It says something about the city of Boston that a business like Tres Gatos exists. The front is a very delicious tapas restaurant with a nice patio. The back is a well-curated bookstore and jazz record shop. They’re not neighbors. They’re the same business. Jazz records from the store are the soundtrack to the restaurant. People waiting for seats hang out in the book store killing time. Yes, it’s a little weird or, at best, quirky, but for a city that prizes intellectualism and food and live music, like Boston, it makes sense.
The bookstore and record store are small, but well curated. You probably won’t find a lot of surprises here, but it’s always worth browsing if you’re in the neighborhood. The food is worth making a trip for. Their tortilla espanola is soft, rich and slowly cooked to a perfect level of creaminess. The tapas change regularly, but anything that they do with seafood is always excellent.
Get a seat on the patio if the weather is good and drink rose or sangria depending on how hot it is. If it’s cold or wet, go inside and have mezcal. If inside, sit by the high tops near the window if you can. Go with friends. Four is about the right number for a table. Save space for the churros. Your food will come quickly, but take your time. Catch up with friends. Listen to some jazz. Enjoy life.
