Wine Bar Quest - Bar Carrera

The semi-regular juice on New York City’s growing wine bar scene

BAR CARRERA
East Village
175 2nd Ave (at 11th Street)

Bar Carerra is Spanish. This fact alone should make you want to grab your amigos and head on down to the East Village – rapidamente! I say this because although there are plenty of tapas bars in NYC there are not many authentic Basque wine bars around town.

My impression is that Bar Carerra’s owners put a lot of thought into making the experience authentic from the gracious atmosphere, tiled walls and distinctive wine list to the simple tapas preparations. The décor is austere but not as clinically so as it’s next door neighbor Bar Veloce. Oddly enough, both wine bars are run by the same proprietor. With a name like Frederick Twomey I suspect he is neither Italian or Spanish but from the looks of both places I think he has a better handle on the Spanish bar scene (I have not been to many wine bars in Italy where they serve you Montepulciano in a lab coat!)

While the bar does not go so far as transport you to the Basque resort town of San Sebastian, it is a worthy escape from the ale houses and cowboy bars that litter the surrounding East Village. The bar is minute in size, so not a good place for a big group but for a nice glass of wine and a snack before dinner or a leisurely and convivial evening of wine and tapas the place cannot be beat.

In short, if you are looking for more casual Spanish vibe and less Patatas Bravas, Bar Carrera is the place for you. Salud!