We had 2 lots of friends visit us on Saturday and as none of us were particularly rolling in spare cash, rather than all going out for dinner, we decided to just have some tapas instead. Tapas are a great way of sampling different dishes and you can come away just as full as if you’d eaten a full meal but at half the cost…
There were 12 of us in total, 6 adults and 6 kids but 4 of the kids were teenagers so ate as much as the adults…. We arrived in Sabinillas at around 8.45pm. The paseo was heaving but it was great to see so many people about…. We decided to go to La Bodega de Joaquin which is just the other side of the road from the paseo. It was near enough for the kids to go to the beach or playground but far enough away from the crowds. OK, perhaps the view is not the same as on the paseo but for quality and value, you can’t beat it.
Joaquin has had a bar in Sabinillas for years and is obviously successful as he’s still there!!! In fact, the first time I went to Joaquin’s bar, my daughter was 3 – she’s now 18!!
A table for 12 was no problem, he quickly reorganised tables to seat us all together. Drinks were served quickly with complementary olives, We ordered 2 x chicken burger and chips for the younger children – amazing value at just €4.00 – and for a children’s meal the portion was very generous… and a selection of tapas for 10 people as well as a portion of Calamares and a mixed salad. The tapas are all priced at €1, with the montaditos (small filled rolls which Joaquin serves with freshly made potato crisps) are priced at €1.50.
The cold tapas arrived almost immediately and we all tucked in. There seemed to be a continuous flow of delicious dishes arriving at our table over the next half an hour as well as several portions of bread and bread sticks (not charged for separately as is the case in some places..). The service was very attentive, extra drinks were served quickly when we requested but were not forced upon us.
We all ate very well and were pleasantly full at the end – needless to say the kids still wanted an ice cream… The best bit – the price. In total for 12 people … €76. That worked out at just over €25 a family. I can’t take my lot to Mcdonalds for that!!
You can find La Bodega de Joaquin in Calle Fernando at the bottom of Edificio Acapulco. Its almost opposite the playground at the La Noria end of the paseo.