine happened which will make me, unfortunately, never return. It was honestly a mistake. Our large group of 8 mistakenly added up things wrong and left a 10% tip. The waitress came up to us as we were leaving and asked if anything was wrong, and if we'd like to add some more to the tip. Shouldn't the amount of the tip be the discretion of the paying customer, even if it was an honest mistake? I took out money from my wallet to offer to her, and she had the nerve to accept it. !!! So thanks but no thanks. I truly loved the place and the wonderful food, but you've lost a loyal neighborhood customer. Customer service needs to be worked on!
(1)Jena H.
Celebrated a bachelorette party tonight and with a group of 15 not so adventurous eaters, they knocked it out of the park. Our server was super accommodating and very flexible. Our group never had tapas before and everyone was very scared of the menu when they first sat down. The waiter explained a lot of the dishes and made suggestions. He was on point. A few things came out that were not ordered but they let us keep it and didn't charge for it. After the end, everyone agreed the food was excellent. Our table was ready exactly at 9:45 when our reservation was scheduled and the manager called earlier this afternoon to confirm we were coming. The vibe of the place was pretty down to earth. There was a good mix of age groups there. The ambiance wasnt what you would normally expect for a bachelorette party-it wasnt girly or themed appropriate for this type of event. It has more of a barn meets industrial meets Meat market restaurant in classy brookline. Still sophisticated but laid back which was good for our group bc we were in our 30-60's. Stand out dishes were gambas, beet salad, croquettes, patatas bravos, meatballs, hanger steak and heirloom salad and churros for desseet. 90% of the food was excellent. Some picky eaters werent a fan of sauces or flavors but that isnt the restaurants fault. Their palletes arent used to trying new things. Overall, this place handled our group very well and I will definitely return for a second visit with my husband.
(5)A M.
First time we enjoyed our experience a lot in terms of food, drinks, ambience etc. Second time around food was still delicious, especially hunger steak, veggie paella and spicy eggplant, however the drinks were not worth the money because alcohol is barely noticeable in them. They should look into new bartender or do a better training. I ordered Caperinha which I always get at brazilian steakhouses thus have a comparison. This Caperinha had probably half an inch of sugar on the bottom of the glass. It was impossible to drink this drink because of the overabundance of sugar content, it also had very little amount of lime. Our server (Jason, I believe?) was excellent. He offered to replace the drink (thank you, Jason) which we did. From this last experience, I wouldn't recommend any cocktails, stick purely to their wine selection! Here is my rating from our last experience: Food 4-5 stars Service and server 5 stars Cocktails 2-3 stars Ambience 5 stars
(3)Melissa R.
This place was amazing! I used to live in Washington Square and wish it would have been around then - it has brought such energy to the area. The atmosphere was fun and lively. The food was really, really good. Everything that came out made the whole table happy. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
(5)Michelle W.
Came here on a Wed night and it was packed! Tried so many things on the menu and everything was tasty and unique. What stood out was the 6 month Manchego, Potato Tortilla, Grilled Hangar Steak, Chorizo and Sweat Sour Figs. Service was exceptional. For dessert, the Churros with a side of dulce de leche. Would definitely come again.
(5)B C.
Delicious, delicious, delicious. Our server was great. On the louder side so maybe not for an intimate occasion. Drinks were good, too.
(4)J A.
This place is fantastic! The ambiance, food, staff, and service are all excellent. I came here for dinner with a friend on a Wednesday evening and were promptly seated and greeted by our friendly server. We ordered five dishes-chickpea frites, carrots & avocado salad, grilled hanger steak, potato tortilla, and patatas bravas. Everything was delicious and arrived at our table well presented. We ordered a pitcher of a winter themed red wine Sangria flavored with lavender & sage which was also very good. Overall this is a great addition to Washington Square and I look forward to returning soon.
(5)Katie A.
Wonderful food and service from James! Sit outside If you can on a late summer evening and order a Hot Dahlia!
(5)Lara G.
We were SO excited for Barcelona Wine Bar to open in our neighborhood, and we were expecting it to be good, but it has completely exceeded our expectations! Everything about our dining experience was phenomenal. The drinks are fabulous (sangrias are so good!) and the food is so delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The Potato Tortilla is the best I've ever tried. The brussel sprout and the the cauliflower dishes are so yummy. The chorizo and sweet-sour figs has this amazing flavor that I've never tried before. The grilled hanger steak was cooked to perfection and the yellowtail crudo was so fresh and delicious. Besides the delicious food and drinks, the service is great. Everyone (from the servers to the manager to the people who fill your water) is so friendly and inviting. After this experience, we thought, "This place must be too good to be true." So we went back again to test it out. And we were pleasantly surprised that it was just as good, if not better, the second time. If you haven't tried it yet, you have to go try it soon!!
(5)Lauren T.
Barcelona Wine Bar, also known as Mecca. This rating is getting the full 5 stars because it honestly deserves it. Actually it deserves a 4.5 because it's in Brookline which basically feels like I'm traveling to Barcelona from my car-free life in the North End of Boston. I digress, this funky, rustic, mood lit restaurant is an incredible spot for a date. Not saying you couldn't go here with a few bros and a couple of your gal pals but me oh my, the lighting, the small plates, the delish wine options deserve to be shared with a significant other. The staff is incredible- Joy I see you girl! When a waitress comes over smiling ear to ear in a normal and not fake fashion, I take note. Joy did an amazing job explaining the menu and providing her thoughts on our choices without being passive or overbearing with her comments. We couldn't decide between two dishes and she brought us out both..that, my friends, is service. The options cover a wide range of tastes and interests for you vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores, aliens, weird girls who only eat foods that are beige, and all others. My group (2 females who know how to eat, 1 who does ok) split 8 small plates and we left very content. I believe they say 2-3 small plates per person and that was a very realistic guesstimate. The meat & cheese options at the top are incredible and the calamari is a must! It's fried but a little secret (shhh....) you can ask for it grilled! Good stuff, good stuff. Basically what immatryintatellya is get your butts to BWB. You will not regret it. Make a ressie or wait outside for like, ever.
(5)Emily L.
Feeling adventurous? Have the braised rabbit! Wanting some comfort food? Have the spinach-chickpea cazuela! The tapas were delicious and there are enough options for someone to have a snack or to enjoy a delicious dinner. The place is a couple of blocks away from my apartment and I have only had the privilege to come here for a night cap but I look forward to coming here more often during the Spring and Summer months. This place is usually packed and there is a great mixed crowd that comes here. The establishment is very homey and the service is fantastic. If you have commitment issues, you can get a wine flight but if you're wanting to commit to a great wine, the bartender is incredibly helpful in giving you some excellent suggestions. I can't wait to start coming here on a regular basis!
(5)Barbara B.
LOVED, very hip, cool, busy and great sangria and food and desserts; fun atmosphere; only glitch we were with friends and the only 60 year olds, eveyrone is so young!
(4)Nadia C.
My first experience at Barcelona was at the Greenwich, CT location while on business, and it was absolutely AMAZING!!! So when I heard they were opening a location in Brookline, I was completely ecstatic. When the Brookline location finally opened, shortly after, we made reservations and went for dinner, and it was exactly as I had expected. The food was delicious, and the sangria was just as amazing as I had remembered. Fast forward to last night. I had made reservations to take a friend for a birthday dinner. Our reservations were at 8:00 but we weren't seated until 9:00. Then, another party that came in AFTER us was seated BEFORE us, which was really just very rude and annoying! The service wasn't up to par with what I've come to expect at Barcelona. Our waiter explained the menu, and said he would be back for our drink orders, but never returned! We had questions about the menu, and he was no where to be found to ask them. When he finally did return, he took our orders and said he would be back with some bread. Again, we waited way longer than we should have for the bread to arrive. When someone finally did bring us the bread, it had 2 pieces in it, as if they had taken it off another table and brought it to us. Really not an appealing thought. I had ordered the Potato Tortilla and the Chick Pea and Spinach Cazuela. Both tasted and looked as if they had been microwaved to be reheated. Again, not something I would expect to find at this restaurant. When I had finished my sangria, the waiter asked if he could bring me another, and I said yes. About 30 minutes passed, and I never received the drink. The waiter didn't even ask again until probably the 45 minute mark, which at that point, I declined the drink. I was completely put-off by the service and some of the food that I encountered there last night. I'm hoping this was a fluke night with the service, as I'm a very big advocate of this restaurant; I love the atmosphere and especially the sangria. Barcelona Wine bar, PLEASE step up your game, because I want to make myself a more permanent patron of your restaurant, and I hope I don't encounter the service that I experienced there last night again. :(
(3)Matt R.
Great food, service and atmosphere. It's great on all fronts
(4)Kris S.
It doesn't get much better than this place. Great food, excellent service, knowledgeable staff, lovely ambiance...and when you arrive and give your cell number for them to call you when a table is available, they always actually call you. The only downside is that it is always packed -- I mean, I've been on a Friday night, Saturday night, and TUESDAY -- yes, Tuesday -- night, and it is still an hour wait. But you know what, I cozy up at the bar and if we get seats great, and if not, I wait for a table, b/c the food is worth it. Always a terrific experience -- such a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Gary S.
The food was good. The restaurant has an attractive and modern look to it. However, it was extremely uncomfortable dining here on a recent hot summer evening. The waiters kept opening the glass doors that led from the dining rrom out to the sidewalk patio, allowing heat and humidity into the restaurant. Asking the waitress to turn up the air conditioning was to no avail. After a 90 minute dinner, I was soaked in my own sweat. An very unpleasant experience. I don't recommend eating here. Maybe winter is better.
(1)Gabriela S.
Barcelona Wine Bar truly offers a first-rate dining experience, with a delicious selection of meats and cheeses, attentive and helpful servers, and a hip atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning.
(5)Alan Y.
Great food and great sangria. Have been here in the past for just drinks which are good and wanted to try to the food. The circular bar is really cool too. Arrived on a Sunday night at 830 and it was still very busy but not packed. great atmosphere and space. We ordered the traditional sangria which was very tasty. Definitely recommended. For food we ordered the spicy eggplant caponata, grilled hanger steak, albondigas (meatballs), and the salvaje paella. everything was very good. the eggplant was very flavorful with a good kick. the hanger steak was very good and tender and the black truffle sauce was excellent. the meatballs with tomato sauce was also very very good. super tender and the tomato sauce was awesome. finally the paella was very good as well. only complaint was that it was a bit on the salty side and i love salt. The sausage (blood sausage and chorizo) in the paella were very tasty. There was a third type of sausage in there but not listed in the menu which was also excellent. Would definitely come back for the food, sangria and the cool atmosphere.
(4)Kate S.
I've been twice since Barcelona Wine Bar opened, the first just to have a drink and sit at the bar. That bartenders were incredibly helpful and nice, especially considering how busy the place was. The second time around I ate dinner and the tapas was the best Ive had in a long time. Definitely will be back.
(5)Stephanie R.
Great service and great tapas. Everyone is so friendly there and Jason the manager. This is such a great restaurant to have in the neighborhood. I love the decor and the bar area is very comfortable. They have a great wine menu and make great cocktails. Can't wait to go back there!
(5)Kayla M.
I went here with two of my friends who I met studying abroad in Spain. We were all extremely pleased. I highly recommend the hanger steak tapa and mushrooms with herbed goat cheese. We thought the tortilla was authentic and delicious. The staff was very accommodating and friendly (you can't beat complimentary spiked cider in a snow storm!). Our waiter even brought us a complimentary dessert when they ran our of the one we asked for. Overall, highly I recommended!!
(5)Ss S.
AMAZING FOOD. AND EVEN MORE AMAZING SERVICE. I had the best experience at barcelonas. the food was amazing as was the sangria. the ambiance and design was also so nice but the service was impeccable. the staff was so attentive but also not too over bearing. the owner came to ask how our experience was. everyone was so nice. it made the experience so much better. i will 100% go back and will definitely recommend to my friends. they were really accommodating as well with arranging special events and even sent us desserts on the house.
(5)Mary C.
I'm very impressed with Brookline's newest addition. Everything we had was truly delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the dishes, but my two faves were the chicken mousse, and the chorizo with fried egg. We liked/loved many of the other dishes but those two will always give me a reason to come back. We accompanied our dinner with a pitcher of the sangria and that was really well made. Service there was great, our glasses were always refilled, and we sent one dish back because it was slightly over salted and within minutes we got a new plate. Our server was really friendly...he did a little dance for us (Peter Griffin's dance from family guy) :) Seriously some impeccable service. Great job to the folks at Barcelona Wine Bar... Keep doing what you're doing! Tip: Get there early they don't take reservations...
(5)Smarty T.
Outstanding food and wine, and above all.. Great service. Thank you Kyle (bar) and Dan (manager) for a wonderful experience.
(5)Jacki S.
Barcelona stands among my favorite restaurants ever, and the Brookline location is no different. I specially recommend the wine flights and the butternut squash tapas.
(5)Samuel B.
Excellent service, excellent food, great wine selection, will definitely go back to this restaurant. Only downside is that it is a little too busy in the dining area with so many tables and employees moving through the space between the tables.
(4)Natalia T.
overall, I would give this place about 3.5 stars. decor & atmosphere: very cozy patio with heaters outside, modern and inviting atmosphere. We were here very late Wednesday night and the place was about half full. I can see how it gets absolutely crowded and super loud during peak hours, so I would avoid it at those times. food: for drinks we got a pitcher of red sangria, which was ok. The pitcher was actually a good size (finally!!!), not one of those "pitcher" were you get a drink and a half out of and the rest is ice. It tasted like it had cherry syrup in it, and i'm not a fan. It also tasted a bit margarita-like, so I think they add a ton or lime juice or even maybe some tequila. we ordered spicy eggplant, braised rabbit, foi gras and pig ears tapas. All tasted pretty well. Foi gras was magical and came with a shot of sherry. Pig ears were a bit spicy and crunchy. Eggplant was ok, nothing to rave about. Braised rabbit was good, not spectacular, but given the limited amount of meat tapas, I would probably order it again. then we got an order of suckling pig! and i'm very glad we did! that dish made the night. It was a huuuuuge chunk of meat, super soft and juicy with an extremely delicious crust!!! yum yum!!!! The reason this place is not a 5-star in my book is this: 1. it's very expensive for what it is ... there are other cheaper options for tapas in the area. The only reason we would come back would be for suckling pig. 2. every dish came to the table very fast! How is this a bad thing when it's 10pm and you're starving? ... It was all probably pre-made before, which is ok for some dishes like spicy eggplant, but not ok for others, like braised rabbit ... it felt like they just warmed our entire meal up and then served it to us ... Which goes back to #1 ... paying $100+ for a pre-made meal is just not ok in my book.
(4)Steiner H.
Barcelona deserves 6 stars and we only wish we went sooner to experience it! We've been hearing how great it is and it more than lived up to the talk. From start to finish it was beautiful. The interior is stunning and works so well for this space given we remember it as far back as Vinny T's. We sat in the far room to the right and it was lovely and private. The staff is extremely hospitable. Joy, our server, greeted us with the biggest smile and made us super comfortable with the flow of the place and the menu. We couldn't decide on which sangria so she brought us a sample of each. We LOVED the spicy ginger Sangria. What's more, each and every person who delivered a plate to our table was super friendly. And, to top it off, Brad, the manager, came over, shared his favorites and they were spot on! Here's what we had: The food came out quickly and each plate was scrumptuous! The sweet candied walnuts and olives were a great start. The kale salad, the beet salad, the eggplant caponata each had truly unique, fresh and distinct flavors. The rib eye & short rib were rich and flavorful with their complementary sides. My husband went gaga over the grilled calamari (Brad's favorite and now ours) and octopus; his eyes came out of his head. Finally, we had to try the churros. Wow, what a way to end the evening. Their lightness and chocolate dipping sauce was over the top! Gracias to Barcelona and the entire staff, it was divine!
(5)Chris S.
I'll admit I love tapas and wine bars. I went in here with my girl friend and we had some drinks and tapas. Food was very good and the drink selection is very good too. Cool atmosphere and the help was friendly.
(4)Kathleen R.
Lives up to the hype :-) My husband, daughters (twins, aged 11) and I had dinner there on Sunday night on the patio. A client had recommended it knowing that we loved the cuisine when we were in Spain this past Fall. I have to say that everything was delicious. If you love jamon iberico bellota, this is the only restaurant we've found in Boston that has it. The jamon serrano is good too. I had a nice Albarino that was a perfect accompaniment to the gambas. We didn't have the paella, but it was getting good reviews at the table next to us. We also had the patatas, olives and tortilla. They were great in accommodating my daughter's celiac disease, guiding us toward the gluten free items. The bread (not GF, unfortunately) was awesome. Iggy's maybe? The staff was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be going there again.
(5)L B.
spicy eggplant caponata, chickpea fries with tzatziki, spinach-chickpea cazuela, honeyed delicata squash with pepitas, caramelized brussels, fresh bread, tempranillo...a sweet crepe for dessert with sherry... 70's music... the vibe is alive. the most european dinner in style and flavor that I've had outside of europe.
(5)Jennifer S.
I've been living in Brookline since 2005. This place has, hands down, the best food and best service in the whole Boston area. I highly recommend it. This is also coming from someone who did not like the fact that American Craft closed in order for this place to open. Barclona Wine Bar was quite a treat and I plan on going back again and again! I was more than pleasantly surprised.
(5)Whitney M.
Just had dinner here, it was amazing! Great ambience and decor, staff was super friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! The best tapas I've ever had. The chorizo and figs can't be missed, but every dish was spectacular, you won't be disappointed. Phenomenal drinks as well, summer st. sling was my favorite. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Jamie S.
This is one of my favorite restaurants!! The ambiance is so great and the food is amazing! The waiters are also so nice and so informative, they'll help you out with choosing. They are also constantly adding more dishes and switching it up which is nice. It's great for both a big group and for a date! I highly recommend coming here! Just make sure to make a reservation because it is always busy.
(5)Big S.
i cannot wait to go back. the food was great, our server recommended eating sampler style as we were in a big group. he chose everything and it was very good. best fried calamari ever. hanger steak and mushroom were also fantastic. crepe dessert was incredible. food was really good, best tapas place around. this storefront finally got a good restaurant hopefully the curse over the building is over
(5)SunnyDay D.
Honestly, for my first visit I was totally turned off. It was actually quite the sad experience and it started at the front door. My friend and I walked in and stood by the hostess stand for approximately , oh, 5-7 mins. Both (what I assume) were the manager and hostess walked by. Not once, but TWICE. I mean we were clearly there to be seated--standing next to the hostess stand. NEITHER of them even asked if we had been helped, DESPITE the fact that they looked at us. Finally a nice gentleman (which I assume was a manager) came over and seated us. Our waitress arrived and took our order. My friend ordered orange juice to drink and requesting no ice, it came in a low ball glass (you know the kind you pour whiskey over the rocks in)--ummmm, ok. We were off to a bad start. We ordered food and as it was ready another server delivered it. We never saw the waitress again until we were done. She didn't even come to see if we needed more water (which we did). Really-- can't even comment on the food we ordered b/c it was such poor service (from start to when i left) that it detracted from the food. I mean, I don't remember the food being awful, but i don't remember what it tasted like either. I dine out an awful lot (perhaps more than I should), and I know that service can make or break the dinning experience as well as the taste of the food. Had it not been for the other (what I assume to be manager) approach us at our table once we were served, I would have given the review 1 start. Lucky for Barcelona, he saved them from that lone star. He was kind--adjusted a dish for us and genuinely acted as though he cared. Thank you to whom ever you were (you were the taller of the two gentlemen seating tables). The worst part was, my friend said she had experienced similar service at her prior visit--sad that it was repeated. Doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth for wanting to go again and spend my hard earned money. I'd hate to waste not only my time, but also my money. Try if you want, but don't expect decent service...
(2)Pamela T.
Four of us went to the Barcelona Wine Bar last night and had a very good meal. The meat and cheese plate was excellent (be sure to try the aged goat cheese and the blue cheese) and we enjoyed the tapas. The kale with bread crumbs and salt, green beans, papas braves and the calamari were really memorable. We tried the roast pork and found it perfectly cooked but a little under seasoned. The service was great. We will go back and I would recommend you go.
(4)Audrey B.
This is a must dining experience. From the moment we got there the staff were so attentive and helpful for the entire dining experience! We tried an array of tapas that were so delicious and 3 different paellas' that were fabulous. The desserts were yummy and we tried many, try the cookies! It is a new restaurant and already a big hit, the place was packed ,had a great vibe. The bar area is quite large and fun. Can't wait to bring my other friends back to it for a fun evening.
(5)Joanie L.
Barcelona is the perfect addition to the Washington Square neighborhood. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable and the staff are friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. My only complaint is regarding the cocktails. I don't like the glasses they use for martini's. Not a very big deal but the drinks seem tiny. If what's poured is a standard size, change the size of the glass. It goes way to quickly!!
(4)Jennifer J.
So glad that I had a chance to try Barcelona Wine Bar last weekend with my party of five. This is truly a restaurant with a staff that cares about their diner's experience. We found the menu, with it's assortment of appetizers, tapas and main selections quite varied with something for everyone. It's a great place to share plates and Jess, our server, was helpful with suggestions. A nice variety of delicious meats and cheeses served with crusty bread started us off. We then moved on to several excellent tapas and a paella packed with seafood. The wine list is extensive with selections at all price points. We settled on a less expensive rioja that was perfect with our meal. Again, server Jess was helpful with that. The atmosphere at Barcelona is a perfect blend of warm comfortable and trendy chic, with a decor I would describe as smart casual. The noise level is lively but not overwhelming, making for easy conversation. The staff and management were attentive and present without hovering.... something always appreciated by diners. To top it off Barcelona Wine Bar has an excellent dessert menu. We tried several and were not disappointed. The toasty churros served with warm chocolate sauce were killer. Can't recommend this welcome addition to the Boston dining scene enough. Will definitely be back.
(5)Emily L.
My favorite new restaurant! The staff works incredibly hard and treats their customers very well. As someone who has a food allergy, I was put at ease when the waiter knew every ingredient of every item on the menu. They could even tweak dishes to accommodate me. I will return again and again! Thank you!!
(5)Melisa C.
I heard that this place just opened, so my boyfriend and I checked it out on a Saturday night. We got there around 5:45 knowing that without reservations it would get busier as the night went on. When we arrived there were a good amount of tables open, and we were seated right next to the cheese counter by the kitchen with only a table to our right, not to our left as we were on the end. Instead of speaking up and asking for another table, we stuck with our table since the other 2 seater tables are only about a foot apart from one another so at least we were no sandwiched between other people. The downside to this was that since we were on the end, there is a high volume of traffic with the wait staff going back and forth. They also took our coats, so that was nice instead of having them hang on the back of our chairs. We ordered Chacuteria for 3, 2 cheeses: Valdeon, and Drunken Goat, and Jamon Serrano. Boyfriend like the ham a lot (I don't eat it), and the cheeses were nice. The Valdeon is for blue-cheese lovers, and the drunken goat is a bit milder. We also got an order of Crudo with scallops, Patatas Bravas, Hanger steak, and crispy calamari. Our favorite was definitely the hanger steak, cooked medium rare and very tender. The others were pretty good. My boyfriend had the Cerro Anon for his wine and I had white sangria, both very tasty. The manager was walking around and gave us samples of Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Boyfriend loved this and the manager was nice enough to give it him free of charge. Overall the restaurant has a nice ambiance, but it was was a bit noisy and hectic at times. It is a bit pricy as well, so not a place to go if you are watching your budget.
(4)J p.
Great food, great service, great wine! Thank you Barcelona for a special birthday! We had a reservation and got seated almost right away. Our sever was very attentive and the tapas were delicious.
(5)Pablo R.
My family decided to go to Barcelona for my parents 30th anniversary. We thought this would be a good choice, since it received great reviews, and because we are from Spain. Having tried other spanish restaurants, we knew going in that it wouldn't be authentic, so we kept this in mind. Reading through the menu online, I was quite looking forward to this dinner, since menu items sounded brilliant. Sadly...this brilliance was shortlived... We ordered a pitcher of red wine sangria to start out, which I found very refreshing, but a bit weak and in serious need of fruit and more liquor. The flavor that stood out the most to me was the tequila, which was great, but not quite sangria, but as an American twist, it was enjoyable. Our table was too close to the entrance, so people walking by were bumping into us on the way out. As you may aalready know by other reviews, you get multiple waitstaff per table which I must agree is a little strange and confusing, but nevertheless, the service was acceptable. After a while, they took our order, and plates started showing up within a few minutes. The calamari were average with an amazing dipping sauce. The croquettes were very different to what I'm used to, but had a satisfying cheese flavor, unfortunately, the portion is histerically small for the price they charge. The roasted beets were good, but again,too small. The chickpeas and spinach cazuelo were flavorless and very small, when I say small, I mean they came in a ramikin that would usually be used for a creme brulee. The gambas(shrimp) plate only contained 4, I did not try these as I don't eat shrimp, but I was told they were a little bland. The hangar steak was incredible in flavor, thanks to the truffle oil, but it was dry from being overcooked. If served anywhere from rare to medium well, this would have been the highlight of the night. The duck confeit with peas was also quite forgetable compared to other restaurants I have been to which were significantly cheaper. It reminded me more of canned peas and one of those rotissery chickens they have at star market for a little over $5. Now these tapas are not listed in chronological order to which they were ordered, but somewhere in between, we received the morcilla. At the same time, we ran out of bread, when we asked for more, they told us that they ran out. If you have ever been to Spain, you would know that morcilla is always served with bread, since eating blood sausage without bread, is like eating butter without bread...regardless, the morcilla had a great smokey flavor. Before comming here, I thought this would be one of the rare occasions where a chain could be good, but unfortunately they did not convince me, even if judging it as fusion or new american. At over $30 per person before tip, this is a mistake that I won't make again. The food was pretty good, but for a few more bucks, you can grab a brilliant prix fixe at one of many superior restaurants here in the Boston area.
(2)Melissa C.
Went with a big group and the staff was so incredibly nice and accommodating ! We had jamie as the server and he was amazing ! Constantly checking up on us, let us sample things and even a few things on the house. The sangria is strong but delicious ! All the tapas were amazing as well and we tried a little of everything. Jamie kept introducing us to staff and they were all as incredibly nice and attentive as he was ! Definitely will be coming back !
(5)Douglas C.
I lived in Boston for 2 years and this was hands down the best restaurant in the city. Reasonably priced and delicious tapas (I would recommend the empanadas, truffle bikini and any of the meat and cheeses). Great atmosphere! It gets crowded, so make a reservation.
(5)Kelly F.
Second review from: Brunch After watching countless pictures go up on social media, and drooling over them slightly, I have finally visited my favorite restaurant for brunch and was not disappointed. I went with a girlfriend of mine right when they opened and within 15 minutes the place looked like it had been open for hours. The bloody mary bar looked insane (though I wish i liked them enough to get one) the mimosa was delicious! I ordered the Barcelona Benedict after researching the type of sausage they use and it was incredible. (I did get this a second time when I went back a couple weeks later). Not too much hollandaise sauce, perfect amount and delicious. At a second visit a couple of friends at the table ordered the biscut and fried chicken and I am very disappointed to not have gotten this myself! Tried a taste and it was mouthwatering good! The Gravy? I need the recipe! On the second visit, I brought a brunch-hater (these exist apparently and i'm even dating this one) and even he was blown away and wants to return. Can't wait to go back!
(5)WINE A.
We loved everything about this place... the decor, the food, the service, the philosophy. You can see in everything they do that they strive to deliver only the finest food and are dedicated to service... to do whatever it takes to please the customer. Everyone we encountered... the hostess, the bussers, food runners, and our excellent waiter Ryan G... was friendly, efficient and professional. The management and staff should be truly commended for what they have accomplished here. The chow was fantastic. Started with the perfect Serrano Ham and the Drunken Goat cheese. With the warm and crusty bread and olive oil it's a great way to begin a meal here... and my plan for every future visit (perhaps alternating the goat cheese with the Manchego). Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela, Lobster Risotto, Beef Empanadas... all excellent and served piping hot. Finished with the Barcelona (mixed grill) served with a salad... this was served on a board, also perfectly done... a very straight forward dish of Steak, Chicken, Pork Loin and Sausage... a lot of food (figure 1 "serving" for 2 people). Finished with the flan... good. The wine list is excellent, varied, and fairly priced. Nice selection of wines by the glass, proper glassware. I left this amazing place thinking of how fast I might be able to return and asking myself, "Why can't all restaurants be this good?"
(5)MisoSoup O.
Just a disclosure - we never contacted the owner. A place needs to be as good as it gets not after a review, but before a review....
(1)H P.
Wonderful addition to the Boston Tapas scene. Excellent food, decor, and service. Really enjoyed our time here and look forward to going again.
(4)C B.
Simple amazing. The best restaurant experience I have had in a long time. From the delicious tapas to the grade A service. This is a place i will definitely return to and recommend to friends and family.
(5)D C.
While I dropped a pretty penny at this place, it was totally worth it. There was an hour-long wait on a Wednesday night, so we weren't seated till 9 PM, but the staff were very friendly. So my friend and I figured, who knows when we'll get the chance to eat here again, let's go all out! We both ordered the white sangria with Barcelona's house-made "Fall Herbs" cordial (Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Gin & Velvet Falernum), and both had the same reaction after tasting it, we should've ordered a pitcher! By far, the best, most harmonic sangria I've ever had. In life. I'm sure I could never duplicate the recipe but I would love to try! For tapas/entrees, we split the patatas bravas, which came in a mixture of slightly-tangy/spicy and mayo-y sauces, and were delish, the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, which seem to be stewed in a balsamic/wine sauce and are highly-recommended, the spinach-chickpea cazuela, which I had to look up to determine the nature of, but was a really wonderful (if over-salted) sort of warm bean salad, and the chicken pimientos, which was also fantastic, but, with all the other items, we really could've skipped, as we were already full by the time it arrived! My friend also had the beef empanadas (I don't do red meat) and loved them, and I had the Cod a la Plancha, which, along with being the most expensive tapa at $9.50, was my least favorite, as it was really bland. Could've done without that one. But the bread was great, as other Yelpers have mentioned, and I will happily go back to Barcelona, with a reservation, as soon as I can!
(4)Jay S.
Absolutely outstanding. Everything from the way the staff treated us, the ambience and especially the amazing food was five star. Barcelona is truly special and will be enjoyed by all. We sampled about 15 tapas plates and each one delicious. The hanger steak just melted in your mouth, the chicken was packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Grilled squid was so good we ordered another plate despite having abundant amounts of food. Finishing with a perfect dessert of flan, an ice cream rolled in flour with butterscotch and chocolate and amazing cookies. Everything was first class.
(5)Matt L.
There are several options in Boston for Tapas nowadays but I have to say this one has to take top honors. This looks to be one of the more popular options and was jam packed on a Sunday night. Sitting on Beacon in Brookline, the outside of the place looks like it is one of the trendiest spots on this street filled with restaurants. Large inside, with really cool tastefully done designs with dark wood and very large with a bar side and a deep dining room side and even an outside patio on both sides. The staff here is quick on their feet and we were seated right away. If you do not make a reservation here, you might be left standing outside with wait times up to two hours on weekends. This is a very lively and loud place and looks like it is always busy with several large groups in attendance. Menu offerings are some very creative cocktails, lots of various beers and a very vast wine list and of course lots and lots of tasty Sangria. The Tapas listings are of course several meats, cheeses and salads and seafood in smaller portions. We opted for the hanger steak, potato tortilla, mushrooms with balsamic, meatballs and mini grill cheeses. From start to finish every bite was delicious and tasted absolutely fantastic! Cooked to perfection with some interesting sauces and even the bread and olive oil was done beautifully. Service to start was a bit slow to start, however very friendly, helpful and ended very well. Even the dessert here, two crepes stuffed with dolce de leche and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and the churros with dark chocolate sauce to dip was unreal. Plus the prices are modest for the food ordered. Excellent meal and will surely return!
(5)Foodie I.
9/3/2014 update We gave this place another try, this time on a mid week in the evening and had an outstanding meal, great service, and felt compelled to change the rating to a 5 Star experience. Four of us ordered 4 cheeses, 4 meats, a croquettes, a couple pitches of Sangria, and a couple flans for desert, and all were fantastic. The service was attentive and available without being overly hovering, and the food was all delicious! Great job Barcelona, you deserve a 5 Star rating!
(5)Daniela R.
I would have given this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the sangria. All of the syrup was stuck on the bottom of the pitcher and our last glass was way to sweet. On another note, the service was on par. It was excellent. Our waitress kept filling up our glasses and was very attentive. The food came out in a timely manner. The food was very good as well. I hold Spanish food to a high standard as it is my favorite cuisine and I've travelled around Spain a lot. I thought I was going to be disappointed by the morcilla but Ivwas actually quite impressed. Everything was pretty good. Even the croquetas were great. The only thing I will say is that the deep fried calamari was less then exceptional. Ambiance and vibes are excellent and there was a good jazz band playing during brunch. I will be coming back soon.
(4)Hannah P.
Went here for dinner on Sunday night-excellent!!! Barcelona does service where every waiters helps everyone and it is the ONLY resto I have been to that can execute this successfully. We did not order wine but instead tried their lemonade which was fantastic (fresh and delish!!) then ordered the hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette which was as awesome as all the pictures make it look. The steak is fully medium rare (instead of charred outside, over-cooked and then raw middle), the patatas bravas were excellent (no spicy sauce, fyi), the pulpo gallego was lovely, simmered in a broth with fingerling potatoes, gambas al ajillo were great as well and to round out the tapas, we ordered the grilled lamb chops (two larger chops) cooked to medium rare perfection with a killer romesco sauce! For dessert we had the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence with coconut ice cream and raspberry sauce which was dreamy and two café con leches. Usually café con leche is like Americana coffee with lots of steamed milk on top. This was blended and superb! We will have to go back and try more tapas, desserts and their wine menu!
(4)ells w.
Went on a weeknight with one of my vendors who recommended barcelona...he was from Portugal ... he would know, right? I reserved in advance for 4 at 7:30 ... we'll try to get you in, but we're booked up at that time. Wednesday night, Washington Square with tons of good restaurants...across Beacon from Ribelle. Bare in mind, almost non-existent signage ... look for a stack of wood beams - Entrance. OK, Ok we arrived a few minutes early... like 10...no prob, right this way. This was going well. Nice table. Prompt, polite service...laid down the drill, the waiter's name and the meal began in a very Spanish setting - a little noisy, great smells, good crowd and great vibe. Waiter recommended a red ±$40 "brought over a taste" ...Xlent way to start, then the parade of tapas ... salads, calamari, serano ham, beet pistachio salad, paella, hanger steak and more. All - over the top as was the whole experience. Well done. Later found out they are one of a number of barcelona wine bars, yet this one felt like the owners were sitting in the room with you...very welcoming, personalized and comfortable. We shall return.
(5)K. H.
This place is amazing! We went on a busy Saturday night w/o reservations and they had us sat within 20 minutes. Although we waited a while for our drinks at the bar..the bartender was really sweet and made excellent drinks! Our server Joy was awesome! She is the main reason I wanted to write a review. She knew the menu well and was absolutely hilarious. They found a gem with her! We tried the hangsteak,empanadas and calamari. All were fabulous! The warm apple crisp for dessert is a must!! I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)Sophie N.
Overrated. Pretentious bar scene. I HATE that it's a wine bar and they serve their red wine by the glass grossly warm. I venture to say it's below room temp. Really incredible that they would profess to be a wine bar.
(2)Elayne P.
Best tapas I've had and I've been to Spain before! Got the Barcelona steakhouse for two (shared by three)...meat was perfectly cooked. Also ordered jamón serrano, chorizo and figs (my favorite omg) and mushrooms with goat cheese. All so so so delicious!! definitely will be going back!
(5)Ben H.
My girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Barcelona last week for my birthday. It was my first time and I had heard nothing but good things. Overall our experience was ok, not great. We had a rude waiter who made no mention, even after checking my ID after ordering drinks, that it was my birthday. He had bigger parties to focus on and barely gave my girlfriend and I the time of day. My girlfriend had also set up, and confirmed, a birthday dessert for me which everyone knew about except the waiter. Our first experience was tainted which I wrote about in detail on the provided comment card and sent of a 140 character review on Twitter as well. Brad, a manager, reached out to me via email apologizing for our experience and inviting us back for a complimentary meal. We returned last night; Brad introduced himself, asked if the table he reserved for us on the patio was ok and quickly sat us down. Our waiter was fantastic and multiple managers introduced themselves to us and asked how things were. Our first experience last week wasn't a disaster by any means - they really went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing second experience. We even joked that we felt like food critics getting the royal treatment! The night ended with my birthday dessert, complete with a candle on top. At the end of the meal our waiter told us the entire meal was complimentary, however we left him a generous and well deserved tip. I will be back, without a doubt. Amazing food, awesome atmosphere and incredible staff.
(5)Andreas L.
Really an awesome place with great food and amazing ambient. The male hostess was a bit grumpyish but who cares. Maybe he was jealous not to get the same level of attention like the waiters. The other staff was very friendly and knowledgable, helpful and eager to make my stay a nice experience. Certainly worth trying the white sangria "summer fresh" !
(4)Jackie C.
Yes yes yes! So amazing! Ordered 6 tapas and 2 deserts and the bill was roughly $55? So reasonable! Get there early-ish cuz it fills up fast!
(5)Caitlin B.
High quality Spanish food; drinks are unbelievable (and seasonal!) Atmosphere in restaurant is wonderful. I could stay all day and night!
(5)Ali D.
I'm a huge fan of tapas and sangria, generally, and Barcelona is delicious! Wait times were very overwhelming when the restaurant first opened, and it's crowded most nights, so it's best to plan ahead and make a reservation. I had an odd experience during one visit where the waiter sat with us to chat for an inordinate amount of time... and then proceeded to bring over a dessert that we didn't order. While well-meaning, he charged us for the dish; and I would have rather picked something that I actually really wanted. While pricey, the food is of good quality and it's a nice little nice out with friends if you're in Brookline.
(4)Elly W.
Had dinner here with some friends. Super busy place, thank goodness for reservations. The staff are super friendly and the environment is super cool. Everything is clean. The food was Awesome and the white sangria was very delicious. Definitely would go back. Enjoyed the foie gras pate with sherry. Also the Lamb chops are a must!!!
(4)Lily S.
So it kind of pains me to write this, but...not really all that impressed. The first time I came here, I wasn't that hungry so I just picked off my dates' plate. I remember thinking that the smoked blue fish patty was one of the best things I'd ever put in my mouth. Coming back the second time, didn't really feel the same about the dish. We tried an assortment of things--one of the goat cheeses (good, but not amazing), the meatballs (the sauce was somewhat abrasive, but the meatballs themselves were good), the potato-whatevers (homefries--probably the biggest disappointment--dry and under seasoned...let me tell you, this fatty can house some carbs and i left two thirds of that plate full), and the hanger steak (good but not mouth-watering-panty-dropping great). The bread is good, the ambiance is good. I'd come here on a date but opt to sit at the bar. Their tables are incredibly long, so while you're like 2 inches away from the table next to you, it feels like you're 2 feet away from the person you are with. The service is fine, nothing out of the ordinary. The prices are totally reasonable for what you're getting. Also, BWB, why are you not on opentable? Ain't nobody got time to sit on hold and make reservations over the phone. What is this, 1975? I guess overall, I'm kind of like meh. Average meal. Which is really surprising since I generally tend to agree with what other Yelpers think. Will I be back? Maybe. It's close to where I live and there aren't that many nice places around. However, I don't think this place warrants more than a 15 min wait.
(3)Madelyn W.
Good tapas. I still prefer Toro. All pretty good but not many dishes i can actually wow about. Maybe i didnt try the good ones. Did try the so raved about hanger steak (not impressed). Good dishes i can remember: the shrimp, butternut squash The good: plenty seats, allows reservation, more tapas items on the menu than toro The bad: extremely loud (the outdoor seating is probably better)
(4)Alyssa K.
This restaurant is fantastic. The five stars are not only for the delicious food but also for the service/management. From the large assortment of wine to the unbelievable tapas, this place is the best. I can't wait to come back :)
(5)Lan N.
I absolutely LOVE Barcelona Wine Bar. The ever changing menu features local seasonal ingredients so you always have delicious tapas to choose from. They also keep the staples like the croquettes and the truffled bikini which is nice as well. The sangria is awesome- I usually go for the white vs the red and it is so fresh and delicious. If you are into cocktails and want to be adventurous, I'd suggest the Hot Dahlia which is spicy and has a kick! My favorite tapas are the croquettes, summer squash (in summer months), and grilled broccolini. Right now they have a few squash tapas which both were awesome and tasted delicious. The acorn squash especially. I always recommend their vegetables dishes as I've found them most satisfying and fresh. If you are ever lucky enough to have Tyler as a waiter, he is awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks menu as well. He makes the experience that much better!!! Also, fill out those surveys if you get one! You'll get a free tapa coin for next time!!
(5)Kristin F.
A group of friends and I went here while I was visiting Boston and had a great experience! First of all, we had reservations on a Friday night at 7:45p for a group of 6 and the place was packed so reservations are a definite must. We had to wait 10-15 minutes past our reservation time, but the wait wasn't bad at all because they had servers giving out free tapas to those waiting, which is great customer service and also helped some of us decide what we were going to order once seated. We were seated in a booth which surprisingly sat 6 comfortably. The restaurant has a descent beer/cider selection but I went with the white sangria which I highly recommend!! 2 of my friends ordered the vegetable paella which I didn't try but it looked great and they had a lot of leftovers to take home. Four of us ordered and shared tapas and a few meats/cheese platter. My favorite tapas were the chorizo and sweet-sour figs (very rich), the albondigas (amazing), the spiced beef empanadas (not too spicy but definitely a kick to them), and the beet and apple salad with feta cheese (very good combination). I honestly liked everything I ate except for an eggplant tapa which normally I think I would like but it appeared mashed and the texture was a little different than what I am use to. Overall the service was excellent. Twice while we were sitting, we were offered more free tapas! Our waiter was very personable and willing to explain anything we didn't understand. He also let me know that Barcelona just opened a DC branch so I am very happy I'll be able to try it in my home city! Also, the best part of the meal was probably how when we split the check 6 ways, it only came to $30 per person. 5/6 people had two drinks each and we all felt incredibly full afterwards. I don't think our experience could have been better and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Ashley C.
Great food and service can get packed quick so it's best to call ahead for a reservation
(4)Tiana C.
I love it when a dining experience is absolutely worth every penny. This is one of the places. It's a bit spendy for the amount of food, but the experience itself makes it worth it. I had a blast here! Awesome atmosphere. Perfect for date night, girls night or friends. The red sangria was hands down the best I've ever had. We sampled a ton of things. I loved the tortilla, the croquettes and the flank steak. Everything was awesome. Will definitely be back!
(5)Michelle A. L.
Took my parents to Barcelona for Easter brunch after hearing rave reviews about the menu and ambiance from friends and we were not disappointed. We made a reservation to avoid a wait and ended up being seated across the live jazz band. They were great and so was our server, Holly, who was very nice and attentive. The food deserves 5 stars. Everything we ordered (meat + cheese, tapas, entrees) was delicious! I can't wait to go back to try the dinner menu!
(5)Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The food had always been delicious and the services/management had been very welcoming and caring. I felt like they genuinely wanted to know how my experience was. Certainly going back soon!
(5)Hannah C.
This place is always busy - doesn't matter what time or day of the week it is. But I can see why. Been here a few times now and the service and food has always been great! I know everyone raves about the hanger steak, but for me it's just alright. My favorite is definitely the crispy pork belly. Can't go wrong with any of their tapas though, so make sure you try everything at least once! I also recommend a pitcher of their white sangria.
(5)Lynn W.
Barcelona is about the food - simple, fresh, and yumtastic! It was our first visit and we know we'll be back over and over again (heck we may move nearby just so we can go more frequently). We had a great chat with the general manager (Jason) and executive chef (Emilio) who made us feel right at home. We were seated immediately even with no reservation during the busy dinner rush. Every tapas dish we tried from the mushroom/goat cheese, lamb, eggplant, etc. hit the spot.
(5)Olivia W.
we liked the food a lot. Had a little problem with the service but the owner was very nice about it. Salami is yet the best we've ever had. This place is always crowded for a reason. Last time we had something called veal face/ cheek? And it was unbelievably delicious and this time I couldn't find it on the menu. Hope they will bring back that dish. Will go back.
(4)Mariya-Andoniya A.
Absolutely love, love, love this place!!!! Great service and real good food and wine.
(5)Jessica A.
This place has great food! I was not expecting it to be for some reason, but it was top notch! Loved the atmosphere and the service was excellent. Every single thing I had was amazing. The different types of sangria combinations were all very tasty. Looking forward trying the new South End location!
(5)Joy W.
Apparently Barcelona tapas is the place to be! I have never seen a fancy restaurant so poppin! Seriously, there are some mighty fine looking people there. The place was packed yet we were lucky to be seated immediately for a table of 2. Barcelona tapas is a great place to meet a group of friends for a casual bite to eat or a full meal. Service is on point, the food all looks amazing (we enjoyed our small plates), and the atmosphere is one of the best I've been to. If I lived in Brookline, I could see myself often frequenting this awesome restaurant whenever I needed a nicer place to take someone. [63 of 100]
(5)Megan F.
Wonderful service and the food.......I dined there last night with friends and family, and my favorite dishes were the serano ham, beet salad, squid ink pasta with calamari and the seafood paella, the list could go on and on. The service was extraordinary, even thought they were extremely busy and the atmosphere was trendy but not too noisy. My parents, who were visiting from San Diego were very impressed and wished there was one in Southern California.
(5)Adam T.
Nice vibe and cool place but order was messed up and some "pretty pretty" average and bad dishes. Waiter seemed pretty upset with his life and his time working there. Service was really good though. In all, cool place but average food.
(3)Mital P.
This place gets really busy... For good reason. We tried to make same day reservations for Saturday, figuring it was worth a shot... No go. The gentleman on the phone said they reserve 2/3 of the dining room for walk-ins, but coming in at an impacted time like 7pm would probably have a long wait. Naturally, we rolled in at 7pm and were told the wait was 2 hours for a party of 2. We deserved that. They came around with some sample tapas while we were waiting - the ham and cheese croquettes were amazing! We went over to the bar to get some drinks while we waited, but managed to get a couple seats there and ate at the bar. The must haves: Hanger steak - this is a must, especially if you like the taste of truffles Grilled pork belly - best tapas plate we ordered. Ham and cheese croquettes - we only ate these when they were being passed around, but you have to order them if you haven't tried them. The good: scallops - they were good, but I just can't group then with the other 3. Not a knock on the scallops, but the other 3 are that good. Blue cheese - delicious, but pretty standard if you've ever had a good slice of roquefort. I probably won't order again: Steak tartare - a bit on the bland side Hamachi crudo - the fish was not particularly fresh. The flavors would have been a great complement to each other if not for the heavy fishy aftertaste. Beef empanadas - nothing special. Other stuff: attire - you'll fit in whether you dress up or go casual ambience - it's a bit loud. If you go in a group, expect to only talk to and hear the person sitting next to you.
(4)Silvia V.
I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar twice so far and am really loving it. The first time I was there for dinner and drinks on a Wednesday night and was surprised how full the restaurant was. The second time I went there on a Saturday night and the place was PACKED. Make sure you call them and make a reservation ahead of time as you can wait up to 2 hours for a table on a Saturday night. We had a reservation and had to wait only 5 minutes for our table to be cleared. Get the White Wine Sangria or if you like a good spicy margarita, the Hot Dahlia is very tasty. The bread they bring to the table is so delicious, still hot and the crust is crispy. I highly recommend the following tapas dishes: Jamon Serrano, Manchego, Chorizo & Sweet-Sour Figs, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Gambas al Ajillo, Mussels al Diablo, Pulpo Gallego, Grilled Hanger Steak (the best!), Crispy Calamari (you can also order it grilled - both are delicious), Fluke a la Plancha. The food is delicious. They messed up one of our orders, but it was corrected promptly and I like that both times I was there the manager came over to check on us and made sure we had a good time - this is what makes a great dining experience. The service was also phenomenal considering how packed the restaurant was. Looking forward to going back to Barcelona Wine Bar.
(5)Anne C.
The best tapas anywhere hands down. We got the spanish olives, bone marrow, and the mussels el diablo. Yum, everything from start to finish. You really just have to come here and experience the whole deal. The bread is probably the best bread I've ever had in my life. I dream about this bread, I want to eat this bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want my children to eat this bread and realize that this bread is the best bread. I would move to Boston for this bread.
(5)M W.
An exceptional dining experience. There are other places that claim to do upscale, traditional tapas but this place gets it right. It gets busy so a reservation is recommended but any time you wait at the festive bar is not lost as you can order some great drinks and small plates there before you are seated. The croquettes are awesome as is the steak with truffle oil. Highly recommend!
(5)Ragini P.
awesome, awesome. I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. Service, food, drinks are all out of this world.
(5)Hoffman W.
We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. It was too crowded for us to get a table, but we sat at the bar and got great service (food and drink) from our bartender, Harry. One of our plates was slightly late and we received another tapas plate and a dessert free of charge. A great spot for fresh, professionally-made cocktails. The white sangria is awesome, and we had a delicious Acadian redfish plate as well. Highly recommended.
(5)Ines D.
I was dying to try this place, so i convince mu friend to have her birthday dinner there. We had reservation for 8, we ended ip waiting an hour, at first it was frustrated but it had raining so they were accommodating some customer inside. They gave us drinks and appetizer on the house, Their customer service was amazing. Food was phenomenal, i cant wait to go back again .
(5)Sofy D.
Great food and great service! These guys are packed everyday, but what can you do- quality makes you come back over and over again. Try their mushrooms with goat cheese!
(5)Christina V.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is AWESOME! Super fun atmosphere. Amazing tapas. Strong drinks. Impeccable service. Was here for a business meeting last week and I'm so glad this is the place we chose to be wined and dined. Everything we tried was delicious including the hanger steak, scallops, eggplant. The small plates packed so much flavor with a nice presentation. The place was hoppin on a Thursday night! Be sure to make a reservation. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Josh L.
The infamous Barcelona Wine Bar. I've always heard about this restaurant, and I'm so glad that my curiosity finally led me here. As you walk along Beacon St. and finally stumble upon this gem, you're not even sure if this is the correct place. There's no real sign telling you that you have arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar but I think that adds to the atmosphere of this restaurant. Upon entering we were greeted by a hostess who told us our seats weren't ready as yet (we were a little early, clearly excited about this experience), so we went by the bar to have a quick drink while we waited. We were seated by 7:40 for our 7:30 reservation, not bad I suppose. Finally seated at a table, we began to skim the menu, although we were very distracted by the delicious aromas that ambushed us from surrounding tables. We ordered the patatas bravas, jamon and chicken croquettes, truffled "bikini" , potato tortilla, grilled hanger steak and grilled lamb chops. Everything was amazing, there were so many different flavors and textures, my mind was blown. Barcelona is definitely an amazing restaurant, ambiance, quality of food and service taken into consideration. I always go here for big occasions and date nights. See ya for my next celebration!
(5)Anastasia L.
Been here so many times and still loving their food. That's how good they are. They serve their bread warm with olive oil on the side. Here is a list of my favorites: Truffle bikini Hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette *MUST ORDER Albondigas PATATAS BRAVAS *MUST ORDER Croquetas Seared duck breast Clams and chorizo
(5)Virginia C.
Sexy, fun, excellent service, wine list, and food menu. This is where you go with your girlfriends, on a first-date, or even with your family. Please be aware that this place gets busy and there may be a way. But I personally prefer this over Toro. Pros: -Sangria and more Sangria. I really hate that Boston doesn't have Happy Hours, but there is a Social Bar Food Menu from 4-6pm -Scallop Crudo* -Razor Clam Ceviche -Spiced Meatballs in Ham-Tomato Sauce -Hanger Steak* -Island Creek Oysters* -Swordfish a la Plancha* Cons - If you don't eat pork or trying to keep Kosher- I don't know if you would have the rewarding experience that I had! So- get it seat by the open patio and people watch, drink, and eat!
(5)Angela Y.
+ grade-A deliciousness + bold flavors + small plates, but LOTS of bread to go with (you'll get full!) + friendly staff + a nice place to accommodate both small and large groups (also has outdoor seating!) -pricey, but hey it is tapas after all - selectio
(4)Emily L.
Awesome food and service here. It gets super packed so make sure you make reservations! Even with reservations they will run behind and you can't get seated on time. We got the seafood paella amongst other dishes. I think that is a must.
(4)Angela L.
Tapas. Need I say more? I've been here a few times already, and as per usual, go with all your friends so you can try EVERYTHING. Went here the other night with some friends for a little celebratory dinner. We started off with a pitcher of the red wine sangria (it's a must try. And it's pretty strong too!) If you're going to order the paella, order that first. It takes forever to cook. Be careful of not filling up too much on the other stuff otherwise you'll have no space for the paella. We ordered the seafood paella, it's pretty good, but not something I would go crazy over. The tapas are small, but filling. (Check my pictures for what they look like! I was too excited to eat the foie gras that I didn't get a picture) These are the things we did order and I would definitely recommend: -patatas bravas (almost like little French fries with this amazing spicy dipping sauce) -the hanger steak (cooked to perfection and the sauce gives it a nice kick) -the chorizo with fig (chorizo. Delish. And the figs make it a nice and sweet dish... And not to forget, put the figs on your bread for a little fig jam) -spicy beef empanada (small, but they're empanadas... Need I say more?) -and the foie gras (melts in your mouth goodness). The ones we tried that I was less thrilled about: -chicken and jamon croquetas (these are tiny. And where is the chicken?? Felt like I was just eating a crunchy cheese ball) -bok choy (good, but a little on the salty side) Overall. Great experience whenever I come here. Only sucky part is that it is ALWAYS busy, so make a reservation!! We came a little earlier to put our name down for walk in and had to wait at least 45min. They have a nice bar area and outdoor seating which has opened up, so grab a drink and sit outside while you wait.. And it is worth the wait! Service is great and the tapas come out really quick. Go make a reservation now and get ready for your tum to be happy :)
(4)Kim B.
Barcelona is a luxury. It is that thing that you keep anticipating, you hold out for until you can afford it, and then you treat it like a fragile work of art. The experience itself is truly an art. It is an escape from the streets of Boston, entering into a busy, exciting, and tasteful environment. Since moving to the area, I have been here a few times. While I do not go often, I reserve a Barcelona experience for special occasions, such as Patch's welcome home party night 2. The environment is relaxing, citylike, with subway tiles, wooden beams, wooden floors, funky decor. It feels "NYC". Whatever that means, but its true. It has a formal dining area, as well as a bar area with high booths. Both experiences are busy and exciting. I will note, it is essential to have reservations. On one occasion, we were made to wait 45 minutes past our reservation time. While this is inexcusable, they did make up for it with complimentary appetizers and plates. And, while you are sitting and waiting at the bar, you hardly notice 45 minutes as you are soaking in the fun experience. The food options at Barcelona are exciting. Tapas allow you to try several types of food, and also to mix up the dishes. Barcelona also offers "bigger meals" where you order a slab or meat or 2 for the table. While it is expensive, the flavors, presentation, and uniqueness of the dishes makes it worthwhile. While having tried many items on the menu, of my favorite is the lamb, and the desserts. All of the desserts. That might be how they won my heart. Now Gster should note to just take me to the real Barcelona someday!
(5)Patrick D.
We have dined at Barcelona Brookline on multiple occasions and have never ever been disappointed. Always have made a reservation well in advance (at least 10 days) to ensure you can dine at your specified date and time. We have been here for brunch on the weekends, dinner, or just for drinks when the wait to eat is too long. There has been a few times where we have not made a reservation and then been told there would be a 2 hr wait so we just hung out for drinks and went to eat someplace else. The restaurant is always packed; when it is super crowded on the weekends, free tapas are handed out as well as a complimentary tapas coin to use the next time you dine for a free item. The food, drinks, and service are all impeccable. The red sangria is very tasty as well as one of the tequila jalapeño cocktails. The freshest, doughiest yet crunchiest bread is brought to your table upon seating with a very delicious olive oil. Some favorite tapas are the hanger steak, patatas bravas, kale salad, albondigas, and the spicy eggplant capanota. For brunch, the bloody mary bar is just fantastic. For 10 dollars, they bring a glass of vodka to your table and you can then go to the bar area to make your own blood mary. This isn't a typical blood mary either - you are free to concoct your own spice level and add candied bacon, pickled veggies, cheese, more meats, and horseradish/jalapenos. We absolutely love it here and cannot say enough good things about this amazing establishment!
(5)Joe B.
Make a reservation! This place, like other Barcelona's are a popular place for locals, and there is a 1-2 hour wait on the weekends If you don't call ahead, but if you have a reservation you will be seated promptly, I promise! If you're a party of 2, chances are you'll be sitting almost community style, shoulder to shoulder with other tables, but I must say, Barcelona is consistent wherever you go! We ordered 6 tapas, and 3 of them were favorites and recommendations from our waiter (oysters, poached veal, and tuna tartare). DELISH! Salads are enough for 3 people so prepare to share. It was a very enjoyable experience, and a sommelier in training paired our hanger steak with an affordable glass of Syrah South American Wine ($6/glass). While not leaving full to the brim, it was again, another extremely great experience to enjoy a tasting of traditional style Spanish Tapas, I will be back again!
(4)Lisa R.
great atmosphere. authentic tapas which were perfectly excecuted. TIP: get the pitcher of sangria. We got a sampling of tapas including the hanger steak, patatas bravas, eggplant caponata, and crab. All were delicious. We got the churros of dessert, which I would pass on next time. It lacked flavor and tasted like plain fried dough. No wait on a Sunday night.
(4)Ali M.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The staff is always so welcoming, friendly, has great recommendations (and also give complimentary tapas sometimes :) It's great to try new things and get a small taste, great for groups, fun area/patio. My favorites: -Croquettes (so tasty, must-have, just changed portion from 5 croquettes to 6 so perfect for sharing) -Truffle bikini (garlic aioli yum, little grilled cheeses with ham, so delicious!) -Seasonal risotto (lobster. so good) -Traditional sangria (good for splitting, ~$28 for 6 or 7 glasses, great fruit) -Hanger steak with truffle sauce
(5)Ryan R.
Went here with a couple of friends for an early dinner. This place gets pretty packed so we made sure to make a reservation and were seated right away. First off, this place is lively. If you don't like crowds...or noise, this place is not for you. We were a small group so we did not mind it so much, but it could be overwhelming for some. I had a couple of drinks throughout the night--I think sangria and one of their cocktails, but wasn't too impressed by them. As for the food, we were able to try several dishes: Fuet and Cana de cabra (4 stars)--This meat and cheese pairing was actually pretty tasty though we didn't really need it after all of the other food we had ordered. Chicken & Jamon croquetas (4 stars)--These were a pretty tasty bite, but portion was pretty small overall. Spiced beef empanada (3 stars)--Decent flavor, but nothing to write home about. Hanger steak (5 stars)--By far, the best dish of the night. We actually ordered it twice--it was that good. Tuscan Kale (2 stars)--This dish was recommended by our waitress and I can definitely say that I was extremely underwhelmed. The kale was chewy, the dressing was limited and the whole dish did not really come together as I would have hoped. Grilled asparagus (4.5 stars)--I have had many renditions of this dish, and Barcelona does a nice job with theirs as well. Chorizo with figs (4 stars)--This dish was an interesting combination, but the pairing of flavors seemed to work well--decent sized portion as well. Overall, the service was friendly, the food flew out of the kitchen, and we were able to try several different dishes. That being said, this place did not come to the height of Alden and Harlow in Cambridge in the food selection and quality and really did not impress in the drink department. Nevertheless, a nice option in Brookline with a lively atmosphere. They also offer a nice outdoor patio space option during the warmer months.
(4)Jonathan F.
Be prepared for a loud and crowded experience. We had a table by the entry to the outdoor dining and I was jostled, had water spilled on me, had plates broken at my feet and yet it was a good evening. It all seems to be part of the scene in Barcelona. Favorite dishes: Chorizo with figs and the Hanger Steak. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. A fun place with good food.
(4)Maya R.
As someone who has visited Spain a number of times, I thought that Barcelona Brookline did an OK job of capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. It had all the classic dishes and drinks but it lacked the robust rustic flavor I normally associate with stellar Spanish food. This is not to say that the food wasn't good, it just wasn't what I expected.
(3)J B.
Well worth it. What a great way of tasting small plates and not too expensive. This is a really good way to introduce people to new flavors. The menu has a wide range of plates for all. The sangria was really good too. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Cathy S.
Been meaning to try this restaurant and finally did so on a Wednesday evening and it was packed! The restaurant is very big and even so there were tons of people standing around waiting outside when we arrived at 7:45pm. The atmosphere is bustling inside, and many of the tables are positioned extremely close together so that it almost looks like long communal tables at a glance. They start you off with some really good crusty and warm bread with olive oil and also offer bread refills throughout the meal. We had a party of 6 and ordered the following: - mushrooms + herbed goat cheese: really tasty and one of my favorites of the night - hanger steak: steak was cooked beautifully, truffle sauce was not that memorable for me, portion didn't look as big as in some of the Yelp pictures - fried zucchini: awesome remoulade but was disappointed that there were only 3 sticks of zucchini - crispy calamari: big chunks of squid instead of the usual smaller rings, squid had nice texture - chorizo with sweet and sour figs: bold sweet and sour flavor, really liked the big pieces of chorizo - pork shoulder: liked that the chunks of pork were fatty, good beans - clams and chorizo: tasty broth - paella mariscos for two: very good with strong seafood flavor and plenty of shellfish and squid, also one of my favorites All in all everything was very flavorful and there wasn't one dish that I disliked. Given that it's tapas it can feel like some of the dishes are overpriced for the portion. Service was pretty good despite being busy, though they did seem to initially forget three of our tapas.
(4)Alexandra L.
The Quick: Such a perfect place to get brunch-- sit outside and people watch while drinking delicious bloody Mary's. The Details: Every single tapas we tried was incredible, and with a group of 5 we might have tried almost all of them! There were too many bloody Mary's involved to remember what my favorite dish was, but you will enjoy everything. As a lady who brunches, I'm rating this spot a must try.
(4)Vanessa T.
This is exactly what Brookline needed. I can't wait to return here on 7/27 with friends from NYC! The staff is wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. I have been twice for dinner and can't wait to try brunch. The menu changes from time to time and its always A+. This is not your typical "Brookline" restaurant. Anyone or anysize party can go here and not feel the typical attitude some other surrounding business will give you.
(5)Samantha C.
Love the Brookline location of Barcelona. There's always parking and the outdoor seating is great. There always seems to be a wait when I go, but there is plenty of space around the bar to grab a glass of sangria and relax while you wait. Im not usually one to wait, but it is definitely worth the wait. Try a pitcher of the red or white sangria - both refreshing and pack a punch without tasting too strong to sip on. All of the tapas are amazing - my favorite was the chorizo with fig and the croquetas. Also try the watermelon feta salad - you'll be happy you did. The staff here really made the night. They were happy to offer us wine and food suggestions and were on top of everything. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with great food, wine, and people you need to try Barcelona!
(5)Dave R.
Generally speaking, I don't do "chains." But Barcelona wine bar is different. As I understand it, each location has it's own head chef who establishes the location's menu based on the Barcelona Wine Bar "theme" and fresh / local ingredients. I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline numerous times but have never bothered to write a review because there's already 500+ Well, after my last visit I just had to add my 5-Stars vote... This place is awesome! First, full confession: I prefer to share with my dining companion(s) wherever I go. If it's a traditional restaurant that means a shared app. or two, maybe a shared salad, and a shared entree. So a tapas restaurant is right up my alley. On this night my date and I sat at the bar on a Friday night at about 5:30 and shared the Blistered Shishito Peppers w Sea Salt and the Cabrales Cheese Plate to start. Both were awesome. We then had the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in oil and garlic) and Potato Tortilla. The four small plates, cocktails wine, and conversation were a perfect end to the week. As alway, the service was awesome. Looking forward to my next visit. P.S. Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End is also very good. But I prefer the Brookline location.
(5)Carla S.
I've been here several times.. The food is amazing! The service is great too, except for just once.. I had a waitress that just didn't do her job, idk if she was new but whoa.. She was off
(5)Silly S.
Second time here. Really love Spanish Ham (Jamon Serrano), Hanger Steak and Grilled Ribeye Steak. Especially the truffle cream on hanger steak. My wife recommends Sour Figs. Will definitely come again.
(4)Alexandra M.
Our half our wait turned into an hour quickly, and that was at 9pm! Pretty crazy. I don't normally eat that late, but I guess it's Spanish food so we should eat late :) We had a few drinks at the bar while we waited, which was packed. We started getting nervous for the table size, as unless you got a booth it seemed too small for tapas plates, and we were right. Our drinks were great, except the white sangria which was a bit boring. Like something was missing. My whisky root was great as was my caipirinha. I don't recall everything we had, but the olives were enough for 10 people, and the mussels were mostly great. One was still closed and one was really gritty (glad I got it at the end otherwise I would not have been able to keep eating them). The frittata wasn't close to the best either of us had had. Service was okay, had to ask for water refills and a few other things, and sometimes didn't see him for a long time.
(3)Wei Ting C.
We went here on Saturday morning around 12pm, surprisingly it wasn't crowded at all. If you want to enjoy a lovely morning in Boston, this is a good place to go. I recommended Braised Oxtail Hash and Paella Mariscos. Although they made the paella too much socarrat, they took it back and remade it. Their service was really good. If you're going to order the paella, order this first. It took around 30 min to cook, but it worth the wait. I really enjoyed the food and it was not that expansive. I will definitely visit here again.
(4)Zhenya K.
This was our first time at Barcelona. I have heard good things about the place, but wanted to try it out for myself. We made reservations for Saturday night for 9PM. We ended up getting to Barcelona 30 min earlier and seeing how busy the place was I thought there was no chance we were going to be seated earlier then 9PM. We were seated before our reservation time and as we requested outside in the corner for some privacy. I was truly blown away Then we met our waiter - Nick. One word - AMAZING! This guy was very kind, funny, knew the menu very well and answered our 100000 questions! Then the drinks came out....my apple martini was out of this world...my husband asked Nick to get him his favorite beer.....keep in mind my husband is not a big beer drinker....Nick pleasantly surprised him with a beer choice that was simply amazing and something we have never had before. YUM! The food started coming out......OMG - we couldn't stop...it was all so good! Highlights were "Bikini", "Hanger Steak", "Muscles Al Diablo" and other I can't remember now! Muscles were honestly to die for! We also ordered a sea food Paela....it came out and at first my husband and his friend dug in and said that it was just delightful. Then we realized that the bottom was quite burned...we told Nick about it. All he said was. "I heard you"...that it. We didn't think what to make out of that, but we weren't going to let that ruin our night. We ordered coffee, tea, desserts - all were very good! Then we asked for the check.......before getting the check , Nick informed us that he took the Paella off our check.....Thoughtful right??? We were ready to pay for it even though it was $50 for 2 people, but we thought, what the hell....it was a good night...so the paella was burned. But no, Nick took care of us from the very beginning to the very end! Overall experience is A+ we are definitely coming back here again and asking to be seated in Nick's section!!!!
(5)Chloé R.
Good food. A bit pricey but worth it. I love the lay out of Barcelona Brookline. Very open and airy. Large booths are good for groups. Trendy ambience. Great patio out front. Make a reservation. Recommend the potatoes with garlic aioli, calamari, asparagus salad, steak and eggs. Lovely Bloody Mary bar. Sangria also great.
(4)Grace M.
Barcelona's a great trendy spot that'd be super fun for a date. I liked all the tapas I had and really liked their bread as well. I was so upset though when I found out the mushrooms I got were cooked in bone marrow or some kind of animal fat.. vegetarians beware to tell your server in advance! But that runs true of any kind of tapas joint.. I liked this place over Tasca on Comm. They're pretty close to one another so if you're trying to decide, I say go with Barcelona.
(4)Naira Q.
Came here on a Monday around 430 for drinks and tapas after class. Beautiful outdoor seating, great for people watching on beacon street. Shared a pitcher of sangria with 6 people, it was enough for everyone to have a glass. We each ordered 1-2 apps and enjoyed sharing. Great service, location and food. Definitely will go back!
(5)Ramzy K.
Ever heard of "tapas"? It's the new culinary fad taking the US by storm. Under the guise of traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurants offer small dishes for sharing amongst a large group of family or friends. However, most restaurants slyly take advantage of tapas' unique profitability, charging astronomical prices for app-sized portions of halfway decent food. Fortunately for us, Barcelona bucks this trend entirely. Located in the reinvigorated dining scene of Brookline, this bustling Spanish restaurant pairs an extensive menu of delectable plates with a robust, by-the-glass wine list. The prices are reasonable, and the taste is terrific. From the chorizos, chopped up and topped with a sunny side up egg, to the broccoli, cooked till crunchy and drizzled with a savory sauce, every dish has a personality of its own. The great food & drink come with personable servers and a lively, comfortable atmosphere. One of the only issues is unavoidable: it's very crowded. Either arrive early, or be prepared to wait, whether you have a reservation or not. So, even if the tapas movement continues to grow more popular by duping customers into buying mediocre apps with their hard-earned money, Barcelona gives you great hope that some good can come of it.
(4)Haeden G.
The food was really great and authentic...you can never go wrong with Spanish ham! The octopus however was extremely salty and you could tell they were trying to flip the table, almost rushing us out despite our very expensive bill. Overall though, great food and friendly staff.
(4)Mary Ann M.
THE BEST FOOD EVER! Kelly-Ann was our amazing server who just made us so happy! The manager David greeted us like we were family and it was actually our first time here. SUMMER SLING COCKTAIL ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! Love this drink! We had Ensalata Mista, cheese board with chorizo, artichokes, eggplant caponata, the gambas-yum, the beef empanadas omgggg, trumpet mushrooms, rib eye wow! We are definitely coming back not just for the food but because of the people (David!!!! & Kelly Ann) who work here are outstanding! We fell in love! RUN HERE DONT WALK, run!!!!!!
(5)Stacey G.
I have been here twice and I cannot say enough good things. I am constantly raving about this restaurant and cannot wait to return. I have gone in a group setting and on a date. I was last here on Monday night and the service like always was impeccable. The staff is friendly and polite. The manager came over to make sure everything was okay and to tell us they are opening a location in the south end! Everything they serve is amazing. I've had the beet salad, kale salad, mushrooms with herb goat cheese, patatas bravas, hanger steak and butternut squash. It was all amazing but the patatas bravas dish is by far my favorite!! I do wish they served a salmon dish! The traditional white sangria is something everyone should try! Occasionally there is a wait so sit by the bar and have a drink. This place is well worth the wait!! They also have wooden benches and tables as well as a dining area outside which I enjoy when it's nice outside. 5 stars without a doubt. This is one of my favorite restaurants in boston
(5)Alexis C.
This has become my new favorite restaurant! The food was sensation. The service was wonderful. The wine was spectacular. I went here on a first date. Although there probably won't be a second date, I will definitely be back. I couldn't name all six dishes we got and split but I do recall the pig ears and the spicy empanadas being particularly amazing. Our server was delightfully as well as anyone else who passed by the table willing to assistance us. The bartender was great help when it came to choosing a bottle before we sat down for our reservation. It was so good, we ended up getting a second bottle. We ended our night with dessert but it was certainly not as good as the rest of the meal. By the time we got our check the restaurant was packed and busy with a fun and lively atmosphere to it. I plan on coming back and bringing all my friends with me.
(5)Rachell C.
Make sure you make a reservation, even on a week night this place is crazy busy. But that's because it's delicious and the service is great and the atmosphere is wonderful too!
(5)Scott E.
I have been here several times, and it has been consistent each time. The tapas that I have tried have all been good. However, my favorite thing is getting some cheeses and charcuterie with a few flights of wine. The service and the knowledge about the menu cannot be beat either.
(5)Jonny Q.
Let's start from the beginning so you can truly understand the great experience I had at this place. I have never given a review on yelp other than one of discouragement. I return to yelp in happiness. I got a call from "top of the hub" 3 hours before my reservation on Valentine's day saying it was previously reserved. Obviously frantic, I turned to yelp for guidance. Although I live in Allston, I barely find this place suitable for a Valentine's date. So I stumbled upon this establishment. I called, and without explanation they bent over backwards to get me a table at 6:45. It was 5pm. They were booked and they helped me. We showed up a few minutes late, they still accommodated us. They offered us free apps whilst having a drink waiting for our table. The server was humorous and unassuming. He didn't have any" nose in the air" way about him, although that is much of what I expected. Both managers briefly stopped by to hear about our evening at the end of our meal. I have never written a review. I didn't even mention the food which was remarkable. Is it obvious I enjoyed it? I'd like to personally thank the top of the hub. Thank you for turning us away. Try the gnocchi
(5)Lisabetta P.
Excellent. EXCELLENT! Ex-cell-ent. Eccelente. Ottimo. I will definitely return because the only problem was I couldn't order every dish!
(5)Rachel P.
I love the atmosphere, the restaurant is gorgeous. Both times I have been there it was a Sunday night and it was so busy both times. The food is delicious and the menu gets new tappas added often. Great selection of meats and cheeses. The tappas are generous portions and the cocktails are great. It is one of my favorite spots in the Boston area.
(4)Sahil M.
Just overall a really cool place. Wish the prices were a tad bit lower, but honestly, probably one of the best places I could think of to spend a nice evening. The outdoor area is cool, the service is great, drinks are good. Solid all around.
(5)Francine W.
Delicious. So many good dishes. Loved the squid ink noodles, the paella, and the service was excellent. Really nice inside too!
(5)Kim D.
This place is amazing. First of all, the decor and atmosphere just set a wonderful night out tone. We had reservations and we're seated right away. The food was delicious. The charcuterie was perfectly salty and the hand crafted cocktails complemented it nicely. We had so many tapas, but a few highlights: hangar steak, beets, and seafood paella. The service was outstanding. We had a few very small hiccups but they more than took care of us when the bill came. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sam L.
I've been twice and I am continually impressed. The tapas are delicious (all of them) and the drinks are strong and tasty. Both times we asked our waiter what they would recommend, and were tastefully awarded for doing this. With a group, it was easy to order more once we realized it wouldn't be enough. I would recommend getting a reservation for dinner as that's what we've always done and we typically see people waiting for 30 mins to 2 hours.
(5)Rachel K.
I went here over the weekend with a group of friends. We were able to try a lot of different items since we were a big group. Everything was amazing. I lived in Spain, so sometimes I can be picky with Spanish tapas, but Barcelona is the real deal. Some tapas highlights: mushroom goat cheese, chorizo and fig, potatas bravas, and croquettes. We also got the Barcelona mixed grill. Everything in it was juicy, tender, and delicious. I highly recommend getting that if you are with a large party. The service was great, but it got really busy. Be sure to book a reservation.
(5)Karan S.
Overhyped! Just about average food. Nothing extraordinary which surprised me because of all the hype and long wait times. Tapas were just okay. We tried the chicken croquets, mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach-chickpea, whipped sheep's cheese & haddock. Some had the flavor missing while some were under-seasoned. Found the portions much smaller compared to other places. Veg paella and red sangria were the only good exceptions. Very very noisy ambience. Difficult communicating with the server. Our server was really slow in getting everything. I find Tasca and Dali much better in terms of food, ambience and service. Not sure if would go there again.
(2)Elise H.
Food is amazing! Sit at the bar (lots of cute bartenders to talk to). And don't leave without trying a sangria or 2
(5)Shir L.
Red wine sangria-consistently good Summer St. Sling-tastes light, like drinking lemonade Porkbelly - delicious, melt in your mouth. Shaved mushroom salad - too much dressing Grilled broccolini - ok Grilled hanger steak - decent but probably wouldnt order next time Mussels al Diablo - too spicy, killed all my taste buds Suckling pig - best dish and would come back for this next time!!!
(4)Matt H.
I've only been once, but can't give anything other than 5 stars. Split the mixed grill for 2. It should be for 8. It was fantastic. We showed up on a Friday night at 630 and the host was transparent, telling me probably an hour or more for a table for 2. We only had time to finish one drink on the outdoor patio before a table was ready. The place was mobbed too. It is a very cool environment and the staff was legit. Food and drinks were top notch as well. If you are near this place, try it. Best complete dining experience I have had in the Boston area and I've been living here for 10 years.
(5)Kelly O.
Attention: this place has a large outdoor patio specifically for drinking. As in, you're not required to sit at a table, or order food, or deal with waitstaff... you can simply mosey up to the indoor bar, order/pay for your drink, walk out to the lounge area, sit, and enjoy in the sunshine (or shade) for as long as you'd like without being bothered. Genius! I don't know why more places don't have this feature available, I can't stand the "you must order food" requirement in the majority of outdoor restaurant spaces in our fair city. Barcelona's drinking patio in particular is pretty spacious with various benches, stools, and tables for your use, and would be great for groups (the other side of the outdoor patio is specifically for seated dining, should you so choose). We were the only ones out there on our visit, and a waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us unsolicited glasses of water (score one for service). I tried their white and red sangria, and I really enjoyed both ($6/glass, which is pretty reasonable). Tapas seems on the pricey side though, which is why I haven't tried their food yet... for the moment, I'm perfectly happy sipping a drink on the patio and enjoying the summer. UPDATE: I recommend the spinach and chickpea cazuela and the tortilla. Jamon is as expected. Avoid the mussels (not good quality or flavor) and the cocktails (too pricey, not enough liquor, strange flavors).
(4)Mike P.
Well, I probably haven't looked forward to trying a restaurant more than this one in a long time. Unfortunately, I share Anastasia's sentiments in her review. Not sure if I hit it on a bad night but the food was underwhelming to say the least. What made it especially displeasing was the bill at the end of the night. I was glad I was sitting down. The experience just wasn't worth it. You're definitely paying more for the ambiance and hippish vibe than the food, which goes against everything I believe in when dining out. Only thing that was pretty good was the short ribs. I'll still stick with Tasca. They still have the best sangria in New England and the food is on par with this place. However, you don't get the sticker shock at the end of the night. I guess this is what I get for being excited about a new restaurant that supposedly has great reviews. :'(
(2)Rachel K.
What a great way to spend a Friday night after a long week: Barcelona Wine Bar, you did us good!! Though there was a long wait, we went to the standing room at the bar for some drinks until we could get a table. What a nice touch that the staff walks around with mini drink and food samples for those desperately waiting for a table, SUCH a nice touch! We finally got a table in the bar area, and we were blessed with not one but TWO waiters! Jamie was soo enthusiastic and full of on-point recommendations. If you get him as your waiter make sure to ask for the white wine which requires his fancy high pour. Joey was very helpful with recommendations as well. Great service all around. Do not come here without trying the Cana de Cabra cheese, which our waiter described as "life changing." The bread and oil, though simple, was the perfect carb-filled start to the evening. The Lobster Fideos is a must, I've never had a lobster dish anything like this.....it was full of flavor and crunch- my friend and I literally scraped the plate while the bus-girl thought we were crazy when we didn't want her to take away what looked like an empty plate. The asparagus/egg/truffle tapas was perfect for my truffle-addiction and a great side. We topped the night with the ricotta crepes which was a guilty, but all in all good decision. Wines overall are good, but I am partial to domestic wines which you will not find at Barcelona given the theme. I'm so happy to have a new regular spot for my weekend rotation and I'm already looking forward to coming back- though I don't know if I should share with the public my love for Barcelona WIne Bar as I'd love to frequent it with no long waits! So yeah, it sucks? Nahh just kidding!
(5)Kiki P.
Barcelona Wine Bar is a hip and laid-back tapas restaurant with pretty good food. They have an outdoor patio which is perfect for a nice summer day. For dinner we tried the following tapas: THE GREAT Grilled asparagus with black truffle vinaigrette and farm egg. The poached egg on top of the perfectly cooked asparagus with a lovely hint of truffle made this dish elegant and delightful. Toasted white gazpacho with red grapes and tarragon: Very unique take on Gazpacho. It is not a tomato base but a nut base. Absolutely delicious. THE GOOD Gambas al ajillo with garlic and hot pepper oil: Simple but great choice Jamon and chicken croquettes: Can't really go wrong with croquettes THE AVERAGE Chorizo and sweet sour figs: This dish is overly sweet. It was not sour at all. I think adding something salty or sour to the combination would made it interesting. Spiced beef empanadas with red pepper sauce: These were okay. I have had better. The quality of the beef seemed low. Grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette: I really don't think truffle goes well with steak but maybe thats just me Smoked bluefish cakes with garlic aioli and arugula: These were similar to crab cakes but I like crab cakes better Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette and breadcrumbs. I did not like the anchovy flavor of this salad. The server told me it was mild but I did not think so. There is nothing to this salad at all. It literally only has kale in it. I think they should have added tomatoes and nuts, etc. It was a disappointment. Overall, I think the food at Barcelona is average. A couple of the dishes are awesome. I still am not sure what all the hype is about. I do really like the outdoor patio. If I do end up returning here, it will be because of that patio!
(3)Jen H.
I've been here at least a dozen times, and it really never gets old. They have some of the best sangria I have ever had, although either it has decreased in its alcohol content over the past year or two, or I've become more tolerant! Best item, by far, is the hangar steak with truffle oil. So delicious. I'd also recommend their cheeses at the top of the menu. Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead though, as their wait can get pretty extensive...
(4)Audrey X.
I would definitely recommend this place purely considering its atmosphere. Love the decoration of this place! The food was good. most of the tapas we ordered were good, but I wasn't impressed. The squid ink noodle and the salvaje paella though were outstanding. The service is really really good. Our waiter was friendly and informative. Also he scraped off noodles and rice sticked to the pan for us (they were delicious as well).
(4)Mary G.
I love this place. Hands down best tapas. Every time people ask for a good place to go in the city, I recommend this place. ALWAYS great service. ALWAYS such a fun atmosphere, especially for groups. ALWAYS delicious food. The only thing I can say is make a reservation. Sometimes I still have to wait even if I book a table. Here is a list of my favorite dishes on their menu. Meat & Cheese section: Jamon de Mangalica - When they say ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. You ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. If you're sitting away from the bar, they bring over this large piece of delicious ham that is specially shipped from Spain and carve pieces for you right in front of you. Totally worth it. Aged Mahon - And if you want cheese to go with your meat, definitely choose the Aged Mahon. It's nutty and crumbles and is the perfect complement. Tapas Section: Jamon and Chicken Croquettes - Lightly breaded, cheesy and delicious. These bite-sized pieces of ham and chicken hit the spot. Patatas Bravas - Potatoes, please! These are cubed pieces of potatoes that are cooked perfectly (crispy on the outside and warm/soft on the inside) with a delicious garlic aioli and salsa. I order this EVERY time. Carmelized Brussel Sprouts - Okay, so before Barcelona I was afraid of even trying brussel sprouts. After Barcelona, I can't get enough of brussel sprouts. That's all you need to know. Migas - Very heavy and very delicious. It's bread, meat and eggs. How could you say no? If you are getting full, don't get this one. If you're just starting out, give it a try. Sometimes this can be pretty greasy, but sometimes I'm in the mood for that. AND of course, no tapas meal is complete without Sangria. I've tried all three on the same night. And it's safe to say that the Ginger Pepper Sangria made with Red wine was the group's favorite. Dessert Section: Churros y Chocolate - The quintessential Spanish treat. These are not the churros you get at a random street vendor or at a festival. They are what churros are truly meant to be. Paired with a chocolate sauce that is not too sweet and has a tiny kick to it, this dessert is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Pro tip: The tapas go from lightest at the top to heaviest at the bottom.
(5)Yasa E.
Loud and definitely happening. Came with a party of 10 and got great service. The waitress was quick to suggest a $35/pp tasting menu which was a great idea. We basically told her what we definitely wanted and she surprised us with the rest. Pitchers and pitchers of sangria got sucked down very fast. The restaurant sent us a free champagne toast which was such a nice end to our beautiful celebratory dinner! Can't wait to come back!
(5)Michelle S.
I was very impressed by my first experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. It has an edgy modern yet rustic, warm atmosphere, although a bit loud for conversation (came with a large crowd of 5 and it was a bit stressful to have dinner and casually catch up). But, I guess you just need to come in prepared for that - it's a really fun spot! The service was also fantastic. We had a really attentive team of a server and a water attendant. We got a pitcher of sangria that was delicious and we split a bunch of tapas. My favorites were the pig ears, chorizo & sweet figs, and grilled steak with black truffle sauce. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. Maybe leave out the empanadas? Not eventful enough compared to how amazing everything else was.
(4)Jodi G.
The greatest place to come to Brookline! They are always booked out two weeks, and it is no surprise! I have never eaten something here that I don't like. The fig and chorizo tapas and the churro dessert are top notch. Yum! Yum! Yum! Please try this delicious restaurant!
(5)Sheena B.
I came here with a group of 10 for a birthday dinner and everything was absolutely amazing. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations and advice. Some of the highlights of our meal was the hanger steak with truffle, fried calamari, patatas bravas, okra, potatato tortilla, mushroom with herbed goat cheese, and the bone marrow was fun because you can do a "marrow luge" with sherry after you eat it. Dont forget to order sangria also. Reasonably priced is also a plus! Overall, surpassed my expectations. Excellent food, service, ambiance, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back!
(5)Jessica C.
Ah! Barcelona's is amazing! Little pricy if you want to fill up on tapas, but they're worth it. I love the pig ears, especially. Also, the paella is excellent and also worth the money. The cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is super chill.
(5)K S.
Everything is yummy! Try the fried pig ears!! Arrive early because this place gets packed! Even on random weekdays... Don't forget to try the cured meats and cheeses!
(5)Ashley A.
My wife and I love this place. It is tapas heaven! There's a large assortment of tapas of which we have sampled a few dozen. Not a bad one in the bunch. It has always been busy -- even though there was already another great tapas place nearby. This places manages the crowds really well. I can't wait to go back this coming Wednesday.
(4)Stella S.
By far the best tapas place on this earth!! There is a chance that you may have to wait (even if you have a reservation) but it is SO worth it!! Everything on the menu was out of this world. I especially loved the fig tapas dish that we ordered. The atmosphere is also really nice. I definitely suggest this place!
(5)Ella R.
Love it here! Everything I've tried was delicious, and their Sangria is great as well. We started with a selection from their Meet & Cheese section (Jamon Serrano, Chorizo and Manchego), which came with a tasty sweet spread. They also gave us the most delicious bread basket and olive oil for dipping. We also had a bunch of different tapas (Patatas Bravas, Grilled Spring Onions, Grilled Asparagus (so good!), Albondigas, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Grilled Lamb Chops (a must!) and the Mixed Grill (Barcelona). Great ambiance and service!
(5)Jeffrey M.
All our food was laced with salt and minimal on flavour. Our waitress was pleasant but both the food and the drinks were ill-timed. We asked her to let the kitchen pace the meal and even before our drinks came, half of the dishes we ordered were piled on our table. We love Spanish food but we are never returning
(1)Emily Myles H.
Really liked Barcelona! One of the best authentic spanish tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Traditional sangria is to die for and a really good price for a pitcher. Both of the butternut squash tapas were excellent, the meatballs and potatas bravas were other group favorites. Will definitely be back!
(5)Thanh L.
I've only been to about 7 tapas establishments in my life - all in Boston/Brookline and one in Spain. Barcelona Wine Bar is a definite contender for the #1 spot. I can't tell yet if this place will trump Toro in my book - I'll have to come back a couple more times to assess. However, it still sits pretty at #2. My cousins and I went to this place for a family dinner. The space is reminiscent of an All Saints store - cool, urban chic. Although disappointed that suckling pig wasn't on the menu, we ended up with some rave worthy dishes. Some dishes we ordered: -Grilled Hangar Steak - Must eat!! Skillfully cooked, juicy, tender, flavorful. A table favorite. -Morcilla - Totally worth ordering. This blood sausage was cooked just right. -Squid ink - Delicious, tender squid. Don't eat this on a date - you will have blue lips and stained teeth, unless you're attracted to that kinda thing. -Chorizo and fig - One of the best dishes all around! I love sweet and salty together and this dish balanced it beautifully. Another table favorite. -Ham and cheese croquettes - The cheese was melted perfectly and the bread a delight. Was there a hint of truffle? I think so because this sandwich was bangin! -Golden beets and blood orange - Delicious and light, balanced out all the meat dishes. -Seafood paella - pretty good, I enjoyed the seafood. Paella is never really a must for me though. -Crispy pig ears - I liked the texture. Greasy food, which begged for lime. There was supposed to be a hint of lime in the dish but I didn't get that (maybe they didn't use any in this time of lime crisis?) -Pork belly and shredded vegetable - Melt in your mouth pork belly. Fantastic flavor. I can't remember if the veggie was beet or red cabbage. Either way it was raw, crunchy and delightful. -Hamachi crudo - So so dish. Nothing special. -Spicy eggplant caponata - Tasted like it came from a Chinese fast food restaurant. It still tasted good, but I expected a tangier, more tomato-y dish. This was a disappointment. Sangria was standard. Not out of this world. A few more things: The waiters and staff were spunky, efficient, and friendly. Parking is abundant in the area and the restroom is clean. I would definitely recommend this place for the cool, urban ambience, the tasty tapas, and friendly service.
(5)Carl H.
Got out for a date night last weekend, luckily called ahead for reservations (good heads up yelp). Had a drink while waiting for table, one of the managers brought around croquettes appetizer samples, very good. Great scene, drinks were great bar staff very attentive. Got a seat out on patio when sat had heat lamps for little chill. Split a sangria pitcher, had the tuna dish, speck and manchego cheese, steak with truffle, roasted mushrooms, just a great mix of choices and nice portions. Sometimes tapas can be lacking, perfect portions keep you wanting more. We have already spoken to three couples about taking them too. See you soon.
(4)Mimi A.
I came to Barcelona hoping to have a couple of sangria's. However, after giving the server my Thai passport. The manager comes back to our table and questions if we have a "Taiwanese passport" and then goes on to claim that in the town of Brookline, they are not allowed to accept foreign issued passports and only US IDs or US passports. I'm sorry but, do you want me to become a US citizen to drink here?? So no foreigners can drink here? He also claims that "the company is trying to enforce this new policy". If this isn't discrimination then I don't know what is.
(1)Clay N.
For some reason Toro gets more attention than Barcelona, but that says nothing about the quality of the two establishments. Barcelona may be the best bang for your buck tapas in New England. First things first, make a reservation if you plan on going on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and be prepared to have a drink at the bar or outside (during warm weather) while they prepare your table. Second, as a general rule, sangria must always be consumed by the pitcher. Please do not fool yourself into believing that you will not want a third glass. In terms of food, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Aim for three plates per person and, obviously, share generously. Best things on the menu: - Hanger Steak - Gambas al Ajillo - Grilled Brocolini - Scallops - Meatballs - Roasted Cauliflower
(5)Michael M.
I could not be more pleased with my dining experience at Barcelona this evening. The food was great, but what was really exceptional was the service that we received (which is why I'm making it a point to write this review right away). We arrived shortly after the 4pm opening (which is admittedly early and potentially part of the reason for our wonderful service--I imagine it gets crowded here at peak dining hours). We were a party of 6, plus an infant. Emily F was our server and she was exceptionally kind, helpful, and personable. Not once during our meal did she make us feel rushed. The rest of the waitstaff was excellent as well--glasses were immediately filled, empty plates taken away, etc. The food was very good. Extensive menu of tapas. Some favorites included the Spicy Eggplant Caponata, Truffled "Bikini," and Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela. We ended the meal with Churros Y Chocolate--we were drinking the chocolate out of the serving dishes when the churros were gone. We will definitely be back.
(5)Zhichun Y.
Really nice tapa restaurant. Food is delicious. Especially in the summer, it is nice dining experience dining there outside. Definitely recommend!
(5)Tara G.
This place is my favorite! Food is incredible and the staff is the best around! 6 Stars!
(5)Rita L.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough! The food is amazing and the service is spectacular! My darling and I came to this restaurant on January 1st on our very special personal occasion, and the host at the restaurant was aware of it and was extremely nice and accommodating. The restaurant gave us a complementary bottle of sparkling wine and our server was impeccably attentive and kind. I asked if they served octopus, and even though they didn't have it on the menu, the chef agreed to make a special for me. We were EXTREMELY pleased with the service, quality of food and environment! We are definitely coming back!
(5)V M.
Such a great place! The staff were very friendly and patient in explaining the menu. Ordered 3 dishes off the tapas menu and ended with churros with chocolate sauce, to die for! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Nick F.
We've been to Barcelona twice, and both times we were extremely impressed. The tapas are all amazing, and I would personally recommend the Jamon and Chicken Croquettes or the Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela. I really wish I could give this place a 4.5 or even a 5, but the quality of the food isn't quite there yet. Most of the tapas was delicious, but lacking in freshness and a "wow-factor." Some, however, were just not good -- the brussels sprouts were overdone and bland. That said, the uber trendy atmosphere and outstanding service more than made up for the food (which was still very good). In fact, the service here is possibly the best I've experienced in Boston so far. The waiter knew the menu inside and out, down to every last detail, and genuinely enjoyed helping us pick out the best tapas for our tastes. I will definitely continue coming back to Barcelona. Edit: Been back two or three times since this original review. I don't know if something changed or not, regardless, this place is one of the best in Boston and deserves 5 stars. Service, food, atmosphere -- all are excellent.
(5)John P.
Two recent experiences at Barcelona Brookline after dining at Barcelona D.C. 1 dinner, the other brunch. Takeaways: Enjoyable place to begin a night or indulge a bit on a weekend day. Sangria will keep me coming back along with some great tapas (Lobster one was a table favorite). Found the french toast w/ pear butter and berries also delicious and unique. Service was class and this Brookline location compares favorably to my experience at the DC location. Solid value overall and absolutely worth checking out if you live in the area.
(4)Dennis C.
The things we got in order of deliciousness: - Lobster fideos - Foie Gras - Bacon wrapped mushrooms - Crepas salguero for dessert - Braised short ribs - Roasted cauliflower - Albondigas - Caramelized brussel sprouts Despite being at the bottom, the brussel sprouts were still pretty good, but the lobster fideos were simply phenomenal. It comes in a wok with four pieces of lobster, but they also use lobster meat to make the pasta and getting the crusty pasta at the bottom of the pan was sooo good. The foie gras was also interesting as this was the first time I've had it cold, but after the second bite I really enjoyed how it just melts and how well it goes with the fried garlic-y bread-y bedding it's served on as well as the sherry that it goes with. Great service, two very attentive waiters and the manager checked in at the end of our meal.
(5)Raoul H.
To be fair- a few things were good. The crusty baked bread was yummy, and the staff was pretty nice. Other than that, this place had the feel of a large chain restaurant, huge and with a sort of mechanized, assembly line feel to the service and food. The atmosphere was the worst: loud, echo-filled, with employees actually running around. It's enormous inside, and the extensive use of metal makes it feel industrial, like a huge warehouse. It was not the cozy tapa bar experience I was hoping for. The tapa selection was okay, nothing too original, and not really many options that weren't very heavy. Probably the best aspect is the cheese selection, but there was no presentation at all to the cheese I ordered. A tiny dab of compote accompanied my hunk-o-cheese, and they even forgot to give me a knife to cut it with. The other dishes were quite salty and not presented well either. They forgot the cheese atop my cauliflower dish and were too busy running around to get me silverware or a second glass of wine. Overall, somewhere between a meh and a bad. The one thing this restaurant really has going for it is location. There aren't that many options in Washington Square, and people in that neighborhood are dying for a place to call their own, so they will likely continue to swamp this cold, metallic industrial warehouse.
(1)Jennifer W.
Have been wanting to visit Barcelona Wine Bar ever since it opened, but it's a little far from where we live so didn't make it out there until now. We love tapas and sangria so were excited. First off, this place was PACKED, and we were told by the manager that it was a "slower" night. Not sure if I'd want to see what a busy night looks like. The wait was about an hour but luckily we snapped up a small bar table for 2 soon after we arrived. Their traditional sangria is really really good, and a pitcher is only $24. To be fair the pitcher has a ton of ice in it, but it's literally served in a beer pitcher, so it's a great deal compared to some of the other chic tapas bars around town. As for the food, we tried the truffled bikini, meatballs, patatas bravas, chicken liver mouse and steak with truffle vinaigrette. Everything was good to very good, with the patatas bravas and truffled bikini being our favorites. The onion jam on the chicken liver mouse was fabulous, just wish there was a bit more. The steak, which seems to be their most popular item was good, but the vinaigrette was a little too sour for my taste. For dessert, we had a hard time deciding between the crepe and the churros. We ended up ordering the crepe but the manager sent over churros anyway, very nice of her! Both were really good but super filling. We were ridiculously full when we left, while hoping their South End location opens soon so we'll have somewhere closer to home to indulge in some tapas and sangria.
(4)Matt C.
The build up and excitement of trying Barcelona Wine Bar left me prepared to be disappointed. I am happy to report that even with lofty expectations, Barcelona is still able to exceed and satisfy. We went prepared to indulge in Tapas and were impressed that the menu is filled with wonderful and varied tapas options. However, be prepared to be tempted by many other items including Mixed Grills and Paella to share and some tantalizing meat + cheese options. The service was great and you can tell that the restaurant is firing on all cylinders even though they are relatively new. The lamb chops are superb and the chorizo and fig will make you wish that it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. I am already planning the best strategy for our return visit.
(4)Vanessa P.
This place is amazing; everything about it. The ambiance is incredible, both inside and outside. Whenever a friend is visiting Boston, this is where I take them. The food is to die for. Croquettes and truffled bikini are delicious, but so is everything. Not surprisingly, the sangria is absolutely delicious, especially their herb one with rosemary. You have to get there on the earlier side of you don't want to wait! I've waited an hour and half to get a table (willingly). This place is just the coolest.
(5)Rebecca C.
Wow. The bartender Steve was really helpful with choosing the perfect wine. I had the lamb and it was amazing. Wish it was cooked medium rare but I am going back for sure!!!
(5)Rae G.
Wow! We had meat and cheese platter, octopus, scallops, spring risotto, and amazing bread and cocktails. Everything was awesome. The tables are quite close together, but the food was so good that I couldn't really notice. Reasonably priced for what you get... Confused about the reviews that say the portions are small.... It's a TAPAS restaurant lol.
(5)Sarah M.
(Didn't realize this posted on the Brookline location's page, we actually dine in West Hartford.) We had a lovely evening and great experience, despite having to wait a few minutes for our reservation. Our waitressES (loved having two working the area) were attentive and knew the menu well and were full of recommendations. I can't remember everything we had, but loved it all ... except the Duck Fat Fries. We didn't touch them much and our waitress asked why. We were honest about it -- way too much jalapeño, she took them away, replaced them with a new dish, didn't charge us AND the manager came over to apologize personally and get more feed back. A+! I do know we started with some coppa, which was amazing. As was the hanger steak with truffle sauce. The duck pastrami sandwich left us wanting to order a second (but didn't). The chicken empenda had a similar effect and served with an amazing avocado cream. The list goes on. If you like tapas, you won't be disappointed. The pitcher of white winter herb sangria was delicious and a great value (which can be a trick by the restaurant)!
(4)Annabel J.
Came here for dinner last night because I had been hearing lots of good buzz. The space looks great! Very cool space that feels big yet cozy at the same time. Atmosphere was great and the place was busy. We did not have a reservation and the hostess quoted us a wait time of 30-45 mins for a party of two but we were able to get seats right away at the bar so we just decided to eat there. I thought the prices were very reasonable and a great value considering the quality of the food and drink. Good cocktails and nice beer selection. I had the bramble rum and K had a twist on a whiskey sour that I think was called the Brookline sour or something like that. we shared 4 tapas and they were all awesome. Chorizo with sweet sour fig, mushrooms with goat cheese and balsamic reduction, roasted brussels sprouts and (drum roll) bone marrow with toast! All very yummy. Service was super friendly with the usual just-opened kinks that are to be expected when an entire staff is still training. Things were a little slow/forgetful but everyone was so gracious that it totally made up for it. When K ordered his drink, the bartender said it would be a few minutes because they couldn't find anymore of the whiskey it was supposed to have in it and they would need to check the basement. But then she brought over a complimentary sangria while he was waiting which was much appreciated. I will absolutely be back and have already recommended this spot to friends.
(4)Jonathan M.
Amazing food, amazing service, and deication to being a neighborhood restaurant. When all other restaurants werw closed for the snow storm, Barcelona put their staff up at a local hotel so the restaurant could stay open...quite imressive! Also, try the lobster fideos...simply delicious!
(5)Katy D.
Great addition to the area. Walked in on a weeknight with my boyfriend and grabbed a seat at the bar right away. Really loved the atmosphere. Great menu, plenty of vegetarian options. The bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I wasn't super hungry so I just got the Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela and a goat cheese that had been marinated in red wine. Just delicious! Also had a wine flight, which I was super excited about. I can't drink a ton in one sitting so it was awesome to try 3 Riojas- and all of them were excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Peter W.
When I called that day I was told they only take reservations for 1/3 of the restaurant. We went over that Friday night, 6:15 pm and after a 40 minute wait standing at the bar we were seated. So far, O.K. We ordered another drink and six tapas. Service started to get noticeably quite rushed and hectic, with different servers coming by, water pitchers pouring after a few sips and twice servers taking my unfinished drink. One waitress even asked if we had had enough and would we like to cancel our last order of tapas! Good food, but the service needs to slow down - it was a bit of a turn-off.
(4)Jed S.
First off, the food was solid; the dishes alone would merit 3 or 4 stars, depending on dish. As well, the space was attractive. So why the two-star review? We arrived just after 6 on a recent Thursday evening. It was in the 70s, and we wanted to sit outside, and had heard this was a good place to do so. We made our intentions known to the host, who told us it would probably be about half an hour. No problem. There's a separate outdoor seating area without table service and with no food permitted, but you can sit there and have a drink from the bar. I went to the bar while my wife found us a couple seats (it was still early enough that there were a few, as long as you didn't mind sharing a table with others, which we didn't and they didn't). Bartenders were very busy. After 15 minutes, I finally managed to catch a bartender's eye; he handed me a menu. I politely declined the menu and told him that I knew what I wanted. He left to make drinks for someone else whose order he had just taken. I figured he would be back after that, maybe he just didn't want to hold too many things in his head at once. But he was not. After another ten futile minutes, I decided that sitting outside with my wife was more fun than standing inside alone trying to catch a bartender's attention. We relaxed outside sans drinks. Maybe half an hour later my phone rang; the hostess said that our table was ready, and we stepped back inside to be seated. The host apologized, saying he had "jumped the gun", and it would be just a few more minutes. Unfortunately, our outdoor seats were gone, so we were left to stand awkwardly in the entrance (the place was packed; no bar seats available, nothing). This wouldn't have been an issue except that it was actually 20+ minutes. The host did apologize again at some point, saying "sorry, they lied to me". Finally, we were taken out to a table. Hooray! Though it was much cooler and less sunny by this point (almost 8pm), it was still pretty nice out. The food, as already mentioned, ranged from decent to quite good. Excellent bread. Good wine list too. We finished, and the waiter asked if we wanted a check. We gave him a credit card on the spot, to save him trouble. He brought the card back, with the check and credit card receipt to sign. They had added two extra miscellaneous anonymous glasses of wine to our order (the wines we actually had ordered and drunk were listed by name). Had to call the waiter back and get him to redo everything. To sum up, we wanted to sit outside together in the sun, relax, have some drinks and some tasty food. A collection of small to medium problems, any one of which would have been no big deal, rendered the evening an irritating disappointment. Given the proliferation of good reviews, this may have been an anomaly. Still, I wouldn't recommend going there unless it's not crowded, and make sure to check your bill carefully. It's too bad, because I was prepared to like it - it's a lovely setting, and on paper it seems great.
(2)Heather B.
Being a fan of tapas restaurants and reading a nice review in the Globe, we decided to check out Barcelona. We arrived around 9:30 PM on a Wednesday night. The place was packed, but the front of the house guy quickly found us a spot....and then we waited. Finally a waiter came by to give us water and said that our server (name I could not hear) would be by to take our order in a moment. No one came. Our water almost empty, another server came to help the table next to us. I asked if he could get our server because we wanted to order and had some questions. He was very nice and said he take our order and did. But then again we waited...then the original server for our table came by and we had to tell her that someone else already took care of us. Finally our drinks came and next the house-cured Carne Salado. We were then looking around to see if we would be getting any bread. All of the other tables had a basket. Our two other tapas came and we asked that server (someone different again) if we could get some bread....bread? Ah yes, bread.....finally it showed up. Meanwhile we are watching a multitude of servers, bussers and I am assuming managers whiz around us. I kept wondering how a place so fully staffed could have such lousy service? To top it off, we were seated at the long banquet that is in direct line with the front door...that never closes completely. Each time patrons would leave, the door would remain open and send a very cool breeze (55 out now at night) down the row of banquets. Staff members were continuously closing it. The bill finally came with a comment card stated at the top, 'complimentary Tapa - please fill out and hand to the manager'. I took it out wanting to actually write on it and hand it to a manager.....but now no one was around! Needless to say the food was decent and I would give Barcelona a 2nd chance at some point, but the service really took away from the experience.
(2)Matt J.
The best churros ever, even beat some homemade ones! Drinks could be free poured . Little alcohol for an expensive drink .
(3)Daniel W.
Excellent first visit to the new Barcelona! Attentive and informative wait staff, excellent choice of Spanish and other wines, truly excellent choices of tapas, very satisfying. Not cheap but worth the expense. The cheese selections were fantastic! A very, very fine experience was had by all three of us (including the hard-to-please vegetarian among us as well as the meat-eaters!)---try it soon before it gets too overbooked!
(5)M M.
We are thrilled to finally have something fantastic in that space. We lived through the Vinny Testa era. Say no more. Longtime residents of Brookline, we have always believed that Washington Square had room for another higher-end restaurant. The service was fantastic -- the food amazing. This place will appeal to couples as well as family. My 11 year old son tried the rabbit tapas and amazing loved it. So did I and I do not like rabbit. While this is quality and high-end, creative cuisine, it is remarkable value, especially if you want a meal of tapas. Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Clark M.
Maybe it's too soon for me to write a review after this "meal". While the food was quite well prepared, who gives a shit when you leave the place starving. Two inattentive severs for a group of 15 undermine whatever good the chefs may try to do. The one complaint about the food was that portions are too small, even for tapas. I got about enough ceviche to fit into a small petri dish. But back to the original point, my party arrived at 8:45 stayed until 11:45 and the servers took the orders once and never came back to check up on us, had to stand up to flage them down just to get a refill on a drink. We all sat and waited as our food trickled in but it all went incredibly slow. I would have liked to order again, but there was no opportunity because no one ever came to check in untill the server came with the insultingly overpriced check for what amounted to less than appetizers. Not returning to this restuarant. This review is much to sober from some who just went out for tapas. Still hungry... I'm going to go eat my damn mozzerella sticks now
(1)Paula O.
We went here for our first visit on a Sunday night with friends. We all loved the food (we ordered a wide range of tapas and a couple bottles of wine) and our waiter was really helpful with suggestions and in general very pleasant. I could see visiting here often except for one thing: the music was way too loud for conversation. Granted, we were sitting at a table in the bar area and right under a speaker. But we had made reservations and that was where we got seated. And frankly, having to yell is exhausting and not fun. Someone in our party made a personal face-to-face request to the manager to lower the volume and got a perfunctory, non-empathetic response. The music did get turned down a hair, but not enough to talk easily. I'd love to go back but I am hesitant because of that. I'd probably give 5 stars if not for that. The food was fantastic and the overall vibe of the place is friendly.
(3)Jules V.
AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Can you tell we liked this restaurant? My boyfriend and I just tried this place out for the first time and were blown away. To start, the service was impeccable. Everyone that works there was such a delight and so attentive. Our server, Francisco and team, were so helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with while we were there. The food was outrageous! We had the Crispy Calamari (my boyfriends favorite) and it was the best we have had in Boston. We also had the Hanger Steak, Chick-pea/Spinach dish along with a few others. We finished off with the Churros with Dark Chocolate sauce!! DEVINE! I cant say enough good things about this place. Aside from the food, the ambiance was rustic, yet warm and inviting. All the decor was right on par with the essence of a true Spanish restaurant you could find in Spain. It is mid-January but it looks like they will have outdoor seating come the warmer months! All I cant say is, TRY IT OUT!! You're going to love it!
(5)Anna K.
Great drinks and good tapas. Really busy place, even on weeknights, but good service nonetheless!
(4)Cecile B.
Great dynamic spot in Washington Square, Brookline. It is a busy place, so be sure to make a reservation and come prepare to wait for your table. The hostess was less than friendly, but service was good. Food was delicious, we shared tapas and not one was disappointing. Visited October 2013
(5)Caio M.
We had the pleasure of being served by Joy and she was attentive, pleasant and informative. Our dining experience lasted no shorter than 4 hours! Lots and lots of variety and showmanship with their service. Gluten free dishes and drinks. 3 different sangria choices! Their staff checked up on us constantly and we're looking forward to our next dining experience at Barcelona. Enjoy!
(5)Molly F.
We went back in May, as I wanted to return before I moved away. We tried to make a reservation on Friday night, but were not allowed as they were entering their dinner rush. We were told that they usually have a lot of turnover when people leave the bar around 8, so we decided to walk over. We entered at about 8 and put our names on the list. The bar was packed, but we were again told that people would be heading out soon. Now I've lived in Boston long enough to know about the Fri/Sat dinner crowd. I definitely did not expect to be seated immediately. We hung around and had a drink or two at the bar - but, I was starving! When we tried to check where we were on the list with the host, he assured us we would be sat in 10-15 minutes. Although he took great pains to say he didn't really know for sure. This continued for over an hour. Every time we asked, he implied that tables were getting ready to leave. This prevented us from walking out the door to a less busy establishment! We were seated a little bit after 10pm. We were very close to the door, which was constantly opened and closed; this made our food cool really fast, which wasn't pleasant. I ate with my coat on. The food was still terrific. The service this time was meh. I was "hangry!" The cold wind and blah service did not cheer me up. I understand that places are busy on the big nights at the big times. I get that! However, please don't BS me around for over an hour! I recognize that I could have walked, but the host was hinting each time we asked that it would only be a little longer. And after sinking that much time in, who really wants to give up? I should have cut my losses. My advice: make a reservation if you can, and don't risk it on a busy night if you can't.
(3)Monica A.
We bought a bottle from Spain. Very good. The spicy sangria. Very good. One of us got a cocktail with grapes floating around. That was sweet and very very good. Ambiance was loud and they played a random selection of music from the 80's and 90's.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Great place. Great ambiance and energy. Just make sure you eat dinner before you come. Smallest portions ever. Tapas translates to starving. Fortunately Pinos is open late - chicken parm for dessert.
(3)Phil O.
Wow, what an experience. This place is wayyyyy better than American Craft. My girlfriend and I ordered 5 tapas dishes, all of which were delectable. Although a bit on the expensive side, I plan on coming back here for sure.
(5)Tina L.
I came here this past weekend with friends to celebrate a new job. I had been here before and enjoyed my experience so thought it would be a nice place to introduce to my other foodie friends. There were 8 of us and we purposely arrived early so we could get our name down. They initially told us one hour. Then one and a half. Then more than two hours go by, and with so many stomachs grumbling and friends getting "hangry", we finally had to leave and go to another restaurant. Meanwhile, a party of 14 was there for over two hours (walked in same time as me) and I assume they had made a reservation. However, when I had called earlier, they told me they didn't take reservations on weekends. Anyways, the party was in no rush to leave and management didn't seem to care to find us a table until we started for the door. The option they gave us was a booth for 6 where all the other waiting patrons would be hovering over us. No thanks. My suggestion to BWB is to have more tables for large parties or at least allow larger parties (say, 6 or more) to make reservations in advance. Couldn't believe we actually waited that long and still didn't get a table or apologies for underestimating the wait time so much. Perhaps it was to keep us there and feel like we were close to being seated. Anyways, everyone agreed that we don't ever want to wait that long again and will be considering other restaurants in the future. Lesson learned: wait time is waaaay long and not worth waiting that long for. Large groups, stay away!
(1)Patrick C.
I went to Barcelona with some friends from India, it was an all and all awesome. Eric the manager came right to the table to check on the service. Our waiter, who I also believe was named Eric was tentative, not pushy and so easy to talk to. The Foie_gras pairing with the sherry was out of this world. The only downside to this place is the poor signage, we had to poke around a couple of times in different restaurants to verify where this place was. I highly recommend this place. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
(5)Lily R.
A big fan of spanish food I've been to many tapas restaurants in boston and cambridge and cities in Spain as well. My advice is to SKIP the Barcelona Wine Bar and go to Toro in the South End or Dali or any others, honestly. It was like Fast Food tapas with a loud, overcrowded atmosphere (think boston sports bar without the TVs). I was not surprised to find out that it was a chain. I wish I had known before I tried it. Paella was a major disappointment.
(1)JLH ..
I have the biggest crush on this place. This does remind me of being in Barcelona (without having to stand to eat pinchos) :) The wine is just amazing. the food is awesome. the bread is evil. (in a good way) The bartenders, servers, and host staff are all super friendly and knowlegable. it's officially my favorite neighborhood hang
(5)M B.
Definately the go-to place when craving tapas. Like like like. Good ambiance, good service, good food, and good location.
(5)Dorise G.
don't be in a rush. come on a tuesday. come when it's beautiful out, ask to be seated outside. service was decent, even if the food came out in 2 waves with looooong stretches in between. this is spanish food, friend - slow down. get a glass of sangria. everything's gonna be alright. in the first wave: ~ham & manchego (didn't eat the ham but the manchego was solidly fantastic. especially on their delicious warm crusty bread) ~potato tortilla - it's an omelet with potatoes inside that's kind of quiche-y but more separated. delish. ~OLIVES. get the olives. i realize this seems basic, but they're marinated a little citrus-y and are more special than your average assortment. ~spiced beef empanadas - good but expendable. i might opt for other things on the menu first. round one highlights: all good, but the olives and the manchego are must-haves. second wave: ~eggplant caponata. delicious, but wished it had arrived in the first wave before i had the opportunity to fill up on bread. the only leftover we wound up with. ~MACKEREL - like whoa - not smoked but i think coated and pan-fried with marinated tomato and olive garnish. so so good. ~ARANCINI - mushroom and onion arancini with drizzles of honey on top - these were savory dessert balls more than straight menu items, and made us feel less bad about being too full for dessert. round 2 highlights: would definitely get the mackerel and arancini again. would also steal it off someone else's plate. i'm just sayin. i will not attempt to brave this place on a weekend, but i'll tell ya - if you've got a mid-week cause for celebration, barcelona wine bar is a solid bet. tons of options (many exciting veg options, too!), and there are ways to do the tapas so that you'll be totally full, experiment a-plenty, and the bill won't be insane. next time, tho, i'm going to have to quell the ordering a smidge so i can try dessert, too! perfecto.
(4)Mike G.
saw suckling pig on menu and thought, this needed to happen. 'cept they ran out. never the mind as everything (nearly) had was yum: charcuterÃa, wild dandelion salad, calamari, albondigas. word to chef, it won't break the bank to add more pasta in the lobster fideos as the dish got way rich and salty after the broth cooked down. so dudes and dudettes of Yelp, you did good recommending this joint. was happy and happening on a Sunday, much like in a taperia Madrileñas come midnight.
(4)Molls S.
Had so much fun! All the staff was great and so nice. The manager got us a tongue to try... Not a fan but fun to try! Everything else was AMAZING! Very nice atmosphere to have some good drinks in.
(5)Tom T.
What a fun place! Late night music and atmosphere make for a fun evening. I'm writing this review as someone in the industry just to preface. I think my server understood my dismay when I found out out they were out of bread (not the biggest of deals, I know) and when I jokingly asked what she would do to make up for the lack of gluten, she replied "nothing" and walked away. Half annoyed and half not happy I would not be able to construct an adult lunchable, I canceled the food part of my order. She delivered my drink order and then moments later, came over with the food I ordered claiming it was on her. I'm hoping it wasn't rung in, b/c I'll feel like ass. I was only joking about the lack of bread, which is very good mind you, but to deliver on an attempt to better my experience brought me much JOY. So again, thank you!
(5)Le N.
Celebrated my birthday along with a friend's birthday here (group of 13 ppl) and I had a wonderful experience! Usually when you have a large group, service tends to be neglected since there's an automatic 18% gratuity applied. However, service here was top notched and tip was NOT automatically applied despite the large party. I had James as my server and I thought he was great. With a large group, they recommend that we do the chef special tasting for $35/person instead of everyone picking there own tapas/dishes. My party and I chose to do that to make ordering easier. James told us to let us know if there's something we really wanted to try from the menu and he'd incorporate it into the chef tasting; otherwise, he'd go off his own suggestion as well as the most popular dishes. Whatever we liked, we were allowed to ask for more of. They basically brought out 6 tapas (three of each) for us to start off with. Then 5 entree plates (each entree plate was meant to serve 2 ppl.. but it definitely can serve more than 2 ppl given the portion size!). Lastly, they brought out two types of dessert. There was more than enough food and the food was pretty good too. Now let me tell you why I thought James is more than awesome. I told him I was lactose tolerant and he was very considerate of that. Most of the dishes he brought out didn't contain dairy so that I could eat it as well; yet he still brought out a couple with dairy since they were their popular dishes. However, he made sure to inform me of which dishes had dairy so that I wouldn't eat it and was very informative about all the dishes. I really appreciate that - THANKS JAMES! And staff was very observant about whose glasses need to be refilled with water or more sangria - two thumbs up for this! Lastly, we brought a cake (two actually) to celebrate my friend's and my birthdays. The staff did a great job cutting the cake (and not charging a fee.. big plus for me!!) and plating it for her. Definitely will be back for good food and service! =)
(5)Augustina L.
This is probably my favorite tapas restaurant in the Boston area. I go here once every few months and am never disappointed. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable about food, and really take time to explain their food. The housemade sausage is delicious (they don't always have this, but sometimes the chef decides to make homemade sausage). The cured meat are also excellent. Basically, everything is good, including the wine and cocktails. Even if you don't see it on the menu, ask for the pulpo (octopus). Sometimes they have it but don't put it on the menu.
(5)Anabelle D.
If you like spanish food, this is the palce to go. High quality food and serivce, great decor/ambiance and really good value for what you pay.
(5)Chrizzle D.
LOVE this place. I've been twice, and there is not ONE bad thing I've eaten here. Get the hanger steak with the truffle sauce and thank me later. Be sure to make reservations as this place gets suuuper busy. Made reservations for 8:45, but we ended up getting seated closer to 9:15. Would've been slightly peeved, except for the fact that they served us sangria as we waited. Our guests were quite pleased with this and were happy to stick around (especially with our endorsement of the food). Barcelona did not disappoint. Get out and try this place!
(5)Joe J.
So last night had a huge meal at Barcelona Wine Bar and it did not disappoint on any level, or in any aspect. First, service is a team oriented thing here, so everyone helps clear tables, refill waters, etc. Employees are very helpful, insightful, and accommodating. The wine list here is superb and I was very happy with the recommendations given to us. Side note: Bloody Mary is very good here. Most of the menu items are tapas, and they all are prepared fresh and look/taste delicious. Salads are vibrant, sauces are flavorful, presentation is A+. Honeslty, you pay for what you get here, which is top of the line service and food. Just a rundown of what was ordered, without any complaints: Albondigas (meatballs) - 5 per order, delicious Raddish Salad - Excellent small starter salad Mixed olives - Great additional snack to the complementary bread Lobster Fideos - Excellent meal. A little different, but excellent nonetheless. Mixed Salad - Large fresh romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes and a light house dressing. Churrasco Steak (medium) - Excellent cooking job by the chef, also the green chimchurri sauce is amazing. Mussels - Deceptively spicy, but I love spicy food. Give this place a try if you are in the area. Honestly haven't had a bad experience here. Had brunch on a weekend, (lamb burger) and it was also very, very good. A++
(5)Nicole M.
Absolutely loved it and thought it was worth all the hype. Went a while ago so I can't remember exact dishes, but I know we ate every nibble of our meal, and finished the carafe of sangria. We got mostly menu items but also some specials of the night. YUM. The vibe, the crowd, the food, the drinks - all fantastic. Also, we were both extremely surprised when the bill showed up and my response was "that's it?!!" I was expecting it to be much higher.
(5)Eric F.
Wow this place is good. Delicious sangria and tapas. Great vibe. No complaints--highly recommended.
(5)Laura A.
Went to dinner with a group of 7, all tapas were excellent! Wine selection and pairing / suggestions were great. Service was fast and staff seemed happy to be working here. We would come back anytime.
(5)Mark M.
Friendly staff. Very attentive but not hovering. The wife and I rolled in without reservations or exceptions. We left planning our next visit. We sampled the tapas. The stand out for me was the chorizo assuage and dates (or maybe figs) salty sweet fatty heaven in this man's mouth. The wife approved of the empanadas and loved the kale dish. I would also add that the bread was a real standout as well. I'm not sure if it is made in house or not but it made every thing better included with the Serrano ham. Worth the trip to visit
(5)Tru T.
After an awesome experience here last week, I'm Going here again tonight with other friends! Love this place! Great ambiance, food, sangria s! And it really wasn't expensive! We had quite the feast, going family style with our tapas several pitchers of sangria and each of us payed $25! Go here for birthdays or date nights or night out with friends!
(5)Mia S.
I've been to Barcelona a half a dozen times since it's opened and I have to say--I'm always impressed. The food is delicious and if it's not, don't fret. Let the waiter know. The first time I ate here, all but one of the tapas were amazing. There was one we personally didn't care for and left alone. I didn't say anything because it was fine...just not our cup of tea (odd spice?) The waiter noticed and without asking brought us a small bonus dessert, saying, "I noticed you didn't go for that other plate..." I figured the above and beyond customer services was because they just opened. I haven't had a bad tapa since, but the service is still amazing and consistent. The staff really make the place! Be warned, waits can get really long on weekend (I'm talking 2 hours). But you can grab drinks at the bar and sit on the front patio while you wait. I also suggest dining like you're in Spain...I've sat down quickly if I show up after 10 p.m.
(4)Joanna H.
The vibe of this place is awesome. It's the sort of place that reminds you that Boston is actually a city and there is still yet more to explore. Tapas weren't what impressed me here. It was the drinks and dessert: - Highly recommend the red wine sangria (so sweet and fruity, split it between two people and both will definitely get a nice buzz). - For cheese, do try the nutty, sheep cheese Manchego that is very rich and creamy. - Save room for dessert, because the (dark & rich) chocolate y churros and dulce de leche bocadillos are phenomenal. One major dislike: Stale and hard bread... always a turn-off
(5)Sawyer E.
I LOVE BARCELONA!!!!!! This place opened just recently and the second I heard about it I had to go. I have already been there 3 times in past month, and every meal has been different but amazing. Sangria = BOOOOM. I dont usually go for the Sangria at any restaurant but they put a TON of booze in it. Its an affordable, delicious way to start the night. Food = The leg of ham that the HEAD CHEF cut at our table was melt in your mouth, meat heaven. I am especially fond of the sheeps cheese as well, but honestly you cannot go wrong. I even loved the beet salad and I have never been one to jump for beet joy! Service = GABE and Jamie were awesome. Funny, smart, they even helped us out with our order. I like that, you know what on the menu is awesome so tell me about it. Thats it! Go here and invite me so I can east some of your food.
(5)R B.
Excellent place in every way. The warmest, most efficient staff. Delicious, consistent high quality food. Big variety. If you are adventurous there are interesting tapas options. If not, you can get something simple like a hangar steak. Lovely outdoor seating in the warm weather. Great bar area, as well as two dining areas. Good value. There is no better place ! You will be glad you went. Reservations for sure a good idea!
(5)Hayley M.
Good. Very, very good. Let me start off by saying that I would have liked to give Barcelona 4.5 stars, but since yelp won't let me do that, 4 it is. I went to Barcelona with a reservation (THANK GOODNESS!) on Valentine's night. It was packed. I have no idea if it is always packed on a Thursday night or just for Valentine's Day, but either way I would recommend making a reservation. A couple that came in right behind us without one waited well over an hour for their table. We started off with a round of sangria, the traditional red for me and the flora for my man. His was quite strong and delicious, he polished it off before I was 1/3 of the way through mine. My red sangria was fantastic. It tasted like an alcoholic Hawaiian Punch (which sounds terrible but trust me it was wonderful). We ordered the Gambas al Ajillo, which I order at every single tapas restaurant, the Potato Tortilla, the Grilled Hanger Steak, the Grilled Sunchokes, and the Spicy Beef Empanadas. The Hanger Steak came highly recommended from one of my nearest and dearest friends (who loves yelp shoutouts. Hi Amy!). She said it was delicious and a large serving size, and she was right. We polished it off immediately and ordered a second plate of it. The meat was tender and the sauce on it was positively addictive. The tortilla was good but standard. The empanada was pretty good but the chive sour cream that came with the tortilla really kicked it up a notch. If you order the Beef Empanada, ask for a side of the chive sour cream. YUM. The only thing that didn't wow me was the fact that our food wasn't hot when it came out. They brought us our food as it was cooked, but at the same time, it was never hot. The Gambas are supposed to be bubbling, and the plate was, but the food inside was lukewarm. Hence the loss of a star. Overall, an amazing evening with wonderful and attentive service. I will attribute the food temperature to the sheer craziness of Valentine's Day. All of the food was perfectly spiced with great flavors in everything. I will definitely be back, and hopefully not on such a busy night!
(4)Bets H.
I had the worst meal of my life at Barcelona. The paella was salty and tasted wrong. Some of the shellfish should have been discarded, because it was rotten. My dining companion had the pork belly, which was dry and tough. Note to kitchen...why don't you slice the meat before serving. It is very awkward and difficult at a small table for a patron to slice the pork. The tapas was awful. We ordered three and left them after a taste. The only good part of the meal were the servers. I had recently been at Barcelona in Stamford Connecticut where the food was so much better. I expected the same quality at the Brookline restaurant and was sorely disappointed. Oh, yes, and the noise level was deafening.
(1)Jason M.
Have been to Barcelona 4 times in the past couple months and each time it has been outstanding. Their menu changes daily and all 20-30 times i've tried so far have been outstanding... particularly the bone marrow, the chorizo and figs, and the crudo. Their has been a decent wait each time ive been their but the hosts do a great job trying to accommodate you and went as far as taking down my number and calling me when my table was ready so I could go do the bar next door for a drink as their bar was already crowded. It gets a bit loud, but it doesnt really effect table conversation. the wait staff was extremely friendly and I haven't had any issues with my order or my bills. would recommend highly and will certainly be back.
(5)Emily Z.
When a friend suggested Barcelona Wine Bar. I was thinking this would be a small intimate place that was more of a whole in the wall. Barcelona was nothing like that. For a Wednesday night the place was beyond packed. For only being opened two months word has really gotten around. The atmosphere reminded me of an old barrel room except it wasn't absolutely freezing. It was chic without being over kill and in the middle of the winter felt cozy and welcoming. We sat at the bar. Looking at the menu, I attempted to pick a glass of wine initially on my own. Now I'm not without hope on picking wine but Barcelona did a pretty good job of picking obscure wines that I wouldn't not normally have the opportunity to try at a wine store. I cannot express enough how amazing the bartender's customer service was. Seeing my confusion the waitress immediately offered to let me try different wines till I found one I was willing to drink an entire glass of. She had the patience of a saint, offering generous pours of a couple glasses before I settled on one I liked. She had to do this twice and the poor woman had to assist us in picking tapas as well careful to take in consideration foods we did not like (seafood and nuts). Her recommendations were spot on and delicious. Their dishes change constantly depending on the ingredients that are available. One week you could see a lot of items with squash and the next beets, it's very nice to have the variety in the menu. I could see coming back often for new home cooking meal tips. Neat tip about the bar, if you are there later in the evening, they often will create a tasting plate of one of their dishes and then serve everyone at the bar for free. Delicious and amazing to try new things. Also how I managed to get my seafood fix for the night, they couldn't have picked a better dish for the night!
(5)Kaitlyn O.
Went to Barcelona on a Thursday night and got right in, which was lucky because the whole place filled up immediately thereafter. The atmosphere and decor were great - I loved all the wood and the general aura of the place. The waiter was prompt and friendly - no complaints here. We ordered: sangria, cucumber salad, beat salad, beef tartar, lamb chops, beef empanadas, and broccolini. The lamb was by far the best. It was excellent, in fact. The beef tartar and salads was good, the empanadas and the broccolini were OK. Because everything was pretty good, the lamb was amazing, and the atmosphere was great it got 4 stars.
(4)Alex L.
Went to Barcelona Wine Bar last Friday with out of town friends and 2 kids. Had a fabulous time there. Arrived at restaurant at 6 and the place is packed. Reserved a table and got the table immediately. The place is very loud, somewhat causal and being a tapa place the menu has very good variety, all of which strangely make the restaurant very kids friendly. The service is good, albeit somewhat slow. We had 6-8 tapas and shared a paella. The manager (Nicole) apologized several times during the meal for the slow service and actually comped a couple tapas and paella because of it, which is a nice gesture. Will definitely come back.
(5)Christine G.
My friends and I had an absolutely phenomenal time at Barcelona. We had reservations for 10 at 7:30, but our table wasn't ready until after 8 so we hung out at the very crowded bar and grabbed a few drinks. It wasn't a big deal. We were having a grand ol' time just talking to each other, but as soon as we sat down, we were showered with complementary tapas for the inconvenience. It was confusing at first--we thought we were receiving someone else's tapas and tried to send them back 2 or 3 times, but once we got it all figured out, it was great! The gesture was very much appreciated and really set the tone for the entire night. After we settled in, we ordered additional drinks and tapas. Everything was tasty, but there were definitely some stand-out dishes like the truffle bikini (which is called this because it is cut into a triangle. Sadly, this took us about 45 minutes to figure out), the herbed mushrooms and goat cheese, the jamon and chicken croquettes, and the patatas bravas. Also the patatas bravas. And the patatas bravas. Yes, we had at least 3 of those. You really can't go wrong with potatoes covered in cheese sauce. For dessert, we had lots and lots of churros with chocolate sauce. I haven't had churros since I was actually in Spain over a decade ago, so I was really excited for these. They were perfect--light and chewy. I was also able to get a half pour glass of wine with my dessert which I love. I *almost* docked a star for a few reasons. First off, it is incredibly crowded. While we were standing at the bar, we had to constantly move so that servers could get by. Not the fault of the restaurant, obviously, but something to keep in mind, especially on a Saturday night. Secondly, the communication wasn't stellar. Our server unfortunately had lost her voice and couldn't effectively speak over the noise. Eventually, she recruited another server to help with that part. Again, not their fault, but I've read other reviews that said the multiple server situation confused them, so perhaps it wasn't entirely situational. The servers were remarkably friendly, though, so that compensated for the miscommunication. Overall, dining at Barcelona was a fabulous experience. It's no wonder this place is so popular. Totally worth braving the crowd! (Tip: fill out a comment card!)
(5)Reid F.
What a great place for tapas and Spanish specialties. The food is excellent, as is the service. Both Eric and James helped to provide us with an outstanding meal. The wine list is also very good, although many of the red wines by the glass are too young.
(5)Ido W.
The bottom line: Impressive setup, friendly service, but I have had better food elsewhere on multiple occasions and the prices are a bit steep for the product. The Pros: The restaurant is beautiful and really gives you a feeling you are sitting in a classy place. The Cons: I like tapas. But despite the variety of dishes we tried, nothing really struck me as excellent. Most of what I had was just 'okay'. As note above, I think the price builds on the design more than the product.
(3)Noelle L.
Love the decor inside, very sexy! Delicious tapas at a great price.. my fiance and I ordered 6 and couldn't finish them. The service was so SO personable and timely. Do get the balsamic mushrooms with goat cheese and the lobster pasta "risotto".. I'll be going back for sure
(5)Timothy H.
So even though our friends told us that their food tastes microwaved and is overpriced, we decided that maybe they went on an off day and gave it a shot. I had a few whiskey drinks and we shared 5 tapas. I couldn't feel the drinks much and some of the dishes were slightly cold in the middle which is very reminiscent of an improperly nuked hot pocket. Overall, things weren't bad... but they weren't great. And it was very pricey, unjustifiably so. With other amazing restaurants in the area like The Abbey, Washington Square Tavern, and The Publick House... Im not sure of the fate of this new establishment... Take a pass on this one, as promising as it may seem on the inside.
(2)Susan L.
I can't believe I only just discovered Barcelona! This place is HOPPIN along with many of the restaurants in Washington Square. I came here for my friend's moving-away party and there were nine of us at the table and she made a reservation for 8:45 but we weren't seated until close to 9:00. We ordered a bunch of tapas so I'll only mention a few dishes that I really enjoyed and would order again from top to bottom: - Chorizo and Figs - The chorizo and the figs balanced each other in taste: the chorizo was salty and meaty while the figs were sweet and a bit sour. Overall the dish was a bit on the sweet side (which I liked) but I offset it with the sheep's cheese put it on their house bread. YUMMM I could not get enough of this combination. - Whipped Sheep's Cheese - If you've never had sheep's cheese, well you're definitely missing out and should order this... well only if you like cheese. Who am I kidding - you're crazy if you don't like cheese! Anyway, the cheese is super soft and spreadable and topped with with crushed pistachios and paprika. - Brussel Sprouts - Cooked in bacon fat from the thick bits of bacon in this dish. Can't go wrong with anything cooked in bacon fat, right? - Mussels - Cooked in a tomato-base broth. Super tasty! If I wasn't so full, I would've drank that broth, too! - Kale Salad - I would kill for the anchovy vinaigrette they dressed the kale with. i never really had a raw kale, but it was perfect. - Grilled Hangar Steak - Tender and flavorful with hints of truffle. Oh and how can I forget the sangria? Do you not like red? Well, they also make a white sangria that was just as good! I'm surprised Barcelona is rated $$$, when it should really be rated $$ which is standard for a tapas joint. There's a separate bar area as well if you just want drinks or are waiting for a table. I'll definitely come back again soon the next time I'm in the mood for tapas!
(5)Eric M.
I have two complaints about this place. 1) They're not in Chicago 2) They didn't have the awesome razor clams I had the last time I was in the city of Barcelona Other than that, I have no complains. I loved the food. I loved the service. I loved the selection of drinks. I loved the ambiance. I loved the bartenders. I loved the surface of the bar. I loved the crowd. All love, all around. I actually emailed them the next day and asked them to open a Chicago location. And where I live in Chicago is already near 3-4 very capable Spanish places. But that's how impressed I was with Barcelona Wine Bar - it was just really, really excellent. Even from where I'm staying in Cambridge, it's not at all convenient for me to get to Barcelona Wine Bar, but I will be back at least a couple times before I move back to Chicago next month. If you're wanting Spanish food in the Boston area, you really have to go to this place.
(5)Jennifer T.
Hands down, best tapas place in Boston. Toro used to be my go-to-place, but even if Toro was accessible, food here is WAYYY better. I have been to Toro almost 3 times in one week. The first time was to meet a girlfriend for dinner and to scope out the place for my corporate retreat dinner. Then I came back again to share the experience with my boyfriend. Since then, I have been back multiple times and I only found this place at the end of February! Brad, the manager, is so sweet. This place has awesome food -- flavors that you'd never imagine and on top of that, top-notch customer service. I work in the service industry and this places delivers BETTER customer service when they are busy (that's usually harder). My faves: - chorizo & fig - lobster fideos (I think this is coming off the menu or is already gone) - hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette - foie gras My only recommendation is that you need to have a reservation. I'm awful at making reservations because of my work schedule so I just show up and I have to wait at least an hour (all 6-7 times that I've been here so far).
(5)Kelsey F.
I was super excited when I made the connection that the Barcelona in Brookline was the same owners as the CT restaurants. I've been to both of the New Haven and West Hartford locations. With some high expectations the new one in Washington Square definitely exceeded them. My boyfriend and I came for dinner on its first weekend and have also visited with some girlfriends for Thursday night drinks. Both time the service was excellent. The servers and bartenders are on point, very attentive, and super friendly. Irene at the bar even gave me and my 4 girlfriends some free shots because they were visiting from Chicago. The shots were really good and made with jalapeño infuse tequila cilantro and some other goodness. They also have some pretty awesome and authentic sangria. As for the food, you really can't go wrong. Some of my favorite tapas are the chorizo with fig, hanger steak with truffle, and the mushroom and goat cheese. They also have a great selection of meats and cheeses to start with...not to mention the delicious fresh bread and olive oil they bring to your table! So I guess you get it...definitely go try out Barcelona. So excited to have them in the neighborhood!
(5)Ryan O.
My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant after seeing the reviews on Yelp and it was great! We sat at the bar and shared a pitcher of the white ginger sangria recommended by our waitress, Irene. The sangria was awesome and the tapas were delicious! Irene was very personable and funny, and everything she recommended was great. Definitely coming back!
(5)k n.
This place is very very loud and unpleasant inside. I was disappointed because I had heard so many great things on Yelp, but I think the managers must be writing the reviews. The food was just okay, not many options that were healthy, and more of a Argentinian or Latin American menu than a "Barcelona" menu.
(1)Sandy H.
I've been here twice in the last few weeks and it's now become my favorite restaurant. Why? They have great service and great food. What more can you ask for? Our servers each time were very attentive and didn't try to push more food on us. They also gave great suggestions since the menu was overwhelming. I am determined to come back here with a bigger party so that I can try every dish. Bread - it was still a little warm and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside and crispy, crunchy on the outside. Sucking Pig Entree - This is definitely a dish you need to share. It was HUGE. A portion for one was the leg of a little porker. The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and seasoned well. Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela - chickpeas were a bit mushy and I'm not a huge fan of cumin so...maybe not this one next time. Spicy Eggplant Caponata - I really liked this dish. Savory and a bit spicy. It was great with the bread. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts - Solid dish, but I wished they were a little more crispy and minty. Kale Salad - Loved this dish! It was light and refreshing. The bread crumbs were a surprising touch. I really couldn't taste the anchovies in the vinaigrette. Octopus Salad - wasn't so impressed with this dish. Just a few tiny pieces of octopus and it's texture was a little off. The flavor was more interesting than good. Grilled Hanger Steak - cooked to medium rare perfection and the tangy truffle sauce was amazing. Fresh Sardines Special - took the suggestion of our server and got it. Never had sardines and we were pleasantly surprised. Warm Chocolate Indulgence - it's like a chocolate lava cake without the lava on the inside and with coconut ice cream on top. Needless to say, it was good. Crepas Salguero - Good stuff. Ours was really heavy on the dulce de leche, but I ain't complaining. Sangrias - The red was good, the white was okay, but my favorite is the sangria flora. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Cian C.
Visited with 6 friends on a busy Saturday night. After a bit of a wait for our table (~15mins), we were seated. Draught beer selection is short, but well chosen - bottle selection impressive for what is foremost a wine bar. We ordered a list of tapas for the table, the first of which arrived very promptly. Every dish was good, although where there was potential for greatness nothing stood out in particular. Both the Patatas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo are such simple dishes they should have tasted as a stand-out part of the meal, but didn't deliver. None the less, every dish was solidly above average, and the menu offers incredible selection. The final bill, after two rounds of drinks and many many tapas was only ~$150 for 6, which I thought incredibly reasonable. Would gladly return!
(4)mari m.
A PF CHANG'S WANNA-BE FOR TAPAS Granted, I used to live in Barcelona. And granted, I'm a bit of a foodie. But this place is very lame -- worse than PF Chang's, which I don't even really like. AMBIANCE Chain restaurant trying unsuccessfully to be hip. And the feeble attempt at some form of authenticity -- the hams hanging near the kitchen -- is laughable. Get yourself a pata negra or forego the fakeness of it all. FOOD Mediocre. Food that was supposed to be hot was merely warm. The gambas didn't have enough garlic in them. I could go on and on. SERVICE Meh. They kept bringing our dishes to the party seated next to us. Over and over. And they would remove stuff without asking if we were done.
(2)Siobhan B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline! I would highly recommend for a date or group of friends. I've eaten outside, at the bar, and in the dining area - all are great depending on your mood. My favorite tapas are the cheese place (cana de cabra and romao, cabra romero), grilled hanger steak, spring risotto, fiddleheads and mushrooms, mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, and patatas bravas. Save room for dessert - the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence and apple crisp are the perfect way to end a delicious meal!
(5)Dave F.
Go for the wine list--the Spanish reds are fantastic here. Have measured expectations for the tapas though. The tapas are fine, but Tapeo and Taberna de Horo further down the C Line offer much more flavorful dishes. What works in suburban Connecticut doesn't quite cut it in Boston. The bartenders at Barcelona were all very nice and excited about service. The atmosphere is lively, highlighted by the circular wine bar--a fun spot to pull up a stool. Overall, Barcelona offers a nice experience, but we'll just stick to wine next time.
(3)Allison L.
I went back for my birthday and they were wonderfully accommodating and brought me a gluten free chocolate cake for dessert! They even brought me two since we had a big group.
(5)A L.
Place was pretty good. Super crowded, but they take your phone number so we were able to stroll down to another bar for a drink before we got sat. The wait was said to be an hour and a half but we didn't get called for two hours. Our sever was great but the food wasn't as good as I expected - and their sangria is TERRIBLE. I thought I was drinking from a frat house punch bowl. Not what I expected, but I'd give it another shot. But next time, I'll order a real cocktail.
(3)Christine D.
Highly recommend. Night was busy, but service was great. We had a wine flight, which is a great value. About $15 for 3 good pours of interesting Spanish wines. Pork belly amazing. A number of seasonal local choices, like Fiddleheads. They need to improve their signage, almost impossible to find by sign. Make sure you use a good GPS or map. Once you are there, you will love it.
(5)Ari L.
Decided to try this place the week before I moved out of the area. Unsure why I didn't go sooner. Everything was awesome. Cocktails were very unique and good and the food was great. Definitely would recommend the Beet and Plum Salad, the Chorizo and Figs, and the Hangar Steak. Edit: Follow up visits were significantly less great. Still ok, not exciting.
(3)Ally S.
My boyfriend and I have come here once a week without fail for a while now. I just don't even know where to start. This is definitely my favorite place to eat in Brookline. It could possibly make my Boston Top 5 list. We usually stick to the meats and cheeses menu and the tapas menu, while we religiously polish off two pitches of red sangria. I've never been disappointed by anything there. My boyfriend and I work in the industry at a different restaurant. I'm a server, and he's a cook, which is what I think makes us appreciate this place so much. The service is impeccable, accommodating, and knowledgable, and the food is just amazing. Also, the decor is spot on. I even like the creepy series of Jack Nicholson pictures in the ladies' room. For us, it's usually a three or four course event with about three tapas per course. This would normally leave us with repeats by visit number three, but every time we've come, there's been something new and inevitably delicious. Yes, you're going to spend some money, and I promise you it's worth it. Don't forget the sangria, and get the foie gras, if it's available. That is all.
(5)Rebecca G.
After not getting in on a Saturday evening due to a long wait, I was impressed that the manager called the next day to apologize and offer a future reservation. Tonight my friends and I took him up on this and had one of the best meals we've ever had in Boston (and we've gotten around). The service was superb, the food was flawless. The bread was outrageous! Do not miss out on the eggplant caponata, patatas bravas and brussel sprouts. I've fallen in love with the hot dahlia (jalapeño infused tequila) but you can't go wrong with the cocktails and if you can't make up your mind on wine or beer you can have a taste! Thank you Barcelona! You guys are doing everything right.
(5)Maria L.
So many people recommend this place. So my husband and I went to have a great date night. Meh. After NYC Tapas bars, this place is average. Just because it's hopping at night doesn't mean it's well organized. They were friendly, I give them that. However, after we put in our food order, it was never communicated to the kitchen. So we sat for an hour hungry, drinking Sangria. I finally did the New York thing and complained, and it became apparent the food wasn't coming for some time. The weird thing was that our Paella order did somehow go through, but never made it to our table. So they tried to reheat it but ended up burning it. Then they told us they burned it and were making a new one. This is now 2 hrs in. They did give us a bunch of free appetizers and our bill was pretty much nothing for all the free stuff. They are super nice and the food that made it to us was good. But on busy nights, they need to get their act together.
(3)Sean W.
I have been waiting for Barcelona Wine Bar to open since American Craft closed a year ago, and the wait was worth it. Having been to the Catalan epicenter of Barcelona twice in the past year, I have become a fan of tapas and Jamon Iberia. The setting for Barcelona Wine Bar is rustic Spanish that focused on small plates, charcuterie, and shared big plates - paella! Living just a block away, we decided to head up on opening night and just eat and drink at the marble bar. Wine, brews, and tapas are featured on the chalkboard. The draft beer list is limited to four options - but all four were local craft beer options, so I settled with a Clown Shoes Miracle IPA. My better half was offered a taste of a rosada before deciding what to settle on, the service was solid, especially for a busy first night. We started with the manchego cheese & jamon and beef charcuterie plate, before advancing to three of the small plates, including the chorizo and figs, empanadas, and spinach and chickpeas. We have a love for meats and cheeses and for not walking far for dinner, so I am sure we will be back.
(4)Sara C.
Tapas are great and the energy is buzzing. But way too cramped and loud to enjoy the people you're with. Had to yell across the table. And service was spotty on a Friday night. But the tortilla and hangar steak and croquetas were tasty. I loved in spain and am rarely impressed by stateside tortilla. This one lived up! Croquetas were cheesy deliciousness. Beet salad was disappointing. Presentation was nice - but it was overloaded with pistachios and the beets didn't seem ripe. Liked the never ending bread basket though they could upgrade the olive oil selection.
(3)Bethania P.
A great place! We loved the ambience, the service and the food. We had wine with dinner, but heard that the drinks are great at the bar- something to try next time! We really enjoyed the various tapas,but were VERY pleased with the Potato Tortilla. We also ordered and loved the lobster fideos. The fideos were so spicy and tasty. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Alexandria H.
I love coming to Barcelona! They always make me feel like a close friend and provide great recommendations for what to order. I love starting with a meat and cheese plate, and then moving onto some tapas to share. The food is always delicious, but the fig and chorizo tapas is my absolute favorite. Sweet and savory? Yes please. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy? The rose sangria. Delightful.
(5)Nick S.
Brought a friend here for dinner a week ago. Fantastic atmosphere; unique and expansive menu; friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff and management. A little pricey, but you do get what you paid for. The beer menu is also fantastic if you're into rare and obscure craft beers.
(5)Binks P.
I just wanted a salad or small bites and good wine for my last night in town, and found this place online. The kale salad was delish (and I've had some crappy kale salads), so I ordered the chorizo and sweet-sour figs, which were AMAZING! The dessert wine list was all sherry (which I don't know as well as port), so I asked the one of the staff, and she gave some helpful ideas for what would go well with my chocolate dessert. Staff were great, food was fabulous, and I will definitely stop by again next time I'm in Brookline!
(4)Sarah K.
I was so excited when Barcelona opened in Boston, I used to frequent the CT locations while in college. A great menu of tapas, cheese & meats, a large list of wines by the glass. Great atmosphere, beautiful space.
(5)Mona T.
I want to come here every week. We were a group of 4 and ordered 10 tapas. Favorites: Brussel sprouts, hangar steak, wild boar, chickpea fries, fig with chorizo and the croquettes (had to order seconds) For dessert if you like caramel i recommend the crepes if not the churros The service in the dining room was very fluid. They pay attention to every detail. Decor was also great.
(5)Caroline F.
All I can say is delicious! Came with a group of 4 and ordered 12 tapas for us all. Best dish of the night was the sea bass ceviche. It was to die for, make sure you order it! other tasty options included meat & cheese plates, arugula salad with beets and goat cheese. If you come with someone who isn't a fan of the tapas way there are some entree options for them if they want to get a meal. My dad got the paella which was also really good. Barcelona was a great drink selection as well. You can really find almost anything there, they even had my favorite which is a caiprinha which is pretty hard to find. I also give service and dessert five stars.
(5)K C.
Really love it here, ambiance, food, service, and drinks are all great! The patio is wonderful on a nice day. Great restaurant in the area definitely some of the best tapas in Boston!
(4)Florina K.
There are soo many good things about this place. But first I would like to start out with the service. I don't know about you, but I go out in the city all the time, and the service is rarely up to par. The service here is AMAZING, the decor is great, and so is the atmosphere. The place is great for a date as well as a group. We had Scribbles, and Jaime as our waiters they were just great, we hope the next time we come back we get them again:) The food is also great! The skirt steak is phenomenal, a must try. And the chocolate indulgence is just addicting with amazing coconut chocolate chip ice cream. We are so excited for this place to open up their patio this summer as well:)
(5)Wonder W.
Fantastic new addition to Brookline. Love love the interiors with raw wood panels, low lights and the different meats on hanger display. We had a carafe of rose sangria (fab) and shared a heap of tapas. All yum and our service was great. Totally packed on a Wednesday night so book ahead. Will be returning soon!!
(5)Hillary L.
Love this place! I always bring guests here who are visiting from out of town. Definitely order the hanger stake and the chorizo. After that - just enjoy good food, good wine, good company!
(5)Hayley B.
Barcelona wine bar is very close to my current apartment and has quickly become a go-to for a great meal with friends. The food is repeatedly outstanding. The first time I walked in they offered me sangria on the house while I waited for my table which was a great way to start off. I have tried many of the tapas here, with a few favorites being truffle hangar steak, tuffled bikini grilled cheese, empanadas, and the potato tortilla. I have sat inside every time because I only discovered this place mid fall, but I am anxiously awaiting the warmer weather where I can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere, food, and heat lamps.
(5)Grace W.
Suckling Pig: delicious bacon candy that's crunchy in all the right places and melt-in-your-mouth awesome that will probably thicken your blood vessels a few nanometers. Ordered one serving for two people, which I recommend if you want to try other tapas. Don't be disappointed when the one serving comes out - it might look less than 50% the size of a two-serving portion, but the taste was there. Fig and sausages: i can see why it's popular, with the salty and sweet, but it's a bit too sweet and not as interesting as the rest of the menu for me. Mushrooms with goat cheese: this was really salty and the manager agreed. he was kind enough to offer a new batch, which never came, but at least they took it off the bill. Steak: solid, fragrant and delicious truffle sauce. Came out immediately so it didn't stay warm for long. Wine: La Montesa was a great pairing. Churros: a bit soft and mushy on the inside, but otherwise came out hot and delicious with the chocolate. The chocolate was in a large mug, so it was a bit awkward to dip into. Service: friendly, attentive and not overbearing. Portions overall were decent. Atmosphere conducive to just about any occasion, and you can tell that the staff wants to keep the customers (both waiting and eating) happy. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(4)Alan L.
Great place! Highly recommend sitting outside. Even on a chilly night, the blankets and heat lamps make for an awesome dinner! Best things we ordered: hanger steak, red traditional sangria, and the crepes. WOW! SOOO GOOD!! Definitely coming back here soon!
(5)Chris R.
Simply amazing. I've never had a bad dish here after trying dozens of things. The migas (fried egge over chopped sausage and fried bread) is amazing, perfect patatas bravas, ham and cheese croquettes are out of this world, and golden beet orange and pesto salad is really good. Returning specials to look for are mini pulled pork sandwiches and pigs ears (weird but amazing if you like bacon). Specials are always, always good. Everything's good. Try the paella too, and just get a couple of tapas (if you can stop yourself). Cheeses and wines are spectacular, but the real standouts for me are the manchego cheese and a ginger and chili pepper red sangria. Brunch is also spectacular. I've loved the morcilla (spanish blood sausage) eggs benedict with smashed potatoes, as well and oxtail hash that's to die for. Churros are quite good with great chocolate, if you ever have room for dessert.
(5)Megan B.
This is a great new addition to Brookline! I read about the opening in Thrillist and wanted to try out Barcelona Wine Bar since I love tapas. I didn't know they had other locations, but the good reviews made this place look promising and I was not disappointed! It wasn't just the delicious food that impressed me either. The service was very attentive to our empty plates and water glasses and our waiter made great recommendations. The menu had unique options and was surprisingly, reasonably priced. (I personally always feel that tapas are a little over-priced). And the ambiance was great for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. I definitely plan to come back when the patio is open. Who doesn't ove sangria on a patio in the summer in Boston? I enjoyed everything we ordered but the best tapas were the lamb chops, chorizo and fig, and the mini jamon grilled cheese sandwiches. Quick tip: if you fill out the comment card at the table, you get a token for a free tapa. Free croquetas? Yes please!
(4)Julie N.
Do not leave without eating the crepes. You're welcome. Okay, but seriously? Go here. Wait. Wait some more. And then stuff your face with the best tapas you've had since you went to Spain that time. Best of the best.
(5)Steve S.
When I was a kid, this place was an upscale Italian restaurant named Walters. That was almost 40 years and 30 restaurants ago I think Barcelona may be here awhile. It is an expansive place with a bar to the left and two large dining rooms. It should be stated that I am not a tapas fan. Its not my thing, but Barcelona is different First the service is excellent. You are served by two waiters and a manager will check just in case. The food is wonderful, especially the salads. They were really unique in flavor. Even kale somehow tasted good, but there is a couple dishes for anyone Its funny. I was in Barcelona in June. I think the food in this Barcelona is actually better
(5)Laura W.
Barcelona Wine Bar is officially my favorite restaurant in this state of MA. Why? It's the food, it's the staff, it's the design. The tapa style, aka mini plates, makes the dinner experience fast paced and exciting. I loved the grilled hanger steak, cooked to perfection. I didn't even need a knife to cut this steak and it melt in my mouth! With the large menu constantly changing, I don't think I would ever get tired eating at Barcelona. My waitress and waiter were very attentive plus the manager gave me an kind greeting. Granted this wasn't a busy Saturday that I picked to dine, but I came in without a reservation in the most popular restarant in town and the host offered us a table without any wait. I appreciate the quality of service and food at Barcelona which is getting harder and harder to find today.
(5)Madeline F.
So excited to go back. I can't justify going out to dinner and not getting tapas. Everything was perfect, from food to drinks to service. I would say their cocktails rival any others I've had in the Allston/Brookline area. The interior is industrial and huge in a warm and sophisticated way, not drafty or impersonal. Hard to pick just one favorite small plate, but it comes down to the spinach chickpea cazuela, beets, and mushrooms with goat cheese. Oh and the squid ink dish was especially good.
(5)Michael C.
Amazing experience. The tapas here are great, and they change seasonally, if not daily. Some highlights: chorizo with sweet and sour figs, suckling pig croquettes, fried summer squash. You must try the steak with truffle sauce, it may be the tastiest thing I've ever had. There is a good wine selection, and I recommend asking the sommelier for suggestions. The tapas are not huge portions, and they are a little overpriced, but they really care about quality. I mentioned to my waitress that one of the tapas tasted off, and she immediately offered to replace it, even though everyone in my party had already tried it. Later, a manager came by to get even more feedback, and by the end they had comped the dish. My suggestion: go there with some friends, order some wine, order some tapas; sit, relax, enjoy. If something doesn't look or taste right, tell the staff and they'll take care of you.
(5)Sara M.
Growing up in Fairfield, CT, my family went to the Barcelona there for Tapas dinners and always had great meals. I was over the moon when I found out that we were getting one here too. Four of us went on a Thursday night, and reservations were a must. We tried some of the tempernillos, cocktails and a wine flight. The service, food, and drinks were all amazing. We had three servers for our table (I think one was a trainee), which could be overwhelming, but the food makes up for this 100%. We even got a free tapa coin from the manager for letting him know how everything was. This is a great place for people that like to try lots of little things, and eat long, relaxed meals. I cannot wait to go back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)Navah F.
This is our go-to restaurant - whether it's a celebration or just because, Barcelona never disappoints. They do fantastic veggie dishes (like their spinach and chickpea cazuela...I get it every time) as well as suculant meat and fish. While some dishes rank higher than others, the overall atmosphere and consistency of the food and service ensures we''ll always come back. They take amazing care of their regulars, and are excited to hear your feedback (they give away free tapas tokens for leaving feedback at the end of the meal). Drinks are just as good as the food. The berry bramble and ginger chilie sangria are personal favorites, and the waiters are knowledgeable enough to do pairings. You won't find a better deal and more accomidating team of tapas maestros. Just be sure you put in for a reservation Wednesday - Sunday or you can expect 1-2 hour waits. It is worth the wait!
(5)Steven C.
A few days before heading to Spain, my kids inform me of their desire to try Spanish cuisine. Yelped up the BWB. So the food seems a little bit more Madrid with some American fusion but I won't split hairs on the name. I can't find fault with a single dish - wonderfully prepared and great presenation. BTW - The spainish don't really care about presentation (IMHO). We started with a massive offering of jamon which was high quality but it would be nice to have multiple offerings. I know most Americans who have even heard of jamon thing of it as a single entity but there are other wonderful varieties of this cured hunk of yumminess. Our favorite dishes were the Hanger Steak and Sweet Breads. Th black truffle vinegrette on the steak was pure foodgasm heaven. Excellent service, decent price and crafted food. BTW - Their sangria rocks too!
(5)Brian C.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday morning/early afternoon to find that the place wasn't that busy. Was a little concerned by this, but we sat down and placed our orders anyway, and I must say, this place was INCREDIBLE! Options for brunch include items from a Char-Grilled Lamb Burger, to a Plancha Omelette, to Smoke Blue Fish Cakes. There are a handful of tapas available during brunch in case you want to share something with your date or group of friends. Everyone in our party left the restaurant full and 100% satisfied! The have a full bar and can make you anything from a Tequila Sunrise, to a Bloody Mary, to Sangria. So, to conclude, be sure to have your stretchy pants ready at home, and come with an empty stomach! Enjoy!
(5)Myechia J.
This is my new favorite restaurant. Service is excellent. Servers are friendly and knowledgable. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend dinner and drinks. The menu has great variety and will please any palate. Also, the sangria is amazing!
(5)Brian D.
I must have tried everything in the menu when I came to town on a business trip. The potatoes, the hanger steak, and the spicy sangria were my favorites. The service was awesome as well would absolutely eat here again
(5)Stephanie P.
This is such a great place, not just for a tapas restaurant but in general one of the best meals I've had out. Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend the eggplant dish and the Laurona wine.
(5)Lauren D.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are attentive and always in good spirits. The ambiance is fresh and modern European. Now the food, just amazing, I have not tried a dish there I did not like, even the first time I dined at Barcelona Wine Bar, I was unsure about a dish I ordered was "cold" and asked to send it back, it was explained to me by the manager that the dish is typically served at room temperature and not hot. Even after hearing this I was given a new plate of something else I wanted to try, and two tokens for free tapas the next time I arrive. Now that is taking care of your customers in my opinion. I came back with my entire family and had a delicious meal with them, to which they all agreed was amazing. Some dishes are pricey, but if you do want to experience this wonderful little treasure on Beacon Street, grab a glass of their sangria in the bar/lounge and pick two to three tapas plates. Totally affordable if you can't go all out.
(5)Jen F.
I really like Barcelona Wine Bar. I was a bit skeptical at first given that it's a chain, but having been back many times, it continues to be excellent. The food is really good and so is the service. Several items that truly stand out are: shaved mushroom salad, truffled "bikini", chicken pimientos, and their sangria. Love the sangria! It's safe to say that you can order pretty much any item on the menu and expect it to be delicious. All in all, a fantastic addition to Brookline!
(4)Tammy K.
If someone had told me a month ago that my favorite tapas place in the Boston area would actually be a chain restaurant in Brookline, I would not have believed it. After having their tapas, I am now a BWB Belieber. Everything I've tasted, from the special duck cassoulet to the hangar steak with truffle oil to the hot turnips, is fantastic. Drinks are good, and atmosphere is perfect for date night, though some of the tables along the back wall are a bit scrunched together. Tip 1: Stick with the hot tapas. The cold tapas are good, but the hot tapas are better (with the exception of the jamon iberico, which is difficult to find around Boston and just plain delicious). Tip 2: Fill out the survey at the end to get a free tapa on your next visit.
(4)Mackenzie M.
One of my absolute favorite places in Boston! I have been here four or five times including once for brunch and each time has been memorable. I can't stop saying great things about this place! Great options for beverages no matter what you're in the mood for and the tapas are amazing. Each dish is flavorful in its own way. Service, food, and atmosphere, are all consistently great each time I have come here. Dined here for brunch on a particularly sunny day and all that was open for tables were tables directly in the sun. Management came over to check on us and offer other tables once they opened and even opened the door to let some cool air in. That is going above and beyond. Thanks Barcelona for always making sure that your customers are happy and satisfied. Looking forward to trying Barcelona at the new Boston location!!!
(5)K P.
Good-sized portions despite being tapas. The dishes can't compare to Toro in South End but definitely wins as the preferred atmosphere. Have had both brunch and dinner here numerous times and will definitely come back. Can not wait for the warm weather to dine at outdoor patio. Very spacious, great staff, yummy food. Great spot for dates also. I've also tried the South End location and was very disappointed. Stick to the Brookline location, it has not let me down.
(4)Geoff B.
I made this review by mistake, I meant to click on a different restaurant. Please delete this.....would like to eat here though....
(5)Gabby F.
Convenient: Literally next to door to my house. Efficient: The waitstaff are always very quick and eager to please. Sometimes a little too eager. Who doesn't love tapas? Come on. Get the kale salad.
(4)Mike B.
Probably the best food I've ever eaten, the small plates(tapas) that are on the menu are a fun way to eat, so that you can try a bit of everything, the 6-month Manchego cheese was delicious. For the main course we ate Salvaje paella which also was phenomenal. Our server was quick to help us, as it was our first time there and he recommended dishes and was very kind. We also had a half pitcher of the white traditional sangria which was amazing as well. All in all no complaints, definitely have to try it again when i come back to Boston
(5)Lee D.
Average food. Good beer. Nice ambience. Not the greatest tapas place, but pretty good.
(3)Lisa B.
3 stars for food. 5 stars for ambiance. 4 stars for service. We finally checked out Barcelona Wine Bar after months of good intentions... as in we intended to go, but didn't. We decided to make a reservation to celebrate our recent wedding and upcoming trip to Barcelona (the city). The ambiance is top notch... It's always so nice to see people laughing and enjoying wine with friends. Our meat and cheese plate was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal: Carne Salado (meat) + Oriol de Montbru & Aged Mahon (cheeses). We also ordered the broccolini (okay with a slight kick at the end), mussels, patatas bravas, and soft shell crab. A few critical (but hopefully helpful) notes: 1. The cheeses were great, although it would have been nice for the server to tell us which was which. I feel like this is pretty standard practice, so perhaps our server forgot(?) 2. The patatas bravas were extremely salty... to the point of not tasting very good. 3. The mussels were very fishy - It didn't taste as though they'd been rinsed. We didn't like them very much, and I wouldn't recommend this dish. The bread that accompanied the mussels was also charred to the point of tasting like, well, charcoal. Our overall experience was very enjoyable, but the food was a bit lacking. I've definitely had better tapas in Boston. Our server was sweet, although our water glasses went empty a few times throughout the dinner. On the other hand, we never felt rushed. We really appreciated this since Barcelona is the hot new place in Washington Square. SO, the truth is that we had fun, but I'm not sure if we'll be back. Our bill was about $100 (before tip) for 2 people, and the food was not at the standard we expected.
(4)Joseph P.
This place was really good. The staff was truly genuine, helpful and were there for helping each other out too. This makes the dining experience very pleasant. The food was excellent, and they offered some very delicious vegetarian options. For example we ordered a chickpea and spinach dish, which was sautéed and tossed with garlic, oils, cumin and other spices. Oh man! What a great tapas dish. There is an extensive wine selection, one of the staff was helpful enough to recommend a great glass of tempranillo. My wife enjoyed the dry rosé she ordered. A great bit too, before we were seated the wait was pretty long, it was a holiday for the neighborhood, we ordered cocktails at the bar. They were very delicious, a Brookline Sour and a Whiskey Root. Both equally smooth balanced and bitters that suppressed our appetites while readying our pallets.
(5)Bret C.
Hands down one of the best-designed spaces anywhere in Boston. Barcelona replaces the many restaurants that have been in this space (Vinny T's, American Craft, Roadhouse, etc.) and it looks like it's here to stay. The bartenders know their thing and often give free samples which is a nice touch. Food (tapas) = solid. It's busy most nights, so be patient when you come by.
(4)JP C.
Not a great experience. I was there for brunch. I ordered hot tea with milk and honey. The tea came (well, a cup of hot water and a separate tea bag) with a little jug of honey. I reminded the waitress about the milk. She came back with it, but then I had to ask for a spoon. Another waitress was passing by with a handful of soup spoons and she gave me one. I pointed out that it didn't fit into the honey jug. She got defensive and said, "I was just trying to help," as if it was my fault for wanting a teaspoon with my tea. OK, bad marks for tea. I ordered eggs benedict with jamon serrano. The eggs were perfectly poached, but the hollandaise sauce didn't seem to be made with lemon juice. The texture was nice, but the flavor was very flat. Also, I didn't have any silverware. That seemed to mystify the staff. Finally, I started to eat. Then the waitress came and topped up my cup of tea with hot water. That was the last straw. I think a restaurant should be able to deal with a customer wanting tea with brunch. I'm not a teetotaler, but I don't necessarily want to drink alcohol with every meal. I got the distinct feeling that I was somehow imposing - what with my demands for a teaspoon and then implements with which to eat my meal. I'm not inclined to try the tapas. If they can't make hollandaise properly, I have my doubts about the rest of the menu.
(1)David S.
Great meal! Service was excellent. The waitress and management made sure that everything was on par. Favorites: Hanger steak , Brussels sprouts, and the halibut
(5)Gwen H.
Awesome in every way possible. Arrived 645 on a Saturday without a reservation and of course expected to wait. They estimated an hour and it was probably only 30 minutes, during which we enjoyed a glass of wine while people watching. One waiter came by with complimentary croquettes! Our waiter ( William I think? ) was so nice and helpful, attentive but not too much. He alerted me to the gluten free bread and I almost fell out or my seat. We ate a lot. All was simply delicious and the perfect amount of food to share. THe suckling pig was incredible. So was the quinoa stuffed squash. Chorizo and figs. Brussels sprouts. Etc. Yes, this place is a gem. Happy we ended up here (we originally wanted to try toro but the wait was 2 hours!). As far as I'm concerned this place is the best.
(5)Morgan F.
Best Spot in Boston! Barcelona is one of my favorite spots in Brookline and Boston overall. Great patio area, huge bar area and nice ambiance inside. They often have live music which is a plus. I love that they rotate their menu based on what's in season. I had fiddleheads for the first time here (which apparently are only in season for a few weeks out of the year) and hey were incredible! Meet and cheese selection is awesome and the steak tare tare is fab. The sangria is also to die for. They've got the trifecta! Atmosphere is great, foods awesome, and whoever is doing the staffing deserves a raise. Every single host, server, manager, bus boy etc, I've had contact with goes above and beyond and they genuinely care about your experience. I think I've met every manage but can't remember their names, but most recently John was really great. This is a great spot for date night, casual bar drinks and small plates, and for big groups. It's good for families but I'd suggest an earlier time as it gets a bit loud and crowded later on. Can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)Jenna C.
I had been to Barcelona once before but this time was with a larger party to wish a good luck farewell to a co-worker. We had made a reservation for 7:30 and sat down at about 8. Our server was initially pleasant, but by the time we had our first round of drinks it was nearing 8:30, almost an hour after our reservation. Since we were a larger party, it was recommended to get the $35 per person option that brings out a variety of dishes without having to actually order them. This option seemed nice because the server mentioned dishes would continuously be brought out quicker than otherwise, but in reality it felt we waited longer than the tables around us who ordered after we did. As 9pm approached, the dishes started to arrive - small apps and salads were out first. Since it was anticipated dinner would be from about 730-930, some of us needed to wrap up dinner. Given the long waiting time and time for food to come, few of us did not get to try the "main" courses (meats etc) and only had salads. In addition and to top the night, when I asked for a separate check because I had to leave (it was nearly 9:40 at this point) it was visibly obvious the server did not appreciate my request and jokingly (I think) said it was "annoying". All and all, not the night that was planned...
(1)Jenn S.
This place is pretty amazing. We have been a number of times and haven't had anything bad. Our favorites are the kale salad, lamb chops, hanger steak, olives, yellowtail crudo and the potato tortilla. I know that is a lot to have favorites but there really isn't anything bad. I would just like to note that while the Paella is good it is very heavy so try not to order to many other things with it. Staff is also always amazing. Try to make a reservation or you will be waiting for an hour or so.
(4)Sarah Y.
I've been here 4-5 times in the past three months... and for very good reason. It's conveniently located in Brookline's Washington Square neighborhood, a few steps from the T and with street parking available. That said, it caters to the more affluent Brookline crowd and the prices reflect that. Tapas range from a few dollars to ~$13-14 depending on what you get. As a vegetarian (or if you just prefer vegetable/non-meat dishes), it's more affordable since the meat/seafood dishes are on the upper end of the price scale. The price is the only reason I'm docking it a star, since you could get similar dishes for a few Euros each in Spain /end snooty European travel reference. Given the limited selection of Spanish restaurants in the Boston area, Barcelona is one of the more authentic. I can't speak to the meat, but from my friends' and family's reviews, it's amazing! The cheese selection makes me unreasonably happy. The eclectic tapas selection gives you the best tastes of different regions of Spain - AndalucÃa, Catalonia, Valencia, etc. It's a mix of what you would find both in a typical Spanish home (the simple and fresh salads, potato tortilla, croquettes) and a typical tapas restaurant in Spain (albondigas, patatas bravas - which are SO GOOD by the way, olives). I've never had a bad experience with the service. Everyone who works there seems to genuinely love and appreciate food. Also, all the sangrias are great. One of our waitresses told us they change them up on a regular basis, so you can try something new each time you go back - which, trust me, you WILL go back! P.s. Make a reservation even if you don't think you need one. This place is consistently packed!
(4)J p.
Ah... all is restored. My party visited last night and the stellar service and excellent food was the norm, as expected. Special call out and thanks to William for his cheery and outstanding service. All dishes ordered were fantastic. Personally I wasn't the biggest fan of the mushrooms with goat cheese as I thought it a wee bit tart/too acidic. Seafood was fresh and grilled lamb was perfectly prepared. O yes, please bring back the chickpea fries soon... Additionally as a follow up, hats off to the the proactive management team from BWB. They attempted to reach out to me in response to my prior review/comment about smoking. I personally didn't get a chance to get back in touch with them but it's refreshing to see such dedicated, committed and engaged management. I am a fan of this place and will continue hold them to their high benchmark they've set - excellent service, food and management... We'll be back soon...
(5)Sarah B.
I've been here twice, and both experiences were excellent. Barcelona Wine Bar has great food, drinks, and decor, plus reasonable prices, but the thing that really puts them way over the top is their excellent service. Both times I have been blown away by the standard they set. I recently attended a friend's birthday dinner there, and although we had a reservation, we had to wait a bit to be seated. Barcelona more than made up for this with samples of sangria and tapas on the house - plus a few tapas dishes that they ordered for us so that once we were seated, our hungry bellies would be immediately satiated. The manager also personally stopped by more than once to check on us. What a champ! As for food - it's all tasty. My favorite dishes are the caramelized brussel sprouts and the croquetas. Looking forward to going back soon, as it's always a treat!
(5)Danielle W.
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I have a pretty severe gluten allergy and eating out is always tricky. However, both the manager and our waiter were completely accommodating. My husband and I got there a little bit before the restaurant opened and the manager assured me that I would be safe eating here. When our waiter came over he actually went ahead and wrote on our menu the modifications that would be needed for each item (IE fresh goat cheese, not breaded and sub GF bread) and crossed out the things that just weren't doable. He made some really great suggestions as well. Right after that the manger came over and told me he had the kitchen fire up some GF bread for me. He also brought over a second bowl of dipping oil to avoid cross contamination between myself and my gluten eating husband. No up charge for the bread also! We started off with two tapas: cucumber salad and eggplant caponata. Both were delicious but I really loved the cucumber salad - super light and the dressing was perfect. We then did the vegetable paella and the barcelona mixed grill. SO MUCH FOOD! We hardly made a dent in the meat, but we happily took it home as leftovers. The paella was fantastic. I literally scraped the pot it came in. They offered us a GF dessert but by this point I was nearing a food coma and we opted out. Fantastic service, fantastic food, and so accommodating with gluten free. I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Ashley A.
Oh. My. Goodness. We went here with a group of friends for our monthly "dinner club". We were all completely blown away. Erik, our server suggested that because we had a larger group (9) that it would be beneficial for us to allow him to choose a number of tapas for us and we could pass them around the table. I am not an absurdly adventurous eater, but I was so impressed with every single dish that was brought out. It was a tasting menu, but it was absolutely fabulous. I can't really pinpoint anything that stood out as better than any other aspect, because the whole experience was great. We WILL be going here again. You'll pay a little bit more for your meal, but it is 100% worth it!
(5)Ariana G.
My favorite restaurant in this area. Food is delicious, service is excellent and the wine list is extensive. They also have seasonal sangria options. Definitely try the croquettes and basically any dish with meat, especially the short rib plate.
(5)Thomas S.
This place is great! The tortilla was spot on authentic, as were the bravas. The only thing missing that any true Catalan restaurant would have is pan con tomate. But great atmosphere, great wine, and good food!
(4)Sara H.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar for my first time last night with my family. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I started with the 'classic' red sangria. My sister and I polished off the entire pitcher - it was the best sangria I've ever had. Maybe I'm sheltered, but I loved the spices. There were a few other varieties as well that I'd love to try, but this kind in particular was delicious. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We had Joy helping us out and she was funny and helpful without being in our faces all of the time. She had some great suggestions, and was able to give us ideas on how much to get since tapas plates tend to vary in sizes etc etc. I don't have a menu in front of me, but I specifically remember loving the steak with truffle sauce, the chicken pate, the lobster noodles, and this glazed butternut squash that tasted like candy. The price was extremely reasonable for the quality of food. Nothing was "meh" or disappointing to me. I live just down the street, so I'll definitely be back!
(5)J C.
Wow! What a fantastic Tapas Bar. The ambiance was very fun. The food was absolutely delicious. You must try the churros and dark chocolate for dessert. The service was very friendly and professional. Make sure to make reservations!
(5)Rebecca F.
Came here for dinner with my roommates on a Sunday night - what a fantastic space for a girls night out or a hot date! Barcelona is warm, intimate, but also lively. The bar itself is curved in such a way that it is social and inviting. Vegetarians, fear not: you will find some fabulous options. I tried the spinach/chickpea dish which was creamy without being rich, smooth but also textured. Also had the butternut squash with pumpkin seeds which was warming and tasted like sweet love on a plate. The tempranillo wine was the perfect compliment, and there are obviously plenty to choose from. They had a winter sangria that had lavender which looked really tasty. I can't wait to come back here in the spring to take advantage of the outdoor seating area!
(5)Brooke P.
Went out with my friends last night to one of my fav places to eat. As always packed and the best delish food. The seafood paella is amazing a must have.
(4)Erica D.
Barcelona, welcome to the neighborhood! I am a 44 yr old foodaholic who grew up in Brookline. My whole family adores Tapas and are thrilled this is now in our back yard. I know they have many locations in Connecticut and I now know why. This place is big, very rustic and well done atmosphere, busy, energetic, friendly and good. We are always greeted warmly even though we aren't true regulars yet. The staff are some of the best, intuitive and cooperative I've ever seen. Our waiters have been great the past 4 times we have been. They are very into the food they are serving their guests and know just how to direct you if needed. The menu is interesting and extensive. The portions are big. It's considered Tapas but the Spaniards would say each plate was an entree ;) We here in The States appreciate this! This is not your typical potato frittata, jamon And churros kinda place. The offerings are very interesting and different. We have tried almost everything on the menu and have never been unhappy with any of our choices! This may be because we know what to try and because we have had good suggestions from our servers. As I said before, the folks here are friendly, knowledgable, and really work beautifully together! Many times we watched the staff interact with one another with out speaking!! They all seem to be aware of the room, the guests and each other. All needs are met with professionalism and intuition. We went as far as to compliment one of our waitresses and asked if she was a manager? She said " no" but thanked us for the thought. She was so proprietary we figured she was management pitching in on the floor. Anyway... Nice addition to Brookline food scene. Very busy and loud all the time. ( only reason to dock one star) Young and old mixed clientele. Great staff Great food Not expensive Beware of Friday and Sat. Nights! Crazy busy!!! Love it
(4)Molly S.
I love this place. The hanger steak and sangria are amazing. Our server was Harrison and he was really attentive. The food came out very quickly too.
(5)Alisa S.
I'm aware of all the positive reviews going around, but i'll have to disagree, i've had a bad experience both times i went The place is always busy, could be good or bad. Bad in my situation slow service, food not as described on the menu, flavor profile is meh a.k.a nothing special in conclusion i told myself i won't be going back there again. It all changed 2 weekends ago when I was invited for a birthday celebration at Barcelona. Reservations were made and confirmed 2 nights prior to the celebration. On the night of the event, we walked in to Barcelona, there was 6 of us, we spoke with the hostess who was unable to find our names on the list, we waited for 15 minutes which was wayyyyy tooo long in this situation and left extremely disappointed. This confirmed that i won't be going back to dine there. The bar area is neat, would deff recommend going for a drink or two there, the food and the service not so much,
(2)Jason Z.
Hands Down 5 Stars. I love tapas bars and this one is the best in Boston. There wasn't one menu item that disappointed. The drinks - Perfect! The one plate that was everybody's favorite was the Grilled Hanger Steak. So flavorful. Can't wait to go back
(5)Jon M.
One of the best restaurants in Boston/Brookline, and the best Tapas I've ever had. I take my business clients here often & thoroughly enjoy for personal dates. --Excellent drink selection & fantastic bartenders --Tapas selection is extensive & changes often --Meat/cheese pairings are excellent --Service is first class, management is on top of everything & everyone is very friendly (friendly wait staff is a rarity in Boston) --Music selection & ambiance is first rate The only downside: the dining room waiters like to put their -- most likely not clean -- hands all over the rims of your drink glass every time they re-fill your drink. Gross. I've never had this not happen is dozens of visits. I should knock a star off this review for that alone, but alas, this place is too good and I'd rather drink out of a straw.
(5)Lily F.
Amazing sangria (with a selection), great cocktail list, and great selection in the lunch menu. I enjoyed the love jazz near the window, atmosphere of the place. Pleasant and helpful waitress. Everything I ordered I LOVED. No complaints.
(5)Braelyn G.
OK, was just here on July 4th weekend and found a new wondrous part of this fantastic restaurant! You can get a chefs tasting menu for $35 a head, and (here's the kicker) it's ALL YOU CAN EAT. However, this doesn't include alcoholic beverages or dessert (total bummer, even though I got it anyway). I highly, HIGHLY, recommend doing this! There's no minimum, so if you feel like hating the world and want to go alone then, hey, whatever floats your boat. But, if you're willing to share and want to bring some friends, do it to it! Also, sit on the patio in the summer months- it's beautiful, cooler temperature wise, and MUCH quieter than the inside!
(5)Jenn S.
I can't even tell you how floored I was when I found out Barcelona was opening around the corner from my apartment. I'm from southern CT, where Barcelona started, so I've been going to their restaurants for years. I knew they recently opened in Atlanta; when my friend said a new tapas place was opening near me and I found out it was Barcelona, I was floored! I still can't believe I didn't know about it and wasn't one of the first to go there. Ahem. Anyway. I made a reservation for 7 people for a Friday night and was seated pretty much immediately after arriving. I found out we were only going to be 4 people, so I told the host/manager that they could move us to a smaller table, if they wanted. He was so appreciative, that he gave my friend & me each a complimentary glass of sangria! Nice. Once all 4 of us were comfortably settled into our booth right next to the packed bar, we got down to talking and drinking and eating. Over the course of the night, the 4 of us downed 2 pitchers of red sangria and 1 pitcher of white. The red was definitely better: more flavor, sweeter, bolder - overall a much better sangria. (One downside to the booths: the backs are connected to the other booths, so we kept shaking. It was quite annoying) As for the food, we just went for a bunch of tapas: - We started with a meat & cheese plate, going with the Jamon Serrano (Dry-Cured Spanish Ham), the 6-month Manchego cheese and I THINK the Aged Mahon (a Nutty Cow's Milk Cheese from Mallorca) - it had a wine coating, or something. Our favorite thing was definitely the quince paste that came with it. MMM. The rest of the tapas, in my personal order of preference, were: - The Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs - OMG - The Jamon + Chicken Croquettes - always fantastic (although, they were rather small and there were 5 on the plate, despite there being 4 of us...) - The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts (apparently with Sumac & Mint?) - A Butternut Squash dish that's not on the online menu... It was drizzled with honey and some sort of nut. The waiter recommended it and I was glad he did. - Spiced Beef Empanadas (with a Red Pepper Sauce) - ok, but not as fantastic as I hoped We also got Mussels al Diablo and Crispy Calamari (with a Smoked Pepper Aioli), but I didn't try either of these. My friends loved them though. HOWEVER, I did try the Bone Marrow with Parsley Toast - something I literally had said days before that I would never try. It comes served in the bone, which was not ultra appealing, but I tried it (as all my friends watched). The flavor was actually quite good and I even went back for more. It was VERY oily and the friend who had recommended it did not like the texture/consistency. And I almost forgot the dessert! We went for the Flan (fantastic) and the Churros Y Chocolate (dark chocolate dipping sauce), which were ok. The sauce was quite watery and the churros slightly soggy in places. The waiter then convinced 2 of us to do a shot of sherry down the bone... Would have been nice if he'd told us that there was a charge for that, but oh well... The shot was nothing fabulous, but it got people around us talking. My friend went last night and said she got complimentary grilled cheese. I am quite jealous, as I wanted to try the "Truffled 'Bikini.'" But I did get complimentary sangria, so why am I complaining? One of my friends knew a couple who was there for dinner as well... They, unfortunately, waited an hour and a half for a table. Needless to say, they are probably not as happy with this place as I am! The service is fantastic, the decor is great... Yes, it's LOUD, but it's a fun place for a group dinner - not a romantic restaurant. I will DEFINITELY be back and cannot wait to try the paella!
(5)Em K.
I would like to consider myself a (self-proclaimed) tapas connoisseur. Wherever there is tapas, there is me. I first tried Barcelona on a whim. I was walking to meet a friend for drinks at Cityside but halfway up Beacon street I realized that I'd rather eat good food than drink cheap beer so I called her and said that we should meet at Barcelona instead. Turns out that was one of the better impulse decisions I've had in the past 6 months. It was a Thursday night but we were sat promptly and greeted almost immediately by a very nice server. Between the two of us we ordered the following items (don't judge, we wanted a hearty sampling..): - beef tongue slider - beet and honeycrisp apple salad - albondigas - roasted bone marrow - braised short rib - foie gras terrine - chorizo and sweet and sour figs ALL OF IT WAS GOOD. Honestly, I was expecting to have some lack lustre dishes (actually I was banking on it so I could avoid completely stuffing my face..) but that was just not the case. Everything was delicious and I left completed satiated. They are also one of my favorite places to order a caipirinha! Not many bars even carry cachaca so when I find one that does I always get a caipirinha and Barcelona's is worthy of a repeat. So go and eat your (small plates) heart out!
(4)Ralph O.
Good food and great atmosphere. Barcelona is one the best value-for-money restaurants, with a good wine selection. Service is friendly and informal. I have been several times and I will keep going (although I won't wait for two hours in line to sit there)
(4)Nancy O.
Had Tapas here with two pals tonight. Nice ambience, not too loud, not too quiet and flattering (aka dim) lighting with dark wood furnishings. We didn't have wine, so I can't comment on their extensive wine collection. Service: excellent--friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Irrelevant Sidebar: There are some exceptionally tall and handsome young men working here. Those don't usually grow in Boston. Where did they come from we wondered? Food: Yummy fresh bread to start. We stuck with the Tapas, which was good but not the best I've had. Potato tortilla was tasty, though portion was rather tiny for what it was. The fig and chorizo dish, the empanadas, and meatballs were our favorites, and the portions were good sized. We also had a little grilled ham & cheese sandwich that none of us cared for--the strong cheese and ham flavors clashed rather than complimented each other. We'll go back and try some of the other tapas dishes and perhaps some entrees. It's a fun place and the food is good, but not extraordinary. Tip; Make sure you stagger your order, or you will receive all of your tapas at the same time, and they come out quickly, which will make it a very short dining experience.
(4)Corona W.
I've been here twice so far and I've had a great meal both times. The wine flights are a great value - three generous glasses of Rioja wine for 15.50. Management is also accommodating. We were given two plates of super delicious grilled calamari, on the house, after we were informed that the whole fish we had ordered had run out. My only complaint is that they ALWAYS run out of the pig ears so I have yet to try them....In any case, I love this place and will be back.
(4)Parul L.
Hard to get a seat here on a Friday, and we waited a bit on our res, but free apps and sangria made it better ;). We tried a ton of stuff, which was all innovative and delicious. Definitely a great addition to the Bos rest scene. They messed our paella up and have us more free drinks while we waited,and the manager overheard me say I didn't want chocolate dessert, and brought a non-chocolate item without being asked. So sweet. Will def be back! Great time at Barcelona!
(5)Molly C.
I have probably been to Barcelona Wine & Bar at least 20 times. The crowd is always lively and even though sometimes the wait is a little long, it is nice to see a well packed restaurant. The food is absolutely amazing, especially the Hanger Steak and Mushrooms with goat cheese. Pair them together and voila! you have the most fantastic combination. A pitcher of sangria is only $24 and lets be honest, for Boston, that is pretty spectacular. The white summer herb sangria is definitely my favorite, with hints of rosemary and Lavender. If you go with a big group it ends up being pretty inexpensive to split everything. Also the service is outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth a try!
(5)gabrielle c.
My fiance has a place a few blocks away from Barcelona & we've had dinner, or have attempted to have dinner at this joint a couple of times. Barcelona is a chain- just like McDonald's or Burger King except it's tapas. I'm mainly based in NYC, specifically Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While I realize that I'm spoiled with relatively inexpensive, creative/eclectic/authentic restaurants & cafes, Barcelona is painfully average-this could be in a mall, in the midwest, in the airport, etc. This place is always jammed which is good for the owners wallets & I realize they are catering to the local residents tastes. Bostonians seem to like more of the same. All I want is a place to have a glass of wine, a nice small plate & to move on which isn't possible at Barcelona.
(1)Caroline S.
This was a great dinner! However, we waited 2 hours after being told one hour, which was quite a big difference. Finally sitting down, we got 5 tapas to share between 2, which was perfect. Patatas bravas and empanadas were the favorites! Meatballs were good but burnt on the bottom. Also got the croquettes and eggplant, which were tasty. Overall, a great place, but wouldn't come back again without a reservation (if they take any).
(4)Jen O.
Excellent food and ambience! Love the feel of the whole place! Even better is the food! Love to cuchinillo or suckling pig!!! Be adventurous! Try everything! Most of what we've tried are amazing! So you can't go wrong! Have fun! It is always packed, so make reservations a week or even two in advance to make sure you have a table! Can't wait to take visiting family to this place! Superb!
(5)Michelle C.
I hate giving bad reviews, especially since I'm sure there are off days. Let me start off by saying I frequent Barcelona quite frequently and never had a bad experience. But after eating for two hours (unintentionally) since the service was incredibly slow, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. The meal started off great with their always delicious meat and cheese platter. However, things went downhill from there. We ordered the hangar steak with truffle sauce and we got the ribeye instead. The waitress brought out the correct order but thereafter, she never came by once to check up on us. I get it that the restaurant was packed but at 11PM, tables were clearing out. After twenty minutes of eating straight up serrano ham, I wanted someone (anyone please) to ask if we could use more water/bread. Not a single person. I finally had to grab another waitress's attention after both my date and I were both dying from thirst. By the time dessert came around, we hesitated to order knowing that it'll probably take another 30 minutes. But one cannot leave without dessert so we ordered the churros and flan, which was fabulous. We waited..again. Just us, the staff and another table that came in an hour after us. So two hours later, I'm left disappointed since I so wanted to like my meal better but service pretty much ruined it for me.
(2)Ashley S.
SO GOOD. Everything here is IS GOOD. Sommelier made great wine recommendations too. Try the manchego cheese and the duck. Fantastic. Tables are really small and extremely cramped, so be aware of that. Also, don't sit by the door in wintertime or you'll get a face full of frozen air every time someone comes or goes.
(5)Michael O.
I had heard great things about Barcelona and was anxious to check it out. I was in no rush at all, and the wait was a little longer than most places but the outside seating area was really nice, it was beautiful out so I had no problem waiting a bit longer and having a couple drinks. I went with my girlfriend and she loved it as well. Our waitress was an amazing woman named Joy who made the experience astronomically more enjoyable. We go out to eat quite a bit, and we both agreed she was the best waitress we have had in quite some time! GREAT food, great service, and the price was right. Highly recommend!
(5)Tom G.
So, I've been here 3 more times and it's still really hit-or-miss. The food is pretty much the same quality every time but the front of house and the waitstaff are pretty uneven. And I've had the same cocktail 3 or 4 times (Brookline Sour) and it's tasted different almost every time, once with, um, less-than-fresh fruit. Not really acceptable. But the food is really nice and the wine list is thoughtful so it's a welcome addition.
(4)Gabriela C.
we did a shot of sherry. in a bone marrow luge. after an amazing man, a hero of sorts, cut paper thin pieces of the finest salted pig leg next to our table on a cart. keep doing you, barcelona, keep doing you.
(5)Shana K.
I have been here several times, and I can't begin to say enough good things about this place. I wanted to write a review after my first experience but thought I would hold off until I'd been a bit more often. I should also say that I've been to the Barcelona in South Norwalk, CT, which while fine, has nothing on this location either in terms of food or service. To start: the staff at the bar were unusually attentive, even when busy. I dine alone frequently, and it is a real pleasure when the staff doesn't ignore you simply on that basis. Nor is the service any less attentive at the table. I have brought my parents and guests from abroad here, and everyone was impressed by the servers' knowledge of the menu and ability to make excellent recommendations. The menu changes frequently, but there are some staples which don't change (or haven't in the time I've been attending) and are well worth your while. Some standouts for me have included the chicken liver mousse, the "truffled bikini" (a grilled cheese with Serrano ham and truffled aioli - delightfully unsalty and full of flavour) the grilled hangar steak (savoury and delicious), and whatever raw/ceviche style seafood they have going. I am not a big vegetable person, but vegetarians I know really loved the kale salad, as did I. All in all, a very solid and delicious option when dining in Brookline. Can't recommend highly enough.
(5)Kobie E.
The food was so good, better than I ever imagined it could be!! The bartender Harrison was equally as awesome, friendly, helpful and his Sidecar was the best!!
(5)Mal S.
Excellent food and service. The fresh toasty bread was a great way to start the meal. We had the pork belly, pulled pork, hanger steak, asparagus/egg, potato tortilla, and beef empanada. Every single dish was perfection. This place is a must try. I will definitely be returning. As a walk in on a Friday, we waited about 2 hours before we were seated. Make a reservation!
(5)Anat S.
Second time at Barcelona...it was just as great as the first. The Sangria lived up to my memory as did the atmosphere and service. They really care about you, the guest, it's a refreshing feeling. The tapas are more hits than misses: Patatas bravas, insalata mista, ANY of their cheeses/meats...all YUM! Caponata is a gamble, but when it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! Ask for Joy, she is a Joy and enjoy.
(5)Ryan M.
We chose Barcelona for an anniversary dinner tonight. It was a last minute call and since the restaurant only takes reservations for 1/3 of its tables, we were not able to make one. It didn't matter to us so we put our name in and had a couple of drinks at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we were served relatively quickly by our waiter. We put in orders for a bunch of plates and they were delivered very quickly. The food was excellent. Surprisingly, the spinach and chickpea with roasted garlic may have been the most memorable dish. Other tapas favorites such as patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo were great. The redfish a la plancha was excellent as was the ribeye with horseradish gremolata. The empanadas were good, but not great. After we received our plates is when things really fell apart. While I sat with an empty glass of beer in front of me, the waiter pulled up a chair to flirt with the girls next to us. All the while he continued to check in with the couple next to us as well. At least three times he came to check in on our neighbors without ever asking if we needed a drink, offering a desert menu, or asking if we wanted the check. After about 30 minutes, of sitting with no drinks, no food, and no service we managed to get the check and get out of there. We were inclined to order dessert, but after waiting as long as we did, we decided to satisfy our sweet teeth elsewhere. I doubt our server noticed. For great tapas try Tapeo, Toro, and Tasca. Barcelona is more about the scene than anything else and to be completely honest, it wasn't worth the wait...don't let the crowds fool you. If you show up, cross your fingers and maybe the service will be better which would have drastically improved our experience. I doubt we'll be back.
(2)Neil H.
The parents were in town last night, and they wanted to take the girlfriend and me out for dinner. We chose Barcelona, and were not disappointed. The place was packed on a Saturday night at 8:45 when we walked in for our reservation. The host scared me a bit when he said they were running behind and that they'd be another 20 minutes. But, he under promised and over delivered. They had us seated in 10 minutes. The only thing was that it seemed like they didn't have the service capacity for the number of guests they had. Every single server was running around like a mad dog. If they had a few more runners on staff, it may make things better. The food was outstanding. My father said it was one of the best meals he had in a really long time. The noise in the place made for a fun atmosphere. And there was something for everyone to enjoy. Because of the slow service, the manager came over and checked in with us. He apologized and offered us free dessert. A nice touch, but also unnecessary since we were already well beyond the point of stuffed on great tapas. We've been to Barcelona a few times now, and will certainly return.
(5)merisa t.
This place is amazing. The last time I was there, they had a bone marrow luge. I really don't think there is anything else to say.
(5)Mikhail H.
Food, service and the whole dining experience were just about as perfect as you can get. They have a wonderful menu variety for great pricing. Their service is so good, in fact, that the waiter noticed I did not finish the mushrooms and goat cheese. He inquired if I was unhappy with it, offering to remove it from our bill which was pretty amazing for a restaurant.
(5)aly m.
The service is terrible (and the terribleness clearly stems from a corporate policy requiring servers to be all up in your face as often as possible, and not from any ineptitude on the poor staff's part), the food is worse (if I want something that salty and sugary, I'll just drop seventy-five cents on a Slim Jim, thanks), and the company makes a habit of muscling into neighborhoods known for small, excellent, independently-owned restaurants. I wouldn't go back to Barcelona for anything, and I will do my best to dissuade anyone else from going there. They have no business being in Washington Square (or in the South End, for that matter.) I wish I could leave zero stars. Gross, gross, gross. They also have a monotonous, overpriced wine list. There is really nothing good about this place. AVOID.
(1)Tracy R.
My absolute favorite place to go in Brookline (and actually Boston, too). The food is incredible. The chickpea dish is out of this world. The service is always great. The drinks, especially the sangria and fun takes on additional sangrias (there's one w lavender!) are all very good. It's always packed but with it being so good, who could blame them?! Definitely make a reservation. One out of about 10 times we wait forever to be seated so that's annoying but it's well worth it and you can go to the bar in the mean time. Definitely go to this place!!
(5)Shirley M.
Just want to say that we've been to Barcelona Spain and that inspired us to try Barcelona Wine Bar and we were very satisfied, twice!!! Lindsay is very knowledgeable and helpful at the bar. The tapas is delicious and so was the wine. We would add that an actual trip to Barcelona for the staff would greatly add to the authenticity of the experience and increase the expertise that they (she) already has going on in this fun place. We will definitely be back.
(4)Ika M.
This place was really fun! It's nice to order so many tapas to taste and share. We really enjoyed the squid ink noodles, scallops, flan, and beef dishes in particular. The price was right and the service was attentive. I just don't know why the dining area is so dark. We had to use the light on our cellphones to identify what was on our table and what we were eating. The plates were big enough to share (among the 6 of us) and they were all tasty. Will return!
(4)Shannon D.
Like some other recent reviewers, I came here last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. We had an 8:45 reservation and when we first arrived there were only a few people waiting. They told us "tables were being cleared" but we weren't given an amount of time. I could tell by the faces of other ladies that they had been waiting a long time. Luckily we had eaten a snack earlier and had already started drinking so I was in a chipper mood even when a ridiculous amount of people started pouring in. This is a new restaurant to the area (though now I'm realizing this is a chain which is super surprising) and it was their first Valentine's Day. Yes, they clearly screwed up reservations and it really sucked for all of us who had to wait. I am quite sure it thoroughly sucked for the poor hostess too as she had to deal with a lot of pissy people. We were handed sangria while we waited which was nice and the right thing to do. Valentine's Day is rough, especially for a new restaurant that everyone wants to be at. -1 star for the wait. We were seated around 9:20 and once we saw the table we got the wait didn't even matter to us. I saw all the people cramped at the two seater tables and knew the amount of food we would be ordering would not fit at those tables. Luckily we got an awesome booth spot by the bar - Score! Our waitress Jess was great - very attentive knew the right times to come by and she was also helped out by a very friendly guy that I forget the name of. They were both cool, friendly and helpful. Food: Jamon Iberico de Bellota - Any time I can eat something I saw Anthony Bourdain eat I'm all about it. This was one of the highlights of the meal. Valdeon - I love sheep cheese. Bunuelos de Bacalao - very rich and filling Grilled Lamp Chops - melt in your mouth amazing Kumato Tomatoes - My boyfriend doesn't even like tomatoes but he loved these. Migas - very salty, it was good but not at the top of the list Gnocchi with black truffles - little pillows of deliciousness- Also at the top of the list. Flan Catalan - Best flan either of us had ever had. Crepas Salguero - Wow, sugar overload. I love a good dulce de leche - they were very good but I probably shouldn't eat anything today. The Bourbon Spice Rack cocktail is really good too. I like this restaurant a lot. I hope once the new restaurant craze ends we can come back because there are a ton of items on the menu I want to try. I can see this being a fun place to hang out at the bar and eat some snacks. I had an amazing Valentine's Day, thank you Barcelona for being a part of it.
(4)Heather H.
I have been here at least 12 times in the last 6 months and it is beyond excellent every time! The food is perfect. The service is exceptional. Worth every penny!
(5)Rita N.
Love the live jazz music at Sunday brunch
(5)Connie C.
Brunchy, meaty, savory goodness. Absolutely loved everything from the decor, to incredible drink list, to plentiful brunch options. We tried a little of everything including oxtail hash, ricotta pancakes, rose sangria, jamon & manchego, pan con tomate, and fluke ala plancha. Everything was excellent, seasoned very well and extremely flavorful. There were a few tiny blips with service, but the food and overall experience were stellar. Can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(4)Christy G.
This place is great! Came here on a date and got the best service. The waiter brought out free samples of some of the tapas. The food was terrific. I'm just knocking it a star because we made reservations that were apparently not written down so we had to stand and wait an hour at the bar which resulted in me getting more tipsy than I would have liked to by the end of the night. Great food and phenomenal service. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Maria S.
We've been a big fan since it opened. The ambiance is really great.with very unique food tasty food, cool music, fantastic crew who all pitch in to make it a memorable experience every time. Yesterday, the manager stopped by our table,asked if he could do anything. So he put in our drink order on the spot. They also give you tapas discs for free tapas when you fill out a short review.I should stop as this place is getting discovered.
(5)Jeremy G.
The crowd is nice, and the service is reasonably polite. It's definitely a nice place to have a drink in that neighborhood (since other options are sparse). But when it come to food, it is very disappointing. The tapas are not bad, but they are not good neither. No particular taste, no exotic ingredients, just plain stuff. But the worst thing about it is the price. I was astonished to see that they manage to charge the usual price of a whole meal for three-four lone olives in a plate. If you want to recreate the Spanish tapas experience, charge 1 or 2 euros per item, not 10$...
(2)Dom K.
Chorizo and figs is a must get. Also enjoyed the crispy pig ears. Tapas here are great in general, and relatively good value. A must-go for tapas in Boston!
(5)Cansu S.
This tapas restaurant is probably my favorite restaurant in Boston. It is hard to find something that does not taste amazing. My favorite thing is to start with 2 cheese plates and 1 meat. Especially 6-months aged cheese is awesome. This place has this special "Jamon Iberico de Berlota" ("pata negra") which is the most expensive and exclusive pork product in the world - tastes awesome! My favorite plates are these: eggplant, broccolini, patatas bravas, mushroom with goat cheese, chorizo with figs, duck, hanger steak. Their churros dessert is so good too:) I love this place. Very important tip: if you complete their satisfaction survey, they give you a chip for 1 free tapa!
(5)Arielle K.
This place is fantastic. The food is fresh, flavorful and interesting although slightly over-salted. Definitely try the patatas bravas, they can't be beat! In addition, the decor is funky and modern and the waitstaff is super friendly. Also a good place for brunch!
(5)Farida W.
I usually am never impressed with restaurants enough to devote time to write a review online, but the superb service at Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline is well worth it. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are very attentive and friendly. If you go there, ask for Raffi/Rafael. He'll hook you up and always have a smile on his face. The prices are decent for alcohol and the tapas. They serve food very late into the night and even have a late-night menu as well. Originally from Connecticut, I was so excited when they opened a franchise near my neighborhood and it goes well above my expectations!
(5)Matt C.
I've been lucky enough to travel the world and eat at a lot of truly amazing places but this place 101% takes the cake for best service/staff I've ever encountered. Rafi, Owen & BJ man the bar and take pride in their drink creations as if they own the joint. Aside form making some of the best cocktails I've ever drank they know the drinks origins and only use the highest quality liquor. I highly suggest any beverages on the drink list as they are all stellar - they may be on the smaller side but the quality surely makes up for smaller glass. Drinks aside, the tapas ROCK. I've been to Barcelona & Madrid but these tapas blow those out of the water. The croquette's, papas brava's, steak and brocollini were truly edible gold. My friends and I will surely be back. A lot of local establishments should be taking notes on how a place should be run from Barcelona Wine & Tapas Bar. A++
(5)Alexis F.
I went for brunch , which was incredibly delicious, however I give 3 stars because of the service, cocktails, and state of cleanliness. Here were my issues in a nutshell: -the glasses and table had leftover food stuck to it and some napkins were dirty -the waitstaff was inattentive and very curt... and it wasn't even that busy! -my friend got a cocktail (I think it was the sling something or other) and it was meh... You can do better guys!!!
(3)Amanda D.
This place was AMAZING! The wine, cocktails, and food--all delish! And everyone who works here is so friendly and attentive. Specifically, the Dolcetto they currently have by the glass is everything I've ever wanted in a red wine. The Bourbon Spice Rack is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, a great finish to a meal. The Paella was amazing! As were all of the tapas. Go! You won't regret it :)
(5)Michael N.
We went for brunch and had a mixture of tapas and large plates. The jamon and chicken croquettes along with the papas bravas were fantastic. The mains were great but couldn't compare to the tapas (we had the French toast and the pulled pork). Highly recommended for a quick meal.
(5)Jay M.
Brace yourselves - this is a long one! Firstly, thank you Barcelona for one of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent memory! Your staff is knowledgeable and attentive, the service was impeccable and the food... my God, THE FOOD! I had been meaning to make reservations to Toro for quite some time, but gathering the muster to get into the City on a weekday turns me off like no other. I like to be home after work. So much so that I would not mind moving into the dumpster behind the building just so that my commute can be nonexistent. If only I could wiggle my nose or tap my heels to be home... Ten times each week, I drive up and down Beacon passing through Washington Square on my commute. Each time, I wonder to myself - what is this beauty of wood, iron and glass that has replaced the atrocious curb appeal (or lack thereof) of Roadhouse? The patio is open, I either drive by or stop at the red light just ahead; it's 5:45pm and the place is filled, literally, to the curb with folks enjoying the food and ambience. What the fuck is the name of this place? The awning doesn't help! I. WANT. TO. GOOGLE. AND/OR. YELP. YOU! It was a Tuesday - just a Tuesday like any other except this Tuesday was tastier than most. I'm at my desk and finally remember to look up this place. I pull up Google Maps on my browser and proceed to pan and click to where I think this place is on the map. A few clicks later and I'm double-clicking down to find out that it's called Barcelona Wine Bar. It's a chain which originated in CT that specializes in tapas, you say? From Connecticut? Okay. I pull up the menu and spot sweetbreads - I'm sold! Knowing how packed the house gets (even on the weekdays!) I decided to call in for reservations. I spoke with Eric who took my name and confirmed my table for 6pm. Perfect! My partner and I arrive in Washington Square. We enter and are greeted warmly by the host. The interior is gorgeous, but we requested to be seated on the patio. Our server, Jess, was wonderful. She was attentive and knowledgeable; she knew the menu in and out and when I asked if sweetbreads were available, she said no, but went into the kitchen to confirm with the chef. This prompted Chef Steve to come out to our table to see who his "adventurous eaters" (his words) are. We chatted a bit and he offered to make us a squid ink paella to make up for it! Classy! Eric, who took my reservation over the phone, came by throughout the meal to make sure that everything was up to par. Of course, all expectations were exceeded especially after reading Yelp reviews of how bad service can be when it's busy. Not tonight! We talked a bit and he told us about the cooking classes that Chef Steve hosts once a month and I'm definitely down to check it out. Eric wasn't overbearing like most other front of house folks that are all up in your face and you can't get a bite in edgewise. Very nice guy! So, the service and ambience are on point. Let's get on with the food! We ordered. We ordered a lot! For two people, we could have had two more at the table with us. We started out with cocktails - a Hot Dahlia (roasted jalapeno-infused tequila, muddled orange & lime) and a Brumble Snap (rum, vermouth, fresh blackberries, ginger & mint). They were tasty, but the 3-4 Hot Dahlias after the fact make it obvious which one was the favorite! How can you go wrong with a spicy cocktail? You can't! It paired with every dish perfectly and the chili bite only made it better! * Crusty bread w. Spanish olive oil: fantastic starter, filler and sopper of juices and sauces * Grilled corn & manchego: tasty, but dismissible * Kale salad: bright, tart and good-fishy, the breadcrumbs were a nice touch for added crunch! * Spicy eggplant caponata: more sweet than spicy, but great with the bread * Chrorizo & figs: sweet, sticky, salty and meaty - what could be better? * Grilled Morcilla: I had to stop myself from ordering more plates of it - 'nuff said! * Grilled hanger steak w. black truffle vinaigrette: yummy, but lacked something that I can't pin down (watercress, maybe?) * Roasted bone marrow: glorified beef butter and worth every calorie! Could have used a sprinkle of sea salt though. They offer a bone-luge with sherry after you're done. * Lobster fideos: my partner called it rice-a-roni with lobster, but it's so much more than that! The crusty bits... * Suckling pig: we only got a piece of you, but I wanted ALL OF YOU! Sweet piglet of joy! * Chef's special squid ink paella: wafts of salted ocean air, toasted rice kernels and tender squid. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Barcelona Wine bar, although a chain, is doing everything right. If they keep this up, I would not be surprised to see more locations popping up. I hope to be back, real soon. The down-side is that my wallet might hate me. Remember, I drive by this place 10x each week!
(5)Amanda R.
This was such an exciting find. I went here this past weekend with my tapas-and-wine-loving husband and parents and it was a hit all around. The food menu and wine list were both extensive and everything was delicious. We must have tried at least a dozen different tapas and they were phenomenal. For the vegetarians out there, their eggplant, patatas bravas, and Spanish tortilla were all super tasty. The desserts (we got both the churros and the crepas) were excellent, decadent and excellent. The service was wonderful, the sommelier really knew her stuff, the atmosphere was fun and lively without making it impossible for my hearing-impaired father to hear anyone. It was an all-around awesome experience and we will be going back.
(4)Todd F.
Just went here for the first time tonight, and while Toro will always be my favorite spot for tapas in Boston, this place is so much easier to get a table at and the food is pretty much perfect and made me felt like I was back in Catalonia eating tapas. It was packed on a Wednesday night, so that certainly tells you how good it is. The drink selection is great, though I didn't have any of their special cocktails. The cava our waitress suggested was a perfect match to our meal; perfectly crisp and dry. The bread they serve is excellent and the Spanish olive oil is very light. Started with a meat and cheese plate of 6 month old manchengo, jamon serrano and coppa. All three were very fresh, not overly salty as each one tends to be. They obviously have a great source. The small plates we ordered: patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and meatballs were just as good as most places I've been to in Barcelona. Then the roasted bone marrow came; unctuous and full of flavor. Then the seafood paella arrived. Full bodied shrimps along with squid, clams and mussels. The mussels were a bit tough but the rice was extraordinary. Finished the meal with churros and a Spanish coffee. Go here, you won't be upset about your choice.
(5)Liv K.
Excellent date night spot! The tapas are delicious, the drinks hit the spot and the atmosphere makes you feel like you've been transported to Spain. It's usually very busy, so if we don't have reservations we try to either get there on the earlier side or just try for a space at the bar. Oh- and when it's nice out, the patio is the best spot in town.
(4)Cari H.
So, my bestie and I had a great experience here last weekend. We got there early, 6:30ish, on Friday and were lucky enough to snag a bar table. By 7:15, the place was hoppin! People couldn't even move around us, but the layout/ambiance overall was much more inviting than American Craft's. It was quite fun for our native Brookline! The food was excellent. Being still very new, our order got slightly messed up, but they accommodated us with a free, very tasty mushroom dish. Management even stopped by to make sure we were happy. There were perfectly attentive. Having spent some time in Spain, we avoided the croquettes, as we were still croquette-d out years after our trip. However, the mahon cheese, empanadas, mushrooms, spinach, brussel sprouts and drinks (shout out to the delicious Caipi Porto) were all worth going back for... and we will!
(5)Mary L.
I have been here twice. The first time I had made reservations and we still had to wait for about 30 minutes to be seated. The manager realized how backed up the front of the house was getting and offered everybody waiting to be seated a complimentary glass of sangria, which was very tasty and had the right amount of alcohol. I was no longer annoyed after that! The second time I went here we were promptly seated (it was a Sunday night and not as busy as before). When my boyfriend and I ordered drinks, the waiter questioned his New York ID and asked if it was fake (my bf is late 20's). I think it would have been more appropriate to just ask for a back up credit card, ID, etc, as many places in Boston do that with all out of state ID's anyway. Later on in the meal when he saw we only ordered four tapas, he continued to suggest we order two to four more. At this point I found him annoying. In terms of the food, our favorite tapas were the empanadas (excellent!!!), albondigas, garlic shrimp and a beef tapa (not sure what the name was).
(3)Donna B.
This place is way over rated. Management is pretty horrible. I had issue with the food being cooked correctly and the management did nothing to offer any help. Way over priced...I would pick a different restaurant.
(1)christine f.
All around fabulous. Now I know why there's such a long wait. The restaurant is gorgeous - dark, romantic, cozy, great for groups. The menu, divine. Thoughtful, rich dishes that include twists on favorites. The short ribs and the truffle risotto and bone marrow were awesome. Kale salad was light and refreshing, served with crisp breadcrumbs. Wine was delicious. All this said, I should also reveal I ate at the chefs table in the kitchen - it was bright, loud, the nerve center of that restaurant, but so much fun and an experience not to be missed if you have the opportunity. Chef Steve is fun and friendly and the rest of the staff enjoyable too. Special place.
(5)K M.
just go. a sammy 5 star instant classic
(5)Kalua M.
Eating at Barcelona was my first time trying tapas - it was so delicious - I can't wait to return. There were three of us and we tried the malvarosa (sheep cheese), spinach-chickpea cazuela, spicy eggplant caponata and potato tortilla. The malvarosa was a gently firm cheese and went well with the other dishes. The spinach-chickpea cazuela was a warm dish slightly reminiscent of Indian food - really tasty! The spicy eggplant is the only dish I didn't like (but I don't like eggplant much because I don't like the slimy texture). It was a chilled dish. The potato tortilla was yummy - we ordered two to fill ourselves up.
(5)Mazzy N.
One of the best restaurants Ive been to. The service is always very attentive. Maybe hard to get a drink at the bar when its busy at the bar, but they have always been accomodating. Sometimes will even offer a dish from the chef. The food is always spectacular. Wish there were a few more options for the cocktail list and could be a bit bigger portion size. The decor is all recycled products, but would never know, its so chic. Love the outdoor seating in the summer.
(5)Howe L.
I'm placing a huge emphasis on the food - delicious in all aspects. Awesome wine choices, but i wasn't a fan of the diluted sangria. Decor is equally inviting. Get's a little too crowded however. Service was disappointing - the waiters seemed airheaded, as we had to request water, bread, knives, and other common sense things multiple times. The manager came around and was super friendly though. Still, probably one of the better tapas places in Boston.
(5)Hsiang-I L.
Great place for tapas and some nice wine that's apparently hard to find in Boston. Very long list of tapas that I'll definitely have to revisit. The food was a hit or miss though. I love the charcuteries we got. But I was underwhelmed by the grilled fall veggies, and dessert crepe. Bone marrow was a OK. It's got decent selection of wine from Spain and Argentina. Our waiters were attentive and very helpful.
(4)Kevin P.
My second time here so far. Every time I drive or walk by in the evening, this place is packed, and last night was no exception. This experience was definitely a big step up from my first time here, which was completely underwhelming. We didn't have a reservation, but the wait only ended up being about 30 minutes. When you put your name down, they also take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready, which gave us some time and freedom to walk around and enjoy the excellent Washington Square scenery, rather than hanging around the crowded bar. We had the opportunity to dine outside. The weather last night was excellent, so it was definitely a plus for us. It was also much quieter outside compared to the boomy interior of the restaurant, so we didn't have to work as hard to hear each other speaking. If you go when the elements are friendly, definitely opt to sit outdoors if you can. Service was very friendly, attentive and are not afraid to strike up small conversations with you, which I don't mind at all. They gave us some very nice, hot Tuscan bread with olive oil to start. Right away, we placed an order for the Paella Mariscos, which they prepare to order and takes roughly 35 - 40 minutes to cook, so make sure you mention it early on when you sit down, or you may end up waiting awhile for it. We also got an order of the Manchego, Jamon Serrano, and Drunken Goat cheese. For what you pay, the portion sizes look small, but are deceptively filling and satisfying! All three were excellent and very flavorful. The paella was spot on, and the assorted seafood was cooked perfectly, particularly the squid, which had a very nice texture, not too chewy or overcooked. Of course, the wine list was very extensive, also featuring a decent list of cocktails and beers. I really like that they also give the option to have smaller draft beer and wine pours, allowing you to taste a variety of selections for a reasonable price. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered a Pinor Noir (I'm not much of a wine guy,) and it turned out to be very refreshing, and complimented a lot of the flavors of the mixed plates. Overall, I'm glad we took the chance to try this place again, it definitely exceeded my expectations!
(5)Ole R.
Had a really nice time here! Really good service, and good food. The different tapas dishes varied a little bit with regards to quality, but in total it was delicious. An excellent wine menu and great desserts topped the evening
(4)Peter R.
This place is awesome. It has replaced American Craft, and while I liked American Craft, Barcelona Wine Bar is a significant improvement. Both the service and food are top notch. They are a restaurant that really stays on top of the fact that your water glass is getting low, which I like because I drink a lot of water. Since most of the time you're ordering tapas, you generally need to get 2-3 for each person to really feel like you had a full meal. Everything is good, but my favorites are: Grilled Hanger Steak Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs Gambas al Ajillo Kumato Tomatoes The atmosphere is also great. Definitely make an effort to check this place out.
(5)Eric L.
Most of the dishes are too salty; and the dessert is too sweet. The only thing recommend is the seafood paella.
(3)Cori H.
OK, I want to give you more stars Barcelona, I really do. You're trendy, you sound like you should be an awesome place, your sangria is great... I just can't do it. Reasons why: 1) Don't take reservations if you can't honor them. I have made reservations here on multiple occasions, each time I arrived with my whole party early for the reserved time and we still had to wait at least fourty five minutes for the table. One time we waited almost an hour and a half, only to be told after I hounded the hostess that if we wanted a table outside we could be seated immediately... that would have been nice to know upon arriving since I never specified we didn't want a table outside and wasn't aware we were waiting for an hour and a half unecessarily 2) Food - it's good, not great, just good 3) Price - MY GOD, I have been to tapas places all over the city and for the price you pay here you would expect exceptional food or big portions, neither holds true and last, but definitely not least 4) Everytime I come here, as soon as my food arrives at the table I am starving from having waited for fourty five minutes to ninety minutes for a table, and want to eat. Instead, I am bombarded by a manager or host who is coming over to chat me and my table mates up about our experience and the food... HELLO?!?! Let the people eat! Sorry Barcelona, I have tried multiple times to come to you and have my mind changed to no avail....
(2)Laura A.
My husband has declared that saying you "love tapas" means nothing because you're essentially saying you love small plates of a wide variety. Ok, fair enough. But we LOVE Barcelona's tapas. The whipped sheep's cheese, patatas bravas, grilled hanger steak ( with black truffle vinaigrette - YUM!), and the spinach-chickpea cazuela are all absolutely amazing. We've enjoyed other dishes at Barcelona as well, but these are our go-to dishes. We have yet to try the paella, but every time I see the seafood paella served to a nearby table, I drool a little. So far none of the salads have been home runs for us, but we've only tried three (the kale, the beet and plum, and the radish) and we're not giving up yet! Also, the staff here is friendly and incredibly attentive. And it's important to mention that there is ample outdoor seating, which is a major bonus on a beautiful Brookline summer evening. Highly, highly recommend!
(4)Rebecca W.
I love Barcelona! My favorite tapas are the hanger steak, croquettes, and potatoes bravas. The bartenders and servers are friendly and helpful with the menu. Great atmosphere, a popular place for young professionals. Barcelona has been a great addition to the area!
(5)T A.
Decided to take a chance on Barcelona Wine Bar after a long flight from California and many skipped meals on the plane. I was not disappointed with the Clear Flour Bakery French Toast. Clear Flour is my favorite bakery so I figured the french toast couldn't be all bad. It was delicious! I would probably have the pear butter on the side next time as there was quite a bit, but I enjoyed the maple syrup more. The only reason that I gave a 4/5 stars is that the iced tea was quite pale in color and almost tasteless. Good iced tea should be fresh brewed and dark....no water added. I am a fan of Barcelona Wine Bar and will spread the word in Brookline!
(4)AB H.
I had another great dinner at Barcelona! We sat outside this time. I ordered the blackberry bramble cocktail again - it is so yummy! We had a well balanced selection of tapas: beet, plum, walnut cheese salad - delicious! The toasted white gezpacho soup (made with toasted bread and nuts) with grapes was fabulous. When then had the hanger steak - so tender with a yummy sauce, and the lamb chops, perfectly cooked and served with a Romesco sauce. We topped the meal off with some aged Mahon cheese. I was a bit disappointed with the incredible small portion of fruit spread on the cheese plate. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. The manager checked in on us once just to say hi. The support staff was not so good. We asked for an extra plate; it never came. We asked for a spoon when the coffee was served - it came at least 5 minutes later. We sent back the olive oil that was served with the bread because it mistakenly had some hot pepper (I mean really hot) flakes in it, and they never brought us a new plate or said anything about the mishap.
(4)A Q.
Never had a bad dish here! Great food, huge selection of wines and great wait staff that are very knowledgeable and friendly. Has a lively bar area in the evenings. Only downside is the very long wait if you don't have a reservation! I wish the restaurant would join Opentable!
(5)Sonia S.
i am torn between 3.5 and 4. ambience is brilliant, great tunes and amazing bar staff, never missing a beat almost in tune with the music. food was equally good, apart from the gambas whilst i realise trying to do variations on traditional dishes this one plate didnt offer much at all. there you have it 3.5.
(4)Lauren Z.
I had a fantastic experience at Barcelona Wine Bar tonight. Everyone was extremely kind, attentive, and friendly from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. I can't wait to come back! In particular, Emily made our not-so-great day a LOT better. I'm so happy we came here! Would absolutely recommend it.
(5)Elle G.
Absolutely amazing dinner and drinks. Phenomenal service, food came out so fast not to mention amazing drinks. We ordered 4 deserts and were blown away by everything especially the crepes. Definitely get the flank steak and the truffle bikini! Well worth the wait, never disappoints.
(5)Quang N.
Grabbed brunch here one weekend. Food was tasty, great environment, couldn't ask for anything more.
(5)Chuckle H.
The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. The Sommelier was very friendly and attentive, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything, from the wine to the tequila to the food. Every other staff member I encountered was very pleasant. Can't say enough about the service. Nothings better than having the executive chef slice PATA NEGRA TABLESIDE! Even if the food was sh**, I'd still go back. but its not. I'll end this review like I started. The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL.
(5)Jennifer D.
Love this place! It's become a neighborhood favorite of mine and I find myself always wanting to take friends here for dinner. They change the menu up a lot - I've been 3x in the last month or so and each time there are new items for me to try. Though I was sad to see the pulled pork biscuit sliders gone from the menu this time. They were sooo good. Bring them back! They also offer a good mix of meat and veggie options which is a plus for me since my boyfriend is a vegetarian and usually eating at a tapas place is a bit more difficult since there are usually fewer options we can both share. Atmosphere and food here are both amazing. I think the only complaint that I have is that the service is not always on point. The last 2 times I've been, I actually have had the same server so maybe it's just her - my first visit, my waiter was awesome. The last two times I was there, it took forever to get our drinks - the food actually came out to the table first. We even ordered our drinks well before we put our food order, but we kept being told that the bartender was backed up and the drinks would be out soon. I personally like to have a nice cocktail in front of me while schmoozing with friends and waiting for my food so it's kind of a bummer when this happens. My water glass also sat empty for awhile and the server didn't check in until we were almost finished with everything. The only reason I am still giving 5 stars is because the management here is one of the best I've experienced. On one visit, we ordered the suckling pig croquettes. I found them to be good but just too heavy for my liking so we left one on the plate. When the waitress cleared our plates, she asked about it. Apparently, they are supposed to report everything to their manager so he approached us shortly after and asked how we liked our food. He inquired about the croquettes and I assured him they were good, just too heavy for me to eat them all. He actually offered to replace them with something else, but at that point, I thought I was about to bust out of my pants because I had eaten so much so I said thanks, but turned down the offer. We get the check and see that the croquettes were removed from the bill. HOORAY for customer service. And on another visit, we were given a a dish on the house (that we didn't order). The food runner didn't specify why, but I had to assume it was a "thank you for waiting so freaking long for your drinks, here is some free risotto" gesture. HOORAY again. This kind of management will keep me coming back over and over. But definitely couldn't hurt to improve service on the floor to make sure food is not beating drinks to the table.
(5)Jeffrey K.
Possibly our favorite spot in the area. The only Tapas restaurant that we've been to in the Boston area that has a wider variety of good food. Love the pata negra. The meat balls are delicious as are the lamb chops. Don't be afraid to take a chance on some of the more unusual items. We had fiddleheads here and they were awesome. The only dish that was disappointing is the Chorizo. Not sure why but it just doesn't work. The vibe here is excellent due to the large space and the fact that the staff really seems to enjoy Spanish food. Just try to have a conversation about the food and it will be a long and passionate conversation. Oh, watch out for the Sangria. It packs a punch!!
(5)Betts C.
It's very hard/impossible to get five stars out of me, so believe me when I say that Barcelona is good. And fun. I've only been there for brunch, but amusingly we didn't get brunch food; the tapas just looked way too good. We sat outside, a space that has a really pleasant atmosphere and enough space to make you feel comfortable and not at all crowded or lacking in privacy, as with many outdoor spaces in the area. We tried a range of things, from the traditional to the not so. The tortilla is always a good test, and theirs was fluffy and served with an excellent dipping sauce, taking it above the norm. The chorizo and figs were awesome, with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. We also tried a short rib tapas that was divine, very tender and flavorful, a beet salad and a radish salad, which were each fresh and bright, just as they should be. None of it stood out as just outstanding, but all of it was beyond good. Plus, the bread and oil they serve is delicious. Drinks-wise, there are definitely some fun things going on. They have Spanish style beer servings (i.e. in small, petite glasses that are about half-servings) and you can get half-pours of wine, which turned out to be very generous. Overall, it was an excellent way to spend the day. Our server was informative and friendly, although he did seem to think that the whole tapas things was mind-blowingly new, something that it is, well, not. But the attention to the food and the interest in our experience were nice, so I guess I can't fault him that. I can imagine that at night the scene is a little different. On a Sunday afternoon, it was very abandoned, especially the indoor space. I'm guessing that's different than the norm, but I truly cannot say. I can simply vouch for it as a good spot to spend a lazy spring or summer day, with good food and a nice range of drink options.
(4)Amanda L.
Any restaurant that honors a reservation that I made for a different location, even when they are full, is amazing in my book.Barcelona Wine Bar did exactly this after they could not find my reservation and I realized that I had made it for their restaurant in Atlanta.! Regardless, they sat me right when the next table opened up, even though there was a 1 hour wait for walk-ins. Customer service does not get better than this. After we were sat at our table, it got even better, our server was so amazing with explaining the menu and making recommendations. This was key because they menu is long and full of things I had never heard of... which is a foodie dream come true. We started with a pitcher of ginger infused red sangria and a cheese/charcuterie plate. The serrano ham was spot on and complimented the drunken goat cheese that our server recommended perfectly. We also tried the blood sausage, fried manchego, chorizo and figs, and brussels sprouts. All good but the blood sausage was the stand-out favorite- it was spicy, flavorful and incredibly rich. The dulce de leche crepes were a cannot miss... perfectly caramelly with fluffy crepes and delicious whipped cream. I would go back just for those crepes.
(5)Jenna O.
LOVE this place. My roommate and I decided to give Barcelona a go last night, and we were not disappointed. We started the night off right with a pitcher of the red sangria that was light and refreshing! We ordered the chickpea fries to start and they were tasty little fries that came with a tzaztiki sauce which i thought complemented their spice perfectly. Our next "course" (we chose to have things come out in waves) was the eggplant caponata- which was a great combo of sweet and spicy, the sauce was to die. The caramelized Brussels sprouts were pretty good too but I think I can make them just as well. My roommate finished with the hangar steak that she really liked and I went for the Fluke fish. The fish was perfectly cooked and the salsa verde on top was a great addition. We also shared the Kale salad..but I have to say..not sure what all the hype is about. Ambiance and atmosphere is great here, will definitely be coming back with the BF.
(4)H. A.
Okay, round 2 was much better. Fun to try different wines with their small tasting pours. The actual glass pour is pretty generous. Also, the atmosphere was fun and lively. Definitely a good time with some delicious food. Tapas: 1. Whipped sheep's cheese and pistachios-- Not as good as last time. This one basically just tasted like cream cheese. 2. Mahon, manchego, and smoked ham antipasto- EXCELLENT. Perfect on their crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread. The ham was high quality, the aged mahon nutty and flavorful. 3. Steak- Just get it. It delivers. 4. Risotto- A standout. Loved by all. 5. Patatas- Good, but a little salty. 6. Kale salad- Also good, very flavorful. 7. Fois gras terrine- Was not a fan at all. Foie gras was very cold and not soft at all. 8. Summer squash dish- Okay, but not outstanding. 9. Eggplant- This was a special dish that was delicious! Smoky grilled eggplant on top of bread slices.
(4)Alfredo M.
The food might be good but the owners have no regards towards their customers' time or patience. If you make a reservation and get there in time you will be made to wait an additional 30 to 45 minutes because they are trying to stuff as many customers as many people as possible so no table is actually "reserved" for you.
(1)Jason F.
this place was really nice, but a little pricey. the service is excellent, the staff are really nice and well knowledged in the tapas. the grilled hangar steak was great as was the patatas bravas. pretty much everything was great. we had a few other tapas, but those ones really stood out.
(4)mike g.
Barcelona is one of the best restaraunts in the greater Boston area. I heard about the place from a few of my friends so I decided to take my family there to try it out. Making reservations was a breeze. The food was delicious. There is nothing negative I can say. One favorite while we were there was the Seafood paellae. The grilled cheese with truffle sauce was very good. The patatas were also a big hit. The spicy roasted eggplant was perfect. The service was exceptional, and it was not to loud. Overall, the meal was delicious, each tapa a delicacy of its own. I am looking forward to my next dinner there. I would highly recommend this restaraunt to anyone who is looking for a taste of Spain right around the corner.
(5)Diana S.
Fantastic time at Barcelona. Sat outside since the weather was so warm. Food was great. We tried the spicy sausage spread and two cheeses to start-drunken goat cheese ws the best of the 3. Tried a variety of tapas-all good. Topped off with a crepe with delicious caramel-too much though after a number of tapas. The grilled flal vegetables with tahi-basil pesto were fantastic as was the corn. Highly reocmmend it. Lots of wines by the lgass. Can't wait to go again.
(4)Catherine S.
I'm obsessed. These tapas are so unique and absolutely delicious. If you go, get the truffled bikini, spiced beef empanadas, the migas, or the foie gras (if you're into that. I didn't think I was til I tried it. Crazy good). The wine menu is intimidating, but the waiter was so nice that he helped us select one that fit our tastes and our price range, and we were satisfied. We also ordered the churros for dessert; if I died right after, I would've died happy, because these were amazing! They came out warm, and you dipped them into a mug of very good chocolate. And of course I had a dessert wine that was amazing. Try your best to come here sometime, I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Louise S.
My second time here was not as good as the first. The service was not very good on a Sunday at 5:30pm. There were plenty of workers around but they were busy chatting with each other and not serving. Took quite a while to get a drink. Was never offered a second drink. We were served food but no utensils. We had to go to a nearby table and take our own utensils. The visit was very choppy and inconsistent.
(3)Amy K.
Highly recommended. We did eight plates over 3 rounds of dinner and everything was awesome. It was just enough with just enough time in between that we got to try a bunch of plates but weren't overly full... We had enough room for dessert! Hanger steak and the chopped salad were the highlights. Service was great. They were always there but not intrusive at all. The server helped with things we didn't know about on the menu without seeming annoyed. Dessert was the perfect end with the Churros. We will definitely go back!!!
(5)Karl R.
Great food, great atmosphere. A welcome addition to the area.
(4)Dana K.
Easily one of the best (and hottest) restaurant in the Boston metro area. Great interior design - a mix of reclaimed wood and oxidized iron achieve a warm, inviting feel. The food is simply exceptional - with both innovative and classic options. I could lick the truffle sauce from the steak right off the plate. Huge selection of wines (something like 300-400 by the bottle options). The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)S S.
Good food, very friendly service but very very very slow service especially considering how many staff they have on at any given time. We came in on a wed at 5pm and were promptly seated on the patio. At that point there was one person at the bar, one table in the restaurant and one other table at the restaurant. While two very friendly servers came on 2 separate occasions to explain the layout of the menu for us, it took a long time for someone to actually take our drink order. When our drinks finally came, we sat some more waiting for someone to come take our food order. Meanwhile the patio is filling up, we see our waiter running around, he has someone following him around (a trainer or trainee), there's lots of staff shuffling about. Finally someone came to take our food order, and we waited some more, and some more, before our food began arriving, a couple plates at a time. The food was very good but again, despite all the staff on the patio, I waited a long time to find someone to order extra bread for my mussels, waited a long time for the bread to arrive, meanwhile the mussels are getting cold.... My husband waited and waited with an empty glass looking for someone from whom to order another beer... Then waited some more trying to locate someone to bring a menu so we could order more tapas, had to ask two different servers twice before menu arrived... sat for a VERY long time with a pile (and I mean pile) of dirty plates and dishes, mussel shells and all, in front of us. What was especially bothersome is that there were plenty of staff on the patio, including some standing by the entry with seemingly nothing to do, but no one bothered to come over and check on us, clear our plates, no one noticed we were often with empty glasses looking to order more drinks. Finally someone came to take our order but we didn't feel like waiting for more food (by this point the patio was packed, our original waiter was nowhere to be found and we decided to cut our losses) so we ordered an espresso, a beer and asked for the check. Not surprisingly, took forever for the beer and espresso, they were delivered to a dirty table, the table was so full of dirty dishes there was barely a spot for my little coffee cup (!). Waited forever for the check, when it finally arrived waited forever to for someone to come pick it up and run our credit card... It was very frustrating. I'm giving 4 stars because I live in the neighborhood and I'd like to see this place succeed. Also because the food was good and the service was friendly including a very nice manager who came over to chat with us. For that matter, everyone was very nice, including food runners and all the servers who waited on us. But the 4 stars do not reflect the experience we had that day. We'll definitely give it another try and are actually looking forward to having a different, better experience. Speaking of coming back, I filled out a comment card including my contact info with the promise of a free tapas - what a clever way of getting people back- but nothing came in the mail or via email. That was three weeks ago and Im still waiting..
(4)Gilad S.
Food is delicious, staff is friendly, wine selection and recommendations were impressive, thank you!
(5)JP E.
Awesome food and really fun and knowledgeable service. We tried a bunch of different plates and didn't have a complaint about a single one! Our waiter was super knowledgeable about the different wines and helped pair our food and drinks. Everything was delicious but the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese and the chicken croquettes were definite stand outs!
(5)Cathy S.
Been meaning to try this restaurant and finally did so on a Wednesday evening and it was packed! The restaurant is very big and even so there were tons of people standing around waiting outside when we arrived at 7:45pm. The atmosphere is bustling inside, and many of the tables are positioned extremely close together so that it almost looks like long communal tables at a glance. They start you off with some really good crusty and warm bread with olive oil and also offer bread refills throughout the meal. We had a party of 6 and ordered the following: - mushrooms + herbed goat cheese: really tasty and one of my favorites of the night - hanger steak: steak was cooked beautifully, truffle sauce was not that memorable for me, portion didn't look as big as in some of the Yelp pictures - fried zucchini: awesome remoulade but was disappointed that there were only 3 sticks of zucchini - crispy calamari: big chunks of squid instead of the usual smaller rings, squid had nice texture - chorizo with sweet and sour figs: bold sweet and sour flavor, really liked the big pieces of chorizo - pork shoulder: liked that the chunks of pork were fatty, good beans - clams and chorizo: tasty broth - paella mariscos for two: very good with strong seafood flavor and plenty of shellfish and squid, also one of my favorites All in all everything was very flavorful and there wasn't one dish that I disliked. Given that it's tapas it can feel like some of the dishes are overpriced for the portion. Service was pretty good despite being busy, though they did seem to initially forget three of our tapas.
(4)Ali M.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The staff is always so welcoming, friendly, has great recommendations (and also give complimentary tapas sometimes :) It's great to try new things and get a small taste, great for groups, fun area/patio. My favorites: -Croquettes (so tasty, must-have, just changed portion from 5 croquettes to 6 so perfect for sharing) -Truffle bikini (garlic aioli yum, little grilled cheeses with ham, so delicious!) -Seasonal risotto (lobster. so good) -Traditional sangria (good for splitting, ~$28 for 6 or 7 glasses, great fruit) -Hanger steak with truffle sauce
(5)Ines D.
I was dying to try this place, so i convince mu friend to have her birthday dinner there. We had reservation for 8, we ended ip waiting an hour, at first it was frustrated but it had raining so they were accommodating some customer inside. They gave us drinks and appetizer on the house, Their customer service was amazing. Food was phenomenal, i cant wait to go back again .
(5)Sofy D.
Great food and great service! These guys are packed everyday, but what can you do- quality makes you come back over and over again. Try their mushrooms with goat cheese!
(5)Josh L.
The infamous Barcelona Wine Bar. I've always heard about this restaurant, and I'm so glad that my curiosity finally led me here. As you walk along Beacon St. and finally stumble upon this gem, you're not even sure if this is the correct place. There's no real sign telling you that you have arrived at the Barcelona Wine Bar but I think that adds to the atmosphere of this restaurant. Upon entering we were greeted by a hostess who told us our seats weren't ready as yet (we were a little early, clearly excited about this experience), so we went by the bar to have a quick drink while we waited. We were seated by 7:40 for our 7:30 reservation, not bad I suppose. Finally seated at a table, we began to skim the menu, although we were very distracted by the delicious aromas that ambushed us from surrounding tables. We ordered the patatas bravas, jamon and chicken croquettes, truffled "bikini" , potato tortilla, grilled hanger steak and grilled lamb chops. Everything was amazing, there were so many different flavors and textures, my mind was blown. Barcelona is definitely an amazing restaurant, ambiance, quality of food and service taken into consideration. I always go here for big occasions and date nights. See ya for my next celebration!
(5)Anastasia L.
Been here so many times and still loving their food. That's how good they are. They serve their bread warm with olive oil on the side. Here is a list of my favorites: Truffle bikini Hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette *MUST ORDER Albondigas PATATAS BRAVAS *MUST ORDER Croquetas Seared duck breast Clams and chorizo
(5)Virginia C.
Sexy, fun, excellent service, wine list, and food menu. This is where you go with your girlfriends, on a first-date, or even with your family. Please be aware that this place gets busy and there may be a way. But I personally prefer this over Toro. Pros: -Sangria and more Sangria. I really hate that Boston doesn't have Happy Hours, but there is a Social Bar Food Menu from 4-6pm -Scallop Crudo* -Razor Clam Ceviche -Spiced Meatballs in Ham-Tomato Sauce -Hanger Steak* -Island Creek Oysters* -Swordfish a la Plancha* Cons - If you don't eat pork or trying to keep Kosher- I don't know if you would have the rewarding experience that I had! So- get it seat by the open patio and people watch, drink, and eat!
(5)Angela Y.
+ grade-A deliciousness + bold flavors + small plates, but LOTS of bread to go with (you'll get full!) + friendly staff + a nice place to accommodate both small and large groups (also has outdoor seating!) -pricey, but hey it is tapas after all - selectio
(4)Emily L.
Awesome food and service here. It gets super packed so make sure you make reservations! Even with reservations they will run behind and you can't get seated on time. We got the seafood paella amongst other dishes. I think that is a must.
(4)Angela L.
Tapas. Need I say more? I've been here a few times already, and as per usual, go with all your friends so you can try EVERYTHING. Went here the other night with some friends for a little celebratory dinner. We started off with a pitcher of the red wine sangria (it's a must try. And it's pretty strong too!) If you're going to order the paella, order that first. It takes forever to cook. Be careful of not filling up too much on the other stuff otherwise you'll have no space for the paella. We ordered the seafood paella, it's pretty good, but not something I would go crazy over. The tapas are small, but filling. (Check my pictures for what they look like! I was too excited to eat the foie gras that I didn't get a picture) These are the things we did order and I would definitely recommend: -patatas bravas (almost like little French fries with this amazing spicy dipping sauce) -the hanger steak (cooked to perfection and the sauce gives it a nice kick) -the chorizo with fig (chorizo. Delish. And the figs make it a nice and sweet dish... And not to forget, put the figs on your bread for a little fig jam) -spicy beef empanada (small, but they're empanadas... Need I say more?) -and the foie gras (melts in your mouth goodness). The ones we tried that I was less thrilled about: -chicken and jamon croquetas (these are tiny. And where is the chicken?? Felt like I was just eating a crunchy cheese ball) -bok choy (good, but a little on the salty side) Overall. Great experience whenever I come here. Only sucky part is that it is ALWAYS busy, so make a reservation!! We came a little earlier to put our name down for walk in and had to wait at least 45min. They have a nice bar area and outdoor seating which has opened up, so grab a drink and sit outside while you wait.. And it is worth the wait! Service is great and the tapas come out really quick. Go make a reservation now and get ready for your tum to be happy :)
(4)Kim B.
Barcelona is a luxury. It is that thing that you keep anticipating, you hold out for until you can afford it, and then you treat it like a fragile work of art. The experience itself is truly an art. It is an escape from the streets of Boston, entering into a busy, exciting, and tasteful environment. Since moving to the area, I have been here a few times. While I do not go often, I reserve a Barcelona experience for special occasions, such as Patch's welcome home party night 2. The environment is relaxing, citylike, with subway tiles, wooden beams, wooden floors, funky decor. It feels "NYC". Whatever that means, but its true. It has a formal dining area, as well as a bar area with high booths. Both experiences are busy and exciting. I will note, it is essential to have reservations. On one occasion, we were made to wait 45 minutes past our reservation time. While this is inexcusable, they did make up for it with complimentary appetizers and plates. And, while you are sitting and waiting at the bar, you hardly notice 45 minutes as you are soaking in the fun experience. The food options at Barcelona are exciting. Tapas allow you to try several types of food, and also to mix up the dishes. Barcelona also offers "bigger meals" where you order a slab or meat or 2 for the table. While it is expensive, the flavors, presentation, and uniqueness of the dishes makes it worthwhile. While having tried many items on the menu, of my favorite is the lamb, and the desserts. All of the desserts. That might be how they won my heart. Now Gster should note to just take me to the real Barcelona someday!
(5)Patrick D.
We have dined at Barcelona Brookline on multiple occasions and have never ever been disappointed. Always have made a reservation well in advance (at least 10 days) to ensure you can dine at your specified date and time. We have been here for brunch on the weekends, dinner, or just for drinks when the wait to eat is too long. There has been a few times where we have not made a reservation and then been told there would be a 2 hr wait so we just hung out for drinks and went to eat someplace else. The restaurant is always packed; when it is super crowded on the weekends, free tapas are handed out as well as a complimentary tapas coin to use the next time you dine for a free item. The food, drinks, and service are all impeccable. The red sangria is very tasty as well as one of the tequila jalapeño cocktails. The freshest, doughiest yet crunchiest bread is brought to your table upon seating with a very delicious olive oil. Some favorite tapas are the hanger steak, patatas bravas, kale salad, albondigas, and the spicy eggplant capanota. For brunch, the bloody mary bar is just fantastic. For 10 dollars, they bring a glass of vodka to your table and you can then go to the bar area to make your own blood mary. This isn't a typical blood mary either - you are free to concoct your own spice level and add candied bacon, pickled veggies, cheese, more meats, and horseradish/jalapenos. We absolutely love it here and cannot say enough good things about this amazing establishment!
(5)Joe B.
Make a reservation! This place, like other Barcelona's are a popular place for locals, and there is a 1-2 hour wait on the weekends If you don't call ahead, but if you have a reservation you will be seated promptly, I promise! If you're a party of 2, chances are you'll be sitting almost community style, shoulder to shoulder with other tables, but I must say, Barcelona is consistent wherever you go! We ordered 6 tapas, and 3 of them were favorites and recommendations from our waiter (oysters, poached veal, and tuna tartare). DELISH! Salads are enough for 3 people so prepare to share. It was a very enjoyable experience, and a sommelier in training paired our hanger steak with an affordable glass of Syrah South American Wine ($6/glass). While not leaving full to the brim, it was again, another extremely great experience to enjoy a tasting of traditional style Spanish Tapas, I will be back again!
(4)Lisa R.
great atmosphere. authentic tapas which were perfectly excecuted. TIP: get the pitcher of sangria. We got a sampling of tapas including the hanger steak, patatas bravas, eggplant caponata, and crab. All were delicious. We got the churros of dessert, which I would pass on next time. It lacked flavor and tasted like plain fried dough. No wait on a Sunday night.
(4)Ryan R.
Went here with a couple of friends for an early dinner. This place gets pretty packed so we made sure to make a reservation and were seated right away. First off, this place is lively. If you don't like crowds...or noise, this place is not for you. We were a small group so we did not mind it so much, but it could be overwhelming for some. I had a couple of drinks throughout the night--I think sangria and one of their cocktails, but wasn't too impressed by them. As for the food, we were able to try several dishes: Fuet and Cana de cabra (4 stars)--This meat and cheese pairing was actually pretty tasty though we didn't really need it after all of the other food we had ordered. Chicken & Jamon croquetas (4 stars)--These were a pretty tasty bite, but portion was pretty small overall. Spiced beef empanada (3 stars)--Decent flavor, but nothing to write home about. Hanger steak (5 stars)--By far, the best dish of the night. We actually ordered it twice--it was that good. Tuscan Kale (2 stars)--This dish was recommended by our waitress and I can definitely say that I was extremely underwhelmed. The kale was chewy, the dressing was limited and the whole dish did not really come together as I would have hoped. Grilled asparagus (4.5 stars)--I have had many renditions of this dish, and Barcelona does a nice job with theirs as well. Chorizo with figs (4 stars)--This dish was an interesting combination, but the pairing of flavors seemed to work well--decent sized portion as well. Overall, the service was friendly, the food flew out of the kitchen, and we were able to try several different dishes. That being said, this place did not come to the height of Alden and Harlow in Cambridge in the food selection and quality and really did not impress in the drink department. Nevertheless, a nice option in Brookline with a lively atmosphere. They also offer a nice outdoor patio space option during the warmer months.
(4)Jonathan F.
Be prepared for a loud and crowded experience. We had a table by the entry to the outdoor dining and I was jostled, had water spilled on me, had plates broken at my feet and yet it was a good evening. It all seems to be part of the scene in Barcelona. Favorite dishes: Chorizo with figs and the Hanger Steak. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. A fun place with good food.
(4)Maya R.
As someone who has visited Spain a number of times, I thought that Barcelona Brookline did an OK job of capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. It had all the classic dishes and drinks but it lacked the robust rustic flavor I normally associate with stellar Spanish food. This is not to say that the food wasn't good, it just wasn't what I expected.
(3)J B.
Well worth it. What a great way of tasting small plates and not too expensive. This is a really good way to introduce people to new flavors. The menu has a wide range of plates for all. The sangria was really good too. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Vanessa T.
This is exactly what Brookline needed. I can't wait to return here on 7/27 with friends from NYC! The staff is wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. I have been twice for dinner and can't wait to try brunch. The menu changes from time to time and its always A+. This is not your typical "Brookline" restaurant. Anyone or anysize party can go here and not feel the typical attitude some other surrounding business will give you.
(5)Samantha C.
Love the Brookline location of Barcelona. There's always parking and the outdoor seating is great. There always seems to be a wait when I go, but there is plenty of space around the bar to grab a glass of sangria and relax while you wait. Im not usually one to wait, but it is definitely worth the wait. Try a pitcher of the red or white sangria - both refreshing and pack a punch without tasting too strong to sip on. All of the tapas are amazing - my favorite was the chorizo with fig and the croquetas. Also try the watermelon feta salad - you'll be happy you did. The staff here really made the night. They were happy to offer us wine and food suggestions and were on top of everything. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with great food, wine, and people you need to try Barcelona!
(5)Dave R.
Generally speaking, I don't do "chains." But Barcelona wine bar is different. As I understand it, each location has it's own head chef who establishes the location's menu based on the Barcelona Wine Bar "theme" and fresh / local ingredients. I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline numerous times but have never bothered to write a review because there's already 500+ Well, after my last visit I just had to add my 5-Stars vote... This place is awesome! First, full confession: I prefer to share with my dining companion(s) wherever I go. If it's a traditional restaurant that means a shared app. or two, maybe a shared salad, and a shared entree. So a tapas restaurant is right up my alley. On this night my date and I sat at the bar on a Friday night at about 5:30 and shared the Blistered Shishito Peppers w Sea Salt and the Cabrales Cheese Plate to start. Both were awesome. We then had the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in oil and garlic) and Potato Tortilla. The four small plates, cocktails wine, and conversation were a perfect end to the week. As alway, the service was awesome. Looking forward to my next visit. P.S. Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End is also very good. But I prefer the Brookline location.
(5)Carla S.
I've been here several times.. The food is amazing! The service is great too, except for just once.. I had a waitress that just didn't do her job, idk if she was new but whoa.. She was off
(5)Silly S.
Second time here. Really love Spanish Ham (Jamon Serrano), Hanger Steak and Grilled Ribeye Steak. Especially the truffle cream on hanger steak. My wife recommends Sour Figs. Will definitely come again.
(4)Alexandra M.
Our half our wait turned into an hour quickly, and that was at 9pm! Pretty crazy. I don't normally eat that late, but I guess it's Spanish food so we should eat late :) We had a few drinks at the bar while we waited, which was packed. We started getting nervous for the table size, as unless you got a booth it seemed too small for tapas plates, and we were right. Our drinks were great, except the white sangria which was a bit boring. Like something was missing. My whisky root was great as was my caipirinha. I don't recall everything we had, but the olives were enough for 10 people, and the mussels were mostly great. One was still closed and one was really gritty (glad I got it at the end otherwise I would not have been able to keep eating them). The frittata wasn't close to the best either of us had had. Service was okay, had to ask for water refills and a few other things, and sometimes didn't see him for a long time.
(3)Zhenya K.
This was our first time at Barcelona. I have heard good things about the place, but wanted to try it out for myself. We made reservations for Saturday night for 9PM. We ended up getting to Barcelona 30 min earlier and seeing how busy the place was I thought there was no chance we were going to be seated earlier then 9PM. We were seated before our reservation time and as we requested outside in the corner for some privacy. I was truly blown away Then we met our waiter - Nick. One word - AMAZING! This guy was very kind, funny, knew the menu very well and answered our 100000 questions! Then the drinks came out....my apple martini was out of this world...my husband asked Nick to get him his favorite beer.....keep in mind my husband is not a big beer drinker....Nick pleasantly surprised him with a beer choice that was simply amazing and something we have never had before. YUM! The food started coming out......OMG - we couldn't stop...it was all so good! Highlights were "Bikini", "Hanger Steak", "Muscles Al Diablo" and other I can't remember now! Muscles were honestly to die for! We also ordered a sea food Paela....it came out and at first my husband and his friend dug in and said that it was just delightful. Then we realized that the bottom was quite burned...we told Nick about it. All he said was. "I heard you"...that it. We didn't think what to make out of that, but we weren't going to let that ruin our night. We ordered coffee, tea, desserts - all were very good! Then we asked for the check.......before getting the check , Nick informed us that he took the Paella off our check.....Thoughtful right??? We were ready to pay for it even though it was $50 for 2 people, but we thought, what the hell....it was a good night...so the paella was burned. But no, Nick took care of us from the very beginning to the very end! Overall experience is A+ we are definitely coming back here again and asking to be seated in Nick's section!!!!
(5)Chloé R.
Good food. A bit pricey but worth it. I love the lay out of Barcelona Brookline. Very open and airy. Large booths are good for groups. Trendy ambience. Great patio out front. Make a reservation. Recommend the potatoes with garlic aioli, calamari, asparagus salad, steak and eggs. Lovely Bloody Mary bar. Sangria also great.
(4)Grace M.
Barcelona's a great trendy spot that'd be super fun for a date. I liked all the tapas I had and really liked their bread as well. I was so upset though when I found out the mushrooms I got were cooked in bone marrow or some kind of animal fat.. vegetarians beware to tell your server in advance! But that runs true of any kind of tapas joint.. I liked this place over Tasca on Comm. They're pretty close to one another so if you're trying to decide, I say go with Barcelona.
(4)Naira Q.
Came here on a Monday around 430 for drinks and tapas after class. Beautiful outdoor seating, great for people watching on beacon street. Shared a pitcher of sangria with 6 people, it was enough for everyone to have a glass. We each ordered 1-2 apps and enjoyed sharing. Great service, location and food. Definitely will go back!
(5)Wei Ting C.
We went here on Saturday morning around 12pm, surprisingly it wasn't crowded at all. If you want to enjoy a lovely morning in Boston, this is a good place to go. I recommended Braised Oxtail Hash and Paella Mariscos. Although they made the paella too much socarrat, they took it back and remade it. Their service was really good. If you're going to order the paella, order this first. It took around 30 min to cook, but it worth the wait. I really enjoyed the food and it was not that expansive. I will definitely visit here again.
(4)Christina V.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is AWESOME! Super fun atmosphere. Amazing tapas. Strong drinks. Impeccable service. Was here for a business meeting last week and I'm so glad this is the place we chose to be wined and dined. Everything we tried was delicious including the hanger steak, scallops, eggplant. The small plates packed so much flavor with a nice presentation. The place was hoppin on a Thursday night! Be sure to make a reservation. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Anne C.
The best tapas anywhere hands down. We got the spanish olives, bone marrow, and the mussels el diablo. Yum, everything from start to finish. You really just have to come here and experience the whole deal. The bread is probably the best bread I've ever had in my life. I dream about this bread, I want to eat this bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want my children to eat this bread and realize that this bread is the best bread. I would move to Boston for this bread.
(5)M W.
An exceptional dining experience. There are other places that claim to do upscale, traditional tapas but this place gets it right. It gets busy so a reservation is recommended but any time you wait at the festive bar is not lost as you can order some great drinks and small plates there before you are seated. The croquettes are awesome as is the steak with truffle oil. Highly recommend!
(5)Ragini P.
awesome, awesome. I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. Service, food, drinks are all out of this world.
(5)Ramzy K.
Ever heard of "tapas"? It's the new culinary fad taking the US by storm. Under the guise of traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas restaurants offer small dishes for sharing amongst a large group of family or friends. However, most restaurants slyly take advantage of tapas' unique profitability, charging astronomical prices for app-sized portions of halfway decent food. Fortunately for us, Barcelona bucks this trend entirely. Located in the reinvigorated dining scene of Brookline, this bustling Spanish restaurant pairs an extensive menu of delectable plates with a robust, by-the-glass wine list. The prices are reasonable, and the taste is terrific. From the chorizos, chopped up and topped with a sunny side up egg, to the broccoli, cooked till crunchy and drizzled with a savory sauce, every dish has a personality of its own. The great food & drink come with personable servers and a lively, comfortable atmosphere. One of the only issues is unavoidable: it's very crowded. Either arrive early, or be prepared to wait, whether you have a reservation or not. So, even if the tapas movement continues to grow more popular by duping customers into buying mediocre apps with their hard-earned money, Barcelona gives you great hope that some good can come of it.
(4)Haeden G.
The food was really great and authentic...you can never go wrong with Spanish ham! The octopus however was extremely salty and you could tell they were trying to flip the table, almost rushing us out despite our very expensive bill. Overall though, great food and friendly staff.
(4)Mary Ann M.
THE BEST FOOD EVER! Kelly-Ann was our amazing server who just made us so happy! The manager David greeted us like we were family and it was actually our first time here. SUMMER SLING COCKTAIL ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! Love this drink! We had Ensalata Mista, cheese board with chorizo, artichokes, eggplant caponata, the gambas-yum, the beef empanadas omgggg, trumpet mushrooms, rib eye wow! We are definitely coming back not just for the food but because of the people (David!!!! & Kelly Ann) who work here are outstanding! We fell in love! RUN HERE DONT WALK, run!!!!!!
(5)Stacey G.
I have been here twice and I cannot say enough good things. I am constantly raving about this restaurant and cannot wait to return. I have gone in a group setting and on a date. I was last here on Monday night and the service like always was impeccable. The staff is friendly and polite. The manager came over to make sure everything was okay and to tell us they are opening a location in the south end! Everything they serve is amazing. I've had the beet salad, kale salad, mushrooms with herb goat cheese, patatas bravas, hanger steak and butternut squash. It was all amazing but the patatas bravas dish is by far my favorite!! I do wish they served a salmon dish! The traditional white sangria is something everyone should try! Occasionally there is a wait so sit by the bar and have a drink. This place is well worth the wait!! They also have wooden benches and tables as well as a dining area outside which I enjoy when it's nice outside. 5 stars without a doubt. This is one of my favorite restaurants in boston
(5)Hoffman W.
We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. It was too crowded for us to get a table, but we sat at the bar and got great service (food and drink) from our bartender, Harry. One of our plates was slightly late and we received another tapas plate and a dessert free of charge. A great spot for fresh, professionally-made cocktails. The white sangria is awesome, and we had a delicious Acadian redfish plate as well. Highly recommended.
(5)Alexis C.
This has become my new favorite restaurant! The food was sensation. The service was wonderful. The wine was spectacular. I went here on a first date. Although there probably won't be a second date, I will definitely be back. I couldn't name all six dishes we got and split but I do recall the pig ears and the spicy empanadas being particularly amazing. Our server was delightfully as well as anyone else who passed by the table willing to assistance us. The bartender was great help when it came to choosing a bottle before we sat down for our reservation. It was so good, we ended up getting a second bottle. We ended our night with dessert but it was certainly not as good as the rest of the meal. By the time we got our check the restaurant was packed and busy with a fun and lively atmosphere to it. I plan on coming back and bringing all my friends with me.
(5)Cerina H.
It's scary to say that this summer my attendance here has been once a week. I also really enjoy coming here by myself. Yeah, yeah, call me a loser but I get service beyond excellence when I come alone! They also give me tokens in exchange for free tappas at your next visit if you fill out their surveys...oops the secret's out! I've tried a lot of things here this summer. The seafood paella is my favorite and I get it almost every single time. The sangria is excellent but is not always consistent because it's sometimes really watery and sometimes not. I've tried most of the cocktails and they are all excellent. Brookline sour was good but tasted like lemonade haha. I recommend hanger steak, truffle bikini grilled cheese, meat balls, beet goat cheese salad, mushroom goat cheese. The only two things I've tried that I would not recommend are: St Louis style pork ribs-- they took this off for the winter and now it's back but it's not as good as last year for some reason and the cabbage that comes with it tasted really sour and unpleasant. Also, I would not recommend the squid ink noodles--a few pieces of squid and shrimp with a load of weird short noodles cooked in ink and lots of oil. Gave a funny after taste. Other than the above two, everything else is wonderful. Oh and did I mention that the bread is delicious? I can eat two baskets by myself. Note: if you don't want to wait for over an hour, get there before 6pm or go after 9:30pm. Or make sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Another trick is I wait at the bar and see who's signing their check and I ask them to save the seat for me when they leave..works every time!
(5)GJ B.
Definitely like the layout and decor inside. Pretty cool spot. Our waitress was a tad funny and didn't do a good job of attending to us. She would pop by to ask how things were but would be turning to leave before we could get off an answer. Maybe she was too busy, the place was absolutely packed on a Monday night. The manager looked like he should be riding a skateboard, not managing a restaurant. But what are looks, to each his own. We stuck with 3 tapas and a salad, so we need to go back and try the entrees. Chicken and Jamon Croquettes - J liked these Grilled Hanger Steak - disappointing in size - not as big as pictures on yelp Summer Vegetable - ok, but need to have the cheese more uniform throughout Watermelon and Feta Salad - good I think this place could be great, but they are pumping all the food out at such a high rate that it isn't all the best prepared or attended to. I am surprised by all the high reviews, but I'll be going back to check it out again. G
(3)Michael G.
The staff was very attentive. The food was perfect. Barcelona creates a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal. I definitely will be back.
(5)Kyleen K.
Best tapas in the city. Excellent variety, well-executed, delicious, and budget friendly. Just be prepared to wait if you walk in during the rush, but it's well worth the wait!
(5)Alex F.
The place is very busy! Food is good, however, the portions are small and a bit overpriced according to size. Beef is a must have! They have delicious desserts (Flan and Indulgence)
(4)Joelly J.
Great tapas restaurant! The portions are a bit small compared to other tapas restaurants but their venue definitely makes up for that! This is a very trendy and fun place near Brookline that would be a great spot for a date or girls night out! They have a great wine selection and a very tasty sangria! The ambience of this restauraunt is rare in Boston and reminds me of a typical New York spot! Order the octopus, tortilla espanola, sangria (by the pitcher) and anything from their dessert menu!!
(4)Leah K.
Barcelona wine bar is clearly a hit. At 5:45 I met my friend for dinner there, and while the restaurant was almost empty, they said they only had a few seating options available (bar, high top by the window, or a seat that we could take for only an hour and 20 minutes). We were seated directly between the only other diners in the room. But honestly? That was ok with us. Lets start with the bread: too hot to touch, but you must, because it's steaming and fluffy with the most crispy crust. They serve good olive oil to go with it. We ordered a salad, mussels, meatballs, and patatas bravas. I think we made great choices! For around $25 per person (including a coke and a cocktail), we were full and happy. Salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, marinated onions, and olives topped with a sharp vinaigrette. I was ready to be underwhelmed (my friend chose it) but it was a great portion and with a bracing flavor. Probably a great paring with some richer tapas. Mussels: I've never seen mussels with as much meat as these! Aside from that, I don't have much to say...they were briny and came in a very spicy tomato based sauce. Meatballs: out of this world. We dipped our bread in the sauce (and barked at the waiter when he assumed we were finished because the meatballs were gone). Patatas bravas: the best I've had. They were really crispy and the sauce was sour (it's a cream sauce) and it comes with a spicy tomato sauce underneath. Very good. I also had a caipirinha, which came with 4 muddled limes. I'm a sour fiend, so this drink rocked my socks. It tasted like, lime, rum, and sugar...sour and sweet and not watered down. If you don't like a punchy drink, this isn't for you. I The waiters were great (aside from a bill mix-up). There was our waiter, a lady who also brought us food and drinks, the water guy, the manager...we basically had relationships with all these people. Which made us feel really well taken care of. I'm excited to head back to Barcelona and try whipped goat cheese, churros, chorizo, and everything else. This wins in my book.
(4)Haley J.
This is a perfect neighborhood tapas restaurant with an excellent patio. You'll definitely want to try the red wine sangria, and go ahead and buy it by the pitcher.
(5)Kunal C.
If you like tapas, come here! The food is off the hook and the sangria is one of the best I've had. Even if you don't eat, you can sit outside and grab a few drinks. Well worth a visit.
(5)David A.
From the chicken,lamb, to the steak everything is always exceptional!! And service is always amazing !
(5)Isabel R.
Technically its Brookline but its closer to Cleveland Circle than to Coolidge Corner. Best tapas in Boston! Recommendations: Hanger Steak, Chorizo with Figs, Patatas Bravas, and Sangria. On Sundays they have a Brunch with live jazz music and the best Bloody Mary Bar I've ever seen! (and I'm not a fan of Bloody Marys. LOL!!!) Expect a wait! I usually drive there and get my name on the list go home and come back 30-60 minutes later. I like this location better than the South End. It has a different feel to it with a big outdoor patio. Love it!!!
(5)Vivian C.
Some day was Mother's Day. We arrived for an early dinner, but it seemed we were not the only ones to do so. Though a tad early for our reservations, we were still made to wait as they were a bit behind. They redeemed themselves, however, with an offering of grown up grilled cheese sandwich quarters - served hot and tasty. Sure, we're family, but there is still such a thing as too close - for some reason they saw fit to seat our party of 8 at 3 two top tables smushed together, while the family of 4 beside us had a generous 2 tables all to themselves. Once they left, however, I inquired about the possibility of adding one of those now vacated tables to our threesome if they weren't already reserved... to which we were happily given the a-okay and the proper assist. Service was mostly excellent, from the lady server who took our order to the bus boy who filled our waters quite regularly, de-crumbed our tables and ended up taking our dessert orders. The only bump was when our original server took away one of our tapas plates a bit too quickly, leaving behind a stream of the residual sauce on the table cloth, just missing my dad's sleeve. The other thing was the spacing out of the meal - fortunately we were sharing everything, since the tapas came one (or two) at a time, and we were able to finish and look up hopefully for more before another round would arrive. We had asked for everything to come out as it was prepared. Then finally, the two entree portions that we ordered - those came out one right after the other, which made for an opportunity to finally take a food accompanied table group picture! Food ranged from nothing special (Fiddleheads & Mushrooms 10.50 Garlic, Lemon Juice), and rather raw (Grilled Broccolini 6.50, Roasted Peppers, Balsamic), to the apex of our meal, the Grilled Hanger Steak* 9.50, Black Truffle Vinaigrette with its wonderful flavor! The steak was sliced 1 piece per person at our request, so that we could each try it. Inbetween were Scallops a la Plancha 11.50 Avocado Salad; Roasted Bone Marrow 11.50 Caramelized Garlic Gremolata; and Pulpo Gallego 9.50 Octopus, Fingerling Potatoes, Pimenton. The entrees were ordered sized for one, and for that, they were generous. The Mixed Grill Mariscos $24.50 Branzino, Prawns, Clams, Calamari, had good portions of the stated shellfish cooked well. The Paella Mariscos $24.50 Prawns, Squid, Clams, Mussels, was pretty filling, but I didn't appreciate that some of the rice had been burnt black where it hung out on the pan too long, so I tried to refrain from scraping it to the very bottom. I sampled the Churros Y Chocolate 8.00 Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce, and found that the chocolate wasn't the singularly sweet American sort, but rather spiced up and rather savory. The churros, however, were a convenient option to share. I preferred, however, the traditionally sweet and creamy Flan Catalan 6.00, which was sufficient for two to share.
(4)Jacqueline C.
Amazing! Have been craving for tapas and paella for a while and finally got to try this place out. We came here at 5pm and had no problem getting seated. -paella: looks incredible and taste delicious too. I like toro 's paella more though it's decent. -must try the hanger steak. Cooked perfectly(~medium rare ) -figs and chorizo; one of the popular dishes here and I would say it's pretty special. Not a big fan of the sauce but they taste pretty good together
(4)Sophie P.
BRUNCH REVIEW Jazzy brunch! They have a small band playing near the windows by the bar, and it adds a great ambiance during the weekends. FOOD Lamb burger (+) You need to try this. Smothered in a tzatziki sauce, the grilled lamb drips into your mouth while crispy onions crunch in your mouth. This is the most unique burger I've had in awhile, and I was loving every bite of it. The fries were a little thicker than I would've liked, but this dish was perfect otherwise. Roasted beets (+) I was surprised by this dish. The beets had great flavor drizzled with balsamic vinegar, were a hot pink color which was so beautiful - It was like art! The pistachios added a great texture and touch to the dish. Grilled calamari - I usually go for fried calamari, but this was a great alternative of the traditional dish. Ensalata mixta with skirt steak - This salad was really plain without the steak. It was simply large pieces of lettuce, uncut, with raw onions, tomatoes, and olives topped with olive oil. We wanted some greens with our burger, so this was a good complement, but I would never get this dish without something else. Overall, this was a great option for brunch. I am still dreaming of that lamb burger.
(4)Jeniely G.
Ok.. I am new in town but I am always craving for good food, not the one that come in big plates just the one that is so good and come in the right amount that you want to come back for more. I like the whole experience, service, good drinks, ambience and of course good food. Well in Barcelona you have it all.... I always said that a good sign is how crowded is the place, but I hate to wait. Well that did not happen the place was full but the service was right on, our waiter did everything to please us, even make white rice for my girl which did not want anything but that. The food was really good, I had the chorizos and they were fantastic, also the steak was my favorite. This will be my new spot in town.
(5)Lauren E.
I went here before and enjoyed it. I tried going back, but couldn't get in touch with someone at this restaurant to make a reservation. Barcelona is a CT chain tapas place. Every other location manages to have an online reservation system, so why can't this location? It would make things a lot easier than calling, especially since this place can't staff people to answer the phone. I called this place four times to make a reservation. Each time I had to wait to get to an automated message just so I could be transferred to the reservation line. Then all it did was ring three (quick) times before an automated voice says the party is unavailable. Yes, I could've left a message, but at that point was frustrated. I've never had issues making reservations at other restaurants, whether by phone or online, but apparently Barcelona can't get it together. And don't make the excuse "it's too busy." Bull. Like I said, I never had issues getting through at other places that can be just as busy. I'm not going to waste time to show up, only to find out there is an hour long wait, when I can find this information out in two seconds over the phone or online. So Barcelona is a no-go for me.
(1)Elcin N.
Great food and atmosphere. Boquerones is to die for, but one order of it will not be enough. They also have great sangria and bread. The decor inside and in the outside sitting area are very nice.
(5)Brittany P.
Just got home from an absolutely stellar dinner at Barcelona in Brookline! My date and I arrived to a busy restaurant around 7:30. There was a 30 minute wait but we didn't mind and were seated promptly at 8. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and romantic but there were a lot of big parties, so it looked like a great place for a larger celebration. Both of our waitresses were wonderful - so sweet and attentive as well as knowledgable about the menu. Our waitress even offered us a half pitcher of sangria which was only $13 and filled 3 glasses per person! For our tapas we ordered the patatas bravas, empanadas, and the roasted chicken. We also ordered the skirt steak. Everything was delicious and extremely fresh and flavorful. Even the coffee was great and a wonderful way to top off a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual but romantic dinner spot!
(5)goblyn g.
A good selection of really tasty tapas, and drinks (food's a bit pricey, but it's GOOD, and they have some things you won't get in too many places here). Good for groups. I'd been there a few times, it worked well with both me+friend, or in larger parties, but it can get noisy (just a tad too noisy to my taste) and crowded, so if you're looking for a quiet one-on-one conversation, perhaps other places are better.
(4)Demi L.
Long wait- totally worth it! Very cool restaurant with an amazing tapas & drink menu. Food was delicious!! One of the best restaurants in Brookline! Will definitely be back.
(5)Yuka Y.
Tapas offerings are solid, averaging around $7/plate. The wait time is horrible and the system is rather disorganized with too many people hovering around the entrance waiting...waiting..and waiting. We waited about 1.5 hours just for a table inside, granted though it was Saturday evening @8. Expect a longer wait for a table inside. They do provide heated lamps outside, however, even those don't suffice against the evening chill. Recs: +Lamb chops- cooked medium rare and delightfully tender, but beware of subtle bones hidden throughout your meat +Grilled Broccolini as your veggies. Mindblew both me and my honey, we've never seen broccoli like this or had it cooked this way. Had a strong garlic essence and leaves that were slightly crispy. +Warm chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence with raspberry sauce & coconut ice cream- the chocolate cupcake sized cake is very hot with the ice cream on top a melting ooze of goodness. Miss: -Although the hangar steak was medium rare, it was unremarkable. A little on the dry side and the Black Truffle Vinaigrette sauce did not deliver. Loud atmosphere. This is an excellent place for drinking and people watching. The dim lighting makes it an intimate atmosphere, but the chaos around with large numbers of bussers and service staff moving around makes it not the most relaxing of places.
(4)Susan S.
Amazing food and wonderful staff! We had made a reservation at another restaurant in the area, and had not yet been seated after 45 minutes, so I called Barcelona. The person I spoke with sympathized with my situation and found us a table within ten minutes of arriving. I am SO happy we dined there instead of our original choice! Their food was SO tasty, and we are foodies and I've been to Spain twice, so we're not an easy bunch to please! We each ordered and shared a bunch of tapas and there wasn't a single disappointment among them. They also have a great wine and drink list, and a fun, lively atmosphere. Our pair of four agreed to make this our 'regular' spot for future outings. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Sahar S.
This place is so cozy, walked in on a Sunday and there was a jazz band jamming. Food was great and super fast.
(5)Eli F.
This is the first review I've ever written on Yelp, but my visit to Barcelona last night merits it. I am an avid tapas bar visitor, and prior to eating here Toro was my hands down favorite. Barcelona did a great job of exceeding my expectations. I still love Toro but Barcelona went above and beyond as far as service goes. I made reservations for myself and a friend visiting from out of town. After arriving, there was a minor delay in our seating so we made our way to the bar to wait it out. We were able to find seats at the bar anyway and we were looking forward to trying the drinks before dinner. We each ordered drinks, a Caipirinhia and a Bourbon Spice Rack. The Caipirinhia was excellent, but after trying the Bourbon Spice Rack, I stuck with it the rest of the night. Easily one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, so much so that I let the manager, Erick, know and he gave me a small sample of the ingredients (except the bourbon of course) to take home! Cannot wait to try and imitate the concoction. Once our table was ready we were escorted to the outdoor patio which was perfect because of the weather (mid to low 70's) and it was a lot quieter than inside. It wasn't overly loud inside but it was easier to have a conversation outside while at our table. Our server Nick was excellent. We had him pick out our chef selection starters and he hit it out of the park. The Soria (chorizo), Drunken Goat Cheese, Buefish Pate (easily my favorite) and the Spicy Eggplant were amazing. For dinner we ordered the Patatas Bravas, Mussels al Diablo, Ribeye Steak (Favorite item of the night, contemplated ordering twice but was getting extremely full by the end of the meal), and the Bone Marrow which was also excellent! I honestly wanted to hug the chef after our dinner. Thank you to Erick and Nick for providing excellent service, I will be visiting again soon!
(5)Arvind S.
Food was OK. Nothing worth the hype. But I was really upset with the way they hurried us through. It was my wife's birthday and we were 6 of us. I me the waitress and asked for a cake to be brought at 12. And they brought it at 11:40. How hard is it? We planned it such a way that we stay there late which we did. We were drinking and eating until 1am eventually. This place is open until 2am and they were busy setting up empty tables. For the next day may be. Sucks. Poor service for an overpriced restaurant.
(1)Lauren T.
I wish I had more stars to give this restaurant. To begin my long rant of how wonderful the service and food was: SERVICE: We originally wanted a table, but the wait was rather long, so we sat at the bar where we were waited on by Harrison. Harrison was friendly and attentive, a rare combination to find in Boston. My boyfriend is allergic to eggs, milk and nuts which is always a challenge for us when we dine out. Not this night, Harrison immediately whipped out a menu and asked the chef to cross off any meal which would be dangerous which made ordering a breeze. How the chef had time to do this during a busy dinner rush is beyond me, but I am eternally grateful! Towards the end of our meal the Sous Chef, David, introduced himself to us, really nice guy! Turns out he has food allergies too and could relate to our struggle. As we enjoyed some wonderful coffee after our meal (since dessert is a non-option for those with all of those allergies) a box of Sour Patch Kids appeared; compliments of David. It was incredibly thoughtful and honestly an act I'll never forget. It really speaks volumes about the high regard he has for his customers in wanting EVERYONE to be comfortable. FOOD: The menu has a great selection of tapas. Everything we ordered arrived at an appropriate temperature, in a timely manner, and was delicious. My favorite was the ceviche, boy, it was out of this world! Harrison suggested the rosé sangria which paired beautifully with the seafood we ordered. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to our next date night at Barcelona!
(5)Alice C.
Hanger steak is the way to go! I'm also a big fan of tapas because you can try a little bit of everything. It's a fancy place, but definitely worth the money. Very nice atmosphere. Request Nick as a server. He is amazing and will definitely take care of you!
(5)San W.
Still awesome food and service! Be prepared to wait for an hour or more on a weekend night without a reservation though. But I have to say, I had the most pleasant waiting experience at a restaurant ever here last night. The owner/manager (?) came by a few times with free tapas to taste (those croquettes!) and a server made sure to check in about drink orders. Despite the place being so packed and busy, the staff never seemed rushed/impatient in their interactions with customers. And now on to the food! Being greedy and gluttonous, we ordered twelve tapas for three people. And two desserts. And coffee. Stuffed. To. Point. Of. Explosion. But so worth it! Highlights were the: - Braised Short Rib - Jamón and Chicken Croquettes - Chorizo and Sweet & Sour Figs - Grilled Hanger Steak - Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder I tried a white wine our waiter recommended, Ulacia (from Basque region), which I enjoyed. A fast pour from up high to preserve the CO2, it was bright, light, crisp, bubbly, and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. And YAY for another free tapa token! Can't wait to come back again.
(5)Erica W.
I've been to Barcelona a few times and this is by far the best experience I have had. Our server, Isak, greeted us with a friendly hello and was more than helpful in our dining experience. He gave great drink, tapas, and dessert recommendations. He had superb knowledge of the menu which was fantastic because some of the items can be confusing to the average patron. My dinner date has a fish allergy and the executive chef took the time to come out of the kitchen to point out the particular items that would not be friendly to the allergy which was very helpful. Overall our favorites were the hanger steak and mushrooms with goat cheese but everything was delicious. The cocktails were superb. The bourbon spice rack was a perfect earthy drink to start off the night. And the crepes finished our meal on a very high note. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Marlana Y.
Hanger steak- my friends loved it and had to order another one Hamachi- if you love raw fish this is really good. Went down smooth Whipped cheese- just okay. This is a good app to start out with especially with the bread. Kale salad- big portion compared to other tapas. I felt like I could finish this on my own. Delicious! Paella- had the seafood paella and it was tasty. But be careful when eating it because some of the pieces of oyster shell would break and get stuck in my rice The ambience can be romantic but depending on how many people is in your party there may not be a lot of privacy between you and the table next to you.
(4)Allan S.
I'm tempted to write a 'meh' review so as to keep this gem to myself. Great food, full bar, outstanding wines by the glass and attentive professional service. Worst thing I can say is no valet parking, or parking lot, just street parking so you will have to hunt a bit. But if you are up for the challenge you will be richly rewarded. Arrived with wifey on a Saturday night around 7:30 without dinner reservations because we decided to go out at the last minute and all the prime dining slots were taken. So we put our name on the list (an hour wait) and headed to the bar. 15 minutes later we luck out and snag two stools. Bartender could have not been more friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable. Took us through the menu giving tips on what to try and what to drink. The menu is expansive so it was nice to have someone walk us through it. Everything we tried was good with the possible exception of wifey's cocktail. She loves jalapeno margaritas and the Hot Dahlia just did not cut it. I've recently acquired a taste for Old Fashioneds and was not disappointed by the Bourbon Spice Rack. At the bartender's suggestion we followed up with the 2008 Tempranillo, Cerro Añon, Reserva, Rioja by the glass. ZOWIE! Had that again and regretted not ordering a bottle. For our meal we began with the Kale Salad. WOW! Full of flavor and the perfect hint of anchovy. The Grilled Hanger Steak with Black Truffle Vinaigrette was incredible. Small bites of beef full of flavor. The Hamachi Crudo .. as good. We finished with the Salvaje (Meat) Paella. Ate every bite. For dessert we had the Crepas Salguero which were HUGE (one order would have been more than enough for two) and the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence. The bartender had recommended the Churros, but we were not at all disappointed with our choices. So plan ahead, make a reservation, and enjoy!
(5)Joyce L.
3.5 stars I came here with my older sister for her birthday, made a reservation and was seated within a couple minutes of arriving (parking is a hassle, T accessible though). Is it just me or is there no sign to the restaurant??? I kept walking past it and was so confused for the longest time.. Might have just been me, though.... On to the dishes... we ordered the following: 1. Crispy calamari: not worth it. probably the worst fried calamari I've had in Boston.. there was nothing to it, just seemed like a menu filler... 2. Chorizo & sweet-sour figs: one of their better dishes. a bit sweet, but I actually really enjoyed this. 3. truffled "bikini": overwhelmingly truffle-y. just a grilled cheese, but would be a lot better with a spice factor like jalapenos or something 4. patatas bravas: meh, overhyped on yelp. 5. grilled hanger steak: really good, small serving size 6. mussels diablo: the best thing we had that night! loved the spiciness 7. churros: A MUST! we ordered this on a whim... i'm so glad we did. piping hot, just the way I like it. the chocolate is more of a dark chocolate dip, so keep that in mind. 8. sangria: I ordered an entire pitcher for myself.. that's right. my sister is pregnant and the waitresses couldn't tell so they kept asking me if I was sure I wanted an entire pitcher for myself. Just to prove to the wait staff (and everyone around us who kept judging me), I finished the entire pitcher!! Just goes to show that, if you REALLY want to, you can finish an entire pitcher by yourself. A pitcher of sangria for ~$24. it was a pretty good deal The food? meh, not bad, but not stellar the service? awesome, the manager AND the waitresses checked up on us multiple times. the manager was extremely sweet. the ambiance? intimate and cute the price? not bad for the amount that we ordered! would I go here again? probably not for dinner. I think there are other places around Boston that are worth trying with the same appeal. I have to give it to their marketing team.. I filled out a survey at the end of our dinner and the manager/waitress both handed me a "free tapas" token(?). Supposedly, the next time I come, I can get one tapa for free so make sure you fill out the survey!! This is the only reason I would probably visit barcelona again... for sangria and my free tapas hehe
(3)Raquel O.
In my 26 years of life on this planet, this restaurant has been one of the most memorable. I ordered the Hanger Steak, Mussels, Jamon Serrano and Patatas Bravas and they were all delectable. The servers were all extremely attentive and friendly. Phenomenal place.
(5)K S.
This is a great place! I'm not usually one for chains or franchise restaurants, but this place doesn't feel like it! We always start with the manchego and Serrano ham! It's served with quince pace that is wonderful! The bread is always freshly baked. And the olive oil they serve with it has such a great fruitiness. I have tried many of the tapas items. We love the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, Patatas Bravas, albondigas, spiced beef empanadas, asparagus. The only things that I've tried that I wasn't a huge fan of was the chicken and jamon croquets and the fig and chorizo. The croquettes were ehhhh and the fig and chorizo was a little greasy. I would love to try the paella or the squid ink Fideos! Yum! Highly recommend this place but make sure you have a reservation any night of the week!!
(5)Tracy S.
I went on a Wednesday night with about 20 coworkers. They have had large groups before and make menu suggestions for big groups. It was a beautiful day and we had half of the outdoor patio reserved as well as some room inside for the food. The only thing I didn't love was the fact that we were not allowed to bring the food outside. We had red sangria. It was truly one of the bed red sangrias I have had. Later, we had shots of the house tequila. I have to admit that college memories (or lack thereof) made me not a fan of tequila in the past. But, man this tequila was smooth. I'd get it again. Ok the food: first off- the free bread you get with the meal was amazing. A crunchy crust with a soft, spongy inside. The grilled cheese sandwich with truffle oil was equally amazing. The eggplant and the meatballs were a welcome change from the carbs. The eggplant had a very interesting flavor. However after a long night of sangria I wanted nothing more than the potatoes with the cheese sauce. Since I was not the person who set up the order, I didn't actually see the menu so I do not know the official names of the dishes. I will be going back as soon as I can. The atmosphere was cool and classy, but also laid back.
(5)Shanna C.
Kale salad was delicious...hit the spot after a long day of studying...the meatballs were very flavorful as well.
(5)Jeff M.
Having started my experience with Barcelona in New Haven this location has never lived up to the expectations set down in CT. I would not come here for dinner, but, I'd definitely go back for meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks. Its more that type of place then a proper restaurant to me. That being said the tenderloin is unreal.
(3)Karen D.
Outstanding on all fronts. Got there about 6 on a Sunday, which was a good call since it filled up quickly. Two of us sat at the bar. Our bartender, Jess, and the other bartenders were very friendly, attentive and made great drinks. I had the Whisky Root, although I changed it to straight up, so I could savor it without the ice melting. Every tapas was great: gambas, bravas, peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, broccolini. The bartender sent out 2 tapas for us to try that I woulnd never have ordered and the were fantastic: smoked mackerel pate and brussel sprouts. The bar manager came over and chatted with us as well. Very welcoming. The place has great decor and the music was perfect. I'm looking forward to my next visit. And they gave us 2 tokens for 2 tapas next time.
(5)Mary D.
Excellent I like the outside bar in the summer Inside is a little loud but the food is great.
(5)Greg P.
Great Option for Tapas in Washington Square Barcelona is one of several newer entries on the dining scene in Washington Square. Located on Beacon St., Barcelona is easy to get to. A spacious restaurant, there is plenty of seating inside and out on the patio. The ambiance is warm and trendy/contemporary. The service is quite good with the manager coming to check on our table several times. Definitely get a reservation because it fills up quickly! The selection of tapas is broad with some very unique options. We started with a selection of two cheeses (Mahon and a soft sheep's milk). We also had the jamon serrano. Served with delicious house bread, the trio was fantastic. We then had the terrine of foie gras which was also delicious (although served with onions that detracted from the taste of the terrine). We had a great salad with kale, squash, and barley. They brought over some roasted brussel sprouts on the house that were also terrific. The climax of the meal was the squid ink fideos. Served in a large cast iron pan (like a paella pan) it was generous portions of squid, shrimp and black squid ink pasta. It was outstanding and quite a unique dish. We did not have any space left for dessert. Unlike other tapas experiences, these were quite generous proportions and we filled up quickly. You get excellent value for the money. Four of us ate well for about $90. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Amy M.
This place is truly a gem. We spent the night here for a friend's birthday, and certainly weren't disappointed. The menu was just as unique as the atmosphere -- I'd recommend for a special night out with a smaller group when you're looking for something different (or trying to impress your date). We tried both savory and sweet plates, and were impressed with both. But the drinks really won us over here -- many different wines to choose from, and sangria has multiple made-to-order variations of white, red, fruity, herbal, etc. Sangria was not very strong despite my expectations of a wine bar (too much ice, maybe?) but was fresh and different. Barcelona made for a pricey dinner, although we did find the tapas were large enough to be share-able. I'd say it's worth the experience, but if you're looking for a night out but on a budget, grab dinner first, and visit Barcelona for after-dinner drinks and small bites.
(5)Shruthi S.
Love everything about this place, the ambiance, the friendly staff and the fresh food. The bread is perfect. We always order a loaf to take out at the end. If you plan on going during rush hours reservations are a good idea. We generally go around 6 to beat the crowd.
(5)Lisa P.
Each time I've gone to Barcelona I'm impressed. They have a very knowledgeable and accommodating staff, tons of seating (inside, outside, and at the bar), and the food is fantastic. As someone with Celiac, I feel very comfortable eating here and know that the waiters and the chefs have taken my allergy seriously. They don't have a separate gluten free menu, but there is so much to choose from on the regular menu that's already gluten free, and the staff is good at informing me which items can be made gluten free or not. They also have gluten free rolls! and my own olive oil to dip it in. I highly suggest this restaurant for anyone with food allergies. Know that you will be taken care of.
(5)Lisa H.
I was there the weekend right after Halloween and we had such a great time! The place was really busy, and perhaps a tad noisy - but it didn't bother us. We didn't wait too long for a table. Nice wine selection, food was most excellent. Our party shared a couple of dishes and had the seafood paella. Also, churros. Yummy. You definitely get your money's worth here. Highlights of our night: Beet & Honeycrisp Apple Salad, Chorizo & Sweet Sour Figs, Mariscos Paella, Churros.
(5)April K.
This is a swanky, dimly lit restaurant/tapas bar with some of the best sangria I've ever had. However, I am not sure what was going on last night but I was so unimpressed after eating dinner here. When I used to come, their sangria was fresh and crisp, light and refreshing. Last night when we were waiting for our table, they served us a pitcher of purple mystery. The sangria was thick and too sweet, and we had no idea why it was such an odd color. We sent it back, and the waitress told us "Oh sorry, sometimes when it's been sitting for a while, it turns that color." Really? Thanks for serving us bottom of the barrel sangria that's been fermenting in your restaurant. She brings us another pitcher of the SAME weird purple shade, and then tells us that the sangria is actually supposed to be that color... The second batch tasted okay, but I just thought that was shady. For dinner, I was expecting to be blown away by each tapas dish. We ordered about 13 dishes for our table. It was fun because it was like going to a tasting event and getting to try everything, but nothing was that great. We got the sheep's cheese that just tasted like cream cheese. The fried pig ears just tasted like overly crispy french fries with too much citrus zest on it. The meatballs tasted like ordinary meatballs doused in cheap marinara sauce. The patatas bravaro were like home fries covered in chipotle mayo sauce, which was good, but when you think about it kind of expensive for a small plate of potatoes. Scallops, steak, soft shell crab, sausages... we tried a lot of stuff on the menu. Sadly, it was not memorable and nothing was strikingly amazing. Lastly, service was excruciatingly slow. It took the waiter 15 minutes to come and take our order. I had to ask them a few times to refill my water. Lastly, he asked us if we wanted dessert and we said no, just the check. Ten minutes later he comes back and asks us if we want to see a dessert menu... Not a huge deal but just added to our frustration of the slow service. Oh, and I got a splinter from the outdoor seating because the furniture is made of unfinished wood. I think I'll give it another try since everyone raves about this place and maybe we had an off night. p.s. tons of cougars on the prowl here.
(3)Delyan C.
Great place! The food there is just unbelievable! You should definitely try the crepes!
(5)Rogaa S.
Whoa Whoa Whoaaa !! Came for a birthday party of 15. we were late for our reservations and we were still seated immediately for a busy Friday night.. awesomeee. I didn't handle anything for the food making decisions, i think we have 10 tapas picked out the last two being the main dishes of grill meat platter and seafood paella. I understand tapas is bite size plates, but its just weird seeing a small ass plate in front of me with like two bites. Going in i was definitely thinking of what place i could hit up after this to satisfy this empty pit of a stomach i have. But surprisingly enough after it was all said and done 10 plates of food actually did the job for me. I cant remember any of the small dish plates we had cause like i said i didn't order anything. But i can say that the eggplant dish thing they order wasn't the best. Meatballs, fried cheese, empanadas, BONE MARROW, were all amazinggg. they also give you bread at the table that is awesome, not some cheap regular whatever bread most places will serve you. this had a nice crust on it and super soft on the inside, perfect for slopping up juices on the plate. person wise with all the dishes we ordered it was about 35 bucks a person which wasn't bad at all considering some of the dishes we ordered. excellent experience.
(5)Christina G.
I'd give Barcelona's Brookline location 3.5 stars. Went for Sunday family dinner with my mother, brother and his fiancee. Slight service hiccup at the beginning I was the first to arrive and when I walked in, the host basically ignored me, despite my trying to get his attention. Two other groups walked in and he greeted them right away while still ignoring me. Not really sure why this happened as I like to think I didn't look that much like a bag lady. To be fair, I had left my pearls at home and maybe my outfit did not cut the mustard, but this being Boston, I do not expect Moscow-style face control on a Sunday night. I eventually got the host's attention and once we sat down, service was fine. Nice ambiance but a bit below my expectations, perhaps as I had recently been to Barcelona's new-ish location in DC, whose ambiance sets the bar high. We had some Serrano ham and a variety of tapas. My favorite dish by far, and the only standout, was the foie gras terrine with crumbled cookies and squash puree, paired with a glass of Amontillado included in the price. The caramel notes in the sherry provided a wonderful counterpoint to the foie. I'll have to remember that pairing next time I have foie gras. I liked the cookie crumbles, both for flavor and the creativity factor. I would go back for this dish over and over again. And the nice thing was that none of my companions liked foie gras, so I had it all to myself! Most of the other dishes tasted fine but did not stand out: - Braised short rib with squash - nice beefy flavor - Beet salad - refreshing, but the beets tasted canned. - Spiced beef empanadas - as expected - Albondigas (meatballs) - sauce was a bit sweet for my taste, but not bad Sadly, the watery braised duck with duck egg missed the mark. Interestingly, at the DC location, our table had ordered a duck hash that also disappointed us, so perhaps the Barcelona group just doesn't do duck very well. The crepas for dessert rounded out the meal nicely. I would get those again. In all, a solid choice if you are in the neighborhood and the line is not too long. Worth seeing; not worth going to see.
(3)Lauren F.
Amazing all around and reasonably priced. Best desserts in town by far! I can sit at the bar all day and drink Sangria and eat dessert. This place is hot! I strongly suggest a reservation.
(5)Danielle N.
This place is on the pricey side but they have a great selection of tapas. They also have delicious sangria! The staff is really friendly and they are always good about seating and accommodating you no matter what the situation is. I went here for a birthday. They were respectful and accommodating to our needs. They have delicious hanger steak! We tried squid ink paella that night! It was an interesting experience! Definitely coming back for more!
(5)Oliver R.
I was first thinking that this was an ordinary Spanish restaurant, but when I finished, I found out that I was wrong?! This was no ordinary Spanish restaurant. That was an excellent one with quick service and 1 of the greatest Spanish foods, including the buttermilk chicken. I would definitely recommend Barcelona for a good restaurant.
(5)Jennifer T.
The food here was delicious and service was great! We came on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but thankfully they do take reservations, so we got seated quickly. The location is just past Washington Square, there are metered parking around, "Tappan St" C-line stop, "Beaconsfield" D-line isnt too far away, as well as some other street parking if you go on the other side of the train tracks. The server was very helpful and informative in describing the menu (simple flavors at the top, and gets more savory as you go down the menu). She also let us know that typically 2-3 dishes will feed a person. She wasn't around as much to check on us after the dishes got to us, but there were plenty of other staff that pass by that we were able to flag down when needed. The only peculiar thing was that some of the male staff were dressed in hawaiian shirts with their chest hair flaunting...it definitely can throw you off when they show up at your table and start having a convo about your food...we had a few double takes, wondering why this person was talking to us, and then realized they worked there, but just wanted to chitchat! As for the dishes, here are my takes: Hanger Steak - wasnt as good as the hype Fatty Deep-fried Pork Belly - my fave dish of the night! so very fatty and flavorful on the inside, with a very crispy outside, mmm! seared scallops with smashed avocado - perfectly seared, great flavor, and a surprisingly nice pairing with the guacamole Roasted Broccolini - perfect roasted flavor with some extra spice, however, not too many stalks in each order Spiced Beef Empanada - came with 2 small ones. hit the empanada spot, nothing unique to write home about though. San Simon Cheese - A smoky flavored hard cheese, reminded me of gouda. It was nice to pair with the quince paste, however, the quince:cheese ratio was a bit off, it would have been nicer with more quince. It also would have been better if they provided crackers to pair with it, rather than using the sourdough bread. We also got some eggplant dish - the portion was very generous, however, found it would likely be better for a larger group, as it's quite vinegary, and hard to finish the entire thing with only 3 of us.
(4)Marely M.
Love this place! The food selection is big and they are so interesting like scallops with guacamole! The service was ok. They were a little slow when we needed them. I went there on Friday for tapas so it's busy. Although I heard is busy every night specially during summer since they have tables outside. I love the decor and music. The waitress was very nice and gave us tips. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)Sarah K.
This restaurant never disappoints. I have only been here a few times, but I always leave full and happy! I love that they have a changing menu. Not only does the chef get to put on the items that he likes, but patrons can always get a taste of something new. You definitely won't get bored. Another great thing is their drinks menu. They definitely do their work to have a full wine, beer, and whiskey list. If you have trouble choosing, your server will always have a recommendation that fits your preferences. The atmosphere is great. There is always a large crowd though, so I recommend making reservations. I also wish the lighting was a little brighter, but you adjust.
(4)Jose B.
The food could be a little tighter the service is great and the atmosphere is awesome.
(4)Alyssa W.
First off, Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Barcelona Wine Bar!! I hope there are many more to come! 3rd review update and still a solid 5 star experience. After becoming a fairly frequent dinner diner, it took me a whole year to finaly come in on a weekend for brunch. Came in with a fairly large group, half of the group (my family) and the other half all new comers to BWB. Everything was great. I got to taste a little of many of the brunch options from people at my table. French toast, simple but delicious, eggs benedict, yum! short rib hash (best idea ever) Egg sandwhich never made it my way, but it looked amazing, steak and eggs looked so good, I want to eat one right now. Besides having great food, I love that they have the service to match. The last few times I've been in, if by chance or what, we have had Ruben as our waiter. He is great! Infact all their wait saff is great. Knowledgable and personable. While I eat here regularly, there are times where I havent been in for a few months and yet the front of the house always remembers me and gives a warm welcome back. The little things are what matter. For those of you who are reading this and want to try this place out, DO! Just know that, yea, they get busy. If you have a big group, call in ahead of time and make sure you can get a table and when you do. take your time, relax, chat with friends and enjoy. Definately DEFINATELY get the hangar steak and if they have specials that day, get them. I haven't been disappointed yet!
(5)Stephen T.
Make sure you made reservations in advance for the weekends. The food is amazing. The ambience is great. The service is wonderful. Everytime I come here I leave very satisfied.
(5)Haley S.
Chorizo with sweet and sour figs - WOW!!! Hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette - yes please!!! Jamon and chicken croquettes - you'll need to order two of these, at least. Meatball tapa - huge hit at my table. I think this place is great, albeit overpriced. Considering you are getting tapas, not full meals, one would think it should cost a bit less. That said, I think the food is pretty good. I really liked a few of the tapas, and really disliked others. The server suggested we order a potato tapa, and when it arrived, it looked like home fries but tasted like day old overcooked potatoes. Needless to say, skip on this dish. I think it was called potatoes bravas, or something similar. Also, avoid the mussels al diablo. We ordered the dish mild, which came out in a tepid, under seasoned, flavorless broth. Everything else is pretty good. The bread they bring out is great. The server brought out practically a full loaf of bread! Major props for giving us so much, and for refilling the basket without being asked to when we plowed through it. This would be a great place to dine out year-round. It has a great ambiance in both the summer and winter. In winter, the heat is blasting, but not uncomfortable so, making it a great place to hide out from the cold weather. In summer, I think they open up the entire front part of the restaurant leading out to the large front patio area. Great place to go when you want a relaxed place to go and eat lighter fare.
(4)Kristen K.
If you are going to name your restaurant after one of the best culinary cities in the world, you better up your game. Let's start with the bar. Cluttered with dirty drink mixing supplies, wine stained napkins laying across the bar, visible dirt and bread crumbs littered across the counter, bartenders with stains on their crumpled shirts. I was pretty shocked to see that the bar was not cleaned between customers. A couple left 30 minutes before we did, and there was still crumbs and stains where they were sitting. Audible bickering about missing check money, dropping glassware on the floor...time to clean up the bar. So unkempt Now the food. Decent charcuterie. Cheeses are a tad warm and weathered. Gambas (garlic shrimp ) lacking actual garlic. Hangar steak was tasty, as was the blistered shishito peppers. Excellent wine list. Delicious Cava. No Spanish ambiance. Very loud. After one visit, you get the overwhelming "chain restaurant" vibe. Moving on. ...
(3)Miranda D.
Best restaurant if you are in the Brookline area!!! It is expensive. But some of the best food I have ever tasted!! It definitely makes you open up and try new things. I've tried blood sausage here, a squid ink dish, and other odd entrees! But it was all phenomenal!!! The staff is friendly, and share their opinions on the food! They always switch out their menu - so you never have all the same items! Fresh ingredients! Great sangria too
(5)Robert S.
Went here with a group of 10. Not great for large groups, but the food was outstanding and we loved the energy of the place. Recommend, but not for someone looking for a quiet evening.
(4)Judy N.
My boyfriend and I went there on a Saturday night, I called in earlier that day to set a reservation and was told that 630-730pm was their busiest time and it usually slows down a bit after that. When we got there at 945pm, it was packed!!!!! We waited at the bar until after 10 to be seated. The atmosphere was loud, there was a dj playing music and they had their door open to the front area seating. Lots of people mingling around. I guess I should've known since the place closes at 2am! The decor is cute, fits with the overall theme of the restaurant. The wine list is very extensive and impressive although we opted for the cocktails instead which were good. My favorite was the white sangria, if you like sweet cocktails you'll love this one!! We ordered four plates: Patatas bravas- delicious delicious delicious. Favorite dish of the night. Absolutely cannot go wrong with this one! Grilled asparagus- very well seasoned I was simply impressed. Calamari- now my boyfriend and I try the calamari of all the restaurants we go to so this one had a lot to live up to. Sadly, it did not fair too well compared to the others, I could've done without this dish. Grilled hangar steak- tender and juicy but the flavor isn't something I would rave about. It was good, not spectacular. That's also because I'm not the biggest fan of vinegar and I could taste it. If you don't mind that, then by all means try it! The waiter was funny, checked in with us often even though they were busy. I recommend this place for outings with friends, great late night hang out spot. I do not recommend it for a date night, especially if you're looking for a romantic/quiet setting. Overall, I like the place and I'm glad I tried it!
(4)Allison B.
Amazing! This is a great place for going with a group of friends. I went with 2 friends so there was 3 of is and we got 6 tapas and it was perfect, and not too expensive! We got a bottle of wine and I have to say - everything was amazing. Great place to try new & different things instead of getting your typical pasta or chicken dish. Great ambience as well. I wouldn't recommend going if you're in a rush. It's always crowded so you may want to make a reservation and expect to wait a bit even with a reservation.
(5)Laura K.
Boring, average food. Be sure to ask for the sangria without the added sugar or it is like drinking a sugary soft drink. No international flair at all. Full confession: I am a true foody. Don't bother with this one.
(1)Chase S.
Having spent a long summer in Barcelona, Spain this is the closest to legit tapas food and atmosphere I have experienced in the U.S. The feel of the place is a great modern Spanish architecture with lots of social-tapas-speakeasy feel. The menu always changes and in the 3 times I've dined there, it has never disappointed and remained stellar food and service. Almost each occasion we receive a courtesy of the chef appetizer if you're an earlier diner. The wine selection is robust Spain selections -- I recommend anything via Priorat! Their rose list for summer is impressive, as well. For food, it changes often but the authentic dishes like Patatas Bravas, Fideos, Chorizo and Fig, and anything with octopus are musts. Don't skimp on deserts, either--the churros are amazing. Don't be shy about the cheese and charcuterie -- the spanish meats are amazing. Even the fresh bread and spicy table olive oil is authentic and delirious. Reservations are ideal as the place is always popular and busy. Coming around 6pm you can walk in with a 2-4 person party on a weekday no problem. The same around 9pm if you want to get real Spanish authentic. The real kicker? The price. Dinners for 4 people usually run around $120 for some us. That's incredible for this level of dining and experience. Can you say, "Thanks, I'm an official regular for life?"
(5)Meaghan D.
Unfortunately, I have to give Barcelona three stars. The food is high quality but the service is inconsistent. At a tapas restaurant, I would not expect to wait fifteen-twenty minutes for the server to visit the table and take additional food/ drink orders. While the host and managers were extremely helpful, the servers were not. I have been here three times and have either had bad service or my name has been overlooked on the wait list.
(3)Tin H.
Our first time ! Sorry to say not impress ! Two items I like was the drink , Brookline sour and the three cheeses! Two goat cheese and mild cow cheese ! Not rush to come back !! Michael likes eggplant and shrimp ! So Michael will go back without me !
(2)Joann H.
Love this place!! We had reservations on a busy Friday night. Our table was ready right after we got a pitcher of sangria at the bar. The sangria was really good but after pitcher 2, it was getting really overly sweet and heavy. The bread is SO GOOD. It comes out warm with some olive oil. The empanadas are amazing and come with a really good sauce. The raspberry chocolate cake is the perfect dessert - warm, almost molten on the inside, with a nice crust on the outside. Devoured the whole thing alone. Servers were all very attentive despite how busy it was. Definitely a great place to go with a group!
(5)Carolina Z.
Great place for Spanish food in Boston. I am originally from Barcelona, Spain and just moved to the US 2 years ago. It is true that is very difficult to get loyal and real Spanish food but this is one of the best ones that I have tried. I'll give 4 stars instead of 5 because of the HUGE waits to get a table in this restaurant. It is worth it, though. But I still had to wait despite having a reservation. PS: There is another Barcelona in Boston South End. I've been to both and I prefer the one in Brookline.
(4)Viki N.
Best seafood paella ever! Super fresh seafood and you can actually taste it cooked into the rice. Really great service and the red sangria is amazing as well. Worth an out of town trip if you're a tapas lover!
(5)Erica S.
I came here for brunch with few friends and the food was good. Live jazz band at the bar and we lingered at our table for a long time without the waitress rushing us. The orange juice tasted amazing and freshly squeezed. Service was great until our food was dropped off and no one ever came by to ask us how our food was. One of us felt we had received the wrong dish, I wanted a second round of orange juice, and the other one wanted hot sauce. By the time we could wrangle someone in my friends didn't care about there requests anymore. I requested an orange juice that never arrived. I would have thought it was a fluke but last time I was here it was at dinner and I ordered a cocktail that also never arrived. 3 stars for the good company and for the decent food and jazz but that's pretty much it. Really?
(3)Jay S.
Absolutely outstanding. Everything from the way the staff treated us, the ambience and especially the amazing food was five star. Barcelona is truly special and will be enjoyed by all. We sampled about 15 tapas plates and each one delicious. The hanger steak just melted in your mouth, the chicken was packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Grilled squid was so good we ordered another plate despite having abundant amounts of food. Finishing with a perfect dessert of flan, an ice cream rolled in flour with butterscotch and chocolate and amazing cookies. Everything was first class.
(5)Miranda M.
I've been here many many times and am just getting around to a review, but WOW! This place is just amazing! I studied abroad in Spain in college and can say that these Tapas are just like I'm there again. Barcelona Wine Bar is almost always packed so I would definitely reccomend a reservation. They only reserve half the restaurant leaving the other half open for walk ins, but it's still a minium of an hour wait. However, if you're aware of this going in you can easily kill a half hour in their bar area sipping on some delicious sangria or a glass of their many wine options. My last visit there was amazing as usual, but one of the "servers" went above and beyond! Now, I put that in quotes because she was more or less the girl that gave us our menus and filled our water glasses BUT she was so great. It was packed (as usual). Three of us sat down in a booth leaving one empty spot. A guy in the bar area who I guess didn't feel like holding onto his coat asked if he could put his coat in the empty spot. Now neither of my friends, nor I, are very confrontational so my friend agreed even though it was pretty annoying for him to do that. This girl apparently witnessed this and told him that he could not leave his coat there. He proteseted and told her we said he could, but she kept right on and told him he couldn't. She was so great about it! I wish I had gotten her name. Anyway, all in all this place is amazing and I go here any time I have a chance!! My favorite dishes: Hanger Steak Patatas Bravas Croquettes Tortilla
(5)Douglas C.
I lived in Boston for 2 years and this was hands down the best restaurant in the city. Reasonably priced and delicious tapas (I would recommend the empanadas, truffle bikini and any of the meat and cheeses). Great atmosphere! It gets crowded, so make a reservation.
(5)Kelly F.
Second review from: Brunch After watching countless pictures go up on social media, and drooling over them slightly, I have finally visited my favorite restaurant for brunch and was not disappointed. I went with a girlfriend of mine right when they opened and within 15 minutes the place looked like it had been open for hours. The bloody mary bar looked insane (though I wish i liked them enough to get one) the mimosa was delicious! I ordered the Barcelona Benedict after researching the type of sausage they use and it was incredible. (I did get this a second time when I went back a couple weeks later). Not too much hollandaise sauce, perfect amount and delicious. At a second visit a couple of friends at the table ordered the biscut and fried chicken and I am very disappointed to not have gotten this myself! Tried a taste and it was mouthwatering good! The Gravy? I need the recipe! On the second visit, I brought a brunch-hater (these exist apparently and i'm even dating this one) and even he was blown away and wants to return. Can't wait to go back!
(5)WINE A.
We loved everything about this place... the decor, the food, the service, the philosophy. You can see in everything they do that they strive to deliver only the finest food and are dedicated to service... to do whatever it takes to please the customer. Everyone we encountered... the hostess, the bussers, food runners, and our excellent waiter Ryan G... was friendly, efficient and professional. The management and staff should be truly commended for what they have accomplished here. The chow was fantastic. Started with the perfect Serrano Ham and the Drunken Goat cheese. With the warm and crusty bread and olive oil it's a great way to begin a meal here... and my plan for every future visit (perhaps alternating the goat cheese with the Manchego). Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela, Lobster Risotto, Beef Empanadas... all excellent and served piping hot. Finished with the Barcelona (mixed grill) served with a salad... this was served on a board, also perfectly done... a very straight forward dish of Steak, Chicken, Pork Loin and Sausage... a lot of food (figure 1 "serving" for 2 people). Finished with the flan... good. The wine list is excellent, varied, and fairly priced. Nice selection of wines by the glass, proper glassware. I left this amazing place thinking of how fast I might be able to return and asking myself, "Why can't all restaurants be this good?"
(5)MisoSoup O.
Just a disclosure - we never contacted the owner. A place needs to be as good as it gets not after a review, but before a review....
(1)H P.
Wonderful addition to the Boston Tapas scene. Excellent food, decor, and service. Really enjoyed our time here and look forward to going again.
(4)C B.
Simple amazing. The best restaurant experience I have had in a long time. From the delicious tapas to the grade A service. This is a place i will definitely return to and recommend to friends and family.
(5)D C.
While I dropped a pretty penny at this place, it was totally worth it. There was an hour-long wait on a Wednesday night, so we weren't seated till 9 PM, but the staff were very friendly. So my friend and I figured, who knows when we'll get the chance to eat here again, let's go all out! We both ordered the white sangria with Barcelona's house-made "Fall Herbs" cordial (Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Gin & Velvet Falernum), and both had the same reaction after tasting it, we should've ordered a pitcher! By far, the best, most harmonic sangria I've ever had. In life. I'm sure I could never duplicate the recipe but I would love to try! For tapas/entrees, we split the patatas bravas, which came in a mixture of slightly-tangy/spicy and mayo-y sauces, and were delish, the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, which seem to be stewed in a balsamic/wine sauce and are highly-recommended, the spinach-chickpea cazuela, which I had to look up to determine the nature of, but was a really wonderful (if over-salted) sort of warm bean salad, and the chicken pimientos, which was also fantastic, but, with all the other items, we really could've skipped, as we were already full by the time it arrived! My friend also had the beef empanadas (I don't do red meat) and loved them, and I had the Cod a la Plancha, which, along with being the most expensive tapa at $9.50, was my least favorite, as it was really bland. Could've done without that one. But the bread was great, as other Yelpers have mentioned, and I will happily go back to Barcelona, with a reservation, as soon as I can!
(4)Melanie M.
The food was amazing. The waiter was so attentive. My friends and I will definitely be back for more!
(5)Lanya O.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. We had a very large group (11 people) and were seated so quickly without a reservation. We also had some extra friends join us, and they moved us to a larger table. Rob, the manager, is excellent and so accommodating! When we were at the bar for a second, I was able try a couple different wines that the bartender suggested and finally settled on one. It was perfect. We got our table and ordered some empanadas and the migas (so good!!). We had a great time. We even got a paella on the house! Tyler and Gabe, our waiters never left a glass unfilled and were amazingly attentive. At the end of the meal, they even split all the checks by item -- which is so hard for tapas! All in all, this place is a perfect 5. It's perfect for a night out with friends, date night, really whatever. We'll definitely be back. Thanks, Barcelona!!
(5)Ann L.
Barcelona has a perfect summer patio that is such a nice getaway from the city, you will not want to leave. I recommend the white sangria (getting the pitcher is the way to go.)
(4)J B.
We sat at the bar. Here is our experience! What can I say, the service was lackluster. The tapas went out before our bread came out, the bartender forgot our drink order, and it was like an act of congress to get one of the 3 bartenders attention. Additionally we were left without silverware.... The food was not memorable...Some tapas better than others, try the chorizo with figs really yummy; all the others were so expensive for what they were. The crepas were meh, so so cold very cold instead of the hot pastry cold ice cream everything was just cold. Additionally the temperature in the place was sweltering! Open a window!! No hooks under the bar! Add some hooks! People, especially in Boston have on tons of layers, what should I do with coat Barcelona, should I place it on the dirty floor. The place has a great concept that's unique for the area! But we would think twice of going there again, because there is a lot of missing elements to a full experience for their patrons!!! I was very disappointed.
(1)Shawn Z.
Harisson is the man! Very attentive, made drink suggestions that were on point. Best grilled cheese I've ever had in my life. Very comfortable in a classy environment!
(5)Janet G.
Really cute restaurant! Came here for brunch on Sunday. I liked the bread they served, warm and crusty. We ordered jamon for the table, and love how they cut the leg in front of you. Very tasty too. I had the chorizo benedict. I would say that the benedict dishes are not spectacular. The chorizo was good but felt slightly unsatisfied. It was probably because I had food envy for my friend's duck confit hash. I was split between that and what I ended up ordering and I wish I picked the duck hash. Will have to return for it. My friends' french toast looked good and both parties enjoyed it. One of my friend's daughters even exclaimed "yummy!" on the first bite. The fried chicken looked good too. Love that they have a live band playing. Definite points here! Can't wait to come back and try the tapas!
(4)Alex R.
We didn't make a reservation and had were told we would have a 30-45 minute wait. While we waited slightly longer than the time they had told us, the manager brought us a lovely charcuterie platter on the house. The staff was extremely friendly and on point, despite the extreme volume of customers. All the food we ordered was artfully made and tasted amazing. Instant favorite. Would recommend to friends 10/10.
(5)Victoria P.
Delicious food/drinks and wonderful ambience. I've come here a few times and the food is always on par. My all time favorite dish is the mussels diablo - the mussels are super tender and the sauce has just the right amount of kick. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My boyfriend really likes the traditional red sangria and I really like the summer st. sling. The service is always great and I love the rustic look and feel.
(4)Karina L.
Rob, the manager at Barcelona WIne Bar, invited us back to make amends for the service we had last time. After much confusion, we finally had the chance to stop by this past weekend. Rob and the wait staff went above and beyond. We'd come back in a heartbeat now to finish off trying out the rest of the menu. Our waitress (I wish I got her name) was immensely pleasant and other waiters dropped off some additional must-try tapas throughout the meal. What a treat! Patatas bravas - Don't be underwhelmed the description. The potatoes were crisp and HOT. The aioli was fantastic, and we finished off the rest of the sauce with bread after the potatoes were done. Pigs ear - Rob said people request to be emailed when it's on the menu (which isn't often, so we were lucky!). I normally dislike pigs ear since they're always so tough but this pigs ear, which takes 4+ days to make, was soft, fatty, and delicious. Comes with a very very generous fistful of jalapenos. Albondigas - Tasty and moist meatballs. Actually tasted wonderful with our lobster fideos, which we *had* to get again since it was our standout dish last time. Roasted cauliflower - Delicious and creamy. Reminiscent of the patatas bravas. Chorizo and figs - A must get -- Wonderfully sweet and salty. Tasted great on top of bread with the whipped sheep cheese we ordered. Overall, our meal was flawless. I thank Rob and our waitress for our wonderful experience, and we'll be sure to come back sometime soon.
(5)Rob Y.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday. Interior is darker and cosy and there's also outdoor seating for the days when the weather is nice. The food was excellent. I had the oxtail hash and it was done so well. Very savory, rich and really hit the spot. People raved about their meals and service was good. I was surprised to hear that this was a chain restaurant having locations in Atlanta and all over Conn. because it really felt like a intimate family-run type of place. Really enjoyed the food here and looking forward to visiting again next time we're in the area.
(5)Deborah J.
Great place, I celebrated my birthday dinner with a couple of friends, great service and food.
(4)Helia Z.
This might just be my favorite Boston area spot. Love their drinks, love their food, love the atmosphere - even though it's really loud at times. Totally affordable tapas and they are all so good! Waiters are usually pretty great (and funny), some of the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment. Great for friends, groups, dates, family... love it.
(5)Jackie K.
Not the best tapas...but close. Lots of vegetarian options...best ones are torta (chive), the cauliflower and brocollini. Underwhelming was the asparagus and artichokes and patatas bravas. In the middle was the mushroom salad. Great drink menu for whatever you want (except beer)--I like the Bourbon Spice rack for a drink --very sweet--and I do not usually drink bourbon. Wine list is good. Also--best dessert were the crepes--amazing. Great waitstaff and prompt and friendly service. I've been to this place in New Haven and love it there. Here there is a little more competition but it is still good. The place is also not too loud so you can talk with your friends without screaming at each other across the table.
(4)SaraLee C.
My boyfriend and I went late on Sat., night (around 11pm) and even with reservations, had to wait a little bit, so, bottom line, a crowded and popular place (an auspicious start)! Food/drinks: Overall, the food was pretty good. We had a combination of light and heavy plates: the steak tartare, kale salad, salvaje fideos, foie gras terrine. They tasted ... fine. But, after reading all these reviews, maybe my expectations were unfairly high, but, I was unimpressed with the taste and quality of the food. Obviously, the food tasted fine (see above: popular place in Brookline), but, I just wasn't impressed. The steak tartare... I've had better. The kale salad was heavy and oily for a "light" dish. Also, the fresh bread was (again) fine, but, nothing spectacular. The sangria was fine, but, I've had better and bigger. Oh! And they butchered dessert! That is just unforgivable. The cliche "less is more" is so true. We ordered the Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence (see someone else's ... unintentionally misleading picture below). The chocolate and hazelnut core was great, but, the coconut ice cream was LOADED with miniature chocolate chips! Could I please get a side of ice cream with my chips, please?! I tried to pick out the chips, but, I gave up. The coconut ice cream probably would have tasted wonderfully with the chocolate and hazelnut, but, the chips absolutely ruined the experience. The tart raspberry sauce was beautiful and tasty. But, those damn chips. Service: Friendly enough, but, a little too casual. Ambiance: It was a Saturday night and despite being 11:30pm, it was crowded and LOUD. The music choice was interesting... interestingly odd at times. The interior design was somewhat inventive, but, spatial organization was .... unrefined; it was jam packed. I felt like a sardine. BOTTOM LINE: Unimpressed. It was a ... good dining experience, nothing spectacular.
(3)Craig S.
Made reservations here for Valentine's Day and it was a great spot! The food was delicious (although we occasionally had to google what something on the menu was). Once we placed our order, I bet we didn't wait more than 4-5 minutes before the dishes started showing up. Very fast and very tasty. Only downside was our reservation was for 7 and we didn't get seated until nearly 8. Probably just a product of the holiday but it was still was a little upsetting. But the food, service and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)John K.
Barcelona is a great place for dinner and drinks. I have been there a few times and have been pleased with each meal I have had. The service is also great as the wait staff is always positive and helpful when I have questions about the menu. By far the best dish on their tapas menu is the octopus. They make it so well, and it is tender and amazing. The only reasoning I am not giving it five stars is because of the price. It can get pretty pricey if you have more than a couple tapas and drinks, and because of the size of some of the plates, you need to eat more than a couple to feel satisfied. But overall, I would be very happy to go to Barcelona again!
(4)Amanda D.
A friend and I snagged the last two open seats at the bar. We were both surprised to see how packed it was for a late dinner on a Sunday night. I soon discovered why. The bartender was attentive, knowledgeable and just a nice, amiable dude. Food was outstanding. This style of food is my jam. Good-sized small plates so that you can sample tons of dishes in a communal spirit. I was visiting Boston and my dining companion said this place is one of his favorites - and within walking distance to his place. He recommended the potato tortilla, which is not something I would normally order but holy sh*t balls, it was tasty. Probably my favorite out the many dishes we shared, including scallops, beet salad, roasted cauliflower and beef empanadas. All of it was so good. I also had a Rioja wine flight, all three wines were delicious. And the bartender was happy (in fact, he offered) to let me sample a few wines following the flight so that I could find something a little different but equally as good. (Yeah, I can throw down on some red wine.) My best meal during the four-day stay in Boston. Hands down.
(5)Molly S.
Excellent food and wait staff. You definitely want to always have a reservation because it's super busy and it can sometimes be loud but that's mainly from a lot of people having a great time there :). Don't miss out on the sangria, it's fabulous!
(5)Carrie L.
If you love tapas, you'll love Barcelona. The restaurant feels warm and inviting, high ceiling, very spacious, with a lot of outdoor seating. I recommend getting a reservation even if it's for a small party. You can also grab a drink at the bar as you wait. If you are fond of cheese, you have to get their Whipped Sheep's Cheese! Smooth soft texture of mild sheep's cheese, topped with pistachios and smoked paprika. It is perfection and I can't stop thinking about it!! It serves with 2 crispy sliced bread, but that's not enough. The cheese portion is plenty, so you'll have to ask for extra bread on the side to devour the whole thing. This is the one item that will keep me coming back for more. Kale Salad with anchovy vinaigrette and bread crumbs was another good tapa. This was my first time trying kale. Kale's taste is comparable to guava. I wish had more bread crumbs on it though. The main star of this dish is kale, just kale. Spiced Beef Empanadas: Saucy beef with red pepper sauce on the side. Definitely different but not my favorite. Jamon + Chicken Croquettes: Five tiny balls crispy fried on the outside with creamy interior. I couldn't taste the meat well, and the portion is small. Tasty nonetheless. Grilled Hanger Steak: At the recommendation of our server. Thinly sliced with black truffle vinaigrette. Tender, juicy, and the black truffle vinaigrette made it what it is. Foie Gras Terrine with olive oil crumble and jam. Paired with a Sherry wine. The foie gras was delicious, a bit salty.. but that compliments the Sherry pairing. Recommended tapas portion is 2-3 per person. They also have paella, suckling pig, and mixed grill I wanted to try next. Good meal!
(4)Tim B.
Was talked into trying this place again. So sad I wasted my hard earned cash. What is the appeal of this place? Food is mediocre, over-priced, and the crowds make it am unpleasant experience. Must be the location, since if isn't the cuisine.
(1)Cameron P.
I decided to check out Washington Sq after reading this write-up in the Boston Globe: bostonglobe.com/lifestyl… I dine out a lot but I don't venture far from my area since I live in Cambridge and there are already so many place for me to go. However, when the Boston Globe calls Washington Sq "Boston's Best Foodie Neighborhood" it demands exploration. I settles on Barcelona Wine Bar as my first point of attack and I'm glad I did. Usually I am weary of tapas places because when you really like a certain dish it sometimes hard to hold yourself back before the other person has a chance to get their portion (anyone else have this problem?). At Barcelona I did not have this problem. I waited with a friend for an hour before we got seated which I would almost never do but it was 100% worth it and I would do it again. The service is friendly, spectacular, knowledgeable, nice, and every other positive adjective you can think of. The environment rules. It's casual enough that you can feel comfortable in any attire but it's nice enough that it still has a distinguished feel. They also serve hors d'oeurves to patrons waiting in line. Now let me break down the order: -Meat and cheese combo plate, we picked Finnicchiona (salami), Oriol de Montbru (buffalo cheese, like from a buffalo, not like Buffalo Wings), and Cabra Romero (goat cheese with rosemary...this was $17.50 -Spiced Chickpea fries...5 home fry style cubes with taziki sauce...this was $3.50 -Chicory Salad with green apples and prosciutto...about $10 -Eggplant caponata...I'm not usually a big eggplant person but caponata is amazing...about $10 -Grilled Brussels sprouts...this was my second time having Brussels sprouts in 20 years because I hated them as a kid, I decided to try them here and I now love them...about $10 -Barcelona Mixed Grill for 1 but was more than enough for 2...steak, pork, sausage, and chicken...$24.50 That's right...ALL of that food for $75. They also made me a virgin Rasberry Mojito since I don't drink. Any places that make mocktails for sober patrons get extra points in my book. I don't remember my servers name but at the end of the meal the Assistant GM Rob came over and asked me how everything was. After telling him how incredible our experience was I got him to take a picture with me (see photos, I am on the right). I will definitely be back here. Make your reservations early to avoid a wait. A least a day in advance.
(5)ILya G.
Food was great, but waiter was very slow took 35 min to bring one of order that i and my aunt orderid
(2)Christina H.
I cannot say it enough - this place is great! Time & time again my girlfriend and I have experience exceptional service and delicious food. Our latest visit was on Saturday, July 11th, and we had an amazing time. Our waiter, Eamon, was incredibly attentive and had a great personality. The rest of the waitstaff that we encountered were just as pleasant. This restaurant has become one of my all-time favorites and I will definitely be back.
(5)Dale F.
Delicious legitimate Catalonian-influenced cuisine. Fresh, locally sourced provisions. Exceptional wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Pleasant staff. Attractive.
(4)Amanda L.
One of my good friends has been raving about this place. She probably goes once a week since she lives nearby and every time she goes it just sounds better and better so I had to try it out. I went with said friend and another girl on a Saturday evening. One of the ladies got to the restaurant around 5:30 to put our name in since the wait for this place is ridiculous. After putting in our name they told her it would be about 25-30 minutes until we were seated. We snagged 2 seats at the bar and drank some tasty sangria while we waited for the third friend to show up. First we were glad it took longer than the anticipated wait time as our final member of our party showed up around 6:30, but we waited, and waited some more. Luckily our tardy friend was able to grab a seat next to us at the bar. 7:30 rolled around and we still hadn't been called so we just decided to eat at the bar. I think this place needs to do a better job of estimating wait time. I get that it's never exact, but there's a huge difference between 25-30 minutes and 2 hours. (I should also note that the host showed up at the bar around 6:30 to let us know we would be seated shortly as a few tables were finishing up/just getting their bills). Too bad 'shortly' in his head equates to 1+ hour. The food was fine. We ordered and shared the following: - Kale Salad - Jamon & Chicken Croquettes - Patatas Bravas - Truffled "Bikini" - Roasted Cauliflower - Meatballs - Scallops over Chick Peas We look like farm animals ordering so much food but the portions are tiny. The Kale Salad was so 'blah.' Skip it. We also noticed that the same truffle sauce was on the Patatas Bravas, under the Croquettes and Truffled "Bikini" and also on the Roasted Cauliflower. Redundancy at its finest. Looks like they found their magic recipe for truffle sauce and put it on everything which is a little disappointing. It should also be noted that the Truffled "Bikini" is basically a grilled cheese with ham and truffle oil. Skip it. Save yourself $9 and make it at home. For me, the standout items were the meatballs, which were so flavorful and tender, and the roasted cauliflower. Perfectly roasted with just the right seasoning and not overly coated in that truffle sauce. With everything that we ordered and a pitcher of sangria and a few beers I thought everything seemed fairly priced. We ended up paying about $33 each (not including tip). Check this place out. The food is decent but either make a reservation or show up early to grab a seat at the bar.
(3)Reynolds P.
come for the tapas. stay for the tapas.
(5)Jenna A.
I had such a pleasant meal and glass of wine, I must repeat the evening to give a better, detailed review. LOL
(4)Darneesh T.
I went here with a friend last night, and it was amazing. For 5:30 p on a Saturday, this place was already packed as I sat at the bar waiting for said friend (gotta love the T). Anyhoo, the bartenders were incredibly attentive and even gave us a complimentary crepe after we had the marvelous tapas, wine and sangria. The only bad part was the expensive bill, but you get what you pay for here. Would definitely come again...and may have to be rolled out of there because you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Pro-tip: good for dinner with friends and a third date with the bae...its a little too loud for the first two dates
(5)Mike H.
I 100% know this review probably won't be that helpful, but just hear me out. I have a friend who absolutely has her game face on all the time. She organized a night out with four of our other friends, and planned out an itinerary. She even factored into the time it would take for a table to be ready (used it as bar mingling time), and travel time on to the next venue. All of this was done in a very non-controlling way, and totally worked. Well. She had been the only one that had ever been to Barcelona. So she took it upon herself to order for us as we all stared at the menu. Before we knew it, food was showing up at the table before I even had a chance to order another drink (the drinks were made very well, so kudos). I remember the food being delicious, and I'l try to remember what was ordered. I remember seeing meatballs, meat that was almond fed all its life, or something like that, hangar steak, patatas bravaro and a cheese plate. Next time I go I'll know what to order (or at least attempt it), but for a good group dinner, it's a fun time.
(5)Lindsay K.
Had such a good meal here last night with some friends. Thought we were going to spend a fortune because of how much we ordered but were so pleasantly surprised when we got the check and it was totally reasonable!! The food itself was also amazing and perfectly portioned! Some of our favs included the sea bass ceviche, the ham and chz bikini (SO GOOOOOD), the hanger steak, the scallops. Since it was my friends birthday, we got the crepes which were also delicious! We also got a pitcher of sangria which was so yummy and worth it! Would definitely come back for another meal soon!
(5)Ashley D.
Best place for tapas in Boston. I've been here a few times now and each time I've had an amazing experience. First off, they have a really, really good looking staff (never hurts a business). It's usually very crowded, especially on the weekend, but as long as your prepared to either wait a bit or make a later reservation, it's really not that bad. The bar has been pretty packed each time I've come in so it can be hard to get a drink while you're waiting but the bartenders are nice to look at so if you have to stand around waiting you at least have something pretty to focus your attention on. All the good things we ate: -chorizo with sweet and sour figs -paella dishes: I've tried the mushroom and the sausage and rabbit. My friend who's lived in Spain for a few months said that it is legit Spanish paella so she's backing it up. -patatas bravas -mushroom risotto -goat cheese croquettes The tapas menu changes on the regular so it varies everytime you visit, but honestly I can't imagine going wrong with anything on the menu. Each dish has a unique combo of traditional and creative flavors and they all taste awesome. One of our friends also has a lot of dietary restrictions and the kitchen and our waitress were extremely accommodating and so so sweet. If I had the money, I would be here every week! It's the perfect place to hangout with a group of friends and enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.
(5)RoslindaMal E.
-The Bar- I arrived a bit early for my 8:15 reservation, so we hung out at the bar for a spell. The area around the bar felt club-esque; very vibrant and very loud from the background music and the wall to wall people. As the bar area is loud, you need to
(4)Gretzsky Z.
The tapas here are good, but the dessert menu and service are lackluster. Therefore, I'm giving Barcelona two stars. I had a very bad experience here two Saturdays ago (November 8th). I came in with a group of three friends (four total including me) around 11 pm on Saturday. The restaurant and bar, yet we waited over 10 minutes to order a drink at the bar while we waited for a booth to open up. None of the bartenders even acknowledged us and we weren't able to order any drinks while we waited. After we were seated, we had our first server take our orders. Five minutes later-another server comes back and informs us that the first one is gone because they transitioned shifts. Which was fine-so we put in our oder again. I then received the wrong type of sangria-I ordered the "fall herb syrup" one, but was given the fruit sangria instead. Because of the slow service, I didn't even bother to re-order. The server also came back and asked me a second time what I had ordered for dessert. When I finally received my dessert (the chocolate hazelnut indulgence), I was immediately disappointed. There was no hint of hazelnut in it and it tasted like a re-heated frozen lava cake that you find at the grocery store or at Chili's. Definitely not up to par with the rest of the culinary offerings here. None of my friends liked the dessert either. When we got our bill, my friend noticed that she was charged for a drink that she didn't order. Needless to say, the service that night was inattentive and incredibly sloppy. I doubt that I am going to return to Barcelona because of this experience.
(2)David C.
I've always lamented the lack of unique and delicious dining options in Brookline that don't serve sushi, but Barcelona Wine Bar, which recently opened in Washington Square featuring a delicious array of meats and cheeses, tapas, and larger plates, is a step in the right direction. I highly recommend the grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette and the chorizo with figs (make sure to request extra bread to mop of their respective sauces). Even if the food weren't as good as it is, BWB would be an amazing place to come for drinks. As I've only been for brunch (yes, they even do brunch, although it's a little pricey, and you're better off getting eggs than french toast) I've yet to see the bar area come alive, but given how warm and inviting the space is, I can only imagine good things. Expect to see me here again real soon with any number of empty cocktail glasses scattered in front of me. I saw lots on the menu that I need to try.
(4)Camila S.
So good! Had the croquettes, patatas bravas, migas, albondigas, and egg tortilla. All were perfect! The tapas are reasonably priced for the caliber of restaurant. We sat outside when it was 50 degrees and were given blankets and sat near the heaters. Very nice environment. The service was impeccable. I loved this place! Definitely coming back!
(5)Jennifer C.
Been here a few times and to the ones in CT. Each time drinks have come out completely wrong or been totally forgotten about when you order at your table. Disappointing because food is interesting and the hangar steak is awesome! 2 main issues: you have to call to make reservations. The woman who answered was rude and that's after calling 5 times to get someone to answer the phone. She then said they were too busy at time we wanted and had us come a half hour earlier. When we got there restaurant was completely empty. The host staff and bored servers congregate at entry way. Then they all constantly watch you eat your meal and whisper while staring at you so they can try to seat someone at your table when you get up. If you wanted to know what it's like to be a zoo animal this is the place for you. Don't like being rushed through a meal especially in a quieter neighborhood.
(3)Annie I.
I have been here several times with my family and every single time they deliver. Great wine, great food, great experience. Get the serrano ham, the mushroom tapas, the truffle bikini, and the bravas. So so good!
(5)Dot T.
This is one of our favorite local spots. We love everything about it here. The service is excellent - from management, to waitstaff, to bartenders. The atmosphere is inviting - both in the winter and the summer, and the music is great. We come back, however, for the food. There is something on the menu for everyone and the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal. We love that the menu changes, but the staples remain the same.
(5)Minju K.
I went for nice dinner with 7 people and we had a great great time here. Their Sangria is AMAZING. we had the traditional white wine sangria and I want to try other ones cuz I heard all of them are really. For 7 people we ordered about 10 dishes of tapas and 3 people portion of chorizo paella. I love the food here so much and it's a really really nice date spot or place for come for fancy dinner with friends :) I would definitely bring my guests in town for dinner
(5)Clare F.
Going to a spanish place with chilli, hot pepper, and paprika allergies is not ideal. I understand that, and also do my best to try not to be too much of a pain, and to avoid opting for places that serve things with those ingredients. But bachelorette parties go great with sangria, so we ended up here last night. Our server James and his co-server Tyler were phenomenal. James was chatty and friendly, quick to recommend (even if it meant we opted for the $26 sangria pitcher rather than the $52 "carafe"). When someone's beer took some time to come out, he came over to reassure us that he was on top of it. We started with a few meats and cheeses. James was quick to warn me of cross-contamination with the meats, and to stick to the cheeses, which I was happy to do. We ordered the manchengo, a goat described as grassy, and a smoked cow's milk. They were all divine. The goat was incredible and spread well on the crusty bread, and the smoked cheese was even smokier than most smoked goudas, in a great way. The olive oil paired with the bread was super flavorful. The white sangria was the perfectly refreshing drink. We ended up getting two pitchers. I loved that it came with apple slices hanging out with the liquid - I had just as much fun fishing out the apples to eat as drinking the sangria itself! Be careful though - it is stronger than it tastes, We ordered several tapas next, several of which I couldn't eat, but whatever. James assured me that he'd get us patatas bravas without the spice and just the aioli, and I was able to munch on the kale salad as well. First patatas bravas plate comes out - served on top of a tomato-looking sauce. I had a friend try it first and she confirmed that the sauce had some heat. Totally fine. James came to check on us, and apologized that the potatoes had the spice, he had asked for it on the side. Totally fine. He said he would send over a new plate. The other food comes out and everyone loved it. I munched on kale and polished off the last piece of bread, waiting for potatoes. Out comes the second plate of patatas bravas. At first it looked ok, and then we discovered that the sauce was still there, but there was just less of it. I'm really not one to complain, servers have a hard enough job as it is, but James the wonder-waiter noticed it, and went back to the kitchen to try to get me a actual plate of potatoes I could eat. He was so apologetic and finally I got my non-spicy potatoes, still with the delicious aioli. What a treat! And everyone else had been able to eat the rest of the food, so I was pretty much the only one eating them. The manager came out and apologized as well, and James brought the dessert menu. We split three between the five of us - churros, a chocolate-hazelnut concoction, and cookies with a caramel sauce sandwiched in between them. All were divine. The churros were the right amount of cinnamon-y and flakey, and they were served with hot chocolate dipping sauce. The cookies were light and the caramel sauce had just enough salt to cut the sweetness. The chocolate hazelnut blog was unreal. It is always surprising how cheap tapas can run you with a big party, but when we got the bill we saw they had comped us ALL of the potato orders, as well as one of the desserts. Really appreciated that. Bravo, Barcelona. You are a model of customer service. Even if you had gotten everything right at the beginning, you still would have gotten the full five stars.
(5)Alexandra L.
The Quick: Such a perfect place to get brunch-- sit outside and people watch while drinking delicious bloody Mary's. The Details: Every single tapas we tried was incredible, and with a group of 5 we might have tried almost all of them! There were too many bloody Mary's involved to remember what my favorite dish was, but you will enjoy everything. As a lady who brunches, I'm rating this spot a must try.
(4)Marceline V.
Worth the wait! I visited for the first time last weekend and fell in love!! This was my first time at a tapas restaurant and I didn't think I would be full but was pleasantly surprised by how full one can get when sharing food. The wait was long...they opened at 5pm and they were busy for the rest of the night. While we waited they brought out appetizers to sample (Jamon and Chicken Croquettes) and traditional red Sangria. I didn't taste the appetizer (the pescetarian in the group) but the Sangria was very good. Once we were finally seated we were greeted by a great waiter who made our first time very pleasant. He answered all of our questions and gave great suggestions. For dinner I ordered the Spinach-Chickpea Casuela and the Lobster Fideos. Both of which were amazing! I also had the red ginger pepper Sangria and it was perfect! Just the thought of the whole night makes me want to run back there this evening!
(5)Ashley R.
This is the best place for a group of people! Very casual and very friendly staff. I have been here a few times, and the other day was the first time the manager came over and actually had a conversation with me. He was very polite and friendly.
(5)Nuvia B.
This was the best food I've had in a long time. The hanger steak and the hot dahlia were both superb!
(5)Shivangi S.
I have been to this place twice in three days, and my two experiences were very different from each other. The first time I went was on a Saturday afternoon. Since I'm vegetarian, I ordered the tomato soup and they made the vegetable paella upon request. Both were fantastic! The tomato soup had a great depth of flavour and beautiful texture. For dessert, I ordered the churros and they were out of this world! Uber fluffy and delicious. The second time I went was for dinner on monday. The tomato soup was off the menu, which disappointed me. I ordered the butternut squash and chickpea tapas . Both were very average. So was the veggie paella. The only three things that made my night were their warm bread, churros and service!
(4)Daniel P.
Great restaurant. My personal favorite that these guys do the Jamon Iberico the real way. It just melts in your mouth. All of the food here is good and very well done. Meats are juicy, salads well made, just overall great. This place is also kicking! There is always a line, but i think it is worth it. The food is a little pricey, but i think it is well worth it. Also the sangria is great as expected. Check it out!
(4)Sonia N.
We went here as a large party for my birthday last week, a group of 10 to be exact and what can I say, we ate up a storm! Our pitchers of red sangria were never empty and we devoured any and all food that arrived at our table within minutes. Now for the food: Patatas Bravas: Perfect and crispy. We had to get 2 more orders. It was that good! Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Tasted fresh but salty. Must've heavy handed on the anchovies. Scallops a la Plancha - Tender and flavorful. Great addition. Squid Ink Fideos - Very tasty and unique. Highly recommended. Do us a favor and smile after and then laugh it off when you see the black teeth. Don't worry, it doesn't stain. Grilled Broccolini - Fresh and crunchy Calamari - This was ok...I would consider it standard fare. Mariscos Paella - This tasted better than many paellas I've had in the past so it's definitely worth getting if you love paellas. Portions are large enough to feed a family of 4 since it a 2 order minimum to order it. We had 4 servings worth for the table. The only odd thing was that one pot was salty while the paella on the other end of our table was not? Barcelona Mixed Grill - Same comment as the paella for the most part. Ginormous portions and the meat (per my carnivorous friends) was very tender but a tad bit salty. All in all? This place has great ambiance, attentive service and the food for the most part was a solid 4 stars. Between this or Fairsted Kitchen next door, this one wins hands down. I would absolutely go back if I'm around the Brookline/Brighton area again!
(4)Peter W.
I have heard a lot of praise for this place so finally decided to give it a try. We had about 12 different tapas for four people. Everything was great except the meatballs was only ok. Their drinks are fun and tasty. I am definitely coming back to try different tapas and the big dinner platters. Service was solid. Atmosphere is hip.
(4)Cailee M.
God I love this place, everything I've had has been phenomenal. I especially love the rabbit cassoulet, the papas, and the bone marrow (followed up by a bone luge--trust me, it sounds weird, but it's awesome). The service is also fantastic. If even the slightest thing goes wrong, expect some free apps or sangria as a gesture. Also, if you're waiting at the bar for a long time, they will also sometimes through some free apps your directions.
(5)Y M.
I meant to give 4.5 stars, I took 1/2 star off just because their paella was a little bit to dry for my taste but everything else was perfect, drinks services and ambiance. I think to round it down would be unfair. I was there with my friends and they ate so little so we only ordered 5 tapas and paella I wish I am skinny I would have totally eaten more the other night. I will go back soon with my boy.
(5)Felicia C.
Love love love this place. One of the places for multiple visits. The place is huge but very welcoming. Food is always consistent. Lots of drinks choices. Not a romantic place because it can get quite loud.
(5)M K.
Wow, my husband and I ate there two weeks ago for the first time and we couldn't be more impressed! What a great meal we had there. My husband and I had these dishes: fig and chorizo (you have to get it! It's soooo delicious) fall chop salad (incredibly yummy!) grilled redfish (delicious, although the portion was kind of small) croquettes (yummy!) grilled eggplant with basil (this one was OK) steak with truffle sauce (we got this since people on Yelp seemed to love this dish, but we thought it was just OK). crepes (filled with caramel - while I am not too into sweets, this one was very good) My husband had a whisky cocktail and that was very good, too. Also, this place has great, very attentive service, and that made our dining experience incredibly enjoyable. We are definitely coming back. Oh, make sure to get a reservation because this place gets so busy on weekends!
(5)Thomas N.
Came here for an friend b'day ( 16 people ) To make this nice and simple the group chose tapas menu Service, 10 stars! ********** Large group didn't even put an dent to their wonderful service. Ambience, nice and relaxing perfect lighting with toned down music in the background Food, not bad not bad at all ( grilled calamari,flank steak and shrimp scampi ) def need to come back for more! What I missed out on was this waiter walking around with an fresh whole prosciutto sliced to order... sighhhhh Till next time Barcelona!
(5)Al Y.
Visited a Friday night in January 2015. The place was packed and a bit noisy and we waited around half an hour to be seated. For families with kids Friday night visit may not be the best idea. The food was really good. I mean Chorizo & fig was exceptional and the hanger steak was great (but small). The other platters and drinks were also very good. The waiters were friendly and attentive. Overall not a bad experience.
(3)K. H.
This place is amazing! We went on a busy Saturday night w/o reservations and they had us sat within 20 minutes. Although we waited a while for our drinks at the bar..the bartender was really sweet and made excellent drinks! Our server Joy was awesome! She is the main reason I wanted to write a review. She knew the menu well and was absolutely hilarious. They found a gem with her! We tried the hangsteak,empanadas and calamari. All were fabulous! The warm apple crisp for dessert is a must!! I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)Sophie N.
Overrated. Pretentious bar scene. I HATE that it's a wine bar and they serve their red wine by the glass grossly warm. I venture to say it's below room temp. Really incredible that they would profess to be a wine bar.
(2)Elayne P.
Best tapas I've had and I've been to Spain before! Got the Barcelona steakhouse for two (shared by three)...meat was perfectly cooked. Also ordered jamón serrano, chorizo and figs (my favorite omg) and mushrooms with goat cheese. All so so so delicious!! definitely will be going back!
(5)Michael C.
A well deserved 5 stars for this epic wine and tapas bar. The layout of this place is unique and expansive, this is not a restaurant where you will ever feel congested. The set up allows this place to handle big group as well as small parties. I was surprised to find out this place was a small national chain, only because the food was so stellar. To top it off our bartender BJ and the manager Herman were both top notch, they seemed genuinely concerned about how we thought about our experience in their restaurant. The dishes ranged from good to outstanding. Here is what we had: White & Red Sangria's - Not the best sangria I've ever had but pretty damn good. Both were more juicy than some heavier sangria's I've had in the past. They also had a little fizz to them but they were both light and flavorful. Kale Salad - Normally I stay away from plain greens but this dish was anything but. Whatever they glazed the kale in was off the charts. Octopus Salad - This dish is hardly a salad, in fact it is more of a grilled octopus dish than anything else mixed with some sauteed onions and peppers. The octopus was perfectly flavored and tender. Lobster Fideos - One of the highlights of the meal. It is basically a take on paella but with a type of short noodle instead of rice. 4 generous chunks of lobster Grilled Hangar Steak - Another highlight of the meal. A very simple but straightforward dish. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak topped with a truffle reduction sauce. Chorizo + Sweet and Sour Figs - This dish could have been a little better. I think it came a little overcooked because some of the chorizo were hard as rocks with crystallized brown sugar while others were pretty tender. The figs and the sauce were so good though. Patatas Bravas - Loose translation is "angry potatoes". Pretty standard dish of lightly fried (or baked?) potatoes with a spicy ketchup sauce.
(5)Tonya S.
After hearing raving reviews from my foodie friend about Barcelona, she finally brought me here to see what the fuss was all about. Let me tell you, it was exceptionally fantastic from the food, drinks, to the bar staff. We ordered an array of piquant tapas and colorful drinks that gradually came out throughout the evening with perfect timing. The crowd is pretty diverse but mostly young professionals until midnight strikes. It's interesting to see the crowd turnover to the late 30's - 40's crowd as we sipped on our drinks and batted off "men on the prowl". The atmosphere is tasteful and modernly designed. 8 cocktails, 1 dessert and 5 tapas later, we found our bill to be reasonable for the quality. Who would I take here? It would be anyone from your date, a few girlfriends to a small birthday party (but only if you make reservations!)
(5)Jamal S.
The food is ok, we were a party of 7, there was nothing remarkable about anything we had. The paella lacked that distinctive saffron flavor, the mixed grill was good quality, the rest of the tapas were just fine.
(3)Amy L.
Amazing atmosphere, such a fun place to enjoy delicious tapas. I LOVE their wine menu. I got a delicious Argentinean cabarnet. Only negative is that it takes a long time to get a table here so Make a reservation. Still give it 5 stars though and I will def be going back.
(5)Sonia D.
OMG is all I have to say!!! This place is AMAZING, from the staff, food, knowledge and WINE. I am obsessed and so happy this place opened up. Also, happy that its not located in Boston so its not stuffy at all and more of a local crowd. I met a friend for dinner and wine on Sunday night and we couldn't have been happier with the decision we chose. I got there first and sat at the bar and was welcomed by BJ the bartender. Kind of sad that she is only here for the opening and then will go back home because she is super friendly and knowledgeable. Hopefully she will train others to be like her. They wine menu is pretty extensive and they are mainly Spanish and other countries I don't usually drink so I told BJ I like Pinot Noirs and she had me try an amazing one called Abadia Da Cova. The first sip went down so smooth that I didn't want to try anything else and had her pour me a glass. My friend got there a little bit after me and ordered the white sangria and he was a big fan. We continued to order a bunch of tapas. I took pictures of all and will also list them out. Octopus Salad Kale Salad Chorizo with sweet carmalized figs Flank steak (to die for) Lobster Fideos (served in a paella pan but instead of rice it had cut up vermicelli) Honestly, everything was so amazing and it was a perfect end to my weekend. BJ also introduced us to the manager Herman. He was super sweet and friendsly and made us feel like regulars already. When we were walking out he remembered my name and said bye. That is HUGE and makes you feel special. Great added touch and awesome management skills!!!!! We never felt rushed which was also nice. When we asked for our bill they give you a survey to complete and if you do you get a token for your next visit for a free tapas. SCORE! I will definitely be back and anyone looking for a cool spot that serves delicious wine and food, definitely check out Barcelona! I hope it stays a hidden gem for a little but chances are it won't. See you soon Barcelona wine bar!!
(5)SL M.
Outdoor seating is awesome. This place has a ton of seats. Just as well as it has a true tapas menu to savor. Service was very friendly and patient. The sangria was very good (both white and red). We had chorizo with fig and a chickpea spinach dish. The chorizo was a little too sweet for me, but I'm particular in that I don't like many sweets. We found the bill to be very reasonable. We will be back.
(4)Julia H.
I went on a Friday night with two other people, and the spacious restaurant was packed. We decided that if it was that crowded, it must be worth the hour and a half wait, and it was. I ordered three tapas; the potato tortilla, potatas bravas, and the watermelon radish salad with avocado. (I know, that's a lot of potato, but that was my own error.) The food arrived in a steady stream, and the service was reasonably good considering how busy it was. The only major detraction from the meal was the saltiness of the watermelon radish salad. The vinaigrette was salty, and it was topped with salt to finish it. The cleanliness of the dish was overwhelmed by the saltbomb that covered it. Overall, it has a great warm atmosphere that suits itself well to groups, but prepare to wait for a table if you go on a weekend.
(4)Matt L.
There are several options in Boston for Tapas nowadays but I have to say this one has to take top honors. This looks to be one of the more popular options and was jam packed on a Sunday night. Sitting on Beacon in Brookline, the outside of the place looks like it is one of the trendiest spots on this street filled with restaurants. Large inside, with really cool tastefully done designs with dark wood and very large with a bar side and a deep dining room side and even an outside patio on both sides. The staff here is quick on their feet and we were seated right away. If you do not make a reservation here, you might be left standing outside with wait times up to two hours on weekends. This is a very lively and loud place and looks like it is always busy with several large groups in attendance. Menu offerings are some very creative cocktails, lots of various beers and a very vast wine list and of course lots and lots of tasty Sangria. The Tapas listings are of course several meats, cheeses and salads and seafood in smaller portions. We opted for the hanger steak, potato tortilla, mushrooms with balsamic, meatballs and mini grill cheeses. From start to finish every bite was delicious and tasted absolutely fantastic! Cooked to perfection with some interesting sauces and even the bread and olive oil was done beautifully. Service to start was a bit slow to start, however very friendly, helpful and ended very well. Even the dessert here, two crepes stuffed with dolce de leche and vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and the churros with dark chocolate sauce to dip was unreal. Plus the prices are modest for the food ordered. Excellent meal and will surely return!
(5)Foodie I.
9/3/2014 update We gave this place another try, this time on a mid week in the evening and had an outstanding meal, great service, and felt compelled to change the rating to a 5 Star experience. Four of us ordered 4 cheeses, 4 meats, a croquettes, a couple pitches of Sangria, and a couple flans for desert, and all were fantastic. The service was attentive and available without being overly hovering, and the food was all delicious! Great job Barcelona, you deserve a 5 Star rating!
(5)Daniela R.
I would have given this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the sangria. All of the syrup was stuck on the bottom of the pitcher and our last glass was way to sweet. On another note, the service was on par. It was excellent. Our waitress kept filling up our glasses and was very attentive. The food came out in a timely manner. The food was very good as well. I hold Spanish food to a high standard as it is my favorite cuisine and I've travelled around Spain a lot. I thought I was going to be disappointed by the morcilla but Ivwas actually quite impressed. Everything was pretty good. Even the croquetas were great. The only thing I will say is that the deep fried calamari was less then exceptional. Ambiance and vibes are excellent and there was a good jazz band playing during brunch. I will be coming back soon.
(4)Hannah P.
Went here for dinner on Sunday night-excellent!!! Barcelona does service where every waiters helps everyone and it is the ONLY resto I have been to that can execute this successfully. We did not order wine but instead tried their lemonade which was fantastic (fresh and delish!!) then ordered the hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette which was as awesome as all the pictures make it look. The steak is fully medium rare (instead of charred outside, over-cooked and then raw middle), the patatas bravas were excellent (no spicy sauce, fyi), the pulpo gallego was lovely, simmered in a broth with fingerling potatoes, gambas al ajillo were great as well and to round out the tapas, we ordered the grilled lamb chops (two larger chops) cooked to medium rare perfection with a killer romesco sauce! For dessert we had the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence with coconut ice cream and raspberry sauce which was dreamy and two café con leches. Usually café con leche is like Americana coffee with lots of steamed milk on top. This was blended and superb! We will have to go back and try more tapas, desserts and their wine menu!
(4)ells w.
Went on a weeknight with one of my vendors who recommended barcelona...he was from Portugal ... he would know, right? I reserved in advance for 4 at 7:30 ... we'll try to get you in, but we're booked up at that time. Wednesday night, Washington Square with tons of good restaurants...across Beacon from Ribelle. Bare in mind, almost non-existent signage ... look for a stack of wood beams - Entrance. OK, Ok we arrived a few minutes early... like 10...no prob, right this way. This was going well. Nice table. Prompt, polite service...laid down the drill, the waiter's name and the meal began in a very Spanish setting - a little noisy, great smells, good crowd and great vibe. Waiter recommended a red ±$40 "brought over a taste" ...Xlent way to start, then the parade of tapas ... salads, calamari, serano ham, beet pistachio salad, paella, hanger steak and more. All - over the top as was the whole experience. Well done. Later found out they are one of a number of barcelona wine bars, yet this one felt like the owners were sitting in the room with you...very welcoming, personalized and comfortable. We shall return.
(5)Michelle A. L.
Took my parents to Barcelona for Easter brunch after hearing rave reviews about the menu and ambiance from friends and we were not disappointed. We made a reservation to avoid a wait and ended up being seated across the live jazz band. They were great and so was our server, Holly, who was very nice and attentive. The food deserves 5 stars. Everything we ordered (meat + cheese, tapas, entrees) was delicious! I can't wait to go back to try the dinner menu!
(5)Ben H.
My girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Barcelona last week for my birthday. It was my first time and I had heard nothing but good things. Overall our experience was ok, not great. We had a rude waiter who made no mention, even after checking my ID after ordering drinks, that it was my birthday. He had bigger parties to focus on and barely gave my girlfriend and I the time of day. My girlfriend had also set up, and confirmed, a birthday dessert for me which everyone knew about except the waiter. Our first experience was tainted which I wrote about in detail on the provided comment card and sent of a 140 character review on Twitter as well. Brad, a manager, reached out to me via email apologizing for our experience and inviting us back for a complimentary meal. We returned last night; Brad introduced himself, asked if the table he reserved for us on the patio was ok and quickly sat us down. Our waiter was fantastic and multiple managers introduced themselves to us and asked how things were. Our first experience last week wasn't a disaster by any means - they really went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing second experience. We even joked that we felt like food critics getting the royal treatment! The night ended with my birthday dessert, complete with a candle on top. At the end of the meal our waiter told us the entire meal was complimentary, however we left him a generous and well deserved tip. I will be back, without a doubt. Amazing food, awesome atmosphere and incredible staff.
(5)Andreas L.
Really an awesome place with great food and amazing ambient. The male hostess was a bit grumpyish but who cares. Maybe he was jealous not to get the same level of attention like the waiters. The other staff was very friendly and knowledgable, helpful and eager to make my stay a nice experience. Certainly worth trying the white sangria "summer fresh" !
(4)Jackie C.
Yes yes yes! So amazing! Ordered 6 tapas and 2 deserts and the bill was roughly $55? So reasonable! Get there early-ish cuz it fills up fast!
(5)Caitlin B.
High quality Spanish food; drinks are unbelievable (and seasonal!) Atmosphere in restaurant is wonderful. I could stay all day and night!
(5)Ali D.
I'm a huge fan of tapas and sangria, generally, and Barcelona is delicious! Wait times were very overwhelming when the restaurant first opened, and it's crowded most nights, so it's best to plan ahead and make a reservation. I had an odd experience during one visit where the waiter sat with us to chat for an inordinate amount of time... and then proceeded to bring over a dessert that we didn't order. While well-meaning, he charged us for the dish; and I would have rather picked something that I actually really wanted. While pricey, the food is of good quality and it's a nice little nice out with friends if you're in Brookline.
(4)Elly W.
Had dinner here with some friends. Super busy place, thank goodness for reservations. The staff are super friendly and the environment is super cool. Everything is clean. The food was Awesome and the white sangria was very delicious. Definitely would go back. Enjoyed the foie gras pate with sherry. Also the Lamb chops are a must!!!
(4)Serena P.
Delicious food. The only reason why I will four star instead of 5 is because we were on the waiting list to get seated and we told the hostess we were going to wait at the bar. Although she acknowledged this, they never called us to get seated even though we noticed people who came in after us were eventually getting seated before us. We assumed that they assumed we were going to eat at the bar even though we were on the waiting list. we would have liked to have been seated but we did not want to make a stink. our server also forgot about a dish but made up for that delay with a free appetizer, which was very tasty! All and all, a good experience but not one from a table like we had wanted.
(4)Lily S.
So it kind of pains me to write this, but...not really all that impressed. The first time I came here, I wasn't that hungry so I just picked off my dates' plate. I remember thinking that the smoked blue fish patty was one of the best things I'd ever put in my mouth. Coming back the second time, didn't really feel the same about the dish. We tried an assortment of things--one of the goat cheeses (good, but not amazing), the meatballs (the sauce was somewhat abrasive, but the meatballs themselves were good), the potato-whatevers (homefries--probably the biggest disappointment--dry and under seasoned...let me tell you, this fatty can house some carbs and i left two thirds of that plate full), and the hanger steak (good but not mouth-watering-panty-dropping great). The bread is good, the ambiance is good. I'd come here on a date but opt to sit at the bar. Their tables are incredibly long, so while you're like 2 inches away from the table next to you, it feels like you're 2 feet away from the person you are with. The service is fine, nothing out of the ordinary. The prices are totally reasonable for what you're getting. Also, BWB, why are you not on opentable? Ain't nobody got time to sit on hold and make reservations over the phone. What is this, 1975? I guess overall, I'm kind of like meh. Average meal. Which is really surprising since I generally tend to agree with what other Yelpers think. Will I be back? Maybe. It's close to where I live and there aren't that many nice places around. However, I don't think this place warrants more than a 15 min wait.
(3)Madelyn W.
Good tapas. I still prefer Toro. All pretty good but not many dishes i can actually wow about. Maybe i didnt try the good ones. Did try the so raved about hanger steak (not impressed). Good dishes i can remember: the shrimp, butternut squash The good: plenty seats, allows reservation, more tapas items on the menu than toro The bad: extremely loud (the outdoor seating is probably better)
(4)Alyssa K.
This restaurant is fantastic. The five stars are not only for the delicious food but also for the service/management. From the large assortment of wine to the unbelievable tapas, this place is the best. I can't wait to come back :)
(5)Lan N.
I absolutely LOVE Barcelona Wine Bar. The ever changing menu features local seasonal ingredients so you always have delicious tapas to choose from. They also keep the staples like the croquettes and the truffled bikini which is nice as well. The sangria is awesome- I usually go for the white vs the red and it is so fresh and delicious. If you are into cocktails and want to be adventurous, I'd suggest the Hot Dahlia which is spicy and has a kick! My favorite tapas are the croquettes, summer squash (in summer months), and grilled broccolini. Right now they have a few squash tapas which both were awesome and tasted delicious. The acorn squash especially. I always recommend their vegetables dishes as I've found them most satisfying and fresh. If you are ever lucky enough to have Tyler as a waiter, he is awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks menu as well. He makes the experience that much better!!! Also, fill out those surveys if you get one! You'll get a free tapa coin for next time!!
(5)Kristin F.
A group of friends and I went here while I was visiting Boston and had a great experience! First of all, we had reservations on a Friday night at 7:45p for a group of 6 and the place was packed so reservations are a definite must. We had to wait 10-15 minutes past our reservation time, but the wait wasn't bad at all because they had servers giving out free tapas to those waiting, which is great customer service and also helped some of us decide what we were going to order once seated. We were seated in a booth which surprisingly sat 6 comfortably. The restaurant has a descent beer/cider selection but I went with the white sangria which I highly recommend!! 2 of my friends ordered the vegetable paella which I didn't try but it looked great and they had a lot of leftovers to take home. Four of us ordered and shared tapas and a few meats/cheese platter. My favorite tapas were the chorizo and sweet-sour figs (very rich), the albondigas (amazing), the spiced beef empanadas (not too spicy but definitely a kick to them), and the beet and apple salad with feta cheese (very good combination). I honestly liked everything I ate except for an eggplant tapa which normally I think I would like but it appeared mashed and the texture was a little different than what I am use to. Overall the service was excellent. Twice while we were sitting, we were offered more free tapas! Our waiter was very personable and willing to explain anything we didn't understand. He also let me know that Barcelona just opened a DC branch so I am very happy I'll be able to try it in my home city! Also, the best part of the meal was probably how when we split the check 6 ways, it only came to $30 per person. 5/6 people had two drinks each and we all felt incredibly full afterwards. I don't think our experience could have been better and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Ashley C.
Great food and service can get packed quick so it's best to call ahead for a reservation
(4)Tiana C.
I love it when a dining experience is absolutely worth every penny. This is one of the places. It's a bit spendy for the amount of food, but the experience itself makes it worth it. I had a blast here! Awesome atmosphere. Perfect for date night, girls night or friends. The red sangria was hands down the best I've ever had. We sampled a ton of things. I loved the tortilla, the croquettes and the flank steak. Everything was awesome. Will definitely be back!
(5)Joy W.
Apparently Barcelona tapas is the place to be! I have never seen a fancy restaurant so poppin! Seriously, there are some mighty fine looking people there. The place was packed yet we were lucky to be seated immediately for a table of 2. Barcelona tapas is a great place to meet a group of friends for a casual bite to eat or a full meal. Service is on point, the food all looks amazing (we enjoyed our small plates), and the atmosphere is one of the best I've been to. If I lived in Brookline, I could see myself often frequenting this awesome restaurant whenever I needed a nicer place to take someone. [63 of 100]
(5)Megan F.
Wonderful service and the food.......I dined there last night with friends and family, and my favorite dishes were the serano ham, beet salad, squid ink pasta with calamari and the seafood paella, the list could go on and on. The service was extraordinary, even thought they were extremely busy and the atmosphere was trendy but not too noisy. My parents, who were visiting from San Diego were very impressed and wished there was one in Southern California.
(5)Adam T.
Nice vibe and cool place but order was messed up and some "pretty pretty" average and bad dishes. Waiter seemed pretty upset with his life and his time working there. Service was really good though. In all, cool place but average food.
(3)Olivia W.
we liked the food a lot. Had a little problem with the service but the owner was very nice about it. Salami is yet the best we've ever had. This place is always crowded for a reason. Last time we had something called veal face/ cheek? And it was unbelievably delicious and this time I couldn't find it on the menu. Hope they will bring back that dish. Will go back.
(4)Mariya-Andoniya A.
Absolutely love, love, love this place!!!! Great service and real good food and wine.
(5)Jessica A.
This place has great food! I was not expecting it to be for some reason, but it was top notch! Loved the atmosphere and the service was excellent. Every single thing I had was amazing. The different types of sangria combinations were all very tasty. Looking forward trying the new South End location!
(5)Julio D.
Bad food, that is all! I ordered a steak without souce and the waiter brought everything wrong... But if u r looking for nice place/beatiful maybe you will like it! But don't expect the best food of your life!
(1)Sean G.
Awesome food, great service, and excellent cocktails. I highly recommend this place. It's tapas so you can try a little of everything. Jacob the manager was very accommodating and friendly. I really felt at home. Great place to bring a date because the ambiance was exceptional.
(5)Anne F.
Excellent service. Our waiter was attentive and had several recommendations. When my roommate and I hesitated at the idea of bone marrow, he brought us an order on the house!
(4)Mital P.
This place gets really busy... For good reason. We tried to make same day reservations for Saturday, figuring it was worth a shot... No go. The gentleman on the phone said they reserve 2/3 of the dining room for walk-ins, but coming in at an impacted time like 7pm would probably have a long wait. Naturally, we rolled in at 7pm and were told the wait was 2 hours for a party of 2. We deserved that. They came around with some sample tapas while we were waiting - the ham and cheese croquettes were amazing! We went over to the bar to get some drinks while we waited, but managed to get a couple seats there and ate at the bar. The must haves: Hanger steak - this is a must, especially if you like the taste of truffles Grilled pork belly - best tapas plate we ordered. Ham and cheese croquettes - we only ate these when they were being passed around, but you have to order them if you haven't tried them. The good: scallops - they were good, but I just can't group then with the other 3. Not a knock on the scallops, but the other 3 are that good. Blue cheese - delicious, but pretty standard if you've ever had a good slice of roquefort. I probably won't order again: Steak tartare - a bit on the bland side Hamachi crudo - the fish was not particularly fresh. The flavors would have been a great complement to each other if not for the heavy fishy aftertaste. Beef empanadas - nothing special. Other stuff: attire - you'll fit in whether you dress up or go casual ambience - it's a bit loud. If you go in a group, expect to only talk to and hear the person sitting next to you.
(4)Silvia V.
I've been to Barcelona Wine Bar twice so far and am really loving it. The first time I was there for dinner and drinks on a Wednesday night and was surprised how full the restaurant was. The second time I went there on a Saturday night and the place was PACKED. Make sure you call them and make a reservation ahead of time as you can wait up to 2 hours for a table on a Saturday night. We had a reservation and had to wait only 5 minutes for our table to be cleared. Get the White Wine Sangria or if you like a good spicy margarita, the Hot Dahlia is very tasty. The bread they bring to the table is so delicious, still hot and the crust is crispy. I highly recommend the following tapas dishes: Jamon Serrano, Manchego, Chorizo & Sweet-Sour Figs, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Gambas al Ajillo, Mussels al Diablo, Pulpo Gallego, Grilled Hanger Steak (the best!), Crispy Calamari (you can also order it grilled - both are delicious), Fluke a la Plancha. The food is delicious. They messed up one of our orders, but it was corrected promptly and I like that both times I was there the manager came over to check on us and made sure we had a good time - this is what makes a great dining experience. The service was also phenomenal considering how packed the restaurant was. Looking forward to going back to Barcelona Wine Bar.
(5)Jeffrey M.
All our food was laced with salt and minimal on flavour. Our waitress was pleasant but both the food and the drinks were ill-timed. We asked her to let the kitchen pace the meal and even before our drinks came, half of the dishes we ordered were piled on our table. We love Spanish food but we are never returning
(1)Emily Myles H.
Really liked Barcelona! One of the best authentic spanish tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Traditional sangria is to die for and a really good price for a pitcher. Both of the butternut squash tapas were excellent, the meatballs and potatas bravas were other group favorites. Will definitely be back!
(5)Hannah C.
This place is always busy - doesn't matter what time or day of the week it is. But I can see why. Been here a few times now and the service and food has always been great! I know everyone raves about the hanger steak, but for me it's just alright. My favorite is definitely the crispy pork belly. Can't go wrong with any of their tapas though, so make sure you try everything at least once! I also recommend a pitcher of their white sangria.
(5)Lynn W.
Barcelona is about the food - simple, fresh, and yumtastic! It was our first visit and we know we'll be back over and over again (heck we may move nearby just so we can go more frequently). We had a great chat with the general manager (Jason) and executive chef (Emilio) who made us feel right at home. We were seated immediately even with no reservation during the busy dinner rush. Every tapas dish we tried from the mushroom/goat cheese, lamb, eggplant, etc. hit the spot.
(5)Thanh L.
I've only been to about 7 tapas establishments in my life - all in Boston/Brookline and one in Spain. Barcelona Wine Bar is a definite contender for the #1 spot. I can't tell yet if this place will trump Toro in my book - I'll have to come back a couple more times to assess. However, it still sits pretty at #2. My cousins and I went to this place for a family dinner. The space is reminiscent of an All Saints store - cool, urban chic. Although disappointed that suckling pig wasn't on the menu, we ended up with some rave worthy dishes. Some dishes we ordered: -Grilled Hangar Steak - Must eat!! Skillfully cooked, juicy, tender, flavorful. A table favorite. -Morcilla - Totally worth ordering. This blood sausage was cooked just right. -Squid ink - Delicious, tender squid. Don't eat this on a date - you will have blue lips and stained teeth, unless you're attracted to that kinda thing. -Chorizo and fig - One of the best dishes all around! I love sweet and salty together and this dish balanced it beautifully. Another table favorite. -Ham and cheese croquettes - The cheese was melted perfectly and the bread a delight. Was there a hint of truffle? I think so because this sandwich was bangin! -Golden beets and blood orange - Delicious and light, balanced out all the meat dishes. -Seafood paella - pretty good, I enjoyed the seafood. Paella is never really a must for me though. -Crispy pig ears - I liked the texture. Greasy food, which begged for lime. There was supposed to be a hint of lime in the dish but I didn't get that (maybe they didn't use any in this time of lime crisis?) -Pork belly and shredded vegetable - Melt in your mouth pork belly. Fantastic flavor. I can't remember if the veggie was beet or red cabbage. Either way it was raw, crunchy and delightful. -Hamachi crudo - So so dish. Nothing special. -Spicy eggplant caponata - Tasted like it came from a Chinese fast food restaurant. It still tasted good, but I expected a tangier, more tomato-y dish. This was a disappointment. Sangria was standard. Not out of this world. A few more things: The waiters and staff were spunky, efficient, and friendly. Parking is abundant in the area and the restroom is clean. I would definitely recommend this place for the cool, urban ambience, the tasty tapas, and friendly service.
(5)Carl H.
Got out for a date night last weekend, luckily called ahead for reservations (good heads up yelp). Had a drink while waiting for table, one of the managers brought around croquettes appetizer samples, very good. Great scene, drinks were great bar staff very attentive. Got a seat out on patio when sat had heat lamps for little chill. Split a sangria pitcher, had the tuna dish, speck and manchego cheese, steak with truffle, roasted mushrooms, just a great mix of choices and nice portions. Sometimes tapas can be lacking, perfect portions keep you wanting more. We have already spoken to three couples about taking them too. See you soon.
(4)Mimi A.
I came to Barcelona hoping to have a couple of sangria's. However, after giving the server my Thai passport. The manager comes back to our table and questions if we have a "Taiwanese passport" and then goes on to claim that in the town of Brookline, they are not allowed to accept foreign issued passports and only US IDs or US passports. I'm sorry but, do you want me to become a US citizen to drink here?? So no foreigners can drink here? He also claims that "the company is trying to enforce this new policy". If this isn't discrimination then I don't know what is.
(1)Clay N.
For some reason Toro gets more attention than Barcelona, but that says nothing about the quality of the two establishments. Barcelona may be the best bang for your buck tapas in New England. First things first, make a reservation if you plan on going on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and be prepared to have a drink at the bar or outside (during warm weather) while they prepare your table. Second, as a general rule, sangria must always be consumed by the pitcher. Please do not fool yourself into believing that you will not want a third glass. In terms of food, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Aim for three plates per person and, obviously, share generously. Best things on the menu: - Hanger Steak - Gambas al Ajillo - Grilled Brocolini - Scallops - Meatballs - Roasted Cauliflower
(5)Michael M.
I could not be more pleased with my dining experience at Barcelona this evening. The food was great, but what was really exceptional was the service that we received (which is why I'm making it a point to write this review right away). We arrived shortly after the 4pm opening (which is admittedly early and potentially part of the reason for our wonderful service--I imagine it gets crowded here at peak dining hours). We were a party of 6, plus an infant. Emily F was our server and she was exceptionally kind, helpful, and personable. Not once during our meal did she make us feel rushed. The rest of the waitstaff was excellent as well--glasses were immediately filled, empty plates taken away, etc. The food was very good. Extensive menu of tapas. Some favorites included the Spicy Eggplant Caponata, Truffled "Bikini," and Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela. We ended the meal with Churros Y Chocolate--we were drinking the chocolate out of the serving dishes when the churros were gone. We will definitely be back.
(5)Zhichun Y.
Really nice tapa restaurant. Food is delicious. Especially in the summer, it is nice dining experience dining there outside. Definitely recommend!
(5)Tara G.
This place is my favorite! Food is incredible and the staff is the best around! 6 Stars!
(5)Rita L.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough! The food is amazing and the service is spectacular! My darling and I came to this restaurant on January 1st on our very special personal occasion, and the host at the restaurant was aware of it and was extremely nice and accommodating. The restaurant gave us a complementary bottle of sparkling wine and our server was impeccably attentive and kind. I asked if they served octopus, and even though they didn't have it on the menu, the chef agreed to make a special for me. We were EXTREMELY pleased with the service, quality of food and environment! We are definitely coming back!
(5)V M.
Such a great place! The staff were very friendly and patient in explaining the menu. Ordered 3 dishes off the tapas menu and ended with churros with chocolate sauce, to die for! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Mike C.
One of the better tapas options in Boston. We prefer to come here as its in Brookline and Toro or Coppa are much harder to get to. There is plenty of street parking here, but be warned that some of the meters run to 8 pm. On weekends, I highly recommend getting a reservation as the wait can be extremely long. They do have a bar and sometimes the patio to the left is open for those to hang out. Drinks with house liquor were around $6 and the specialty cocktails around $10. The sangria is popular. Get a pitcher if you're gonna have a few glasses. The hostess is through the little entry way to the right. The tapas menu is pretty extensive here. They do have paella and grilled meat options charged per person, but I have never partaken. The options for a charcuterie board are fairly extensive. There a few dozen meats and cheeses to choose from. I would recommend doing a little research or smart phone googling to figure out what you would like. The serrano ham (like proscuitto) and the manchego cheese are the most popular. Vegetarians are welcome since half the tapas are vegetarian friendly. I'm more of a meat eater, so I only really venture as far as the potato bravas. Best dish the chorizo and figs. Salty and sweet. Recommend the ham and chicken croquettes, steak, lamb, mussels, and calamari. A lot of the other options are a bit underwhelming. For dessert we often get the churros and chocolate. All in all, a very solid option with a hip atmosphere. As a higher end tapas, it can get a bit expensive.
(4)Siddharth I.
Good and service was good; PLEASE fix the crazy drafts at the tables by the door. It was too cold to enjoy the otherwise good food.
(3)Zzzzz L.
Amazing food, even better service!!! On one of the busiest days of the year (Valentine's) we didn't feel rushed at all, our waiter was so knowledgable about all of the food options and took the time to go over the entire menu and made sure everything was to our liking. And again the food was AMAZING, especially the Brussel sprouts!
(5)The Throwin S.
Great, friendly service. Jamon serrano: Perfect. Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette: Fresh, delicious, and guilt-free. Golden beets: topped with delicious little pistachio pieces--outstanding! Jamon/Chicken croquettes: perfect little fried balls of happiness. Hanger steak: drizzled with truffle sauce--superb, tender, full of flavor. Better than grilled ribeye or tenderloin. Sangria was okay (I tried both red and white). Many good brews on tap and wine list is also good. Great ambiance. Family friendly. Not cheap, but worth it. Easier to get a table, better access to parking, and nicer wait staff than Toro in Boston's South End.
(5)Stephanie T.
Love. Pure love. This is such a great addition to the Brookline area! It looks like a place that should be in the downtown area or Newbury Street but that is why I love that its in Brookline. It has an outdoor porch with heat lamps, which is nice since summer is over. The food is amazing! get the Migas! Basically its chorizo with bits of buttered bread with a fried egg on top....yum. The service is pretty good. Some days the timing of when the food comes out is on point while other days its not, but the food makes up for it. It just makes me eat the tapas faster. Eating here is becoming a regular occurrence for me. I'm not sure if its a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm okay with it.
(5)Alissa R.
Barcelona is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Boston. Not only is the food delicious, but the decor gives it a fun vibe and the service is awesome. It's the kind of place you want to sit and hang out in all night. Of the tapas, I had the chorizo with sweet and sour figs (delicious), the mushrooms with herbed goat cheese (also delicious), and a plate of Manchego cheese and serrano ham (can't go wrong there). They also have several varieties of sangria, and all of them look so amazing it's hard to choose one- I ended up deciding on the ginger spiced red sangria. Despite the restaurant being packed to the brim, I was surprised at how quickly our tapas came out. The service is unbelievable, not only did we have one main server, but a second server also checked on us AND every time that I have been there, the manager has come out to introduce himself and ask if there was anything we needed. The last time I was there, they even sent a plate of croquettes to our table on the house. I could honestly rave about Barcelona forever. The only thing is, you DEFINITELY need to make a reservation, especially if it's on the weekend, but honestly it would be wise to do it any night of the week. I would recommend asking to be seated in the bar area, where there are these awesome high booths that surround the bar. The entire restaurant always has a high energy, inviting, and friendly atmosphere that makes it hard to pay the check and leave.
(5)Jack M.
We've been here about 10 times, beginning the second night it was open. The food varies from good to excellent, no complaints there. And no complaints at all about the wait staff - very attentive, helpful and informed. But I find it very loud. It's hard to have a conversation inside the restaurant. If you're going to be mostly engaged with your smart phone, that's not a problem. But the effort it requires to hear and be heard takes away some of the pleasure of dining out. We'll certainly try it again, but maybe we should sit outside where there may be less noise.
(3)Taylor L.
This place is truely outstanding. The food, the service, everything is quite lovely. I have been several times and never have a been dissapointed. However, last time I went we had a reservation and it took forever for them to seat up, and then they ended up seating us outside and it was freezing. We were quite bumbed but when we were paying the bill the manager came up and COMPED OUT ENTIRE MEAL! the food is so yummy. The fried cabbage is delectable and unique. it has feta and a little bit of a honey drizzle. Also for dessert the warm chocolate lava cake is fantastic. I could go in detail about everything here but I would just be repeating myself about how good the food was. It's in my top 5 for the ATL!
(5)Jennifer R.
Today was my first time to Barcelona, and I have to say that I LOVED it. The service was awesome, they where fast and very attentive. The food on the other hand was AMAZING, they really met my expectations. Will absolutely go back.
(5)Jenn K.
I went to Barcelona to celebrate a birthday with my two sisters. We ordered paella for two (and we had some left over, the portions of paella are enormous) as well as several tapas. We thought the best part of the meal was that the kitchen had made too many tapas and offered us truffle hangar steak and patatas bravas...FO' FREE. Oh, and the truffled bikini grilled cheese that I want to eat 50 billion of (and never wear a bikini again). We THOUGHT that was the best part of the meal until... ...we were already at our table for two hours and had just ordered another pitcher of sangria when the manager came over and apologized that they needed our table for a large party and (we assumed he was asking we'd move to the bar) could we please move down two tables? As a peace offering, he'd comp our next pitcher of sangria as well as give us a dessert for free. What? How could we say no to any of that? We moved down two tables, got even more Buzzed Lightyear, and ended up ordering two desserts. What the hell, why not. They ended up giving us both desserts for free, too, and a token for a free tapas for the next time we went back in. Everyone is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food is bomb.com , as is the sangria. Atmosphere is lovely and loud enough that you feel like you're at a large family get-together. If you like amazing food, great ambiance and excellent customer service, go to Barcelona.
(5)M Egg A.
Delicious food, great service, amazing wine. Portions were perfect for the price, especially the meats and cheese plate. Almost couldn't finish it!! If it weren't so far from me, I'd frequent more. Definitely a fun spot to take out of town friends or your significant other.
(5)Sophia L.
Warning: the menu posted on their website may not reflect the one available in the restaurant. For example, there was not a suckling pig on the menu when I went yesterday. That was a Tuesday night, and surprisingly BUSY. Despite full tables, the staff did their best to be attentive. I really appreciated the great service. I'm not sure if it is this busy every night, or because of spring (ceremony galore) and that I did not understand what people meant when they said this place is poppin'. I picked this place because I needed a reliable venue to go to for a large party. Barcelona did not disappoint, even for outside-of-Boston-visitors that had tapas from actual Barcelona. The traditional sangria was yummy, the bread was just right, the dishes came out quick, and the food was tasty. My favorite was the chorizo and figs (savory and sweet), small bowl of about 10 bite-sized pieces. The meatballs/Albondigas, Foie Gras, Grilled Hanger Steak, Lamb Ribs, and croquettes were a table-pleaser. I heard "melt in your mouth" foie gras and "tender and flavored just right" for the lamb ribs. The arugula with the lambchops was delicious, but wasn't easily sharable with a large table (perfect for two though, also the case for the foie gras). The one con was that we found the squid ink fideos too salty, and wishing instead they still had the lobster fideos to try. Regardless, I'll be back for a 6+ party. Definitely call in ahead of time.
(4)A K.
Love, love, love this place. I could eat the hangar steak 3 meals a day. The food is always fresh, timely and the right size. The sangria is also fresh and delicious.
(5)Sutanuka L.
I have never seen a place that crowded in Boston!!! Made a reservation but still had to wait for the tables to clear up. Make sure to make a reservation! The food was awesome. eat the paella(seafood). oh and try the suckling pig. fun atmosphere and the waiters were really nice.
(5)Elizabeth R.
Amazing food and customer service! I've been to Barcelona on numerous occasions and have loved it every time. I once went with a group of 6 girlfriends for a birthday meal, and our reservation wasn't ready on time. Although we waited for over 30 minutes, the hostess provided us with sangria while we did. Upon seating, they also gave us two pitchers of sangria and our desserts on the house! I definitely appreciated the great customer service. And as the other reviewers have said, all tapas on the menu are delicious!
(5)Jane M.
My boyfriend and I had dinner there tonight. We sat outside and it was a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend the red ginger sangria. Joy was our server and she could not have been more helpful with menu recommendations. The service was excellent! We will be back soon. Thanks!
(5)Jake S.
This past weekend I revisited Barcelona with a party of 7. We had an 8 o clock reservation, however the party sitting our table was sitting there for 40 minutes after they paid. While we were waiting, we were each served complimentary Sangria as well as brought out samples of delicious grilled cheese sandwich triangles with Serrano ham. Upon being seated the host let us know that they had put in an order for FOUR tapas for us free of charge to thank us for our patience. They also comped a round of drinks for the entire party on top of the free Sangria they had already brought us. This is one restaurant that really knows how to keep their customers happy. Also, while I was waiting I brushed up against some flowers which left a large amount of pollen residue on my jacket. The manager (Brad) walked over after we were seated and told me (I didn't even complain) that the dry cleaning was on the restaurant and to send him an email if I couldn't get the pollen off of my jacket. Truly exceptional customer service in every way, and the food was exceptional as always. This has become one of my favorite spots and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I think I actually go too frequently, but I don't get sick of it because they always keep the menu fresh. I feel like this restaurant dropped right out of lower Manhattan and landed in Brookline.
(5)Ben L.
You know what I hate? When a server introduces themselves and then you don't see them again until it's time for them to collect the money. This is the hugest dick thing that you can do as a server, unless you do it like they do at Barcelona, point out the other staff let me know that they'll be helping you out and that you're all part of a team. Who is this person shoving a plate in by face? Why it's John! I was just introduced to them. That aside the menu has enough options that I ended up having a very through back and forth trying to line up a good enough selection to fill us up and we didn't run out of options. Some of our food did end up arriving late, as in we ordered this item 15 minutes ago, everything else showed up, did something happen to it, should we send out a search team? But..... they made it up to us, and not in a sucks to be you fashion but a "oh shit, I can't believe that I fucked up your meal, let me check with my manager and do something cool for you" I mean really, these guy just really try and it makes it all worth it.
(4)David S.
Finally a good restaurant at the OLD vinny T's .. Love there food.. best service.. 2 awesome waiters per table. not just one crappy one.
(5)Luciana S.
I had to give 5 stars since I've been there 3 times in less than 10 days... A Wednesday, a Friday and a Monday. Sat in the main dining room, bar area and at the marble bar, the service was outstanding in all areas!!! Yesterday 2 of our dishes took too long (since our glasses were being filled and the atmosphere is so great , we honestly barely noticed) but they apologize profusely and didn't charge us. On our way out even the host apologized. Love the decor and finally a restaurant with perfect lighting. Who knew fluorescent lights could be warm and hip? Now, it has to be about the food and it was incredible! A variety of vegetable dishes that sometimes you can't find at a tapas bar. My vegetarian friends won't have a problem there ;-) Reservations highly recommended unless you go "early bird" hours. Can't wait for the patio to be open-- the way the weather is, it may be sooner than we expect.
(5)Anna G.
This place is amazing. I've had numerous tapas and cheese plates here and it never disappoints. Great option if you have vegetarian friends or if you're interested in trying lots of unique flavors and foods. The atmosphere is also very cool and in the summer it's even better when they open up all the large windows. Sangria is delicious. This place is great for sharing and trying new things!
(5)P J.
Very surprised that so many people have enjoyed this restaurant. I had high hopes given the reviews. Went on a Friday night. Of course I was expecting busy, but wowza! It was bumpin' bumpin'. Which got me excited about my upcoming meal. Carved ourselves a little space at the bar. The wine was just so-so (and I tried the french ones too just to be sure I wasn't making a bad call), the food was also was meh at best. (Apologies for the use of "meh" as an adjective). The food wasn't that much better and way overpriced. (Go to Cuchi Cuchi for tapas WORTH the price). Service was at most times commendable, the owner was FAB! Very attentive to his patrons' comfort. The bartenders I think had been schooled in pouring by watching Cocktail (starring Tom Cruise). But they weren't as cute, and unfortunately not as talented. But they definitely get an A for effort. What they didn't get an A in was flirting with each other amidst diners, instead of attending to their diners. It was all very juvenile. I was excited for this stylish neighborhood resto, but alas, just another luke-warm dining experience in Boston.
(2)Katie K.
I had the worst experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. My boyfriend made a 9PM reservation for Valentine's Day so we knew to expect some disruption but not to be totally ignored by the majority of the staff. We showed up and checked in with the host/manager at 8:30. He claimed our reservation was for 9:15 even though the hostess had earlier told my boyfriend it was at 9PM. Ok minor detail, we head to the bar. We waited for 10 minutes before someone even acknowledged we were standing there. Another 5 to place an order, which the bartender took and proceeded to forget about while he took someone else's food order seated at the bar. Another few minutes until we could flag down the bartender to reorder. At 9:15 we went back up to the hostess station to wait in a line of 10 people to check in again. The manager/host said it would be another 15 minutes (never noted that we had arrived or who we were to come find us) so we waited around and at 9:30 we were still #23 on the list to be seated. It seemed to me they over booked their reservations but instead of apologizing or explaining the situation most customers were ignored or told to wait another 15 minutes. I cannot review the food here because we ended up leaving and heading next door to Umami which welcomed us with open arms even though their restaurant was supposed to close 30 minutes later. I did note a few Barcelona customers had done the same as us. We were able to stay and order food with no rush to pay and leave so they could go home. I'm still on the fence about going back to try Barcelona again even though I live right around the corner and have been wanting to try it since the opening. I understand it was Valentine's Day but the lack of professionalism the staff had deters me greatly.
(1)Heather C.
Absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Boston area. Perfect atmosphere. Wonderful wine selection. Delicious sangria. Excellent tapas/paella.
(5)Melissa N.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar on a recent Tuesday night at 7 with four people. We didn't have a reservation, and it was quite busy, but we were seated right away at a table inside. I started with the Summer St. Sling, which was a cocktail with chamomile infused vodka, pink grapefruit, and lemon. It was very refreshing and tasty. It wasn't particularly potent, but I liked how it came in a regular drinking glass, as opposed to other places that serve their specialty cocktails in tiny little cups. I wasn't impressed with the short draft list at first glance, but I was delighted when I saw that they offer 7 oz draft beers for $3! I had an Allagash White and a Clown Shoes IPA, which were both good. We enjoyed our drinks with the excellent bread basket, which featured Tuscan bread and was served with high-quality olive oil. We ordered a bunch of tapas, and everything was delicious! I'll list everything we got and share my comments: - 6-month Manchego: A generous hunk of hard cheese that was scrumptious and satisfying. - Smoked whitefish pate: This was on the specials menu, and it was my favorite dish of the night! It was lemony, smoky, and spiced perfectly. - Beet and blackamber plum salad: This was my second favorite dish. The beets were perfection, and the whipped sheep's cheese was smooth and creamy. - Whipped sheep's cheese: My third favorite dish. The cheese was mild, and the crunchy pistachios were a wonderful addition. - Spicy eggplant caponata: Not particularly spicy, but tasty nonetheless. - Mushrooms and herbed goat cheese: We all felt this dish was much too salty, but it was probably an aberration. - Mussels al diablo: The mussels were fresh and plump, and the spicy tomato sauce was great for bread-dipping. - Crispy calamari: Lightly battered and addictive, and the smoked pepper aioli was delicious. - Gambas al ajillo: The shrimp were cooked well, but the portion was small for $9.50. The portion and flavor of this dish is far superior at Tasca in Brighton. Meat dishes that I didn't personally eat but my companions loved: - Truffled "bikini": This looked crazy delicious, and I could smell the truffle oil from across the table. - Spiced beef empanadas - Albondigas Other things I liked: - This is random, but the bathroom sink was really cool. I also liked the black and white photographs decorating the restaurant. They lent the space a cool and hip vibe. - If you fill out a comment card, you get a wooden coin that's good for one free tapa on your next visit! Things I didn't like: - For some reason, our table had two servers. They weren't communicating very well, so we would order with one of them, and then the other would come over and ask to take our order. It happened twice, and it was a little awkward. - We were deliberating between two tapas, and the waitress said she'd give us one of them on the house. We were thrilled, and she told us that the managers encourage them to do that. However, when the bill came, she hadn't comped the tapa. We felt weird saying anything about it, so we just paid the full bill. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my meal at Barcelona, and I'd recommend the restaurant to anyone who loves tapas! I plan to come back with my wooden coin on a nice summer evening and sit outside on the patio.
(4)Susan W.
We've been twice and loved it both times. The food and drinks are top notch. It's fun to go with a group so that you can try a variety of dishes. The sommelier (Emily?) picked us some fabulous wines as well. Service was friendly but professional.
(4)Janice L.
Saturday at 2 pm is quiet time to dine here. Had tapas rather than brunch entrees, first time here. Loved the kale salad and patatas Bravas w aioli and tomato sauce, good (if slightly overdone) chorizo w figs and grilled calamari (huge portion, couldn't finish). Steak w truffle oil very good but tres skimpy and slightly chewy for mucho price (7 one-bite slices for $9). Mushrooms w goat cheese, spinach w chick peas, potato tortilla all ok, nothing special. Some tapas portions quite large (calamari, patatas Bravas, chorizo). Kale and Bravas clearly the favorites at our table. Would never recognize the old Vinnie's, Barcelona more interesting decor, Euro mountain/forest chalet? Attentive and friendly service. Non-steak prices appropriate to portion size. Would return to try the entrees, and for that kale salad. Maybe another star if a couple more tapas had been stellar.
(3)Nate S.
I've heard amazing things about this place, so I finally came for Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere-- jazz trio playing for a full house of satisfied customers. We started off with some tapas that were recommended by our lovely waitress, Joy. Patatas bravas are a must. The brunch menu has something for everybody. While the mimosas were just average, the service more than made up for it. 5 stars for Joy and Brandon, 4 stars for Barcelona.
(4)Stephen T.
I went with high hopes and was disappointed. Our table had four glasses of wine, 2 cheeses, one meat and five tapas. Meat and cheeses were no better than what we buy at Whole Foods and eat at home. Of the tapas, one was very good and the rest were overly sweet, overly salty or just unremarkable. We barely ate the sweet and salty dishes. The unremarkable dishes just didn't have anything in the way of complex flavor. All of the wines were tasty. The service was terrible, although I mostly give them a pass for that because they haven't been open very long and they comped us one of the tapas because it came out so late. The music was too loud to carry on much conversation, even at a booth in the corner. I don't think I'll go back, unless it's just for drinks on the patio.
(2)Susan L.
Maybe it was too dark but I couldn't see the name of this place from the outside. However the inside was beautifully decorated and very chic. I've had tapas in Barcelona and I would say that this place lived up to its name for the most part. A wine expert helped us pick a white wine (which was too sweet for my taste, but still tasty) and we ordered six tapas to share: chorizo and figs (VERY filling), jamon and chicken croquettes (tasty), fiddlehead ferns (first time with fiddleheads and not bad!), mussels (yummy), empanadas (as expected), and broccollini (the surprise of the night...SO good!). You get more than one waiter so service was very efficient. Since we were just a party of two showing up at 9:30pm on a Friday, we got a table, but this place is definitely hopping. I would come back here just to try more tapas!
(5)Sam G.
This place was awesome, and I lived in Barcelona for 4 months. Chorizo and figs were our favorite along with the Patatas Bravas. Great atmosphere and a stunning Brunch spot in Brookline.
(5)Steap P.
My girlfriend and I went here for dinner last Saturday night because a co-worker of mine recommended it. Let me start by saying...Wow! The variety of tapas was great and the food was amazing! The food comes out very fast so be prepared to dive in quickly. We tried just about everything on the menu and the hanger steak or muscles was the best in my opinion. Service was top notch and very attentive. We had about 4 different people (managers/servers) tend to us. The wine list is huge and I'm sure if we asked for help they would be more than willing to provide information, but we went with the pitcher of traditional sangria which was perfect (so we got two)! We also got to try complimentary meat that was sliced right in front of us and it was dangerously addicting. The decor is very nice however I noticed some people had trouble seeing the menu because it was a little too dim. Great for a night out with friends or a date. Will definitely be back!
(5)Ella F.
Barcelona is a great improvement over the last business at this location. I came here for apps/tappas and drinks with a large group. The food was delicious - I didn't have a single thing I didn't like. The service was good as well, especially for a large group. They also had generous pouring for the glasses of wine. I will definitely be back.
(4)Cy K.
Very nice upscale wine bar with a decent mix of spirits. A nice touch is their addition of sherries which is a class of drinks I tend not to find in the states. Service was reasonably quick given the packed status of the bar, and the venue was quite nicely styled in dark wood, steel, and glass.
(4)Marc L.
We love it here and start w/ the Jamon Iberico de Bellota pretty much everytime. It's outstanding. The menu has great variety and we've explored just about everything and it's all good. Will say that the bar staff is a bit slow... If you order food & drinks at the same time, the food always comes first...
(5)Tio P.
Interesting wine list of Spanish wines as well as Cali and South American producers using Spanish varietals. Good BTG list. Even coming here just for the cheese would leave you satisfied. Well made menu of traditional and interesting tapas at very reasonable $ for the quality. Split the foie gras with a friend and glass of sherry!
(5)Todd C.
"One of the best restaurants to go if you're looking for tapas and don't want to go through the hassle of driving into the city. Great food and exceptional service!"
(5)Angela L.
Beautiful, delicious tapas in a great vibrant space. However, one pet peeve of mine happened which will make me, unfortunately, never return. It was honestly a mistake. Our large group of 8 mistakenly added up things wrong and left a 10% tip. The waitress came up to us as we were leaving and asked if anything was wrong, and if we'd like to add some more to the tip. Shouldn't the amount of the tip be the discretion of the paying customer, even if it was an honest mistake? I took out money from my wallet to offer to her, and she had the nerve to accept it. !!! So thanks but no thanks. I truly loved the place and the wonderful food, but you've lost a loyal neighborhood customer. Customer service needs to be worked on!
(1)Anna B.
I almost nixed this place based on the fact it's new, popular and I'd been told to expect an hour+ wait. And there was an hour+ wait but they did a GREAT job. Although the bar was jammed I was able to get wine quickly (attentive bartender) and while we waited the staff occasionally came through with appetizers to give us something to nibble on. After being seated and starting dinner there was a delay getting some of what we ordered and they brought us a complementary plate so we wouldn't wait without something to eat. And the food was good. Nice job Barcelona, I'll be back.
(5)Jena H.
Celebrated a bachelorette party tonight and with a group of 15 not so adventurous eaters, they knocked it out of the park. Our server was super accommodating and very flexible. Our group never had tapas before and everyone was very scared of the menu when they first sat down. The waiter explained a lot of the dishes and made suggestions. He was on point. A few things came out that were not ordered but they let us keep it and didn't charge for it. After the end, everyone agreed the food was excellent. Our table was ready exactly at 9:45 when our reservation was scheduled and the manager called earlier this afternoon to confirm we were coming. The vibe of the place was pretty down to earth. There was a good mix of age groups there. The ambiance wasnt what you would normally expect for a bachelorette party-it wasnt girly or themed appropriate for this type of event. It has more of a barn meets industrial meets Meat market restaurant in classy brookline. Still sophisticated but laid back which was good for our group bc we were in our 30-60's. Stand out dishes were gambas, beet salad, croquettes, patatas bravos, meatballs, hanger steak and heirloom salad and churros for desseet. 90% of the food was excellent. Some picky eaters werent a fan of sauces or flavors but that isnt the restaurants fault. Their palletes arent used to trying new things. Overall, this place handled our group very well and I will definitely return for a second visit with my husband.
(5)A M.
First time we enjoyed our experience a lot in terms of food, drinks, ambience etc. Second time around food was still delicious, especially hunger steak, veggie paella and spicy eggplant, however the drinks were not worth the money because alcohol is barely noticeable in them. They should look into new bartender or do a better training. I ordered Caperinha which I always get at brazilian steakhouses thus have a comparison. This Caperinha had probably half an inch of sugar on the bottom of the glass. It was impossible to drink this drink because of the overabundance of sugar content, it also had very little amount of lime. Our server (Jason, I believe?) was excellent. He offered to replace the drink (thank you, Jason) which we did. From this last experience, I wouldn't recommend any cocktails, stick purely to their wine selection! Here is my rating from our last experience: Food 4-5 stars Service and server 5 stars Cocktails 2-3 stars Ambience 5 stars
(3)Melissa R.
This place was amazing! I used to live in Washington Square and wish it would have been around then - it has brought such energy to the area. The atmosphere was fun and lively. The food was really, really good. Everything that came out made the whole table happy. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
(5)Michelle W.
Came here on a Wed night and it was packed! Tried so many things on the menu and everything was tasty and unique. What stood out was the 6 month Manchego, Potato Tortilla, Grilled Hangar Steak, Chorizo and Sweat Sour Figs. Service was exceptional. For dessert, the Churros with a side of dulce de leche. Would definitely come again.
(5)B C.
Delicious, delicious, delicious. Our server was great. On the louder side so maybe not for an intimate occasion. Drinks were good, too.
(4)Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The food had always been delicious and the services/management had been very welcoming and caring. I felt like they genuinely wanted to know how my experience was. Certainly going back soon!
(5)J A.
This place is fantastic! The ambiance, food, staff, and service are all excellent. I came here for dinner with a friend on a Wednesday evening and were promptly seated and greeted by our friendly server. We ordered five dishes-chickpea frites, carrots & avocado salad, grilled hanger steak, potato tortilla, and patatas bravas. Everything was delicious and arrived at our table well presented. We ordered a pitcher of a winter themed red wine Sangria flavored with lavender & sage which was also very good. Overall this is a great addition to Washington Square and I look forward to returning soon.
(5)Katie A.
Wonderful food and service from James! Sit outside If you can on a late summer evening and order a Hot Dahlia!
(5)Lara G.
We were SO excited for Barcelona Wine Bar to open in our neighborhood, and we were expecting it to be good, but it has completely exceeded our expectations! Everything about our dining experience was phenomenal. The drinks are fabulous (sangrias are so good!) and the food is so delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The Potato Tortilla is the best I've ever tried. The brussel sprout and the the cauliflower dishes are so yummy. The chorizo and sweet-sour figs has this amazing flavor that I've never tried before. The grilled hanger steak was cooked to perfection and the yellowtail crudo was so fresh and delicious. Besides the delicious food and drinks, the service is great. Everyone (from the servers to the manager to the people who fill your water) is so friendly and inviting. After this experience, we thought, "This place must be too good to be true." So we went back again to test it out. And we were pleasantly surprised that it was just as good, if not better, the second time. If you haven't tried it yet, you have to go try it soon!!
(5)Lauren T.
Barcelona Wine Bar, also known as Mecca. This rating is getting the full 5 stars because it honestly deserves it. Actually it deserves a 4.5 because it's in Brookline which basically feels like I'm traveling to Barcelona from my car-free life in the North End of Boston. I digress, this funky, rustic, mood lit restaurant is an incredible spot for a date. Not saying you couldn't go here with a few bros and a couple of your gal pals but me oh my, the lighting, the small plates, the delish wine options deserve to be shared with a significant other. The staff is incredible- Joy I see you girl! When a waitress comes over smiling ear to ear in a normal and not fake fashion, I take note. Joy did an amazing job explaining the menu and providing her thoughts on our choices without being passive or overbearing with her comments. We couldn't decide between two dishes and she brought us out both..that, my friends, is service. The options cover a wide range of tastes and interests for you vegetarians, pescatarians, carnivores, aliens, weird girls who only eat foods that are beige, and all others. My group (2 females who know how to eat, 1 who does ok) split 8 small plates and we left very content. I believe they say 2-3 small plates per person and that was a very realistic guesstimate. The meat & cheese options at the top are incredible and the calamari is a must! It's fried but a little secret (shhh....) you can ask for it grilled! Good stuff, good stuff. Basically what immatryintatellya is get your butts to BWB. You will not regret it. Make a ressie or wait outside for like, ever.
(5)Emily L.
Feeling adventurous? Have the braised rabbit! Wanting some comfort food? Have the spinach-chickpea cazuela! The tapas were delicious and there are enough options for someone to have a snack or to enjoy a delicious dinner. The place is a couple of blocks away from my apartment and I have only had the privilege to come here for a night cap but I look forward to coming here more often during the Spring and Summer months. This place is usually packed and there is a great mixed crowd that comes here. The establishment is very homey and the service is fantastic. If you have commitment issues, you can get a wine flight but if you're wanting to commit to a great wine, the bartender is incredibly helpful in giving you some excellent suggestions. I can't wait to start coming here on a regular basis!
(5)Barbara B.
LOVED, very hip, cool, busy and great sangria and food and desserts; fun atmosphere; only glitch we were with friends and the only 60 year olds, eveyrone is so young!
(4)Gabriela S.
Barcelona Wine Bar truly offers a first-rate dining experience, with a delicious selection of meats and cheeses, attentive and helpful servers, and a hip atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning.
(5)Nadia C.
My first experience at Barcelona was at the Greenwich, CT location while on business, and it was absolutely AMAZING!!! So when I heard they were opening a location in Brookline, I was completely ecstatic. When the Brookline location finally opened, shortly after, we made reservations and went for dinner, and it was exactly as I had expected. The food was delicious, and the sangria was just as amazing as I had remembered. Fast forward to last night. I had made reservations to take a friend for a birthday dinner. Our reservations were at 8:00 but we weren't seated until 9:00. Then, another party that came in AFTER us was seated BEFORE us, which was really just very rude and annoying! The service wasn't up to par with what I've come to expect at Barcelona. Our waiter explained the menu, and said he would be back for our drink orders, but never returned! We had questions about the menu, and he was no where to be found to ask them. When he finally did return, he took our orders and said he would be back with some bread. Again, we waited way longer than we should have for the bread to arrive. When someone finally did bring us the bread, it had 2 pieces in it, as if they had taken it off another table and brought it to us. Really not an appealing thought. I had ordered the Potato Tortilla and the Chick Pea and Spinach Cazuela. Both tasted and looked as if they had been microwaved to be reheated. Again, not something I would expect to find at this restaurant. When I had finished my sangria, the waiter asked if he could bring me another, and I said yes. About 30 minutes passed, and I never received the drink. The waiter didn't even ask again until probably the 45 minute mark, which at that point, I declined the drink. I was completely put-off by the service and some of the food that I encountered there last night. I'm hoping this was a fluke night with the service, as I'm a very big advocate of this restaurant; I love the atmosphere and especially the sangria. Barcelona Wine bar, PLEASE step up your game, because I want to make myself a more permanent patron of your restaurant, and I hope I don't encounter the service that I experienced there last night again. :(
(3)Matt R.
Great food, service and atmosphere. It's great on all fronts
(4)Kris S.
It doesn't get much better than this place. Great food, excellent service, knowledgeable staff, lovely ambiance...and when you arrive and give your cell number for them to call you when a table is available, they always actually call you. The only downside is that it is always packed -- I mean, I've been on a Friday night, Saturday night, and TUESDAY -- yes, Tuesday -- night, and it is still an hour wait. But you know what, I cozy up at the bar and if we get seats great, and if not, I wait for a table, b/c the food is worth it. Always a terrific experience -- such a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Gary S.
The food was good. The restaurant has an attractive and modern look to it. However, it was extremely uncomfortable dining here on a recent hot summer evening. The waiters kept opening the glass doors that led from the dining rrom out to the sidewalk patio, allowing heat and humidity into the restaurant. Asking the waitress to turn up the air conditioning was to no avail. After a 90 minute dinner, I was soaked in my own sweat. An very unpleasant experience. I don't recommend eating here. Maybe winter is better.
(1)Alan Y.
Great food and great sangria. Have been here in the past for just drinks which are good and wanted to try to the food. The circular bar is really cool too. Arrived on a Sunday night at 830 and it was still very busy but not packed. great atmosphere and space. We ordered the traditional sangria which was very tasty. Definitely recommended. For food we ordered the spicy eggplant caponata, grilled hanger steak, albondigas (meatballs), and the salvaje paella. everything was very good. the eggplant was very flavorful with a good kick. the hanger steak was very good and tender and the black truffle sauce was excellent. the meatballs with tomato sauce was also very very good. super tender and the tomato sauce was awesome. finally the paella was very good as well. only complaint was that it was a bit on the salty side and i love salt. The sausage (blood sausage and chorizo) in the paella were very tasty. There was a third type of sausage in there but not listed in the menu which was also excellent. Would definitely come back for the food, sangria and the cool atmosphere.
(4)Kate S.
I've been twice since Barcelona Wine Bar opened, the first just to have a drink and sit at the bar. That bartenders were incredibly helpful and nice, especially considering how busy the place was. The second time around I ate dinner and the tapas was the best Ive had in a long time. Definitely will be back.
(5)Stephanie R.
Great service and great tapas. Everyone is so friendly there and Jason the manager. This is such a great restaurant to have in the neighborhood. I love the decor and the bar area is very comfortable. They have a great wine menu and make great cocktails. Can't wait to go back there!
(5)Kayla M.
I went here with two of my friends who I met studying abroad in Spain. We were all extremely pleased. I highly recommend the hanger steak tapa and mushrooms with herbed goat cheese. We thought the tortilla was authentic and delicious. The staff was very accommodating and friendly (you can't beat complimentary spiked cider in a snow storm!). Our waiter even brought us a complimentary dessert when they ran our of the one we asked for. Overall, highly I recommended!!
(5)Ss S.
AMAZING FOOD. AND EVEN MORE AMAZING SERVICE. I had the best experience at barcelonas. the food was amazing as was the sangria. the ambiance and design was also so nice but the service was impeccable. the staff was so attentive but also not too over bearing. the owner came to ask how our experience was. everyone was so nice. it made the experience so much better. i will 100% go back and will definitely recommend to my friends. they were really accommodating as well with arranging special events and even sent us desserts on the house.
(5)Mary C.
I'm very impressed with Brookline's newest addition. Everything we had was truly delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the dishes, but my two faves were the chicken mousse, and the chorizo with fried egg. We liked/loved many of the other dishes but those two will always give me a reason to come back. We accompanied our dinner with a pitcher of the sangria and that was really well made. Service there was great, our glasses were always refilled, and we sent one dish back because it was slightly over salted and within minutes we got a new plate. Our server was really friendly...he did a little dance for us (Peter Griffin's dance from family guy) :) Seriously some impeccable service. Great job to the folks at Barcelona Wine Bar... Keep doing what you're doing! Tip: Get there early they don't take reservations...
(5)Smarty T.
Outstanding food and wine, and above all.. Great service. Thank you Kyle (bar) and Dan (manager) for a wonderful experience.
(5)Jacki S.
Barcelona stands among my favorite restaurants ever, and the Brookline location is no different. I specially recommend the wine flights and the butternut squash tapas.
(5)Natalia T.
overall, I would give this place about 3.5 stars. decor & atmosphere: very cozy patio with heaters outside, modern and inviting atmosphere. We were here very late Wednesday night and the place was about half full. I can see how it gets absolutely crowded and super loud during peak hours, so I would avoid it at those times. food: for drinks we got a pitcher of red sangria, which was ok. The pitcher was actually a good size (finally!!!), not one of those "pitcher" were you get a drink and a half out of and the rest is ice. It tasted like it had cherry syrup in it, and i'm not a fan. It also tasted a bit margarita-like, so I think they add a ton or lime juice or even maybe some tequila. we ordered spicy eggplant, braised rabbit, foi gras and pig ears tapas. All tasted pretty well. Foi gras was magical and came with a shot of sherry. Pig ears were a bit spicy and crunchy. Eggplant was ok, nothing to rave about. Braised rabbit was good, not spectacular, but given the limited amount of meat tapas, I would probably order it again. then we got an order of suckling pig! and i'm very glad we did! that dish made the night. It was a huuuuuge chunk of meat, super soft and juicy with an extremely delicious crust!!! yum yum!!!! The reason this place is not a 5-star in my book is this: 1. it's very expensive for what it is ... there are other cheaper options for tapas in the area. The only reason we would come back would be for suckling pig. 2. every dish came to the table very fast! How is this a bad thing when it's 10pm and you're starving? ... It was all probably pre-made before, which is ok for some dishes like spicy eggplant, but not ok for others, like braised rabbit ... it felt like they just warmed our entire meal up and then served it to us ... Which goes back to #1 ... paying $100+ for a pre-made meal is just not ok in my book.
(4)Steiner H.
Barcelona deserves 6 stars and we only wish we went sooner to experience it! We've been hearing how great it is and it more than lived up to the talk. From start to finish it was beautiful. The interior is stunning and works so well for this space given we remember it as far back as Vinny T's. We sat in the far room to the right and it was lovely and private. The staff is extremely hospitable. Joy, our server, greeted us with the biggest smile and made us super comfortable with the flow of the place and the menu. We couldn't decide on which sangria so she brought us a sample of each. We LOVED the spicy ginger Sangria. What's more, each and every person who delivered a plate to our table was super friendly. And, to top it off, Brad, the manager, came over, shared his favorites and they were spot on! Here's what we had: The food came out quickly and each plate was scrumptuous! The sweet candied walnuts and olives were a great start. The kale salad, the beet salad, the eggplant caponata each had truly unique, fresh and distinct flavors. The rib eye & short rib were rich and flavorful with their complementary sides. My husband went gaga over the grilled calamari (Brad's favorite and now ours) and octopus; his eyes came out of his head. Finally, we had to try the churros. Wow, what a way to end the evening. Their lightness and chocolate dipping sauce was over the top! Gracias to Barcelona and the entire staff, it was divine!
(5)Chris S.
I'll admit I love tapas and wine bars. I went in here with my girl friend and we had some drinks and tapas. Food was very good and the drink selection is very good too. Cool atmosphere and the help was friendly.
(4)Samuel B.
Excellent service, excellent food, great wine selection, will definitely go back to this restaurant. Only downside is that it is a little too busy in the dining area with so many tables and employees moving through the space between the tables.
(4)Kathleen R.
Lives up to the hype :-) My husband, daughters (twins, aged 11) and I had dinner there on Sunday night on the patio. A client had recommended it knowing that we loved the cuisine when we were in Spain this past Fall. I have to say that everything was delicious. If you love jamon iberico bellota, this is the only restaurant we've found in Boston that has it. The jamon serrano is good too. I had a nice Albarino that was a perfect accompaniment to the gambas. We didn't have the paella, but it was getting good reviews at the table next to us. We also had the patatas, olives and tortilla. They were great in accommodating my daughter's celiac disease, guiding us toward the gluten free items. The bread (not GF, unfortunately) was awesome. Iggy's maybe? The staff was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be going there again.
(5)L B.
spicy eggplant caponata, chickpea fries with tzatziki, spinach-chickpea cazuela, honeyed delicata squash with pepitas, caramelized brussels, fresh bread, tempranillo...a sweet crepe for dessert with sherry... 70's music... the vibe is alive. the most european dinner in style and flavor that I've had outside of europe.
(5)Jennifer S.
I've been living in Brookline since 2005. This place has, hands down, the best food and best service in the whole Boston area. I highly recommend it. This is also coming from someone who did not like the fact that American Craft closed in order for this place to open. Barclona Wine Bar was quite a treat and I plan on going back again and again! I was more than pleasantly surprised.
(5)Whitney M.
Just had dinner here, it was amazing! Great ambience and decor, staff was super friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! The best tapas I've ever had. The chorizo and figs can't be missed, but every dish was spectacular, you won't be disappointed. Phenomenal drinks as well, summer st. sling was my favorite. I can't wait to go back!
(5)SunnyDay D.
Honestly, for my first visit I was totally turned off. It was actually quite the sad experience and it started at the front door. My friend and I walked in and stood by the hostess stand for approximately , oh, 5-7 mins. Both (what I assume) were the manager and hostess walked by. Not once, but TWICE. I mean we were clearly there to be seated--standing next to the hostess stand. NEITHER of them even asked if we had been helped, DESPITE the fact that they looked at us. Finally a nice gentleman (which I assume was a manager) came over and seated us. Our waitress arrived and took our order. My friend ordered orange juice to drink and requesting no ice, it came in a low ball glass (you know the kind you pour whiskey over the rocks in)--ummmm, ok. We were off to a bad start. We ordered food and as it was ready another server delivered it. We never saw the waitress again until we were done. She didn't even come to see if we needed more water (which we did). Really-- can't even comment on the food we ordered b/c it was such poor service (from start to when i left) that it detracted from the food. I mean, I don't remember the food being awful, but i don't remember what it tasted like either. I dine out an awful lot (perhaps more than I should), and I know that service can make or break the dinning experience as well as the taste of the food. Had it not been for the other (what I assume to be manager) approach us at our table once we were served, I would have given the review 1 start. Lucky for Barcelona, he saved them from that lone star. He was kind--adjusted a dish for us and genuinely acted as though he cared. Thank you to whom ever you were (you were the taller of the two gentlemen seating tables). The worst part was, my friend said she had experienced similar service at her prior visit--sad that it was repeated. Doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth for wanting to go again and spend my hard earned money. I'd hate to waste not only my time, but also my money. Try if you want, but don't expect decent service...
(2)Pamela T.
Four of us went to the Barcelona Wine Bar last night and had a very good meal. The meat and cheese plate was excellent (be sure to try the aged goat cheese and the blue cheese) and we enjoyed the tapas. The kale with bread crumbs and salt, green beans, papas braves and the calamari were really memorable. We tried the roast pork and found it perfectly cooked but a little under seasoned. The service was great. We will go back and I would recommend you go.
(4)Audrey B.
This is a must dining experience. From the moment we got there the staff were so attentive and helpful for the entire dining experience! We tried an array of tapas that were so delicious and 3 different paellas' that were fabulous. The desserts were yummy and we tried many, try the cookies! It is a new restaurant and already a big hit, the place was packed ,had a great vibe. The bar area is quite large and fun. Can't wait to bring my other friends back to it for a fun evening.
(5)Joanie L.
Barcelona is the perfect addition to the Washington Square neighborhood. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable and the staff are friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. My only complaint is regarding the cocktails. I don't like the glasses they use for martini's. Not a very big deal but the drinks seem tiny. If what's poured is a standard size, change the size of the glass. It goes way to quickly!!
(4)Enrique A D.
One word AWESOME! Definitely i will come back ,
(5)Jennifer J.
So glad that I had a chance to try Barcelona Wine Bar last weekend with my party of five. This is truly a restaurant with a staff that cares about their diner's experience. We found the menu, with it's assortment of appetizers, tapas and main selections quite varied with something for everyone. It's a great place to share plates and Jess, our server, was helpful with suggestions. A nice variety of delicious meats and cheeses served with crusty bread started us off. We then moved on to several excellent tapas and a paella packed with seafood. The wine list is extensive with selections at all price points. We settled on a less expensive rioja that was perfect with our meal. Again, server Jess was helpful with that. The atmosphere at Barcelona is a perfect blend of warm comfortable and trendy chic, with a decor I would describe as smart casual. The noise level is lively but not overwhelming, making for easy conversation. The staff and management were attentive and present without hovering.... something always appreciated by diners. To top it off Barcelona Wine Bar has an excellent dessert menu. We tried several and were not disappointed. The toasty churros served with warm chocolate sauce were killer. Can't recommend this welcome addition to the Boston dining scene enough. Will definitely be back.
(5)Emily L.
My favorite new restaurant! The staff works incredibly hard and treats their customers very well. As someone who has a food allergy, I was put at ease when the waiter knew every ingredient of every item on the menu. They could even tweak dishes to accommodate me. I will return again and again! Thank you!!
(5)Melisa C.
I heard that this place just opened, so my boyfriend and I checked it out on a Saturday night. We got there around 5:45 knowing that without reservations it would get busier as the night went on. When we arrived there were a good amount of tables open, and we were seated right next to the cheese counter by the kitchen with only a table to our right, not to our left as we were on the end. Instead of speaking up and asking for another table, we stuck with our table since the other 2 seater tables are only about a foot apart from one another so at least we were no sandwiched between other people. The downside to this was that since we were on the end, there is a high volume of traffic with the wait staff going back and forth. They also took our coats, so that was nice instead of having them hang on the back of our chairs. We ordered Chacuteria for 3, 2 cheeses: Valdeon, and Drunken Goat, and Jamon Serrano. Boyfriend like the ham a lot (I don't eat it), and the cheeses were nice. The Valdeon is for blue-cheese lovers, and the drunken goat is a bit milder. We also got an order of Crudo with scallops, Patatas Bravas, Hanger steak, and crispy calamari. Our favorite was definitely the hanger steak, cooked medium rare and very tender. The others were pretty good. My boyfriend had the Cerro Anon for his wine and I had white sangria, both very tasty. The manager was walking around and gave us samples of Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Boyfriend loved this and the manager was nice enough to give it him free of charge. Overall the restaurant has a nice ambiance, but it was was a bit noisy and hectic at times. It is a bit pricy as well, so not a place to go if you are watching your budget.
(4)J p.
Great food, great service, great wine! Thank you Barcelona for a special birthday! We had a reservation and got seated almost right away. Our sever was very attentive and the tapas were delicious.
(5)Jamie S.
This is one of my favorite restaurants!! The ambiance is so great and the food is amazing! The waiters are also so nice and so informative, they'll help you out with choosing. They are also constantly adding more dishes and switching it up which is nice. It's great for both a big group and for a date! I highly recommend coming here! Just make sure to make a reservation because it is always busy.
(5)Big S.
i cannot wait to go back. the food was great, our server recommended eating sampler style as we were in a big group. he chose everything and it was very good. best fried calamari ever. hanger steak and mushroom were also fantastic. crepe dessert was incredible. food was really good, best tapas place around. this storefront finally got a good restaurant hopefully the curse over the building is over
(5)Pablo R.
My family decided to go to Barcelona for my parents 30th anniversary. We thought this would be a good choice, since it received great reviews, and because we are from Spain. Having tried other spanish restaurants, we knew going in that it wouldn't be authentic, so we kept this in mind. Reading through the menu online, I was quite looking forward to this dinner, since menu items sounded brilliant. Sadly...this brilliance was shortlived... We ordered a pitcher of red wine sangria to start out, which I found very refreshing, but a bit weak and in serious need of fruit and more liquor. The flavor that stood out the most to me was the tequila, which was great, but not quite sangria, but as an American twist, it was enjoyable. Our table was too close to the entrance, so people walking by were bumping into us on the way out. As you may aalready know by other reviews, you get multiple waitstaff per table which I must agree is a little strange and confusing, but nevertheless, the service was acceptable. After a while, they took our order, and plates started showing up within a few minutes. The calamari were average with an amazing dipping sauce. The croquettes were very different to what I'm used to, but had a satisfying cheese flavor, unfortunately, the portion is histerically small for the price they charge. The roasted beets were good, but again,too small. The chickpeas and spinach cazuelo were flavorless and very small, when I say small, I mean they came in a ramikin that would usually be used for a creme brulee. The gambas(shrimp) plate only contained 4, I did not try these as I don't eat shrimp, but I was told they were a little bland. The hangar steak was incredible in flavor, thanks to the truffle oil, but it was dry from being overcooked. If served anywhere from rare to medium well, this would have been the highlight of the night. The duck confeit with peas was also quite forgetable compared to other restaurants I have been to which were significantly cheaper. It reminded me more of canned peas and one of those rotissery chickens they have at star market for a little over $5. Now these tapas are not listed in chronological order to which they were ordered, but somewhere in between, we received the morcilla. At the same time, we ran out of bread, when we asked for more, they told us that they ran out. If you have ever been to Spain, you would know that morcilla is always served with bread, since eating blood sausage without bread, is like eating butter without bread...regardless, the morcilla had a great smokey flavor. Before comming here, I thought this would be one of the rare occasions where a chain could be good, but unfortunately they did not convince me, even if judging it as fusion or new american. At over $30 per person before tip, this is a mistake that I won't make again. The food was pretty good, but for a few more bucks, you can grab a brilliant prix fixe at one of many superior restaurants here in the Boston area.
(2)Melissa C.
Went with a big group and the staff was so incredibly nice and accommodating ! We had jamie as the server and he was amazing ! Constantly checking up on us, let us sample things and even a few things on the house. The sangria is strong but delicious ! All the tapas were amazing as well and we tried a little of everything. Jamie kept introducing us to staff and they were all as incredibly nice and attentive as he was ! Definitely will be coming back !
(5)Rachell C.
Make sure you make a reservation, even on a week night this place is crazy busy. But that's because it's delicious and the service is great and the atmosphere is wonderful too!
(5)Scott E.
I have been here several times, and it has been consistent each time. The tapas that I have tried have all been good. However, my favorite thing is getting some cheeses and charcuterie with a few flights of wine. The service and the knowledge about the menu cannot be beat either.
(5)Jonny Q.
Let's start from the beginning so you can truly understand the great experience I had at this place. I have never given a review on yelp other than one of discouragement. I return to yelp in happiness. I got a call from "top of the hub" 3 hours before my reservation on Valentine's day saying it was previously reserved. Obviously frantic, I turned to yelp for guidance. Although I live in Allston, I barely find this place suitable for a Valentine's date. So I stumbled upon this establishment. I called, and without explanation they bent over backwards to get me a table at 6:45. It was 5pm. They were booked and they helped me. We showed up a few minutes late, they still accommodated us. They offered us free apps whilst having a drink waiting for our table. The server was humorous and unassuming. He didn't have any" nose in the air" way about him, although that is much of what I expected. Both managers briefly stopped by to hear about our evening at the end of our meal. I have never written a review. I didn't even mention the food which was remarkable. Is it obvious I enjoyed it? I'd like to personally thank the top of the hub. Thank you for turning us away. Try the gnocchi
(5)Lisabetta P.
Excellent. EXCELLENT! Ex-cell-ent. Eccelente. Ottimo. I will definitely return because the only problem was I couldn't order every dish!
(5)Rachel P.
I love the atmosphere, the restaurant is gorgeous. Both times I have been there it was a Sunday night and it was so busy both times. The food is delicious and the menu gets new tappas added often. Great selection of meats and cheeses. The tappas are generous portions and the cocktails are great. It is one of my favorite spots in the Boston area.
(4)Sahil M.
Just overall a really cool place. Wish the prices were a tad bit lower, but honestly, probably one of the best places I could think of to spend a nice evening. The outdoor area is cool, the service is great, drinks are good. Solid all around.
(5)Francine W.
Delicious. So many good dishes. Loved the squid ink noodles, the paella, and the service was excellent. Really nice inside too!
(5)Kim D.
This place is amazing. First of all, the decor and atmosphere just set a wonderful night out tone. We had reservations and we're seated right away. The food was delicious. The charcuterie was perfectly salty and the hand crafted cocktails complemented it nicely. We had so many tapas, but a few highlights: hangar steak, beets, and seafood paella. The service was outstanding. We had a few very small hiccups but they more than took care of us when the bill came. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sam L.
I've been twice and I am continually impressed. The tapas are delicious (all of them) and the drinks are strong and tasty. Both times we asked our waiter what they would recommend, and were tastefully awarded for doing this. With a group, it was easy to order more once we realized it wouldn't be enough. I would recommend getting a reservation for dinner as that's what we've always done and we typically see people waiting for 30 mins to 2 hours.
(5)Rachel K.
I went here over the weekend with a group of friends. We were able to try a lot of different items since we were a big group. Everything was amazing. I lived in Spain, so sometimes I can be picky with Spanish tapas, but Barcelona is the real deal. Some tapas highlights: mushroom goat cheese, chorizo and fig, potatas bravas, and croquettes. We also got the Barcelona mixed grill. Everything in it was juicy, tender, and delicious. I highly recommend getting that if you are with a large party. The service was great, but it got really busy. Be sure to book a reservation.
(5)Karan S.
Overhyped! Just about average food. Nothing extraordinary which surprised me because of all the hype and long wait times. Tapas were just okay. We tried the chicken croquets, mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach-chickpea, whipped sheep's cheese & haddock. Some had the flavor missing while some were under-seasoned. Found the portions much smaller compared to other places. Veg paella and red sangria were the only good exceptions. Very very noisy ambience. Difficult communicating with the server. Our server was really slow in getting everything. I find Tasca and Dali much better in terms of food, ambience and service. Not sure if would go there again.
(2)Elise H.
Food is amazing! Sit at the bar (lots of cute bartenders to talk to). And don't leave without trying a sangria or 2
(5)Shir L.
Red wine sangria-consistently good Summer St. Sling-tastes light, like drinking lemonade Porkbelly - delicious, melt in your mouth. Shaved mushroom salad - too much dressing Grilled broccolini - ok Grilled hanger steak - decent but probably wouldnt order next time Mussels al Diablo - too spicy, killed all my taste buds Suckling pig - best dish and would come back for this next time!!!
(4)Matt H.
I've only been once, but can't give anything other than 5 stars. Split the mixed grill for 2. It should be for 8. It was fantastic. We showed up on a Friday night at 630 and the host was transparent, telling me probably an hour or more for a table for 2. We only had time to finish one drink on the outdoor patio before a table was ready. The place was mobbed too. It is a very cool environment and the staff was legit. Food and drinks were top notch as well. If you are near this place, try it. Best complete dining experience I have had in the Boston area and I've been living here for 10 years.
(5)Kelly O.
Attention: this place has a large outdoor patio specifically for drinking. As in, you're not required to sit at a table, or order food, or deal with waitstaff... you can simply mosey up to the indoor bar, order/pay for your drink, walk out to the lounge area, sit, and enjoy in the sunshine (or shade) for as long as you'd like without being bothered. Genius! I don't know why more places don't have this feature available, I can't stand the "you must order food" requirement in the majority of outdoor restaurant spaces in our fair city. Barcelona's drinking patio in particular is pretty spacious with various benches, stools, and tables for your use, and would be great for groups (the other side of the outdoor patio is specifically for seated dining, should you so choose). We were the only ones out there on our visit, and a waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us unsolicited glasses of water (score one for service). I tried their white and red sangria, and I really enjoyed both ($6/glass, which is pretty reasonable). Tapas seems on the pricey side though, which is why I haven't tried their food yet... for the moment, I'm perfectly happy sipping a drink on the patio and enjoying the summer. UPDATE: I recommend the spinach and chickpea cazuela and the tortilla. Jamon is as expected. Avoid the mussels (not good quality or flavor) and the cocktails (too pricey, not enough liquor, strange flavors).
(4)Mike P.
Well, I probably haven't looked forward to trying a restaurant more than this one in a long time. Unfortunately, I share Anastasia's sentiments in her review. Not sure if I hit it on a bad night but the food was underwhelming to say the least. What made it especially displeasing was the bill at the end of the night. I was glad I was sitting down. The experience just wasn't worth it. You're definitely paying more for the ambiance and hippish vibe than the food, which goes against everything I believe in when dining out. Only thing that was pretty good was the short ribs. I'll still stick with Tasca. They still have the best sangria in New England and the food is on par with this place. However, you don't get the sticker shock at the end of the night. I guess this is what I get for being excited about a new restaurant that supposedly has great reviews. :'(
(2)Rachel K.
What a great way to spend a Friday night after a long week: Barcelona Wine Bar, you did us good!! Though there was a long wait, we went to the standing room at the bar for some drinks until we could get a table. What a nice touch that the staff walks around with mini drink and food samples for those desperately waiting for a table, SUCH a nice touch! We finally got a table in the bar area, and we were blessed with not one but TWO waiters! Jamie was soo enthusiastic and full of on-point recommendations. If you get him as your waiter make sure to ask for the white wine which requires his fancy high pour. Joey was very helpful with recommendations as well. Great service all around. Do not come here without trying the Cana de Cabra cheese, which our waiter described as "life changing." The bread and oil, though simple, was the perfect carb-filled start to the evening. The Lobster Fideos is a must, I've never had a lobster dish anything like this.....it was full of flavor and crunch- my friend and I literally scraped the plate while the bus-girl thought we were crazy when we didn't want her to take away what looked like an empty plate. The asparagus/egg/truffle tapas was perfect for my truffle-addiction and a great side. We topped the night with the ricotta crepes which was a guilty, but all in all good decision. Wines overall are good, but I am partial to domestic wines which you will not find at Barcelona given the theme. I'm so happy to have a new regular spot for my weekend rotation and I'm already looking forward to coming back- though I don't know if I should share with the public my love for Barcelona WIne Bar as I'd love to frequent it with no long waits! So yeah, it sucks? Nahh just kidding!
(5)Kiki P.
Barcelona Wine Bar is a hip and laid-back tapas restaurant with pretty good food. They have an outdoor patio which is perfect for a nice summer day. For dinner we tried the following tapas: THE GREAT Grilled asparagus with black truffle vinaigrette and farm egg. The poached egg on top of the perfectly cooked asparagus with a lovely hint of truffle made this dish elegant and delightful. Toasted white gazpacho with red grapes and tarragon: Very unique take on Gazpacho. It is not a tomato base but a nut base. Absolutely delicious. THE GOOD Gambas al ajillo with garlic and hot pepper oil: Simple but great choice Jamon and chicken croquettes: Can't really go wrong with croquettes THE AVERAGE Chorizo and sweet sour figs: This dish is overly sweet. It was not sour at all. I think adding something salty or sour to the combination would made it interesting. Spiced beef empanadas with red pepper sauce: These were okay. I have had better. The quality of the beef seemed low. Grilled hanger steak with black truffle vinaigrette: I really don't think truffle goes well with steak but maybe thats just me Smoked bluefish cakes with garlic aioli and arugula: These were similar to crab cakes but I like crab cakes better Kale salad with anchovy vinaigrette and breadcrumbs. I did not like the anchovy flavor of this salad. The server told me it was mild but I did not think so. There is nothing to this salad at all. It literally only has kale in it. I think they should have added tomatoes and nuts, etc. It was a disappointment. Overall, I think the food at Barcelona is average. A couple of the dishes are awesome. I still am not sure what all the hype is about. I do really like the outdoor patio. If I do end up returning here, it will be because of that patio!
(3)Jen H.
I've been here at least a dozen times, and it really never gets old. They have some of the best sangria I have ever had, although either it has decreased in its alcohol content over the past year or two, or I've become more tolerant! Best item, by far, is the hangar steak with truffle oil. So delicious. I'd also recommend their cheeses at the top of the menu. Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead though, as their wait can get pretty extensive...
(4)Audrey X.
I would definitely recommend this place purely considering its atmosphere. Love the decoration of this place! The food was good. most of the tapas we ordered were good, but I wasn't impressed. The squid ink noodle and the salvaje paella though were outstanding. The service is really really good. Our waiter was friendly and informative. Also he scraped off noodles and rice sticked to the pan for us (they were delicious as well).
(4)Mary G.
I love this place. Hands down best tapas. Every time people ask for a good place to go in the city, I recommend this place. ALWAYS great service. ALWAYS such a fun atmosphere, especially for groups. ALWAYS delicious food. The only thing I can say is make a reservation. Sometimes I still have to wait even if I book a table. Here is a list of my favorite dishes on their menu. Meat & Cheese section: Jamon de Mangalica - When they say ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. You ask about their Jamon de Mangalica. If you're sitting away from the bar, they bring over this large piece of delicious ham that is specially shipped from Spain and carve pieces for you right in front of you. Totally worth it. Aged Mahon - And if you want cheese to go with your meat, definitely choose the Aged Mahon. It's nutty and crumbles and is the perfect complement. Tapas Section: Jamon and Chicken Croquettes - Lightly breaded, cheesy and delicious. These bite-sized pieces of ham and chicken hit the spot. Patatas Bravas - Potatoes, please! These are cubed pieces of potatoes that are cooked perfectly (crispy on the outside and warm/soft on the inside) with a delicious garlic aioli and salsa. I order this EVERY time. Carmelized Brussel Sprouts - Okay, so before Barcelona I was afraid of even trying brussel sprouts. After Barcelona, I can't get enough of brussel sprouts. That's all you need to know. Migas - Very heavy and very delicious. It's bread, meat and eggs. How could you say no? If you are getting full, don't get this one. If you're just starting out, give it a try. Sometimes this can be pretty greasy, but sometimes I'm in the mood for that. AND of course, no tapas meal is complete without Sangria. I've tried all three on the same night. And it's safe to say that the Ginger Pepper Sangria made with Red wine was the group's favorite. Dessert Section: Churros y Chocolate - The quintessential Spanish treat. These are not the churros you get at a random street vendor or at a festival. They are what churros are truly meant to be. Paired with a chocolate sauce that is not too sweet and has a tiny kick to it, this dessert is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Pro tip: The tapas go from lightest at the top to heaviest at the bottom.
(5)Yasa E.
Loud and definitely happening. Came with a party of 10 and got great service. The waitress was quick to suggest a $35/pp tasting menu which was a great idea. We basically told her what we definitely wanted and she surprised us with the rest. Pitchers and pitchers of sangria got sucked down very fast. The restaurant sent us a free champagne toast which was such a nice end to our beautiful celebratory dinner! Can't wait to come back!
(5)Michelle S.
I was very impressed by my first experience at Barcelona Wine Bar. It has an edgy modern yet rustic, warm atmosphere, although a bit loud for conversation (came with a large crowd of 5 and it was a bit stressful to have dinner and casually catch up). But, I guess you just need to come in prepared for that - it's a really fun spot! The service was also fantastic. We had a really attentive team of a server and a water attendant. We got a pitcher of sangria that was delicious and we split a bunch of tapas. My favorites were the pig ears, chorizo & sweet figs, and grilled steak with black truffle sauce. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. Maybe leave out the empanadas? Not eventful enough compared to how amazing everything else was.
(4)Jodi G.
The greatest place to come to Brookline! They are always booked out two weeks, and it is no surprise! I have never eaten something here that I don't like. The fig and chorizo tapas and the churro dessert are top notch. Yum! Yum! Yum! Please try this delicious restaurant!
(5)Sheena B.
I came here with a group of 10 for a birthday dinner and everything was absolutely amazing. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations and advice. Some of the highlights of our meal was the hanger steak with truffle, fried calamari, patatas bravas, okra, potatato tortilla, mushroom with herbed goat cheese, and the bone marrow was fun because you can do a "marrow luge" with sherry after you eat it. Dont forget to order sangria also. Reasonably priced is also a plus! Overall, surpassed my expectations. Excellent food, service, ambiance, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back!
(5)Jessica C.
Ah! Barcelona's is amazing! Little pricy if you want to fill up on tapas, but they're worth it. I love the pig ears, especially. Also, the paella is excellent and also worth the money. The cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is super chill.
(5)K S.
Everything is yummy! Try the fried pig ears!! Arrive early because this place gets packed! Even on random weekdays... Don't forget to try the cured meats and cheeses!
(5)Ashley A.
My wife and I love this place. It is tapas heaven! There's a large assortment of tapas of which we have sampled a few dozen. Not a bad one in the bunch. It has always been busy -- even though there was already another great tapas place nearby. This places manages the crowds really well. I can't wait to go back this coming Wednesday.
(4)Stella S.
By far the best tapas place on this earth!! There is a chance that you may have to wait (even if you have a reservation) but it is SO worth it!! Everything on the menu was out of this world. I especially loved the fig tapas dish that we ordered. The atmosphere is also really nice. I definitely suggest this place!
(5)Ella R.
Love it here! Everything I've tried was delicious, and their Sangria is great as well. We started with a selection from their Meet & Cheese section (Jamon Serrano, Chorizo and Manchego), which came with a tasty sweet spread. They also gave us the most delicious bread basket and olive oil for dipping. We also had a bunch of different tapas (Patatas Bravas, Grilled Spring Onions, Grilled Asparagus (so good!), Albondigas, Spiced Beef Empanadas, Grilled Lamb Chops (a must!) and the Mixed Grill (Barcelona). Great ambiance and service!
(5)Nick F.
We've been to Barcelona twice, and both times we were extremely impressed. The tapas are all amazing, and I would personally recommend the Jamon and Chicken Croquettes or the Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela. I really wish I could give this place a 4.5 or even a 5, but the quality of the food isn't quite there yet. Most of the tapas was delicious, but lacking in freshness and a "wow-factor." Some, however, were just not good -- the brussels sprouts were overdone and bland. That said, the uber trendy atmosphere and outstanding service more than made up for the food (which was still very good). In fact, the service here is possibly the best I've experienced in Boston so far. The waiter knew the menu inside and out, down to every last detail, and genuinely enjoyed helping us pick out the best tapas for our tastes. I will definitely continue coming back to Barcelona. Edit: Been back two or three times since this original review. I don't know if something changed or not, regardless, this place is one of the best in Boston and deserves 5 stars. Service, food, atmosphere -- all are excellent.
(5)John P.
Two recent experiences at Barcelona Brookline after dining at Barcelona D.C. 1 dinner, the other brunch. Takeaways: Enjoyable place to begin a night or indulge a bit on a weekend day. Sangria will keep me coming back along with some great tapas (Lobster one was a table favorite). Found the french toast w/ pear butter and berries also delicious and unique. Service was class and this Brookline location compares favorably to my experience at the DC location. Solid value overall and absolutely worth checking out if you live in the area.
(4)Dennis C.
The things we got in order of deliciousness: - Lobster fideos - Foie Gras - Bacon wrapped mushrooms - Crepas salguero for dessert - Braised short ribs - Roasted cauliflower - Albondigas - Caramelized brussel sprouts Despite being at the bottom, the brussel sprouts were still pretty good, but the lobster fideos were simply phenomenal. It comes in a wok with four pieces of lobster, but they also use lobster meat to make the pasta and getting the crusty pasta at the bottom of the pan was sooo good. The foie gras was also interesting as this was the first time I've had it cold, but after the second bite I really enjoyed how it just melts and how well it goes with the fried garlic-y bread-y bedding it's served on as well as the sherry that it goes with. Great service, two very attentive waiters and the manager checked in at the end of our meal.
(5)Raoul H.
To be fair- a few things were good. The crusty baked bread was yummy, and the staff was pretty nice. Other than that, this place had the feel of a large chain restaurant, huge and with a sort of mechanized, assembly line feel to the service and food. The atmosphere was the worst: loud, echo-filled, with employees actually running around. It's enormous inside, and the extensive use of metal makes it feel industrial, like a huge warehouse. It was not the cozy tapa bar experience I was hoping for. The tapa selection was okay, nothing too original, and not really many options that weren't very heavy. Probably the best aspect is the cheese selection, but there was no presentation at all to the cheese I ordered. A tiny dab of compote accompanied my hunk-o-cheese, and they even forgot to give me a knife to cut it with. The other dishes were quite salty and not presented well either. They forgot the cheese atop my cauliflower dish and were too busy running around to get me silverware or a second glass of wine. Overall, somewhere between a meh and a bad. The one thing this restaurant really has going for it is location. There aren't that many options in Washington Square, and people in that neighborhood are dying for a place to call their own, so they will likely continue to swamp this cold, metallic industrial warehouse.
(1)Jennifer W.
Have been wanting to visit Barcelona Wine Bar ever since it opened, but it's a little far from where we live so didn't make it out there until now. We love tapas and sangria so were excited. First off, this place was PACKED, and we were told by the manager that it was a "slower" night. Not sure if I'd want to see what a busy night looks like. The wait was about an hour but luckily we snapped up a small bar table for 2 soon after we arrived. Their traditional sangria is really really good, and a pitcher is only $24. To be fair the pitcher has a ton of ice in it, but it's literally served in a beer pitcher, so it's a great deal compared to some of the other chic tapas bars around town. As for the food, we tried the truffled bikini, meatballs, patatas bravas, chicken liver mouse and steak with truffle vinaigrette. Everything was good to very good, with the patatas bravas and truffled bikini being our favorites. The onion jam on the chicken liver mouse was fabulous, just wish there was a bit more. The steak, which seems to be their most popular item was good, but the vinaigrette was a little too sour for my taste. For dessert, we had a hard time deciding between the crepe and the churros. We ended up ordering the crepe but the manager sent over churros anyway, very nice of her! Both were really good but super filling. We were ridiculously full when we left, while hoping their South End location opens soon so we'll have somewhere closer to home to indulge in some tapas and sangria.
(4)Matt C.
The build up and excitement of trying Barcelona Wine Bar left me prepared to be disappointed. I am happy to report that even with lofty expectations, Barcelona is still able to exceed and satisfy. We went prepared to indulge in Tapas and were impressed that the menu is filled with wonderful and varied tapas options. However, be prepared to be tempted by many other items including Mixed Grills and Paella to share and some tantalizing meat + cheese options. The service was great and you can tell that the restaurant is firing on all cylinders even though they are relatively new. The lamb chops are superb and the chorizo and fig will make you wish that it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. I am already planning the best strategy for our return visit.
(4)Vanessa P.
This place is amazing; everything about it. The ambiance is incredible, both inside and outside. Whenever a friend is visiting Boston, this is where I take them. The food is to die for. Croquettes and truffled bikini are delicious, but so is everything. Not surprisingly, the sangria is absolutely delicious, especially their herb one with rosemary. You have to get there on the earlier side of you don't want to wait! I've waited an hour and half to get a table (willingly). This place is just the coolest.
(5)Rebecca C.
Wow. The bartender Steve was really helpful with choosing the perfect wine. I had the lamb and it was amazing. Wish it was cooked medium rare but I am going back for sure!!!
(5)Rae G.
Wow! We had meat and cheese platter, octopus, scallops, spring risotto, and amazing bread and cocktails. Everything was awesome. The tables are quite close together, but the food was so good that I couldn't really notice. Reasonably priced for what you get... Confused about the reviews that say the portions are small.... It's a TAPAS restaurant lol.
(5)Sarah M.
(Didn't realize this posted on the Brookline location's page, we actually dine in West Hartford.) We had a lovely evening and great experience, despite having to wait a few minutes for our reservation. Our waitressES (loved having two working the area) were attentive and knew the menu well and were full of recommendations. I can't remember everything we had, but loved it all ... except the Duck Fat Fries. We didn't touch them much and our waitress asked why. We were honest about it -- way too much jalapeño, she took them away, replaced them with a new dish, didn't charge us AND the manager came over to apologize personally and get more feed back. A+! I do know we started with some coppa, which was amazing. As was the hanger steak with truffle sauce. The duck pastrami sandwich left us wanting to order a second (but didn't). The chicken empenda had a similar effect and served with an amazing avocado cream. The list goes on. If you like tapas, you won't be disappointed. The pitcher of white winter herb sangria was delicious and a great value (which can be a trick by the restaurant)!
(4)Hayley B.
Barcelona wine bar is very close to my current apartment and has quickly become a go-to for a great meal with friends. The food is repeatedly outstanding. The first time I walked in they offered me sangria on the house while I waited for my table which was a great way to start off. I have tried many of the tapas here, with a few favorites being truffle hangar steak, tuffled bikini grilled cheese, empanadas, and the potato tortilla. I have sat inside every time because I only discovered this place mid fall, but I am anxiously awaiting the warmer weather where I can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere, food, and heat lamps.
(5)Grace W.
Suckling Pig: delicious bacon candy that's crunchy in all the right places and melt-in-your-mouth awesome that will probably thicken your blood vessels a few nanometers. Ordered one serving for two people, which I recommend if you want to try other tapas. Don't be disappointed when the one serving comes out - it might look less than 50% the size of a two-serving portion, but the taste was there. Fig and sausages: i can see why it's popular, with the salty and sweet, but it's a bit too sweet and not as interesting as the rest of the menu for me. Mushrooms with goat cheese: this was really salty and the manager agreed. he was kind enough to offer a new batch, which never came, but at least they took it off the bill. Steak: solid, fragrant and delicious truffle sauce. Came out immediately so it didn't stay warm for long. Wine: La Montesa was a great pairing. Churros: a bit soft and mushy on the inside, but otherwise came out hot and delicious with the chocolate. The chocolate was in a large mug, so it was a bit awkward to dip into. Service: friendly, attentive and not overbearing. Portions overall were decent. Atmosphere conducive to just about any occasion, and you can tell that the staff wants to keep the customers (both waiting and eating) happy. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(4)Alan L.
Great place! Highly recommend sitting outside. Even on a chilly night, the blankets and heat lamps make for an awesome dinner! Best things we ordered: hanger steak, red traditional sangria, and the crepes. WOW! SOOO GOOD!! Definitely coming back here soon!
(5)Chris R.
Simply amazing. I've never had a bad dish here after trying dozens of things. The migas (fried egge over chopped sausage and fried bread) is amazing, perfect patatas bravas, ham and cheese croquettes are out of this world, and golden beet orange and pesto salad is really good. Returning specials to look for are mini pulled pork sandwiches and pigs ears (weird but amazing if you like bacon). Specials are always, always good. Everything's good. Try the paella too, and just get a couple of tapas (if you can stop yourself). Cheeses and wines are spectacular, but the real standouts for me are the manchego cheese and a ginger and chili pepper red sangria. Brunch is also spectacular. I've loved the morcilla (spanish blood sausage) eggs benedict with smashed potatoes, as well and oxtail hash that's to die for. Churros are quite good with great chocolate, if you ever have room for dessert.
(5)Megan B.
This is a great new addition to Brookline! I read about the opening in Thrillist and wanted to try out Barcelona Wine Bar since I love tapas. I didn't know they had other locations, but the good reviews made this place look promising and I was not disappointed! It wasn't just the delicious food that impressed me either. The service was very attentive to our empty plates and water glasses and our waiter made great recommendations. The menu had unique options and was surprisingly, reasonably priced. (I personally always feel that tapas are a little over-priced). And the ambiance was great for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. I definitely plan to come back when the patio is open. Who doesn't ove sangria on a patio in the summer in Boston? I enjoyed everything we ordered but the best tapas were the lamb chops, chorizo and fig, and the mini jamon grilled cheese sandwiches. Quick tip: if you fill out the comment card at the table, you get a token for a free tapa. Free croquetas? Yes please!
(4)Julie N.
Do not leave without eating the crepes. You're welcome. Okay, but seriously? Go here. Wait. Wait some more. And then stuff your face with the best tapas you've had since you went to Spain that time. Best of the best.
(5)Steve S.
When I was a kid, this place was an upscale Italian restaurant named Walters. That was almost 40 years and 30 restaurants ago I think Barcelona may be here awhile. It is an expansive place with a bar to the left and two large dining rooms. It should be stated that I am not a tapas fan. Its not my thing, but Barcelona is different First the service is excellent. You are served by two waiters and a manager will check just in case. The food is wonderful, especially the salads. They were really unique in flavor. Even kale somehow tasted good, but there is a couple dishes for anyone Its funny. I was in Barcelona in June. I think the food in this Barcelona is actually better
(5)Laura W.
Barcelona Wine Bar is officially my favorite restaurant in this state of MA. Why? It's the food, it's the staff, it's the design. The tapa style, aka mini plates, makes the dinner experience fast paced and exciting. I loved the grilled hanger steak, cooked to perfection. I didn't even need a knife to cut this steak and it melt in my mouth! With the large menu constantly changing, I don't think I would ever get tired eating at Barcelona. My waitress and waiter were very attentive plus the manager gave me an kind greeting. Granted this wasn't a busy Saturday that I picked to dine, but I came in without a reservation in the most popular restarant in town and the host offered us a table without any wait. I appreciate the quality of service and food at Barcelona which is getting harder and harder to find today.
(5)Madeline F.
So excited to go back. I can't justify going out to dinner and not getting tapas. Everything was perfect, from food to drinks to service. I would say their cocktails rival any others I've had in the Allston/Brookline area. The interior is industrial and huge in a warm and sophisticated way, not drafty or impersonal. Hard to pick just one favorite small plate, but it comes down to the spinach chickpea cazuela, beets, and mushrooms with goat cheese. Oh and the squid ink dish was especially good.
(5)Michael C.
Amazing experience. The tapas here are great, and they change seasonally, if not daily. Some highlights: chorizo with sweet and sour figs, suckling pig croquettes, fried summer squash. You must try the steak with truffle sauce, it may be the tastiest thing I've ever had. There is a good wine selection, and I recommend asking the sommelier for suggestions. The tapas are not huge portions, and they are a little overpriced, but they really care about quality. I mentioned to my waitress that one of the tapas tasted off, and she immediately offered to replace it, even though everyone in my party had already tried it. Later, a manager came by to get even more feedback, and by the end they had comped the dish. My suggestion: go there with some friends, order some wine, order some tapas; sit, relax, enjoy. If something doesn't look or taste right, tell the staff and they'll take care of you.
(5)Sara M.
Growing up in Fairfield, CT, my family went to the Barcelona there for Tapas dinners and always had great meals. I was over the moon when I found out that we were getting one here too. Four of us went on a Thursday night, and reservations were a must. We tried some of the tempernillos, cocktails and a wine flight. The service, food, and drinks were all amazing. We had three servers for our table (I think one was a trainee), which could be overwhelming, but the food makes up for this 100%. We even got a free tapa coin from the manager for letting him know how everything was. This is a great place for people that like to try lots of little things, and eat long, relaxed meals. I cannot wait to go back to try the rest of the menu!
(5)Navah F.
This is our go-to restaurant - whether it's a celebration or just because, Barcelona never disappoints. They do fantastic veggie dishes (like their spinach and chickpea cazuela...I get it every time) as well as suculant meat and fish. While some dishes rank higher than others, the overall atmosphere and consistency of the food and service ensures we''ll always come back. They take amazing care of their regulars, and are excited to hear your feedback (they give away free tapas tokens for leaving feedback at the end of the meal). Drinks are just as good as the food. The berry bramble and ginger chilie sangria are personal favorites, and the waiters are knowledgeable enough to do pairings. You won't find a better deal and more accomidating team of tapas maestros. Just be sure you put in for a reservation Wednesday - Sunday or you can expect 1-2 hour waits. It is worth the wait!
(5)Steven C.
A few days before heading to Spain, my kids inform me of their desire to try Spanish cuisine. Yelped up the BWB. So the food seems a little bit more Madrid with some American fusion but I won't split hairs on the name. I can't find fault with a single dish - wonderfully prepared and great presenation. BTW - The spainish don't really care about presentation (IMHO). We started with a massive offering of jamon which was high quality but it would be nice to have multiple offerings. I know most Americans who have even heard of jamon thing of it as a single entity but there are other wonderful varieties of this cured hunk of yumminess. Our favorite dishes were the Hanger Steak and Sweet Breads. Th black truffle vinegrette on the steak was pure foodgasm heaven. Excellent service, decent price and crafted food. BTW - Their sangria rocks too!
(5)Brian C.
We came here for brunch on a Saturday morning/early afternoon to find that the place wasn't that busy. Was a little concerned by this, but we sat down and placed our orders anyway, and I must say, this place was INCREDIBLE! Options for brunch include items from a Char-Grilled Lamb Burger, to a Plancha Omelette, to Smoke Blue Fish Cakes. There are a handful of tapas available during brunch in case you want to share something with your date or group of friends. Everyone in our party left the restaurant full and 100% satisfied! The have a full bar and can make you anything from a Tequila Sunrise, to a Bloody Mary, to Sangria. So, to conclude, be sure to have your stretchy pants ready at home, and come with an empty stomach! Enjoy!
(5)Myechia J.
This is my new favorite restaurant. Service is excellent. Servers are friendly and knowledgable. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend dinner and drinks. The menu has great variety and will please any palate. Also, the sangria is amazing!
(5)Brian D.
I must have tried everything in the menu when I came to town on a business trip. The potatoes, the hanger steak, and the spicy sangria were my favorites. The service was awesome as well would absolutely eat here again
(5)Stephanie P.
This is such a great place, not just for a tapas restaurant but in general one of the best meals I've had out. Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend the eggplant dish and the Laurona wine.
(5)Lauren D.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. The waiters and waitresses are attentive and always in good spirits. The ambiance is fresh and modern European. Now the food, just amazing, I have not tried a dish there I did not like, even the first time I dined at Barcelona Wine Bar, I was unsure about a dish I ordered was "cold" and asked to send it back, it was explained to me by the manager that the dish is typically served at room temperature and not hot. Even after hearing this I was given a new plate of something else I wanted to try, and two tokens for free tapas the next time I arrive. Now that is taking care of your customers in my opinion. I came back with my entire family and had a delicious meal with them, to which they all agreed was amazing. Some dishes are pricey, but if you do want to experience this wonderful little treasure on Beacon Street, grab a glass of their sangria in the bar/lounge and pick two to three tapas plates. Totally affordable if you can't go all out.
(5)Jen F.
I really like Barcelona Wine Bar. I was a bit skeptical at first given that it's a chain, but having been back many times, it continues to be excellent. The food is really good and so is the service. Several items that truly stand out are: shaved mushroom salad, truffled "bikini", chicken pimientos, and their sangria. Love the sangria! It's safe to say that you can order pretty much any item on the menu and expect it to be delicious. All in all, a fantastic addition to Brookline!
(4)Tammy K.
If someone had told me a month ago that my favorite tapas place in the Boston area would actually be a chain restaurant in Brookline, I would not have believed it. After having their tapas, I am now a BWB Belieber. Everything I've tasted, from the special duck cassoulet to the hangar steak with truffle oil to the hot turnips, is fantastic. Drinks are good, and atmosphere is perfect for date night, though some of the tables along the back wall are a bit scrunched together. Tip 1: Stick with the hot tapas. The cold tapas are good, but the hot tapas are better (with the exception of the jamon iberico, which is difficult to find around Boston and just plain delicious). Tip 2: Fill out the survey at the end to get a free tapa on your next visit.
(4)Mackenzie M.
One of my absolute favorite places in Boston! I have been here four or five times including once for brunch and each time has been memorable. I can't stop saying great things about this place! Great options for beverages no matter what you're in the mood for and the tapas are amazing. Each dish is flavorful in its own way. Service, food, and atmosphere, are all consistently great each time I have come here. Dined here for brunch on a particularly sunny day and all that was open for tables were tables directly in the sun. Management came over to check on us and offer other tables once they opened and even opened the door to let some cool air in. That is going above and beyond. Thanks Barcelona for always making sure that your customers are happy and satisfied. Looking forward to trying Barcelona at the new Boston location!!!
(5)K P.
Good-sized portions despite being tapas. The dishes can't compare to Toro in South End but definitely wins as the preferred atmosphere. Have had both brunch and dinner here numerous times and will definitely come back. Can not wait for the warm weather to dine at outdoor patio. Very spacious, great staff, yummy food. Great spot for dates also. I've also tried the South End location and was very disappointed. Stick to the Brookline location, it has not let me down.
(4)Geoff B.
I made this review by mistake, I meant to click on a different restaurant. Please delete this.....would like to eat here though....
(5)Gabby F.
Convenient: Literally next to door to my house. Efficient: The waitstaff are always very quick and eager to please. Sometimes a little too eager. Who doesn't love tapas? Come on. Get the kale salad.
(4)Mike B.
Probably the best food I've ever eaten, the small plates(tapas) that are on the menu are a fun way to eat, so that you can try a bit of everything, the 6-month Manchego cheese was delicious. For the main course we ate Salvaje paella which also was phenomenal. Our server was quick to help us, as it was our first time there and he recommended dishes and was very kind. We also had a half pitcher of the white traditional sangria which was amazing as well. All in all no complaints, definitely have to try it again when i come back to Boston
(5)Lee D.
Average food. Good beer. Nice ambience. Not the greatest tapas place, but pretty good.
(3)Lisa B.
3 stars for food. 5 stars for ambiance. 4 stars for service. We finally checked out Barcelona Wine Bar after months of good intentions... as in we intended to go, but didn't. We decided to make a reservation to celebrate our recent wedding and upcoming trip to Barcelona (the city). The ambiance is top notch... It's always so nice to see people laughing and enjoying wine with friends. Our meat and cheese plate was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal: Carne Salado (meat) + Oriol de Montbru & Aged Mahon (cheeses). We also ordered the broccolini (okay with a slight kick at the end), mussels, patatas bravas, and soft shell crab. A few critical (but hopefully helpful) notes: 1. The cheeses were great, although it would have been nice for the server to tell us which was which. I feel like this is pretty standard practice, so perhaps our server forgot(?) 2. The patatas bravas were extremely salty... to the point of not tasting very good. 3. The mussels were very fishy - It didn't taste as though they'd been rinsed. We didn't like them very much, and I wouldn't recommend this dish. The bread that accompanied the mussels was also charred to the point of tasting like, well, charcoal. Our overall experience was very enjoyable, but the food was a bit lacking. I've definitely had better tapas in Boston. Our server was sweet, although our water glasses went empty a few times throughout the dinner. On the other hand, we never felt rushed. We really appreciated this since Barcelona is the hot new place in Washington Square. SO, the truth is that we had fun, but I'm not sure if we'll be back. Our bill was about $100 (before tip) for 2 people, and the food was not at the standard we expected.
(4)Joseph P.
This place was really good. The staff was truly genuine, helpful and were there for helping each other out too. This makes the dining experience very pleasant. The food was excellent, and they offered some very delicious vegetarian options. For example we ordered a chickpea and spinach dish, which was sautéed and tossed with garlic, oils, cumin and other spices. Oh man! What a great tapas dish. There is an extensive wine selection, one of the staff was helpful enough to recommend a great glass of tempranillo. My wife enjoyed the dry rosé she ordered. A great bit too, before we were seated the wait was pretty long, it was a holiday for the neighborhood, we ordered cocktails at the bar. They were very delicious, a Brookline Sour and a Whiskey Root. Both equally smooth balanced and bitters that suppressed our appetites while readying our pallets.
(5)Bret C.
Hands down one of the best-designed spaces anywhere in Boston. Barcelona replaces the many restaurants that have been in this space (Vinny T's, American Craft, Roadhouse, etc.) and it looks like it's here to stay. The bartenders know their thing and often give free samples which is a nice touch. Food (tapas) = solid. It's busy most nights, so be patient when you come by.
(4)JP C.
Not a great experience. I was there for brunch. I ordered hot tea with milk and honey. The tea came (well, a cup of hot water and a separate tea bag) with a little jug of honey. I reminded the waitress about the milk. She came back with it, but then I had to ask for a spoon. Another waitress was passing by with a handful of soup spoons and she gave me one. I pointed out that it didn't fit into the honey jug. She got defensive and said, "I was just trying to help," as if it was my fault for wanting a teaspoon with my tea. OK, bad marks for tea. I ordered eggs benedict with jamon serrano. The eggs were perfectly poached, but the hollandaise sauce didn't seem to be made with lemon juice. The texture was nice, but the flavor was very flat. Also, I didn't have any silverware. That seemed to mystify the staff. Finally, I started to eat. Then the waitress came and topped up my cup of tea with hot water. That was the last straw. I think a restaurant should be able to deal with a customer wanting tea with brunch. I'm not a teetotaler, but I don't necessarily want to drink alcohol with every meal. I got the distinct feeling that I was somehow imposing - what with my demands for a teaspoon and then implements with which to eat my meal. I'm not inclined to try the tapas. If they can't make hollandaise properly, I have my doubts about the rest of the menu.
(1)David S.
Great meal! Service was excellent. The waitress and management made sure that everything was on par. Favorites: Hanger steak , Brussels sprouts, and the halibut
(5)Gwen H.
Awesome in every way possible. Arrived 645 on a Saturday without a reservation and of course expected to wait. They estimated an hour and it was probably only 30 minutes, during which we enjoyed a glass of wine while people watching. One waiter came by with complimentary croquettes! Our waiter ( William I think? ) was so nice and helpful, attentive but not too much. He alerted me to the gluten free bread and I almost fell out or my seat. We ate a lot. All was simply delicious and the perfect amount of food to share. THe suckling pig was incredible. So was the quinoa stuffed squash. Chorizo and figs. Brussels sprouts. Etc. Yes, this place is a gem. Happy we ended up here (we originally wanted to try toro but the wait was 2 hours!). As far as I'm concerned this place is the best.
(5)Morgan F.
Best Spot in Boston! Barcelona is one of my favorite spots in Brookline and Boston overall. Great patio area, huge bar area and nice ambiance inside. They often have live music which is a plus. I love that they rotate their menu based on what's in season. I had fiddleheads for the first time here (which apparently are only in season for a few weeks out of the year) and hey were incredible! Meet and cheese selection is awesome and the steak tare tare is fab. The sangria is also to die for. They've got the trifecta! Atmosphere is great, foods awesome, and whoever is doing the staffing deserves a raise. Every single host, server, manager, bus boy etc, I've had contact with goes above and beyond and they genuinely care about your experience. I think I've met every manage but can't remember their names, but most recently John was really great. This is a great spot for date night, casual bar drinks and small plates, and for big groups. It's good for families but I'd suggest an earlier time as it gets a bit loud and crowded later on. Can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)Jenna C.
I had been to Barcelona once before but this time was with a larger party to wish a good luck farewell to a co-worker. We had made a reservation for 7:30 and sat down at about 8. Our server was initially pleasant, but by the time we had our first round of drinks it was nearing 8:30, almost an hour after our reservation. Since we were a larger party, it was recommended to get the $35 per person option that brings out a variety of dishes without having to actually order them. This option seemed nice because the server mentioned dishes would continuously be brought out quicker than otherwise, but in reality it felt we waited longer than the tables around us who ordered after we did. As 9pm approached, the dishes started to arrive - small apps and salads were out first. Since it was anticipated dinner would be from about 730-930, some of us needed to wrap up dinner. Given the long waiting time and time for food to come, few of us did not get to try the "main" courses (meats etc) and only had salads. In addition and to top the night, when I asked for a separate check because I had to leave (it was nearly 9:40 at this point) it was visibly obvious the server did not appreciate my request and jokingly (I think) said it was "annoying". All and all, not the night that was planned...
(1)Jenn S.
This place is pretty amazing. We have been a number of times and haven't had anything bad. Our favorites are the kale salad, lamb chops, hanger steak, olives, yellowtail crudo and the potato tortilla. I know that is a lot to have favorites but there really isn't anything bad. I would just like to note that while the Paella is good it is very heavy so try not to order to many other things with it. Staff is also always amazing. Try to make a reservation or you will be waiting for an hour or so.
(4)Sarah Y.
I've been here 4-5 times in the past three months... and for very good reason. It's conveniently located in Brookline's Washington Square neighborhood, a few steps from the T and with street parking available. That said, it caters to the more affluent Brookline crowd and the prices reflect that. Tapas range from a few dollars to ~$13-14 depending on what you get. As a vegetarian (or if you just prefer vegetable/non-meat dishes), it's more affordable since the meat/seafood dishes are on the upper end of the price scale. The price is the only reason I'm docking it a star, since you could get similar dishes for a few Euros each in Spain /end snooty European travel reference. Given the limited selection of Spanish restaurants in the Boston area, Barcelona is one of the more authentic. I can't speak to the meat, but from my friends' and family's reviews, it's amazing! The cheese selection makes me unreasonably happy. The eclectic tapas selection gives you the best tastes of different regions of Spain - AndalucÃa, Catalonia, Valencia, etc. It's a mix of what you would find both in a typical Spanish home (the simple and fresh salads, potato tortilla, croquettes) and a typical tapas restaurant in Spain (albondigas, patatas bravas - which are SO GOOD by the way, olives). I've never had a bad experience with the service. Everyone who works there seems to genuinely love and appreciate food. Also, all the sangrias are great. One of our waitresses told us they change them up on a regular basis, so you can try something new each time you go back - which, trust me, you WILL go back! P.s. Make a reservation even if you don't think you need one. This place is consistently packed!
(4)J p.
Ah... all is restored. My party visited last night and the stellar service and excellent food was the norm, as expected. Special call out and thanks to William for his cheery and outstanding service. All dishes ordered were fantastic. Personally I wasn't the biggest fan of the mushrooms with goat cheese as I thought it a wee bit tart/too acidic. Seafood was fresh and grilled lamb was perfectly prepared. O yes, please bring back the chickpea fries soon... Additionally as a follow up, hats off to the the proactive management team from BWB. They attempted to reach out to me in response to my prior review/comment about smoking. I personally didn't get a chance to get back in touch with them but it's refreshing to see such dedicated, committed and engaged management. I am a fan of this place and will continue hold them to their high benchmark they've set - excellent service, food and management... We'll be back soon...
(5)Sarah B.
I've been here twice, and both experiences were excellent. Barcelona Wine Bar has great food, drinks, and decor, plus reasonable prices, but the thing that really puts them way over the top is their excellent service. Both times I have been blown away by the standard they set. I recently attended a friend's birthday dinner there, and although we had a reservation, we had to wait a bit to be seated. Barcelona more than made up for this with samples of sangria and tapas on the house - plus a few tapas dishes that they ordered for us so that once we were seated, our hungry bellies would be immediately satiated. The manager also personally stopped by more than once to check on us. What a champ! As for food - it's all tasty. My favorite dishes are the caramelized brussel sprouts and the croquetas. Looking forward to going back soon, as it's always a treat!
(5)Danielle W.
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I have a pretty severe gluten allergy and eating out is always tricky. However, both the manager and our waiter were completely accommodating. My husband and I got there a little bit before the restaurant opened and the manager assured me that I would be safe eating here. When our waiter came over he actually went ahead and wrote on our menu the modifications that would be needed for each item (IE fresh goat cheese, not breaded and sub GF bread) and crossed out the things that just weren't doable. He made some really great suggestions as well. Right after that the manger came over and told me he had the kitchen fire up some GF bread for me. He also brought over a second bowl of dipping oil to avoid cross contamination between myself and my gluten eating husband. No up charge for the bread also! We started off with two tapas: cucumber salad and eggplant caponata. Both were delicious but I really loved the cucumber salad - super light and the dressing was perfect. We then did the vegetable paella and the barcelona mixed grill. SO MUCH FOOD! We hardly made a dent in the meat, but we happily took it home as leftovers. The paella was fantastic. I literally scraped the pot it came in. They offered us a GF dessert but by this point I was nearing a food coma and we opted out. Fantastic service, fantastic food, and so accommodating with gluten free. I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Ashley A.
Oh. My. Goodness. We went here with a group of friends for our monthly "dinner club". We were all completely blown away. Erik, our server suggested that because we had a larger group (9) that it would be beneficial for us to allow him to choose a number of tapas for us and we could pass them around the table. I am not an absurdly adventurous eater, but I was so impressed with every single dish that was brought out. It was a tasting menu, but it was absolutely fabulous. I can't really pinpoint anything that stood out as better than any other aspect, because the whole experience was great. We WILL be going here again. You'll pay a little bit more for your meal, but it is 100% worth it!
(5)Ralph O.
Good food and great atmosphere. Barcelona is one the best value-for-money restaurants, with a good wine selection. Service is friendly and informal. I have been several times and I will keep going (although I won't wait for two hours in line to sit there)
(4)Jenn S.
I can't even tell you how floored I was when I found out Barcelona was opening around the corner from my apartment. I'm from southern CT, where Barcelona started, so I've been going to their restaurants for years. I knew they recently opened in Atlanta; when my friend said a new tapas place was opening near me and I found out it was Barcelona, I was floored! I still can't believe I didn't know about it and wasn't one of the first to go there. Ahem. Anyway. I made a reservation for 7 people for a Friday night and was seated pretty much immediately after arriving. I found out we were only going to be 4 people, so I told the host/manager that they could move us to a smaller table, if they wanted. He was so appreciative, that he gave my friend & me each a complimentary glass of sangria! Nice. Once all 4 of us were comfortably settled into our booth right next to the packed bar, we got down to talking and drinking and eating. Over the course of the night, the 4 of us downed 2 pitchers of red sangria and 1 pitcher of white. The red was definitely better: more flavor, sweeter, bolder - overall a much better sangria. (One downside to the booths: the backs are connected to the other booths, so we kept shaking. It was quite annoying) As for the food, we just went for a bunch of tapas: - We started with a meat & cheese plate, going with the Jamon Serrano (Dry-Cured Spanish Ham), the 6-month Manchego cheese and I THINK the Aged Mahon (a Nutty Cow's Milk Cheese from Mallorca) - it had a wine coating, or something. Our favorite thing was definitely the quince paste that came with it. MMM. The rest of the tapas, in my personal order of preference, were: - The Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs - OMG - The Jamon + Chicken Croquettes - always fantastic (although, they were rather small and there were 5 on the plate, despite there being 4 of us...) - The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts (apparently with Sumac & Mint?) - A Butternut Squash dish that's not on the online menu... It was drizzled with honey and some sort of nut. The waiter recommended it and I was glad he did. - Spiced Beef Empanadas (with a Red Pepper Sauce) - ok, but not as fantastic as I hoped We also got Mussels al Diablo and Crispy Calamari (with a Smoked Pepper Aioli), but I didn't try either of these. My friends loved them though. HOWEVER, I did try the Bone Marrow with Parsley Toast - something I literally had said days before that I would never try. It comes served in the bone, which was not ultra appealing, but I tried it (as all my friends watched). The flavor was actually quite good and I even went back for more. It was VERY oily and the friend who had recommended it did not like the texture/consistency. And I almost forgot the dessert! We went for the Flan (fantastic) and the Churros Y Chocolate (dark chocolate dipping sauce), which were ok. The sauce was quite watery and the churros slightly soggy in places. The waiter then convinced 2 of us to do a shot of sherry down the bone... Would have been nice if he'd told us that there was a charge for that, but oh well... The shot was nothing fabulous, but it got people around us talking. My friend went last night and said she got complimentary grilled cheese. I am quite jealous, as I wanted to try the "Truffled 'Bikini.'" But I did get complimentary sangria, so why am I complaining? One of my friends knew a couple who was there for dinner as well... They, unfortunately, waited an hour and a half for a table. Needless to say, they are probably not as happy with this place as I am! The service is fantastic, the decor is great... Yes, it's LOUD, but it's a fun place for a group dinner - not a romantic restaurant. I will DEFINITELY be back and cannot wait to try the paella!
(5)Nancy O.
Had Tapas here with two pals tonight. Nice ambience, not too loud, not too quiet and flattering (aka dim) lighting with dark wood furnishings. We didn't have wine, so I can't comment on their extensive wine collection. Service: excellent--friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Irrelevant Sidebar: There are some exceptionally tall and handsome young men working here. Those don't usually grow in Boston. Where did they come from we wondered? Food: Yummy fresh bread to start. We stuck with the Tapas, which was good but not the best I've had. Potato tortilla was tasty, though portion was rather tiny for what it was. The fig and chorizo dish, the empanadas, and meatballs were our favorites, and the portions were good sized. We also had a little grilled ham & cheese sandwich that none of us cared for--the strong cheese and ham flavors clashed rather than complimented each other. We'll go back and try some of the other tapas dishes and perhaps some entrees. It's a fun place and the food is good, but not extraordinary. Tip; Make sure you stagger your order, or you will receive all of your tapas at the same time, and they come out quickly, which will make it a very short dining experience.
(4)Corona W.
I've been here twice so far and I've had a great meal both times. The wine flights are a great value - three generous glasses of Rioja wine for 15.50. Management is also accommodating. We were given two plates of super delicious grilled calamari, on the house, after we were informed that the whole fish we had ordered had run out. My only complaint is that they ALWAYS run out of the pig ears so I have yet to try them....In any case, I love this place and will be back.
(4)Lily F.
Amazing sangria (with a selection), great cocktail list, and great selection in the lunch menu. I enjoyed the love jazz near the window, atmosphere of the place. Pleasant and helpful waitress. Everything I ordered I LOVED. No complaints.
(5)Braelyn G.
OK, was just here on July 4th weekend and found a new wondrous part of this fantastic restaurant! You can get a chefs tasting menu for $35 a head, and (here's the kicker) it's ALL YOU CAN EAT. However, this doesn't include alcoholic beverages or dessert (total bummer, even though I got it anyway). I highly, HIGHLY, recommend doing this! There's no minimum, so if you feel like hating the world and want to go alone then, hey, whatever floats your boat. But, if you're willing to share and want to bring some friends, do it to it! Also, sit on the patio in the summer months- it's beautiful, cooler temperature wise, and MUCH quieter than the inside!
(5)Parul L.
Hard to get a seat here on a Friday, and we waited a bit on our res, but free apps and sangria made it better ;). We tried a ton of stuff, which was all innovative and delicious. Definitely a great addition to the Bos rest scene. They messed our paella up and have us more free drinks while we waited,and the manager overheard me say I didn't want chocolate dessert, and brought a non-chocolate item without being asked. So sweet. Will def be back! Great time at Barcelona!
(5)Molly C.
I have probably been to Barcelona Wine & Bar at least 20 times. The crowd is always lively and even though sometimes the wait is a little long, it is nice to see a well packed restaurant. The food is absolutely amazing, especially the Hanger Steak and Mushrooms with goat cheese. Pair them together and voila! you have the most fantastic combination. A pitcher of sangria is only $24 and lets be honest, for Boston, that is pretty spectacular. The white summer herb sangria is definitely my favorite, with hints of rosemary and Lavender. If you go with a big group it ends up being pretty inexpensive to split everything. Also the service is outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth a try!
(5)gabrielle c.
My fiance has a place a few blocks away from Barcelona & we've had dinner, or have attempted to have dinner at this joint a couple of times. Barcelona is a chain- just like McDonald's or Burger King except it's tapas. I'm mainly based in NYC, specifically Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While I realize that I'm spoiled with relatively inexpensive, creative/eclectic/authentic restaurants & cafes, Barcelona is painfully average-this could be in a mall, in the midwest, in the airport, etc. This place is always jammed which is good for the owners wallets & I realize they are catering to the local residents tastes. Bostonians seem to like more of the same. All I want is a place to have a glass of wine, a nice small plate & to move on which isn't possible at Barcelona.
(1)Caroline S.
This was a great dinner! However, we waited 2 hours after being told one hour, which was quite a big difference. Finally sitting down, we got 5 tapas to share between 2, which was perfect. Patatas bravas and empanadas were the favorites! Meatballs were good but burnt on the bottom. Also got the croquettes and eggplant, which were tasty. Overall, a great place, but wouldn't come back again without a reservation (if they take any).
(4)Jen O.
Excellent food and ambience! Love the feel of the whole place! Even better is the food! Love to cuchinillo or suckling pig!!! Be adventurous! Try everything! Most of what we've tried are amazing! So you can't go wrong! Have fun! It is always packed, so make reservations a week or even two in advance to make sure you have a table! Can't wait to take visiting family to this place! Superb!
(5)Michelle C.
I hate giving bad reviews, especially since I'm sure there are off days. Let me start off by saying I frequent Barcelona quite frequently and never had a bad experience. But after eating for two hours (unintentionally) since the service was incredibly slow, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. The meal started off great with their always delicious meat and cheese platter. However, things went downhill from there. We ordered the hangar steak with truffle sauce and we got the ribeye instead. The waitress brought out the correct order but thereafter, she never came by once to check up on us. I get it that the restaurant was packed but at 11PM, tables were clearing out. After twenty minutes of eating straight up serrano ham, I wanted someone (anyone please) to ask if we could use more water/bread. Not a single person. I finally had to grab another waitress's attention after both my date and I were both dying from thirst. By the time dessert came around, we hesitated to order knowing that it'll probably take another 30 minutes. But one cannot leave without dessert so we ordered the churros and flan, which was fabulous. We waited..again. Just us, the staff and another table that came in an hour after us. So two hours later, I'm left disappointed since I so wanted to like my meal better but service pretty much ruined it for me.
(2)Ashley S.
SO GOOD. Everything here is IS GOOD. Sommelier made great wine recommendations too. Try the manchego cheese and the duck. Fantastic. Tables are really small and extremely cramped, so be aware of that. Also, don't sit by the door in wintertime or you'll get a face full of frozen air every time someone comes or goes.
(5)Michael O.
I had heard great things about Barcelona and was anxious to check it out. I was in no rush at all, and the wait was a little longer than most places but the outside seating area was really nice, it was beautiful out so I had no problem waiting a bit longer and having a couple drinks. I went with my girlfriend and she loved it as well. Our waitress was an amazing woman named Joy who made the experience astronomically more enjoyable. We go out to eat quite a bit, and we both agreed she was the best waitress we have had in quite some time! GREAT food, great service, and the price was right. Highly recommend!
(5)Tom G.
So, I've been here 3 more times and it's still really hit-or-miss. The food is pretty much the same quality every time but the front of house and the waitstaff are pretty uneven. And I've had the same cocktail 3 or 4 times (Brookline Sour) and it's tasted different almost every time, once with, um, less-than-fresh fruit. Not really acceptable. But the food is really nice and the wine list is thoughtful so it's a welcome addition.
(4)Gabriela C.
we did a shot of sherry. in a bone marrow luge. after an amazing man, a hero of sorts, cut paper thin pieces of the finest salted pig leg next to our table on a cart. keep doing you, barcelona, keep doing you.
(5)Shana K.
I have been here several times, and I can't begin to say enough good things about this place. I wanted to write a review after my first experience but thought I would hold off until I'd been a bit more often. I should also say that I've been to the Barcelona in South Norwalk, CT, which while fine, has nothing on this location either in terms of food or service. To start: the staff at the bar were unusually attentive, even when busy. I dine alone frequently, and it is a real pleasure when the staff doesn't ignore you simply on that basis. Nor is the service any less attentive at the table. I have brought my parents and guests from abroad here, and everyone was impressed by the servers' knowledge of the menu and ability to make excellent recommendations. The menu changes frequently, but there are some staples which don't change (or haven't in the time I've been attending) and are well worth your while. Some standouts for me have included the chicken liver mousse, the "truffled bikini" (a grilled cheese with Serrano ham and truffled aioli - delightfully unsalty and full of flavour) the grilled hangar steak (savoury and delicious), and whatever raw/ceviche style seafood they have going. I am not a big vegetable person, but vegetarians I know really loved the kale salad, as did I. All in all, a very solid and delicious option when dining in Brookline. Can't recommend highly enough.
(5)Kobie E.
The food was so good, better than I ever imagined it could be!! The bartender Harrison was equally as awesome, friendly, helpful and his Sidecar was the best!!
(5)Mal S.
Excellent food and service. The fresh toasty bread was a great way to start the meal. We had the pork belly, pulled pork, hanger steak, asparagus/egg, potato tortilla, and beef empanada. Every single dish was perfection. This place is a must try. I will definitely be returning. As a walk in on a Friday, we waited about 2 hours before we were seated. Make a reservation!
(5)Anat S.
Second time at Barcelona...it was just as great as the first. The Sangria lived up to my memory as did the atmosphere and service. They really care about you, the guest, it's a refreshing feeling. The tapas are more hits than misses: Patatas bravas, insalata mista, ANY of their cheeses/meats...all YUM! Caponata is a gamble, but when it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! Ask for Joy, she is a Joy and enjoy.
(5)Ryan M.
We chose Barcelona for an anniversary dinner tonight. It was a last minute call and since the restaurant only takes reservations for 1/3 of its tables, we were not able to make one. It didn't matter to us so we put our name in and had a couple of drinks at the bar while we waited. Once seated, we were served relatively quickly by our waiter. We put in orders for a bunch of plates and they were delivered very quickly. The food was excellent. Surprisingly, the spinach and chickpea with roasted garlic may have been the most memorable dish. Other tapas favorites such as patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo were great. The redfish a la plancha was excellent as was the ribeye with horseradish gremolata. The empanadas were good, but not great. After we received our plates is when things really fell apart. While I sat with an empty glass of beer in front of me, the waiter pulled up a chair to flirt with the girls next to us. All the while he continued to check in with the couple next to us as well. At least three times he came to check in on our neighbors without ever asking if we needed a drink, offering a desert menu, or asking if we wanted the check. After about 30 minutes, of sitting with no drinks, no food, and no service we managed to get the check and get out of there. We were inclined to order dessert, but after waiting as long as we did, we decided to satisfy our sweet teeth elsewhere. I doubt our server noticed. For great tapas try Tapeo, Toro, and Tasca. Barcelona is more about the scene than anything else and to be completely honest, it wasn't worth the wait...don't let the crowds fool you. If you show up, cross your fingers and maybe the service will be better which would have drastically improved our experience. I doubt we'll be back.
(2)Neil H.
The parents were in town last night, and they wanted to take the girlfriend and me out for dinner. We chose Barcelona, and were not disappointed. The place was packed on a Saturday night at 8:45 when we walked in for our reservation. The host scared me a bit when he said they were running behind and that they'd be another 20 minutes. But, he under promised and over delivered. They had us seated in 10 minutes. The only thing was that it seemed like they didn't have the service capacity for the number of guests they had. Every single server was running around like a mad dog. If they had a few more runners on staff, it may make things better. The food was outstanding. My father said it was one of the best meals he had in a really long time. The noise in the place made for a fun atmosphere. And there was something for everyone to enjoy. Because of the slow service, the manager came over and checked in with us. He apologized and offered us free dessert. A nice touch, but also unnecessary since we were already well beyond the point of stuffed on great tapas. We've been to Barcelona a few times now, and will certainly return.
(5)merisa t.
This place is amazing. The last time I was there, they had a bone marrow luge. I really don't think there is anything else to say.
(5)Mikhail H.
Food, service and the whole dining experience were just about as perfect as you can get. They have a wonderful menu variety for great pricing. Their service is so good, in fact, that the waiter noticed I did not finish the mushrooms and goat cheese. He inquired if I was unhappy with it, offering to remove it from our bill which was pretty amazing for a restaurant.
(5)aly m.
The service is terrible (and the terribleness clearly stems from a corporate policy requiring servers to be all up in your face as often as possible, and not from any ineptitude on the poor staff's part), the food is worse (if I want something that salty and sugary, I'll just drop seventy-five cents on a Slim Jim, thanks), and the company makes a habit of muscling into neighborhoods known for small, excellent, independently-owned restaurants. I wouldn't go back to Barcelona for anything, and I will do my best to dissuade anyone else from going there. They have no business being in Washington Square (or in the South End, for that matter.) I wish I could leave zero stars. Gross, gross, gross. They also have a monotonous, overpriced wine list. There is really nothing good about this place. AVOID.
(1)Tracy R.
My absolute favorite place to go in Brookline (and actually Boston, too). The food is incredible. The chickpea dish is out of this world. The service is always great. The drinks, especially the sangria and fun takes on additional sangrias (there's one w lavender!) are all very good. It's always packed but with it being so good, who could blame them?! Definitely make a reservation. One out of about 10 times we wait forever to be seated so that's annoying but it's well worth it and you can go to the bar in the mean time. Definitely go to this place!!
(5)Shirley M.
Just want to say that we've been to Barcelona Spain and that inspired us to try Barcelona Wine Bar and we were very satisfied, twice!!! Lindsay is very knowledgeable and helpful at the bar. The tapas is delicious and so was the wine. We would add that an actual trip to Barcelona for the staff would greatly add to the authenticity of the experience and increase the expertise that they (she) already has going on in this fun place. We will definitely be back.
(4)Ika M.
This place was really fun! It's nice to order so many tapas to taste and share. We really enjoyed the squid ink noodles, scallops, flan, and beef dishes in particular. The price was right and the service was attentive. I just don't know why the dining area is so dark. We had to use the light on our cellphones to identify what was on our table and what we were eating. The plates were big enough to share (among the 6 of us) and they were all tasty. Will return!
(4)Anna K.
Great drinks and good tapas. Really busy place, even on weeknights, but good service nonetheless!
(4)M B.
Definately the go-to place when craving tapas. Like like like. Good ambiance, good service, good food, and good location.
(5)Molly F.
We went back in May, as I wanted to return before I moved away. We tried to make a reservation on Friday night, but were not allowed as they were entering their dinner rush. We were told that they usually have a lot of turnover when people leave the bar around 8, so we decided to walk over. We entered at about 8 and put our names on the list. The bar was packed, but we were again told that people would be heading out soon. Now I've lived in Boston long enough to know about the Fri/Sat dinner crowd. I definitely did not expect to be seated immediately. We hung around and had a drink or two at the bar - but, I was starving! When we tried to check where we were on the list with the host, he assured us we would be sat in 10-15 minutes. Although he took great pains to say he didn't really know for sure. This continued for over an hour. Every time we asked, he implied that tables were getting ready to leave. This prevented us from walking out the door to a less busy establishment! We were seated a little bit after 10pm. We were very close to the door, which was constantly opened and closed; this made our food cool really fast, which wasn't pleasant. I ate with my coat on. The food was still terrific. The service this time was meh. I was "hangry!" The cold wind and blah service did not cheer me up. I understand that places are busy on the big nights at the big times. I get that! However, please don't BS me around for over an hour! I recognize that I could have walked, but the host was hinting each time we asked that it would only be a little longer. And after sinking that much time in, who really wants to give up? I should have cut my losses. My advice: make a reservation if you can, and don't risk it on a busy night if you can't.
(3)Monica A.
We bought a bottle from Spain. Very good. The spicy sangria. Very good. One of us got a cocktail with grapes floating around. That was sweet and very very good. Ambiance was loud and they played a random selection of music from the 80's and 90's.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Great place. Great ambiance and energy. Just make sure you eat dinner before you come. Smallest portions ever. Tapas translates to starving. Fortunately Pinos is open late - chicken parm for dessert.
(3)Cecile B.
Great dynamic spot in Washington Square, Brookline. It is a busy place, so be sure to make a reservation and come prepare to wait for your table. The hostess was less than friendly, but service was good. Food was delicious, we shared tapas and not one was disappointing. Visited October 2013
(5)Caio M.
We had the pleasure of being served by Joy and she was attentive, pleasant and informative. Our dining experience lasted no shorter than 4 hours! Lots and lots of variety and showmanship with their service. Gluten free dishes and drinks. 3 different sangria choices! Their staff checked up on us constantly and we're looking forward to our next dining experience at Barcelona. Enjoy!
(5)JLH ..
I have the biggest crush on this place. This does remind me of being in Barcelona (without having to stand to eat pinchos) :) The wine is just amazing. the food is awesome. the bread is evil. (in a good way) The bartenders, servers, and host staff are all super friendly and knowlegable. it's officially my favorite neighborhood hang
(5)Tina L.
I came here this past weekend with friends to celebrate a new job. I had been here before and enjoyed my experience so thought it would be a nice place to introduce to my other foodie friends. There were 8 of us and we purposely arrived early so we could get our name down. They initially told us one hour. Then one and a half. Then more than two hours go by, and with so many stomachs grumbling and friends getting "hangry", we finally had to leave and go to another restaurant. Meanwhile, a party of 14 was there for over two hours (walked in same time as me) and I assume they had made a reservation. However, when I had called earlier, they told me they didn't take reservations on weekends. Anyways, the party was in no rush to leave and management didn't seem to care to find us a table until we started for the door. The option they gave us was a booth for 6 where all the other waiting patrons would be hovering over us. No thanks. My suggestion to BWB is to have more tables for large parties or at least allow larger parties (say, 6 or more) to make reservations in advance. Couldn't believe we actually waited that long and still didn't get a table or apologies for underestimating the wait time so much. Perhaps it was to keep us there and feel like we were close to being seated. Anyways, everyone agreed that we don't ever want to wait that long again and will be considering other restaurants in the future. Lesson learned: wait time is waaaay long and not worth waiting that long for. Large groups, stay away!
(1)Patrick C.
I went to Barcelona with some friends from India, it was an all and all awesome. Eric the manager came right to the table to check on the service. Our waiter, who I also believe was named Eric was tentative, not pushy and so easy to talk to. The Foie_gras pairing with the sherry was out of this world. The only downside to this place is the poor signage, we had to poke around a couple of times in different restaurants to verify where this place was. I highly recommend this place. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
(5)Lily R.
A big fan of spanish food I've been to many tapas restaurants in boston and cambridge and cities in Spain as well. My advice is to SKIP the Barcelona Wine Bar and go to Toro in the South End or Dali or any others, honestly. It was like Fast Food tapas with a loud, overcrowded atmosphere (think boston sports bar without the TVs). I was not surprised to find out that it was a chain. I wish I had known before I tried it. Paella was a major disappointment.
(1)Phil O.
Wow, what an experience. This place is wayyyyy better than American Craft. My girlfriend and I ordered 5 tapas dishes, all of which were delectable. Although a bit on the expensive side, I plan on coming back here for sure.
(5)Dorise G.
don't be in a rush. come on a tuesday. come when it's beautiful out, ask to be seated outside. service was decent, even if the food came out in 2 waves with looooong stretches in between. this is spanish food, friend - slow down. get a glass of sangria. everything's gonna be alright. in the first wave: ~ham & manchego (didn't eat the ham but the manchego was solidly fantastic. especially on their delicious warm crusty bread) ~potato tortilla - it's an omelet with potatoes inside that's kind of quiche-y but more separated. delish. ~OLIVES. get the olives. i realize this seems basic, but they're marinated a little citrus-y and are more special than your average assortment. ~spiced beef empanadas - good but expendable. i might opt for other things on the menu first. round one highlights: all good, but the olives and the manchego are must-haves. second wave: ~eggplant caponata. delicious, but wished it had arrived in the first wave before i had the opportunity to fill up on bread. the only leftover we wound up with. ~MACKEREL - like whoa - not smoked but i think coated and pan-fried with marinated tomato and olive garnish. so so good. ~ARANCINI - mushroom and onion arancini with drizzles of honey on top - these were savory dessert balls more than straight menu items, and made us feel less bad about being too full for dessert. round 2 highlights: would definitely get the mackerel and arancini again. would also steal it off someone else's plate. i'm just sayin. i will not attempt to brave this place on a weekend, but i'll tell ya - if you've got a mid-week cause for celebration, barcelona wine bar is a solid bet. tons of options (many exciting veg options, too!), and there are ways to do the tapas so that you'll be totally full, experiment a-plenty, and the bill won't be insane. next time, tho, i'm going to have to quell the ordering a smidge so i can try dessert, too! perfecto.
(4)Mike G.
saw suckling pig on menu and thought, this needed to happen. 'cept they ran out. never the mind as everything (nearly) had was yum: charcuterÃa, wild dandelion salad, calamari, albondigas. word to chef, it won't break the bank to add more pasta in the lobster fideos as the dish got way rich and salty after the broth cooked down. so dudes and dudettes of Yelp, you did good recommending this joint. was happy and happening on a Sunday, much like in a taperia Madrileñas come midnight.
(4)Molls S.
Had so much fun! All the staff was great and so nice. The manager got us a tongue to try... Not a fan but fun to try! Everything else was AMAZING! Very nice atmosphere to have some good drinks in.
(5)Tom T.
What a fun place! Late night music and atmosphere make for a fun evening. I'm writing this review as someone in the industry just to preface. I think my server understood my dismay when I found out out they were out of bread (not the biggest of deals, I know) and when I jokingly asked what she would do to make up for the lack of gluten, she replied "nothing" and walked away. Half annoyed and half not happy I would not be able to construct an adult lunchable, I canceled the food part of my order. She delivered my drink order and then moments later, came over with the food I ordered claiming it was on her. I'm hoping it wasn't rung in, b/c I'll feel like ass. I was only joking about the lack of bread, which is very good mind you, but to deliver on an attempt to better my experience brought me much JOY. So again, thank you!
(5)Le N.
Celebrated my birthday along with a friend's birthday here (group of 13 ppl) and I had a wonderful experience! Usually when you have a large group, service tends to be neglected since there's an automatic 18% gratuity applied. However, service here was top notched and tip was NOT automatically applied despite the large party. I had James as my server and I thought he was great. With a large group, they recommend that we do the chef special tasting for $35/person instead of everyone picking there own tapas/dishes. My party and I chose to do that to make ordering easier. James told us to let us know if there's something we really wanted to try from the menu and he'd incorporate it into the chef tasting; otherwise, he'd go off his own suggestion as well as the most popular dishes. Whatever we liked, we were allowed to ask for more of. They basically brought out 6 tapas (three of each) for us to start off with. Then 5 entree plates (each entree plate was meant to serve 2 ppl.. but it definitely can serve more than 2 ppl given the portion size!). Lastly, they brought out two types of dessert. There was more than enough food and the food was pretty good too. Now let me tell you why I thought James is more than awesome. I told him I was lactose tolerant and he was very considerate of that. Most of the dishes he brought out didn't contain dairy so that I could eat it as well; yet he still brought out a couple with dairy since they were their popular dishes. However, he made sure to inform me of which dishes had dairy so that I wouldn't eat it and was very informative about all the dishes. I really appreciate that - THANKS JAMES! And staff was very observant about whose glasses need to be refilled with water or more sangria - two thumbs up for this! Lastly, we brought a cake (two actually) to celebrate my friend's and my birthdays. The staff did a great job cutting the cake (and not charging a fee.. big plus for me!!) and plating it for her. Definitely will be back for good food and service! =)
(5)Augustina L.
This is probably my favorite tapas restaurant in the Boston area. I go here once every few months and am never disappointed. The wait staff is extremely knowledgable about food, and really take time to explain their food. The housemade sausage is delicious (they don't always have this, but sometimes the chef decides to make homemade sausage). The cured meat are also excellent. Basically, everything is good, including the wine and cocktails. Even if you don't see it on the menu, ask for the pulpo (octopus). Sometimes they have it but don't put it on the menu.
(5)Anabelle D.
If you like spanish food, this is the palce to go. High quality food and serivce, great decor/ambiance and really good value for what you pay.
(5)Chrizzle D.
LOVE this place. I've been twice, and there is not ONE bad thing I've eaten here. Get the hanger steak with the truffle sauce and thank me later. Be sure to make reservations as this place gets suuuper busy. Made reservations for 8:45, but we ended up getting seated closer to 9:15. Would've been slightly peeved, except for the fact that they served us sangria as we waited. Our guests were quite pleased with this and were happy to stick around (especially with our endorsement of the food). Barcelona did not disappoint. Get out and try this place!
(5)Joe J.
So last night had a huge meal at Barcelona Wine Bar and it did not disappoint on any level, or in any aspect. First, service is a team oriented thing here, so everyone helps clear tables, refill waters, etc. Employees are very helpful, insightful, and accommodating. The wine list here is superb and I was very happy with the recommendations given to us. Side note: Bloody Mary is very good here. Most of the menu items are tapas, and they all are prepared fresh and look/taste delicious. Salads are vibrant, sauces are flavorful, presentation is A+. Honeslty, you pay for what you get here, which is top of the line service and food. Just a rundown of what was ordered, without any complaints: Albondigas (meatballs) - 5 per order, delicious Raddish Salad - Excellent small starter salad Mixed olives - Great additional snack to the complementary bread Lobster Fideos - Excellent meal. A little different, but excellent nonetheless. Mixed Salad - Large fresh romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes and a light house dressing. Churrasco Steak (medium) - Excellent cooking job by the chef, also the green chimchurri sauce is amazing. Mussels - Deceptively spicy, but I love spicy food. Give this place a try if you are in the area. Honestly haven't had a bad experience here. Had brunch on a weekend, (lamb burger) and it was also very, very good. A++
(5)Nicole M.
Absolutely loved it and thought it was worth all the hype. Went a while ago so I can't remember exact dishes, but I know we ate every nibble of our meal, and finished the carafe of sangria. We got mostly menu items but also some specials of the night. YUM. The vibe, the crowd, the food, the drinks - all fantastic. Also, we were both extremely surprised when the bill showed up and my response was "that's it?!!" I was expecting it to be much higher.
(5)Eric F.
Wow this place is good. Delicious sangria and tapas. Great vibe. No complaints--highly recommended.
(5)Laura A.
Went to dinner with a group of 7, all tapas were excellent! Wine selection and pairing / suggestions were great. Service was fast and staff seemed happy to be working here. We would come back anytime.
(5)Mark M.
Friendly staff. Very attentive but not hovering. The wife and I rolled in without reservations or exceptions. We left planning our next visit. We sampled the tapas. The stand out for me was the chorizo assuage and dates (or maybe figs) salty sweet fatty heaven in this man's mouth. The wife approved of the empanadas and loved the kale dish. I would also add that the bread was a real standout as well. I'm not sure if it is made in house or not but it made every thing better included with the Serrano ham. Worth the trip to visit
(5)Tru T.
After an awesome experience here last week, I'm Going here again tonight with other friends! Love this place! Great ambiance, food, sangria s! And it really wasn't expensive! We had quite the feast, going family style with our tapas several pitchers of sangria and each of us payed $25! Go here for birthdays or date nights or night out with friends!
(5)Mia S.
I've been to Barcelona a half a dozen times since it's opened and I have to say--I'm always impressed. The food is delicious and if it's not, don't fret. Let the waiter know. The first time I ate here, all but one of the tapas were amazing. There was one we personally didn't care for and left alone. I didn't say anything because it was fine...just not our cup of tea (odd spice?) The waiter noticed and without asking brought us a small bonus dessert, saying, "I noticed you didn't go for that other plate..." I figured the above and beyond customer services was because they just opened. I haven't had a bad tapa since, but the service is still amazing and consistent. The staff really make the place! Be warned, waits can get really long on weekend (I'm talking 2 hours). But you can grab drinks at the bar and sit on the front patio while you wait. I also suggest dining like you're in Spain...I've sat down quickly if I show up after 10 p.m.
(4)Joanna H.
The vibe of this place is awesome. It's the sort of place that reminds you that Boston is actually a city and there is still yet more to explore. Tapas weren't what impressed me here. It was the drinks and dessert: - Highly recommend the red wine sangria (so sweet and fruity, split it between two people and both will definitely get a nice buzz). - For cheese, do try the nutty, sheep cheese Manchego that is very rich and creamy. - Save room for dessert, because the (dark & rich) chocolate y churros and dulce de leche bocadillos are phenomenal. One major dislike: Stale and hard bread... always a turn-off
(5)Sawyer E.
I LOVE BARCELONA!!!!!! This place opened just recently and the second I heard about it I had to go. I have already been there 3 times in past month, and every meal has been different but amazing. Sangria = BOOOOM. I dont usually go for the Sangria at any restaurant but they put a TON of booze in it. Its an affordable, delicious way to start the night. Food = The leg of ham that the HEAD CHEF cut at our table was melt in your mouth, meat heaven. I am especially fond of the sheeps cheese as well, but honestly you cannot go wrong. I even loved the beet salad and I have never been one to jump for beet joy! Service = GABE and Jamie were awesome. Funny, smart, they even helped us out with our order. I like that, you know what on the menu is awesome so tell me about it. Thats it! Go here and invite me so I can east some of your food.
(5)R B.
Excellent place in every way. The warmest, most efficient staff. Delicious, consistent high quality food. Big variety. If you are adventurous there are interesting tapas options. If not, you can get something simple like a hangar steak. Lovely outdoor seating in the warm weather. Great bar area, as well as two dining areas. Good value. There is no better place ! You will be glad you went. Reservations for sure a good idea!
(5)Thomas S.
This place is great! The tortilla was spot on authentic, as were the bravas. The only thing missing that any true Catalan restaurant would have is pan con tomate. But great atmosphere, great wine, and good food!
(4)Sara H.
I went to Barcelona Wine Bar for my first time last night with my family. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I started with the 'classic' red sangria. My sister and I polished off the entire pitcher - it was the best sangria I've ever had. Maybe I'm sheltered, but I loved the spices. There were a few other varieties as well that I'd love to try, but this kind in particular was delicious. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We had Joy helping us out and she was funny and helpful without being in our faces all of the time. She had some great suggestions, and was able to give us ideas on how much to get since tapas plates tend to vary in sizes etc etc. I don't have a menu in front of me, but I specifically remember loving the steak with truffle sauce, the chicken pate, the lobster noodles, and this glazed butternut squash that tasted like candy. The price was extremely reasonable for the quality of food. Nothing was "meh" or disappointing to me. I live just down the street, so I'll definitely be back!
(5)J C.
Wow! What a fantastic Tapas Bar. The ambiance was very fun. The food was absolutely delicious. You must try the churros and dark chocolate for dessert. The service was very friendly and professional. Make sure to make reservations!
(5)Ariana G.
My favorite restaurant in this area. Food is delicious, service is excellent and the wine list is extensive. They also have seasonal sangria options. Definitely try the croquettes and basically any dish with meat, especially the short rib plate.
(5)Rebecca F.
Came here for dinner with my roommates on a Sunday night - what a fantastic space for a girls night out or a hot date! Barcelona is warm, intimate, but also lively. The bar itself is curved in such a way that it is social and inviting. Vegetarians, fear not: you will find some fabulous options. I tried the spinach/chickpea dish which was creamy without being rich, smooth but also textured. Also had the butternut squash with pumpkin seeds which was warming and tasted like sweet love on a plate. The tempranillo wine was the perfect compliment, and there are obviously plenty to choose from. They had a winter sangria that had lavender which looked really tasty. I can't wait to come back here in the spring to take advantage of the outdoor seating area!
(5)Brooke P.
Went out with my friends last night to one of my fav places to eat. As always packed and the best delish food. The seafood paella is amazing a must have.
(4)Erica D.
Barcelona, welcome to the neighborhood! I am a 44 yr old foodaholic who grew up in Brookline. My whole family adores Tapas and are thrilled this is now in our back yard. I know they have many locations in Connecticut and I now know why. This place is big, very rustic and well done atmosphere, busy, energetic, friendly and good. We are always greeted warmly even though we aren't true regulars yet. The staff are some of the best, intuitive and cooperative I've ever seen. Our waiters have been great the past 4 times we have been. They are very into the food they are serving their guests and know just how to direct you if needed. The menu is interesting and extensive. The portions are big. It's considered Tapas but the Spaniards would say each plate was an entree ;) We here in The States appreciate this! This is not your typical potato frittata, jamon And churros kinda place. The offerings are very interesting and different. We have tried almost everything on the menu and have never been unhappy with any of our choices! This may be because we know what to try and because we have had good suggestions from our servers. As I said before, the folks here are friendly, knowledgable, and really work beautifully together! Many times we watched the staff interact with one another with out speaking!! They all seem to be aware of the room, the guests and each other. All needs are met with professionalism and intuition. We went as far as to compliment one of our waitresses and asked if she was a manager? She said " no" but thanked us for the thought. She was so proprietary we figured she was management pitching in on the floor. Anyway... Nice addition to Brookline food scene. Very busy and loud all the time. ( only reason to dock one star) Young and old mixed clientele. Great staff Great food Not expensive Beware of Friday and Sat. Nights! Crazy busy!!! Love it
(4)Molly S.
I love this place. The hanger steak and sangria are amazing. Our server was Harrison and he was really attentive. The food came out very quickly too.
(5)Alisa S.
I'm aware of all the positive reviews going around, but i'll have to disagree, i've had a bad experience both times i went The place is always busy, could be good or bad. Bad in my situation slow service, food not as described on the menu, flavor profile is meh a.k.a nothing special in conclusion i told myself i won't be going back there again. It all changed 2 weekends ago when I was invited for a birthday celebration at Barcelona. Reservations were made and confirmed 2 nights prior to the celebration. On the night of the event, we walked in to Barcelona, there was 6 of us, we spoke with the hostess who was unable to find our names on the list, we waited for 15 minutes which was wayyyyy tooo long in this situation and left extremely disappointed. This confirmed that i won't be going back to dine there. The bar area is neat, would deff recommend going for a drink or two there, the food and the service not so much,
(2)Jason Z.
Hands Down 5 Stars. I love tapas bars and this one is the best in Boston. There wasn't one menu item that disappointed. The drinks - Perfect! The one plate that was everybody's favorite was the Grilled Hanger Steak. So flavorful. Can't wait to go back
(5)Jon M.
One of the best restaurants in Boston/Brookline, and the best Tapas I've ever had. I take my business clients here often & thoroughly enjoy for personal dates. --Excellent drink selection & fantastic bartenders --Tapas selection is extensive & changes often --Meat/cheese pairings are excellent --Service is first class, management is on top of everything & everyone is very friendly (friendly wait staff is a rarity in Boston) --Music selection & ambiance is first rate The only downside: the dining room waiters like to put their -- most likely not clean -- hands all over the rims of your drink glass every time they re-fill your drink. Gross. I've never had this not happen is dozens of visits. I should knock a star off this review for that alone, but alas, this place is too good and I'd rather drink out of a straw.
(5)Em K.
I would like to consider myself a (self-proclaimed) tapas connoisseur. Wherever there is tapas, there is me. I first tried Barcelona on a whim. I was walking to meet a friend for drinks at Cityside but halfway up Beacon street I realized that I'd rather eat good food than drink cheap beer so I called her and said that we should meet at Barcelona instead. Turns out that was one of the better impulse decisions I've had in the past 6 months. It was a Thursday night but we were sat promptly and greeted almost immediately by a very nice server. Between the two of us we ordered the following items (don't judge, we wanted a hearty sampling..): - beef tongue slider - beet and honeycrisp apple salad - albondigas - roasted bone marrow - braised short rib - foie gras terrine - chorizo and sweet and sour figs ALL OF IT WAS GOOD. Honestly, I was expecting to have some lack lustre dishes (actually I was banking on it so I could avoid completely stuffing my face..) but that was just not the case. Everything was delicious and I left completed satiated. They are also one of my favorite places to order a caipirinha! Not many bars even carry cachaca so when I find one that does I always get a caipirinha and Barcelona's is worthy of a repeat. So go and eat your (small plates) heart out!
(4)Hayley M.
Good. Very, very good. Let me start off by saying that I would have liked to give Barcelona 4.5 stars, but since yelp won't let me do that, 4 it is. I went to Barcelona with a reservation (THANK GOODNESS!) on Valentine's night. It was packed. I have no idea if it is always packed on a Thursday night or just for Valentine's Day, but either way I would recommend making a reservation. A couple that came in right behind us without one waited well over an hour for their table. We started off with a round of sangria, the traditional red for me and the flora for my man. His was quite strong and delicious, he polished it off before I was 1/3 of the way through mine. My red sangria was fantastic. It tasted like an alcoholic Hawaiian Punch (which sounds terrible but trust me it was wonderful). We ordered the Gambas al Ajillo, which I order at every single tapas restaurant, the Potato Tortilla, the Grilled Hanger Steak, the Grilled Sunchokes, and the Spicy Beef Empanadas. The Hanger Steak came highly recommended from one of my nearest and dearest friends (who loves yelp shoutouts. Hi Amy!). She said it was delicious and a large serving size, and she was right. We polished it off immediately and ordered a second plate of it. The meat was tender and the sauce on it was positively addictive. The tortilla was good but standard. The empanada was pretty good but the chive sour cream that came with the tortilla really kicked it up a notch. If you order the Beef Empanada, ask for a side of the chive sour cream. YUM. The only thing that didn't wow me was the fact that our food wasn't hot when it came out. They brought us our food as it was cooked, but at the same time, it was never hot. The Gambas are supposed to be bubbling, and the plate was, but the food inside was lukewarm. Hence the loss of a star. Overall, an amazing evening with wonderful and attentive service. I will attribute the food temperature to the sheer craziness of Valentine's Day. All of the food was perfectly spiced with great flavors in everything. I will definitely be back, and hopefully not on such a busy night!
(4)Bets H.
I had the worst meal of my life at Barcelona. The paella was salty and tasted wrong. Some of the shellfish should have been discarded, because it was rotten. My dining companion had the pork belly, which was dry and tough. Note to kitchen...why don't you slice the meat before serving. It is very awkward and difficult at a small table for a patron to slice the pork. The tapas was awful. We ordered three and left them after a taste. The only good part of the meal were the servers. I had recently been at Barcelona in Stamford Connecticut where the food was so much better. I expected the same quality at the Brookline restaurant and was sorely disappointed. Oh, yes, and the noise level was deafening.
(1)Jason M.
Have been to Barcelona 4 times in the past couple months and each time it has been outstanding. Their menu changes daily and all 20-30 times i've tried so far have been outstanding... particularly the bone marrow, the chorizo and figs, and the crudo. Their has been a decent wait each time ive been their but the hosts do a great job trying to accommodate you and went as far as taking down my number and calling me when my table was ready so I could go do the bar next door for a drink as their bar was already crowded. It gets a bit loud, but it doesnt really effect table conversation. the wait staff was extremely friendly and I haven't had any issues with my order or my bills. would recommend highly and will certainly be back.
(5)Emily Z.
When a friend suggested Barcelona Wine Bar. I was thinking this would be a small intimate place that was more of a whole in the wall. Barcelona was nothing like that. For a Wednesday night the place was beyond packed. For only being opened two months word has really gotten around. The atmosphere reminded me of an old barrel room except it wasn't absolutely freezing. It was chic without being over kill and in the middle of the winter felt cozy and welcoming. We sat at the bar. Looking at the menu, I attempted to pick a glass of wine initially on my own. Now I'm not without hope on picking wine but Barcelona did a pretty good job of picking obscure wines that I wouldn't not normally have the opportunity to try at a wine store. I cannot express enough how amazing the bartender's customer service was. Seeing my confusion the waitress immediately offered to let me try different wines till I found one I was willing to drink an entire glass of. She had the patience of a saint, offering generous pours of a couple glasses before I settled on one I liked. She had to do this twice and the poor woman had to assist us in picking tapas as well careful to take in consideration foods we did not like (seafood and nuts). Her recommendations were spot on and delicious. Their dishes change constantly depending on the ingredients that are available. One week you could see a lot of items with squash and the next beets, it's very nice to have the variety in the menu. I could see coming back often for new home cooking meal tips. Neat tip about the bar, if you are there later in the evening, they often will create a tasting plate of one of their dishes and then serve everyone at the bar for free. Delicious and amazing to try new things. Also how I managed to get my seafood fix for the night, they couldn't have picked a better dish for the night!
(5)Kaitlyn O.
Went to Barcelona on a Thursday night and got right in, which was lucky because the whole place filled up immediately thereafter. The atmosphere and decor were great - I loved all the wood and the general aura of the place. The waiter was prompt and friendly - no complaints here. We ordered: sangria, cucumber salad, beat salad, beef tartar, lamb chops, beef empanadas, and broccolini. The lamb was by far the best. It was excellent, in fact. The beef tartar and salads was good, the empanadas and the broccolini were OK. Because everything was pretty good, the lamb was amazing, and the atmosphere was great it got 4 stars.
(4)Alex L.
Went to Barcelona Wine Bar last Friday with out of town friends and 2 kids. Had a fabulous time there. Arrived at restaurant at 6 and the place is packed. Reserved a table and got the table immediately. The place is very loud, somewhat causal and being a tapa place the menu has very good variety, all of which strangely make the restaurant very kids friendly. The service is good, albeit somewhat slow. We had 6-8 tapas and shared a paella. The manager (Nicole) apologized several times during the meal for the slow service and actually comped a couple tapas and paella because of it, which is a nice gesture. Will definitely come back.
(5)Christine G.
My friends and I had an absolutely phenomenal time at Barcelona. We had reservations for 10 at 7:30, but our table wasn't ready until after 8 so we hung out at the very crowded bar and grabbed a few drinks. It wasn't a big deal. We were having a grand ol' time just talking to each other, but as soon as we sat down, we were showered with complementary tapas for the inconvenience. It was confusing at first--we thought we were receiving someone else's tapas and tried to send them back 2 or 3 times, but once we got it all figured out, it was great! The gesture was very much appreciated and really set the tone for the entire night. After we settled in, we ordered additional drinks and tapas. Everything was tasty, but there were definitely some stand-out dishes like the truffle bikini (which is called this because it is cut into a triangle. Sadly, this took us about 45 minutes to figure out), the herbed mushrooms and goat cheese, the jamon and chicken croquettes, and the patatas bravas. Also the patatas bravas. And the patatas bravas. Yes, we had at least 3 of those. You really can't go wrong with potatoes covered in cheese sauce. For dessert, we had lots and lots of churros with chocolate sauce. I haven't had churros since I was actually in Spain over a decade ago, so I was really excited for these. They were perfect--light and chewy. I was also able to get a half pour glass of wine with my dessert which I love. I *almost* docked a star for a few reasons. First off, it is incredibly crowded. While we were standing at the bar, we had to constantly move so that servers could get by. Not the fault of the restaurant, obviously, but something to keep in mind, especially on a Saturday night. Secondly, the communication wasn't stellar. Our server unfortunately had lost her voice and couldn't effectively speak over the noise. Eventually, she recruited another server to help with that part. Again, not their fault, but I've read other reviews that said the multiple server situation confused them, so perhaps it wasn't entirely situational. The servers were remarkably friendly, though, so that compensated for the miscommunication. Overall, dining at Barcelona was a fabulous experience. It's no wonder this place is so popular. Totally worth braving the crowd! (Tip: fill out a comment card!)
(5)Reid F.
What a great place for tapas and Spanish specialties. The food is excellent, as is the service. Both Eric and James helped to provide us with an outstanding meal. The wine list is also very good, although many of the red wines by the glass are too young.
(5)Ido W.
The bottom line: Impressive setup, friendly service, but I have had better food elsewhere on multiple occasions and the prices are a bit steep for the product. The Pros: The restaurant is beautiful and really gives you a feeling you are sitting in a classy place. The Cons: I like tapas. But despite the variety of dishes we tried, nothing really struck me as excellent. Most of what I had was just 'okay'. As note above, I think the price builds on the design more than the product.
(3)Noelle L.
Love the decor inside, very sexy! Delicious tapas at a great price.. my fiance and I ordered 6 and couldn't finish them. The service was so SO personable and timely. Do get the balsamic mushrooms with goat cheese and the lobster pasta "risotto".. I'll be going back for sure
(5)Timothy H.
So even though our friends told us that their food tastes microwaved and is overpriced, we decided that maybe they went on an off day and gave it a shot. I had a few whiskey drinks and we shared 5 tapas. I couldn't feel the drinks much and some of the dishes were slightly cold in the middle which is very reminiscent of an improperly nuked hot pocket. Overall, things weren't bad... but they weren't great. And it was very pricey, unjustifiably so. With other amazing restaurants in the area like The Abbey, Washington Square Tavern, and The Publick House... Im not sure of the fate of this new establishment... Take a pass on this one, as promising as it may seem on the inside.
(2)Susan L.
I can't believe I only just discovered Barcelona! This place is HOPPIN along with many of the restaurants in Washington Square. I came here for my friend's moving-away party and there were nine of us at the table and she made a reservation for 8:45 but we weren't seated until close to 9:00. We ordered a bunch of tapas so I'll only mention a few dishes that I really enjoyed and would order again from top to bottom: - Chorizo and Figs - The chorizo and the figs balanced each other in taste: the chorizo was salty and meaty while the figs were sweet and a bit sour. Overall the dish was a bit on the sweet side (which I liked) but I offset it with the sheep's cheese put it on their house bread. YUMMM I could not get enough of this combination. - Whipped Sheep's Cheese - If you've never had sheep's cheese, well you're definitely missing out and should order this... well only if you like cheese. Who am I kidding - you're crazy if you don't like cheese! Anyway, the cheese is super soft and spreadable and topped with with crushed pistachios and paprika. - Brussel Sprouts - Cooked in bacon fat from the thick bits of bacon in this dish. Can't go wrong with anything cooked in bacon fat, right? - Mussels - Cooked in a tomato-base broth. Super tasty! If I wasn't so full, I would've drank that broth, too! - Kale Salad - I would kill for the anchovy vinaigrette they dressed the kale with. i never really had a raw kale, but it was perfect. - Grilled Hangar Steak - Tender and flavorful with hints of truffle. Oh and how can I forget the sangria? Do you not like red? Well, they also make a white sangria that was just as good! I'm surprised Barcelona is rated $$$, when it should really be rated $$ which is standard for a tapas joint. There's a separate bar area as well if you just want drinks or are waiting for a table. I'll definitely come back again soon the next time I'm in the mood for tapas!
(5)Eric M.
I have two complaints about this place. 1) They're not in Chicago 2) They didn't have the awesome razor clams I had the last time I was in the city of Barcelona Other than that, I have no complains. I loved the food. I loved the service. I loved the selection of drinks. I loved the ambiance. I loved the bartenders. I loved the surface of the bar. I loved the crowd. All love, all around. I actually emailed them the next day and asked them to open a Chicago location. And where I live in Chicago is already near 3-4 very capable Spanish places. But that's how impressed I was with Barcelona Wine Bar - it was just really, really excellent. Even from where I'm staying in Cambridge, it's not at all convenient for me to get to Barcelona Wine Bar, but I will be back at least a couple times before I move back to Chicago next month. If you're wanting Spanish food in the Boston area, you really have to go to this place.
(5)Jennifer T.
Hands down, best tapas place in Boston. Toro used to be my go-to-place, but even if Toro was accessible, food here is WAYYY better. I have been to Toro almost 3 times in one week. The first time was to meet a girlfriend for dinner and to scope out the place for my corporate retreat dinner. Then I came back again to share the experience with my boyfriend. Since then, I have been back multiple times and I only found this place at the end of February! Brad, the manager, is so sweet. This place has awesome food -- flavors that you'd never imagine and on top of that, top-notch customer service. I work in the service industry and this places delivers BETTER customer service when they are busy (that's usually harder). My faves: - chorizo & fig - lobster fideos (I think this is coming off the menu or is already gone) - hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette - foie gras My only recommendation is that you need to have a reservation. I'm awful at making reservations because of my work schedule so I just show up and I have to wait at least an hour (all 6-7 times that I've been here so far).
(5)Kelsey F.
I was super excited when I made the connection that the Barcelona in Brookline was the same owners as the CT restaurants. I've been to both of the New Haven and West Hartford locations. With some high expectations the new one in Washington Square definitely exceeded them. My boyfriend and I came for dinner on its first weekend and have also visited with some girlfriends for Thursday night drinks. Both time the service was excellent. The servers and bartenders are on point, very attentive, and super friendly. Irene at the bar even gave me and my 4 girlfriends some free shots because they were visiting from Chicago. The shots were really good and made with jalapeño infuse tequila cilantro and some other goodness. They also have some pretty awesome and authentic sangria. As for the food, you really can't go wrong. Some of my favorite tapas are the chorizo with fig, hanger steak with truffle, and the mushroom and goat cheese. They also have a great selection of meats and cheeses to start with...not to mention the delicious fresh bread and olive oil they bring to your table! So I guess you get it...definitely go try out Barcelona. So excited to have them in the neighborhood!
(5)Ryan O.
My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant after seeing the reviews on Yelp and it was great! We sat at the bar and shared a pitcher of the white ginger sangria recommended by our waitress, Irene. The sangria was awesome and the tapas were delicious! Irene was very personable and funny, and everything she recommended was great. Definitely coming back!
(5)k n.
This place is very very loud and unpleasant inside. I was disappointed because I had heard so many great things on Yelp, but I think the managers must be writing the reviews. The food was just okay, not many options that were healthy, and more of a Argentinian or Latin American menu than a "Barcelona" menu.
(1)Sandy H.
I've been here twice in the last few weeks and it's now become my favorite restaurant. Why? They have great service and great food. What more can you ask for? Our servers each time were very attentive and didn't try to push more food on us. They also gave great suggestions since the menu was overwhelming. I am determined to come back here with a bigger party so that I can try every dish. Bread - it was still a little warm and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside and crispy, crunchy on the outside. Sucking Pig Entree - This is definitely a dish you need to share. It was HUGE. A portion for one was the leg of a little porker. The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and seasoned well. Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela - chickpeas were a bit mushy and I'm not a huge fan of cumin so...maybe not this one next time. Spicy Eggplant Caponata - I really liked this dish. Savory and a bit spicy. It was great with the bread. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts - Solid dish, but I wished they were a little more crispy and minty. Kale Salad - Loved this dish! It was light and refreshing. The bread crumbs were a surprising touch. I really couldn't taste the anchovies in the vinaigrette. Octopus Salad - wasn't so impressed with this dish. Just a few tiny pieces of octopus and it's texture was a little off. The flavor was more interesting than good. Grilled Hanger Steak - cooked to medium rare perfection and the tangy truffle sauce was amazing. Fresh Sardines Special - took the suggestion of our server and got it. Never had sardines and we were pleasantly surprised. Warm Chocolate Indulgence - it's like a chocolate lava cake without the lava on the inside and with coconut ice cream on top. Needless to say, it was good. Crepas Salguero - Good stuff. Ours was really heavy on the dulce de leche, but I ain't complaining. Sangrias - The red was good, the white was okay, but my favorite is the sangria flora. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Cian C.
Visited with 6 friends on a busy Saturday night. After a bit of a wait for our table (~15mins), we were seated. Draught beer selection is short, but well chosen - bottle selection impressive for what is foremost a wine bar. We ordered a list of tapas for the table, the first of which arrived very promptly. Every dish was good, although where there was potential for greatness nothing stood out in particular. Both the Patatas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo are such simple dishes they should have tasted as a stand-out part of the meal, but didn't deliver. None the less, every dish was solidly above average, and the menu offers incredible selection. The final bill, after two rounds of drinks and many many tapas was only ~$150 for 6, which I thought incredibly reasonable. Would gladly return!
(4)mari m.
A PF CHANG'S WANNA-BE FOR TAPAS Granted, I used to live in Barcelona. And granted, I'm a bit of a foodie. But this place is very lame -- worse than PF Chang's, which I don't even really like. AMBIANCE Chain restaurant trying unsuccessfully to be hip. And the feeble attempt at some form of authenticity -- the hams hanging near the kitchen -- is laughable. Get yourself a pata negra or forego the fakeness of it all. FOOD Mediocre. Food that was supposed to be hot was merely warm. The gambas didn't have enough garlic in them. I could go on and on. SERVICE Meh. They kept bringing our dishes to the party seated next to us. Over and over. And they would remove stuff without asking if we were done.
(2)Siobhan B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston/Brookline! I would highly recommend for a date or group of friends. I've eaten outside, at the bar, and in the dining area - all are great depending on your mood. My favorite tapas are the cheese place (cana de cabra and romao, cabra romero), grilled hanger steak, spring risotto, fiddleheads and mushrooms, mushrooms and herbed goat cheese, and patatas bravas. Save room for dessert - the warm chocolate hazelnut indulgence and apple crisp are the perfect way to end a delicious meal!
(5)Dave F.
Go for the wine list--the Spanish reds are fantastic here. Have measured expectations for the tapas though. The tapas are fine, but Tapeo and Taberna de Horo further down the C Line offer much more flavorful dishes. What works in suburban Connecticut doesn't quite cut it in Boston. The bartenders at Barcelona were all very nice and excited about service. The atmosphere is lively, highlighted by the circular wine bar--a fun spot to pull up a stool. Overall, Barcelona offers a nice experience, but we'll just stick to wine next time.
(3)Allison L.
I went back for my birthday and they were wonderfully accommodating and brought me a gluten free chocolate cake for dessert! They even brought me two since we had a big group.
(5)A L.
Place was pretty good. Super crowded, but they take your phone number so we were able to stroll down to another bar for a drink before we got sat. The wait was said to be an hour and a half but we didn't get called for two hours. Our sever was great but the food wasn't as good as I expected - and their sangria is TERRIBLE. I thought I was drinking from a frat house punch bowl. Not what I expected, but I'd give it another shot. But next time, I'll order a real cocktail.
(3)Christine D.
Highly recommend. Night was busy, but service was great. We had a wine flight, which is a great value. About $15 for 3 good pours of interesting Spanish wines. Pork belly amazing. A number of seasonal local choices, like Fiddleheads. They need to improve their signage, almost impossible to find by sign. Make sure you use a good GPS or map. Once you are there, you will love it.
(5)Ari L.
Decided to try this place the week before I moved out of the area. Unsure why I didn't go sooner. Everything was awesome. Cocktails were very unique and good and the food was great. Definitely would recommend the Beet and Plum Salad, the Chorizo and Figs, and the Hangar Steak. Edit: Follow up visits were significantly less great. Still ok, not exciting.
(3)Ally S.
My boyfriend and I have come here once a week without fail for a while now. I just don't even know where to start. This is definitely my favorite place to eat in Brookline. It could possibly make my Boston Top 5 list. We usually stick to the meats and cheeses menu and the tapas menu, while we religiously polish off two pitches of red sangria. I've never been disappointed by anything there. My boyfriend and I work in the industry at a different restaurant. I'm a server, and he's a cook, which is what I think makes us appreciate this place so much. The service is impeccable, accommodating, and knowledgable, and the food is just amazing. Also, the decor is spot on. I even like the creepy series of Jack Nicholson pictures in the ladies' room. For us, it's usually a three or four course event with about three tapas per course. This would normally leave us with repeats by visit number three, but every time we've come, there's been something new and inevitably delicious. Yes, you're going to spend some money, and I promise you it's worth it. Don't forget the sangria, and get the foie gras, if it's available. That is all.
(5)Rebecca G.
After not getting in on a Saturday evening due to a long wait, I was impressed that the manager called the next day to apologize and offer a future reservation. Tonight my friends and I took him up on this and had one of the best meals we've ever had in Boston (and we've gotten around). The service was superb, the food was flawless. The bread was outrageous! Do not miss out on the eggplant caponata, patatas bravas and brussel sprouts. I've fallen in love with the hot dahlia (jalapeño infused tequila) but you can't go wrong with the cocktails and if you can't make up your mind on wine or beer you can have a taste! Thank you Barcelona! You guys are doing everything right.
(5)Maria L.
So many people recommend this place. So my husband and I went to have a great date night. Meh. After NYC Tapas bars, this place is average. Just because it's hopping at night doesn't mean it's well organized. They were friendly, I give them that. However, after we put in our food order, it was never communicated to the kitchen. So we sat for an hour hungry, drinking Sangria. I finally did the New York thing and complained, and it became apparent the food wasn't coming for some time. The weird thing was that our Paella order did somehow go through, but never made it to our table. So they tried to reheat it but ended up burning it. Then they told us they burned it and were making a new one. This is now 2 hrs in. They did give us a bunch of free appetizers and our bill was pretty much nothing for all the free stuff. They are super nice and the food that made it to us was good. But on busy nights, they need to get their act together.
(3)Sean W.
I have been waiting for Barcelona Wine Bar to open since American Craft closed a year ago, and the wait was worth it. Having been to the Catalan epicenter of Barcelona twice in the past year, I have become a fan of tapas and Jamon Iberia. The setting for Barcelona Wine Bar is rustic Spanish that focused on small plates, charcuterie, and shared big plates - paella! Living just a block away, we decided to head up on opening night and just eat and drink at the marble bar. Wine, brews, and tapas are featured on the chalkboard. The draft beer list is limited to four options - but all four were local craft beer options, so I settled with a Clown Shoes Miracle IPA. My better half was offered a taste of a rosada before deciding what to settle on, the service was solid, especially for a busy first night. We started with the manchego cheese & jamon and beef charcuterie plate, before advancing to three of the small plates, including the chorizo and figs, empanadas, and spinach and chickpeas. We have a love for meats and cheeses and for not walking far for dinner, so I am sure we will be back.
(4)Sara C.
Tapas are great and the energy is buzzing. But way too cramped and loud to enjoy the people you're with. Had to yell across the table. And service was spotty on a Friday night. But the tortilla and hangar steak and croquetas were tasty. I loved in spain and am rarely impressed by stateside tortilla. This one lived up! Croquetas were cheesy deliciousness. Beet salad was disappointing. Presentation was nice - but it was overloaded with pistachios and the beets didn't seem ripe. Liked the never ending bread basket though they could upgrade the olive oil selection.
(3)Bethania P.
A great place! We loved the ambience, the service and the food. We had wine with dinner, but heard that the drinks are great at the bar- something to try next time! We really enjoyed the various tapas,but were VERY pleased with the Potato Tortilla. We also ordered and loved the lobster fideos. The fideos were so spicy and tasty. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Alexandria H.
I love coming to Barcelona! They always make me feel like a close friend and provide great recommendations for what to order. I love starting with a meat and cheese plate, and then moving onto some tapas to share. The food is always delicious, but the fig and chorizo tapas is my absolute favorite. Sweet and savory? Yes please. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy? The rose sangria. Delightful.
(5)Nick S.
Brought a friend here for dinner a week ago. Fantastic atmosphere; unique and expansive menu; friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff and management. A little pricey, but you do get what you paid for. The beer menu is also fantastic if you're into rare and obscure craft beers.
(5)Binks P.
I just wanted a salad or small bites and good wine for my last night in town, and found this place online. The kale salad was delish (and I've had some crappy kale salads), so I ordered the chorizo and sweet-sour figs, which were AMAZING! The dessert wine list was all sherry (which I don't know as well as port), so I asked the one of the staff, and she gave some helpful ideas for what would go well with my chocolate dessert. Staff were great, food was fabulous, and I will definitely stop by again next time I'm in Brookline!
(4)Sarah K.
I was so excited when Barcelona opened in Boston, I used to frequent the CT locations while in college. A great menu of tapas, cheese & meats, a large list of wines by the glass. Great atmosphere, beautiful space.
(5)Mona T.
I want to come here every week. We were a group of 4 and ordered 10 tapas. Favorites: Brussel sprouts, hangar steak, wild boar, chickpea fries, fig with chorizo and the croquettes (had to order seconds) For dessert if you like caramel i recommend the crepes if not the churros The service in the dining room was very fluid. They pay attention to every detail. Decor was also great.
(5)Caroline F.
All I can say is delicious! Came with a group of 4 and ordered 12 tapas for us all. Best dish of the night was the sea bass ceviche. It was to die for, make sure you order it! other tasty options included meat & cheese plates, arugula salad with beets and goat cheese. If you come with someone who isn't a fan of the tapas way there are some entree options for them if they want to get a meal. My dad got the paella which was also really good. Barcelona was a great drink selection as well. You can really find almost anything there, they even had my favorite which is a caiprinha which is pretty hard to find. I also give service and dessert five stars.
(5)K C.
Really love it here, ambiance, food, service, and drinks are all great! The patio is wonderful on a nice day. Great restaurant in the area definitely some of the best tapas in Boston!
(4)Florina K.
There are soo many good things about this place. But first I would like to start out with the service. I don't know about you, but I go out in the city all the time, and the service is rarely up to par. The service here is AMAZING, the decor is great, and so is the atmosphere. The place is great for a date as well as a group. We had Scribbles, and Jaime as our waiters they were just great, we hope the next time we come back we get them again:) The food is also great! The skirt steak is phenomenal, a must try. And the chocolate indulgence is just addicting with amazing coconut chocolate chip ice cream. We are so excited for this place to open up their patio this summer as well:)
(5)Wonder W.
Fantastic new addition to Brookline. Love love the interiors with raw wood panels, low lights and the different meats on hanger display. We had a carafe of rose sangria (fab) and shared a heap of tapas. All yum and our service was great. Totally packed on a Wednesday night so book ahead. Will be returning soon!!
(5)Hillary L.
Love this place! I always bring guests here who are visiting from out of town. Definitely order the hanger stake and the chorizo. After that - just enjoy good food, good wine, good company!
(5)Shannon D.
Like some other recent reviewers, I came here last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. We had an 8:45 reservation and when we first arrived there were only a few people waiting. They told us "tables were being cleared" but we weren't given an amount of time. I could tell by the faces of other ladies that they had been waiting a long time. Luckily we had eaten a snack earlier and had already started drinking so I was in a chipper mood even when a ridiculous amount of people started pouring in. This is a new restaurant to the area (though now I'm realizing this is a chain which is super surprising) and it was their first Valentine's Day. Yes, they clearly screwed up reservations and it really sucked for all of us who had to wait. I am quite sure it thoroughly sucked for the poor hostess too as she had to deal with a lot of pissy people. We were handed sangria while we waited which was nice and the right thing to do. Valentine's Day is rough, especially for a new restaurant that everyone wants to be at. -1 star for the wait. We were seated around 9:20 and once we saw the table we got the wait didn't even matter to us. I saw all the people cramped at the two seater tables and knew the amount of food we would be ordering would not fit at those tables. Luckily we got an awesome booth spot by the bar - Score! Our waitress Jess was great - very attentive knew the right times to come by and she was also helped out by a very friendly guy that I forget the name of. They were both cool, friendly and helpful. Food: Jamon Iberico de Bellota - Any time I can eat something I saw Anthony Bourdain eat I'm all about it. This was one of the highlights of the meal. Valdeon - I love sheep cheese. Bunuelos de Bacalao - very rich and filling Grilled Lamp Chops - melt in your mouth amazing Kumato Tomatoes - My boyfriend doesn't even like tomatoes but he loved these. Migas - very salty, it was good but not at the top of the list Gnocchi with black truffles - little pillows of deliciousness- Also at the top of the list. Flan Catalan - Best flan either of us had ever had. Crepas Salguero - Wow, sugar overload. I love a good dulce de leche - they were very good but I probably shouldn't eat anything today. The Bourbon Spice Rack cocktail is really good too. I like this restaurant a lot. I hope once the new restaurant craze ends we can come back because there are a ton of items on the menu I want to try. I can see this being a fun place to hang out at the bar and eat some snacks. I had an amazing Valentine's Day, thank you Barcelona for being a part of it.
(4)Heather H.
I have been here at least 12 times in the last 6 months and it is beyond excellent every time! The food is perfect. The service is exceptional. Worth every penny!
(5)Rita N.
Love the live jazz music at Sunday brunch
(5)Connie C.
Brunchy, meaty, savory goodness. Absolutely loved everything from the decor, to incredible drink list, to plentiful brunch options. We tried a little of everything including oxtail hash, ricotta pancakes, rose sangria, jamon & manchego, pan con tomate, and fluke ala plancha. Everything was excellent, seasoned very well and extremely flavorful. There were a few tiny blips with service, but the food and overall experience were stellar. Can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(4)Christy G.
This place is great! Came here on a date and got the best service. The waiter brought out free samples of some of the tapas. The food was terrific. I'm just knocking it a star because we made reservations that were apparently not written down so we had to stand and wait an hour at the bar which resulted in me getting more tipsy than I would have liked to by the end of the night. Great food and phenomenal service. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Maria S.
We've been a big fan since it opened. The ambiance is really great.with very unique food tasty food, cool music, fantastic crew who all pitch in to make it a memorable experience every time. Yesterday, the manager stopped by our table,asked if he could do anything. So he put in our drink order on the spot. They also give you tapas discs for free tapas when you fill out a short review.I should stop as this place is getting discovered.
(5)Jeremy G.
The crowd is nice, and the service is reasonably polite. It's definitely a nice place to have a drink in that neighborhood (since other options are sparse). But when it come to food, it is very disappointing. The tapas are not bad, but they are not good neither. No particular taste, no exotic ingredients, just plain stuff. But the worst thing about it is the price. I was astonished to see that they manage to charge the usual price of a whole meal for three-four lone olives in a plate. If you want to recreate the Spanish tapas experience, charge 1 or 2 euros per item, not 10$...
(2)Dom K.
Chorizo and figs is a must get. Also enjoyed the crispy pig ears. Tapas here are great in general, and relatively good value. A must-go for tapas in Boston!
(5)Arielle K.
This place is fantastic. The food is fresh, flavorful and interesting although slightly over-salted. Definitely try the patatas bravas, they can't be beat! In addition, the decor is funky and modern and the waitstaff is super friendly. Also a good place for brunch!
(5)Farida W.
I usually am never impressed with restaurants enough to devote time to write a review online, but the superb service at Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline is well worth it. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are very attentive and friendly. If you go there, ask for Raffi/Rafael. He'll hook you up and always have a smile on his face. The prices are decent for alcohol and the tapas. They serve food very late into the night and even have a late-night menu as well. Originally from Connecticut, I was so excited when they opened a franchise near my neighborhood and it goes well above my expectations!
(5)Donna B.
This place is way over rated. Management is pretty horrible. I had issue with the food being cooked correctly and the management did nothing to offer any help. Way over priced...I would pick a different restaurant.
(1)Cansu S.
This tapas restaurant is probably my favorite restaurant in Boston. It is hard to find something that does not taste amazing. My favorite thing is to start with 2 cheese plates and 1 meat. Especially 6-months aged cheese is awesome. This place has this special "Jamon Iberico de Berlota" ("pata negra") which is the most expensive and exclusive pork product in the world - tastes awesome! My favorite plates are these: eggplant, broccolini, patatas bravas, mushroom with goat cheese, chorizo with figs, duck, hanger steak. Their churros dessert is so good too:) I love this place. Very important tip: if you complete their satisfaction survey, they give you a chip for 1 free tapa!
(5)Matt C.
I've been lucky enough to travel the world and eat at a lot of truly amazing places but this place 101% takes the cake for best service/staff I've ever encountered. Rafi, Owen & BJ man the bar and take pride in their drink creations as if they own the joint. Aside form making some of the best cocktails I've ever drank they know the drinks origins and only use the highest quality liquor. I highly suggest any beverages on the drink list as they are all stellar - they may be on the smaller side but the quality surely makes up for smaller glass. Drinks aside, the tapas ROCK. I've been to Barcelona & Madrid but these tapas blow those out of the water. The croquette's, papas brava's, steak and brocollini were truly edible gold. My friends and I will surely be back. A lot of local establishments should be taking notes on how a place should be run from Barcelona Wine & Tapas Bar. A++
(5)Alexis F.
I went for brunch , which was incredibly delicious, however I give 3 stars because of the service, cocktails, and state of cleanliness. Here were my issues in a nutshell: -the glasses and table had leftover food stuck to it and some napkins were dirty -the waitstaff was inattentive and very curt... and it wasn't even that busy! -my friend got a cocktail (I think it was the sling something or other) and it was meh... You can do better guys!!!
(3)Amanda D.
This place was AMAZING! The wine, cocktails, and food--all delish! And everyone who works here is so friendly and attentive. Specifically, the Dolcetto they currently have by the glass is everything I've ever wanted in a red wine. The Bourbon Spice Rack is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, a great finish to a meal. The Paella was amazing! As were all of the tapas. Go! You won't regret it :)
(5)Michael N.
We went for brunch and had a mixture of tapas and large plates. The jamon and chicken croquettes along with the papas bravas were fantastic. The mains were great but couldn't compare to the tapas (we had the French toast and the pulled pork). Highly recommended for a quick meal.
(5)Jay M.
Brace yourselves - this is a long one! Firstly, thank you Barcelona for one of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent memory! Your staff is knowledgeable and attentive, the service was impeccable and the food... my God, THE FOOD! I had been meaning to make reservations to Toro for quite some time, but gathering the muster to get into the City on a weekday turns me off like no other. I like to be home after work. So much so that I would not mind moving into the dumpster behind the building just so that my commute can be nonexistent. If only I could wiggle my nose or tap my heels to be home... Ten times each week, I drive up and down Beacon passing through Washington Square on my commute. Each time, I wonder to myself - what is this beauty of wood, iron and glass that has replaced the atrocious curb appeal (or lack thereof) of Roadhouse? The patio is open, I either drive by or stop at the red light just ahead; it's 5:45pm and the place is filled, literally, to the curb with folks enjoying the food and ambience. What the fuck is the name of this place? The awning doesn't help! I. WANT. TO. GOOGLE. AND/OR. YELP. YOU! It was a Tuesday - just a Tuesday like any other except this Tuesday was tastier than most. I'm at my desk and finally remember to look up this place. I pull up Google Maps on my browser and proceed to pan and click to where I think this place is on the map. A few clicks later and I'm double-clicking down to find out that it's called Barcelona Wine Bar. It's a chain which originated in CT that specializes in tapas, you say? From Connecticut? Okay. I pull up the menu and spot sweetbreads - I'm sold! Knowing how packed the house gets (even on the weekdays!) I decided to call in for reservations. I spoke with Eric who took my name and confirmed my table for 6pm. Perfect! My partner and I arrive in Washington Square. We enter and are greeted warmly by the host. The interior is gorgeous, but we requested to be seated on the patio. Our server, Jess, was wonderful. She was attentive and knowledgeable; she knew the menu in and out and when I asked if sweetbreads were available, she said no, but went into the kitchen to confirm with the chef. This prompted Chef Steve to come out to our table to see who his "adventurous eaters" (his words) are. We chatted a bit and he offered to make us a squid ink paella to make up for it! Classy! Eric, who took my reservation over the phone, came by throughout the meal to make sure that everything was up to par. Of course, all expectations were exceeded especially after reading Yelp reviews of how bad service can be when it's busy. Not tonight! We talked a bit and he told us about the cooking classes that Chef Steve hosts once a month and I'm definitely down to check it out. Eric wasn't overbearing like most other front of house folks that are all up in your face and you can't get a bite in edgewise. Very nice guy! So, the service and ambience are on point. Let's get on with the food! We ordered. We ordered a lot! For two people, we could have had two more at the table with us. We started out with cocktails - a Hot Dahlia (roasted jalapeno-infused tequila, muddled orange & lime) and a Brumble Snap (rum, vermouth, fresh blackberries, ginger & mint). They were tasty, but the 3-4 Hot Dahlias after the fact make it obvious which one was the favorite! How can you go wrong with a spicy cocktail? You can't! It paired with every dish perfectly and the chili bite only made it better! * Crusty bread w. Spanish olive oil: fantastic starter, filler and sopper of juices and sauces * Grilled corn & manchego: tasty, but dismissible * Kale salad: bright, tart and good-fishy, the breadcrumbs were a nice touch for added crunch! * Spicy eggplant caponata: more sweet than spicy, but great with the bread * Chrorizo & figs: sweet, sticky, salty and meaty - what could be better? * Grilled Morcilla: I had to stop myself from ordering more plates of it - 'nuff said! * Grilled hanger steak w. black truffle vinaigrette: yummy, but lacked something that I can't pin down (watercress, maybe?) * Roasted bone marrow: glorified beef butter and worth every calorie! Could have used a sprinkle of sea salt though. They offer a bone-luge with sherry after you're done. * Lobster fideos: my partner called it rice-a-roni with lobster, but it's so much more than that! The crusty bits... * Suckling pig: we only got a piece of you, but I wanted ALL OF YOU! Sweet piglet of joy! * Chef's special squid ink paella: wafts of salted ocean air, toasted rice kernels and tender squid. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Barcelona Wine bar, although a chain, is doing everything right. If they keep this up, I would not be surprised to see more locations popping up. I hope to be back, real soon. The down-side is that my wallet might hate me. Remember, I drive by this place 10x each week!
(5)Amanda R.
This was such an exciting find. I went here this past weekend with my tapas-and-wine-loving husband and parents and it was a hit all around. The food menu and wine list were both extensive and everything was delicious. We must have tried at least a dozen different tapas and they were phenomenal. For the vegetarians out there, their eggplant, patatas bravas, and Spanish tortilla were all super tasty. The desserts (we got both the churros and the crepas) were excellent, decadent and excellent. The service was wonderful, the sommelier really knew her stuff, the atmosphere was fun and lively without making it impossible for my hearing-impaired father to hear anyone. It was an all-around awesome experience and we will be going back.
(4)Todd F.
Just went here for the first time tonight, and while Toro will always be my favorite spot for tapas in Boston, this place is so much easier to get a table at and the food is pretty much perfect and made me felt like I was back in Catalonia eating tapas. It was packed on a Wednesday night, so that certainly tells you how good it is. The drink selection is great, though I didn't have any of their special cocktails. The cava our waitress suggested was a perfect match to our meal; perfectly crisp and dry. The bread they serve is excellent and the Spanish olive oil is very light. Started with a meat and cheese plate of 6 month old manchengo, jamon serrano and coppa. All three were very fresh, not overly salty as each one tends to be. They obviously have a great source. The small plates we ordered: patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and meatballs were just as good as most places I've been to in Barcelona. Then the roasted bone marrow came; unctuous and full of flavor. Then the seafood paella arrived. Full bodied shrimps along with squid, clams and mussels. The mussels were a bit tough but the rice was extraordinary. Finished the meal with churros and a Spanish coffee. Go here, you won't be upset about your choice.
(5)Liv K.
Excellent date night spot! The tapas are delicious, the drinks hit the spot and the atmosphere makes you feel like you've been transported to Spain. It's usually very busy, so if we don't have reservations we try to either get there on the earlier side or just try for a space at the bar. Oh- and when it's nice out, the patio is the best spot in town.
(4)Cari H.
So, my bestie and I had a great experience here last weekend. We got there early, 6:30ish, on Friday and were lucky enough to snag a bar table. By 7:15, the place was hoppin! People couldn't even move around us, but the layout/ambiance overall was much more inviting than American Craft's. It was quite fun for our native Brookline! The food was excellent. Being still very new, our order got slightly messed up, but they accommodated us with a free, very tasty mushroom dish. Management even stopped by to make sure we were happy. There were perfectly attentive. Having spent some time in Spain, we avoided the croquettes, as we were still croquette-d out years after our trip. However, the mahon cheese, empanadas, mushrooms, spinach, brussel sprouts and drinks (shout out to the delicious Caipi Porto) were all worth going back for... and we will!
(5)Mary L.
I have been here twice. The first time I had made reservations and we still had to wait for about 30 minutes to be seated. The manager realized how backed up the front of the house was getting and offered everybody waiting to be seated a complimentary glass of sangria, which was very tasty and had the right amount of alcohol. I was no longer annoyed after that! The second time I went here we were promptly seated (it was a Sunday night and not as busy as before). When my boyfriend and I ordered drinks, the waiter questioned his New York ID and asked if it was fake (my bf is late 20's). I think it would have been more appropriate to just ask for a back up credit card, ID, etc, as many places in Boston do that with all out of state ID's anyway. Later on in the meal when he saw we only ordered four tapas, he continued to suggest we order two to four more. At this point I found him annoying. In terms of the food, our favorite tapas were the empanadas (excellent!!!), albondigas, garlic shrimp and a beef tapa (not sure what the name was).
(3)christine f.
All around fabulous. Now I know why there's such a long wait. The restaurant is gorgeous - dark, romantic, cozy, great for groups. The menu, divine. Thoughtful, rich dishes that include twists on favorites. The short ribs and the truffle risotto and bone marrow were awesome. Kale salad was light and refreshing, served with crisp breadcrumbs. Wine was delicious. All this said, I should also reveal I ate at the chefs table in the kitchen - it was bright, loud, the nerve center of that restaurant, but so much fun and an experience not to be missed if you have the opportunity. Chef Steve is fun and friendly and the rest of the staff enjoyable too. Special place.
(5)K M.
just go. a sammy 5 star instant classic
(5)Kalua M.
Eating at Barcelona was my first time trying tapas - it was so delicious - I can't wait to return. There were three of us and we tried the malvarosa (sheep cheese), spinach-chickpea cazuela, spicy eggplant caponata and potato tortilla. The malvarosa was a gently firm cheese and went well with the other dishes. The spinach-chickpea cazuela was a warm dish slightly reminiscent of Indian food - really tasty! The spicy eggplant is the only dish I didn't like (but I don't like eggplant much because I don't like the slimy texture). It was a chilled dish. The potato tortilla was yummy - we ordered two to fill ourselves up.
(5)Mazzy N.
One of the best restaurants Ive been to. The service is always very attentive. Maybe hard to get a drink at the bar when its busy at the bar, but they have always been accomodating. Sometimes will even offer a dish from the chef. The food is always spectacular. Wish there were a few more options for the cocktail list and could be a bit bigger portion size. The decor is all recycled products, but would never know, its so chic. Love the outdoor seating in the summer.
(5)Hsiang-I L.
Great place for tapas and some nice wine that's apparently hard to find in Boston. Very long list of tapas that I'll definitely have to revisit. The food was a hit or miss though. I love the charcuteries we got. But I was underwhelmed by the grilled fall veggies, and dessert crepe. Bone marrow was a OK. It's got decent selection of wine from Spain and Argentina. Our waiters were attentive and very helpful.
(4)T A.
Decided to take a chance on Barcelona Wine Bar after a long flight from California and many skipped meals on the plane. I was not disappointed with the Clear Flour Bakery French Toast. Clear Flour is my favorite bakery so I figured the french toast couldn't be all bad. It was delicious! I would probably have the pear butter on the side next time as there was quite a bit, but I enjoyed the maple syrup more. The only reason that I gave a 4/5 stars is that the iced tea was quite pale in color and almost tasteless. Good iced tea should be fresh brewed and dark....no water added. I am a fan of Barcelona Wine Bar and will spread the word in Brookline!
(4)Kevin P.
My second time here so far. Every time I drive or walk by in the evening, this place is packed, and last night was no exception. This experience was definitely a big step up from my first time here, which was completely underwhelming. We didn't have a reservation, but the wait only ended up being about 30 minutes. When you put your name down, they also take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready, which gave us some time and freedom to walk around and enjoy the excellent Washington Square scenery, rather than hanging around the crowded bar. We had the opportunity to dine outside. The weather last night was excellent, so it was definitely a plus for us. It was also much quieter outside compared to the boomy interior of the restaurant, so we didn't have to work as hard to hear each other speaking. If you go when the elements are friendly, definitely opt to sit outdoors if you can. Service was very friendly, attentive and are not afraid to strike up small conversations with you, which I don't mind at all. They gave us some very nice, hot Tuscan bread with olive oil to start. Right away, we placed an order for the Paella Mariscos, which they prepare to order and takes roughly 35 - 40 minutes to cook, so make sure you mention it early on when you sit down, or you may end up waiting awhile for it. We also got an order of the Manchego, Jamon Serrano, and Drunken Goat cheese. For what you pay, the portion sizes look small, but are deceptively filling and satisfying! All three were excellent and very flavorful. The paella was spot on, and the assorted seafood was cooked perfectly, particularly the squid, which had a very nice texture, not too chewy or overcooked. Of course, the wine list was very extensive, also featuring a decent list of cocktails and beers. I really like that they also give the option to have smaller draft beer and wine pours, allowing you to taste a variety of selections for a reasonable price. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered a Pinor Noir (I'm not much of a wine guy,) and it turned out to be very refreshing, and complimented a lot of the flavors of the mixed plates. Overall, I'm glad we took the chance to try this place again, it definitely exceeded my expectations!
(5)Ole R.
Had a really nice time here! Really good service, and good food. The different tapas dishes varied a little bit with regards to quality, but in total it was delicious. An excellent wine menu and great desserts topped the evening
(4)Peter R.
This place is awesome. It has replaced American Craft, and while I liked American Craft, Barcelona Wine Bar is a significant improvement. Both the service and food are top notch. They are a restaurant that really stays on top of the fact that your water glass is getting low, which I like because I drink a lot of water. Since most of the time you're ordering tapas, you generally need to get 2-3 for each person to really feel like you had a full meal. Everything is good, but my favorites are: Grilled Hanger Steak Chorizo + Sweet-Sour Figs Gambas al Ajillo Kumato Tomatoes The atmosphere is also great. Definitely make an effort to check this place out.
(5)Eric L.
Most of the dishes are too salty; and the dessert is too sweet. The only thing recommend is the seafood paella.
(3)Cori H.
OK, I want to give you more stars Barcelona, I really do. You're trendy, you sound like you should be an awesome place, your sangria is great... I just can't do it. Reasons why: 1) Don't take reservations if you can't honor them. I have made reservations here on multiple occasions, each time I arrived with my whole party early for the reserved time and we still had to wait at least fourty five minutes for the table. One time we waited almost an hour and a half, only to be told after I hounded the hostess that if we wanted a table outside we could be seated immediately... that would have been nice to know upon arriving since I never specified we didn't want a table outside and wasn't aware we were waiting for an hour and a half unecessarily 2) Food - it's good, not great, just good 3) Price - MY GOD, I have been to tapas places all over the city and for the price you pay here you would expect exceptional food or big portions, neither holds true and last, but definitely not least 4) Everytime I come here, as soon as my food arrives at the table I am starving from having waited for fourty five minutes to ninety minutes for a table, and want to eat. Instead, I am bombarded by a manager or host who is coming over to chat me and my table mates up about our experience and the food... HELLO?!?! Let the people eat! Sorry Barcelona, I have tried multiple times to come to you and have my mind changed to no avail....
(2)Laura A.
My husband has declared that saying you "love tapas" means nothing because you're essentially saying you love small plates of a wide variety. Ok, fair enough. But we LOVE Barcelona's tapas. The whipped sheep's cheese, patatas bravas, grilled hanger steak ( with black truffle vinaigrette - YUM!), and the spinach-chickpea cazuela are all absolutely amazing. We've enjoyed other dishes at Barcelona as well, but these are our go-to dishes. We have yet to try the paella, but every time I see the seafood paella served to a nearby table, I drool a little. So far none of the salads have been home runs for us, but we've only tried three (the kale, the beet and plum, and the radish) and we're not giving up yet! Also, the staff here is friendly and incredibly attentive. And it's important to mention that there is ample outdoor seating, which is a major bonus on a beautiful Brookline summer evening. Highly, highly recommend!
(4)Rebecca W.
I love Barcelona! My favorite tapas are the hanger steak, croquettes, and potatoes bravas. The bartenders and servers are friendly and helpful with the menu. Great atmosphere, a popular place for young professionals. Barcelona has been a great addition to the area!
(5)Howe L.
I'm placing a huge emphasis on the food - delicious in all aspects. Awesome wine choices, but i wasn't a fan of the diluted sangria. Decor is equally inviting. Get's a little too crowded however. Service was disappointing - the waiters seemed airheaded, as we had to request water, bread, knives, and other common sense things multiple times. The manager came around and was super friendly though. Still, probably one of the better tapas places in Boston.
(5)AB H.
I had another great dinner at Barcelona! We sat outside this time. I ordered the blackberry bramble cocktail again - it is so yummy! We had a well balanced selection of tapas: beet, plum, walnut cheese salad - delicious! The toasted white gezpacho soup (made with toasted bread and nuts) with grapes was fabulous. When then had the hanger steak - so tender with a yummy sauce, and the lamb chops, perfectly cooked and served with a Romesco sauce. We topped the meal off with some aged Mahon cheese. I was a bit disappointed with the incredible small portion of fruit spread on the cheese plate. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. The manager checked in on us once just to say hi. The support staff was not so good. We asked for an extra plate; it never came. We asked for a spoon when the coffee was served - it came at least 5 minutes later. We sent back the olive oil that was served with the bread because it mistakenly had some hot pepper (I mean really hot) flakes in it, and they never brought us a new plate or said anything about the mishap.
(4)A Q.
Never had a bad dish here! Great food, huge selection of wines and great wait staff that are very knowledgeable and friendly. Has a lively bar area in the evenings. Only downside is the very long wait if you don't have a reservation! I wish the restaurant would join Opentable!
(5)Sonia S.
i am torn between 3.5 and 4. ambience is brilliant, great tunes and amazing bar staff, never missing a beat almost in tune with the music. food was equally good, apart from the gambas whilst i realise trying to do variations on traditional dishes this one plate didnt offer much at all. there you have it 3.5.
(4)Lauren Z.
I had a fantastic experience at Barcelona Wine Bar tonight. Everyone was extremely kind, attentive, and friendly from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. I can't wait to come back! In particular, Emily made our not-so-great day a LOT better. I'm so happy we came here! Would absolutely recommend it.
(5)Elle G.
Absolutely amazing dinner and drinks. Phenomenal service, food came out so fast not to mention amazing drinks. We ordered 4 deserts and were blown away by everything especially the crepes. Definitely get the flank steak and the truffle bikini! Well worth the wait, never disappoints.
(5)Quang N.
Grabbed brunch here one weekend. Food was tasty, great environment, couldn't ask for anything more.
(5)Chuckle H.
The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. The Sommelier was very friendly and attentive, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything, from the wine to the tequila to the food. Every other staff member I encountered was very pleasant. Can't say enough about the service. Nothings better than having the executive chef slice PATA NEGRA TABLESIDE! Even if the food was sh**, I'd still go back. but its not. I'll end this review like I started. The food was good, the wine selection is GREAT, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL.
(5)Jennifer D.
Love this place! It's become a neighborhood favorite of mine and I find myself always wanting to take friends here for dinner. They change the menu up a lot - I've been 3x in the last month or so and each time there are new items for me to try. Though I was sad to see the pulled pork biscuit sliders gone from the menu this time. They were sooo good. Bring them back! They also offer a good mix of meat and veggie options which is a plus for me since my boyfriend is a vegetarian and usually eating at a tapas place is a bit more difficult since there are usually fewer options we can both share. Atmosphere and food here are both amazing. I think the only complaint that I have is that the service is not always on point. The last 2 times I've been, I actually have had the same server so maybe it's just her - my first visit, my waiter was awesome. The last two times I was there, it took forever to get our drinks - the food actually came out to the table first. We even ordered our drinks well before we put our food order, but we kept being told that the bartender was backed up and the drinks would be out soon. I personally like to have a nice cocktail in front of me while schmoozing with friends and waiting for my food so it's kind of a bummer when this happens. My water glass also sat empty for awhile and the server didn't check in until we were almost finished with everything. The only reason I am still giving 5 stars is because the management here is one of the best I've experienced. On one visit, we ordered the suckling pig croquettes. I found them to be good but just too heavy for my liking so we left one on the plate. When the waitress cleared our plates, she asked about it. Apparently, they are supposed to report everything to their manager so he approached us shortly after and asked how we liked our food. He inquired about the croquettes and I assured him they were good, just too heavy for me to eat them all. He actually offered to replace them with something else, but at that point, I thought I was about to bust out of my pants because I had eaten so much so I said thanks, but turned down the offer. We get the check and see that the croquettes were removed from the bill. HOORAY for customer service. And on another visit, we were given a a dish on the house (that we didn't order). The food runner didn't specify why, but I had to assume it was a "thank you for waiting so freaking long for your drinks, here is some free risotto" gesture. HOORAY again. This kind of management will keep me coming back over and over. But definitely couldn't hurt to improve service on the floor to make sure food is not beating drinks to the table.
(5)Jeffrey K.
Possibly our favorite spot in the area. The only Tapas restaurant that we've been to in the Boston area that has a wider variety of good food. Love the pata negra. The meat balls are delicious as are the lamb chops. Don't be afraid to take a chance on some of the more unusual items. We had fiddleheads here and they were awesome. The only dish that was disappointing is the Chorizo. Not sure why but it just doesn't work. The vibe here is excellent due to the large space and the fact that the staff really seems to enjoy Spanish food. Just try to have a conversation about the food and it will be a long and passionate conversation. Oh, watch out for the Sangria. It packs a punch!!
(5)Betts C.
It's very hard/impossible to get five stars out of me, so believe me when I say that Barcelona is good. And fun. I've only been there for brunch, but amusingly we didn't get brunch food; the tapas just looked way too good. We sat outside, a space that has a really pleasant atmosphere and enough space to make you feel comfortable and not at all crowded or lacking in privacy, as with many outdoor spaces in the area. We tried a range of things, from the traditional to the not so. The tortilla is always a good test, and theirs was fluffy and served with an excellent dipping sauce, taking it above the norm. The chorizo and figs were awesome, with the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. We also tried a short rib tapas that was divine, very tender and flavorful, a beet salad and a radish salad, which were each fresh and bright, just as they should be. None of it stood out as just outstanding, but all of it was beyond good. Plus, the bread and oil they serve is delicious. Drinks-wise, there are definitely some fun things going on. They have Spanish style beer servings (i.e. in small, petite glasses that are about half-servings) and you can get half-pours of wine, which turned out to be very generous. Overall, it was an excellent way to spend the day. Our server was informative and friendly, although he did seem to think that the whole tapas things was mind-blowingly new, something that it is, well, not. But the attention to the food and the interest in our experience were nice, so I guess I can't fault him that. I can imagine that at night the scene is a little different. On a Sunday afternoon, it was very abandoned, especially the indoor space. I'm guessing that's different than the norm, but I truly cannot say. I can simply vouch for it as a good spot to spend a lazy spring or summer day, with good food and a nice range of drink options.
(4)Amanda L.
Any restaurant that honors a reservation that I made for a different location, even when they are full, is amazing in my book.Barcelona Wine Bar did exactly this after they could not find my reservation and I realized that I had made it for their restaurant in Atlanta.! Regardless, they sat me right when the next table opened up, even though there was a 1 hour wait for walk-ins. Customer service does not get better than this. After we were sat at our table, it got even better, our server was so amazing with explaining the menu and making recommendations. This was key because they menu is long and full of things I had never heard of... which is a foodie dream come true. We started with a pitcher of ginger infused red sangria and a cheese/charcuterie plate. The serrano ham was spot on and complimented the drunken goat cheese that our server recommended perfectly. We also tried the blood sausage, fried manchego, chorizo and figs, and brussels sprouts. All good but the blood sausage was the stand-out favorite- it was spicy, flavorful and incredibly rich. The dulce de leche crepes were a cannot miss... perfectly caramelly with fluffy crepes and delicious whipped cream. I would go back just for those crepes.
(5)Jenna O.
LOVE this place. My roommate and I decided to give Barcelona a go last night, and we were not disappointed. We started the night off right with a pitcher of the red sangria that was light and refreshing! We ordered the chickpea fries to start and they were tasty little fries that came with a tzaztiki sauce which i thought complemented their spice perfectly. Our next "course" (we chose to have things come out in waves) was the eggplant caponata- which was a great combo of sweet and spicy, the sauce was to die. The caramelized Brussels sprouts were pretty good too but I think I can make them just as well. My roommate finished with the hangar steak that she really liked and I went for the Fluke fish. The fish was perfectly cooked and the salsa verde on top was a great addition. We also shared the Kale salad..but I have to say..not sure what all the hype is about. Ambiance and atmosphere is great here, will definitely be coming back with the BF.
(4)H. A.
Okay, round 2 was much better. Fun to try different wines with their small tasting pours. The actual glass pour is pretty generous. Also, the atmosphere was fun and lively. Definitely a good time with some delicious food. Tapas: 1. Whipped sheep's cheese and pistachios-- Not as good as last time. This one basically just tasted like cream cheese. 2. Mahon, manchego, and smoked ham antipasto- EXCELLENT. Perfect on their crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread. The ham was high quality, the aged mahon nutty and flavorful. 3. Steak- Just get it. It delivers. 4. Risotto- A standout. Loved by all. 5. Patatas- Good, but a little salty. 6. Kale salad- Also good, very flavorful. 7. Fois gras terrine- Was not a fan at all. Foie gras was very cold and not soft at all. 8. Summer squash dish- Okay, but not outstanding. 9. Eggplant- This was a special dish that was delicious! Smoky grilled eggplant on top of bread slices.
(4)Alfredo M.
The food might be good but the owners have no regards towards their customers' time or patience. If you make a reservation and get there in time you will be made to wait an additional 30 to 45 minutes because they are trying to stuff as many customers as many people as possible so no table is actually "reserved" for you.
(1)Jason F.
this place was really nice, but a little pricey. the service is excellent, the staff are really nice and well knowledged in the tapas. the grilled hangar steak was great as was the patatas bravas. pretty much everything was great. we had a few other tapas, but those ones really stood out.
(4)mike g.
Barcelona is one of the best restaraunts in the greater Boston area. I heard about the place from a few of my friends so I decided to take my family there to try it out. Making reservations was a breeze. The food was delicious. There is nothing negative I can say. One favorite while we were there was the Seafood paellae. The grilled cheese with truffle sauce was very good. The patatas were also a big hit. The spicy roasted eggplant was perfect. The service was exceptional, and it was not to loud. Overall, the meal was delicious, each tapa a delicacy of its own. I am looking forward to my next dinner there. I would highly recommend this restaraunt to anyone who is looking for a taste of Spain right around the corner.
(5)Diana S.
Fantastic time at Barcelona. Sat outside since the weather was so warm. Food was great. We tried the spicy sausage spread and two cheeses to start-drunken goat cheese ws the best of the 3. Tried a variety of tapas-all good. Topped off with a crepe with delicious caramel-too much though after a number of tapas. The grilled flal vegetables with tahi-basil pesto were fantastic as was the corn. Highly reocmmend it. Lots of wines by the lgass. Can't wait to go again.
(4)Catherine S.
I'm obsessed. These tapas are so unique and absolutely delicious. If you go, get the truffled bikini, spiced beef empanadas, the migas, or the foie gras (if you're into that. I didn't think I was til I tried it. Crazy good). The wine menu is intimidating, but the waiter was so nice that he helped us select one that fit our tastes and our price range, and we were satisfied. We also ordered the churros for dessert; if I died right after, I would've died happy, because these were amazing! They came out warm, and you dipped them into a mug of very good chocolate. And of course I had a dessert wine that was amazing. Try your best to come here sometime, I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Louise S.
My second time here was not as good as the first. The service was not very good on a Sunday at 5:30pm. There were plenty of workers around but they were busy chatting with each other and not serving. Took quite a while to get a drink. Was never offered a second drink. We were served food but no utensils. We had to go to a nearby table and take our own utensils. The visit was very choppy and inconsistent.
(3)Amy K.
Highly recommended. We did eight plates over 3 rounds of dinner and everything was awesome. It was just enough with just enough time in between that we got to try a bunch of plates but weren't overly full... We had enough room for dessert! Hanger steak and the chopped salad were the highlights. Service was great. They were always there but not intrusive at all. The server helped with things we didn't know about on the menu without seeming annoyed. Dessert was the perfect end with the Churros. We will definitely go back!!!
(5)Karl R.
Great food, great atmosphere. A welcome addition to the area.
(4)S S.
Good food, very friendly service but very very very slow service especially considering how many staff they have on at any given time. We came in on a wed at 5pm and were promptly seated on the patio. At that point there was one person at the bar, one table in the restaurant and one other table at the restaurant. While two very friendly servers came on 2 separate occasions to explain the layout of the menu for us, it took a long time for someone to actually take our drink order. When our drinks finally came, we sat some more waiting for someone to come take our food order. Meanwhile the patio is filling up, we see our waiter running around, he has someone following him around (a trainer or trainee), there's lots of staff shuffling about. Finally someone came to take our food order, and we waited some more, and some more, before our food began arriving, a couple plates at a time. The food was very good but again, despite all the staff on the patio, I waited a long time to find someone to order extra bread for my mussels, waited a long time for the bread to arrive, meanwhile the mussels are getting cold.... My husband waited and waited with an empty glass looking for someone from whom to order another beer... Then waited some more trying to locate someone to bring a menu so we could order more tapas, had to ask two different servers twice before menu arrived... sat for a VERY long time with a pile (and I mean pile) of dirty plates and dishes, mussel shells and all, in front of us. What was especially bothersome is that there were plenty of staff on the patio, including some standing by the entry with seemingly nothing to do, but no one bothered to come over and check on us, clear our plates, no one noticed we were often with empty glasses looking to order more drinks. Finally someone came to take our order but we didn't feel like waiting for more food (by this point the patio was packed, our original waiter was nowhere to be found and we decided to cut our losses) so we ordered an espresso, a beer and asked for the check. Not surprisingly, took forever for the beer and espresso, they were delivered to a dirty table, the table was so full of dirty dishes there was barely a spot for my little coffee cup (!). Waited forever for the check, when it finally arrived waited forever to for someone to come pick it up and run our credit card... It was very frustrating. I'm giving 4 stars because I live in the neighborhood and I'd like to see this place succeed. Also because the food was good and the service was friendly including a very nice manager who came over to chat with us. For that matter, everyone was very nice, including food runners and all the servers who waited on us. But the 4 stars do not reflect the experience we had that day. We'll definitely give it another try and are actually looking forward to having a different, better experience. Speaking of coming back, I filled out a comment card including my contact info with the promise of a free tapas - what a clever way of getting people back- but nothing came in the mail or via email. That was three weeks ago and Im still waiting..
(4)Gilad S.
Food is delicious, staff is friendly, wine selection and recommendations were impressive, thank you!
(5)JP E.
Awesome food and really fun and knowledgeable service. We tried a bunch of different plates and didn't have a complaint about a single one! Our waiter was super knowledgeable about the different wines and helped pair our food and drinks. Everything was delicious but the mushrooms and herbed goat cheese and the chicken croquettes were definite stand outs!
(5)Annabel J.
Came here for dinner last night because I had been hearing lots of good buzz. The space looks great! Very cool space that feels big yet cozy at the same time. Atmosphere was great and the place was busy. We did not have a reservation and the hostess quoted us a wait time of 30-45 mins for a party of two but we were able to get seats right away at the bar so we just decided to eat there. I thought the prices were very reasonable and a great value considering the quality of the food and drink. Good cocktails and nice beer selection. I had the bramble rum and K had a twist on a whiskey sour that I think was called the Brookline sour or something like that. we shared 4 tapas and they were all awesome. Chorizo with sweet sour fig, mushrooms with goat cheese and balsamic reduction, roasted brussels sprouts and (drum roll) bone marrow with toast! All very yummy. Service was super friendly with the usual just-opened kinks that are to be expected when an entire staff is still training. Things were a little slow/forgetful but everyone was so gracious that it totally made up for it. When K ordered his drink, the bartender said it would be a few minutes because they couldn't find anymore of the whiskey it was supposed to have in it and they would need to check the basement. But then she brought over a complimentary sangria while he was waiting which was much appreciated. I will absolutely be back and have already recommended this spot to friends.
(4)Jonathan M.
Amazing food, amazing service, and deication to being a neighborhood restaurant. When all other restaurants werw closed for the snow storm, Barcelona put their staff up at a local hotel so the restaurant could stay open...quite imressive! Also, try the lobster fideos...simply delicious!
(5)Katy D.
Great addition to the area. Walked in on a weeknight with my boyfriend and grabbed a seat at the bar right away. Really loved the atmosphere. Great menu, plenty of vegetarian options. The bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I wasn't super hungry so I just got the Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela and a goat cheese that had been marinated in red wine. Just delicious! Also had a wine flight, which I was super excited about. I can't drink a ton in one sitting so it was awesome to try 3 Riojas- and all of them were excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Peter W.
When I called that day I was told they only take reservations for 1/3 of the restaurant. We went over that Friday night, 6:15 pm and after a 40 minute wait standing at the bar we were seated. So far, O.K. We ordered another drink and six tapas. Service started to get noticeably quite rushed and hectic, with different servers coming by, water pitchers pouring after a few sips and twice servers taking my unfinished drink. One waitress even asked if we had had enough and would we like to cancel our last order of tapas! Good food, but the service needs to slow down - it was a bit of a turn-off.
(4)Jed S.
First off, the food was solid; the dishes alone would merit 3 or 4 stars, depending on dish. As well, the space was attractive. So why the two-star review? We arrived just after 6 on a recent Thursday evening. It was in the 70s, and we wanted to sit outside, and had heard this was a good place to do so. We made our intentions known to the host, who told us it would probably be about half an hour. No problem. There's a separate outdoor seating area without table service and with no food permitted, but you can sit there and have a drink from the bar. I went to the bar while my wife found us a couple seats (it was still early enough that there were a few, as long as you didn't mind sharing a table with others, which we didn't and they didn't). Bartenders were very busy. After 15 minutes, I finally managed to catch a bartender's eye; he handed me a menu. I politely declined the menu and told him that I knew what I wanted. He left to make drinks for someone else whose order he had just taken. I figured he would be back after that, maybe he just didn't want to hold too many things in his head at once. But he was not. After another ten futile minutes, I decided that sitting outside with my wife was more fun than standing inside alone trying to catch a bartender's attention. We relaxed outside sans drinks. Maybe half an hour later my phone rang; the hostess said that our table was ready, and we stepped back inside to be seated. The host apologized, saying he had "jumped the gun", and it would be just a few more minutes. Unfortunately, our outdoor seats were gone, so we were left to stand awkwardly in the entrance (the place was packed; no bar seats available, nothing). This wouldn't have been an issue except that it was actually 20+ minutes. The host did apologize again at some point, saying "sorry, they lied to me". Finally, we were taken out to a table. Hooray! Though it was much cooler and less sunny by this point (almost 8pm), it was still pretty nice out. The food, as already mentioned, ranged from decent to quite good. Excellent bread. Good wine list too. We finished, and the waiter asked if we wanted a check. We gave him a credit card on the spot, to save him trouble. He brought the card back, with the check and credit card receipt to sign. They had added two extra miscellaneous anonymous glasses of wine to our order (the wines we actually had ordered and drunk were listed by name). Had to call the waiter back and get him to redo everything. To sum up, we wanted to sit outside together in the sun, relax, have some drinks and some tasty food. A collection of small to medium problems, any one of which would have been no big deal, rendered the evening an irritating disappointment. Given the proliferation of good reviews, this may have been an anomaly. Still, I wouldn't recommend going there unless it's not crowded, and make sure to check your bill carefully. It's too bad, because I was prepared to like it - it's a lovely setting, and on paper it seems great.
(2)Dana K.
Easily one of the best (and hottest) restaurant in the Boston metro area. Great interior design - a mix of reclaimed wood and oxidized iron achieve a warm, inviting feel. The food is simply exceptional - with both innovative and classic options. I could lick the truffle sauce from the steak right off the plate. Huge selection of wines (something like 300-400 by the bottle options). The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)Heather B.
Being a fan of tapas restaurants and reading a nice review in the Globe, we decided to check out Barcelona. We arrived around 9:30 PM on a Wednesday night. The place was packed, but the front of the house guy quickly found us a spot....and then we waited. Finally a waiter came by to give us water and said that our server (name I could not hear) would be by to take our order in a moment. No one came. Our water almost empty, another server came to help the table next to us. I asked if he could get our server because we wanted to order and had some questions. He was very nice and said he take our order and did. But then again we waited...then the original server for our table came by and we had to tell her that someone else already took care of us. Finally our drinks came and next the house-cured Carne Salado. We were then looking around to see if we would be getting any bread. All of the other tables had a basket. Our two other tapas came and we asked that server (someone different again) if we could get some bread....bread? Ah yes, bread.....finally it showed up. Meanwhile we are watching a multitude of servers, bussers and I am assuming managers whiz around us. I kept wondering how a place so fully staffed could have such lousy service? To top it off, we were seated at the long banquet that is in direct line with the front door...that never closes completely. Each time patrons would leave, the door would remain open and send a very cool breeze (55 out now at night) down the row of banquets. Staff members were continuously closing it. The bill finally came with a comment card stated at the top, 'complimentary Tapa - please fill out and hand to the manager'. I took it out wanting to actually write on it and hand it to a manager.....but now no one was around! Needless to say the food was decent and I would give Barcelona a 2nd chance at some point, but the service really took away from the experience.
(2)Matt J.
The best churros ever, even beat some homemade ones! Drinks could be free poured . Little alcohol for an expensive drink .
(3)Daniel W.
Excellent first visit to the new Barcelona! Attentive and informative wait staff, excellent choice of Spanish and other wines, truly excellent choices of tapas, very satisfying. Not cheap but worth the expense. The cheese selections were fantastic! A very, very fine experience was had by all three of us (including the hard-to-please vegetarian among us as well as the meat-eaters!)---try it soon before it gets too overbooked!
(5)M M.
We are thrilled to finally have something fantastic in that space. We lived through the Vinny Testa era. Say no more. Longtime residents of Brookline, we have always believed that Washington Square had room for another higher-end restaurant. The service was fantastic -- the food amazing. This place will appeal to couples as well as family. My 11 year old son tried the rabbit tapas and amazing loved it. So did I and I do not like rabbit. While this is quality and high-end, creative cuisine, it is remarkable value, especially if you want a meal of tapas. Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Clark M.
Maybe it's too soon for me to write a review after this "meal". While the food was quite well prepared, who gives a shit when you leave the place starving. Two inattentive severs for a group of 15 undermine whatever good the chefs may try to do. The one complaint about the food was that portions are too small, even for tapas. I got about enough ceviche to fit into a small petri dish. But back to the original point, my party arrived at 8:45 stayed until 11:45 and the servers took the orders once and never came back to check up on us, had to stand up to flage them down just to get a refill on a drink. We all sat and waited as our food trickled in but it all went incredibly slow. I would have liked to order again, but there was no opportunity because no one ever came to check in untill the server came with the insultingly overpriced check for what amounted to less than appetizers. Not returning to this restuarant. This review is much to sober from some who just went out for tapas. Still hungry... I'm going to go eat my damn mozzerella sticks now
(1)Paula O.
We went here for our first visit on a Sunday night with friends. We all loved the food (we ordered a wide range of tapas and a couple bottles of wine) and our waiter was really helpful with suggestions and in general very pleasant. I could see visiting here often except for one thing: the music was way too loud for conversation. Granted, we were sitting at a table in the bar area and right under a speaker. But we had made reservations and that was where we got seated. And frankly, having to yell is exhausting and not fun. Someone in our party made a personal face-to-face request to the manager to lower the volume and got a perfunctory, non-empathetic response. The music did get turned down a hair, but not enough to talk easily. I'd love to go back but I am hesitant because of that. I'd probably give 5 stars if not for that. The food was fantastic and the overall vibe of the place is friendly.
(3)Jules V.
AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Can you tell we liked this restaurant? My boyfriend and I just tried this place out for the first time and were blown away. To start, the service was impeccable. Everyone that works there was such a delight and so attentive. Our server, Francisco and team, were so helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with while we were there. The food was outrageous! We had the Crispy Calamari (my boyfriends favorite) and it was the best we have had in Boston. We also had the Hanger Steak, Chick-pea/Spinach dish along with a few others. We finished off with the Churros with Dark Chocolate sauce!! DEVINE! I cant say enough good things about this place. Aside from the food, the ambiance was rustic, yet warm and inviting. All the decor was right on par with the essence of a true Spanish restaurant you could find in Spain. It is mid-January but it looks like they will have outdoor seating come the warmer months! All I cant say is, TRY IT OUT!! You're going to love it!
(5)