Cafe Tapeo
Cafe Tapeo, a tapas joint that shares its owners with the Black Sheep Pub, opened in the summer of 2007. "The tapas spot has looks—the interior is artfully rustic, with a rough-hewn reclaimed wood bar, copper light fixtures and, when the weather cooperates, a small sidewalk cafe," wrote Time Out New York around the time of its opening, but they weren't as excited about Cafe Tapeo's menu, which included "small plates inspired by a diversity of cuisines (Japanese, Latin, Southern) in place of traditional Spanish offerings."
But back in September, Chowhound jacobdev noted, "For what it's worth, there is a sign outside of Cafe Tapeo this week indicating that they have a new chef and the menu appears to be more of a normal tapas menu (less of what they used to call 'world tapas')." Since then, Cafe Tapeo's Spanish offerings received a positive review by eateryROW blogger Jon Parker, who recommends the "Patatas Bravas, a spicy fried potato dish served under a dollop of spicy aioli, and Turkish Cigars, a philo dough pastry filled with lamb, pine nuts and feta cheese. Both of these dishes were incredible... My only complaint with the Turkish cigars was that we only got three of them."
In addition to small plates, Cafe Tapeo offers entree-sized dishes (such as paella, chermoula-braised short ribs, and steak frites doused with chimichurri) and brunch. Any thoughts on this place since September's chef-switch?
Reviews (3)
cwbuecheler wrote a review on January 19, 2009 12:09 PM
I've been here for dinner twice with my wife. Both times we've been very happy with the food, and the service has been pleasant as well. The menu is eclectic, with a general Mediterranean feel to it. On our most recent visit the Hummus and Turkish Cigars really stood out, while a beet salad was a little overdressed but still tasty. I like the atmosphere and think the space is well laid out. The couch in the back is a nice touch, and during the summer the patio nearly doubles the size of the restaurant.
It's not cheap, though if you're careful with the tapas menu, you can get a decent amount of food at a reasonable price. I do wish they had more beers on tap, however. The four they offer are mostly just ok - basic belgian ales and the like.
PSGirl wrote a review on January 19, 2009 3:09 PM
Tapeo has evolved quite a bit since it first opened - I believe my husband and I were there on their first or second night and had a very pleasant meal from their somewhat limited menu. They had a dish with scallops done two ways that was delicious but very small. Now their menu is more substantial, offering traditional tapas for a light bite, or more substantial options - all shareable - if you're hungrier. We've always enjoyed our visits, and have never had a bad dish. The patatas bravas are incredible, as are the "cocas" - Spanish flatbread pizzas.
The service is generally attentive but not fawning, though a few times we've had trouble getting the sever's attention, but they are always welcoming and as it is a tapas place, never seem to mind if you sit there for several hours with friends and only have one beer and a few tapas.
Overall, a great place to spend a relaxed evening with tasty food.
retroller wrote a review on January 20, 2009 11:21 AM
I really wanted to like this place - but since having a horrible and horribly expensive dinner there its become a running joke in our household. After dropping $100 on a couple drinks and a few tapas - we left hungry and with our tongues burning with garlic. We had such a nasty taste in our mouths for days after dining there. Its not tapas - its random, disgusting overpriced appetizers from anywhere and the staff hang out and drink beer while you get overcharged for yours. since then, everytime we go out and have a good meal since then, we just laugh bc we wasted $100 on this place. short story - avoid....sorry
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