There’s a certain kind of restaurant that doesn’t need flashy gimmicks to earn a following, and Spanish Tavern of Mountainside is exactly that kind of place. 🥘
Since opening its doors, this family-run spot has built its reputation the old-fashioned way — one plate of garlic shrimp and one warm greeting at a time.
It’s not trying to reinvent Spanish cuisine; it’s simply doing it right, and locals in Union County have noticed.
How the Spanish Tavern of Mountainside won Mountainside’s hearts
For nearly four decades, Spanish Tavern of Mountainside has been quietly building one of the most loyal followings in New Jersey. 🇪🇸
The restaurant opened its doors back in 1986, and its owners, who hail from Spain’s coastal regions, brought their own family recipes with them rather than borrowing from a cookbook.
That authenticity is a big reason the tavern has been named the Best Spanish Restaurant in Northern New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly Magazine — a title that doesn’t get handed out lightly.
What really seals the deal, though, is consistency. 🍤 Regulars talk about ordering the same dish for years because it never disappoints — one loyal diner mentioned coming back “a dozen times” just for the seafood paella and Spanish escargot.
The restaurant has also carved out a niche as the go-to venue for milestone celebrations — from anniversaries to office parties — thanks to a private dining room that can host up to 80 guests.
Diners often comment on its 80s retro charm, a detail that could easily feel dated elsewhere but instead reads as comforting and familiar here.
Families who ate here as kids are now bringing their own children, turning a simple dinner reservation into something closer to tradition.
That kind of generational loyalty is nearly impossible to manufacture — it has to be earned, plate by plate, year after year. 💛
Food Highlights
- Paella Valencia – A hearty saffron rice dish loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, chicken, and chorizo.
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Shrimp in Garlic Sauce – Plump shrimp sautéed in a rich, sizzling garlic and olive oil sauce.
- Branzino Filet a la Plancha – A whole Mediterranean sea bass filet grilled simply on the plancha, highlighting the kitchen’s coastal Spanish roots.
- Skirt Steak (Churrasco) – A char-grilled Black Angus skirt steak served with chimichurri sauce, broccoli rabe, and sautéed potatoes,
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Veal Corunesa – Tender veal medallions simmered in a savory brown sauce with mushrooms, a standout for guests craving something beyond seafood.
- Pulpo Gallega – Galician-style octopus, tender-boiled and dressed with paprika and olive oil – a classic Iberian appetizer.
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Twin Lobsters – A generous double lobster portion served whole.
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Spanish Escargot – Snails prepared in a garlicky, herb-infused sauce, a dish loyal diners specifically return for again and again.
Atmosphere
The vibe inside Spanish Tavern leans warm, lively, and a little old-school in the best way. 🍷
Guests describe a cozy, elegant setting that works equally well for a romantic dinner or a big celebratory group.
The bar area often has sports on, and the restaurant occasionally hosts flamenco-themed nights that fill the dining room with music. It’s the kind of place where the décor might feel retro, but the energy never does.
Bottom Line
Come for the garlic shrimp and paella, stay for the decades of consistency, generational loyalty, and old-world Spanish charm. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser for celebrations, family dinners, or just craving authentic seafood done right. 🦞
Address:
1239 US Highway 22 East, Mountainside, NJ 07092
📞 (908) 232-2171
🕔 Open daily, 12 PM–9:30 PM (Fri–Sat until 10:30 PM)