Toro Kitchen + Bar: Spain or Downtown San Antonio?

Every Twenty Something has a not-so-secret long list of places they dream of traveling to. Recently mine has expanded to include Spain! With the great city of San Antonio commemorating its Tricentennial, we celebrate everything that’s gotten us to where we are today—namely its Spanish Heritage. Hello, missions and the Alamo. When you can’t fly across the Atlantic Ocean on a whim, Spain is closer than you think with Toro Kitchen + Bar’s newest location now open on the eastside of downtown at 1142 East Commerce Street, Suite 100.

Photo by Karissa Rangel

Toro expands from its home base in Stone Oak to bring the best paella in town to the revival of The St. Paul Square Historic District. Easy to find in the bustle of downtown life, locals and tourists are invited to experience traditional Spanish flavors.

Photo by Karissa Rangel

Their new space features a larger space perfect for groups, events and live Spanish music, a full bar and outdoor patio (coming soon). The menu offers lunch, tablados—cured meat and cheese boards, salads, an array of tapas and more!

Photo by Karissa Rangel

Toro’s savory tapas pair perfectly with their specialty cocktails or house-made white or red sangria. The tapas menu is extensive, so bring your friends, order different plates and share among the table! Our favorites include the Huevos Rotos, French-style potatoes with fried egg, Camarones Pop, lightly breaded shrimp with popcorn, and the beautifully plated Ensalada de Betabel con Mango, baked beets, avocado, mango, panela cheese and cilantro.

Photo by Karissa Rangel

Aside from tapas, you can’t forget to order paella! Toro’s paellas are made fresh-to-order and are well worth the wait. With six paellas on the menu, you are sure to become a hardcore paella lover. We were lucky enough to see first hand what goes into making a Toro Paella thanks to Executive Chef Juan Carlos Bazan.

Photo by Karissa Rangel

Toro Kitchen + Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you are looking for a new happy hour spot, be sure to stop by weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. for $6 select tapas, $3 Large Draft, $4 Spanish Beers, $5 House Wine, $6 Gin Bar, and $15 Sangria Pitchers.

Photo by Karissa Rangel