It was King Alfonso X of Spain who first came up with the concept of Tapas (a word meaning lid). He wanted to promote good health and prevent his people from engorging themselves with food and getting fat. Thank God he did because this bar makes me fall in love with Tapas all over again. I went to Olé during Happy Hour (every weekday from 6-7pm) which not only saved me lots of cash (1/2 price for all wines by the glass and $5 Tapas) but made for a good social hour as well. The bartender was mellow and entertaining. I was really impressed with their Spanish white wines (the Muga Blanco & the ConClass Rueda are the best) and they also offer wines from Chile, Argentina, & California. They have a full cocktail menu & sangria made fresh daily.
The food was hit & miss for me. Most of the Tapas were appetizing, particularly the Beef Empanada & Pesto Shrimp, but the Smoked Salmon Ceviche fell flat & needed citrus. A couple of dishes could have been spicier or had a little extra Spanish flare, but all in all everything was tasty enough for me to want to come back. With a sexy lounge area, a rich color palate of rich cranberry & brown, & paintings of fearless Matadors on the walls, this place sets the mood for any kind of night on the town.

By: Erin Landsberg

Olé Tapas Bar
13251 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(b/t Coldwater Cny. & Woodman Ave.)
Tel: (818) 986 3190