Txikito
GO HERE: for pintxos and tapas reimagined by chef Alex Raij—and dramatic pours of txakoli, super dry Basque sparkling wine.
ORDER THE: most iconic pintxo in the Basque country canon—the Gilda, inspired by Rita Hayworth and threaded with a fat anchovy, a guindilla pepper, and a single olive. Then dive deeper into the wonderful world of Spanish small plates: txitxiki, teensy sandwiches, crisped on the outside and stuffed with homemade chorizo hash; white asparagus scattered with chopped egg and a truffle vinaigrette; txipiron “encebollado,” luxurious ribbons of squid tossed in pine nuts and a sweet onion-y sauce; and txarripatak, wobbly trotters and tripe stewed with chickpeas and aromatic choricero peppers.
THE VIBE IS: relatively chill. Located around the corner from a huge apartment complex and an elementary school, it’s a lively little space in a quiet part of Chelsea. Families in the neighborhood bring their kids for dinner; friends stop for a quick drink and snack at the bar before they’re onto the next stop of the night.
PRACTICAL STUFF: Open for dinner every day: Monday to Thursday, from 5:30 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by phone for parties larger than 10.
—Elyse Inamine
