La Colonial is been in business as such for about 10 years now. It was among my places to go while…read moreI was living in Salamanca and coming back recently after a few years I still think as one of top options for a break in the afternoon.
La Colonial focus its business in specialties coffees, bakery goods, cakes and ice creams but now I also noticed there is a good selection of traditional tapas. Chocolate con churros (Hot chocolate with Spanish style fried-dough pastry) seems among their specialties. I have not try it but Im sure it wouldn't disappoint. Nothing is really unique or special but the option is large and the cakes and bake goods displayed at the bar look and taste great.
Because of its location expect to be busy along the day. Mornings for breakfast, for instance fresh squeeze orange juice, coffee and croissant, toast or muffin. Early afternoon for the 12 pm tapa and pincho* for the people working near by, and later in the afternoon mainly for women and old ladies gathering on a more sweet moment for talks or breaks during shopping where coffee, cakes, chocolate and bakery goods become the stars of the show. Families like to gather also around 6pm to 8pm to give the kids a treat while they get their afternoon caffeine dose.
Coffee is solid. Something not difficult to find anywhere in Salamanca on the other hand. Service was friendly and efficient, though they seemed a bit overwhelmed based on tables and a bar not clean up. Thus, the look was a bit messy. Still, the vibe is pleasant, there is plenty of tables for 4 people seating and it is spacious. It is a plus to have available an outdoor seating (terraza in Spanish) during warmer weather, highly recommended as it is located in sunny pedestrian zone within the old city. Actually, just less than 5 minutes walking from St. Mark's Church, the oldest church in Salamanca of Romanesque style and dated from the 12th century. You got the picture. The area is certainly priceless, tho still within the modern part of the town as well where most commerces and shopping area are located. Old ladies seems to get it the best.
Tapas looked really appetizing. My bf had a pincho of Farinato con patatas, basically mashed potatoes with Farinato** saluted in a pan with olive oil and its own fat together with a quail sunnyside egg on top served with a few pieces of traditional Salamanca bread. It was really good. Nice portion and good taste. Price wise, as the ones around which does not means expensive if you compare to NY (where I am located) or America prices for the same stuff. If you want something cheaper you will need to get out the old part of town and stop by neighborhood bars.
On a city where most bars and cafes are actually 4 and 5 stars worth it, it is difficult to name places that stand out. But La Colonial does so for many reasons. I wouldn't think of it for a Tapas visit, more for coffee and bakery cravings but it happens the pinchos are actually pretty good too.
* Pincho is another way to say tapa. Both commonly use all over Spain
** Farinato is a specialty sausage from Salamanca made from bread crumbs, pig fat, onion and seasoned with spices such as salt, Spanish paprika, garlic, anise in grain, cumin, firewater and olive oil)
