Location

Picture yourself standing with Café Creu behind you, facing Ale Hop – a simple pivot of your gaze will reveal Avenida Ruzafa unravelling before you.  As you make your way up the hill, you will be met with a plethora of sights and sounds. The streets are lined with quaint shops and eateries, each offering something unique and special. You can find everything from traditional Spanish tapas to modern fusion cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, as locals and tourists alike mingle in the streets. A 100 meters up the hill (at most), a charming square on your right shall appear, adorned with a cluster of affordably priced tapas bars that thrive with local patrons here you can find Taperia La Mina (Av. de Ruzafa, 2) along with La Croqueta and Zodiac House.

Value For Money

I have to admit, I’ve grown quite disenchanted with Tapas Alley. Many of the familiar faces among the staff have moved on, and sadly, it has turned into a tourist trap that charges exorbitant prices. Let me give you an example: during our initial visit, we brought along my niece, and it ended up costing us a staggering 40 euros for a measly amount of food and just four drinks. In contrast, at Taparia la Mina. The most we’ve ever spent there in one day was a mere 11 euros! And on top of that, the owner of La Mina is incredibly friendly and always extends an invitation to connect with me through social media whenever I visit, even though I haven’t taken him up on it yet.

Review

La Mina has recently relocated, and I believe it is now back in its original location on the right-hand corner of the square on Rufaza. The premises have undergone a complete renovation, resulting in a fresh and modern look. As you would anticipate, it is impeccably clean, contemporary, and thoughtfully designed, all on a single level without any steps. Therefore, individuals with disabilities should encounter no difficulties accessing the establishment, and there are also dedicated toilets available for their convenience.

The venue is divided into two rooms, with the first room being easily overlooked as you make your way into the second room. In the second room, you’ll find the bar, kitchen, and access to the toilets. Ordering is a breeze – just head over to the left side of the bar to order your drinks. A glass of red wine will cost you around 2 Euros, and it even comes with a complimentary tapa. If you’re craving more tapas, you can order them at the same time and pay for them separately. The ordering process is simple – just let them know how many tapas you want. For example, you can say “I’d like 4 tapas” and each tapa will cost you 1.5 Euros. Here’s a helpful tip: one day, I was informed that if I ordered 6 tapas along with my drinks, it would be cheaper at a total of 11 Euros. Needless to say, I took advantage of the deal and indulged in some extra deliciousness.

You also have the option to try out Tostas (toppings on toast) and raciones or plates of food. The walls are adorned with boards displaying prices, which I must admit can be a bit perplexing as they don’t always align with the menu I found. However, let’s not stress over the occasional price discrepancy because life is too short for that. Rest assured, the staff members are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to assist you with any issues you may encounter.

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