La Nacional

- 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

For over a century, La Nacional has stood as a beacon of Spanish culture in New York City. Located in Chelsea, this historic restaurant is a cherished part of the Spanish Benevolent Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Spanish heritage. For New Yorkers and visitors alike, stepping into La Nacional is like taking a mini-vacation to Spain without leaving the city. The restaurant offers a warm, cozy, and historic atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming. It's a place where tradition meets modern comfort, serving up generous portions of classic Spanish tapas and larger dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. From its delicious croquettes to its lively atmosphere with live music, La Nacional is more than just a meal; it's an experience rooted in history and community.

La Nacional is situated at 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA. This prime location in the Chelsea neighborhood makes it easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan. The surrounding area is bustling with activity, making La Nacional a great spot to meet friends before heading out or to settle in for a long, relaxed dinner. For guests with mobility needs, the restaurant is well-equipped with a wheelchair accessible restroom and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. While street parking is available, it is paid and can be difficult to find, so planning your transportation ahead of time is recommended.

La Nacional provides a comprehensive dining experience with a variety of service options to fit your needs.

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the historic and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a pleasant environment regardless of the weather.
• Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their tapas at home, La Nacional offers a convenient delivery service.
• Table Service: The staff provides attentive and friendly table service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.
• Reservations: Given its popularity and cozy atmosphere, dinner reservations are recommended. The restaurant does accepts reservations, which is an excellent way to guarantee a spot for your group.
• Catering: While not explicitly stated in the provided information, a full-service restaurant of this caliber often offers catering options for larger events. It would be a great choice for gatherings that require a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.

The emphasis on dining options, from brunch to late-night bites, makes it a versatile choice for any occasion, whether it's a quick solo meal or a group celebration.

What truly makes La Nacional a standout in New York City's culinary landscape are its unique features and historical significance.

• Historic Ambiance: Housed within the Spanish Benevolent Society building, the restaurant has a historic, casual, and cozy feel. This rich history contributes to an authentic atmosphere that transports you to a traditional Spanish setting.
• Live Music: A key highlight of the restaurant is its live music. This feature adds to the lively and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a memorable date night or a fun outing with friends.
• Exceptional Tapas and Classics: The menu features a wide array of classic Spanish tapas. Customer reviews consistently praise the "generous portions" and the quality of dishes like Croquetas Caseras (a fan favorite) and the Gambas Al Ajillo. The Squid is noted for being "extremely fresh," and the Pollo al Ajillo is described as "divine."
• Great Beverage Selection: La Nacional is known for its extensive beverage offerings, including a great wine list, great cocktails, and a variety of beer and hard liquor options. They also offer a happy hour with both drink and food specials, making it a popular spot for after-work gatherings.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Space: The restaurant is good for kids and offers high chairs. Its casual atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd of groups and tourists. Dogs are also allowed outside, making it a pet-friendly choice for outdoor dining.
• "Local Owned" Feel: Despite its historic significance and popularity, La Nacional maintains a "very local spot" and "local owned" feel, which resonates with New Yorkers who appreciate community-focused businesses.

To plan your visit and get a taste of this authentic Spanish experience, here is the contact information for La Nacional.

Address: 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (917) 388-2888

For the best experience, especially during a special occasion or weekend dinner, it is highly recommended to call ahead and secure a reservation.

Choosing a Spanish restaurant in New York City can be a difficult task, but La Nacional offers a compelling blend of authenticity, quality, and atmosphere that makes it a top contender. First and foremost, the food itself is a major draw. As noted in customer reviews, the portions are "generous," which is a fantastic value, especially in New York. While some dishes like the paella may receive mixed reviews, the consistent quality of the classics—such as the "DIVINE" chicken and the highly praised croquettes—ensures that there's always something delicious to enjoy. The freshness of the seafood, particularly the squid, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients.

The service is another key reason to choose La Nacional. The staff is described as "very accommodating" and the service as "great." Their willingness to go the extra mile, such as singing for a birthday celebration, creates a personal and memorable experience that goes beyond just a meal. This friendly and welcoming staff contributes to the overall cozy and romantic atmosphere of the restaurant.

Finally, the happy hour and beverage list offer a significant reason to visit. A recent happy hour goer mentioned getting a "great deal" and loving the happy hour croquettes and sangria. Although one review noted that the sangria might lack a bit of "oomph," the happy hour pricing makes it a fantastic option for a budget-friendly get-together. The extensive wine list and well-made cocktails are perfect for a night out. The presence of live music and a sports-friendly environment further adds to its appeal as a dynamic and entertaining space. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a tourist seeking a truly authentic New York experience, La Nacional delivers on its promise of great food, excellent service, and a historic atmosphere that truly feels like a slice of Spain in the heart of the city.

La Nacional

239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA