The Spaniard is a lovely gastropub in West Village that is popular with mostly the young professional crowd. The vaulted ceilings and landmark designation, put the owners in mind of iconic New York taverns like Old Town and P.J. Clarke’s, which served as inspiration. The bar is stocked with 100 whiskeys, half of them Scotch, and the cocktail list calls out whiskey drinks like the Penicillin and a rosemary Manhattan.
I had the Straight to Hell, a refreshingly bitter, bourbon based cocktail made with Nonino, Aperol and topped with crushed ice and mint.
Since this place looks at its history as inspiration, the food has the classics as well. Chef PJ Calapa (formerly of Ai Fiori and Nobu) is the co-owner and he’s running the kitchen as well. The oysters Rockefeller is always a great option to go with your drink of choice. The patty melt is based on a dry-aged beef blend cooked to a perfect medium-rare and aged New York Cheddar, plus his mother-in-law’s sweet-tart tomato jam.
Overall, it’s a great place for a drink with a few friends in an old-time feel atmosphere. No pretension from the staff and the food is solid.
For more photos, please CLICK HERE for the complete sets or see below for the dining photos:
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The Spaniard
Website
190 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 918-1986