Salamanca keeps the excellent old tradition of serving a free tapa with every drink — a custom that has largely disappeared in Madrid and Barcelona but survives here. The area around Plaza Mayor and Calle Van Dyck is the epicentre, with dozens of bars competing for custom; the tapa quality and generosity varies, so it is worth trying several.
Jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, croquetas, and small portions of morcilla are the most common offerings. For a longer session, move from bar to bar — the student custom is to work your way across several streets over the course of an evening, which is excellent value and a good way to eat.