Bar Siesta

"A Spanish tapas bar in Los Angeles' Silverlake neighborhood that features a diverse sherry program, offering varieties like fino, manzanilla, amontillado, and oloroso." - Heather Platt

"Never have the people of Silver Lake had a better excuse to get into sherry. As niche as that sounds, Bar Siesta is just a simple place to eat, drink, and be merry in public. This tiny tapas bar—a collaboration between Botanica and a trendy tinned fish company—is regularly packed like a tin of sardines (pun intended). Still, reservations are plentiful, and walk-ins are welcome. The croquettes are crispy, the grilled prawns come in a pool of smoky oil, and there are more things to drink than we know what to do with, from beer to Basque ciders and lots of sherry and vermouth. Whatever last-minute plans you host here will feel like you smartly picked the buzziest spot on the block. photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp Whether you’re here to snack or have a full meal, Bar Siesta’s sizable tapas menu is a component of a night here rather than the main event. Everything is all-around solid, with a few larger dishes like the potato-heavy tortilla española and lamb skewer drizzled in sharp mojo verde that could use a pinch or two of salt. That said, the simpler the tapa is here, the better. Mushrooms are punched up with garlic and sherry, the pan cone tomato comes on extra-charred bread with a kiss of smoke, and the poppable gildas will make you crave a sip of cold beer when the fishy boquerones hit your tongue. Bar Siesta tends to swaddle you with its warm lighting and generous pours, so feel free to prolong the visit with seconds or thirds because plays arrive quickly. Food Rundown photo credit: Jessie Clapp Conservas In case you didn’t notice the shelves lined with tinned fish, there’s a lot of it at Bar Siesta, with a selection of eight or so cans from co-owner brand Siesta Co. Our favorite tends to be the more unique-sounding options like tuna belly with yuzu koshu or Cantabrian anchovies in smoked oil. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Gildas Gildas are the original pintxo and the delicious version here shows why this one-bite wonder has staying power. The anchovies smack you with fishy funk, the pickled peppers add vinegary heat, and the salty olive balances everything out. We’ll take four with a glass of vermouth, please. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Croquetas de Jamón y Manchego The diced jamón and manchego get lost in these croquette’s creamy filling, and that’s fine. They make every bite just salty enough, and also rich enough to warrant just one order if you’re ordering a bunch of other stuff. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Tortilla Española Potato-egg ratios tend to vary in tortilla españolas, and this one is definitely team potato. Structurally, it’s sturdy, filling, and cuts nicely like a frittata, but it’s slightly on the dry side and could use a pinch more seasoning. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Morcilla If you want something warm and hearty after a few cold, fishy bites, this blood sausage is a great choice. It’s so soft and custardy that it nearly collapses when you slice into it, and its bed of warm lentils brightens everything up with zippy cider-infused broth. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Chicories Nearly every vegetable on Bar Siesta’s menu is cooked and drizzled in oil, so get this simple salad to add something fresh to the table. It's just a pile of chicories in a sweetish vinaigrette, but it works. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Gambas These prawns could use more salt, but otherwise, they’re snappy, plump, and perfectly grilled. The best part is the pool of smoky oil they come in, which should be mopped up with grilled bread (ask your server for some). photo credit: Jessie Clapp Olive Oil Ice Cream This minimalist sundae might be the best thing on the menu. The rich olive oil-flavored ice cream melts the second your spoon digs in, and the two toppings provide a fun contrast: a slick of grassy, peppery olive oil that’s noticeable but not overwhelming, and a float of sherry that adds a sweet and boozy finish." - Sylvio Martins

"A coastal Spanish tapas restaurant featuring a colorful design with pink marble countertops and checkered yellow banquette upholstery. It offers a full array of tinned fish and a variety of tapas, with a menu inspired by Spanish culture and cuisine." - Matthew Kang