The NEW Bar Carrera

I am not sure what it was exactly about the newest Bar Carrera outpost that made me realize the time had finally come. But, it was definitely time. Time to share with friends and family the many restaurants that I visit on a pretty regular basis in NYC. I love food and trying new restaurants. But, one of the best parts is telling people about the experience and reliving the meal! So, it is time to do just that. I guess it comes with no surprise that my experience at Bar Carrera last week was an extremely positive one. Having eaten a very enjoyable meal several years ago at the original east village location, I was extremely excited to try out the new location. Not only is it the perfect meeting point for one of my Soho friends and me (the West Villager), but it has a very appealing overall setting. Similar to its sister restaurant, there is a great bar for both eating and drinking. However, unlike the original location, there are actually tables! The whole restaurant is also extremely airy - two of the four sides are completely exposed to the outdoors. We opted for one of the tables, but I would definitely go back and enjoy a meal at the bar as well - it is nice having options.

Along with the great setting came a very enjoyable meal. Stefan, our waiter, immediately introduced himself and made me feel like I could already add Bar Carrera to my list of neighborhood favorites. The menu consists of all tapas - small plates with a spanish theme. However, unlike the majority of tapas restaurants scattered throughout NYC, these were actually priced well - and with decent portions! We ended up sharing 5. Not only was this plenty of food, but they were all priced between $4-7. We ordered sweet piquillo pepper stuffed with a creamy tuna-and-red-pepper mousse, patatas bravas (accompanied by a dish of red-pepper aïoli), "egg in a blanket" (a brioche filled with egg, ham, and truffle oil), grilled chorizo on a baguette, and a special of the evening - avocado stuffed with fresh tuna. The egg dish was definitely the winner - you cannot go wrong with that combination. I think we were both disappointed to have to share this dish - we could have eaten two of them! I will definitely go back and order anything in a brioche there. If I recall correctly, there is a smoked salmon dish that involves a brioche that I am already eager to return and order! The setting, the food, and the price were all more than RIGHT. I know I will be back there soon - and I am pretty sure Stefan will remember the Hungry Roach since he definitely commented on all five spotless plates that he cleared that evening!


Bar Carrera

146 W Houston St
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 253-9500
website