This is a belated review of the Casa Ricardo which we visited in December 2013. We were early for a concert at a nearby church, and found this place through a local person’s recommendation.

A visit here is a cultural experience on several levels. The first time we went, the place was filled with convivial locals enjoying great tapas and wine. The food was terrific, the barmen were helpful and patient with our limited Spanish, and very entertaining -- their interaction with the customers is a show in itself. The bar is decorated with posters and iconography celebrating local patron saints – many of the long-established tavernas in Seville are closely associated with the surrounding parish, and display corresponding devotional items. So the visitor experiences the sense of a close-knit community with unique religious and social ties, as well as the joie de vivre of the Spanish tapas hour among hearty patrons. Good prices too.

The second time, we made a long trek across town purposely to visit the bar again, hurrying so as to arrive before closing hour. When we arrived the bar was actually closing up as it was a slow night. The barmen kept the kitchen open, remembered and prepared our favorite dish from the prior visit, and were as accommodating and gracious as could be. They asked several times if there was anything else we would like, showing no hurry whatsoever, even though we were keeping them late. This place was a highlight of our three-week trip to Spain.