Toro Kitchen and Bar, which opened earlier this year, specializes in Spanish-style food prepared by chef, Juan Carlos Bazan. Owned by Gerardo De Anda, the eatery became a Northside favorite the second it opened its doors. The spot is a popular dinner destination, often at capacity, so if you want to try it out and get the feel, happy hour is your best bet.

Toro sports a happy hour menu Tuesday through Friday (they are closed Mondays) and includes a little bit of everything from gin and wine cocktails, to tapas and beer, all for under $6. During my visit, I opted to get one of the drinks from the “Gin Bar” menu. The menu includes five cocktails; each made with a different base gin, and then built with tonics and garnishes that help enhance the flavors present in each spirit. It’s a great way to showcase how versatile gin is. Go with a friend (or by yourself) and get the Valencia which features rosemary or the Mallorca, an anise-forward concoction. Toro also has great wine cocktails like the Tinto de Verano, a combination of soda and wine, for $5.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can choose from a variety of different tapas that are available for five bucks a pop as well. The tacos are a favorite, a nice petite crispy tortilla filled with tender pork. The huevos rotos are another popular item, flash-fried Spanish-style potatoes with a fried egg, which can
have chorizo or pork belly added for an extra charge.

There are plenty of delicious options to indulge in at Toro. If you decide to visit before happy hour, they do offer half off house cocktails before 4 p.m. If you happen to stay through happy hour, you have to try their paella, it recently won fan favorite at the Paella challenge a couple of months back.

Happy hour at Toro Kitchen and Bar is Tuesday through Friday from 4- 7 p.m. They just started a late-night menu as well!

115 N. Loop 1604 E., Suite 1105, (210) 592-1075.