Tabancos are a combination of tavern and wine shop that is typical of Jerez de la Frontera. Wines (sherries) are sold either by the bottle (to take away or consume on the premises), or direct from small casks. Tapas are also sold, and there is a close association between tabancos and the culture of flamenco.
El Pasaje is probably the oldest still existing tabanco in Jerez, dating officially to its founding by Don José González Navarro in 1925, though prior to that it had been first a food shop and then a peña (flamenco club) for local waiters. It’s name (the passage) derives from the fact that it has two entrances in parallel streets. Under the current management a small side room that had been blocked off has been reopened.
There are regular flamenco events (times vary depending on time of year), and often impromptu performances, with a great atmosphere. The wines (sherry) are by Maestro Sierra, and there’s a very nice range of cheese and meat tapas, montaditos, and a few hot dishes. Bar service only.
Santa María, 8
Jerez de la Frontera
Tel 956 333 359
€ €
Food 7 | Wine 9 | Service 7 | Ambiance 9
cheese and beer
amontillado with mojama (cured tuna)
the front room
tapas variadas
sherry flight
chicharrones de Cádiz
lomo in PX sauce
oloroso and chicharrones
impromptu afternoon performance
the back room with stage
scheduled evening show
spontaneous Sevillanos
Wandered in here (or tried to) the first afternoon I was in Jaén, but it wasn’t quite open yet – even though there seemed to be several regulars inside – so my friend and I moved on. The next day I passed by again and I swear those same guys were in there. But this time it was officially open so I sat at the bar and tried a couple of tapas. Some fabulous cheese and a very good stewed meat dish (cannot remember what it was, other than delicious).
meat! very good (complimentary)
delicious cheese (complimentary)
Bea and owner Antonio
