Just a few blocks from the 8th Ave L stop is Cafe Riazor, a delightful Spanish hole in the wall. The hostess/bartender/waitress extraordinaire will bring a bread basket out almost immediately and will be more than happy to bring out a second at your request. Lunch is served from noon to four and specials are served with a house salad as well as a rice or potato side dish of your choice and a soda. Most lunch entrees range below ten dollars making this one of the most reasonable Spanish restaurants in the area.
Not only are the prices reasonable, but the food is delicious! All of the specials are served with a side of boiled potatoes, french fries, or rice. Most traditional Spanish meals are available. They have bocadillos, paella, chorizo, and of course, plenty of seafood. Seafood was the crowd favorite for our table. All three dishes: the filet de pescado, camarones al ajillo, and Cazuela de marisco, highlighted Spain’s love of seafood. Each dish was delectable! The servings were just right, and the side dishes added on to the entrée’s flavor. What was most appetizing was what was left of the entrees; the delicious sauces and juices that were wiped up by our never ending bread baskets. Of course, no Spanish meal would be complete without a cup of some sweet sangria. Lucky for us, the waitress suggested ordering a pitcher worth instead of a glass. The fruit left behind served as a great desert.
Don’t be fooled by its small clientele early in the lunch hour since Cafe Riazor’s lunch specials are not only a steal but absolutely delicious and even though you might question the Mexican pop music playing, you won’t be served chips and salsa here
EspaNYU 