Bar español: pide como un local (tapa, ración, caña, tercio)

In Spanish bars, a "caña" is a small glass of draft beer. Historically, "tapar la caña o el vaso" meant putting a snack on top of the glass; from there comes the word "tapa" (a small portion that accompanies a drink).

"Ración" means a full portion, usually to share. A very common phrase is "una ración de tortilla española".

"Media ración" is half a portion. It’s useful when you want to "tapear" and try several different things. The culture of "ir de tapas" is about trying small amounts and sharing.

"Tapas" are small portions that accompany a drink. "Ir de tapas" means going from bar to bar, ordering a little bit in each place.

"¿Qué te pongo?" is a typical phrase in Spanish bars meaning "What can I get you?" or "What would you like?" If you want beer in a bottle, you usually ask for "un tercio" (an individual bottle).

True. In cities like Granada and León there is still the tradition of the "tapa gratuita" — you get a free snack with your drink.