Spanish Tavern
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This restaurant is amazing. I was searching for a place to hold a surprise birthday dinner for my boyfriend. I looked at a few places but decided to try out this restaurant because of the reviews, and when I say they did not disappoint; they absolutely did not disappoint. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, everything was just amazing. When I initially reserved it, it was supposed to be for 10 people, and I was told I couldn't get a private room because the group was too small. To my surprise, they gave us a private room anyway. The room was so beautiful. I've been to many restaurants, and I don't think I've ever gotten this great service. The food was soooo delicious. Their appetizers oh my goodness they have this mushroom in garlic sauce that I don't know who's foot they put in it, but I could have eaten that one dish the whole night and I would have been satisfied. The vegetables I believe they were steamed, but they must have been steamed in love because they were amazing also. Everyone in my group, including the birthday boy, loved the restaurant, food, and service. I can't wait to go back again. When I got to work the next day, I told everyone they needed to go here. Oh, and not to mention it was not expensive at all. I absolutely love this restaurant.
Alicia LaingAlicia Laing
00
I'm starting this off with what I didn't like. They put a $6 fee on our bill for credit card. I get it. They get this ridiculous fee from them, they pass it on to you. The establishment has to wait to get their money. But to charge for debit card is wrong. They had the money in their account before I got home. On top of that they put the fee and tax in suggested tip amount. Now onto Spanish Tavern. The place is beautiful. Old school charm. The staff is terrific, also with a bit of old school charm. Our waiter Jose was great. They start you off with soup served up at the table. We started with garlic shrimp and paprika. Just fabulous. (Bread was stale and other tables had same issue) I got a seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and lobster in a fantastic tasty rice. Lydia got the lobster dinner and was not disappointed, though she would have like a bigger lobster as they only have 1.25 lb size. We finished with flan which was very good. I also need to mention the pitcher of white sangria which was delicious, well made and among the tastiest we can remember.
Gary LiebchenGary Liebchen
00
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
Wesleyan TancoWesleyan Tanco
00
The atmosphere and menu are exquisite!!! Mr. Pol (pronounced Paul) is the absolute best, he shuttled us there and back when we were at a loss for leaving our hotel to eat, and navigated the way for our family that couldn't find our hotel! ♡ #GodblessyouPol This place should have 5 stars BUT the only beverage refill they give is on water...I could not get a free refill on the soda I ordered, which wouldn't have been that bad if it were served in a full glass instead of the small champagne glass filled with ice! The service was spectacular, though they could've been slightly more attentive (I'm very picky) in my opinion! I loved the soup (collard greens and beans) and purchased a tub to go! #yummy They even provided spinach for me cuz I didn't want any starches! I'd be a regular there if I lived up here! The only food I didn't like were the desserts...the apple cheesecake tasted more like custard with apples and cinnamon!
Megan HaywoodMegan Haywood
00
Sat at the bar for convenience, but the dining room looks nice and while it was dark on my arrival the outside of this establishment looks like a large Spanish taverna. Started with the house soup, which simple and flavorful. The Paella Valenciana was delicious! More protein than rice. That said, what rice there was, was tasty. Protien included Lobster, Clams, Chicken, Sausage and Scallops. The staff told me to scoop deep on the paella as all the flavor is at the bottom, and while not necessary they were right. Portions here are for two people, so keep that in mind when ordering. The staff are friendly and very acommodating. In a stroke of genius they offer pick up and drop off from EWR hotels.
Mark McQueenMark McQueen
10
What a disappointing experience this was. I haven’t been to the restaurant since Covid. I guess there was a change in management. The change was definitely not an improvement. I will give it 2 stars because the service was good. The food was bland. I ordered the mariscada in green sauce, and it was tasteless. The sauce was covered with a layer of butter and the seafood was definitely not fresh. My husband had the Salmon at Horno and it was bland. The sangria was mostly orange juice, honestly I think they forgot to add the wine. 😩 Overall, a very disappointing experience. Sad because it used to be a great restaurant and the food top notch. It’s not anymore!!!
norma m.norma m.
00
Nearby Attractions Of Spanish Tavern
Prudential Center
Seabra's Market
Independence Park
Independence Park
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station
TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown
Seabra Foods Chestnut
Evolution Fitness
Courtyard Newark Downtown
Newark-Penn Station

Prudential Center
4.5
(5.4K)Click for details

Seabra's Market
4.2
(994)Click for details

Independence Park
4.5
(969)Click for details

Independence Park
4.5
(909)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Spanish Tavern
Cornbread Newark
Fornos of Spain
Famous Bartending School Newark NJ
Brasilia Grill
Don Pepe Restaurant
Seabra's Marisqueira
Brick City Vegan Newark (Formerly known as Urban Vegan)
Chateau of Spain
Ferry Street Barbecue
Adega Grill

Cornbread Newark
4.7
(2.3K)Click for details

Fornos of Spain
4.6
(1.8K)Click for details

Famous Bartending School Newark NJ
4.9
(1.5K)Click for details

Brasilia Grill
4.2
(1.4K)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
103 McWhorter St A, Newark, NJ 07105
Map
Phone
(973) 589-4959
Call
Website
spanishtavernnewark.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(681 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Longtime Spanish restaurant serving paella & other traditional dishes in a lively setting.
attractions: Prudential Center, Seabra's Market, Independence Park, Independence Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown, Seabra Foods Chestnut, Evolution Fitness, Courtyard Newark Downtown, Newark-Penn Station, restaurants: Cornbread Newark, Fornos of Spain, Famous Bartending School Newark NJ, Brasilia Grill, Don Pepe Restaurant, Seabra's Marisqueira, Brick City Vegan Newark (Formerly known as Urban Vegan), Chateau of Spain, Ferry Street Barbecue, Adega Grill
