Savoring San Sebastian: Plan Your Own Pintxos Crawl

Located in the Basque Country of Spain, San Sebastian is a coastal town near the border of France that boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in Europe making it a foodie heaven. While the rest of Spain is known for tapas, San Sebastian refers to their small snacks as pintxos (PEEN-chohs) and indulging in these culinary delights is part of the town’s social and cultural traditions.

The best way to enjoy these perfect snacks is by planning a pintxos crawl either on your own or by booking a tour. While I love a good food tour, it can also be fun to plan a little DIY from time to time and, with everything in close proximity and several resources available to help you map it out, it’s easy to plan your own.

Know Your Pintxos Basics

Before diving into the culinary adventure, it’s essential to understand what makes the pintxos culture unique. Pintxos are appetizer-sized portions or bites that can be served on bread and secured with a toothpick or served as small dishes. Pinxtos come in endless varieties—from traditional Basque dishes like salted cod (“Bacalao”) and Basque sausage (“Txistorra”) to modern interpretations with seafood, vegetables, and meats.

Pintxos pair well with a glass of the traditional Basque cider or white wine known as txakoli (cha-koh-LEE), poured theatrically from a height to enhance its effervescence. Locals and tourists alike will hop from one bar to the next ordering a snack and a glass at each for just a few euros a piece making the pintxos crawl a fun and cheap way to experience the culture while tasting the flavors of the region.

Speaking of, pintxos culture in San Sebastian has its own rhythm. Lunchtime pintxos crawls typically start around 1:00 PM and continue until about 3:00 PM, while evening crawls kick off after 7:00 PM and can last well into the night. Spaniards love to socialize over pintxos, so expect lively atmospheres where standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar and people pouring out onto the street is part of the experience.

Plan Your Route

San Sebastian boasts several pintxos districts, each with its own charm and specialties. The two most famous areas are the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and Gros. In the Parte Vieja, narrow streets are packed with pintxos bars offering an array of choices while Gros, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with innovative pintxos joints often frequented by locals.

One thing that surprised me is that this tradition is mostly enjoyed standing either along the bar or back wall or outside at a high top table. There isn’t much seating, especially in Parte Vieja. When there were a few small tables crammed inside the bar, they were often for customers ordering larger dishes off menu and not meant as a place to sit after receiving a pintxos from the bar. I was redirected a few times before realizing this norm – it’s a good thing to be aware of when planning your route.

Enjoy the Variety

The beauty of designing your own pintxos crawl lies in the variety. Start with classics like anchovies marinated in vinegar (“Gilda”), the steak (“Txuleta”), or the garlic shrimp (“Gambas”). Each bar will have a glass case of pintxos to choose from and a chalkboard menu with even more options. Though it’s tempting to order what you can see, don’t skip on the hot dishes displayed on the menu which can often be tastier than those laid out before you. A few of my favorites included the octopus (“Pulpo”) and the steak.

Discover Hidden Gems

One of the best resources for planning your crawl is by downloading the Pintxos app. Featuring nearly 100 of the best pintxos around town, the app provides top picks from Michelin-starred chefs as well as suggested routes for each district. Whether you stick to the recommended pintxos or pick something else off the menu, this app is the best resource to have on hand.

While the app will lead you to several of the iconic pintxos bars, don’t limit yourself to this list only as there are hidden gems tucked away in quieter corners. Look for places where the Spaniards are or, even better, ask a local to share their favorite spots. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or try something new. You might discover your new favorite pintxo!

End on a Sweet Note

No pintxos crawl is complete without dessert! Head to La Vina for their iconic Basque cheesecake (“Tarta de queso”) and another glass of txakoli or cider of course! The cheesecake is served at room temp and has a slightly different consistency when compared to the New York-style cake so go into it with an open mind, ready to try something new.

Final Thoughts

As your pintxos crawl comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the flavors, the atmosphere, and the memories made. Each pintxo tells a story of Basque culinary heritage and the vibrant spirit of San Sebastian. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply someone who loves to eat, San Sebastian’s pintxos crawl promises an unforgettable journey through taste and tradition.

¡Hasta Pronto, San Sebastian!