Pata Negra Bar / Restaurant

Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam –

Named after the black pigs that are indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula, Pata Negra is a restaurant and bar popular for its genuine Spanish design, sweetly refreshing cocktails, and a menu of over forty authentic Spanish tapas.

Quaint and romantic, the décor features kitchen-tile mosaics that portray Spanish wine cellars, conquistadors, and toreros romancing women on balconies.

Carvings of hearts and initials punctuate the raw exposed brick of the walls, while tea candles and hanging legs of jamon and strings of garlic and peppers authenticate the comfortable dining environment.

Although the full bar offers pitchers of sangria and specialty cocktails, most of the local customers show up for the excellent food and easygoing atmosphere that draws a fun-loving crowd that enjoys the occasional escape to Spain without having to pack up and fly there.