Barsa

Este restaurante es mi favorito se sirven tapas y paellas con una muy buena calidad de productos a un precio muy razonable, hemos probado muchos platos y todos son de mucha calidad, el personal es muy atento y amable, nosotros que somos Españoles conocemos este tipo de comida y en Barsa lo hacen muy bien, es un sitio para recomendar, también tiene una carta de vinos españoles muy buenos
Felicitar al Team de este restaurante

We started with a drink. Waitress recommended the perfect spicy dry red, Ramon, and we had a great food mostly! The paella with seafood was awesome. We got a small and it was plenty for two with a few other tapas. Great flavor and snapper, shrimp, clams, and mussels. The empanadas were awesome (brisket) and a touch spicy making them very flavorful. The pan tomate takes a little longer but worth the wait! The only bad thing was the beet salad. It seemed like gross canned beets with an overly dressed iceberg watery lettuce zero flavor for $ 7. Wouldn’t order that again. But you get deals at happy hour of the drinks and paella and are waitress was wonderful! Very attentive and great tips!

I visited Barsa with two of my friends on a Saturday night. Since this was around Christmas time we made reservations, but the place wasn’t too busy when we got there. It’s on the far end of King Street near the Post and Courier building so I’m going to say this isn’t a well-​known spot, yet. It’s further away from the busier parts of downtown Charleston.
As I said earlier it wasn’t too busy when we arrived so we were able to be seated immediately. We started with cocktails. I had the Bee’s Knees (I think that was the name of the drink). It wasn’t bad but the champagne left a bit of an aftertaste that I didn’t really care for. Since this is a tapas bar, we loaded up. I ordered the Albondigas (lamb meatballs) and Patatas Bravas. My friends got the calamari, grilled leeks, croquettes and broccolini. I tried to calamari and croquettes. The consensus was that the lamb meatballs and calamari were the best. I don’t eat calamari very often, but it was delicious at Barsa. There wasn’t too much batter and it tasted fresh but not too fishy. The lamb meatballs were definitely my favorite. I’m partial to lamb anyways so I may be a little biased. By the meatballs were well-​seasons and came in a tomato sauce ideal for dipping bread. The Patatas Bravas kind of reminded me of home fries but only in so far as their preparation. They were basically fried potato chunks but the seasoning and sauce drizzled on them really set them off.
None of the plates were brought out at the same time. I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand you don’t necessarily want to start eating before others at the table, but on the other hand, all of the food came out hot and freshly prepared, not like it was sitting under a lamp. I did appreciate that. Plus since we were all sharing, no one was sitting around enviously waiting for their food.
We also ordered dessert. I had the flourless Chocolate Torte. One friend had the apple crisp and the other had the dark chocolate bread pudding (?). I’ve had my share of flourless torte and they are usually very dense and heavy. This was not that. Barsa’s chocolate torte was delicious. It was very rich, but light. It literally melted in my mouth and the ice cream that came with it was a perfect complement. As for the apple crisp and bread pudding, I’m not sure that those were enjoyed as much as my chocolate torte.
Overall, this was a great experience. For the most part we all enjoyed our choices and had a great time. The atmosphere was casual but quaint and I would definitely go back. This is a great spot for tapas either before or after a night on the town.

I’ve only been here once with classmates for a social gathering, but I got the chicken and chorizo paella, which was freaking delicious, and the discounted sangria during happy hour (the existence of which everywhere is honestly the lifeblood of this town). I wish the crust on the bottom was even crispier, but the chicken cooked to perfection and even the smaller portion was enough to share with someone. Pretty well-​seasoned. Would definitely go back again.

Vegetarian paella! Yes, you heard me, and yes, it’s delicious.
We went and crashed a Charleston Unilocal happy hour (because when in Rome, right???) and had a grand old time. The cocktail list is inventive — lots of different types of sangria. I didn’t get a chance to try all of them, but what I sampled was good. They also do a fine whiskey cocktail.
The wonderful Charleston CM got a few orders of paella to share around the table, and one of them was vegetarian! I know, paella is traditionally a seafood dish, but this was delicious. The spice mix was the same as normal paella, the crispy parts on the bottom were extra-​crispy, and the gorgeous yellow rice was studded with an assortment of roasted veggies. The mushrooms in the dish were definitely a standout.
This place is a little off the beaten path from the main Charleston drag, but I would say definitely worthwhile for a drink and a nosh.

Great space, great service, great food & cocktails! Went here with two friends. We started off with a medley of small plates. All were great, although a little more spicy than expected. But if spice is your thing, this is a plus! We shared the lamb meatballs, the grilled octopus, and the crisps (all spicy) as well as the champignon mushroom plate (not spicy, my fave). We also shared the medium seafood paella, included shrimp, mussels, clams, fish, green peppers, red peppers, onions and LOTS of rice. Seasoned perfectly. I also had the red sangria, perfect accompaniment to our delicious meal.

Pricey tapas. Don’t go over board with them. Just get them to tie you over till the paella

I’ve been here twice now. Once for a birthday dinner and the second time for a Unilocal happy hour. Very nice atmosphere. Paella is great deal at happy hour and very tasty. Beer selection is good and decent prices as well.

Brunch. Great. Try everything. You won’t be disappointed. Olives, to die for. Bread is roasted and awesome. Out of the way, off King but go there.
Happy hour at 4. Parking in back. Note: I had asked to get food off the dinner menu, they were accommodating, with a smile.
Frank G

I been to Barsa a few times during my travels to Charleston. The reason why I mostly end up there is because they offer on-​site parking which is a big plus on King St.
The venue has an amazing atmosphere with live jazz music on Thursdays which very well leans to the whole interior. They have a great patio where you have to enter through which is great for those cool Charleston nights
Barsa offers a variety of tapas. All with an American touch to it. My personal favorite is the squid. For $ 10 you basically get a decent amount with some patatas on the side. Which is basically a cheap meal if you take another tapa with it.
They are known for their paella. The pricing scared me in the beginning as well as the wait (upto 45 min) but, it’s definitly worth it. Especially when you get to the bottom, the scrapings are tha bomb!
If there’s one thing, i would like to change, it’s the service. It tends to be very slow from time to time.

Thursday evening jazz was relaxing as I read in an easy chair. There was a variety of musicians and voices. I heard old and new songs and unexpectedly a Stevie Wonder tune.
The waiter was a gem, there when you needed, answering questions, making sure customers were happy, and not overly attentive.
I loved the flavor and crust of the local fish, wreck fish, so much so that though I found it to be a little dry, I did not want anything else. That may be a first.

Paella is delicious and authentic and takes 45 minutes. It was a fun place with an interesting menu. Service was a little slow, thus losing the star (this is because drinks went empty and didn’t have silver ware and not because the paella takes a long time, which isn’t the server’s fault!)
Big plusses: they have outdoor seating, some casual (read: sofas), and a parking lot! Parking downtown? What’s that?!
I really enjoyed the food. It was unique and very fresh. I had the vegetable paella and tasted the goat cheese mushrooms. They had an interesting cocktail menu, but my drink didn’t overly float my boat.
I’d definitely go back!

This place is so much fun to go to. They have a great beer and wine selection. Sit out back on their adorable patio on a warm night and it’s so great. Their food is so unique and delicious. Their potatoes are cooked perfectly with phenomenal seasonings. They also have amazing lamb meatballs… lots of garlic if you’re into that! Perfect ambiance for going out with friends. You can actually hear each other speak while enjoying the restaurant, which I love. They also have a parking lot which is always beneficial while going out downtown.

The food and drink is reasonably priced during their happy hour 4 – 7. The tapas were tastier than the paella. We ordered olives, beet salad, stuffed peppers, broccolini (my fave of the evening) and calamari. Then 3 of us shared a veggie paella and my hubs had seafood paella. Generally, there wasn’t a lot of flavor in the paella. There was no crust on the bottom of the rice, which I think is the best part of the dish, even though we specifically asked for the crust. Hubs’ mussels were so over cooked he couldn’t get anything out of the shell. Veggie paella tasted like salt and garlic with some nice lips of fresh sweet corn kernels. Ultimately, I REALLY wanted to love this place, but it just didn’t meet my expectations. I liked my house red wine for $ 3 during happy hour and even got a pisco sour cocktail. Will likely return for drinks and tapas, but not paella.

I am so ecstatic that we finally gave Barsa a try last Saturday night! After a heavy dinner of friend chicken down the street, we decided to take a walk to Barsa in the hopes that they would have some Fernet Branca to settle our stomachs.
First of all, this space couldn’t get any better! the outside patio is great and comfy, and the large wrap around bar in the dining room is perfect. I love bars like this, so you can people watch as you dine. The two bartenders Saturday night were awesome — they quickly greeted us and got us set up with our fernet and cocktails. We only stayed for a quick drink, but in the short 30 minutes while we were here, we really enjoyed ourselves. The bartenders, whose names we didn’t catch, were on top of their game and really gave us great service. That type of service does not go unappreciated!
We’re looking forward to trying out the paella and small plates in the next several weeks, and I will be sure to update my review when we do!

Date night for me and my beloved. The staff, food, and atmosphere were great. My wife smiled the entire evening.
The live Jazz band were on point and smoking all night. Several patrons could not resist the smooth sounds and constantly broke into dance.
Now the food. Started with chicken empanadas that were crunchy on the outside and melted at the touch of the fork to expose piping hot chicken, sauce, and veggies.
Crowned the meal with seafood paella! Oh my god! Fresh shrimp, fish, mussels, and clams. The rice & veggies were perfectly seasoned and baked together.
Our new favorite date night location!

Barsa is MAJOR bang for the buck. I had four friends over to my new place and we were deciding where to go for dinner. My only two requests were dog friendly and somewhere I hadn’t already been (I’m a newbie in down, so I shouldn’t be repeating restaurants just yet). And that’s exactly how we wound up at Barsa.
We got to Barsa around 8:00 on a balmy Wednesday night. Their patio is huge and boasts one of those cozy couch table setups. Sold! While waiting for the other carload of my people to arrive, I promptly ordered a glass of rosé from our server. When it’s summer, rosé all day, duh.
It turns out everyone of my friends had been to Barsa at least once before, and they were all seasoned veterans of the menu. We got a couple of $ 20 house red bottles amongst the table and began scouring the menu. Jamon & queso, olives, beet salad, stuffed peppers, broccolini, and champignons all around. All of these tapas were to amazing, but the champignons plate is out of this world good. Local mushrooms and herbed goat cheese — I’ve died and gone to heaven. I actually got my own second plate of the mushrooms and refused to share them with the table.
The whole bill came to $ 135, which in my opinion is very reasonable for tapas, a couple of cocktails, and two bottles of wine. Tapas can quickly add up to be a super expensive meal that leaves you hungry, but this is certainly not the case at Barsa. Service was great, the inside lounge looks awesome as well, and I will definitely be back on a regular basis.

After multiple visits I am liking barsa more and more. Don’t go early in the evening as the atmosphere is a bit stale, but it livens up significantly as the night progressed. Love music and $ 4 sangria on Thursday is a must go. The tapas is great, and the paella worth waiting for. Loses one star because some of the dishes are a bit safe and overdone, but still a great spot for an enjoyable evening. Major bonus: ample parking in the back and great lounge area outside!

I came here for dinner with some friends, and though it is cheap for tapas, I guess, it’s not the cheapest meal in town. I had two small plates and after tax and tip, my bill was like $ 18. Very good food, though. I had albondigas and broccolini, which were both great. Tried a couple other dishes my friend had, too. The croquettes and the octopus were both really good. Basically, for food I’d say this is a 5* place, but service was a little meh so only 4* after all.

If you someone like me who loves trying a little of everything when eating out, then you will love Barsa and its Tapas Style menu. While many other places in Charleston serve small plates, most are priced at around $ 12 – 15 each, turning into a very expensive evening. Barsa’s menu items are priced much cheaper at around $ 6 – 8 each, making it easy to enjoy a lot of food without breaking the bank. Whenever I go with a friend, we always split around 5 – 6 plates and leave very full. And the food is good! Like really good! I have yet to find a Tapa on the menu I didn’t like, with some of my favorites being the Stuffed Peppers, Octopus, Pork Ribs and Lamb Meatballs. Barsa also offers three kinds of Paella (Chicken & Chorizo, Seafood and Veggie) available in small, medium and large portions. If you are dining with a group, I recommend getting a large portion of the Chicken & Chorizo, which comes with a ton of meat and perfectly crisped rice that forms a char on the bottom of the pan. Overall I am surprised more people don’t talk about Barsa, as it serves great Tapas and great wine in a lively atmosphere. Oh and the best part– they have parking!
Must-​order items:
Chicken & Chorizo Paella
Pork Ribs
Albondigas

Barsa holds a special place in my heart. This is a hidden gem where magic happens. So what makes Barsa so special.
Hmmmm, lets see.
1. Amazing Paella
2. Casual group settings from couches to long tables to outdoor patio area.
3. The bar staff is so incredibly friendly.
4. You can have sherry and wine and paint at the bar. How cool is that.
5. You can bring an 8 foot standee of Ryan Gosling to a birthday party.
6. You can have a nerf sword fight outside.
7. You can sit and talk long after they dim the lights and they won’t kick you out.
8. They have a parking lot downtown… Bam!!!
For this and so many more reasons, this is a great bar and restaurant on Upper King.