tonica

Wow. Cute, intimate spot where you either make a reservation or sit at the bar. Happy hour keeps the cost very reasonable, and the quality of the food is better than 98% of where I've been in Memphis.Let's talk about drinks though, Estrella Galicia Spanish beer and unique cocktails that are balanced, but leave a lasting impression. Did I mention basque cheesecake? I'm happy to eat or drink here.

First time visiting here and now this place will be a regular spot. Got seated quickly (we did have a reservation) and Matt was super great and helpful. We got two sangrias, the soup of the day, fried calamari, and different tapas. When I say everything was amazing, everything was. Nice place with a great vibe. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside. There is only street parking so be prepared for that.

I honestly can't say I agree with my fellow reviewers. Having spent time in Spain, we love tapas, and this place was one we'd been wanting to try for awhile. Romantic & intimate?? Not by a long shot! The acoustics are terrible and we had to shout to hear each other. The food is just average. I do love a dedicated spot on the menu for Gin & Tonics, and the drinks themselves were very good. We got a good chuckle at the end of the evening when our cute little server came to tell us about the dessert offerings. One was Basque Cheesecake. She asked if we knew what "basque" meant, and my husband answered that it is a region in Spain. She said, " nope!" and proceeded to tell us about the cheesecake. There is nothing here that would entice us to return.

We love everything about Tonica - the food, the staff, the ambiance...everything! We come often for brunch and just love it! Lisa, Matt, Hannah, all of the staff treat us like family. We are pretty much creatures of habit and get the same things and they always remember our order. My husband gets either the shrimp and grits or the American breakfast with sausage AND bacon, because, well...why not? I always get the pan con tomate and breakfast potatoes. The toasts have a tomato garlic topping and are delish! The potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum! I always get the mimosa with a splash of grapefruit juice and my husband always gets the spicy Bloody Mary! It comes with a variety of house pickled veggies that I usually swipe. Dinner is also always fabulous! They have the best (and biggest) gin and tonics. My husband gets the gin raw which is more like a traditional gin and tonic and I get the one with the grapefruit soda or the newest one called the tanqueray Sevilla with clementine! Soooo good. We always get a variety of the tapas. We share some and some are just for for each of us . I am vegetarian and my husband is gluten-intolerant so it's perfect for us. We like the chickpeas with spinach and the patatas bravas to share. I could eat the patatas bravas every day! They are crispy potatoes in a spicy sauce with a drizzle of garlic aioli. Yum! My husband gets either the garlic shrimp or the pork tenderloin with salsa verde (which is one of the best he's ever had). He raves about both. I get the pan con tomate which is different from the brunch version with grated tomato on top. It's super fresh and on garlic toast. We have gone with friends who have tried a variety of other options and no one has ever gotten something they didn't love. Would highly recommend!

Loved the location and decor. Staff was pleasant but I wish she would have offered more of an experience through explanation of menu items. Black mountain had my favorite distillery "Rock Town - LR Arkansas" liquor in it. However it was underwhelming. I'll definitely be back to try more items in the future.

The atmosphere was very intimate, great for a romantic evening. 5/5 for ambiance.We ordered coquetas, papas bravas, lamb skewers, and sangria (my favorite thing ordered). Overall it was enjoyable and unlike any other restaurant in Memphis. I know they are supposed to be tapas, but the portions did feel a bit small (mainly the croquetas, which were my favorite food ordered). I would not order papas again. 4/5The service was great. 5/5

I recently went for lunch/brunch and had a mixed experience. The food had its highs and lows. The croquetas were quite good, and the patatas bravas were decent. However, the hash was a bit too salty and lacked flavor. The ambience was pleasant, although it was a bit noisy with lots of kids around. Despite this, the restaurant wasn't too busy. On the plus side, the service was decent, and the espresso, though flavorful, was unfortunately served at room temperature, which could have been more enjoyable if served hot.

Tonica, a charming restaurant with a Spanish flair, captured my heart from the moment I stepped inside. The cozy atmosphere, complemented by a talented guitar player in the corner, set the stage for a memorable dining experience.As my colleague and I settled in at the bar, we couldn't help but admire the inviting ambiance. Tonica's Spanish-inspired menu offered a delightful array of tapas and drinks, perfectly suited for our evening out. We started with the garlic shrimp, a plate bursting with flavor that left us craving for more. The croquettes with Sarone ham were a true highlight, with a rich and savory taste that delighted our palates. And of course, we couldn't resist trying the chicken wings, accompanied by a delightful sauce and a heavenly blue cheese dressing that left us wanting to savor it forever.Moving on to the main course, we indulged in the short ribs. These tender and succulent pieces of meat were absolute perfection, leaving us in awe of their exquisite taste. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that had us longing for another serving. To complement our meal, we enjoyed a glass of both white and red Spanish wines. The selection was impeccable, and each sip added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience.Aside from the delectable food and drinks, the customer service at Tonica was top-notch. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our evening was nothing short of exceptional. Their attentiveness and friendly demeanor created a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home.In conclusion, Tonica is a hidden gem that offers a delightful Spanish dining experience. From the warm ambience to the live guitar music, every aspect of the restaurant contributes to a memorable evening. The tapas, such as the garlic shrimp, croquettes, and chicken wings, showcase the culinary expertise of the kitchen. The short ribs are an absolute must-try, and the selection of Spanish wines adds the perfect touch to the meal. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a special occasion, Tonica is the ideal destination. I highly recommend visiting Tonica for a taste of Spanish cuisine and a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Absolutely adored the atmosphere and energy of Tonica. Small space with a nice background noise of chatter from other guests. A seat at the bar was perfect. Their cocktails are thoughtful. I thought only slightly higher in price for what you get. The small bites accompanies their drinks and atmosphere well. Their Spanish dishes taste fantastic with several being apart of a new menu when we came. Not a single bad thing to say about Tonica. Great for any occasion you can think of.

Not bad, but nothing to rave about. Service is really great and the interior and outdoor patio are nice spaces to dine in. Vibe is great.Food is pretty average, but probably one of the better places to go in Memphis. I like that there is now a tapas style restaurant in the city, though, so that's a plus. My 4 star rating is pretty generous if we're rating only food. A lot of the dishes were pretty salty, like how most dishes in the south are flavored, so it makes it hard to appreciate the true flavor of the meats and veggies. Costillas de cerdo and gambas al ajillo were like this, though the meat was decently cooked. Overall, if you do get a chance to try tonica, I'd recommend getting 1-2 meat dishes and 1-2 soup/salad items to balance out the meal.I didn't like the sunday brunch as much as the dinner menu. Crepes were wayyyy too salty. They have a different menu, so it's more american brunchy style than tapas.