Forget fancy small plates. Here, you get a proper portion of food with your drink, often for free or a couple of euros. It's about good wine, honest food, and chatting with friends.
The Tapas Scene
Bullas (BOO-yas) is a small wine town in inland Murcia. The tapas scene here is relaxed and local-focused.
Expect family-run bars, not trendy spots. Most places have a few tables inside and maybe some outside in the plaza. It's casual – people come in work clothes, with kids, or after a day in the vineyards.
Atmosphere is lively but not loud. You'll hear Spanish, maybe some Murcian dialect, and the clink of wine glasses. In summer, everyone moves outside; in winter, it's cosy inside with heaters.
Prices are low. A glass of wine with a tapa often costs €2-4. Some bars still do the old system: buy a drink, get a free tapa. Others charge €1-3 per tapa. Full meals are €10-20 per person.
Best Tapas Bars
Bar La Bodega
€The classic Bullas tapas experience. Dark wood, barrels, and locals at the bar. Their morcilla (blood sausage) tapa is famous. Order a glass of red Bullas wine – they'll bring a plate of food with it.
Mesón El Lagar
€€Bigger place with a restaurant area. Good for groups. Try their migas (fried breadcrumbs with pork) and local cheese plate. They have a terrace overlooking the plaza.
Taberna La Viña
€A bit more contemporary but still local. Creative tapas like goat cheese with fig jam. Good for vegetarians. Their wine list is all Bullas DO.
Bar Plaza
€No-frills bar right on the main square. Perfect for a quick beer and tapa. Their tortilla española (Spanish omelette) is solid. Cash only.
Local Tips
Don't stay in one bar. Have a drink and tapa at Bar La Bodega, then walk to Mesón El Lagar for another. Locals call this "tapeando" – hopping between bars. It's the best way to try different places.
Bullas has its own wine denomination (DO Bullas). Always order the house wine – it's local, cheap, and good. Red is most common, but try the rosé in summer. A glass is called a "chato".
Bars get busy around 2-3pm for lunch and 9-11pm for dinner. Sundays are family day – expect crowds. Many places close Monday or Tuesday. In August, some shut for holidays.
Final tip: if you're driving, take it easy with the wine. The police know the roads out of Bullas well.