Laci's Tapas Bar
Iberian soul hiding in upstate New York
Armory Square · Syracuse · Spanish Tapas
Reviewed April 23, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into Laci's, you don't expect much from the wine list — it's a tapas spot in Syracuse, after all. But flip it open and there's a genuine attempt to match the food: Spanish and Portuguese labels anchoring the list, with a nod to Argentina to keep things accessible. It's not deep, but it's honest.
Selection Deep Dive
The list clocks in at somewhere between 20 and 35 labels, which is modest but focused enough to feel intentional. Spain leads the charge with Rioja and Albariño representing the Iberian core, while Tempranillo shows up in a couple of expressions that make sense alongside the small-plates format. Portugal and Argentina fill out the edges without overstaying their welcome. There are gaps — no Sherry, no Txakoli, nothing particularly adventurous — but what's here at least tells a coherent story.
By the Glass
Eight by-the-glass options is a reasonable count for a list this size, and the lineup leans into the Iberian theme rather than defaulting to a wall of California Cab and Pinot Grigio. We'd like to see a little more rotation to keep things lively, but for a neighborhood tapas bar in Armory Square, this is a respectable glass program.
Albariño — $12
Albariño and tapas is one of the more reliable combos in existence — briny, bright, and cut for food. At typical by-the-glass pricing for this market, it likely punches well above its cost and keeps the whole meal moving.
Cava
Most people at a tapas bar order still wine on autopilot. The Cava here deserves more attention — it's built for sharing small plates, it's almost certainly the best value on the list, and nobody around you is ordering it.
Tempranillo
Without knowing the specific producer, generic Tempranillo at a mid-tier markup is the safe, forgettable choice. If you're going to drink Spanish red, make sure you're getting a Rioja with some actual structure — not just a label that says Tempranillo.
Albariño + Spanish sliders
The Albariño's citrus-forward acidity cuts through the richness of the sliders without competing with whatever sauce situation is happening. It's the kind of pairing that just makes the food taste better.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Laci's isn't a destination wine bar, but it's doing something right — a focused Iberian list that actually matches the menu in a city where that's genuinely rare. Send a friend here with the explicit instruction to order the Cava and the Albariño.
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