
If you are looking for a wonderful evening in a great restaurant...keep looking. Don't get me wrong, this is the place you want to go. You just need to FIND it. The first thing that will strike you about this tapas restaurant is that you can't see it from the street. It's kind of like a treasure hunt, with the meal being the treasure. So that you don't roam aimlessly around Downtown Claremont (unless you want to because it's a great place) here's a map and a hint:(Look for a walkway just south of Rhino Records)

When you find the walkway, just look for the line of people waiting to get in. If you arrive more that 30 minutes after opening, the line will surely be there. Viva Madrid is a small, funky place where the chairs don't match, and there's not a spot on the wall without something adorning it.So what is everyone waiting for...tapas!
What are tapas? These are tapas. Tapas are part of a meal made of of wonderful hor d'oeuvers. There are well over 50 on the menu, and one is as good as the next.Half the fun is trying things you have never heard of. If you really don't like it, it will only set you back a few bucks anyway.Personally, I love the seared dates wrapped in bacon, and the squid with chorizo. Then again, the paella is ridiculous, as is the shrimp in wine/garlic sauce. I'm not a drinker, but the sangria seems to flow freely as well.If you're married, take your spouse. If you're not, be careful.It's part of an evening where you may end up that way. A great meal and then a stroll through Downtown Claremont is a great way to start your weekend.
