Have you fallen for the tapas trend yet? In case you haven’t sampled the wonders that are tapas before, expect to find menus filled with petite, savory, and traditionally Spanish dishes. You can order a little, or you can order a lot. You can order hot or cold dishes. There is a little something for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters. They are best enjoyed with a delicious cocktail, but—of course—this part is optional.
Throughout the region, restaurants have hopped on the small bites trend, serving up curated portions that are perfect for sampling and sharing. So, what are you waiting for? These tapas bars await in the Hudson Valley.
P.S. Are we missing a spot? Email us here so we can add it.
Bar Brava
Newburgh
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What’s a tapas bar without classic paella? At Newburgh’s Bar Brava, the Spanish-style rice dish is the star of the menu, along with savory small plates and bar snacks for all occasions. Browse the menu for comforting favorites like garlic shrimp, pork ribs, chips and guacamole, fried calamari, and patatas bravas. If you’re still feeling hungry, choose between vegetable, seafood, and chicken and chorizo paellas for the table. Wash everything down with a specialty cocktail, and don’t forget dessert!
Barquila Tapas & Cocktail Lounge
Mamaroneck
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Before you sip your drink or taste your tapas, take a moment to admire the design of the menu, which includes sketches of each cocktail, flavor notes, and enticing descriptions. There is something to be said for a restaurant that tells you exactly what to expect, then delivers on it. The talent of the bar staff is apparent in the presentation and flavor of the drinks. And as for tapas…good luck choosing just one! Between steak tartare and mini cheeseburgers, there’s something for every palate.
Basque Tapas Bar Restaurant
Piermont & Tarrytown
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This tapas joint is known for its authenticity and superb cuisine. The menu is neatly arranged, first detailing your tapas options—there are over 20, and most dishes don’t surpass $20—before listing salads, soups, hot plates, and paellas. When you’re done stuffing your face, you may visit an art gallery in town or take a stroll along the pier. For those on the east side of the Hudson River, there is another location in Tarrytown.
Bellacosa Wine & Tapas Bar
Dobbs Ferry
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Bellacosa is a tapas restaurant with an Italian twist. While the menu includes a short list of Italian-style tapas, there are also options in the way of antipasti, salad, pasta, and pizza. The kitchen is open until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, and until 10:30 p.m. on Friday, which means this destination is ideal for a late-night bite in Westchester. As for what to order, you can’t go wrong with the crispy eggplant meatballs or the ricotta gnocchi.
Flores Tapas Bar
Wappingers Falls
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The menu at Flores is well-organized and accommodates gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. The beef brisket empanadas are a must-try, while the patatas bravas are a carb lover’s paradise. To drink, consider the “Purple Drank,” a cocktail made with butterfly pea flower-infused gin, passionfruit liqueur, honey, and spiced tonic. For a sweet finish, end the meal with warm churros coated in cinnamon sugar and served with Nutella spread.
Iron Vine
Peekskill
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This is a great option if you’re looking for a sizable meal with the flavor palate of tapas. If you come for brunch, go for the falafel tostada or Spanish crab cakes, then wash it down with bottomless mimosas. As for the dinner menu, Iron Vine offers salads, sandwiches, and entrees. You’ll want to dig into the tapas menu first for dishes like tuna ceviche, bacon-wrapped dates, artichoke hearts, and pork belly bites.
Iron & Wine
Patterson
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Scenic views and Mediterranean tapas shine at this Putnam County hotspot. Indulge in a variety of cuisine options, from Korean barbecue ribs to braised chicken tostadas to burrata plates, and don’t miss out on happy hour on Monday evenings for half-priced margaritas and paellas. Opt for a seat in the quaint tapas bar or choose to savor your dinner outside overlooking the sprawling property.
Marbella Tapas and Wine Bar
Ellenville
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At Marbella, the tapas selection falls into three main categories: vegan, sea, and land. Regulars say they love the relaxing and casual atmosphere without any compromise in quality of service. The empanadas, pinchos de carne, and escargot stand out on the tapas list, and the wine list is quite comprehensive, with options including red, white, sparkling, rose, and dessert wines. Pop open a bottle with your party and enjoy a slow, family-style dining experience.
Mirador
Kingston
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An Andalusian-inspired bar in Ulster County, Mirador is a standout spot for tapas in the Hudson Valley. The bar, which was included on Esquire‘s 2024 list of “Best Bars in America,” is big on sherry wines, with a drink menu that reflects this passion. As a result, Mirador blends the bounty of the region into both its cocktail and tapas menus. Enjoy bites like pan con tomate and patatas bravas alongside larger plates like ensaladilla rusa and tosta matrimonio at the authentic tapas bar.
The Vault
Beacon
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This is a great option for those in search of a slightly more upscale feel and an impressive selection of specialty cocktails. You may wind up making the trip for drinks alone! Fall in love with the “The Reel Me” cocktail, or ask for another “Another Please,” which combines raspberry vodka, elderflower liquor, fresh lemon, and cranberry juice. As for bites, we’d recommend the fan-favorite buttermilk fried calamari served with saffron aioli. The Vault also offers a small kid’s menu with simple plates like grilled cheese and pasta with butter, making it a reliable choice for families with picky eaters.
Related: Where to Find Mouthwatering Tacos in the Hudson Valley
