Balero - Oklahoma City

I visited this fantastic tapas bar on a chilly Wednesday evening. The place was nearly empty, but that didn’t deter me. The service was excellent, likely made easier by the fact that we were the only customers at one point. The food was outstanding as well. The portion sizes were just right for tapas—sometimes you find places with portions that are too small. I highly recommend the tamales, the rock shrimp, and especially the bacon-wrapped dates. The dates were sweet and would make for a perfect small dessert to enjoy last. I’ve been to this area of Bricktown a few times, and this is definitely my favorite spot. There are far too many average chain restaurants nearby, but if you’re craving delicious Spanish tapas, this is the place to go.

Yes, the service can be slow, but the atmosphere is wonderful. Prices are somewhat high, but not excessive. If you go for no other reason, make sure to try the fried goat cheese—it's fantastic! They also offer a nice Spanish tempranillo blend on the menu.

I expected this restaurant to be either really good or really bad, given the mixed reviews. Fortunately, it turned out to be very good! The bacon-wrapped dates were delicious, and the fried goat cheese was equally tasty. The empanadas were nice, and the caramel flan made for a delightful finish to the meal. The service was excellent as well, especially since we visited early on a Wednesday around 5:30-6. Additionally, we took advantage of their happy hour, which offered half-price appetizers. We’re looking forward to returning and trying more items from the menu!