Tasca Brava

Went on a Monday night at about 6pm with 3 friends. We were trying to discuss a presentation we were giving the next week and just wanted to share a few tapas and enjoy a few beers since we had all eaten late lunches and were not particularly hungry. After ordering our second round of drinks, the owner/waiter asked for our order and we tried to order a selection of tapas to share. He then insisted on taking an entre order at which point we suggested we'd just like to start with the tapas because we weren't sure how hungry we were. He then told us we "weren't worth his time," so we left. Interestingly, we were the only table in the restaurant at the time, so its not like he was trying to turn the table quickly. We went to another tapas place down the street which was fine and on the walk back to our cars noticed only 2 tables at Tasca Brava. Overall, as someone who has been in the fine dining industry for 15 years, I've never A) met such a rude, condescending restaurant owner (did I mention the bluetooth earpiece he was using tableside?) or B) seen anyone refuse to be serve a table, particularly on a night when the restaurant was practically empty. It was truly such a negative experience that I'll never be back and will make a point to tell anyone who asks not to go. more

We had an AMAZING evening there. The Food, The Staff, The Food!!!!! more

This is by far one of my favorite restaurants. Juan, the owner, truly loves to create each dish. Before you order, ask him about what's 'off the menu' or 'on special' that night - he is always coming up with something new based on fresh available ingredients. Tonight we had sweet potato ice cream and it was delicious! I've seen other reviews about the service, which are a bit funny to me. It's a tapas restaurant - it's supposed to be a place to slow down and enjoy the company of friends and eat small dishes over time! Frankly, I think the food is well worth the wait. Where else can you get octopus, antelope, tripe, grouper & shrimp ceviche, pan de queso, lentil or locro soup, etc? The diversity of options is wonderful, the food tastes amazing, and the atmosphere is quiet and intimate. I'd encourage anyone to give this restuarant a try more than once ... it's too good to miss! more

I don't know where to start with this review since there were so many negatives on our visit. The food was mediocre. After having visited Spain, I had high hopes for this restaurant but was sadly disappointed. The food quality, inventiveness and presentation left a lot to be desired. I wouldn't go back for the food. But I wish that was the worst of it. I have to agree with previous reviewers about their ridiculous service. The drinks and food took forever to come out and they only had about 4 or 5 tables occupied. I guess they have a "team" service system but it was confusing and they all seemed quite lost. At the end, the owner/server (haha) was our server and his negative attitude sealed our decision to never visit this restaurant again. Pros: Portuguese beer? Cons: EVERYTHING more

I went to Tasca Brava's new location tonight for dinner and it was just awful. Menus given to us once seated were for the restaurant that used to be there, Bistro--BIG MISTAKE. Finally, we did get the "correct" menus and they all had different selections for dinner and didn't match. The staff seemed baffled by this. After ordering drinks we chatted--our table of 8--and realized after 20minutes we hadn't received our drinks let alone bread. We asked for water 3 individual times from 3 individual waiters--as we didn't have "one" but a series of many, an NEVER recieved water. Finally, the owner decided to help us and took our order. None of our entrees came together, and at the end we were waiting for 3 that NEVER arrived. We cit our losses and left. At 60 dollars per person I would not reccomend this place. The food was ok, and the service sucked. Several times we complained and instead of getting a complimentary entree or a round of drinks, the owner just shrugged and complained about his staff. I felt so upset about this experience that I called the waiter later on and told him I would write this review. He did not try to apologize but expressed that he felt it would tke awhile for the food and staff to be top notch after the move--that this was just the start. But, why should I be penalized? Why did I have to pay top dollar and a 20% tip for the poorest service I ever recieved? Then he told me his wife is sick and he is having to do this all by himself! Well, if you think you can't handle the business, get out of it! All I ask for is friendly service, good food, and attentiveness to a patron's needs. I recieved none of this. Please skip this place and go to Red Room across the street. Pros: Location on Glenwood Cons: Owner is mean and waits the tables, is unaccommodating and unsympathetic more

I had the pleasure of visiting Tasca Brava over the summer with a friend of mine. She has never had tapas or traditional Spanish food, she is a good ol' burger and fries Southern girl. But we both loved the food. We split about four tapas and I had the sangria, it was quite a good meal. The service, which have been slaughtered in some of these reviews, was really pleasant. It was a female waitress and I guess her little daughter. The daughter was adorable, tell us her favorite tapa and showing us a glass b ull for no reason. The service itself was prompt and I didn't have a complaint about it. It is a bit pricey but it was still a quality meal. I'd say, go ahead check it out and determine for yourself. more

When I say an education, I mean it. You have to be adventurous and open minded to appreciate the passion the owner shows in the entrees and wine pairings he recommends. This was an experience that I really enjoyed and appreciated. I can understand the frustrations of the people who offered previous reviews, but when you go to a unique restaurant such as this you should want to be guided in your choices. My friends and I went tonight for a birthday dinner and because we were all open enough to try different things and really listen and appreciate the origin of each choice we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff being the owner and one waitress (it was a Wed. night) were very attentive and friendly. We felt right at home. Please try this restaurant and give the owner and his ideals a chance. You wont regret it. I didnt and I read the previous reviews before going. Im glad I did. We had a fabulous time!! The wine list is wonderful. I had the wild boar chorizo sausage and potato/onion tart which we shared as well as the duck. For desert I had a wonderful and light medley of sorbet. From blackberry, lulu (from the family of kiwi), papaya and guava along with a cafe con leche. So good!!! Dont expect salt and pepper on the table nor sugar for your coffee. It is served as authentic as can be and it is so worthwhile to have it as so. Life is too short to have everything the same way week in and week out, so live, love. laugh and EAT!!! Pros: ambience, conversation with the owner, wine especially and desert Cons: none more

Went to Tasca Brava on a Monday for our first wedding anniversary. Our server (whom I believe was the owner) was knowledgeable, had excellent recommendations, and was very attentive. The food was absolutely out of this world good. If you want fresh and authentic, this is the place. They also roast their own coffee, so don't leave without enjoying a cup. Pros: Fresh, local ingredients, excellent service, inventive cuisine. Cons: None more

I had the pleasure of living in Spain for three years, and experienced the warmth, friendliness and devotion to good food and good times that Spanish people are well known for. Now temporarily living in Raleigh, but found on the internet a Spanish tapas restaurant called Tasca Brava, and I must admit I was very skeptical of finding the atmosphere and the food I missed so much. But as soon as I sat down at a table outside, I was welcomed by a waiter (I later found he is the owner) as if he has known me for years, that itself gave me the hint that I was not going to be disappointed. I started with authentic Spanish beer from Galicia, and as soon as I tasted the soup of the day (Sopa de Ajo), I felt the Spanish dining experience all over again, AND I AM NOT IN SPAIN ANYMORE!! After the soup, I had the Spanish cheese, ham and chorizo sampler and I was so impressed to see the authentic cheese, ham and chorizo just like the ones I used to have in Spain, no shortcuts! Solomillo a la extremena was one of my most favorite meals when I was in Spain, and I must say that this Solomillo I had here is even better that most Spanish restaurants I used to go! Each bite of everything that I had, even dessert, I could truly notice that they put the devotion to make the best meal ever, and that is the essence of cooking meals slowly. Even though I would wait a while between each meal I was served, I took all my time to eat, and as I was doing that, my mind was traveling back to the ?dinner celebrations?, where every night is a worthy and meaningful experience. When I tried their coffee at the end, I honestly was not expecting to taste the same coffee I used to enjoy every day?and I was happily wrong, and the owner even sells it to you!!! It is now my daily favorite at home. When I left Spain, I thought I was never going to be fortunate to find an authentic Spanish restaurant back in US soil. I am so glad I found Tasca Brava. Thanks for making dinner meaningful!!!! Pros: Authentic Spanish food, cooked slowly, but to perfection. No gimmicks Cons: None. You may be spending a bit more, but believe me, it's worth it! more

I am really surprised by some of the reviews posted here...some of them are even offensive, especially references to the owner's wife's health, etc. We visited Tasca Brava with our two good friends at least every two months when it was located in N. Raleigh. We were excited when it moved downtown. If you are worried about what wine to choose, please allow the owner to choose it. We have NEVER gotten a bad wine recommendation from him. We also allow him to suggest the food. He loves food and wine, and we don't find him pushy...just suggestive. Juan is taking on a lot of the waiting and work himself...it is unfortunate that his staff may not have been given the opportunity to use their waiting skills. So...the service wasn't that awesome. Still, the food and wine more than made up for it. The menu is smaller, I suppose to handle a smaller kitchen, so we were not as happy with the limited vegetarian options. Will continue coming back, though! Pros: Excellent food, excellent wine ,good location Cons: Limited vegetarian options, smaller menu, slower service more

Wow what a place. I have tried just about every small plate restaurant in Raleigh. Finally there's one that serves authentic Spanish tapas that literally transports you back to the old country. You have to check this place out. At our last visit we enjoyed Yucca bread (never had anything like this before), some great Spanish wine, perfect gazpacho, homemade Colombian-style sausage, a pork tenderloin dish that had a fantastic sauce, and we finished off with an assortment of flan and Spanish sherry. We went there expecting a good meal, and all three of us, stunned foodies at the end of the dinner, all had to conclude that it was simply spectacular. BTW - I don't even like flan, but Tasca Brava's flan was absolutely one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. This place truly has a passion for for food! Now one of my favorite Triangle restaurants. Pros: Service, knowledge of Spanish cuisine Cons: None more

Let me start this by saying that I have never posted a review online, but felt that I should after the experience I had at this restaurant tonight. The food was pretty good but the service was so insanely bad that we felt actually felt uncomfortable being there - as if we were imposing. We had the misfortune of having the owner wait on our table. It all started to go down hill after he actually yelled at my friend (twice) to 'put the glass on table' after she attempted to be helpful in passing her glass to him to pour the wine. It only got worse when we tried to order our food. After ordering four dishes (for three people) the owner asked us what we were going to have for dinner. We informed him that we were just interested in tapas and would start with what we ordered and go from there. The owner, quite rudely, demanded that we place our entire order immediately as they were 'very busy' and would not be able to take any additional orders later. This is a ridiculous thing to tell your customers, but for reference, the restaurant was not exceptionally busy - I saw at least four open tables immediately around us and it's not a big place. The owner, again very rude and agitated, told us that we did not order enough. At this point I was shocked/creeped out and told him that we would be fine - if we were still hungry I would go anywhere else than to have to spend any more time in that place. The food was pretty good although our wine glasses went empty and water required at least two requests, as did the check. I also noticed that the two tables around us were clearly agitated with the service and overheard a waitress apologizing to a table waiting on a coffee order, explaining that only the owner makes the coffee drinks as he is "very particluar". The other table near us had apparently been overcharged on their bill - it took the owner about 30 minutes to rectify the situation. To the owner: I think it's time to get out of the biz - you seem burnt out! Pros: Food is Okay Cons: Insanely Bad Customer Service more

We went to this restaurant a couple of months ago, at the reccommendation of friends, and it was wonderful. Reading the previous reviews, I heard that they have recently moved and it seems less good, but when we went, it was amazing (they used to be in north Raleigh, not sure where they are now). We went for lunch, and the food was amazing. I think that the waiter was the owner, and he was friendly to us and suggested a good dish with octopus. We had iced tea since it was lunch, and it was better than the cheap old lipton or whatever that most places serve. I would have gone more often, if I were in that part of town more frequently. It was a cute little restaurant then, and I am going to look into their new location to see if I can return. Pros: delicious food, good service Cons: it was a little expensive (but worth it) more

Citysearch should do an investigation on how many positive comments the male owner of this restaurant posts on himself. If you notice after each negative (real) comment, the owner immediately post a positive comment. You can always tell when the owner posts comments. He uses the same adjectives and he uses poor English. Additionally you can tell that his English is second-hand (foreign). This restaurant will not last too long so I suggest everyone stay away. Any owner who relies on pushing the bill and self-imposing a 20% tip is clearly in distress. Owners get paid on earnings and not on tips. Tips are for the real wait staff that make waiter wages. Read carefully all the comments for this restaurant and you will come to the conclusion on the 'authentic' comments. This restaurant could have been great. Too bad the male owner messed it up! Update: Look where the male owner found his recent posting --> www.proper-spanish-tapas (dot com) He copied and pasted the exact quote. Pros: Good locations Cons: Owner is head waiter more

I was a regular customer @ the previous restaurant in the same location (Bistro 607) and it was a big favorite. We didn't go as much as I would have liked, but every time was a wonderful experience. Great food, great service, wonderful intimate atmosphere, nice music, etc. I was VERY disappointed when I went to try Tasca Brava. I had heard the food was still amazing, but it was NOT. It was mediocre at best, overpriced and small portions (even for tapas). I tried 3 different white wines by the glass and they were all disgusting, sweet and bland. I finally went for a rioja and it was decent, but definitely not worth $10. My husband had the sangria and could not choke it down. It tasted like cooking wine and fruit juice :( We had high hopes because we had heard that it was authentic Spanish and several years ago we had an opportunity to travel in Spain and were delighted w/ the food. We did like the gazpacho, but everything else was VERY so-so. The worst part was our waiter was very insistant that we have dessert. We split the traditional flan and it was completely tasteless! The atmosphere is NOT romantic, it's loud and so is the music. RIP Bistro 607 Pros: location-it's near everything on Glenwood South Cons: Service, Music, Atmosphere, Wine more

I am absolutely disgusted by BUTTERFLYLUV2 claiming to reply to his/her own post which is NOT the person who posted the review. Haven eatten there just tonight I can say the food is good, but nothing special. One thing that people do have right is the horrible service, though. I can overlook bad service every once in a while, but I can say that I will *NEVER* eat there again after a horrible lie and slanderous things said about the two servers mentioned in the "BUTTERFLYLUV2" post. This is unacceptable for an owner of any business to attempt to drag former employees through the mud and it is VERY VERY VERY VERY unacceptable to do it under the guise of giving yourself a good review, too. Shame. Pros: Decent Food Cons: Be prepared to wait and to hear a LOT of excuses, but no responsibility for anything more

I heard last night at work that my name was on this thing, so I tried to find the email address for citysearch to have it removed. I cannot get that information yet, so I've written a rebuttle. I've named this review "true colors" because it shows what happens when someone shows their "true colors". The review below was not written by a customer, which I can tell because the owner of this restaurant tends to spell things requiring double consonants with only one, as in "stoped" for "stopped". Simple facts. The owner fired the chef, we said that was a bad idea and that we would leave as well. He said for us all to go. The chef returned the next day anyway. We did not. I believe that people say what they mean. Every night, even the ones that went fairly well, ended in some sort of dramatic crescendo with Juan (now his name is online) frantic and upset about everything. While passion is key for selling food, constant passionate outbursts (as I know well) are not. It wears on people and it wore on the staff. In our defense, those last days were spent trying to get the staff up and running for when we left. The working environment was miserably unhappy and as a creative person, I had stopped pursuing even my most modest outlets because most of my time was spent worried about the new incoming staff, teaching a years worth of knowledge in only a couple of weeks and lamenting a years worth of having a wonderful job, followed by a month and a half of frantic, well, hell. If someone says that after all of that worry, of hiring people and interviewing them, taking inventory of things we need, begging Bistro customers to stay and try the food and acting as a manager with no pay at all, that they no longer need me, well, I'll leave. That simple. I will not make up blatant lies to post online with people's names attached to them. My name is distinctive, not generic. This is the way I write. "Stoped" is the way Juan writes. These are my true colors. Those are his. Pros: the food is good. Cons: the owner slandered my name online, blatantly. more

I wanted to add, in reference to the previously posted review that I wrote, the owner "did not" fire the entire Bistro staff as mentioned by me. I eat regularly at Globe, where much of the staff works. I was saddened to hear that I was misinformed by the staff (Maranda and Lauren) and contrary to their claims, they decide to quit after the owner stoped their continous fits, drinking and smoking. I am sorry that I wrote the review. Pros: Marvelous cousine Cons: Previous wait staff false rumors more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh and I?m so glad it re-opened in the Glenwood South area. If you enjoy great food and wine this is your place. The owner is very passionate about his food and with good reason! This is the best tapas restaurant in the triangle. Cons: None more

I wanted to add, in reference to the previously posted review, that the owner fired the entire Bistro staff sometime during the previous week. I eat regularly at another restaurant, where much of the staff works. The the service staff of Bistro 607 has always been highly trained, courteous and well-spoken of (see reviews for previous restaurant). The staff of Bistro 607 were all well trained, competent servers. I was saddened to hear that he fired them all and claimed that he would do it all himself, by himself. I suppose that his is what happens when he does it all himself (see review below). Though it doesn't surprise me, it makes me not want to come back to the restaurant. My last trip there with my son was excellent, the food was amazing and the waitresses from the old restaurant were still there giving us great service as well as the last bottle of some tasty French wine. I was looking forward to future visits. Perhaps I will give it some time as the waiter suggested and come back in a couple of months. I am sorry to see this review, the Bistro was one of our favorite restaurants. Pros: good food Cons: lost service staff, pushy owner more