Happy Hour | Sangria and tapas at Belltown's Taberna del Alabardero

Taberna del Alabardero

Mark my word. The Broken Fried Eggs tapa at the new Taberna del Alabardero restaurant will be the most popular happy-hour nosh in Belltown. It's warm egg yolks blanketing crispy fries with bites of salty Iberico ham — costing just $5 and a less-hedonistic choice than Poutine or chili-cheese fries. (Sorry. That's the best we can do for those happy-hour fans counting calories.)

Taberna del Alabardero, occupying Cascadia's former space, features an ambitious four-page tapas menu, all half off during happy hour ($2.50-$6). It's easily one of the best happy-hour deals in the city.

Try Jellied Honeycomb Tripe Stew, Madrid Style; or Boneless Pig's Feet, Chilindron Style. Those playing it safe can stick to croquette or Tortilla de Patatas. Not to be missed: Bombom de Alitas de Pollo, its light, crispy version of chicken wing.

For years, Taberna del Alabardero has had foodies in the other Washington salivating, with its acclaimed restaurant in our nation's capital where patrons wait up to 45 minutes to score a table during happy hour. You won't have to wait at the Taberna del Alabardero tapas bar in Belltown, since its name has not resonated with Seattleites. At least not yet.

Taberna del Alabardero, 2328 First Ave. Happy hour in the bar area 3-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, when all tapas are half price and sangria goes for $3 for a glass or $14.50 for a pitcher (206-448 8884 or www.alabardero.com).

Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com