Bar Mercado

The Cockentrice was one of the first original tenants to go into the KSM... I liked their meat market/butcher shop, The Spotted Trotter, a lot and that's what they should have been focused on always and nothing more. But they really wanted to showcase their product in a full service resto setting and sadly it didn't translate well with this one horse town's palate and demographics. Sure, a lot of people went to see what the fuss was all about and to satisfy their curiosity but the avant garde meat-centric menu didn't make it back on most people's rotation. They were way ahead of their time with their menu which was made up of mostly charcuterie. Then they quietly closed everything down and decided to just focus on their shop in Kirkwood, which they should have done all along.
The large space sat empty for awhile until the Castelluccis took it over to bring their Spanish tapas concept  to the tourists rich KSM. Shit, if bad Tex Mex can make a killing there, imagine what good tapas can do... The Iberian Pig and Cooks & Soldiers have been very successful tapas joints for them, so why change a working formula... We all know that tapas was trendy a few years ago and the hype has died down the last couple years but it's still good eats every once in awhile if it's done right. Let's sample a few dishes and see if they will have staying power in this high turn over food hall. 

Alcachofas, crispy artichokes, lemon garlic allioli. Brussels sprouts is so 15 minzies ago, the new gimmick is artichokes these days... And this is a winner. The lightly charred hearts really brings out the flavor of the artichoke. The aioli added just a hint of creaminess without masking the artichoke overall flavor. Good stuff.

Empanadas, pork cheek and golden raisins. Look at these little beauties... Brilliant golden brown color and perfect plump shape. The filling was pretty tasty and I coulda used more pork cheek... Couldn't we all?

Boquerones, white anchovy. The presentation was kinda weak looking but the anchovy was delicious.

Setas Salteadas, oyster mushrooms, sherry, herbs. They were earthy, juicy and meaty and seasoned spot on.

Arroz De Tomate, bomba rice, roasted tomato, red pepper, broccolini, eggplant, shiitake. Mix it all up and you got a comfy creamy dish that you can't stop eating.

Estofado, pork belly, bean stew, potato, carrot, swiss chard. Crispy cubes of pork belly... What else do you need? A classic dish.

Berenjena, seared eggplant, saffron yogurt, black olive caramel, crispy chickpeas.Nice presentation and everything paired well together, make sure you get a little of everything with each bite to get the full flavor bomb.

Tortilla, spanish omelette, manchego. Egg and cheese, what else do you need? The picture pretty much says it all... And it was dericious.

Pulpo a la Gallega, braised octopus, potato, pickled red onion, chive, vizcaina sauce. It was tender and full of flavor. It was just plain good and well executed.

With all their experience at their other tapas joints, this smaller version will do well in KSM. Let's face it, tapas is way more approachable with the pedestrians than a meat-centric charcuterie heavy menu. The prices are reasonable, the menu while small is diverse and the portions are spot on to keep the foot traffic and tourists coming in for more. The cocktails were pretty decent as well... You can always start off here and end the night at Ticonderoga with more food and drinks... Y'all know that's what the pouch did on this night and the nights to come. Jesus, I am such a fat fuck...

99-V Krog Street
Atlanta, GA 30307
www.barmercadoatl.com