In the United States, specifically Northern Illinois, service is fast and efficient. Rarely are you at a restaurant for more than an hour when the goal is to get in, eat and leave. That is not the case in Sevilla. First, to order you would most likely need to go up to the bar or counter to tell one of the two people working what you want. Then, if it's not a quick beer off the tap, you can go sit and come back when you see that your food (most likely a tapa) is ready. People don't always bring food to your table, they are not working for tips like they are in the States. This also means you are not going to have a waiter or waitress coming to your table to check on you or bring you the check until you ask, literally flag them down. This may seem like bad service, but it's part of the culture.
Eating and drinking is not done in an hour and you go home, it is a social event. You go to talk over a shared tapa and beer/wine (Cruzcampo is the beer of choice at most bars). I have also learned that it is a social event for the staff as well. I have now frequented the same bar a few times and they will come and chat with us and have even brought us tapas to try! I have seen them do this to other groups of people as well. There was even a group who looked like they were headed to a wedding hanging out with the staff! The community atmosphere is great and makes it feel like home when you go out.
The people are friendly and are all about having conversations! One time while sitting at a cafeteria alone I had an elderly lady come and sit with me! Everyone in the cafe seemed to know each other as well. That place has become my favorite for a breakfast and Emilio's has become my favorite for a tapa and drinks with friends!
Pictured: Empanados de Pollo y Tortilla.
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