Cuisine:

• Spanish
• Lounge, club, bar
• Bar
• Tapas
• Fast Food and Hamburgers

Bar Pinxto Description:
At Bar Pinxto, chef Joe Miller's new wallet-friendly tapas bar, diners choose their small Spanish plates by pointing to items in the display case. Its storefront setting is so small that the decor consists of its inventory of wine bottles, olive jars and the like.
Joe Miller of Joe's restaurant in Venice was so inspired by the tapas restaurants he had visited during trips to Spain that he decided to open his own back home. He even adheres to the Spanish tradition of discarding napkins and toothpicks on the floor. So here on Santa Monica Boulevard, a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean, you will find authentic tapas (stored in a refrigerated window) paired with Spanish wines in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Bar Pintxo (PEEN-cho) is small, and does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait, especially on weekend nights. Sit at the bar or at the high tables to sample fresh tomato and Serrano ham on grilled bread, tuna-stuffed tomato, parfait of foie gras with caramelized onions, chorizo with quail eggs, jamón sofrito and fried leeks, or crimini mushrooms with ham and diced vegetables, each ranging from $3 to $8. There are also warm specials, like paella and a satisfying arroz negra. Try the Catalan cream or the pear with honey ice cream for dessert, but the uncomfortable stools may deter a lengthy stay. If you're trying the regional wines, don't be afraid to ask for proper stemware, which the efficient staff will provide upon request.