La Nacional

- 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, **La Nacional** is far more than just a restaurant; it is a living piece of New York history. Operating as the official restaurant (or "cantina") of the **Spanish Benevolent Society**, founded in 1868, La Nacional stands as the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the United States. Its location at 239 West 14th Street is the last remaining vestige of what was once known as "Little Spain," giving the dining experience an unparalleled **Historic** and authentic ambiance.

As a premier **Spanish restaurant** and **Tapas restaurant**, La Nacional offers a genuine culinary journey through Spain. The menu features a balanced mix of traditional classics and innovative originals, crafted by chefs who often hail directly from Spain. Diners consistently rave about the **generous portions** of appetizers and entrees, noting the superior quality of the ingredients. Signature classics like the crispy, flavorful **Patatas Bravas** ($12.00) and the rich, succulent **Gambas al Ajillo** ($16.00) are instant crowd-pleasers.

The atmosphere is a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The setting is described as **Casual**, **Cozy**, **Romantic**, and **Trendy**, making it suitable for a quiet **Solo dining** experience, a lively dinner with **Groups**, or a special occasion. Beyond its role as a destination for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, La Nacional functions as a dynamic **Event venue** and cultural center, hosting everything from flamenco performances to World Cup viewing parties, underscoring its deep connection to the Spanish community in New York.

For those seeking the pinnacle of Spanish cuisine, the **Paellas & Fideuás** are a must-try. Offerings like the **Marisco** (Seafood Paella, $54.00) and the **Mixta** (Mixed Paella, $56.00) are perfectly sized for sharing among two to four people. The rice is consistently cooked to the right texture, often avoiding the overly crispy consistency found elsewhere. The raw bar and specialty sections also impress, particularly the **Pulpo a la Plancha** ($24.00) (Grilled Octopus) and the highly praised **Pollo de la Casa** ($26.00), which one customer described as "DIVINE" and "succulent."

Finally, the selection of cured meats and cheeses in the **Tablas** section is a highlight for aficionados. The menu boasts prestigious offerings such as **Jamón Ibérico de Bellota** ($28.00) and a diverse **Tabla Mixta** ($24.00), perfect for pairing with their lauded **Great wine list** or signature **Cocktails**. La Nacional provides an authentic and deeply accommodating experience, complete with **Fast service** and a genuinely attentive staff who go above and beyond for special occasions.

La Nacional is strategically located in Manhattan, providing easy access from all parts of New York City and appealing equally to **Locals** and **Tourists**. It resides in a historic brownstone in the West 14th Street area, bridging the vibrant neighborhoods of Chelsea and Greenwich Village.

The official address is:

**239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA**

Accessibility is prioritized, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons:

• **Wheelchair accessibility**: Features a **Wheelchair accessible restroom** and **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• **Parking**: **Paid street parking** is available nearby for those driving into the neighborhood.
• **Outdoor Dining**: Offers **Outdoor seating**, a highly sought-after amenity in NYC, with a policy of **Dogs allowed outside**.
• **Transit**: The location is easily reachable via major subway lines in Manhattan, making it a convenient destination for all five boroughs.

La Nacional offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to various dining needs and social events in the New York area:

• **Dining Options**: Provides service for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert**, with full **Table service** and ample **Seating**.
• **Reservations**: **Accepts reservations**, and **Dinner reservations recommended**, particularly for larger **Groups** or peak dining hours.
• **Bar Service**: Features a fully stocked **Bar onsite** with a focus on Spanish beverages, including a **Great cocktails** menu, a wide **Beer** selection, **Hard liquor**, and a **Great wine list**.
• **Happy Hour**: Offers both **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**, providing an accessible way to sample their quality **Tapas/Small plates**.
• **Late-Night Service**: Provides **Late-night food** options, catering to Manhattan's later dining crowd.
• **Catering and Events**: Functions as a flexible **Event venue** due to its affiliation with the **Historical society**, capable of hosting private functions and cultural activities.
• **Dietary Accommodations**: Includes thoughtful menu options such as **Vegan options** and **Vegetarian options**.
• **Family Amenities**: Provides a family-friendly setting, noted as **Good for kids** with **High chairs** available.
• **Cultural Features**: As the **Spanish Benevolent Society**, the venue frequently hosts cultural events, **Live music**, and shows **Sports** (specifically fútbol) to maintain its communal heritage.
• **Payment Flexibility**: Accepts **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and modern **NFC mobile payments**.

M & K Spanish Restaurant’s appeal is built upon a distinct combination of history, ambiance, and culinary excellence:

• **Historic Cultural Center**: Housed within the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the U.S. (The Spanish Benevolent Society), offering a truly unique, **Historic** dining backdrop.
• **Authentic Tapas Program**: Excels in its **Tapas restaurant** offerings, with highly-rated items like **Gambas al Ajillo**, **Patatas Bravas**, and crispy, juicy **Empanadas** ($11.00), often served in **generous portions**.
• **Exemplary Paella**: The **Paellas & Fideuás** section is a major draw, featuring classic preparations like **Paella Marisco** ($54.00) and unique rice dishes like **Arroz de Lobster** ($28.00).
• **Sophisticated Beverage Program**: Boasts a **Great cocktails** menu and one of the best **Great wine list** selections of Spanish wines in the city.
• **Atmosphere**: Ambiance is a key highlight, blending **Cozy**, **Romantic**, and **Trendy** elements, perfect for an intimate or celebratory dinner.
• **Live Entertainment**: Regularly features **Live music** and cultural programming, reinforcing its role as a **Historical society** and **Event venue**.
• **Service Excellence**: Known for **Fast service** and an accommodating, friendly staff that enhances the dining experience, especially for birthdays and large parties.
• **Gourmet Iberian Specialties**: Offers high-end cured meats and cheeses, notably the prestigious **Jamón Ibérico de Bellota** ($28.00) and **Chorizo Ibérico** ($12.00).

For reservations, event inquiries, or to learn more about the Spanish Benevolent Society and its offerings, please use the following contact details:

**Address:** 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

**Phone:** (917) 388-2888

**Mobile Phone:** +1 917-388-2888

For discerning New Yorkers, choosing **La Nacional** is choosing a rich, multi-layered experience unavailable anywhere else in the city. It is worth choosing for the unique blend of **Historic** significance and modern, high-quality Spanish dining. By dining here, patrons are supporting the non-profit **Spanish Benevolent Society**, a cultural institution that has served the Spanish community for over 150 years.

You should choose La Nacional specifically when you are looking for an elevated yet approachable **Tapas restaurant** experience. The quality of the ingredients is consistently praised—from the **perfectly fatty Jamón Ibérico** to the fresh, non-rubbery squid in the paella. Start with a selection from the **Tablas**, perhaps the **Tabla Mixta**, and transition to the must-try **Gambas al Ajillo** and the succulent **Pollo de la Casa**.

Furthermore, the atmosphere is ideal for a special night out. The **Cozy** and **Romantic** setting, coupled with a **Great wine list** and attentive **Table service**, makes it a perfect destination for date night or for hosting a memorable **Event venue** gathering. The ability to enjoy **Happy hour food** and drinks outside (**Outdoor seating**) while perhaps catching some **Live music** solidifies La Nacional as a top-tier choice for authentic Spanish culture and cuisine in the heart of Manhattan. The food is authentic, the history is deep, and the value, given the central location and quality of the dishes, is excellent for the New York dining scene.

La Nacional

239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA