Toro

Best Spanish Tapas Bar

Overall: A

$$$

Service: 4.5/5 The service is excellent. A waiter or waitress refills your water glass before you realize it is low, so who cares if you don’t get a heart-warming smile every time he or she stops by your table? Unfortunately, due to the small size of the restaurant Toro is unable to accommodate reservations for dinner. There is a first-come, first-served policy and the wait time can often be 45 minutes. You can order from the full menu  at the bar (if you’re lucky enough to nab a seat) or just grab a drink while waiting for a table to open up. Toro takes lunch and brunch reservations for parties of six or more. Toro does not deliver, but take-out is available.

Food: 5/5 Ken Oringer, Toro’s owner and chef, uses local, sustainable ingredients to create a large variety of remarkably fresh Spanish-inspired cuisine. My advice would be to grab a few tapas for the table. There are plenty of lunch and dinner options for carnivores, vegetarians, gluten-intolerants, and vegans. But if you don’t like churros (a Spanish doughnut accompanied by caramel and chocolate dipping sauce) you may not be inclined to order dessert, as it is the only option. Toro may slack in the dessert arena, but this establishment puts its liquor license to good use. There is an extensive drink menu that features unique cocktails, like the Calimocho (red wine and coke), the Cava (grapefruit bitters, sugar, yellow Chartruese), the Cabana Boy (Sailor Jerry spiced rum, canton ginger, pineapple), the Pisco Sour (Pisco Capel brandy, freshly squeezed sour mix), and the Southender (Reyka vodka, mint, lemon, cava). Other drinks include: sherry, bottled beer, wine by the glass or bottle, Marine Root Soda.

Atmosphere: 5/5 The high-ceiling, brick-and-beam interior with large mirrors, giant fireplace, and dark wood tables set the mood for the boisterous, relaxed restaurant goers who fill the cozy space. The roomy, stainless steel-clad kitchen provides a cool vibe for the chic environment and connects the customers to the cuisine. Various seating options accommodate every occasion. Nab the long communal table for a birthday get-together, relax at smaller table by the window with a date, or grab a drink at the bar solo.

Price: 5/5 The “Pinchos” are the least expensive, averaging $5.00 for each small plate. The “Tapas,” ranging from $5.00-15.00, supply enough bites for more than one person as long as you’re ordering additional similar-sized dishes. The “For Two” and “Quesos” options serve 2-4 people and cost about $30.00 per plate. Keep in mind that these larger plates usually take longer to prepare. For the quality of the food and unmatchable atmosphere, the price is doable.

Accessibility: 4.5/5 Unless you have a South End parking permit, it may be difficult to find a parking spot. Metered parking is available along Washington Street.  During certain times Toro has a valet, but expect to shell out about $20.00 for this service. Park Street Station is a 0.3 miles (approximately 6 minute walk) from the restaurant.

Recommendations:

-Pimientos Del Padron {hot green peppers with sea salt}

-Annas Empanadas {chicken and potato empanadas, aji roja, alioli}

-Maiz Asado Con Aioli Y Queso Cotja {grilled corn with alioli, lime, pepper, aged cheese}

-Escalivada Catalana {marinated wood roasted eggplant with onions, peppers, tomatoes}

-Costilla De Buey {braised short rib of beef}

-Potatas Bravas {fried potatoes with alioli and spicy tomato sauce}

-’07 Celler de Capcanes “Mas Donis Barrica” Syrah Blend, Montsant {rich baked fruit with cocoa and toasty notes}

-Estrella Damm Lager, Barcelona

1704 Washington St.

Boston, MA 02118

617.536.4300

www.toro-restaurant.com