A local Gem. Excellent tapas style food and a substantial beer/wine selection, great atmosphere and now a regular menu ??.This place is a real charmer with a small but well thought out menu and friendly staff. Perfect for date night or having a few beers and some excellent food.
Rebecca Warner
I feel conflicted about our experience at Tapas 1 and hopefully this review will just be viewed as advice from one customer’s perspective, and not taken to heart with a bitter response from ownership as some of the other reviews have been.Kim took care of us and was very friendly and explained the environment and menu to us as it was our first visit. There were 6 of us, in town visiting our family and checking out the place because we’ve been wanting to for a while. We ordered a round of beer and wine and the kids got a soda. About five minutes in we were asked if we were doing another round, but we were still finishing our first and said we were not ready for another round just yet and we were not going to be having food. We haven’t been together in a while and were catching up, maybe about ten to fifteen minutes later, and Kim placed our check on the table. Now I am a server for a living and I understand people taking up a table in a busy restaurant and them not ordering can be frustrating. However, there was not much happening in the restaurant and no one was waiting for a table, and we had not been there that long. It felt like she wanted us to leave. We were actually going to get another round because it was raining and we really enjoyed our beverages but felt like we were being rushed out. Overall the place is lovely inside and the wine is great but it felt like because we were not ordering food or drinks fast enough, we were not really valued. As I said, I am a server and I understand the industry but placing checks on tables without them asking feels wrong. Maybe it’s an old-fashioned thing that most don’t think anything of. Hospitality is not about rushing people because they don’t have a high tab within 20 minutes.
vudieu
What a wonderful evening. Great atmosphere with Kim and Robert. They made excellent beer and wine pairings for each dish according to individual tastes. Dishes were fabulous but the couscous was exceptional. Loved every bite.
mvcolasanti
Chef Bob can cook anything ! And he does. His menu’s change weekly ! That way he always has fresh local ingredients. He raises chickens and quail so he has an ongoing supply of fresh eggs. The description on the menus doesn’t always do the dish justice, so just ask and he will tell you all the details of that dish. But where he really puts himself out and shines is his monthly Specialty Dinners. I’ve eaten at many Michelin Starred Restaurants and I have to say his Italian Dinner was the best meal I’ve EVER had. So if you can snag a reservation to one of these you won’t be disappointed.. It’s a small neighborhood gastropub that reminds you of Cheers, Where Everybody Knows Your Name.. And some nights you get dinner, and a show ! But you’ll have to go yourself to see what I mean.
Elizabeth Thompson
The food was fine. The political atmosphere was uncomfortable and one sided for us. If you aren't a gun enthusiast, or if you don't support Trump you may feel out of place.
dickc889
We love going there! Not only do you get a great meal, you leave there feeling like you’re part of their family! We love it!
ang71663
So happy to have this unique restaurant so close to home. I have had dinner, a girls night out, and attended two cooking classes (so far) at Tapas 1. I highly recommend attending one of the classes, they are so much fun and very comfortable. Love the homey atmosphere and great food! Highly recommend!
GTA165
We have gone to Tapas 1 since they first opened. We used to live closer - it was convenient, fun, changing menu so you get to try different things, and great fun! We now live further away - we make the drive… why? Because it is so worth it! The food, the wines, the beers, the people! We have done all types of events. We have done classes, we have been at catered events and private party’s! It has expanded our knowledge of foods and wines - but it has introduced us to people from all different places and we enjoy them all! Chef Bob was in the military and him and Kim support and give back to others who have served. Tapas 1 is worth a try if you haven’t and worth a try again if it has been a while - you won’t be disappointed!
K46MEkerrys
We LOVE Tapas 1!! We try to come once a week. The menu changes weekly. Chef Bob’s creativity and food selections are to die for. There are always fun new beers to chose from. I most recently came here Friday night for girls night out. DJ Paul was also playing an array of music to add to the fun atmosphere! Great way to start the weekend.
P5633BVjackiel
Such a unique place! Very personable. We always feel like we’re having dinner and drinks at a friend’s house.
This place is incredible! Love the food, the atmosphere is inviting! Everyone is so friendly and genuine. Great place for our date night! Highly recommended!
JeremyB938
Based on Tripadvisor reviews, I decided to give Tapas1 a try the other night. Since I was solo, I chose to sit at the bar. Carolyn, the bartender, was handling several other customers, but I was immediately greeted by Kim (a co-owner) and assured that Carolyn would be right with me. She was, and then helped me select an excellent Oregon Pinot Noir to drink. Although the menu was a little limited I had expected that, since they apparently change it frequently based on food availability. Nevertheless, choosing from among the amazing-sounding dishes was difficult for me; I wanted them all! I finally decided on a bowl of mussels (in white wine and cream sauce) followed by Soft Shell Crab on tomato risotto. Carolyn told me right away that the kitchen was really busy and that my food might take a little bit (it looked like Chef Bob (Kim's Husband) is a one-man band), but I was happy with my wine and taking in the atmosphere. No sooner did I start getting into my observant groove when Carolyn brought out my mussels! And what mussels they were! Plump, cooked PERFECTLY, and served in an exquisitely balanced sauce with just the right amount of herbs in it. I'm a real fan of mussels and these were the best I've had in many years (to include my own homemade concoctions)! I will definitely ordering them again. The soft shell crab was cooked perfectly - it had been deep fried, but whatever Chef Bob used as breading was incredibly light, crunchy, and non-invasive to the more delicate flavor of the crab. I have never had such a well-prepared soft shell crab! And the Tomato Risotto on which the crab was sitting was phenomenal. I had assumed that it would be a typical restaurant 'filler' of risotto and some basic marinara sauce. Man, was I surprised! The tomato base was obviously freshly made and prepared at the peak of ripeness; the herbs added just the right balance to the tomato sauce, resulting in a dish I would go ahead and order on its own. As I finished my bottle of pinot noir (not sure how that happened!!) Chef Bob and Kim and Carolyn and I had some very interesting conversation. They learned that I was a veteran and promptly gave me a discount card for future visits (plus a card for a free glass of wine in the future, since I had already settled my tab). Rest assured, new friends at Tapas1, that I will be back frequently and will bring friends along with me! Congratulations on a top notch restaurant.
Amy Kenyon
Wow! You feel like you are on vacation in Spain at this place. The owner is super friendly and inviting. Nicole was just the best! The DJ, Paul, picked just the right music. He was friendly and contributed to the awesome atmosphere. Even the chef made delicious food and was so kind to check on us to make sure we enjoyed it- even while we were sitting at an outside table. This really is quite a special place. I wish it was located in Sarasota so we could go more often. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We had forgotten what it was like to have a nice and delicious relaxing dinner with a glass of good wine and great food.
Sharon S.
I wouldn't know because they are never open. I've tried three times. First time it was closed due to an emergenvcy and the other two times they were closed on a Saturday night for a private event. I just don't know how you stay in business... Unlikely I will give it another go.
Ken B.
First time to their cooking class! Lots of fun, friendly, excellent food. I'm going back!
A local Gem. Excellent tapas style food and a substantial beer/wine selection, great atmosphere and now a regular menu ??.This place is a real charmer with a small but well thought out menu and friendly staff. Perfect for date night or having a few beers and some excellent food.
I feel conflicted about our experience at Tapas 1 and hopefully this review will just be viewed as advice from one customer’s perspective, and not taken to heart with a bitter response from ownership as some of the other reviews have been.Kim took care of us and was very friendly and explained the environment and menu to us as it was our first visit. There were 6 of us, in town visiting our family and checking out the place because we’ve been wanting to for a while. We ordered a round of beer and wine and the kids got a soda. About five minutes in we were asked if we were doing another round, but we were still finishing our first and said we were not ready for another round just yet and we were not going to be having food. We haven’t been together in a while and were catching up, maybe about ten to fifteen minutes later, and Kim placed our check on the table. Now I am a server for a living and I understand people taking up a table in a busy restaurant and them not ordering can be frustrating. However, there was not much happening in the restaurant and no one was waiting for a table, and we had not been there that long. It felt like she wanted us to leave. We were actually going to get another round because it was raining and we really enjoyed our beverages but felt like we were being rushed out. Overall the place is lovely inside and the wine is great but it felt like because we were not ordering food or drinks fast enough, we were not really valued. As I said, I am a server and I understand the industry but placing checks on tables without them asking feels wrong. Maybe it’s an old-fashioned thing that most don’t think anything of. Hospitality is not about rushing people because they don’t have a high tab within 20 minutes.
What a wonderful evening. Great atmosphere with Kim and Robert. They made excellent beer and wine pairings for each dish according to individual tastes. Dishes were fabulous but the couscous was exceptional. Loved every bite.
Chef Bob can cook anything ! And he does. His menu’s change weekly ! That way he always has fresh local ingredients. He raises chickens and quail so he has an ongoing supply of fresh eggs. The description on the menus doesn’t always do the dish justice, so just ask and he will tell you all the details of that dish. But where he really puts himself out and shines is his monthly Specialty Dinners. I’ve eaten at many Michelin Starred Restaurants and I have to say his Italian Dinner was the best meal I’ve EVER had. So if you can snag a reservation to one of these you won’t be disappointed.. It’s a small neighborhood gastropub that reminds you of Cheers, Where Everybody Knows Your Name.. And some nights you get dinner, and a show ! But you’ll have to go yourself to see what I mean.
The food was fine. The political atmosphere was uncomfortable and one sided for us. If you aren't a gun enthusiast, or if you don't support Trump you may feel out of place.
We love going there! Not only do you get a great meal, you leave there feeling like you’re part of their family! We love it!
So happy to have this unique restaurant so close to home. I have had dinner, a girls night out, and attended two cooking classes (so far) at Tapas 1. I highly recommend attending one of the classes, they are so much fun and very comfortable. Love the homey atmosphere and great food! Highly recommend!
We have gone to Tapas 1 since they first opened. We used to live closer - it was convenient, fun, changing menu so you get to try different things, and great fun! We now live further away - we make the drive… why? Because it is so worth it! The food, the wines, the beers, the people! We have done all types of events. We have done classes, we have been at catered events and private party’s! It has expanded our knowledge of foods and wines - but it has introduced us to people from all different places and we enjoy them all! Chef Bob was in the military and him and Kim support and give back to others who have served. Tapas 1 is worth a try if you haven’t and worth a try again if it has been a while - you won’t be disappointed!
We LOVE Tapas 1!! We try to come once a week. The menu changes weekly. Chef Bob’s creativity and food selections are to die for. There are always fun new beers to chose from. I most recently came here Friday night for girls night out. DJ Paul was also playing an array of music to add to the fun atmosphere! Great way to start the weekend.
Such a unique place! Very personable. We always feel like we’re having dinner and drinks at a friend’s house.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is incredible! Love the food, the atmosphere is inviting! Everyone is so friendly and genuine. Great place for our date night! Highly recommended!
Based on Tripadvisor reviews, I decided to give Tapas1 a try the other night. Since I was solo, I chose to sit at the bar. Carolyn, the bartender, was handling several other customers, but I was immediately greeted by Kim (a co-owner) and assured that Carolyn would be right with me. She was, and then helped me select an excellent Oregon Pinot Noir to drink. Although the menu was a little limited I had expected that, since they apparently change it frequently based on food availability. Nevertheless, choosing from among the amazing-sounding dishes was difficult for me; I wanted them all! I finally decided on a bowl of mussels (in white wine and cream sauce) followed by Soft Shell Crab on tomato risotto. Carolyn told me right away that the kitchen was really busy and that my food might take a little bit (it looked like Chef Bob (Kim's Husband) is a one-man band), but I was happy with my wine and taking in the atmosphere. No sooner did I start getting into my observant groove when Carolyn brought out my mussels! And what mussels they were! Plump, cooked PERFECTLY, and served in an exquisitely balanced sauce with just the right amount of herbs in it. I'm a real fan of mussels and these were the best I've had in many years (to include my own homemade concoctions)! I will definitely ordering them again. The soft shell crab was cooked perfectly - it had been deep fried, but whatever Chef Bob used as breading was incredibly light, crunchy, and non-invasive to the more delicate flavor of the crab. I have never had such a well-prepared soft shell crab! And the Tomato Risotto on which the crab was sitting was phenomenal. I had assumed that it would be a typical restaurant 'filler' of risotto and some basic marinara sauce. Man, was I surprised! The tomato base was obviously freshly made and prepared at the peak of ripeness; the herbs added just the right balance to the tomato sauce, resulting in a dish I would go ahead and order on its own. As I finished my bottle of pinot noir (not sure how that happened!!) Chef Bob and Kim and Carolyn and I had some very interesting conversation. They learned that I was a veteran and promptly gave me a discount card for future visits (plus a card for a free glass of wine in the future, since I had already settled my tab). Rest assured, new friends at Tapas1, that I will be back frequently and will bring friends along with me! Congratulations on a top notch restaurant.
Wow! You feel like you are on vacation in Spain at this place. The owner is super friendly and inviting. Nicole was just the best! The DJ, Paul, picked just the right music. He was friendly and contributed to the awesome atmosphere. Even the chef made delicious food and was so kind to check on us to make sure we enjoyed it- even while we were sitting at an outside table. This really is quite a special place. I wish it was located in Sarasota so we could go more often. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We had forgotten what it was like to have a nice and delicious relaxing dinner with a glass of good wine and great food.
I wouldn't know because they are never open. I've tried three times. First time it was closed due to an emergenvcy and the other two times they were closed on a Saturday night for a private event. I just don't know how you stay in business... Unlikely I will give it another go.
First time to their cooking class! Lots of fun, friendly, excellent food. I'm going back!