El Bar
- Food served: Mon–Wed 5–10.30pm; Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri/Sat 5pm–1am. Closed Sun. [Extended in Festival].
- Bar open: Mon–Wed 5–11pm; Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri/Sat 5pm–1am. Closed Sun.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Private dining: Up to 40 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Wheelchair access, Live music
- Music on stereo: Various flamenco styles
- Capacity: 30
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 2008
- Average price:
£14.50 (evening meal) - House wine: £12.50 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
It’s a tapas diner, it’s a friendly local bar and, in an interesting twist, it’s a dance studio on the side. El Bar might be just one part of Alba Flamenca’s Southside corner premises (at one time a more old-fashioned local bar), but this sleek and stylish small venue pays as much attention to the cooking as the choreography. Although the tapas menu isn’t bursting with adventure, it relies on a couple of dozen staple dishes prepared with emphasis on style and substance. The estofado de ternera (beef stew) is hearty and comes with a thin vegetable gravy that wouldn’t be out of place spooned over a helping of potato mash, while the cerdo à la pimiento (meaty strips of pork loin in a rich black pepper sauce) might also feature on a main course plate. Some Spanish sandwiches and an appetising dessert menu featuring a crema Catalana also feature – your problem will be how to fit it in on top of the large tapas portions.
- High point: The portions are large, and good value
- Low point: The place is small, and fills up rapidly at weekends
Events at El Bar (6–8 Howden Street, Edinburgh)
| Location | Date | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Live flamenco music and vivacious dance performances. View full details |
||
| El Bar |
25 Feb
8.30pm 2 Mar 8.30pm 17 Mar 8.30pm 24 Mar 8.30pm 30 Mar 8.30pm |
0131 667 7033 £12 (£10) |
Reviews of El Bar (6–8 Howden Street, Edinburgh)
- 3. Richard H, Edinburgh – 9 February 2012, 4:04pm
El BarReport -
It's quite unusual for me to give five stars in a review, but four stars wouldn't do this place justice. The two chefs that run the place have a clear vision of the kind of restaurant they want to create. The tapas are authentic, delicious and underpriced. I would recommend this place to anyone.
- 2. casahildy, Newcastle – 5 February 2011, 6:43pmEl BarReport
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After searching for a tapas bar in Edinburgh, we were drawn to this place after only reading the one positive review and my husband and I were not disappointed, its a hidden treasure in a busy capital city. From the moment we arrived the service was first class, the staff were helpful and friendly, the pinchos were a great idea whilst deciding which of the many tapas dishes to have - the dishes were tasty, plentiful and excellent value for money in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, very reasonably priced food and drink and a place we will definately visit again and recommend to friends, we can't rate this tapas bar highly enough.
- 1. Kelly, Newington, Edinburgh – 24 February 2010, 12:46pmEl BarReport
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I think this is a little gem of a place. Introduced by word of mouth from locals and what a treat. I had to have two helpings of the patatas bravas and calamari - not because they were small portions, but because they were so yummy. And I love the feeling as if you're stepping into a little piece of Spain when you enter El-Bar. Highly recommend, and highly recommend booking!
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