Bar 31

I had a fun night at this tapas bar with family last weekend. We were a party of 4 and tried just about everything on the menu. Every item we tried from the lamb, filet, eggplant (!!), cheese plate — was all delicious.
The place itself was nicely decorated and comfortable and I enjoyed it. My only complaint would be portion/​price ratio. This was my first experience at a ‘tapas bar’, so maybe it’s just me, but for some of the items the portions just seemed so small for the prices of a regular app at some restaurants. I had mixed feelings. I think maybe this is a place that is better for a couple instead of a group to share a few things. Our total bill wasn’t expensive for four people either I guess… It was just odd. A bite of filet that was delicious, but I was hungry so one bite from eight plates that were all so different and small and some it was barely a nibble.
Alcohol selection was good, atmosphere was nice. I’d say its a great date night spot or if you are going out with a friend to catch up and have a drink, Bar 31 could be your perfect spot.

I love the seasonal dishes they serve up at Bar 31. Everything I’ve ordered here has always been so fresh and delicious. I always enjoy the flatbread of the day but tonight we tried the lobster mac and cheese for the first time. Very nicely seasoned. Great draft and bottle beer selection. Love the small plates so I can try different things every time I visit. Bristol provides the perfect location for a dinner out.

I am so glad we decided to come in. We ordered well… lobster Mac and cheese, filet and fish tacos. The fish tacos were amazing and I would have been happy with just those. The filet (keep in mind this is a tapas restaurant) was cooked perfectly. Mac and cheese was good… not disappointed… not wowed. Guacamole was delicious and didn’t overpower our meal. Waitress (Sam) was friendly. Atmosphere was pleasant. Definitely a return visit in our future!

Food is amazing! Great atmosphere. The bartenders are great. Nice beer and booze selection.
Anything on the menu is awesome.

I have patronized Bar 31 many, many times since their opening, although I have always been on the fence about the food I always enjoyed the atmosphere, décor, and beer selection. Had I written this review 6 months ago It would have been 4 stars. The reason for 2, let me explain, we always sit at the bar never a table. On my last visit we sat at the end by the kitchen, a young kitchen worker twice came out to get a beer and brought it back into the kitchen. My first thought was to give the benefit of the doubt and they were cooking with it. As this worker came back and forth out of the kitchen you could tell he was intoxicated and clearly not using the beer to cook with, hence this was 9pm. To make it worse all five employees gathered behind the bar and did shots of Patron. One pet peeve I have is restaurant workers should not be drinking. I have not been back since and not sure if I will return.

I was very pleased with my first visit to Bar 31. The décor is classy but very comfortable and the waitstaff were friendly. They offer a great variety of adult beverages from beer on tap to bottles, wine, liquors and original mixed drinks.
The food menu features small plates, which they call tapas but they really aren’t. I know I sound like an etymology snob but don’t come here thinking you’re getting traditional Spanish tapas. It’s «small plates» which is still great and the ones we sampled were delicious.
*Swordfish Tacos — this was the best value. Two tacos that tasted great and were pretty filling.
*Calamari — so good with a cornmeal type coating instead of the usual breaded/​fried style.
*Filet Mignon — my dinner date loved the presentation; it was so cute! And tasted great!
*Striped Bass & Risotto — this was the best flavor-​wise. Seared striper with delicious vegetarian risotto.
Overall, Bar 31 is offering something that is unique to this area and I really like that. You could come here just for drinks or come with a group of friends and stuff yourselves silly and leave happy in both situations.

It’s time for an overdue update and I’m adding a star.
After our last so-​so experience I was contacted by the owner and the sous chef. They both apologized and explained it was a substitute bartender the night we went and urged us to give them another shot.
We waited a few months but did go back. What a difference. Sammie was our server (that’s what our receipt said) and she was awesome. She kidded around with us, made me an excellent Manhattan, and was doing a good job keeping up with a lot of customers. The vibe was completely different this time and we were content to sit back and relax there for a few hours.
If you go, I urge you to get the sliders. You actually should get an order just for yourself. I did, just to soak up some of the alcohol in the potent Manhattans. Sammie didn’t judge. Lol.
The fish tacos were a hit with my husband. We also split one of the specials, a scallop salad. We did get the guacamole again and jam happy to report there were no broken chips this time.
I’m happy to say we’ll go back and it’s definitely worth a try if you are in the area.

Must say the reviews are pretty accurate. Very friendly spot for a drink and some good food. Must of the dishes are around 8 dollars. It’s all like little appetizers so you can get three or four without spending a lot of money. Owners were very friendly. Would recommend this place

2 words: Paella Bites!
OK, maybe I’ll give a few more words: cozy atmosphere, homey feel, good prices, small portions (but BIG portions for tapas, which they are), low prices, and good music. I don’t drink, so I can’t say much about that.
Anyway, back to the Paella bites; I learned that the chef was inspired by a plate he had discovered while traveling to Puerto Rico. It’s tasty saffron rice, with bits of sausage and shell fish. Like spanish sushi – I can’t describe better.
My wife and I ate well, with dessert and a margarita, for less than $ 45.
Oh, right, 2 more words: Fish Tacos!
One more word-​go there, man. It’s amazing!

Glad we got to finally try this new spot in Bristol because it was well worth it!
The tapas are bigger portions than traditional tapas restaurants. I got the filet mignon and scallops and they were both incredible.
The service, ambiance and beer selection were all perfect.
My only suggestion/​negative experience was the band which started at 8 o’clock. It’s a good thing we were just about done with dinner because once the band started it was impossible to carry on a conversation once they started. If there’s going to be a band that early have it be acoustic and unplugged there was no need for an amp in such a small space.
I’ll certainly be back sooner than later!

Wonderful, family-​owned & run addition to the Bristol scene. Generous, delicious cocktails. Excellent small plates. Warm, welcoming service. Lovely, comfy atmosphere — the perfect spot on these cold nights.

Comfortable, intimate vibe in a well-​appointed atmosphere. Nice music on Sat. night. Garlic shrimp and calamari were our favorites! The East Bay is fortunate to have this new spot!

The atmosphere is great it’s small but spacious enough where you are not on top of anyone. The bar staff is on point! All of the daily specials are local and put together so well. I loved when it was the BBC but i am obsessed with the menu now that it is Bar 31.

Pleasantly surprised that this delicious restaurant has opened up in Bristol. Good cocktails, excellent food. Warm, cozy décor. Looking forward to going back!

This bar is fantastic. Lovely ambiance with dim lighting and modern, rustic design. The food is EXCELLENT
(beautiful presentation as well). It has a warm and friendly atmosphere you can only find at a family-​owned establishment. I will definitely be back!!!

Great find while in Bristol for Thanksgiving. A tapas place as much as a bar with great garlic shrimp, lamb chops like they serve at weddings, and flatbread like New York City pizza. And while I never eat sweet potato fries, I did and they were great.
Recommend you try it (and I hear it’s less crowded on weekday nights.)

Nice new spot in Bristol. The food is OUTSTANDING, and the atmosphere/​ambiance is lovely. The crowd and the staff are delightful as well.
Bottom line, if you’re in the area, stop by for a drink & a bite to eat. You won’t be disappointed! (Definitely try the pulled pork sliders. A+. Though the menu changes, so keep your fingers crossed that the sliders are still there!)

Just Wonderful. Very relaxing, great staff, fun drinks, Fantastic food. Rolled in here expecting to grab a quick drink and ended up relaxing and spending a fantastic evening. Have been back several times, have brought different groups of friends and everyone has enjoyed themselves. The pizza is my downfall… I always eat to much of that it is so yummy!

If you’re out in Bristol down by the water and looking for a breath of fresh air from the packed, loud bars, swing down to Bar 31. I have to say the atmosphere is great to get everything from a drink with friends who you enjoy actually hearing or great food with a date, parents, or even by yourself. Staff is welcoming and warm and the seating is very comfortable. I would suggest this bar to anyone.

Warm, wonderful ambience and delicious tapas. Great place to hang with friends and taste lots of foods.