Taking over the stall formerly occupied by Biltong Bar in Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall, chef-owner Hector Santiago sought to bring the vibrancy of Madrid’s bustling tapas bars to Atlanta with his new restaurant, La Metro.
Open daily, La Metro reflects the atmosphere of all-day European cafes. Its menu features breakfast items, highlighted by an excellent Spanish tortilla that resembles a seasoned quiche layered with sliced potatoes. For those on the go, there’s a selection of grab-and-go options and a variety of tinned seafood available, catering to the busy office crowd.
As the evening unfolds, La Metro transitions into a lively spot for after-work gatherings, offering a delightful selection of cocktails, wine, and sherry. While the menu includes a margarita, it predominantly showcases Spanish-inspired drinks made with gin, vermouth, and sherry. Notable cocktails include a golden martini made with gin, dry curaçao, sweet vermouth, and lime.
Despite its ability to create a convivial Spanish tapas experience, the small space poses challenges to prolonged comfort. The menu is extensive, allowing for a dizzying array of dishes, many featuring tinned fish, like the coca de sardinas and various pintxos. A standout option is the montadito de la casa, which pairs anchovy with Southern-style biscuit and sweet sherry sorghum.
Classic tapas like patatas bravas and croquetas de jamon share the spotlight with creative dishes such as coliflor bravas verdes and grilled bok choy with spicy chile crisp. The menu’s highlight is the chuleton, a Basque-style steak from American wagyu, cooked on a 650-degree plancha and designed for sharing, making it a luxurious dining option.
While no dishes were particularly disappointing, some lacked in seasoning balance. Dessert options had mixed reviews, with churros falling short texture-wise but the Basque cheesecake proving delightful.
Overall, La Metro is a destination where one can enjoy a lively atmosphere and varied menu, even if the seating is a tad uncomfortable. The bustling environment of Ponce City Market complements the vibrant dining experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the flavors and ambiance reminiscent of a true Spanish tapas bar.
LA METRO
Rating: 2 out of 4 stars (very good)
Cuisine: Spanish
Service: Quick, friendly, professional
Noise Level: Moderate to loud depending on the crowd
Recommended Dishes: Tortilla Española, Ensalada La Metro, Gilda og Pintxo, Montadito de la Casa, Croqueta de Jamon, Coliflor Bravas Verdes, Bok Choy a la Plancha, Buñuelo de Sunchoke, Wagyu Albondigas, Chuleton, Crema Catalana Espuma, Basque Cheesecake
Vegetarian Options: Ensalada La Metro, Asadillo Salad, Cheese Board, Patatas Bravas, Pan con Tomate, Maix (Corn Ribs), Coliflor Bravas Verdes, Pinchos de Hongos
Alcohol: Full bar with a Spanish cocktail menu and mostly Spanish wines
Price Range: $25-$75 per person, excluding drinks
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun
Parking: Paid at Ponce City Market
Website: lametroatl.com