Club Espagnol de Québec - Terrasse - Steak Seafood Tapas - Bar Spectacle Bar Sportif - Cocktail/Wine Bar — Restaurant in Montreal

I have been to this restaurant numerous times in the past . Food is always good and the best paella in the city. I was there last night with 4 other people and again the food was very good. Unfortunately the service was another story. The waitress didn't speak french or english well. We had to ask her to bring break to the table. We had to ask her to refill the water numerous times. After our starters she actually left us our dirty plates to have our paella on. We had to request clean plates. Now the paella and the manager !! We ordered the Paella Marinara and the waitress confirmed it and wrote it down. We were served the one with seafood and chicken. Two persons in our party don't eat meat or poultry. Thinking the chicken was fish I served it into the plates which left half in the dish before realizing that it was the wrong paella. I returned it to the waitress and asked for the one we ordered. The manager came to the table and made it clear that we would have to pay for the first one because we ate half. After arguing with her she decided not to. Very unprofessional. Good food but it will be awhile...

There is a soft spot in my heart for this place, so let's start for the positive stuff:

Authentic Spanish experience. Part of sunny Spain in the heart of Canada! Food is as solid as a any good bar in a major Spanish city, great variety of tapas, paella , hearty stews and desserts, the best sangaria in town, a sunny terrace, occasional flamenco shows, a vibrant Spanish speaking community, la liga soccer games live, and prices are not inflated at all...Heaven on earth, right?

Now the drawbacks: Cash only, the decor is just functional. And the place is officially a community club, by law you have be a member so they can serve you alcohol( annual membership fee of 20$ per table/party).

And remember, we said it's a real Spanish place, right? So service can occasionally get slow ans bumpy. Sometimes there is only 1 or persons to serve 20 tables. Or you get a 'guapo' server with attitude who does not find you "Spanish" enough to be served...

The patatas bravas!!! - the tomato sauce is phenomenal and full of garlic. Cod croquettes were soft and a bit bland, the paella was good, but on the wet side. (Also didn’t look exactly like previously posted pictures) All together, a very good price for the amount of food.

The restaurant itself has long cafeteria style tables, good for groups. There was live music and a flamenco performance when we came in, it was super fun and authentic, but a bit loud for dinner...