Buceo 95

- 201 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving an escape to the vibrant culinary scene of Spain without leaving the city, Buceo 95 stands out as a genuine neighborhood gem on the Upper West Side. Located at 201 W 95th St, this establishment successfully marries the concepts of a traditional tapas restaurant and a sophisticated wine bar. It is far more than just a place for a quick drink; Buceo 95 offers an intimate, cozy, and distinctly romantic atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for dates, friendly gatherings, or a refined solo dining experience. The venue’s atmosphere is often described as a perfect blend of casual neighborhood comfort and upscale, trendy downtown chic, a unique feat for a UWS location.

At its core, Buceo 95 specializes in small plates, or 'tapas,' providing a dining style built around sharing and savoring a variety of flavors. This Spanish focus is complemented by a "Great wine list," featuring both Old World and New World selections, with a notable emphasis on Spanish varietals and unique offerings like Sherry flights. The menu is expansive, ranging from classic Spanish comfort foods and late-night bites to healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there is a dish to suit every palate and preference. Open primarily for dinner, Buceo 95 is a destination for those who appreciate high-quality food, a carefully curated selection of drinks, and a genuinely warm, welcoming environment where table service is attentive and personal.

Location and Accessibility

Buceo 95 is conveniently situated at 201 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025, placing it right in the heart of the Upper West Side, just off Broadway. This prime location ensures excellent connectivity for local residents and visitors exploring the area. For commuters utilizing the subway system, the restaurant is a short walk from the 96th Street station, which serves the 1, 2, and 3 lines, a major hub for uptown and downtown travel, with accessible elevators on Broadway between 95th and 96th streets. Multiple bus lines also service the immediate neighborhood.

The venue is situated between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, a lively area with plenty of pedestrian traffic. For those driving, the restaurant notes that paid street parking is available, which is typical for Manhattan but may require a bit of patience to secure a spot. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Buceo 95 is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and accessible seating arrangements. Furthermore, the establishment welcomes a diverse crowd and proudly maintains an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace environment. Patrons with well-behaved dogs can also enjoy the experience, as the venue allows dogs in its outdoor seating areas.

Services Offered

Buceo 95 provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the varied needs of a New York clientele:

• Dine-in: Guests can enjoy the full experience, complete with comfortable seating and dedicated table service for dinner and dessert.
• Outdoor Seating: A highly desirable feature, allowing patrons to enjoy their Spanish small plates and wine in the lively, open atmosphere of the UWS.
• Reservations: Buceo 95 accepts reservations, which is strongly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure a table in this popular spot.
• Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Convenient options for local residents who prefer to enjoy the tapas and wine in the comfort of their own homes.
• Delivery: Offering a full-service delivery option, bringing their celebrated Spanish cuisine right to your door.
• Catering: Specialized service for larger groups or events, allowing customers to bring the delicious tapas experience to their own gatherings.
• Late-Night Food: A great option for those enjoying the NYC nightlife, serving food and drinks past the typical dinner hour.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Buceo 95 is rooted in several standout features that enhance the dining experience:

• Great Wine List: A thoughtfully curated selection of Spanish and international wines, available by the glass (like the $9 Garnacha Delincuente) and by the bottle, including premium Reservas such as the $256 Bodegas Alion.
• Specialty Sherry and Sparkling Wines: A rare feature in New York, offering Sherry flights (starting at $16) and a selection of high-quality Cavas and Spanish sparkling wines like the $13 Raventos I Blanc, adding an element of authenticity.
• Exceptional Tapas Variety: The menu is robust, categorized into Verduras (Vegetables), Mariscos (Seafood), and Carne (Meat), with popular items like Gambas Al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, and the famous Dátiles (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo goat cheese).
• Happy Hour: A significant highlight for locals, offering great deals on wine, sangria, and delicious pintxos (small skewers/bites) at the bar, typically between 5-7 PM.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The venue successfully creates a multi-layered atmosphere—casual yet cozy, romantic yet trendy—complete with an onsite bar and a gender-neutral restroom.
• Dietary Flexibility: Extensive menu offerings include healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, making it easy for guests with different dietary needs to enjoy the experience.

Contact Information

For planning a visit or placing an order, here is the essential contact information for Buceo 95:

Address: 201 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025

Phone: (212) 662-7010

What is Worth Choosing

For New York diners, Buceo 95 is an essential choice for its authentic, high-quality Spanish experience. What truly makes it worth choosing is the combination of its acclaimed beverage program and its commitment to flavorful, genuine tapas. The restaurant’s "Great wine list" is a significant draw, and any connoisseur of Spanish wine should take advantage of the diverse offerings, particularly the Dry Sherry and Montilla-Moriles Flights, which provide a guided tasting experience rare outside specialized Spanish eateries.

On the food front, the best value and flavor lie in the tapas themselves. Patrons should prioritize the fan favorites: the Dátiles (bacon-wrapped dates) for a perfect blend of sweet and savory, the classic garlicky Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp), and the Hongos (stuffed mushrooms) for a delicious vegetarian plate. For a more substantial main course, one of their authentic Paellas—available in both meat and seafood versions—is a truly comforting and satisfying dish, cooked fresh to order.

However, the most highly recommended experience, especially for those looking for great value in the Upper West Side, is their celebrated Happy Hour at the bar. With promotional pricing on select wines, sangria, and pintxos, it offers a perfect, budget-friendly opportunity to sample the essence of the Buceo 95 menu and soak in the lively atmosphere. The consistent praise for the friendly, attentive staff and the cozy, romantic setting confirms that this wine bar is not just serving great Spanish food and drink; it’s providing a cherished, upscale neighborhood experience.

Buceo 95

201 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025, USA