This place is packed in the late morning with retired men who come to shoot the breeze, at lunchtime with people from the neighborhood, and in the evening with the young and old of Córdoba. The bartenders, all male, are classic examples of the gruff around the edges Andalucían server. There are various versions of this bar around town, including the slightly more upscale "Pata Negra" right next door, but the original on the corner and overlooking Parque Juan Carlos I has the best atmosphere. Grab a table on the street if you can find one empty.

Recommendations: The menú del día is a fabulous value. It's worth the extra euro or two to upgrade to the fancier flamenquín, if pork is your thing. The rabo del toro (oxtail) is excellent, as well as the ensaladilla rusa (kind of like potato salad). The salmorejo is more bread-y and less tomato tasting than some places, but tasty nonetheless. I like the lentejas (lentil stew with chorizo) if you happen to hit it on the right day. These full raciones are HUGE, so think twice about ordering them unless you are with many people.

Don't expect good service, as I have never gotten it here, but expect large and cheap raciones and good people watching in La Corredera.

I recommend the Moorish-inspired berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with molasses), the flamenquín (a typical food from Córdoba, it is bits of jamón serrano rolled up in pork, battered and fried), and the salmorejo. Medias are generally plenty, but the full raciones go a long way if you're there with a group.

Alhambra on tap

Closed on Mondays.

The Sociedad de Plateros, or Society of Silversmiths, also houses a peña social club and is a go-to spot for some very pijo lunches, but the space itself, a typical Córdoba patio, is second to the food.

They specialize in bacalao (cod) here and I especially like the Portuguese potato bacalao dish, sort of like hashbrowns/potatoes au gratin with fish. Just ask for "el plato de bacalao portugues" and they'll know what you are talking about...I never recall the name. All of the food I've had here is tasty and the service is better than most places. Be aware that Sunday crowds might make finding a seat at lunch sort of challenging.

Featured on PBS's "Spain...On the Road Again" series.