Basqueria debuts new menu & lunch tapas (PHOTOS)

(Editor's note: this article includes photographs of comped dishes)

Basqueria has rolled out a new menu, and it brings Basque and Spanish flavors to the forefront. The pintxos and sangria bar now offers an expanded lineup of tapas, paella, brunch, and cocktails.

Cold and hot tapas lead the way

The menu opens with cold tapas built for sharing. Options include tinned sardines, smoked salmon, and a tortilla Española made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. Diners can also try piperade, a traditional Basque stew of tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

Hot tapas follow with fried and grilled options. The fried and crispy section features crispy calamari, fried oysters, and house croquettes. Meanwhile, the grill section offers steak, lamb, chicken, and shrimp pintxos, each served with whipped chimichurri.

Additionally, the kitchen serves several tapas dishes, including lamb chops, Spanish meatballs, sautéed octopus, and garlic mushrooms.

Paella takes center stage

Basqueria calls its paella "the heart of Basqueria," and the dish anchors the new menu. Each paella cooks to order and serves family style in 20 to 30 minutes.

Three signature paellas headline the section. Paella Verdura features saffron Arbollo rice with sofrito, peas, and seasonal vegetables. Paella Basqueria adds savory chicken and chorizo, while Paella del Mar loads the dish with shrimp, cod, calamari, and mussels.

For diners who want more control, Basqueria also offers a build-your-own paella. Guests choose four ingredients from a list that includes tofu, chicken, chorizo, serrano jamón, mussels, shrimp, cod, and calamari.

Lunch focuses on single-order tapas

Basqueria also rethought its lunch service. During lunch, the restaurant sells tapas by the piece instead of by the full order.

"We are focusing on single-order tapas during lunch to make it easier for smaller groups to enjoy a variety of options," said Freddy ElMesselmani, partner at Basqueria.

That approach lets diners sample several dishes without committing to a full portion of each. Guests can also order from a variety of bocadillos, or sandwiches served on baguettes. The restaurant also offers tapas trios.

Weekend brunch and vermouth hour

On weekends, Basqueria serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, and flamenco eggs served over simmered tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers.

Before the midday meal, guests can also join La Hora del Vermut, a vermouth hour inspired by Spanish tradition. The bar pours $4 vermouth and $8 Galicia spritz, and it offers a $12 Marianito with any brunch purchase.

Cocktails, wine, and dessert round out the menu

Basqueria's bar program spans sparkling cocktails, house cocktails, and classic Spanish drinks. The Barcelona Spritz combines cava with Aperol, while the Carajillo layers Licor 43 with espresso.

The wine list highlights Spanish whites and reds, including Ameztoi Txakoli and Ramon Bilbao Rioja Reserva. Basqueria also pours its own house-made sangria in red, white, and seasonal varieties.

Finally, the dessert menu closes the meal with Basque cheesecake, Spanish churros, and flambéed crepe suzette finished with vanilla ice cream.

Basqueria offers happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 p.m. until close, with discounts on sangria, wine, cold tapas, and Spanish favorites.