At this cozy old-world joint named for the Spanish town that hosts the annual Running of the Bulls, you don’t want to miss the bar’s daring rendition of Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon cocktail, a mix of champagne and absinthe.

The owners of Pamplona’s Tapas Bar studied the culinary landscape of downtown Lafayette, examining what was being offered and, most importantly, what wasn’t. Even though Louisiana’s heritage contains decades of Spanish rule, the Spanish culinary heritage was missing from the town where most restaurants gear their menus with Cajun and Creole traditions.

One of my favorite places to go at the end of the week is Pamplona Tapas Bar on Jefferson Street in Downtown Lafayette. I am never disappointed whether I go with my husband and three year old or with a group of girlfriends – it’s always a tasty experience.

“Pamplona Tapas Bar is a beautiful Spanish-inspired restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine infused with other international flavors, including those from France and North Africa. There’s a cozy patio ideal for a spot of summer socializing and a covered outside space which provides ample shade for diners looking to share delicious small plates. Highlights include spicy garlic shrimp, Catalan spinach with raisins, pine nuts, and green apples, and patatas bravas with jalapeño aioli and mojo pican. If it’s too hot out, cool off with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine.“

Definitely Pamplona Tapas Bar. It’s a Spanish tapas-style restaurant but people mainly go there for the bar. The cocktails are amazing. They make their own tonics, bitters, and seasonal simple syrups. My drink is the Tip of the Iceberg, which has gin, tonic, and an orange-and-clove simple syrup.

Located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, Pamplona Tapas Bar has a bistro-style ambiance that features tapas or small plates consisting of farm-fresh seasonal products as well as fresh meats and seafood. There’s no better day of the week to get a taste of Pamplona than on Friday with 25% off traditional tapas selections from 2-7 p.m. They also offer drink specials as well including $3 house wine, $3 sangria, $4 well cocktails and $1 off their beer selection.

The executive chef of Pamplona Tapas Bar recently became a partner in the restaurant, and that could mean big things for the downtown restaurant. Kris Allen, 37, plans to grow the business, but he’s being vague about how. “I just plan to expand within the current location to try to be bigger and better and maybe look at opportunities to see what we can do,” Allen said. “I would love to bring more jobs to the community and some fresh ideas here as well.

Those with an appetite for old-world flair will find it in Lafayette at Pamplona Tapas Bar, building a strong Spanish aesthetic in every corner. Boasting only the freshest of ingredients and “timeless processes,” Pamplona prides itself on house-made syrups and tinctures.