How to Eat Pintxos Like a Basque

You can’t come to Basque Country without going for pintxos. The region’s iconic small bites are not only delicious, they are miniature works of art and pieces of culinary heritage. Pronounced ‘PEEN-chos’, they are a way of life for the Basques. Whether it’s a mid-morning pick me up or a pre-lunch appetizer, they embody the vibrant social culture. Whether you’re in San Sebastian’s famed old part or the cozy taverns of Bilbao and Vitoria, knowing how to eat pintxos like a local can elevate your experience from touristy to authentically Basque.

In this guide, we´ll share tips and tricks that will help you eat pintxos like a local. Pintxos have nearly a century of history in Basque Country, and so it only makes sense that they have a well-entrenched social element and defined customs around them. From understanding the unwritten rules of pintxo bars to knowing which pintxos to try and how to order them, we´ve got you covered. We´ll explore the art of finding, eating and paying for your pintxos, and even the best times to enjoy these delectable bites. So, grab a glass of txakoli, get your appetite ready, and let´s dive into the delicious world of pintxos, where each bite tells a story of tradition, community, and culinary history.

Seven tips on how to eat pintxos like a Basque

Don’t be shy at the pintxo bar.

In the Basque Country, indulging in pintxos, small savory bites bursting with flavor, is a deeply entrenched tradition. While some pintxo bars have food on the bars all day long, there are actually a couple of times per day when pintxos are traditionally eaten. The first pintxo break is usually around 11:00 when bars begin to open for the day. It even has a name—hamaiketako, the equivalent of the British elevenses. This pintxo break extends to lunchtime, up to about 2pm. The second time to eat pintxos is before (or for) dinner, from around 7pm to as late as 11pm. At night, pintxos bars come alive with bustling energy. Locals and visitors alike gather to socialize, accompanied by drinks and an array of tantalizing pintxos. But go too early, or in the dead time during the middle of the day, and you might find yourself going hungry or stuck with pintxos that have been sitting out too long.

Don’t be shy at the pintxo bar.

Pintxos are popular. That means, depending on the neighborhood, bar, and time of day, you may find yourself weaving through a lively crowd to reach the bar. Be polite but assertive—don´t hesitate to make your way through. Catching the bartender´s eye is crucial; a friendly nod or wave ensures they know you’re waiting. In busy bars, this can be the difference between a quick service and a long wait. Remember, pintxos culture thrives on social interaction, so embrace the buzz and enjoy the communal atmosphere. With a bit of patience and confidence, you’ll fit right in with the locals around you.

Eat pintxos standing up.

Pintxos have always been eaten standing up at the bar. Their nature as a quick snack, made to satiate the appetite while drinking, has historically precluded sitting while eating. The tradition of eating standing up makes for the dynamic atmosphere that everyone loves. makes it easier to interact with the people around you and immerse yourself in the lively bar scene. So, embrace the tradition—stand tall, enjoy your pintxos, and soak in the authentic Basque experience. Standing up also encourages you to sample a variety of pintxos, moving from one bar to the next without being anchored to a seat—which brings us to the next point.

Hop from pintxo bar to pintxo bar.

The essence of pintxo culture is to keep things moving. Locals typically enjoy a drink and a pintxo, then move on to the next bar. While it´s tempting to settle in and order multiple pintxos at one bar, especially if you find a bar you like, resist the urge. Savor one or two pintxos, then head to the next spot. This approach not only maximizes the amount of bars you can try, it also embraces the true spirit of pintxo dining.

Try each pintxo bar’s specialty.

Locals know that each bar has one or two pintxos that are the best thing to order. Sure, every bar may have croquetas, tortillas, or ensaladilla rusa—but where are the absolute best croquetas? This is the specific local knowledge that, if you can access, will enrich your pintxos experience. From traditional favorites to inventive twists, the signature pintxos of each bar are definitely what you want to order. For newcomers, navigating the array of choices may seem daunting, but the solution is simple: engage with the atmosphere. Whether by conversing with knowledgeable waitstaff or observing locals´ preferences, uncovering the bar´s signature pintxo is not too difficult, just keep your eyes and your ears open.

Pay for your pintxos at the end.

Eating pintxos has a very specific order. Tell the waiter what you want, enjoy it, and right before you leave, settle your bill. This honor system makes it so diners have the freedom to relish each bite, engage in spirited conversations, and immerse oneself in the convivial ambiance without interruption. Waiters and barmen in Basque Country seem to have a sixth sense in their ability to maintain a mental ledger of everyone’s orders, although they may occasionally ask you to remind them what you had.

Pintxo bars are all about being social!

Conversation and conviviality are the core of going for pintxos. It’s not just about eating—it’s about having a drink with old friends and even connecting with new. You can absolutely go for pintxos solo—the pintxo bar offers an open invitation to engage in conversation. It’s easy to leave a pintxo bar with a new friend, especially with a bit of wine to loosen everyone up. To do pintxos like a Basque, remember that it’s all about the experience.

• Photos of pintxos bars crowded with people
• People standing while eating pintxos
• Photos of pintxos that are renowned for being unique to a specific bar, like the prawn from Paco Bueno, the sirloin from Gandarias, the cheesecake from La Viña, etc.