Best Tapas in Laredo: Tabernilla

Let's start with two points to clarify - the city of Laredo, Texas and the definition of Tapas.

Laredo, located in south Texas along the United States-Mexico border, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that reflects the unique fusion of American and Mexican influences. With a population known for its warm hospitality, Laredo boasts a lively atmosphere defined by its annual Washington's Birthday Celebration, one of the largest in the country, showcasing grand parades, concerts, and cultural events. The city's historic downtown, anchored by San Agustin Plaza and adorned with beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, offers a glimpse into its storied past. Laredo's economic vitality is fueled by its bustling trade and transportation industry, with the World Trade Bridge serving as a vital gateway for commerce between the two nations. Overall, Laredo thrives as a dynamic border community, celebrating its diverse heritage and contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of Texas culture.

Tapas, originating in Spain, are a delectable culinary tradition that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. These small, savory dishes offer a delightful journey through Spanish flavors, featuring a diverse range of ingredients such as olives, cheese, chorizo, seafood, and vegetables, all expertly seasoned and prepared. What makes tapas truly special is the communal and social aspect of sharing these bite-sized delights with friends and family, often accompanied by a glass of wine or sangria. Whether enjoyed as appetizers or in a tapas feast, these flavorful morsels embody the essence of Spanish cuisine, enticing taste buds and fostering conviviality around the dining table.

Now put them together and you have spot in Laredo that makes your heart sing for Tapas over and over again - Tabernilla.

This spot was recommended to me by the hotel management when I first visited Laredo on business. And then, at a business meeting, many people recommended me to go to Tabernilla for their Paella so I had to try it! I brought three co-workers with me and as I entered the restaurant I was quickly greeted by the hostess which was friendly. I didn't wait long and that to me is important. My waiter, named 'Lulu,' never lost her smile and she provided great selections from the menu and even gave us recommendations. We ordered a Paella with chicken and chorizo and boy was I in for a surprise. The paella was hot and delicious! The rice was cooked to perfection and overall had an assortment of fantastic flavors. As per the menu, the dish serves from 2-6 people. As I stated earlier, my party was 4 people and each served ourselves 2 dishes and still had left overs (quick note: paella's do take 30 minutes of preparation since it requires special handling - all worth it though.) Lulu, also suggested for us to try one of their specialty wines and so we ordered a bottle (excellent wine choice as well). The atmosphere is chic and Spanish. Ole! The display of the wines and meats is fantastic and truly makes the experience memorable. The service was overall great and we all agreed that we will return. And that bring me to my second visit to Laredo...and I returned to Tabernilla.

During my second visit, I ordered the Patatas Bravas, Aros de Calamar, Queso de Cabra Cruijente, and Bife de lomo do porto. The Patatas Bravas were cooked to perfection, crispy outside, tender, piping hot inside, the sauce was good, but accentuated when dipped in the chili and salt mix. The Queso de Cabra was really really good, little croquettes of goat cheese, deep fried and topped with a honey/orange glaze. I could have eaten a dozen (you only get 3 per order). The Aros de Calamar were nicely fried, not too oily and crispy. The dipping sauce was subtle, but good. The steak with anchovy/port butter was OK...I ordered medium rare, was probably closer to medium. I've definitely had better steaks, but this wasn't a dedicated steak house so that's important to note. Don't get me wrong, the steak was more than acceptable. The house red sangria was tasty, not too sweet, not too bitter...just right. They also have a great collection of tequila, in fact, I enjoyed a glass of Clase Azul with dinner.

Without a doubt, Tabernilla is a spot that offers amazing tapas meal unfolded before us like a culinary symphony of flavors and textures. The table was adorned with an array of small dishes, each a masterpiece in its own right. The gambas al ajillo, plump shrimp sizzling in garlic-infused olive oil, melted in our mouths, while the patatas bravas delivered a fiery kick that was beautifully tempered by the creamy aioli. The jamón ibérico, with its silky, marbled texture and nutty undertones, was a testament to Spanish charcuterie expertise.

A creamy tortilla española, punctuated by layers of tender potatoes and eggs, offered a comforting contrast to the tangy burst of citrus in the grilled calamari. We sipped on glasses of velvety Rioja as the evening unfolded, sharing laughter, stories, and these exquisite tapas that took us on a culinary journey through the heart of Spain, leaving us with memories of a truly remarkable dining experience.

This spot is where you want to be when you're hungry in Laredo, Texas!

7124 Bob Bullock Loop Ste. 101, Laredo, TX 78041

(956) 523-0989

http://tabernillalaredo.com