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A cozy East Village tapas bar with an authentic Spanish feel to its food, decoration, and dawdling service. The one room bar and dining area is a mish-mash of fisherman’s nets, festive blue Christmas lights, and a hanging bagpipe or two. A young, arty crowd bops in time to the live music, and happily downs the watery sangria. Rum barrel tables make for awkward seating, too round and bulky to fit one’s legs around. The tapas, however, help you to forget that you’re sitting at a right angle to the table. Highlights include the bacon-wrapped dates, the sautéed Spanish sausage, and an impressively fluffy Tortilla Española. The service is a bit slow as it takes its cue from leisurely Spanish dining rituals, and is a welcome alternative to the order-eat-get kicked out ethic of many New York restaurants. Somewhat rough around the edges, Xunta is the perfect place to get a taste of Spain. — Emma Rosenblum

Daily, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., two-for-one drinks

Live Music
Thu., 8:30 p.m.-10:45 p.m.; Sat, 9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., flamenco