8. Iberia Peninsula Restaurant

Try any other place before you eat here. Most people go there because they are not familiar with Spanish/Portuguese cuisine. Once you go to Fornos, Spanish Tavern, Casa Vasca and other smaller places, you will not return. this place is a food factory. If you like noise, confusion, avarage tasting food and stomach aches, by all means go there.

Went there Saturday night and sat at a table in the bar area. Ordered a pitcher of sangria. When we ordered a second pitcher, I asked the waiter for less ice. He brought back a pitcher with no ice and a glass on the side with ice. A pitcher of sangria is listed as costing $18.00. When I received the bill, I was shocked to see they charged me $26.00 for the second pitcher because I asked for no ice. I confronted the head waiter and his answer was he didn't take the order. But I saw him standing at the waiter station at the bar when the server brought the empty pitcher over to be refilled. I will never return to a rip off place like Iberia again. On top of that, they charge you $5.00 to park your car across the street. Needless to say, that was my last visit to Iberia with so many other excellent portugese and spanish restaurants down neck that still take care of the customer. Iberia, a true tourist trap. Not worth the effort or the aggravation. Can't beat places likeTony Decaneca's, Casa Vasca, Adega Grill, Fernandez II, Taste of Portugal, Spanish Tavern, Krug's Tavern, all put this Iberia to shame. And watch out for the music players looking for a handout too.

I had lunch in the Tavern/restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and it was fantastic. Serice was a bit on the slow side, but they made up for it with a number of back up people. Very good value for the price. Quality food, big portions. Would definately return to try the rotisserie meats and other interesting menu items. Also, close to Penn station.

Food is usually delicious. On two occasions the seafood platter had old calamari (huge overly mature rings).