After recently exploring the south of Spain, and trying a few more “Tapas” joints in the city, I still think Tia Pol is the closest we have to an authentic Tapas bar in NYC. The food at places like Salinas and Txikito might be more refined, but their environment, accessibility and prices makes them far removed from Spain, no matter how authentic their menu looks. The worst experience you can have in Andalucia or elsewhere in Spain is at a place that looks and feels like NYC. Ok, maybe not the worst but you get my point.
Tia Pol has that old fashioned rustic feel, easy to reserve or pop in at just about any time. A menu full of Tapas classics with correct prices, and a fantastic drink menu to boot. In fact I much preferred my Vermouth from Jerez I had last night at Tia Pol than the Vermouth I had at the more polished Txikito. Tia Pol has that look and feel.
Eating With Ziggy 