Bar Spero was exceptional. Far more a restaurant than a bar. Though drinks were also brilliant. The bartender Savi proved a knowledgable mixologist. If you enjoy mezcal I highly recommend the Dead Lady cocktail. The drink was smoky but well balanced and smooth enough to be dangerous.However, the drinks were only a prelude, the true fire of Bar Spero is the food. Our meal was a delightful, delicious, delectable multisensory feast.Everything was amazing from the cucumber, herb salad to the burnt cheese cake ice cream. However, my personal highlight was the seafood. I'd recently returned from a beach trip and assure you everything tasted catch of the day fresh. The raw oysters were some of the best I've had. The grilled octopus was sweet, tender and cooked to perfection, it's sauce, a squid ink reduction only emphasized the utter genius therein. Though all the seafood from Jonah Crab Rice to the Tuna Tostadas to the Ember Roasted Scallops were unforgettably delicious. The food could make a convert out of me and will out of you.Our server Blithe was personable, humorous and attentive, without hovering. Her table service was impeccable and she clearly loved her job. Though really all of the service was noteworthy. The communal feel of Bar Spero made it feel like a family. (I love that tips are split front to back of the house)It was an honor when Chef Jason came to out to our table to greet us. This man is an artist, his work practically brought me to tears of joy repeatedly.Do your self a favor and go to Bar Spero, you will thank me for it.Dietary restrictions: I am gluten free and found many options on the menu.Parking: It took a few minutes looking but we found parking in front of the GAO
Really, really good food. Came here for a birthday celebration and we were each given a complimentary drink. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas M. Pino
Went for brunch. The duck and hashnrowns was salty! Took a long time between drinks (tea and coffee) and the main meal.No utensils were visible until either they were asked for or right before the meal.Atmosphere was very nice.If I had to choose, I would not choose this restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Sun Lee
Delicious, seafood-forward basque-influenced menu. The staff was sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable.Great spot for a very fancy date in buzzy surroundings!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
joanne french
Been here numerous times. Haven't had a main/vegetable dish that I haven't enjoyed. Brought the husband, and now he is a bug fan too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamachi Collar, Octopus
Keem Hughley
Excellent service from Kevin! Technique and flavor of the food were superb. Favorite bites were the oysters, octopus, and bread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Ramos
Great service and excellent food and drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Torrijas & Green Walnut, Potato, Charred Cabbage Salad
Ryan V
Can not rave enough about this amazing bar from acclaimed Chef Johnny Spero. Every dish is perfectly balanced and the presentation is phenomenal. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The bartenders are focused on delivering a great dining experience and beautiful cocktails. Definitely check out the wine and vermouth options as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Williams
We sat in the back of the dining room, kind of an austere space. Service was good and attentive. Food was tasty, but not extraordinary. The oysters were good, my wife liked the scallops more than I, we both enjoyed the steak tartare and potato, the turbot was okay. The burnt cheesecake ice cream was quite good (and I usually don't like cheesecake). I enjoyed the vermouth flight, a glass of wine with the turbot, and nonino amaro with dessert. My wife had the wassail (good) and NON #3 (okay, but wouldn't order again).
Nice place, good service, unfortunately food was disappointing, some plates were cold others were incipient. The proposal strives for more than they are able to achieve.
Had a great bar/happy hour experience here! Good food, drinks, and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters
Anye B.
Bar Spero is a dining experience that truly stands out for its great ambiance, excellent service, and a culinary journey that leaves you craving for more. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that promised a memorable evening ahead. Although there was a bit of a wait, the staff made sure we were comfortable and kept us informed, which was greatly appreciated.The highlight of our meal had to be the grilled oysters. They were prepared to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that was simply amazing. Following this, we tried the fancy toast, which was not only tasty but also showcased an impressive balance of textures and flavors. The scallops, I must say, were to die for - cooked flawlessly and melting in the mouth with each bite.But the real star of the show was the duck. It was out of this world, with a crispy skin and tender meat that was full of flavor, making it a dish we're still talking about. While the dessert was just okay, not quite living up to the high bar set by the preceding dishes, it was still a pleasant way to end the meal.Overall, Bar Spero offers an exceptional dining experience with its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that delights and surprises. It's a place that beckons for future visits, and I can't wait to return and explore more of their offerings.
Taylor B.
Great service, great food. The best restaurant week experience we had in January 2024.
Suzie Nguyen
The food, cocktail and wine offering was lovely!! What really sets this restaurant apart, is the team, exceptional service and attention to details. We had a wonderful time. Kevin looked after us and he did a great job sharing his favourite takes on cocktails and dishes! We loved his recommendations! The sommelière was wonderful as well; continued to check in us throughout. From start to finish, we had the very best experience.
Wish we could have tried everything! Standouts were the charred cabbage, fancy toast, hot scallop, and burnt cheesecake ice cream. Also enjoyed the octopus and squash. I was really excited for the beef tartar but it was too onion-y for my liking and the allium flavor really lingered. Other than that, 10/10!
Bar Spero was exceptional. Far more a restaurant than a bar. Though drinks were also brilliant. The bartender Savi proved a knowledgable mixologist. If you enjoy mezcal I highly recommend the Dead Lady cocktail. The drink was smoky but well balanced and smooth enough to be dangerous.However, the drinks were only a prelude, the true fire of Bar Spero is the food. Our meal was a delightful, delicious, delectable multisensory feast.Everything was amazing from the cucumber, herb salad to the burnt cheese cake ice cream. However, my personal highlight was the seafood. I'd recently returned from a beach trip and assure you everything tasted catch of the day fresh. The raw oysters were some of the best I've had. The grilled octopus was sweet, tender and cooked to perfection, it's sauce, a squid ink reduction only emphasized the utter genius therein. Though all the seafood from Jonah Crab Rice to the Tuna Tostadas to the Ember Roasted Scallops were unforgettably delicious. The food could make a convert out of me and will out of you.Our server Blithe was personable, humorous and attentive, without hovering. Her table service was impeccable and she clearly loved her job. Though really all of the service was noteworthy. The communal feel of Bar Spero made it feel like a family. (I love that tips are split front to back of the house)It was an honor when Chef Jason came to out to our table to greet us. This man is an artist, his work practically brought me to tears of joy repeatedly.Do your self a favor and go to Bar Spero, you will thank me for it.Dietary restrictions: I am gluten free and found many options on the menu.Parking: It took a few minutes looking but we found parking in front of the GAO
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters, Potato, Burnt Cheesecake, Steak Tartare, Beef Tartare, Octopus, Tuna Tartare
Really, really good food. Came here for a birthday celebration and we were each given a complimentary drink. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for brunch. The duck and hashnrowns was salty! Took a long time between drinks (tea and coffee) and the main meal.No utensils were visible until either they were asked for or right before the meal.Atmosphere was very nice.If I had to choose, I would not choose this restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Delicious, seafood-forward basque-influenced menu. The staff was sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable.Great spot for a very fancy date in buzzy surroundings!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Been here numerous times. Haven't had a main/vegetable dish that I haven't enjoyed. Brought the husband, and now he is a bug fan too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamachi Collar, Octopus
Excellent service from Kevin! Technique and flavor of the food were superb. Favorite bites were the oysters, octopus, and bread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service and excellent food and drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Torrijas & Green Walnut, Potato, Charred Cabbage Salad
Can not rave enough about this amazing bar from acclaimed Chef Johnny Spero. Every dish is perfectly balanced and the presentation is phenomenal. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The bartenders are focused on delivering a great dining experience and beautiful cocktails. Definitely check out the wine and vermouth options as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We sat in the back of the dining room, kind of an austere space. Service was good and attentive. Food was tasty, but not extraordinary. The oysters were good, my wife liked the scallops more than I, we both enjoyed the steak tartare and potato, the turbot was okay. The burnt cheesecake ice cream was quite good (and I usually don't like cheesecake). I enjoyed the vermouth flight, a glass of wine with the turbot, and nonino amaro with dessert. My wife had the wassail (good) and NON #3 (okay, but wouldn't order again).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burnt Cheesecake, Beef Tartare
Nice place, good service, unfortunately food was disappointing, some plates were cold others were incipient. The proposal strives for more than they are able to achieve.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a great bar/happy hour experience here! Good food, drinks, and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters
Bar Spero is a dining experience that truly stands out for its great ambiance, excellent service, and a culinary journey that leaves you craving for more. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that promised a memorable evening ahead. Although there was a bit of a wait, the staff made sure we were comfortable and kept us informed, which was greatly appreciated.The highlight of our meal had to be the grilled oysters. They were prepared to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that was simply amazing. Following this, we tried the fancy toast, which was not only tasty but also showcased an impressive balance of textures and flavors. The scallops, I must say, were to die for - cooked flawlessly and melting in the mouth with each bite.But the real star of the show was the duck. It was out of this world, with a crispy skin and tender meat that was full of flavor, making it a dish we're still talking about. While the dessert was just okay, not quite living up to the high bar set by the preceding dishes, it was still a pleasant way to end the meal.Overall, Bar Spero offers an exceptional dining experience with its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that delights and surprises. It's a place that beckons for future visits, and I can't wait to return and explore more of their offerings.
Great service, great food. The best restaurant week experience we had in January 2024.
The food, cocktail and wine offering was lovely!! What really sets this restaurant apart, is the team, exceptional service and attention to details. We had a wonderful time. Kevin looked after us and he did a great job sharing his favourite takes on cocktails and dishes! We loved his recommendations! The sommelière was wonderful as well; continued to check in us throughout. From start to finish, we had the very best experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters, Burger, Octopus
Wish we could have tried everything! Standouts were the charred cabbage, fancy toast, hot scallop, and burnt cheesecake ice cream. Also enjoyed the octopus and squash. I was really excited for the beef tartar but it was too onion-y for my liking and the allium flavor really lingered. Other than that, 10/10!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charred Cabbage Salad, Cheesecake Ice Cream, Octopus