Home > Nightlife & Music > Bar Carrera

Bar Carrera

Critics' Pick

175 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003
at 11th St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-375-1555 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
9.0 out of 10
|
5 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: Bar Food, Romantic, Wine Bar, European

Photo by Ben Rosenzweig

Map Rate & Review

Official Website

barcarrera.com

Hours

Daily, 5pm-2am

Nearby Subway Stops

L at Third Ave.; 6 at Astor Pl.

Payment Methods

American Express, MasterCard, Visa

Profile

Tapas can mean nearly anything these days, but pintxos (tastings served in the Basque region of Spain) are a little more specific. Owner Frederick E. Twomey, who first took on European snacks at Bar Veloce next door, named his wine bar for a men’s culinary club in San Sebastian, then veiled the interior with a rippled glass facade. The long space holds a poured concrete bar fronted by dark wood-grained stools and backed by shelves of wine while an eating counter—for that leg of Serrano ham perhaps—runs along one Moroccan-tiled wall. More space can be found around poured-concrete tables in ther back room or a connected space next door, both later additions to the bar. A blend of Iberian and American pop ignites the mood for local friends and dates. Surprising matches characterize the menu of tiny bites: rich, slightly charred pork caramelized with juniper sugar, robust chorizo over slices of soft-boiled egg, and creamy garrotxa cheese paired with guava-like membrillo paste. The regional Spanish reds, whites and sherries are equally tantalizing, among them intense tempranillos and strawberry sangria, fresh with mint and cardamom. — Karen Hudes

Games

A vintage Stock Car pinball machine in back entertains with free games and plenty of ding.

My sister and I wanted to relive our adventures in Barcelona. Though they do not accept reservations, we were seated right away 7:45p on Friday. Must've come in at the perfect time because 10 minutes later, the place was packed. We have nine small plates and no alcohol despite the fact the place had a wine bar. I recommend: chorizo with tiger shrimp, the jamon con queso sandwich, the blood sausage and mushroom, egg in a blanket, serrano jamon, smoked salmon and caviar, and Spanish olive trio. I can't remember what the eighth dish was but I do remember thinking that the "pan con tomate" is not like the kind you'll find in Spain (but itÂ’s supposed to be Â“new styleÂ”). The first three dishes came out quickly but there was a lull between that and the next 3 - I might have just been super hungry though. The service was good. Even though I only ordered a diet coke and we both had water, the waitress kept coming back with glass bottles of water and to refill our cups. I really recommend this restaurant if you want a great, creative, & friendly tapas experience.

A place to breathe

pfichtler from | Posted on 1/15/06

Overall Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)

I have been there twice in the past month with a friend. The first time was planned as I wanted something light as we planned on seeing a move afterwards, which turned out to be perfect. The wine list is truly unique the service is great and the food excellent. The atmosphere is what drew us back for the second visit as you can relax and breathe, even if it is crowded, it's still a nice quiet retreat from it all.

Read All 5 Reviews >>