An Englishman with little knowledge of Spanish and less about Spain, asked me what the difference is between a cafeteria, a bar, and a chirinquito. To get rid of the simple answers first is that there's hardly any notable difference between the first 2, as they both give exactly the same services, at least in Spain they do: serving coffee, all other beverages hot or cold, alcoholic or not; snacks cooked or pre-packed, even full meals.
Chirinquitos, originally, were simply the previous 2 but located on the beach, on the sand, or practically touching the water and, naturally, rather open on all sides so as to have as much view of the beach. Unlike normal bars and cafeterias, these locations were opened only in the summer months, for the simply reason that's it's too cold to sit at the beach. In the ever increasing affluence of international tourists in the past couple of decades, these establishments have gradually changed, and continue to do so with greater speed, to now resemble more like luxurious beach clubs, offering a lot more than just food and drink.
A lot more of them for a start, as most tourists find them far more attractive to be still on the beach after sunset, and relax in the open air right under the moon and stars, to dine, enjoy music even some entertainment, Plasma TV screens ... Long gone are the days, and nights, when chiringuitos were places where you got simple drinks and snacks, sat on metal chairs and queued up at the counter to fetch your own orders. Cooked meals if available, were no more than anything with chips.
Now they are artistically decorated, with tropical palm trees around, cosy lighting, plants and flowers everywhere, pretty candles on the tables, and anything you can get just like being in a fine restaurant with free parking. Result of severe competition in the business, as their season is pretty short - if you don't make it during this short period of 2-3 months, you had it.
The fight to attract customers is such, some of them even put on hammocks, beach-recliners, and your food and drinks can be served there without extra charge. Most of them offered music of all kinds, live or canned, or a couple of musicians and singers. One near my house have 'lamps' with live flames, you can munch grilled baby lobsters on a stick or what's called a 'wrap' (sandwich being considered too common and low class!), a sort of any food you fancy wrapped in bread rolled out into wafer thin wrapping, or simply wrapped in a leaf of fresh lettuce.
See you later at the chirinquito! Hasta luego.
Tags: beachbar, chirinquito
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