The Must-Have Happy Hour at Picaro Restaurant
/Reaching my mid-twenties, I've become so appreciative of both a good meal, and genuine friendships I've maintained over the years. With a majority of my friends well into their careers, making time for one another to share a good meal together after a long day at work is something I cherish a lot.
Earlier this week, not only did I get to reunite with Anjuli for a belated-birthday dinner and catch-up, but she also introduced me to Picaro, right on 16th and Valencia. Someone please tell me, why haven't I been to this place sooner?
It's good to note: I was so caught up in enjoying conversation, and I didn't really capture the whole food experience in it's essence. *insert whiny face emoji here* I did still capture some photos that I'm sure will make you crave this place for your next happy hour.
The Thirst
First off, we need to mention why this place is perfect for an after-work dinner with anyone. Daily Happy Hour from noon-7:00pm. Carafes of Sangria go for $10, and for one glass it's only $2. On Fridays and Saturdays this deal is also offered from 10:00pm to closing. That should already be enough to convince you.
TAPAS
Every table receives complimentary bread paired with their salsa brava sauce. Try not to fill yourself up on the bread before the meal! It's hard to resist.
We picked three plates: Esparragos a la Plancha (Grilled asparagus), Tortilla de Patata (Potato and onion omelet) and Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp). By we, I mean Anjuli picking her favorites since she is a Picaro veteran and has impeccable taste in good food.
Just a few of our delicious picks on the table, featuring the grilled asparagus and salsa brava that didn't make it into pictures of their own.
Tortilla de Patata (Potato and onion omelet). This is one the most popular plates and I can taste why!
Nostalgic note: when I was young, my grandma used to make me potato omelets and this dish reminded me so much of that.
Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) the shrimp, and the buttery sauce it's smothered in really speaks for itself.
Paella for Two, Please!
The paella plates are meant for at least two people, and being plenty for two people, it included leftovers for the both of us! They are $30, and take about a half hour to be prepared... worth the wait though.
We chose to get the lobster paella, and my mouth is watering thinking about how good it was. We squeezed the lemon wedges all over the plate, and that pretty much did it for me. I was a done deal, and I've been craving it since we went on Tuesday!
Paella de Longosta (Lobster paella) up close and personal... in all it's glory.
Between the easy accessible location, the affordable sangria, the taste of the tapas, and the paella portions, this place is an easy suggestion you can be confident when suggesting where you should eat in the Mission.
