Northern Liberties got an infusion of authentic Spanish flare when Bar Ferdinand opened on Liberties Walk. A hip tapas bar with delicious yet affordable food and drinks, Ferdinand has quickly become one the most popular establishments in the neighborhood.
Ferdinand’s design is stylish, sophisticated and fun. The large, faux marble, wrap-around bar comfortably sits 20. Behind it, you will find, as you would at a roadside tapas bar in Spain, the chef preparing a daily selection of hot and cold small plate specialties.
Near the bar, is a long, elevated, communal table perfect for casual meals with two or two dozen. The main dining room, set off to the right of the bar, is subtly elegant, evidenced by the antique gold leaf vaulted ceiling.
The menu itself is simple, honest and approachable. To Bar Ferdinand’s owner, Owen Kamihara, the renowned restaurant designer, the importance of Ferdinand’s true tapas menu can not be overstated. That’s why you’ll find delicious small plates — from $4 - $9 — running the gamut from tuna confit empanadas and monkfish and pork belly pinchos to a crisp quail, spinach and arugala salad or sautéed mussels with chorizo and fried capellini.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand has more than 50 authentic Spanish wines, 25 of which are available by the glass, and more than 30 beers, ten of which are on draft. Bonus: each week a different wine is on special for $2 a glass. There are also specialty cocktails, like the Abeja: vodka, honey water, lemon juice, fresh squeezed orange juice and a splash of dry sherry.
In a nutshell, Bar Ferdinand is a fun, delicious and versatile spot. So be sure to put it on your list — and you can thank us later.