Spanish Tavern in Newark - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Over priced for the dry steak I had. Asked for it to be cooked medium and came back well done. When I told the waiter he just aplogized. Their red velvet cheesecake was on point! That's about the only that I enjoyed.

Service was exceptional. All the staff was knowledgeable on

So the food was delicious! I got the Branzino and it was cooked to perfection. Service was very polite but not quick at all. We got there at 530pm for a 7pm showtime at Prudential Center. We had our drinks and apps by 5:45 but our entrees didn't come out until 6:30, and we ordered everything together knowing we had a tight deadline. I had the branzino and my companion had the porkchops. He said they were ok. Neither dish should have taken 45 minutes. They opened at 5pm I believe and there were 3 other tables in the dining room occupied besides ours, so they were not busy. They give free minestrone soup - did I want that in 90 degree weather in the summer? No. Perhaps switch up what you provide based on season/ temperature. Would I go back? Yes. Would I go back if I were on a time schedule? No.

I have been to the Spanish tavern many times but will not go again. The paella for 2 had 2 clams & 2 mussels. A big disappointment with lots of rice and little seafood. It was nothing like the picture on their website There are better places in the Ironbound area to eat.

A luxury in Irobound , a perennial classic, a top expresión of a Spaniard Restaurant.

Great service, nice and quiet, great free parking just opposite.

We had a surprise birthday party for my father with a predetermined menu selection. The private room was cozy, yet the sewer-like stench from the adjacent restrooms dampened the atmosphere. While the service was great, the food was not. The shrimp tasted frozen, not fresh, the rice was undercooked and hard, the chicken in garlic sauce had the fishy shrimp taste that my nephew equated to the "swampy" smell from the restrooms and the drinks were nearly $20 each! I wouldn't recommend this establishment at all. If I could give ½ stars, I would.

Great food. Drinks are pricey but food proces are reasonable.

Great food and service , very professional

This place changed my mind about Spanish/Portuguese food it was excellent. I can’t say enough about the food, the service, and dishes were great proportioned! Definitely will go back!

I drive all the way from Scranton PA to get their food for events

My Company had My Retirement Dinner, and I can't Say Enough about the Service and Food. I would Highly Recommend giving the Spanish Tavern a Shot !!!!

Wonderful dinner experience. From soup appetizers to main course and finally dessert. And of course the Sangria. Everyone enjoyed there meals. Apps were an order of peppers and octopus. Chicken and rice shrimp and salmon, rainbow trout and pork chops each cooked to perfection

Was here yesterday or day before …Definitely came under dressed - was very casual for this “forced fine dining place”. The bartender failed with making an old fashioned. I ordered a bulleit bourbon old fashioned and nearly had a heart attack when he muddled maraschino cherries and literal pieces of orange, added sweet vermouth, shook it with the bourbon and dumped the ice and mix together and served it to me with an orange garnish. I almost died. When I asked him about the mix, he sounded aggressive to the point that the business men sitting next to me even glared at him. He had the nerve to try to charge me for it. Nope, remove that. I settled for a jack daniel and ginger ale mix - he also failed that but I was tired of complaining. Coincidently, two other black guys walked in and he visibly was uncomfortable. Rushed their service. It was uncomfortable to watch. I was definitely judged on my appearance. Everyone here was Caucasian and on the brink of retiring. Here I go, tattoos all out and just out of place. Bartender treated me as such. But my bank account would match anyone’s there…look at my yelps reviews :) I ordered the camarones ajillo - disgusting. It didn’t even look like a typical dish. The rice is very Tex-mex. Super bland. Will never return here. The racist vibes and drinks to match should be a deterrent. Also, fire that bartender. Thank you

Very, very nice Spanish dishes, lovely seafood options, and a great staff that accommodated our large group very well.

Had a great time. Good food and professionnel service. Felt like I was in Spain.

A good choice in the Ironbound. Everything you would expect as far as food and drink, and free parking. Very enjoyable.

First off, the staff is amazing!!! Every time I go..amazing! I've been going here for years but this is the first time I dined in because I was with a friend. I love the food especially the patatas, my go to. Drinks amazing, and I love that there are options for the plant based community. Dining in is way better than taking out, which is what I'm used to doing. I highly recommend if you're in this area.

Don't get the seafood paella. The rice lacked seasoning, the lobster had not been cleaned and was tough and chewy. The mussels and clams were small. The service was lacking even though we were the only table seated. I miss Iberia and Spain. Needless to say, we all agreed, this is not a place we would return to.

I don’t know why this place isn’t 5-star rated! Food was amazing, service fantastic and I love a good ol’ white table cloth dining experience which is rare these days. The branzino was perfection: fresh, crispy skin (you can’t see in the picture), meat melted in my mouth.

Outstanding service. Great food. The paella is amazing. They have their own parking lot. A not to miss place.

Seating is tight but food is right!

The food, while a bit salty, was tolerable, and the soup was tepid.

My girlfriend and I had a romantic dinner on a nice Thursday evening. The octopus appetizer was great, but the seafood paella was even better. It was prepared to perfection. The service was top rate and it was also a good value

Been going here for years and years , but hadn't been here in some time. The food was as good and the service was second to none, just as Id remembered. 5 star all the way.

Something changed as I did not feel the same viibe, and I was correct. Not busy for a Saturday night, portions are smaller, what happen to the rice? Lagastenoes 4 large in the older days 6? people hanging out (a little weird) And potato chips wet and little taste. High prices? Sorry to have to share this Spanish Tavern was a real go too for great food service atmosphare.

I feel like I’m in Spain on how disrespectful they treat you here.

Terrific treatment and good Spanish food

One of the best dining experiences in Ironbound, and that's saying a lot. The service here exemplifies what a dining experience should be.

Best and most generous paella ever

Beware of extra charges on bill!!! Including a $2 ice charge!!!!!

Cozy restaurant, with ample parking, the team ready to serve and continues to provide attention and kindness throughout, delicious dishes, I received a suggestion from Waiter Pedro, who I thank again. I recommend it for any type of event. Thanks

Great food. Friendly professional service. Nice atmosphere. Convenient free parking lot across the street.

A special place to celebrate special occasions

A returned visit to Newark's Iron Bound section was amazing, and the Spanish Tavern did not disappoint. Paella and all the seafood entrees we had were delicious. Complimentary soup course was a plus.. large portions.. come hungry. Tad bit on the expensive side, but you will take a lot home..

Haven't been to the Newark 'Iron bound' section of town in years, it was worth the time to see how if any it has changed. The food here was 'top notch' complimentary soup dish comes with the meal. I just had to try the Paella Valenciana, tremendous seafood collection with added chicken and sausage. No way one person could finish this. All things considered, same great food, great service and with everything else a slight increase in price, but great place for a night out!

The best place to taste authentic Spanish food

I'm starting this off with what I didn't like. They put a $6 fee on our bill for credit card. I get it. They get this ridiculous fee from them, they pass it on to you. The establishment has to wait to get their money. But to charge for debit card is wrong. They had the money in their account before I got home. On top of that they put the fee and tax in suggested tip amount. Now onto Spanish Tavern. The place is beautiful. Old school charm. The staff is terrific, also with a bit of old school charm. Our waiter Jose was great. They start you off with soup served up at the table. We started with garlic shrimp and paprika. Just fabulous. (Bread was stale and other tables had same issue) I got a seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and lobster in a fantastic tasty rice. Lydia got the lobster dinner and was not disappointed, though she would have like a bigger lobster as they only have 1.25 lb size. We finished with flan which was very good. I also need to mention the pitcher of white sangria which was delicious, well made and among the tastiest we can remember.

My wife and I had a 7:30 reservation in a small dining room which was trying to pack 10 pounds of potatoes in a 3 pound bag place in a corner with no way out. The waiter at first was attentive for the order asked about 5 times if everything is ok then never to be seen again. The food was about a 6 out of 10. Waited about 15 minutes for the waiter to order coffee and that was taken by someone else got the coffee and no dessert ever came. Spanish Tavern disappointed us never to return……

The restaurant has a superior ambiance, making it perfect for any social or family gathering. The quality of the food is excellent – authentic Spanish flavors that really impress. The service is top-notch, adding to the overall fantastic dining experience. It's a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy a nice meal in a comfortable and inviting setting.

Newark is really cool, never been here, coming to see a hockey game and came for lunch and whatba great surprise, white table cloth and servers all over, great service, the bread was great, complimentary soup, very tasty, we had the roast pork quesdilla very nice and flavorful and I had bone in chicken in a sherry sauce, super good, desserts were tasty as well! Super old school classy feel, will fo again.

Great food, wonderful service. Loved it.

Horrific experience. Food was ICE COLD amd low quality swill. Service is absolutely terrible. Shame on you for resting on your laurels

The Spanish Tavern is a very beautiful restaurant, it was truly an amazing experience! There is parking available. The table was formerly set, was provided with complimentary soup of the day which was delicious! The wait staff was phenomenal, he was very friendly and knowledgeable and very entertaining… The atmosphere was intimate and romantic the food was really good! I have already started throwing hints to my friends and significant other for a return! It’s truly a Gem….

Went there for a repast. Great atmosphere for family to enjoy themselves.

Enjoyed our mean at the Spanish Tavern before a concert at the Prudential Center. Had a few appetizers to share and a pitcher of sangria which were all great. Service was good. Will definitely return!

This restaurant is amazing. I was searching for a place to hold a surprise birthday dinner for my boyfriend. I looked at a few places but decided to try out this restaurant because of the reviews, and when I say they did not disappoint; they absolutely did not disappoint. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, everything was just amazing. When I initially reserved it, it was supposed to be for 10 people, and I was told I couldn't get a private room because the group was too small. To my surprise, they gave us a private room anyway. The room was so beautiful. I've been to many restaurants, and I don't think I've ever gotten this great service. The food was soooo delicious. Their appetizers oh my goodness they have this mushroom in garlic sauce that I don't know who's foot they put in it, but I could have eaten that one dish the whole night and I would have been satisfied. The vegetables I believe they were steamed, but they must have been steamed in love because they were amazing also. Everyone in my group, including the birthday boy, loved the restaurant, food, and service. I can't wait to go back again. When I got to work the next day, I told everyone they needed to go here. Oh, and not to mention it was not expensive at all. I absolutely love this restaurant.

Delicious food, good service, in what looks like a housing area. Seafood paella is chock full of shrimps, clams, scallops, mussels, and half a lobster. Very good. We have a nice dessert, not unlike a crème caramel, which is quite nice. Well priced, recommended if you're in the Newark area.

Stopped going to the Mountainside, NJ Spanish Tavern when they changed hands and ceased doing things the 'traditional way.' Finally came to the Newark location and was pleasantly surprised. Perfect place to go and get a relaxed meal with your family. Respectful waitstaff, delicious food and everything as it should be. Classy. What a gem! Thank you Spanish Tavern for keeping up the long-standing tradition. Here's to MANY more years!!!

Omgggg if you are looking for delicious seafood and paella. This is the place. When you walk in, it’s like you went back in time, almost like you’re on a movie set. The staff is polite and willing to serve. I highly recommend the garlic giant prawns, the paella and the sangria. It’s in Newark but luckily they have a parking lot. Great food!!

Ate here when we were visiting a friend in Newark and the foods in this restaurant is amazing. Love it!

Excelente! The Spanish Tavern offers a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, with a friendly and efficient staff. Conveniently, there's a parking lot located across from the restaurant. It's an excellent dining option, especially if you're looking for a great place to eat before attending a show at the Prudential Center, as it's within walking distance. Millie

It's been a while, but they still deliver quality food and experience. A definite must visit place to get authentic Spanish cuisine. We even met Yogi Berra there a long time ago... that's an endorsement worth paying attention to. I'm so happy to see business is going strong! Of course, the red SANGRIA is a must. All customers are given the Soup dujour and fresh, warm Portuguese rolls...necessary for dipping into the classic garlic shrimp appetizer and chorizo, which both were awesome. Entree- sherry, garlic, tomato chix on bone with rice was delicious, and filet mignon, tender and wonderful as usual! We didn't have dessert, but they do have a wonderful selection of treats, so don't forget to leave room. Down stairs, they were hosting a private party, and across the street, parking was ample. In case you need a place to host your event. I highly recommend visiting this iconic neighborhood restaurant if you're ever in Newark Jersey!!🙂👌

Food and service are both excellent. My favorite restaurant in NJ.

As good as Forno's at 70% the price.

Free parking. Quick service. Great seafood paella. Reasonable prices. Recommend.

I have never been here but we were going to a show at the PAC and have heard good things. We were not disappointed the food was awesome and the staff so attentive

Tried and true. Delicious food, wonderful service.

waiter Phil was very attentive the food was 👍🏼 great

Great experience and food was wonderful.

excellent food, place and service. we had the Paella for two and it was great, cooked just right and lobster was very tasty.

beginning of week visit, no crowds, quiet atmosphere, attentive service and first rate seafood

Great food and service plus parking. But it has become quite expensive.

Great food, great service, very nice atmosphere

Great food everything was delicious. Atmosphere was very nice beautifully maintained but when I there were not alot of people so it was not the most welcoming environment at the time.

Hands down the best seafood in Newark.

Found the Spanish tavern tonight and called for information. They shared that they have a van that will pick us up at the hotel which was very convenient for our group. The place was clean, staff friendly, and the service was great. It was the best meal I had in Newark! I had the crab stuffed shrimp, which came with asparagus, cooked perfectly, covered with sautéed spinach, in olive oil and garlic. It was delicious. Van driver was friendly, van was clean, nice music and AC worked great! I recommend Spanish Tavern.

The customer service was superb and included with ambiance, I felt like a millionaire dining at a billionaire resort. Very respectful, gracious and attentive.

Love this place! Delicious food with excellent service.

Sangria was delicious 😋 Food portions were very generous and yummy. Wonderful atmosphere and also family-friendly for older children. Staff was very welcoming & attentive.

Came upon this place by accident because my Granddaughter and I were going into Hoboken for the day just to celebrate her 21st birthday but we missed our connecting train at Newark Broad St because out first train was 20 minutes late. I live in Morris County NJ and my granddaughter drove out on a four-hour drive from south central PA so we could spend the weekend celebrating her birthday together. We decided not to sit and wait for the next train at the train station because it would be another hour. So, there was a few locals sitting at the bus station and someone suggested this place! I am so glad we went. We were definitely not dressed for this place, so we sat at the bar, and they did not treat us any differently because of the way we were dressed. Next time when I go back (and I will be back) I will dress appropriately! The service was amazing, and Christopher made us feel very welcome! The food was PERFECT!! I will be back with my friends because my granddaughter and I loved this place so much!!

I used to Love eating in this place for decades. I went to eat in August 2023 and was so disappointed. The sangria was full of sugar and no alcohol. The seafood paella was loaded with salt that we couldn't eat it. And the appetizers looked and tasted like Chili's restaurant. The quality has dropped fro 100% to 30%. So expensive for such low grade food. I apologize but it's the truth. Hope they find better food quality in their appetizers and sangria. Fornos is way better choice at this moment. Don't waste your money here. Maybe I should call the manager and speak to him about the quality there.

My uncle first took us here when I was young. Now that I'm also 60, I have eaten here 3-4 times yearly for Decades. I always loved the food, service, and atmosphere. However, I took an out-of-town relative and can't believe the change. The rice was hard, the garlic shrimp was bland compared to years ago, and the sangria was way overpriced ($25 for half a pitcher, which is not even made in front of you). Lastly, I decided to go off hours at 4 p.m. to avoid being rushed. The place was empty, with only one other table with people. The waiters were hanging out and rushing us, and it felt like I was being accosted for my plate. Sad, but It will be long before I give them a second chance.

Excellent from beginning to end. It was my first time dining there BUT not my last.

Excellent place. Great ambiance and outstanding service. The food was great too. We had the salmon with crab meat and the trout; both really good.

We have been coming here for years. The food does not disappoint. They make the best grilled prawns - langostinos around. The dish comes with the potato slices. The steak was cooked as requested and had good flavor. There is always complimentary collard green soup when you have dinner. We drank the mango sangria. For dessert we had the bread pudding and crema catalana. The crema looks like crem brûlée but it’s a little more lemon flavored. The waiters were very attentive and moved our items out of the way quickly to make room for the next course. The place is an inviting intimate setting.

This was our first visit to The Spanish Tavern, but won't be our last. We are staying at a hotel in the area before a cruise out of Port Liberty. First off they offered a free shuttle to the restaurant. This was a big plus as it is a busy area we are unfamiliar with. The ambiance was lovely, old world European. The service was fantastic. Our main waiter was Lorenzo. He was very personable and professional, and made sure we were happy at many stages of the meal. The other wait staff was also very attentive in the areas of service they handled. We had a mushroom appetizer, and paella for two. The paella was very generous and had lobster, mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops. To top off the meal, a chocolate ice cream bomb type dessert was decadent. All of the food was delicious! Very nice wine too. We would highly recommend The Spanish Tavern, as it is a wonderful experience when the food and service is top notch!

We flew in from Atlanta just to eat here. My wife has precious childhood memories of ST. Now, I see why. I'm vegan so I had the vegetable paella. It did not disappoint. Super delicious. It was the best rice-based dish I ever had. It. It was seasoned to perfection. Gracious and courteous staff. We will be back!

Absolutely the best place to go for authentic Spanish cuisine!

I had heard a lot of hype about this place it was waaay over priced and not worth it.

We reside in NC. Every time we visit NJ, we make sure to have a great meal at this place. This is an excellent restaurant, specially if you want to eat authentic Spanish / Portuguese food. The bartender, Juanito, is a gem and an asset to the restaurant. In your visit, make sure to have 1st “una copa” (a drink at the bar), before to get into the dinning room. All of you at the restaurant: keep up the great work you are doing.

This busy restaurant offers an extensive menu. The stand out dishes were the stuffed scallops, grilled octopus, croquettes and dessert options. The cocktails options were also great...the gin tonic was nice and botanical. Main dishes come with sides for the table including homemade chips. The staff is warm and attentive.

Service was excellent and the food was delicious.

This is an excellent restaurant. I have never been disappointed here. The service is very attentive. The parking lot is across the street.

The waiter ( older man ) with white hair was so rude that our evening was ruined. We asked for an order of fries and he went off about how the entrees were accompanied with rice and spanish chips. We explained that it was ok we would pay for the fries, but he still kept arguing. We asked for an adult entree of chicken breast to be divided between two kids and he said, "no, that he would just bring it out and we had to cut it. " Terrible service to have to be forced to leave a 132 tip. We ordered creme Brule and it was cold. I was so over the place, that I didn't even bother to complain about that. Definitely not going back again. The place was empty on father's day. That should have been a red flag!

Returned to Spanish Tavern when in town, as the last experience was quite good. This time, however, there was the worst service ever! It was if the table didn’t exist and the waiter constantly passed the table without looking at us. It was necessary to flag another waiter down to ask about dessert. The food was very good again the salmon with crab was cooked perfectly and the paella was wonderful. Having said that, I would be hard pressed to return again given the service.

I've have been eating at the Spanish Tavern for at least 25 years. The service and food are always outstanding. Try the red sangria. Do not, not get the langostino's, they are one of the best things on the menu.

Great place, amazing service and food!

I have been to many of the Portuguese restaurants in the Iron Bound section over the years. This one was my first time. We started with a recommendation from the waiter of the sausage and shrimp dish. It was very small for sharing. I requested a sharable item. I felt it was too small. Followed by the soup of the day. And for dinner, the Monk fish special. was very good but a lot of butter. Staff could have been a little more attentive. and the old style feel was fine.

Always excellent food and service. Our go to when we are in the ironbound section of Newark

Good taste to food, appetizers etc. But I was surprised how small the portions where for the price .

The service was great. The food was mediocre.

Came across this gem due to a recommendation from the doubletree where we stayed just 2 nights My mom had salmon topped wt crabmeat I had Longastine which was just amazing It’s on the higher side of the price point but worth it . Service was rushed clipped and more care and/or hospitality could have been offered we felt it was a case of get in give your money and get out FAST! But the bar man saved the day he offered friendly chat whilst busy he was charming and knew what the guest needed. We enjoyed a pre and post beverage and it was his friendliness that kept us there. Kudos on the bar man and the chef as for the rest keep trying

Celebrated my son’s 18th birthday and everything was really good. Our waiter was very pleasant and attentive. He accommodated all of our special requests. We will definitely be back. Thank you!

Tres bonne nourriture et serveurs tres gentils.

Terrible service, terrible manners from owner.

The waitstaff was incredibly attentive without being intrusive, the restaurant was elegant yet comfortable, and the food was absolutely delicious. Predominantly serving dishes with coastal influences, this Spanish roots restaurant is a must. It's a bit upscale and a bit on the higher range of cost but 1000% worth the $. If ever in the area I intend to return for a visit.

The classiest spot you can go. Nothing but top notch service and food. Win some major style points here in a first date.

Although I have been going there since the mid 80's, I haven't been in almost 10 years. I think they are better than I remember. We started with the chorizo Espanoles which was great. My wife had the shrimp in olive oil & garlic entree which came with a plate of spanish rice and their potato chips. I had the paella Valenciana which was to die for. The shell fish were not over cooked and delicious. We shared a slice of carrot cake to end the dinner. My only negative comment is the seating. It is cramped, you are on top of each other and can easily converse with the neighboring table. But I highly recommend if you're not out for an intimate dinner.

Decent place. The Croquettes and Guava ice cream were the best!!