Candela Tapas & Lounge

Well it was strange. We arrived a bit before closing and staff was very accommodating about getting our order in. Then the problems began. We sat at the bar. The bartender didn’t acknowledge us for at least 5 to 7 minutes. She was busy having a personal conversation with the only other people at the bar. Zero acknowledgment just shooting the breeze. We also noticed that the music became incredibly loud for a period. She was controlling the sound and turned it uncomfortably loud. She finally tore herself away from her conversation to ask us if we wanted drinks. We ordered and she served us. In a incredibly ironic event she continued her conversation with the other couple and offered her complaints on how she needed tips to make a livable wage. How about treating your customers on how you want to be treated. I worked as a waiter in college as a undergrad and grad student. I never outright ignored my customers. We did enjoy our food and the service other than the bartender was good. I would like to think that her horrific behavior isn’t indicative of how this place operates but if she is the bar staff that’s pathetic.

A great spot to catch a small bite! We actually stopped In shortly after 3p to grab something small to hold us till dinner. Delicious tapas plates best shared with friends. We had the empanada (pictured) which was great. The flavors of the empanada and of the sauce made you want more. We also tried the Chori sliders, 2 bundles of goodness. Again, really good flavors working in this dish. Finally we had the mahi-mahi fish tacos, De Pescado. The fish was fresh and cooked well. Slight crunch on the outside but cooked all the way through. After the first dish, I failed at taking photos as my party tore into the succeeding plates after the empanadas. What was clear is that the dishes were so scrumptious, we wanted more.

Great tapas restaurant. We were in Hanover, NH for one night and made reservation at Candela’s based on positive online reviews we read. We had a great experience with excellent and delicious food and really good wine. Jimmy host/owner and Zoe our waitress treated us like family. The ropa vieja, fish tacos, shrimp in garlic sauce and rest of the small dishes we sampled were excellent. Zoe was very knowledgeable and helpful on wine selections and pairing with our dishes. Can’t wait to go there again in the near future!

I don't normally write any reviews, but our dining experience here tonight was outstanding! Every single dish we ordered was top notch and the service was amazing. We were excited to order the chicken empanadas as we had looked over the menu earlier that day, however they were all out so our server suggested the brussel sprouts. Thank goodness for that because they were the best roasted brussel sprouts we've ever had! Would 100% recommend this tapas lounge to anyone visiting the area, it is the best food you'll find in Hanover/Lebanon!