Spanish Sangria Restaurant

Spanish Sangria Restaurant is an old-school Spanish bistro serving a seafood-focused menu, wine & sangria. When the registration for the domain expired the site disapperared from the web. When I recently I discovered that the domain for spanishsangriarestaurant.com was available I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from the site's archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with theis lovely Spainish restaurant.
As long time customers of this great establishment, we chose to use archived pages as we rebuilt the site. We all have good memories of our meals there and this labor of love permitted everyone to reminisce about the good old days. I will share one memory with you. We were at Spanish Sangria in 2010 having dinner with a client whose brother had recently opened a restaurant on the west coast. Our client was regaling us with stories about his brother Ollie. I remmber one in particular. It was about when Ollie just opened the place. He had printed up the first menu, paid attention to all the details of running his modest little eattery. On the first dry run, he realized his crew could serve a good size crowd and have it all go smoothly, except he forgot to order the dishwashing soap. So the kitchen ended up using the deodorant bar of soap from the custodial room. If you think using a bar of soap instead of the real thing is good idea, thing again. The chef got so angry after Ollie made them redo the dishes that he told the GM to order a 10 year's supply so it could never happen again. When the Chef thought about it later, he tried to cancel the order, but instead doubled it. The story seemed like a sitcom. Our dinner at Sangria, however, proceeded without a hitch and we had a memorable time. We live in Maine now so I don't know if Sangria is still open, although I did see recent Yelp reviews. If they are still open, do visit them.

Spanish Sangria Restaurant
157 Magazine St. (Rome St.)
Newark, NJ 07105
973-344-9286

 

 

Spanish Sangria Restaurant Review: Bountiful portions of Spanish and Portuguese specialties make this friendly restaurant a value for the money. Start with a pitcher of the namesake sangría before the bowl of garlic or white bean soup that accompanies every meal. Try the shrimp in garlic sauce; paella is a house specialty. Steak and lobster are popular options.

REVIEWS

"The food is so fresh and delicious. Everything is seasoned perfectly! Between their regular menu and the daily specials everyone is sure to find what they want (and at a reasonable price)!"

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tripadvisor.com

"My husband and friends have been going to the Spanish Sangria for a while now and both the food and service are impeccable! I love their crab cakes and the breaded veal! Not to mention the stuffed lobster! Oh... and the clams in red ..."

 

Reviewed June 7, 2015

***** DMBTraveler Miami, Florida

“Fresh Food With Friendly Service”

Tried the "Grilled Skate Fish" which was unique in flavor and texture but was served with huge portions of fresh vegetables. We ate at the bar and were brought little dessert samples from the kitchen after our meal which I thought was a nice touch.

 

Reviewed March 17, 2015

***** meater  Kinnelon, New Jersey

My wife and I first went here back in 1984 it was good then and is even better now. Recently there and the food was fantastic. Started with a nice chicken noodle soup. Followed up with appetizer of shrimp and garlic (excellent). My wife had the Paella Valencia, I had the Veal chops. Both main courses were seasoned perfectly and...

 

Reviewed November 7, 2014

*****Roy_Hinkley Linden, New Jersey

“Gotta love it!”

My wife is a Brasilian from Newark and this was their "official" home away from home. Now, it's mine also. They start you off with a big bowl of the soup of the day, served by a waiter carrying the pot with a ladle. Then, there's the never ending basket of perfect rolls and butter. Oh, the service is excellent...

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Reviewed July 18, 2014

***** Christine N  Dover, New Jersey

Delicious authentic spanish food !!!”

The atmosphere is very clean and beautiful, the selection of food is wonderful...great variety of meat or fish selections.. whatever choices you make you will find it delicious !!!. The staff is friendly and very concerned that you are pleased with your service and concerned if you enjoyed your meal. I highly recommend this restaurant you will not be disappointed...

"This is a great restaurant, I have been there on multiple occasions, the food and service are great. The staff is very friendly, and they are great with kids. We went for mothers day and it was packed... However they quickly placed a ..."

 

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urbanspoon.com

"The meal starts with the obligatory bread , which tasted freshly baked. They also serve a very nice onion soup with what tasted like home-made croutons to garnish. I ordered clams Valenciana as a starter ($11). This was a generous portion of ..."

 

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zagat.com

"Forget the better known and more ... A true neighborhood find.Excellent food, nice service, and so-so decor. The shrimp with garlic sauce is delicious. The chorizo appetizer is wonderful. The paellas are great.They have security forparking so don't worry. Sit back and enjoy. ..."

restaurantrow.com

"Outstanding food, service to perfection , friendly staff, great value. Great family place. They earned a customer with me. Looking forward to coming back."

 

yelp.com

"wonderful food -outstanding drinks and GREAT service too-the only thing you wont be doing here folks is spending alot of money, now THAT'S gotta count for something!"

7/26/2013

**** Carl T. Brooklyn, NY

The lunch specials here are awesome, for $14 I had homemade chicken soup and a huge portion of veal stew. After you are done here you need a Siesta. The bar is always crowded with working men on their lunch break having one too many drinks, before the presumably head back to work.

Also there is free indoor parking next door for anybody worried about parking in the Ironbound. But trust me this neighborhood is much better than it's rep.

5/8/2016

** Barney G. Plainfield, NJ

Had a reservation for 6pm for ten people. When we went inside their was no greeter or staff to talk too. I finally found someone who works there and told him we had a reservation for 6pm he asks my name and went to the back. We continued to wait for about another 10 minutes and finally another gentlemen came out and asked my name. I gave it to him again. And still continued to wait. Other people came after us and at this point they start to be seated. After 45 min I went to ask one of the gentlemen how much longer and he told me a few more minutes. Well I didn't get seated until 7 pm. Ordered our food and 3 of the steaks were raw after we asked them to cook it medium. Waiter was friendly, food was pretty good , but overall experience was bad enough not to come back. From the 1 hr wait to be seated despite the reservation, to getting order wrong, forgetting to give us bread , and boxing our to go food in a corona box.

8/14/2015

***** Rich L.  Elizabeth, NJ

My wife & I were looking for a new spot to try & one of her co-workers recommended this place. We've been here 3 times so far and each time we've received excellent service from the wait staff. Each time we've been there, we've ordered something different from the menu and have never been disappointed with our choices. Great appetizers but the octopus salad is by far our favorite one. This place is truly one of Newark's hidden gems.

 

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More Background on Spanish Sangria Restaurant

Spanish Sangria Restaurant, located at 157 Magazine Street in Newark, NJ, is a beloved establishment that has carved out a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Known for its authentic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, this old-school bistro offers a seafood-focused menu complemented by its namesake sangria. With a history steeped in cultural significance and a reputation for serving hearty portions of flavorful dishes, Spanish Sangria has become a dining destination that embodies the vibrancy of Iberian culinary traditions.

History and Background

Spanish Sangria Restaurant has been a fixture in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood for decades. This area is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and culinary offerings, particularly Portuguese and Spanish cuisine. While the exact founding date of the restaurant remains unclear, its longevity speaks to its ability to consistently deliver high-quality food and service to patrons.

The Ironbound district itself is a hub for Iberian culture, and Spanish Sangria fits seamlessly into this vibrant community. It stands alongside other notable establishments that have introduced authentic flavors from Spain and Portugal to the region, helping solidify Newark’s reputation as a culinary hotspot for Iberian fare.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Spanish Sangria Restaurant is celebrated for its wide range of traditional dishes that showcase the best of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Some standout offerings include:

• Paella Valencia: A house specialty featuring saffron-infused rice, seafood, chicken, and chorizo.

• Shrimp in Garlic Sauce: A flavorful dish that highlights the simplicity and richness of Iberian cooking.

• Veal Chops: Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection.

• Stuffed Lobster: A luxurious option praised by diners for its generous portions.

• Chorizo Appetizer: A classic Portuguese sausage dish that pairs beautifully with sangria.

Every meal begins with complimentary soup—often garlic or white bean—and freshly baked bread rolls served with butter. This attention to detail sets the tone for the hearty dining experience that follows.

Sangria: The Signature Drink

True to its name, Spanish Sangria Restaurant offers exceptional sangria that complements its menu perfectly. Both red and white sangrias are available, made with fresh fruits and wine to create a refreshing beverage that embodies the spirit of Spanish hospitality. Sangria has deep roots in Spanish culture, symbolizing celebration and social gatherings. Its inclusion on the menu underscores the restaurant's commitment to authenticity.

Ambiance and Experience

The restaurant features a casual yet inviting atmosphere that appeals to families, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions. While it may not boast extravagant decor, diners appreciate its warm and welcoming vibe. The interior is adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Spain, enhancing the cultural immersion.

Spanish Sangria also offers private banquet rooms for larger gatherings, making it an ideal venue for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events. These spaces can accommodate up to 300 guests, adding versatility to its offerings.

Reviews and Reputation

Spanish Sangria Restaurant has garnered positive reviews from patrons across various platforms:

• On review sites like TripAdvisor, diners praise the restaurant's fresh food, friendly service, and generous portions. Favorites include paella and sangria.

• Customers on Yelp highlight the excellent value for money, attentive staff, and delicious menu items like garlic shrimp and fried calamari.

• Zagat reviewers commend the restaurant's flavorful dishes and reliable service while recognizing it as a "true neighborhood find."

While most reviews are glowing, some diners have noted occasional issues with wait times during busy periods or minor service hiccups. However, these instances are rare compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Cultural Significance

Spanish Sangria Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it serves as a cultural bridge connecting diners to the rich traditions of Spain and Portugal. The Ironbound neighborhood's culinary scene owes much to establishments like this one that preserve authentic recipes while adapting them for modern tastes.

Sangria itself holds cultural significance as a symbol of celebration. Its inclusion on the menu ties the restaurant's offerings directly to Spain's festive spirit. Additionally, dishes like paella reflect centuries-old traditions rooted in regional cooking styles from Valencia.

Press Coverage

Although specific media coverage of Spanish Sangria Restaurant is limited compared to larger establishments in Newark’s Ironbound district (such as Iberia Tavern), its consistent presence on review platforms demonstrates its popularity among locals and visitors alike.

Audience

Spanish Sangria attracts a diverse clientele:

• Locals: Many Newark residents frequent the restaurant for its comforting dishes reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

• Families: The spacious dining areas make it suitable for family outings.

• Tourists: Visitors exploring Newark’s Ironbound district often stop by to experience authentic Iberian cuisine without breaking the bank.

• Event Planners: The banquet facilities cater to those seeking venues for private celebrations.

What Sets It Apart

Several factors distinguish Spanish Sangria Restaurant from competitors:

1. Authenticity: The menu stays true to traditional Iberian recipes while offering modern interpretations.

2. Generous Portions: Diners consistently comment on the large servings.

3. Affordable Pricing: Despite high-quality ingredients, prices remain reasonable.

4. Sangria Excellence: Few establishments match their expertise in crafting this iconic beverage.

Conclusion

Spanish Sangria Restaurant stands as a testament to Newark’s rich culinary heritage. With its flavorful dishes, welcoming ambiance, and cultural authenticity, it continues to be a cherished spot for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience rooted in Iberian traditions.

Whether you're indulging in paella paired with sangria or enjoying garlic shrimp alongside freshly baked bread rolls, Spanish Sangria offers more than just food—it delivers an experience steeped in warmth, tradition, and celebration.

For anyone visiting Newark or exploring its Ironbound district's culinary landscape, this restaurant remains an essential stop—a true gem that reflects both local pride and international flavors.