Founded in 1842, just behind Santa Catalina church, Los Claveles (“the carnations” in Spanish) features Feria and Semana Santa poster décor, some exposed old brick wall, lots of old posters and a traditional tiled floor. With wide wood frame and glass doors and a little outside terrace, when the weather is right the bar becomes an extension of the street.
Present owner Javier tells me it’s been run by the same familly now for about 90 years. The menu is also very traditional and a bit hit an miss. For example, the “montadito completo” in a soft mollete roll and filled with grilled secreto, jamón and a perfectly fried quail egg… well, I’d always go back for that. The fritos are also quite good, and the stewed pork cheek is tender and delicious. But the solomillo al whisky came with a drab stodgy sauce and the choco “meatballs” (honestly, will never order these again anywhere) were just as bad as I’ve had anywhere – but the bar owner insisted they were a speciality of the house.
Unlike El Rinconcillo (Sevilla’s oldest tapas bar just across the road) it’s not full of tourists. But the food isn’t any better (or worse). Basically, just like El Rinconcillo, it’s an okay place to stop for a quick drink and a snack, and soak up a bit of atmosphere, before heading off elsewhwere.
Plaza de Los Terceros, 15
Tel 654 512 973
Open 13.00 – midnight
€ € €
Food 5 | Wine 5 | Service 5 | Ambiance 5
montadito completo: grilled secreto, jamón and fried quail egg
prawn and cuttlefish “meatballs”
solomillo al whisky
bacalao fritters
lagrimitas de pollo laced with smoked pimiento
carrillada Ibérica (stewed pork cheeks)
owner Javier