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I have been to Apamate many times and I have spent years traveling to Spain. I have also been to the other Spanish restaurants in Philadelphia and Apamate is unique in that it is the most authentic because it is humble and fantastic at the same time! I have spent time in San Sebastian where Pinxto's originated. Anyone who has traveled in Europe knows the service there is slow but sincere and this also adds to Apamate's authenticity. Spain moves slow and the Spaniards enjoy their food so clearly people who appreciate Apamate are well traveled and enjoy life. But, that isn't why I am posting here. I had to respond to the previous poster who rants and raves about their extensive experience eating tapas all over America. I had to laugh because 1) Apamate serves "PINTXOS" not tapas. 2) and most importantly traditional Spanish croquetas de jamon do NOT HAVE CHEESE IN THEM! So, I merely had to point out that everyone is a critic but, one should be properly educated before they deserve the right to say such things about an awesome place. Maybe the previous poster would be happier at say an Applebees or other chain that serves "tapas". I have been the restaurant biz for 22 years and I am so sick of customer entitlement. But, of course respect also comes with education. Try going to northern Spain to one of the pintxo bars.....or, just go to Apamate and save tons of money.

I whole heartedly recommend this place if you're in the mood for insipid tapas, an overpriced check and you want to walk out hungrier than when you came in. Let me preface this review by saying I've had tapas all over the world-including Spain and these are a joke. I thought I had bad tapas in other places but this one took the cake for three reasons: price, portions and taste. I've had mini tapas at other restaurants/bars and usually what I've been served is a half portion which comes at half price but still remains substantive in terms of food amounts and quality. Even in NYC, where food isn't cheap, one can get mini tapas for $4 that have decent portions to them or better yet get full tapas for the price we paid at Apamate. I was beyond apalled by what I was served at Apamate. Their Lomo de Cerdo was a rip off at $6 for an inch diametre and inch long piece of tasteless meat. I might not have been so bothered by the size and cost if it had been sublime in taste, but instead we got garbage. Their queso and mebrillo empanada was disgustingly flat which took the life out of enjoying it. The shrimp was grossly overcooked. The caramellos de morcilla was slightly intriguing, but not enough to wow us. We ordered other appetizers, all of which either underwhelmed or disgusted us and yet after all of the appetizers we ordered we were still hungry because as they were ALL ridiculously small. The fools we were, we gave them one more chance and ordered the ham and cheese croquetas thinking ok, they can't mess these up too badly. WRONG!! They had such a bad aftertaste and the filling was gummy and unappetizing. Some croquetas had no ham in them and all tasted as if they had been packed with a flour-y filler instead of cheese. I'll admit we didn't try the entrees so cannot say the restaurant is a total loser, but based on the tapas alone-stay very far away from them unless you're looking for disappointment.

My wife and I go to Apamate regularly. We love this place, the food, the personable and friendly service, the atmosphere, everything is perfect. Chef Anna is incredibly talented and with a different vision. The best part is the price-quality value you get. We were happy when they used to be slow to have found such a jewel but are even happier that they are doing so well. The flamenco night was incredible! The dancers spiced up the intensity of the food and the place. We had never seen flamenco before and are so glad we have a place like this in the city!

This place was disappointing! We went there for a show and they insisted that we arrive at a certain time, we did and wern't seated for another hour. Food was cold, small portions, bread and churros were stale. What a waste of time and money.

Went for brunch...Pancakes were VERY heavy in syrup but delicious. More of a dessert than a breakfast item but well prepared. The Tortilla Espanola was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. The service, as others have noted, is not "fast", but makes for an enjoyable meal. Very reasonable prices, mostly under $10 and an excellent restaurant in the neighborhood!

I arranged a large party for friends and was looking forward to the good food I had had once previously. 3 people cancelled on us ahead of time. The chef/owner charged us for those 3 people becuase she had made us commit to them ahead of time. Even after threatening not to honor the reservation, she didn't budge. Not a very good business decision, sacrificing a very large party becuase 3 poeple didn't show.

I was very impressed. I heard good stuff about this place but never imagine how good it was going to be. The food was excellent and the service very attentive but not overwhelming. The best is the price-value of this place. I hope when they are very successful they don't change a bit. More restaurants in this city should do what this guys do. It is impossible now to go to any restaurant without spending lots of money and everyone serves the same thing. It was different and amazing! highly recommended! and they turn your wine into sangria for $5 a pitcher!