Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Spanish Tavern

    4.1 (368 reviews)
    ModerateSpanish
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Spanish Tavern Photos

    SPANISH TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Spanish Tavern

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Andres A.

    We stopped in for dinner and what an amazing experience. The food was absolutely delicious. We started with a complimentary soup which was very tasty especially on a cold day. For our appetizers we had the mini spicy sausages which were so good. Very tasty and spicy, but not overly spicy. For our meals I had the Chuleta de Cerdo which was absolutely delicious. I ordered the broccoli rabe which was excellent, it was very garlicky. My girlfriend had the croquetas and the chorizo which was also excellent. We really loved this place and would love to come back to this place in the future.

    Julia L.

    This is a 4.5 star review I rarely explore Newark, but I had the opportunity to last night and it was an absolute pleasure to go to Spanish Tavern. It was really empty for a Friday evening, around 7. The staff were super welcoming and attentive. They tend to hang around the perimeter of the restaurant to keep tabs on the progress of your meal which is nice, but can feel a little invasive (although not their fault). We were well taken care of. I'm a huge seafood fan and ordered the mariscos marineros ($34), which I really liked. It had all of my favorite shellfish, scallops, and shrimp, and I dipped bread in the sauce . We also ordered a sangria pitcher ($?) which was amazing. It was definitely fresh and strong! It's an experience to eat here. They give you an amazing potato and spinach (I think) soup to start, which I really loved, and bread. Definitely recommend

    Cosmo W.

    Wow Wow Wow! I cannot believe how great this place is! My friend and I were looking for a good place to have dinner after a conference at the arena, and we walked here, it was open, but very quiet when we first arrived. We were promptly seated and brought water and soup, which was very tasty. They also brought some warm bread and butter. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and then perused the menu. They brought the wine, a nice Rioja, and it was excellent. I ordered Pulpo a la Gallego for a starter and the Paella Valencia for my main. The octopus was perfect, tender, not chewy, spiced perfectly, but the best part of my meal was the Paella- I am very careful about ordering Paella anywhere but Spain, as they never seem to get it right- but here- it was as good as any Paella I have had anywhere in Spain! Plus, the portion was HUGE, I could not finish it! While I would love to come here again, I am rarely in Newark, but next time I akm in NYC, I may just make a special trip out here!

    soup
    Amanda W.

    4.5 stars! Amazing service! The waiters were so kind and attentive. When one of them found out my friends were of Korean descent, he started speaking some Korean to them and we were all impressed! We were also definitely underdressed (it was a spontaneous dinner choice) and I was wearing a pokemon T-shirt and school sweater but this didn't seem to impact service at all. The food was great too. Solid bread and loved the free soup that came with the meal (it had potato, leek, and sausage I believe). The Valencia style paella for two was huge (definitely enough for 3 in my opinion), and tasted delicious. The rice was a little too moist, but the lobster was cooked very well! There were so many pieces of seafood/meat it was hard to scoop a bite of just rice!

    Wesleyan T.

    Was here yesterday or day before ...Definitely came under dressed - was very casual for this "forced fine dining place". The bartender failed with making an old fashioned. I ordered a bulleit bourbon old fashioned and nearly had a heart attack when he muddled maraschino cherries and literal pieces of orange, added sweet vermouth, shook it with the bourbon and dumped the ice and mix together and served it to me with an orange garnish. I almost died. When I asked him about the mix, he sounded aggressive to the point that the business men sitting next to me even glared at him. He had the nerve to try to charge me for it. Nope, remove that. I settled for a jack daniel and ginger ale mix - he also failed that but I was tired of complaining. Coincidently, two other black guys walked in and he visibly was uncomfortable. Rushed their service. It was uncomfortable to watch. I was definitely judged on my appearance. Everyone here was Caucasian and on the brink of retiring. Here I go, tattoos all out and just out of place. Bartender treated me as such. But my bank account would match anyone's there...look at my yelps reviews :) I ordered the camarones ajillo - disgusting. It didn't even look like a typical dish. The rice is very Tex-mex. Super bland. Will never return here. The racist vibes and drinks to match should be a deterrent. Also, fire that bartender. Thank you

    Garlic shrimp
    Harel M.

    Love it! Another awesome experience. Makes every dinner an event! Paella, garlic shrimp, chorizo... man that place never gets old...

    Chorizo,  Shrimp in Garlic and oil and Clams Casino.
    Joe S.

    There are many restaurants in Newark but Spanish Tavern is one of my favorite for over 25 years. The service is amazing, the complimentary soup is one of my favorite and the appetizers are plentiful for sharing. Paella is one of my regular orders and their Sangria pairs perfectly with it.

    Langostinos
    Jenny R.

    We have been coming here for years. The food does not disappoint. They make the best grilled prawns - langostinos around. The dish comes with the potato slices. The steak was cooked as requested and had good flavor. There is always complimentary collard green soup when you have dinner. We drank the mango sangria. For dessert we had the bread pudding and crema catalana. The crema looks like crem brûlée but it's a little more lemon flavored. The waiters were very attentive and moved our items out of the way quickly to make room for the next course. The place is an inviting intimate setting.

    Steak Special (NY Sirloin with egg and ham topping in a mushroom gravy)

    Had an early dinner after a show at NJPAC. There was plenty of parking. Entrance had a ramp which is a plus for the disabled. The restaurant was clean and had that Spanish flair that reminded me of the Ponce de Leon restaurant in Spanish Harlem. The service was prompt and courteous (we were the only ones there when we arrived). The appetizers, garlic shrimp and a plate of white anchovies, were fresh and savory. We also ordered a white and a red sangria. Both drinks were tasty and had the right alcohol balance as we were able to walk in a straight line after dinner. My wife had the Paella Marinera which was very good and I had the steak special (NY Sirloin with ham and egg topping in a mushroom gravy). The paella had plenty of seafood and was great tasting. The steak was lean and cooked correctly. If I had to complain, I would have like the egg to be more runny (that's my preference). The meal was finished with a coffee but I must say that the desserts looked great. I will say that it was an enjoyable meal and I look towards visiting again in the near future. By the way, the restaurant was filling up tables when my wife and I left.

    MARISCADA MARINERA O SALSA VERDE

    See all

    Photo of Tim S.
    0
    27
    0

    18 days ago

    Great food and service. My go to place for Spanish food in Newark. You can't beat the prices and the food is amazing.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Amanda W.
    120
    99
    213

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Nice lunch. Food was great as well as the service. Ambiance is cozy. I would go back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark W.
    1
    37
    63

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Tasty food and wonderful staff that is very accommodating. Free parking is available across the street.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rene B.
    131
    737
    2384

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    The food was delicious, but the portions were smaller than expected for an Ironbound Spanish restaurant

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Donna I.
    101
    32
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Spanish Tavern

    Is the area around the restaurant safe?

    Yes. It is in a quiet residential area. The Restaraunt has its own parking lot across the street.

    Is it difficult to find parking?

    They have a small lot, but on the weekend forget about it, street parking and that is limited.

    Is lunch menu available on Saturday?

    Yes but not Sunday.. not a big difference

    Do you deliver?

    NanokpsSegffr tu fb ufcccd te rt

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Casa d'Paco - Best mix drinks with natural fruit juices.

    Casa d'Paco

    4.6(1.1k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$
    Family-owned & operated
    Private events

    Every time i come here its such a hit!!! It's definitely one of my favorite hole in the wall places…read morethat I've been coming to for about 8 years. The food is probably the closest you can get to actual Spanish tapas but what i love most about this place is that everythings got flavorrrrr For our table of 4 we got CROQUETAS with their house cured chorizo- very good POLLO FIORENTINA- chicken was so tender and packeddd with flavor! BARRIGUITA- plentiful serving for a tapa, we loved the potatoes it came with too CHICHARRON DE POLLO- flavorful chicken and easier to eat than you think TARTAR- delish but small Chipirones- sooo delicately breaded you can barely tell, was great COSTILLA A LA PLANCHA- plentiful for a tapa, we recommend cooking for longer since its traditionally a tough cut of beef SAUTED VEGETABLES- tastey and not mushy thankfully! MILLIONAIRE CAIPIRINHA for my drink. was soooo good, not too sweet and not quite as sour as a margarita, was perfect for me!

    Casa d'Paco is a great spot with a really cool setup. When you first walk in, it feels like a…read moresmaller, quiet place with a nice bar but then you realize they have an additional space on the side which completely changes the vibe in a good way. When I was there, they had a DJ playing, and it added energy without being too loud or overwhelming. The Service was very good, the waiter answered and helped with all our questions. The food was absolutely amazing really flavorful and well done. Just be a little prepared that most dishes come in smaller portions. But the quality definitely makes up for it. I ordered the paella, and it's easily enough for two or even three people and it was well worth it. Really delicious. The drinks were also definitely worth trying while you're there. The only thing I wasn't big on was the desserts they didn't quite live up to the rest of the meal. But overall, great atmosphere, excellent food, and a fun experience. I'd definitely come back.

    Photos
    Casa d'Paco - Private party room. Or private business meeting room. Great for networking too.

    Private party room. Or private business meeting room. Great for networking too.

    Casa d'Paco - Bombas de Barcelona

    Bombas de Barcelona

    Casa d'Paco - Bar with TV for sporting events.

    See all

    Bar with TV for sporting events.

    Don Pepe - Paella A La Valenciana

    Don Pepe

    3.2(448 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Just left so the review is fresh in my head. I'm full…read more So we nicknamed the place Don Pepper The apps stuffed avocado with seafood special and the garlic shrimp was delicious. We all enjoyed it. My hubby got pork chops and I got grilled cod special, delicious. My son and his girlfriend had sirloin and New York steak. The steak was cooked as ordered but seasoning was not really happening and it took a while to cut up the NY steak. So when my son was about halfway done, he went to add more salt and pepper. The pepper shaker top fell off and spilled all over his steak. We told one of the bus boys and he put the cap on like we asked, "How do we put this back on?" And walked away. I asked for a manager and they cooked him another steak so they made up for it. The reason for the 4 stars is the taste of the steak. Expensive but not tasty. Place was nice and again they did make the pepper incident up. Nice experience but not good enough to want to go back. I'll try another one in the area if we are ever there again. But would recommend to try it maybe your experience will be different.

    Great Iberian restaurant to visit before and evening at the NJ PAC…read more You enter through a back door of the restaurant from the parking area and are in a party room. You then walk up the stairs to get to the host. It is a little bit confusing the first time you visit. There is also an option to go downstairs to another party area. There is a very small ladies room by the host. But, if there is a long wait. There is a larger ladies room downstairs. This is important to know if you are in a rush to get to your show. You will be seated when your entire party has arrived. Another good thing to know for planning. There were four of us and both couples decided to split a picture of Red sangria, the chorizo, appetizer, 2 pork chops and garlic sauce entrees and 2 vegetarian paellas. The chorizo was fine. The complementary bread could have been better (not warm, and not what I am used to at this kind of restaurant), but was ok. The pork chops were excellent! The vegetarian paella was good. They actually worked very well together. We were also served fried thin slices of potatoes and broccoli and carrots. The coffee was fabulous as was the limoncello mascarpone cake. Service was excellent and the ambiance in the dining room was busy but nice. If you are going to a show, you can park in the lot on the left and pay $16 for the night. It's a quick 5-10 minute walk to the NJ PAC.

    Photos
    Don Pepe - Interior

    Interior

    Don Pepe - Chicken and wine sauce

    Chicken and wine sauce

    Don Pepe - Fabulous lunch as always

    See all

    Fabulous lunch as always

    Pic-Nic Bar & Restaurant - Chourico

    Pic-Nic Bar & Restaurant

    3.9(132 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Pic-Nic has been a family favorite restaurant since I began dating my husband. Their family is…read morePortuguese and Pic Nic is a Portuguese Grill and has been a special place for our family for birthdays, anniversaries and my husband and I even had our Rehearsal Dinner here. They have a bar and dining room as well as private room they use for events. This is where our Rehearsal Dinner was held. The private room has a separate entrance which is nice for guests! My step mother could not stop raving about the food, so when she came to visit again, we took her back. To start, we had red sangria and I think we went through 3-4 pitchers as a table. To start we had calamari and chorizo which comes flambéed, which is an awesome spectacle! We also ordered styles of paella, grilled shrimp Mozambique style - which is what I typically order, and my husband ordered one of the specials for the night, cordon blue which was To DIE FOR! Definitely, whole heartedly recommend if you are in the East Newark, Harrison area. The one and only down side is they have a very small lot, suiting about 8 -10 cars, but the driving around to find parking is totally worth it!

    [Over a decade since my original review... she's overdue for a refurbishing, for sure.]…read more East Newark basically consists of three things... Tops Diner, the (historic) Clark Thread factory (closed for decades and currently being made into a housing complex which is going to be insane for this area) and... Pic-Nic. (East Newark should be absorbed into Harrison, but I'll keep my nose out of zoning and redistricting and stick to the job at hand...) The sangria? Delicious. (But worth $30 a pitcher?) And only finding out when the bill arrived and we'd ordered two... ouch! The garlic shrimp appetizer? Yeah, still the best in the biz. (The sauce alone is worthy of a darn Michelin star.) We were a party of seven. We had a bit of everything when it came to the entrees. My chicken dish - brilliant. (The star might've been those roasted potatoes swimming in a delicious brown-garlic sauce.) The other adults all seemed to really love their dishes, too. But we need to discuss my kids' food. They're varsity athletes that run 8-10 miles a day. They were hungry and bragged about how much food they were about to put away. The older twin tried paella (for the very first time) and about halfway through? He had to quit. (But he really dug all the various seafood and proteins mixed in the saffron-infused yellow rice served in a tiny Portuguese cauldron of sorts.) The younger twin? Obsessed with steak. He ordered the "Beef à Pic-Nic" and... okay, anyone know the YouTuber 'Beard Meets Food' that travels the world to attempt ridiculous food challenges? That's what arrived at our table. Easily the most amount of food I ever saw that was technically for just one person. He went to work and eventually said, "Dad. Please do not make me breakfast or lunch tomorrow." (something I never heard before - all because he was THAT full right now) I looked over at his dish and... it didn't even look like he put a dent in it. When we asked for doggy-bags the two workers seemed to chuckle that we 'failed' the mission at hand. All things considered: the bill wasn't too bad for the amount of (tasty) food. (Overlooking the alcohol portion, of course!) Cool workers all around. Restaurant looks good. They have a (mighty small) lot and there's some street parking (if you're lucky). Recommended, for sure.

    Photos
    Pic-Nic Bar & Restaurant - Front entrance

    Front entrance

    Pic-Nic Bar & Restaurant - Chourico on fire

    Chourico on fire

    Pic-Nic Bar & Restaurant - Perfect ending to a meal

    See all

    Perfect ending to a meal

    Spanish Tavern - spanish - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...