Hit Up This Spirited Spanish Tapas Bar For A Mediterranean Pick-Me-Up

This pink and cerulean-ceilinged, boldly-patterned tapas joint in Atlanta will instantly transport you to a lively Spanish market—which, naturally, is what Bar Mercado is aiming to invoke. For beautiful, authentic and elevated Spanish food, this is the place, especially if you’re looking for the perfect mix of casual and cool. Head to Krog Street Market for a dip into the relaxed tapas bars of Madrid, a dose of delicious sangria and a dash of Spanish spice.





Playfully Warm and Worldly

Deeply inspired by the rich, vibrant warmth and playfulness of the Mercado de San Miguel food hall in Madrid, Bar Mercado is a tapestry of color, pattern and texture. The space carries a strongly whimsical-while-refined point of view across its muraled walls, brightly upholstered seats and wallpapered surfaces. Featuring an open kitchen, a cozy bar and a sheltered patio area, you’ll find it hard to leave your comfy leather banquette for just about anything (especially after one of their heavenly cocktails or two). And the typeface-heavy branding splayed across the menus? Seriously couldn’t be cuter.





Mediterranean Mélange of Flavors

Featuring a multi-regional Spanish menu centered on tapas and light bites, Bar Mercado truly serves up a taste of the Mediterranean with a focus on the greatest hits of Spanish cuisine. Although the ingredient-forward dishes may seem inaccessible (or simply foreign) at first glance, the low-key prices, inviting space and mouthwatering tastes will quickly prove otherwise. In true tapas form, the dishes are for sharing, with a smattering of small plates and varied flavors across the table. The menu makes it easy to choose, arranging the options in three sections of vegetable, seafood and meat dishes, along with a quick-pick list of bar snacks like cured meats and olives. Take it from us—don’t miss the to-die-for brunch fare or the decadent churros and chocolate.





A Family Affair

With plenty of awards already under its belt, the hype we’re hearing about Bar Mercado is well deserved. Fred Castellucci, who runs his family’s restaurant group, Castellucci Hospitality Group, has quite a handful of other Spanish-inspired smash hits throughout Atlanta like Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero, Sugo Kitchen, The Iberian Pig and soon-to-appear Recess. We happen to love that this time around, Fred paired up with his brother John, who serves as the head chef for Bar Mercado. Nothing better than supporting a serious (and seriously fun) family affair.



Photography: Bar Mercado | Square Feet Studio | Heidi Geldhauser


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