Socarrat Paella Bar - Nolita

We went for happy hour which had $6 drinks (sangria, wine or beer) and half priced tapas plates. We ordered three tapas plates (crispy potatoes, bacon wrapped dates and tuna). The tapas was excellent and plates ranged between $6-$15. The bar service was also great and the barman was extremely friendly. Would definitely recommend this place! Eat here instead of going to overpriced and average food in Little Italy.

What a hidden treasure!. Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for a light brunch and it was an amazing experience! The menu is simple, clean and flavorful. Most places over produce their tapas: making them too froo froo and with a Caribbean flair, not what you will find in Spain. Soccarat has it right, good, simple and authentic tapas. We started with the fried artichokes and they were incredible, served with a simple slice of lemon. The batter was light, flavorful and slightly salty. Coat them with the lemon and they are perfectly balanced. After debating on which of the 6 or 7 paella choices we had to choose from, we decided on the meat and seafood paella for one. The waiter suggested the lobster paella which was not on the menu, but we stayed traditional! The paella had pork, cuddle fish, shrimp, clams and mussels. The dish came and it was perfectly cooked; crispy rice around the perimeter and the bottom. The great thing was with All the seafood there was no seafood or fishy smell, a great sign! This paella was delicious and washing it down with a glass of red sangria what more could you want? Soccarat is great place for a romantic evening or you cold eat at the communal table running through the middle of the restaurant if you dont mind the company. Stop in, try the paella and when you are done, go next door and try the churros for one; six churros and chocolate for $6.00! You will not be disappointed..

After our experience with the amazing squid ink paella at Salinas, we suggested getting the black ink paella and were extremely glad we did. While not quite as good, the crispy bottom layer of rice more than made up for it. If someone could figure out how to get the flavor of Salinas with the texture of of Soccarat's, it would be the world's most perfect paella.

I’ll definitely go back – oh, and they own the recently-opened Churreria next door, which is also awesome. Actually, at the end of our meal, someone came around and gave us samples of freshly-fried churros, so we were happy and sated with the crisp fried dough. Yum!