This Zaragoza bar is not about following trends: it is about expertly made béchamel, cheeky ideas and a counter where food is meant to be eaten in bites. Its specialty, croquettes, has gone from local secret to a ritual that draws a queue at the door. The appeal? It does a brilliant job with both classic and more daring varieties.
At El Truco, both classic and more daring croquettes are expertly made. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Its name has been well known in Zaragoza’s tapas scene for years, thanks to a string of awards, nostalgic touches such as Jumpers and a promise it delivers at every table: “everything here is gluten-free.”
EL TRUCO, THE EL TUBO BAR WINNING PRAISE FOR ITS CROQUETTES
On the busiest corner of Calle Estébanes, a small bar sets the pace of El Tubo. There, plates of croquettes come out one after another: crisp on the outside and pure creaminess inside. It is no coincidence that the bar is often described as a must-stop when looking for gluten-free tapas in Zaragoza.
El Truco has become a regular winner of awards for Zaragoza’s best croquettes, year after year. As the reviews put it, it is “a marvel for people with celiac disease.” Among the most original options, the snail and Jumpers croquettes steal the show.
The famous Jumpers croquette arrives at the table in its iconic wrapper, taking you back to school break time. In the words of customers, “they taste more like Jumpers than Jumpers themselves.” This croquette was created as a playful nod during the Tapas Competition and is suitable for people with celiac disease—an important detail at a 100% gluten-free venue. It could hardly be more Aragonese: Jumpers are made in Ejea de los Caballeros.
For those who are not croquette fans, there are alternatives such as huevos rotos with beef cheeks, well-prepared torreznos and a Russian salad that calls for bread—gluten-free, of course—to mop up the last spoonful.
THE ENTIRE MENU IS GLUTEN-FREE
At El Truco, 100% of the menu is gluten-free, there is no risk of cross-contamination, and it shows in the peace of mind of diners who are used to reading labels.
If it is your first visit, the winning move is to order a selection of croquettes—ham, tripe, madejas, ham with melon or the now-famous Jumpers variety—and add a couple of house classics. The price is reasonable, the portions are generous and everything is very good. More than 2,000 Google reviews back it up.
BAR EL TRUCO: OPENING HOURS, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
Address: Calle Estébanes, 2, 50003 Zaragoza. Phone: 976 055 753. Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00–16:00 and 20:00–00:00. Sunday, 12:00–16:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
