"Product Meets Pintxo Bar Hidalgo 56 is probably one of my top three pintxo bars in the entire city. With a bar stacked full of equally delicious pintxos, a menu of hot pintxos that is incredibly varied and delicious, and an attention to product that you simply don't find in other bars, Hidalgo 56 is worth a visit. Try the volcano of morcilla."

"Old Favorites at Bodega Donostiarra This bar in Gros is one, as the locals say, 'de toda la vida'. A lifelong place to stop and enjoy one of their spectacular anchovy and tuna pintxos (I recommend the one that looks like a mountain of mayonnaise) or a pintxo moruno, a hanging kebab that is a house specialty. The pintxos are classic and delicious. Always a great ambience."

"The Gavilla, a Classic San Sebastián Pintxo Bar San Marcial is easy to miss. Tucked into a small hallway on Calle San Martzial, you have to duck in and head down a couple of steps to get to the classic wooden bar. Once there, don't miss their excellent selection of fried things. The best, their house trademark, is the Gavilla. It's a chunk of tenderloin, a slice of ham, and a slice of cheese surrounded by bechamel and fried golden brown."

"The City's Best Patatas al Ajillo Bar Ciaboga is a classic spot that has been serving up perfect plates of olive oil and garlic confit potatoes for twenty years. The super kind barman will warn you that the paprika in the ceramic dispensers is spicy, but make sure to sprinkle some on your patatas. And don't neglect the infused olive oil that pools on the bottom of the plate...that's what the bread is for."

"Fresh Roasted Piquillo Peppers I've eaten possibly more pintxos than any American ever. And in all my small plates adventures, I have not found this dish anywhere except for Bidea Berri. I am a passionate omnivore, and vegetables get me more excited than anything. These Piquillo peppers are roasted in house (rather than taken out of jars), peeled, and doused in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Simple and delicious."

"Late-Night Pintxo Stop Casa Senra is a staple of the pintxo scene in the San Sebastián neighborhood of Gros. They have an ample menu, with an interesting selection of croquetas (one that is clams in salsa verde) and some great raciones (fried txopitos, or baby squid). But the useful takeaway from here is that they are the bar that is always open, a great last stop when most bars are closing their kitchens."

"A Neighborhood Spot with the Best Pintxo Pote Bar Diz is nothing more and nothing less than a great neighborhood pintxo bar. Open at just the right times, with friendly service and a range of hot pintxos as well as larger portions and sandwiches, it hits the spot. They also have one of Gros's best pintxo potes, which take place on Thursday nights from 7-10. A drink and a pintxo is two euros. It's a madhouse."

"Off the Beaten Path Haute Pintxos Andra Mari is hot right now. For twenty years, it's been a staple of the Gros pintxo scene. However, recent changes in the kitchen mean they are bringing their A game to the pintxos. Try their elaborate, beautifully presented salmorejo, or their classic take on bravas."