Enjoy the flavors of Spain with these three authentic tapas bars just outside of Manhattan.
Cadaques | Williamsburg | Take the L Train to Bedford Avenue
Cadaques, opened in August 2010, is an elegant yet welcoming tapas bar on an unassuming street in Williamsburg. The lights are dimmed and a set of ham hangs by the bar. Cadaques is great for a date, or sophisticated after-work drinks. The tapas are superb and surprisingly filling. Order the Pulpo en su tinta, grilled baby octopus served in its own ink with cherry tomatoes and fig balsamic. For a cold tapa rich in flavor, try the Terrine De Remoulachas, a flavorsome dish of roast beets, goat cheese and sherry truffle redaction. For something simple, the Pan con Tomate is a healthy slice of bread with crushed tomatoes (think of bruschetta) layered with Serrano ham. Happy Hour is from 5pm to 8p.m., and 11p.m. to 1a.m., with two for one wine by the glass and draught beers.
Boqueria Soho. It is a lively, Barcelona-inspired tapas bar serving Spanish classics, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails in a vibrant and contemporary space1. Some of the dishes you can enjoy there are seafood paella, croquetas de jamón, gambas al ajillo, and churros con chocolate1. The staff is accommodating and the atmosphere is wonderful. You can make a reservation online or call them at (212) 343-4255.
Lola’s | 153 14th St., Hoboken | lolas-tapas-wine-bar-hoboken.com | Take the Path Train or NY Waterway Ferry to Hoboken
Don’t be hoodwinked by folks who say traveling from Manhattan to Hoboken is a long, worthless trek. It’s just not true. Lola’s is all about the authentic Spanish dining experience, with its Spanish courtyard, stone floors, tableside fountain, ceramic tiles and extensive list of both traditional and modernized tapas. If you’re feeling brave enough, take a chance with Lola’s specialty, “Buey el Volcan” filet mignon served in a volcano. Volcano? You’ll just have to see for yourself. From hot and cold to meat and seafood and favorites like croquetas, tortilla a la Espanola and patatas bravas, there is something here for everyone, couples and families alike.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram