El Carajo International Tapas & Wine

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Rick Munarriz

Joined 10 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Despite its unlikely location in the back of a gasoline station, guests who pass through the red-bricked archway entrance separating fuel from food are transported into a gasoline-free Moorish-influenced cellar, surrounded by over a thousand bottles of mostly Mediterranean wines. Appetizer-sized Spanish dishes include Galician Octopus, crab meat-filled crepe, and potato omelets, served to diners in sturdy wood tables in the dining room or raised seating in the bar area. There's never a shortage of wine sips to wash it down--and gasoline pumps outside to fuel the sober's drive home.

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RalfVonSegna

Joined 4 years ago

Incredible food, wine; surprising location. I stopped by one day to buy gas (out front) and was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of wines on display and the quaint, cozy out-of-the-way restaurant in back. To look at the outside of the building belies the surprising culinary treasure I found inside.

i cant say enough about the food; the portions were generous, with all kinds of diverse menu selections (that with the right chardonnay) are perfect for a formal business luncheon or a casual, intimate dinner. my first time there, i just wanted to try a tapas dish (but ended up ordering three b/c they were so delicious!)

the next time, i brought a date and we tried la tabla de carne, which is a mix of all different kinds of meats served on a wooden plank (+ points for presentation!) which, when matched with the right wine (i'm not much into that stuff, but she LOVED the selection), made for a perfect date.

the best part (well, besides the food and wine) was its simple, unassuming atmosphere and good atmosphere. if you're looking for something (pleasantly) unexpected, you've got to try this place.