Lucky for anyone who loves a good glass of wine and pintxos (and who doesn't?!), Santander has a…read morevery lively pintxos bar scene. Around 8pm, people start to trickle into the bars to have a glass of wine before dinner. Bodega Cigaleña is one of the most memorable of the pintxos bar - first and foremost, the sign at the door declares it is a "museo del vino". As soon as you enter, you very much feel that you are walking through someone's wine collection. Vintages of Rioja that go back as far as the 1920s decorate the shelves and the slate gives the feeling that you are in a cellar. The decor and the way that the bar zig-zags (it is not one long bar) gives the impression of coziness, privacy as you snag your own little nook, and a non-pretentious atmosphere to enjoy wine. Old people and young people alike choose to hang out here. As for the selection of wine, there is tons of it! Each denominación de origen (Spain's terminology for wine appellations) that surrounds Cantabria was well-represented and whether you wanted a red, white, or rose, there were plenty of choices priced under 3 euro. Silly me, I set a goal of wanting to taste every wine on the list; in reality, I tasted three on my two visits here. The bartender seems to have the power to read minds and always knew when me or one of the other clients was ready to try something new. And then there are the pintxos, which are of just of good a quality as the wine served. The tortilla was perfect and made the "Galician way" - just a little bit raw and softer in the middle. After a glass of wine on an empty stomach, the tortilla was all the more satisfying (and prevented me from becoming very drunk). The anchovy pintxo is just three anchovies served over a slice of bread; not overly impressive, but I think that the lack of flavor and texture of the bread was probably to blame. Bodega Cigaleña was definitely one of the most memorable "food and wine" portions of the trip to Santander. The wine, the food, the service - everything is of very high quality.

They have a selection of inexpensive, high quality wine and a selection of expensive high quality…read morewine. The place is small, bit as it is not as popular anymore, there was no issue finding room. It is not a place I would suggest for finding sates, but it is a nice place for wine and snacks.

Love this place.. It is hidden on a small side street near the harbor. Very warm and welcoming…read moreplace with good wine, beers and drinks. There is free tapas buffet which is homemade and tasty. If you visit Gijon, this bar must be one of the places you visit.

From the owner: Vinos, cervezas, vermouths y combinadosread more

After searching for some actual local Spanish treats, this lovely wine bar on the plaza Santa Maria…read moreis full of local flavor and fun! They have a vast array of wines at incredible prices comes along with local Leon cheeses and cured meats. The special added touch comes with its great location. Away from the usual tourist locations the plaza Santa Maria offers a sense of the everyday in Leon. Sit and sip some wine and watch life go by! Ps. If you are walking the Camino de Santiago this nice bar is right across the Alberge in Leon and offers a fresh taste of Spanish cuisine!

This review deviates from my original purpose to rate the best hamburger experience; but for reason…read moreof mystery to what is, I have to share that this place comes close to the holy of holies with regards to sweet moments for those who are called to walk the Camino de Santiago... It is here that I will begin my Way; it is here Leon, Spain that I had my first supper.

One Star I had an…read moreawful experience at this place. First, my wine was bad--no big deal, but when I mentioned it to the woman at the bar, she rudely responded, "I think not." I politely encouraged her to try it, and she slammed my wine down and turned her back on me. Unbelievable! When the food finally arrived, it was cold and just plain horrible. To top it off, the waiter brought a new glass of wine and sarcastically said, "This was opened 17 minutes ago, will that be okay?" I was amazed at the complete lack of service and professionalism. Avoid this place if you can!

Rude Overpriced Mediocre…read more Don't let the fancy tablecloths fool you... If you want mediocre food served by self entitled wait staff who act like they are doing you a world class favor by deigning to take your order, then you will be right at home at La Trastienda. You will wait 30 minutes or more for your meal but don't complain or that will become 45 minutes or more. If I could give this place zero stars, that would be a more accurate description of its true level.

This is a lovely place to eat tapas. The restaurant inside is decorated with lots of wood and is…read morevery busy. I would normally have looked for a table inside but as it was so sunny and warm, we opted to sit out. We had a delicious dry Rose, along with pulpo, prawns, salad and jamon and coffee at the end. It came to €15 per person- great value. This is located just down from silken colisseum and is definitely worth a look if you're in the area. I really enjoyed out relaxing lunch.

Do you enjoy being shouted at for not understanding that they'd finished serving? Do like when…read morewaiters roar after you while throwing their arms up in the air because you brought your drinks outside and you HAVE TO drink them at the the bar? Are you excited at the prospect of trying to speak your best Spanish to a waiter, only to have him roll his eyes and sigh at you? If so, this is the place for you.

Good place for a drink. If you walk by about 8:45 PM, you'll see almost every table in use and…read morepeople drinking and laughing.