RESTAURANT REVIEW

Bar Salero - Orce

Bar Salero or more commonly known as "Alfredo's" (after the owner) is one of Orce's most traditional Spanish tapas bars. Located on the edge of the main village square near the town hall Bar Salero could be easily missed if it were not for one single solitary sign swinging above the door.

One of the first things you will notice upon entering is the traditional feel, this is a bar where the locals play cards during the evenings and where workers pop in for a tapa and a beer during the weekday morning break. During the week this family run tapas bar tends to "tick over" with the rest of the village but by far the best day to visit for some real Spanish atmosphere is a Sunday. This is the day where Alfredo and the rest of his family really do bring the bar to life. Any other day and the tapas are basic - perhaps a plate of almonds or peanuts, weekends though produce some home cooked specialities direct from the hotplate including fish tapas and pasta.

Bar Salero caters for the locals in the main but welcomes tourists with enthusiasm. The famous "Asado de Cordero" is a local dish Alfredo is proud of, he can make this dish for 2 people or 20 and it comes in a tray which will be placed in the centre of the table ready for you to help yourself in true Spanish style. Although predominantly a tapas bar the establishment has a cordoned off restaurant area which can seat around 30 persons. Opening hours are 9:00 am until late most days. The atmosphere in Bar Salero is very Spanish, music is played at weekends and the narrow seating area outside over looking the village square is the ideal place to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. Overall well worth a visit for a traditional Spanish bar experience.

English Speaking: No

Expat Factor: 1/10

Tips: Order the lamb the day before as it is cooked in the traditional way and will normally take all morning to cook.