Barlata - Austin

Definitely worth a unique experience and an attempt. I wanted to try with friends. we had reservations as recommended and were sitting at the arrival. our serve... read more Definitely worth a unique experience and an attempt. I wanted to try with friends. we had reservations as recommended and were sitting at the arrival. our server was great, she took the time to explain the whole process, as this was our first time here. we ordered and eating started to come very quickly. the food was well prepared and was usually very delicious. the wagyu meatballs were great, our favorite. worse were the muddles, so many were crispy with what I suspect is sand? the other negatiw was quite dark in the restaurant until I had to use the flashlight on my handy to see the menu. first I thought my eyes were just bad, then I looked around and saw several others do the same. when we were finished, the lights were finally erected! although it was on the expensive side, it was worth visiting to experience this style of eating.

Great food and service! The environment is a little bit too noisy for us. Squid ink paella is a must! Have the Mussels and add some bread for dipping the sauce,... read more Great food and service! The environment is a little bit too noisy for us. Squid ink paella is a must! Have the Mussels and add some bread for dipping the sauce, you will love it!

3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were reall... read more 3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were really tasty and flavorful as well as the steak. I really did not like the paella, it was definitely undercooked. Some of the grains of rice was rock hard and there was zero crust that you would expect from a paella. Also the sangria was too sweet and after I let the ice melt, it became too watery. The server did ask me if I wanted to exchange it for something else which was nice but by the time she noticed I hadn?t drank it, I was already getting up to leave.

We chose to eat inside at a booth and arrived just before the dinner rush. If you're planning to go after 6 or 6:30, I'd recommend making a reservation. The tab... read more We chose to eat inside at a booth and arrived just before the dinner rush. If you're planning to go after 6 or 6:30, I'd recommend making a reservation. The tables are somewhat close together, but I enjoy that lively vibe. The hostess was incredibly sweet, and our waitress was fantastic. Overall, the service was excellent—quick, attentive, and friendly. We hardly ever had an empty dish on our table for more than a minute, as the staff came by frequently to clear it. When I mentioned my allergies, the waitress promptly brought us a gluten-free menu, which is their standard menu highlighted with key indicators for gluten-free and celiac-safe options. She was very knowledgeable and provided great recommendations, ensuring everything she suggested was also dairy-free. I ordered the Chillin with Dylan cocktail, which was herbaceous and refreshing with complex flavors—slightly fruity and a little bitter, but overall very enjoyable. For tapas, we sampled the Spanish Charcuterie board and added Spanish olives and Marcona almonds. While I wasn't a fan of some of the sausages, the Iberico was delicious, and the almonds and olives were delightful. The portion sizes were generous, so we definitely felt we got our money's worth. My husband had hot tea along with the patatas bravas, which he loved. For our main courses, we tried the Paella Barlata and Costillas Agridulces (pork ribs). The paella was incredibly flavorful and fresh, abundant with chicken, chorizo, and a mix of seafood that included shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid. While it tasted great, I'm personally not a fan of such a high meat-to-veggie ratio, so I would have preferred less meat compared to the veggies and rice. The pork ribs were decent but quite fatty—there was more fat than actual meat. My husband finished most of it since I wasn't too keen on it. Overall, I’m really glad I tried this place, and I look forward to returning, possibly for happy hour and to try the veggie paella, along with some of their other delicious-looking drinks. I definitely recommend this restaurant!

About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin... read more About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin location. Yesterday marked our first visit to the new restaurant in Austin. It's much newer and larger than B44, which is understandable given its compact location in a small alley packed with restaurants, but the food remains outstanding at both venues. I’m quite familiar with the paella, having sampled various kinds, including one made with squid ink, which I’m not particularly fond of. However, my wife loves it. This time, we opted for her favorite: grilled octopus, or as it’s known in Catalan, Pulpo a la plancha. It’s served with a mixed greens and pickled red onion salad dressed with Cava vinaigrette. She loved it so much that she ordered a second portion to take home. I can’t blame her; although I’m not a huge fan of octopus—often finding it chewy and flavorless—this was the best I’ve ever had. The chef truly showcases his passion for octopus, evident in the decor and the execution of the dish. It was perfectly cooked, moist, and bursting with flavor. I indulged in one of my favorite dishes: their grilled churrasco steak served with shishito peppers and French fries. They consistently cook the steak to perfection. I recall not being a big fan of their fries, so next time I’ll switch to their patatas bravas, which are some of the best potato sides I’ve ever tasted. We also shared a plate of grilled shrimp sautéed in a spicy adobo sauce with garlic. The generous garlic slices were charred to perfection, giving the shrimp a wonderful kick. Following that, we enjoyed a petite plate of Pincho Moruno—grilled Moroccan lamb skewers drizzled with a spicy sofrito pimentón sauce and accompanied by a cucumber salad. The cucumber salad was exceptionally fresh, and paired nicely with the spicy, tender chunks of lamb, making it a perfect dish for a hot summer day. As you can see, the chef is highly skilled in sauces and seasonings from the Catalan and Spanish regions, which makes the dishes particularly flavorful and unique. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss out on this gem, and return until you’ve tried everything on the menu. My wife and I have tackled more than half the menu and are eager to explore the rest. Many of the dishes feature flavors that are hard to find in other restaurants. And, of course, don’t forget to try the homemade sangria on a hot day in Austin, TX!