Seemor
Boqueria W40thB+Worth Trying
260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
· Spanish restaurant, Delivery service, Event venue
· 4.5/5 Google (3306 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Crowd-pleasing Spanish tapas near Times Square with standout classics and lively energy, but service inconsistency and seating policies can frustrate; best for small plates, paella, and drinks if you book smart.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Boqueria W40th delivers reliable Spanish tapas in a chic, lively Midtown setting with strong food quality on signature dishes like croquetas, gambas, and patatas bravas. However, inconsistent execution during peak service and occasional paella missteps prevent grade A territory. The restaurant excels as a neighborhood destination for well-executed classics and pre-theater dining, though it doesn't quite reach the consistency and distinction of the area's premier Spanish restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Step off Times Square into a room that feels chic and lively, with a central bar, open-kitchen counter seats, and a patio that softens Midtown hum. Many diners describe service as warm and attentive, though on hectic nights it can slip. One guest put it simply: "We came for tapas and energy, and got both." The cooking leans classic Spanish with an elevated traditional touch: patatas bravas, croquetas, gambas, and shareable paellas. Tapas shine most; paella can be excellent but needs time, and a few guests hit over-charred pans. Think flavorful comfort over theatrics—ideal if you love well-executed staples and a glass of cava before a show. Families can do well here thanks to kid-friendly bites like patatas, sliders, mac, and chicken. That said, large parties and parents should plan around pacing; paella can run long, and peak-hour waits test patience. If you need speed, favor quick tapas and visit earlier.
At a Glance
- Lively, chic setting with bar and kitchen counter seating
- Tapas classics are consistent crowd-pleasers (croquetas, patatas, gambas)
- Peak-hour service can be slow or disorganized; seating policies feel rushed
- Occasional over-charred paella or octopus texture misses
- Secure personal items; two theft reports noted
What Sets It Apart
- kitchen_counter_seating
- robust_happy_hour
- central_midtown_location
What People Love
- Croquetas with creamy centers and crisp shells
- Patatas bravas that hit salty-spicy comfort notes
- Shareable paellas for a celebratory table moment
- Warm service when staffed well and not overloaded
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency on busy nights: long waits, wrong items, or rushed table turns
- A few reports of burnt paella pans and chewy octopus
- Bottled water upsell confusion and auto-gratuity surprises for groups
- Review patterns show tourist-heavy context which may skew ratings toward brief superlatives
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a tapas flight: patatas bravas + croquetas + gambas for balance of textures and flavors.
- Share a paella and add a bright salad (Ensalada Vasca) for contrast.
- Charcuterie starter with Aged Manchego and a glass of cava pairs well with fried tapas.
Perfect For
- Pre-theater small plates and sangria
- Casual date nights with lively energy
- Business lunches with tapas variety
- Brunch with friends and bottomless options
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown West block by Times Square/Port Authority; business hotels, theatergoers, and office crowds.
Safety: Heavy foot traffic and well-lit; typical Midtown bustle with occasional petty theft concerns per reports.
Nearby: Adjacent to AC Hotel; near theaters, Times Square, and transit at Port Authority/42 St.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse community. The area is lively, especially in the evenings, catering to both locals and visitors attending Broadway shows or working in nearby offices.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday06:30–22:00
Tuesday06:30–22:00
Wednesday06:30–22:00
Thursday06:30–23:00
Friday06:30–23:00
Saturday07:00–23:00
Sunday07:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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