San Sebastian Pintxos Crawl: 8 Must-Try Bars in the Old Town
San Sebastian Pintxos Crawl: 8 Must-Try Bars in the Old Town
A Boozy, Bite-Sized Adventure Through Basque Country's Culinary Heart
Forget those sad, overpriced tapas you find in tourist traps. We're talking San Sebastián, the pintxos mecca of the Basque Country, where every bar is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. My pro tip: order one or two pintxos at a time, paired with a glass of txakoli, beer, or cider, and then hop to the next spot. Trust me, your taste buds (and your liver) will thank you.
Here's a rundown of my favorite haunts in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, where the flavors explode and the good times roll.
Bar Nestor 📍
This place is a legend for a reason. Their tortilla, a custardy, oniony masterpiece, is so good it'll make you weep. And don't even get me started on the chuletón, a massive, perfectly grilled rib steak that's the stuff of carnivore dreams. A crisp txakoli cuts through the richness like a hot knife through butter.
Borda Berri 📍
This cozy spot is known for its creative pintxos and lively atmosphere. Their grilled foie gras with caramelized onions is a decadent delight, and the slow-cooked beef cheek with mashed potatoes is pure comfort food. A glass of Basque cider, slightly tart and bubbly, is the perfect pairing.
Ganbara 📍
This bustling bar is a local favorite, and for good reason. Their pintxos are simple yet sublime, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. Don't miss the grilled mushrooms with garlic and parsley, or the anchovies with pickled peppers, best enjoyed with a cold, local beer.
La Cuchara de San Telmo 📍
Get ready for a flavor explosion. This place is all about bold, innovative pintxos that push the boundaries of traditional Basque cuisine. The crispy Iberian pig ear with a tomato and thyme sofrito is a revelation, a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you speechless. And their savory goat cheese tart with piperade and crystal peppers is a vegetarian dream, a burst of freshness and spice that will awaken your senses.
Atari 📍
This gastropub elevates pintxos to an art form. Their creations are visually stunning and packed with flavor, like the seared scallops with truffle foam or the slow-cooked pork belly with apple compote. And don't sleep on their pimientos de cristal, sweet, smoky peppers that practically melt in your mouth.
La Viña 📍
This iconic bar is a must-visit for its famous burnt Basque cheesecake. It's creamy, smoky, and utterly addictive. Pair it with a glass of sweet sherry for the ultimate indulgence.
Bar Sport 📍
This no-frills bar is a local institution. Their pintxos are classic and unpretentious, but they never disappoint. The tortilla de patatas and the grilled peppers are always a safe bet. But let's be real, the star of the show here is the txipiron filled with txangurro – a tiny squid stuffed with sweet, delicate crab meat that'll make you want to do a happy dance right there at the bar.
La Cepa 📍
This charming bar is a hidden gem. Their pintxos are simple but delicious, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Don't miss the chorizo cooked in cider, and be sure to try their incredible cheesecake, a far cry from tradition but a damn good way to end your pintxos crawl.
So there you have it, folks. My personal guide to pintxos paradise. Now get out there and start exploring! The streets of San Sebastian are calling your name, and your taste buds will thank you for answering. This is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss.