Spain just got a whole lot closer to Texas. This place nails exactly what you want in a Spanish tapas spot: solid paella that actually tastes authentic, creative small plates that keep coming without overwhelming you, and handcrafted cocktails that hit right. We shared a bunch of tapas and one of the signature paellas -- every dish had that perfect balance of flavor, fresh ingredients, and just enough flair without trying too hard. The rice in the paella was on point, crispy bits and all. Atmosphere is lively but not chaotic -- great for a relaxed dinner that stretches into a couple of hours. Dim lighting, nice energy, and you can actually hear the people at your table. Service was smooth and friendly, no rushing, just good pacing so you can enjoy the meal. If you're in San Antonio and craving real Spanish vibes -- tapas, sangria, paella, the works -- Toro delivers without the tourist-trap nonsense. It's become one of my go-to spots when I want quality food and a chill night out. Fair prices for the quality, clean spot, and that certified Spanish restaurant stamp means they're doing it right. Highly recommend. We'll be back for sure -- 5 stars, no notes. Go hungry and bring friends to share everything. Toro Kitchen + Bar - do it. read more

We were looking for something different for dinner and Toro add some good reviews and offered several different versions of paella so we made this our choice. Service was very friendly and helpful. We started out with the bacon wrap dates. They were a little mushy but had good flavors. I did end up getting one of the paella dishes. It came with seafood. The dish was OK, but did not have tons of flavor. The shrimp looked like they were boiled with no seasoning. The dishes, massive, and is more than enough for two people. I was a little disappointed as it was just bland. We finished the evening with Cheesecake, which was good. The restaurant is very interesting and has some cool decor. It was live flamenco, dancing, and music during dinner. That was a really nice touch. My guest had a steak that he said was very good. I might choose a different paella on my next visit. read more

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Delicious paella and a lot of food! My husband and I got a pitcher or sangria (careful it's dangerous because it's delicious but strong). This was a fun date night in the city and we really enjoyed everything. The performers were great and the service was great. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Toro paella - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Came to this spot on a Saturday night before going to cellar bar. We were sat at the bar. Ordered the shrimp. Only comes with like 4-5 pieces of shrimp. Quite expensive for what the quality was. Also had the goat cheese stuffed peppers, did not like it. Lacked seasoning. The chopped tomato on the cracker was pretty good. Service was NOT great at all, at the bar. Took forever to get the check. read more

Ambiance was good. It's a small restaurant so reservations are a good idea. We had the pasta, meatballs and rabbit. They were all good but the rabbit was just bones so I would skip it next time. The only issue was that we asked for all meals including the apps to be served all together and of course it wasn't so shall the table ate first and 30 minutes later the other half received their meals. The live music made up for the major disregard. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - AWSOME Sangria's - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Late night Saturday, party of 4, Sat at the bar. The floor was vibrating due to the music at the club downstairs. It was so loud, We were still able to talk and enjoy each other's company. We enjoyed a few tapas off of the menu and a bottle of red wine. The food was delicious and we will definitely be back to try more off the menu as it is vast. So much to choose from. Something to note, there is a speakeasy under this restaurant. Ask the bartenders about it. read more

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We were headed to see Paul McCartney at the Alamodome so decided to stop here for dinner / won't bother returning! I know it was a concert night and they were full - but staff appropriately! It took 25 minutes to get a menu and 40 minutes to get a drink! Had it not been a concert night we would have walked! Cheese and meat plate was okay but generic and like Sysco precuts with sweaty cheese that looked as though it had been sitting out for a while/! Octopus was good, Gambas al Ajillo was tasty but the shrimp was undercooked but both were served with precut stale baguette bread which looked tacky and was not appetizing !The calamari was great!Spanish flags in the food was a bit like National Lampoons European Vacation! Cancelled our final dish as it just took so long we had to get going! Also they have cheap mesh tables and the oil from the dishes was seeping out of the bowls from sloppy plating and service - oil dripped through the table ruining my husband's pants . Finally the outdoor patio has no signage to indicate it's part of the restaurant and diners were constantly interrupted by random tourists trying to take tables which took more of the already short staffs time!! Slow service, food was not good, weird atmosphere Won't return ! read more

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Visiting from out of town and wanted to experience some food diversity in the city off the riverwalk. We chose to have some tapas and it was very nice! We got a pitcher of house red sangria which definitely had 4-5 glasses worth of drinks along with 4-5 tapas. Apparently the paella here is amazing but we decided to keep things alight since it was lunch. The restaurant was not crowded, especially since we were the only ones there at 12 on a Sunday but I'm sure it gets busier. There looked to be a small stage setup for live music. read more

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I'm so glad I accidentally discovered this spot while walking downtown. The service was truly exceptional and the food was so delicious. I also loved the decor and ambiance. Good music! Below is my rating on the goods I tried: *Octopus ceviche: 4/5 - very flavorful and well prepped just a little salty *Shrimp & Chorizo Montadito: 5/5 *Pay de Queso (Cheesecake): 5/5 - hands down best I've had *Paella Marinera: 4/5 - great flavors but needs more protein read more

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Food: spent about $315 * Jamón Ibérico ($22): delicious * Albóndigas ($10): 3 small meatballs with a nice sauce * Dátiles al Tocino & queso ($15): 3 bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates--very good * Pulpo a la Gallega: flavorful * Toro Paella ($34): shrimp, mussels, chicken, calamari--really good Service & Atmosphere: Service was just okay. A server repeatedly tried to take our plates while we were still eating and gave some attitude when we said we weren't done. The space is cute with nice music, but seating is tight. My chair was uncomfortable, and our table wobbled until a waiter fixed it. The restroom only had one stall, and the toilet paper was oddly placed on the handicap bar. Overall: Great food, but service and comfort could definitely be improved. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Total 315 - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Worst service I have experienced. Walked in during lunch and there were 2 or 3 other tables being served, so not busy at all. First I was sat down at a dirty table, then I was moved to another table where the plates were dirty. At this point, I had major doubts about even ordering anything but I thought I'd give them a shot. 20 minutes later the server decides to come over and warn us that the Paellas would take at least 40 minutes so I decided to try a few appetizers before I order paellas. Another 30 minutes for the appetizers to come and my lord, the blandest microwaved appetizer that you'd expect at some neighborhood pub in some rural part of Ireland. I was not going to give this establishment another dollar. It took another 20 minutes to get the check and over an hour later since I walked through those doors I could not believe how bad this experience was. read more

This place is extremely cute. I was in town for a work conference and had some down time, so I decided to try this place. I was not disappointed. Everything tasted good (the wine, sangria, pulpo, bacon wrapped dates, and shrimp). The bar and waitstaff were extremely friendly and curious about all of us patrons who dined there. Would definitely go back if I'm ever in San Antonio again. read more

I was invited here for a birthday and I do remember that I have seen this place before sometimes downtown, but I've never actually had it until that day and man it was so good reminded me of the good tapas from Spain and it did not miss. Service was there but the environment was nice even had a singer! Paella was delicious. read more

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It was an amazing experience, great romantic ambiance, staff shared amazing recommendations and was very informative. The food was extremely full of flavor and did not disappoint. Highly recommend when visiting San Antonio- The live music was a bonus read more

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Prior to this visit, I had only ever been to Toro happy hour for sangria pitchers and tapas. This time, we decided to have a full dinner and I'm so glad we did! Our dinner experience was perfect from beginning to end. We came around 5 PM on a Friday and had the whole restaurant to ourselves. We started with wine and a cheeseboard. The cheeseboard was unique and flavorful, each cheese was cut up and soaked in oil and seasoning. We really enjoyed it! Next we had the solomillo, which was to die for. It was grilled tenderloin complimented by grilled onions and shishito peppers. So tasty-- I'm craving this as I type. Last, we had the signature paella which didn't disappoint. Great flavor and a good portion for two if you get appetizers. My only complaint is that while the shrimps were attempted to be deveined, there was still about half of the vein still remaining. Next time I plan on trying the solomillo and chistorra paella. We will be back soon! read more

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Toro is my husband & I go-to when we're craving something different & a perfect date night spot authentic Spanish tapas upstairs and a moody speakeasy vibe below. It's the kind of place that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable! We have never had a bad experience here so if you are looking for something new to try Toro is the place to go! read more

My mom and her family are from Spain. Cindi and I go to Spain every summer for 3-5 months. When I'm back in San Antonio.... and I get that Espana craving, we go to Toro Kitchen downtown. They have several locations now. Some of the places have "spin offs" of tapas and the meals. Toro keeps it real. Sangria, Spanish beer, liquor 43, Spanish wines, the hanging hog legs (yes hog legs) and ask them to demonstrate the Porron for you - Ole, A Spanish wine drinking vessel. Service always super, and if it's a special night you can ask for the private window room, great ambiance. TIP try the 43 on the rocks, it's a sipper. Also, good with coke. In Spain they also put in Coffee.... ask them about the 43 and coffee ON FIRE! Second tip, the Paella takes 20-35 minutes to make, just keep that in mind when you are ordering. On point seafood Paella and few other styles. read more

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I was in town for work. San Antonio always deliver for me. This is a great place for chill meal. The menu has enough options to accommodate a variety of taste buds. I went with a friend that is half Spanish, that has been here in the past. He ordered the black paella, which I have never heard nor taste before. I had a lot of paellas in my life, and this one is just something else. Don't let the look deceive you. If you are like me, and like to try new things that you have never before, this is the plate and the place. They had a great happy hour at the time of my visit, the tapas were great and the prices are extremely reasonable. The ladies serving were a joy as well. I appreciate good service and I would definitely recommend this place. See you next time I'm in San Antonio. Keep it up read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Paella negra - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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The ambiance was very nice and the service was so-so. Why? Because two orders we made were forgotten about and they tried to charge us for them. The food was perfectly adequate. The sirloin was decently seasoned, but to be served with "mid" french fries is something to reconsider. read more

Nice location nestled downtown .. Street and city parking. We sat at the bar for happy hour ... thoroughly enjoyed the mezal margarita and coconut mijotos. The bartender was helpful and efficient. We tried several tapas ... the fried goat cheese and the steak bites were very tasty!!! The goat cheese was drizzled with honey, and the steak bites were tender. The stuffed sweet red peppers was little boring as the filling needed more flavor. Cant wait to go back. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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It was my 6th anniversary with my beautiful bride and I planned a special dinner at the Spanish-themed Toro Kitchen. It was our first visit to this highly regarded downtown eating spot, and we were excited to try it out, but our night started off with me realizing I had screwed up the reservation - I booked it at the wrong location...ugh! The host fixed everything for us and, thankfully, accepted us anyway. Although the restaurant was very busy, he sat us in one of two tables set up in glass-enclosed alcoves lined with wine bottles (very quaint!), intended for couples celebrating special occasions. We got 3 tapas and one of their signature paella dishes. The tapas came out so quickly it surprised us, and they were perfectly delicious! The paella was incredible too! I got one cocktail - a berry-flavored mezcal concoction - and it was very tasty. The service and ambiance were flawless. Being a Saturday evening, they had live music, two very talented gentlemen whose romantic renditions of Spanish songs made us want to visit Spain pronto! read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Restaurant entrance - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Friendly waitress. Spanish tapas is def not a San Antonio, TX places one would associate with. But we've been to Spain and like tapas & paellas. Also wanted our little kiddo and grandma to try something different. All the tapas were super salty. Paellas was very good. Would've given them 4 stars, except the minor subpar experience in which we were asked: "you want more bread to soak up those sauces" and we said: "oh yeah, sure". Not expecting that they would actually charge us for it. read more

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I would have given this a 5 star had not been for our server who was a bit on a not too pleasant edge (this was a business team dinner). The paella negra is delicious. The other paella was also very good. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and they were all good. Wine is also decent. There was live music but it was not the upbeat one. We were expecting some flamenco flavored tunes and the like. I'd personally go back for the paella. read more

I had such high hopes for Toro Kitchen + Bar but it seems through a series of mishaps it became a less than stellar experience. To start off some of the positives were it was easy and convenient to make a reservation through the Yelp app. Also the drinks here are top-notch. I enjoyed a Manhattan and my husband loved his mojito. It was a busy Saturday evening and we were seated outside. It was a beautiful night and there was a live band playing in the courtyard across from us. We ordered right away since we had Gov't Mule tickets next-door at the Espee and knew it would take awhile for the Paella to be prepared. What we didn't anticipate was an hour and a half and that included waiting for our appetizer. We ordered the Queso al Horno and after 45 min our waitress came out and told us they still haven't started our appetizer and would we like another choice on the house. I thought that a nice gesture and we ordered the Panela 43. It was ok but cheese was cold like it was sitting out for too long. I do understand a busy Saturday night things can get hectic but nothing other than the drinks were right. Finally after 90 min our paella came out with our original appetizer. Why did it take 90 min for a cheese appetizer to come out is beyond me and other than our server coming over once to say things were taking longer we were pretty much ignored. It was busy but it wasn't slammed. There were still empty tables outside that sat empty the entire time we were there. The Queso al Horno was a disappointment. Instead of crustini breads that come with it we got like 5 paper thin crackers which could barely hold or scoop the cheese. Unfortunately the main dish, the paella ended up being the worst part. Salty to the point it ruined the flavor of the rice and seasoning. The portion was laughable. 2 shrimp? 2 small mussels? A few sausage pieces the size and thickness of dimes? For $40? I've been to Spain twice and paella is loaded with goodies and the flavors complement each other. I've never walked away from a meal with paella hungry until tonight. Also no crustini or breads came with our paella which seemed to be standard for everyone else. I don't know if we forgotten but I'm not willing to try again. There's too many other choice in San Antonio and nothing at Toro other than the drinks wowed me. read more

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Cool vibe, loved the music and low lighting. The menu offers a lot with vegetarian, pescatarian options. We ordered a few tapas from their HH menu and a pitcher of sangria. The papas bravas were crispy and had a nice salsa to dip in. We also had the pulpo frituro (fried octopus) not on HH and didn't think it was worth the price. It was pretty chewy. We ordered a classic paella, which comes with chorizo, chicken, shrimp, mussels. I DID enjoy however, it is very salty so just be prepared for that. We sat in the "private" wine room after making a reservation for our anniversary. Servers came in 5+ times grabbing bottles, reaching over us, and one even almost dropped one on our table and just giggled and walked away awkwardly. It's definitely a weird set up. Our server was nice, attentive, and apologetic that we had so many interruptions.. we prob won't request a private area next time since it was probably the opposite of private and quite annoying that people were reaching over our heads for bottles for other customers lol read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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The ambiance, food and service are always top notch when we come here. Live entertainment some evenings!

The flamenco shows are very good with accompanying food and drink. Alejandro Velez Consult the restaurant webpage for times and dates. There are three locations. read more

This was my first time dining here and the Service was great as well as the food ! Shareable plates take up to 45 min to make but was definitely worth it ! I will be coming back in for sure ! read more

I went to Toro with a coworker and we got the bravas, the calamari, the toro paella, the queso al horno and the red wine sangria. Everything was delicious l, I was surprised at how quiet it was for a Wednesday when they have all day happy hour on Wednesdays. The service was great and we were seated quickly. I will return in the future. My only critique is that the food ran on the salty side but was still good. For paella purists just know the paella has chorizo in it. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Toro paella - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Genuinely hoped to have a good experience at Toro Kitchen & Bar, but unfortunately, it turned into a painful and disappointing one. This happened last Friday, the night Shakira's concert was unexpectedly canceled. My friends and I, although bummed, decided to find a silver lining and headed to Toro to enjoy some drinks and dinner. We walked in and were told by the host that there were two tables ahead of us. That was completely fine with us, we expected a wait, knowing that many concert-goers were likely doing the same. After waiting about 30 minutes, a server walked toward us, and it seemed like we were about to be seated. Just then, a woman named Frida, who had taken over as the host, pulled the server aside. My husband overheard her telling him to give the table to a group of girls who had just walked in; girls who were also clearly coming from the canceled concert, based on their outfits. I politely approached Frida and mentioned that I believed we had been skipped. What followed was not only unprofessional, but deeply disrespectful. With a dismissive tone, she told me that people make reservations weeks or even months in advance and that being on a waitlist didn't mean we'd be seated before them. I completely understand and respect that, if that had actually been the case. But it was hard to believe those girls had a reservation for that exact time when, had the concert gone on as planned, they wouldn't even be at the restaurant. When I calmly pointed that out, something shifted. Frida, clearly upset that I questioned her decision, suddenly switched the conversation to Spanish and said, laughing, "No entiendo nada de lo que me dices, habla en español" ("I don't understand anything you're saying, speak in Spanish"). I was stunned. I've never been treated that way, especially by someone who shares my culture. When I asked if she didn't understand English, she responded, still laughing, "Sí, pero a ti no te entiendo, y si quieres vete" ("Yes, but I don't understand you, and if you want, leave"). It was heartbreaking. I wasn't rude, I didn't raise my voice. I was simply trying to understand why we were skipped after waiting patiently. To be laughed at and mocked because of my accent,by a fellow Hispanic woman, it not only uncalled for, it was hurtful. To the owner: As a fellow business owner, I know how hard we work to build a reputation, keep clients happy, and earn 5-star reviews. It's unfortunate when employees like Frida undermine all of that in a matter of minutes. Please take this as honest feedback; people come to your restaurant to enjoy themselves and spend their hard-earned money. No one deserves to be humiliated or dismissed like this. Frida is hispanic-looking, with glasses and I believe she had braces. read more

Great meal, lovely environment with a live band, and delightful service fitting for a birthday celebration. Delicious paella, tasty apps, and lovely cocktails all night long. Would definitely come back and bring other guests. read more

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Frida was very hospitable and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be back! I really enjoyed my cocktail

We stopped for some drink super early in the day. The vibe was good. It was nice a cool, the drinks were refreshing. It's pricey but this isn't like a dive bar... it's classy. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was following the receipts to the drinks so everything was delicious. If youre picky, this might not be the best decision, but I'm sure you'll find at least one thing you'll like. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Part of the bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Great flamenco show and superb service. One of our favorite places, we've been on all three locations and none of them have disappointed. Tapas are delicious and good selection of wines. I strongly recommend this place. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Flamenco show - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Toro Kitchen is a gem! Their tapas are bursting with flavor and their cocktails are simply divine. A must-visit spot for anyone craving a culinary adventure. Great staff, very friendly. Very interesting, and classy vibes to dine in. read more

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Our experience at Toro Kitchen and Bar was an amazing blend of wonderful service, lovely ambience and amazing and flavorful food. The Paella was a perfect blend of savory flavors and the other plates we ordered were a great compliment to pair with it. All of the servers recommendations were wonderfully flavorful and perfectly cooked. I highly recommend Toro Kitchen for an authentic Spanish dining experience. read more

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The people are so kind and we're very nice. The atmosphere is great and the two private rooms they have look amazing. The selection of cured ham is unique and far better than you would find elsewhere. I am a bit of a pulpo snob, and while good it was a bit tougher than would allow for an all out 5. The Camerones were good, but I feel they could use an aoli drizzle or a little extra acid. Small criticisms for a place I highly recommend if you are in the area. The other offerings in town feel too corporate and ordinary, this place feels real and the diners felt like locals that came because they know where the food was authentic and the people were true to themselves. If you have never tried the Spanish liquor 43, please do yourself a favor. The mild sweet flavor was a nice ending. As I didn't know what to expect, I had it on the rocks, but I think it would be fine neat. I am not sure when my path will bring me back to San Antonio, but Toro would be a reason to return. read more

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I have visited both this downtown location and their location at La Cantera and loved both. I would suggest visiting the downtown location for the unique feel of the restaurant with its exposed brick walls and display of wines. I have had more tapas than I'd care to count, and cannot say enough good things about them. The buy 2 get 1 tapa Tuesday is a great way to spend a Tuesday afternoon or evening with friends. Pair it with their red or white sangria and it's a wonderful social experience. I personally love the datiles al tocino & queso, panela 43, champinones lugo, and queso al horno. We have had their squid ink paella, which was delicious, albeit a bit on the salty side. The color is a deep black and provides this intriguing plating visual as you eat. The bottom layer of rice has that great crispy texture and the shrimp and squid were super tasty. The service was good at the downtown location; we had visited on a weekday morning where there was only 1 server with a few guests present so there was naturally a wait. However the service at the La Cantera location was fantastic! I can't recommend trying Toro enough. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - datiles al tocino & queso - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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We love Toro... the food, ambience and costume service has been always amazing. We had been as a couple and with a party over 12 and always has been outstanding! read more

Toro's food and service is amazing. This place is great for a date night. Service is attentive during down periods but occasionally takes a moment to come and check the table. The food is amazing. We've had a variety of the tapas. My personal favourite is the Queso al Horno and the Huevos Rotos. The tablado del chef is a good mix of meats and cheeses that's good with a sangria. The toro paella is also delicious, very filling as well. read more

Toro Kitchen + Bar - Several of the Tapas and tablado del chef we tried - along with the Sangria! - Tapas Bars Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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