06/22/09

Best Tapas in NY

by Davidforestieri

I love this place, the meat is so good and I crave it everytime I think about it. The setting is also nice just to go with friends, only 1 or 2 though because it gets crowded and there is not that much space. I would highly reccomend this to someone though. I brought my girlfriend and we had a great time and enjoyed all the dishes.

• Pros: quality food

03/23/09

My Favorite NYC Tapas Joint!!!!

by NYCfloyd

Love this place, we go 2 times a week and it never lets me down. Try Tia Pol you will not be let down!!!!

Hands down the best tapas and sangria in nyc.

• Pros: Best in NYC, no DOUBT.
• Cons: NONE

02/19/09

spanish feel

by gregraiford23

Tia pol has a very authetic and quaint Spanish feel, and the food is right on. I lived in Spain for 5 months, and I was transported back to the bars of La Juderia, Cordoba.

• Pros: food,ambiance

01/30/09

Best Tapas (x2) in Chelsea!

by littlelolita

Last Friday my boyfriend and I went to dinner at Tia Pol. I had called earlier in the day and found out the restaurant was small so we were anticipating a wait. When we arrived, the hostess told us the wait would be around an hour and reccommended their sister restaurant El Quinto Pino (just around the corner) while we waited. She even called ahead and there were two seats for us when we arrived. I have honestly never had such gracious service in this city before. We had a few bites at El Quinto Pino (the garliky shrimp are seriously out of this world. And so good to sop your bread in the left over juice!) When we made our way back to Tia Pol, we only had to wait a few more minutes before we sat. We ordered a half bottle of an amazing Rioja that we otherwise wouldn't be able to afford and ordered just about every special they offered that evening. My favorite was a fried artichoke salad and my boyfriends were the fried sardines. Everything was delicious and I would recommend either place to anyone wanting a delicious meal and amazing service.

• Pros: Attentive Service, Extensive Wine List, Awesome Tapas

01/22/09

The most amazing tapas!

by rils26

I recently ducked into Tia Pol when I was trying to get out of the cold and what a wonderful suprise! The ham croquettes were perfectly crispy on the outside and actually melted in my mouth. I also had the most beautiful dish called a "xatonada." It was thin ribbons of salt cod served with a delicious pepper/almond salsa. Plus, my server was wonderful. She answered all my questions and made amazing recommendations.

If you ever feel like you are craving something and you can't quite figure out what you want, I suggest going to Tia Pol. You will leave feeling satisfied!

• Pros: Wonderful tapas
• Cons: None

01/04/09

Check your credit card statement!

by foodie15

I was excited to check out this spot after reading the reviews. The atmosphere is cozy and the hostess was gracious and friendly. I found the food average, with most dishes too salty. Most troubling, however, was what happened after we ate. I reviewed my credit card bill the following day and noticed that the dinner charge included a 20% tip -- which we had left in cash. So, the server apparently charged an extra 20% on my credit card taking away a 40% tip (for a party of 2)! I called the restaurant and they apologized and promised to rectify the problem claiming that normally, the credit card company adds this extra charge and it should "go away" in a few days. In all my years eating at restaurants, I have never been overcharged by a credit card company-- so, can't quite believe that explanation. Beware if you eat here because you may be leaving a 40% tip without knowing it!

• Pros: Atmosphere
• Cons: Overcharged my credit card, salty food

10/13/08

Tapas ok!!!

by rrebeccaa

I'm a big fan of Spanish food, having visited Spain and traveled through Madrid, Acaruna, Salamanca, Toledo, etc. This place did not remind me of Spain in the slightest. The tapas were ok, not bad, but it definitely did not have that authentic feel. The only similarity I saw was the presentation and serving sizes typical of tapas. I guess that's to be expected since they're catering to the public at large. The biggest disappointment on most of my visits had been the service. You usually have to wait forever on drinks and food which I feel are a bit overpriced.

• Pros: tapas
• Cons: small

08/27/08

best best best

by sourcherriesmk

I am so glad Tia Pol is in my neighborhood. This is the best best best place to eat. I love the selection of tapas and wines. It's hard not to have a good time and meal here with friends! If I don't go here, it's because I know it's very crowded and it will be a long wait! I usually will go early like 5:30 or 6 to get a table and avoid the crowds. EVERYTHING is yummy here. I love sitting at the bar and eating-you get quicker service too!

• Pros: great tapas, great wine, great service, cute restaurant
• Cons: too small! crowds and long wait!

06/05/08

Below average tapas in a tiny restaurant with uncomfortable seating.

by aplv

I went to Tia Pol on a weekday evening. It was packed. The waitress said we would have to wait for 40 mins for a table but we were given one in 15 mins! The ambience was good - young after work crowd. It is an extremely small place and it's hard not to stop people from bumping into you. The tables are extremely uncomfortable with very high bar stools with no backrest so I kept getting off the stool to stretch my feet or else I would get cramps! The food was below average - very salty and greasy. I lived in Spain so I know what authentic tapas taste like. These were not close. The portions are miniscule and the wines and drinks are only average. I wouldn't bother with this place. It's overrated.

• Pros: Service
• Cons: Everything else. Pl read my review.

01/14/08

great tapas

by feedbags

This is the real deal. Great food, a really fun staff and terrific selection of wines. The wait is a killer though, even for the bar. But if you can handle being jammed in at the bar sipping on some cava, the wait is well rewarded. Outstanding food, love the squid in its own ink, when they have suckling pig its wonderful. The real secret (and i can't believe I am going to let you in on this) is brunch on the weekends. Only a few regulars and neighborhood people are in on the secret- AND you can get seated right away.. PS, the patatas bravas are amazing.

• Pros: Outstanding food
• Cons: it gets a little smokey - the kitchen doesn't seem to be ventilated. (you smell like food when you leave)