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Name: Tasca
Address: 1612 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA, 02135
Telephone: (617) 730-8002
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.85

Tasca

1612 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA, 02135

(617) 730-8002
Store is closed

Tasca Menu

Tapas

Ensalada Tasca

Gazpacho

Sopa Del Dia

Pulpo A La Gallega

Patatas Alioli

Los Tres Amigos

Boquerones

Queso Fritos De Cabra

Jamon Serrano Y Queso Manchego

Carne Tartara

Setas Ronan

Pisto Manchego

Pincho De Pollo Y Chorizo

Tortilla Espanola

Gambas Al Ajillo

Croquetas De Pollo Y Jamon

Asado De Cerdo

Patatas Bravas

Couscous Con Verduras

Confit De Pato

Solomillo

Albondigas

Caracoles

Tarta Gratinada De Puerros

Setas Al Jerez

Calamares Fritos

Carpaccio De Atun

Empanadillas De Queso De Cabra

Atun Salteado

Brie A La Plancha

Mejillones

Costillas De Ternera

Linguine Con Mariscos

Croquetas De Bacalao

Salmon Ahumado
Dinner Entrees

Bistec De Ternera

Berenjenas Rellenas

Salmon A La Plancha

Paella De Mariscos

Filete De Cerdo Al Rioja

Pollo Al Jerez

Pato Asado

Filete De Buey

Zarzuela De Mariscos

Ossobucco De Cordero

Paella Valenciana

Pescado Del Dia
Main Courses

Bistec De Ternera

Berenjenas Rellenas

Salmon A La Plancha

Paella De Mariscos

Filete De Cerdo Al Rioja

Pollo Al Jerez

Pato Asado

Filete De Buey

Zarzuela De Mariscos

Ossobucco De Cordero

Paella Valenciana

Pescado Del Dia
Desserts

Cappuccino

Espresso

Double Espresso

Flan

Crepe Helado

Pastel Vasco

Tarta De Chocolate

Bread Pudding

Tarta De Manzana

Crema Catalana

Brie A La Plancha

Healthy Meal suggestions for Tasca

Tapas

Ensalada Tasca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa Del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulpo A La Gallega [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Alioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Los Tres Amigos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boquerones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fritos De Cabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jamon Serrano Y Queso Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Tartara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Setas Ronan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pisto Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pincho De Pollo Y Chorizo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortilla Espanola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croquetas De Pollo Y Jamon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asado De Cerdo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Bravas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Couscous Con Verduras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Confit De Pato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Solomillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Albondigas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caracoles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tarta Gratinada De Puerros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Setas Al Jerez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamares Fritos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio De Atun [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanadillas De Queso De Cabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Atun Salteado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brie A La Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mejillones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costillas De Ternera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine Con Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croquetas De Bacalao [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Ahumado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Entrees

Bistec De Ternera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Berenjenas Rellenas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon A La Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filete De Cerdo Al Rioja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Jerez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pato Asado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filete De Buey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zarzuela De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ossobucco De Cordero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella Valenciana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado Del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main Courses

Bistec De Ternera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Berenjenas Rellenas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon A La Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filete De Cerdo Al Rioja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Jerez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pato Asado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filete De Buey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zarzuela De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ossobucco De Cordero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella Valenciana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado Del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Cappuccino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espresso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Double Espresso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crepe Helado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pastel Vasco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tarta De Chocolate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bread Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tarta De Manzana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crema Catalana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brie A La Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Brighton for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 381 Chestnut Hill Ave )

Brighton Cafe ( 1597 Commonwealth Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Brighton for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 381 Chestnut Hill Ave )

Write An Anonymous Review

Jeremy F.

Fried goat cheese is an amazing thing. Went here with my brother last week and have to say that the food was pretty solid and reasonably priced. We got 4 plates and a pitcher of sangria and it was $42 bones. That being said the downfalls were, (1) the sangria tasted like shit and (2) the bartender was kind of a dbag. All in all i give'r 3 stars, leaning towards the 4th. It's worth giving it a go and I'm sure i'll make it over again at some point for a round two evaluation.
(3)
Amy O.

This place is great! The sangria is fabulous! It goes down a little too easy. The fliet mignon tapas melts in your mouth. I wish there was more of a "order" in this place though. It is small and always gets crowded. Your pushed into the bar waiting (and hoping) that you hear your name being called. It is cheap and good though, so I can't complain all that much! I'll keep going back for the sangria alone!
(3)
Kate S.

Our favorite restaurant in Boston! This place is great, romantic, and affordable. If you join their email list, you will get great coupons and offers for special dinners and the like. We recently got one that was for 1 free entree if you buy a bottle of wine ($22-40 on average)!
(5)
Liza H.

Cozy, dark and small with good service. If I am eating there, I will be thinking of Tapeo or Dali.
(3)
Katherine T.

This was my first "tapas style" experience--and it was pretty good. Mostly, I like the feel inside of this place, the lighting is very soft, and all of the paintings are of Spanish city streets at dusk. The "tapas" are much larger than I expected--you could get just one dish for a meal and be set. The sangria was delicious, and the price was right.
(4)
A G.

Los tres amigos "Grilled trio of sausages served with grilled flatbread, caramelized onions and Dijon mustard" Sausages were tasteless. Don't waste calories on this one. Pincho de pollo y chorizo "Grilled chicken and chorizo skewer with peppers and onion in a spicy chili sauce" Chicken was tender and chorizo so good, but the "spicy chili sauce" tastes exactly like buffalo wing sauce mixed with sweet and sour. Gross. Gambas al ajillo "Sizzling shrimp in garlic with chili pepper" Shrimp were fine. Needed salt. No chili pepper kick at all. ConfÃt de pato "Fall off the bone succulent roasted duck leg served over braised red cabbage and apples" Duck was cooked perfectly and truly did fall off the bone. However, the red cabbage was way too sweet. Needed a little acid or vinegar. Empanadillas de queso de cabra "Herbed goat cheese empanadas served on a roasted red pepper relish." Read rave review about this one. I love goat cheese, but the empanadas were sweet and the red pepper relish tasted exactly like pre-packaged sweet and sour sauce from your local Chinese restaurant. Mejillones "Fresh mussels steamed in a white wine tomato broth with garlic and onion, served with grilled herbed crostinis" Mussels were fine, but the broth was bad. The alcohol hadn't burned off before being served and was really strong. **************************************************Â******************************* Pros: Attentive, but crazy busy waiter. Yummy sangria. Beautiful oil paintings on the wall. Cons: All the food. :(
(1)
deb y.

I came here ready to order 6-8 tapas. But then I noticed that everyone had huge plates of entree-sized food on their tables. Tapas are HUGE here. You don't get those teeny plates of 4 pieces of chorizo. You get the real deal here. AND each dish is priced at about $8 which is a good deal for what you get. So I guess technically, it's affordable enough where you can still get 6-8 tapa dishes. But then you'd be a pig. The only downside is that their sangria was a bit too watered down for me. But apparently, if you sign up for their email list, you often get coupons where you can get a bottle of wine per couple for $5. Or something crazy. PS: watch out for parking. it gets crazy on commonwealth and it's mostly resident permit parking only on the side streets.
(4)
Kristine A.

I went to this place not knowing what to expect. Considering it's like a hike & a half from downtown, you have to figure out if this is your type of thing. My friend got 2 tapas & I got 3 since I wasn't sure how the portions would be. It worked out well since they did have vegetarian options, but if you're like me & hate any/all kinds of peppers that you don't really have much choice then.
(3)
Molly Q.

This is my standard place to take visiting guests. The food is amazing- I've never been disappointed with any dish I've had at Tasca. A friend of mine who spent a year abroad said it's the best tapas she's had outside of Spain. Check out weekly "appetite stimulus specials" via email. My favorites: the jambon, the carpaccio of tuna, and the crab cake.
(5)
Jamie H.

I love this place! In my opinion the best sangria in the Boston area (clearly they get bonus points for this). A huge selection of tapas and good entrees. Although I skip the tapas half the time and head straight for the entrees as the filet is so tasty. They also have a nice program where they'll send you special deals by email.
(5)
Allison S.

I've been here twice in the past month, and I'll definitely be back soon for some more of that duck and mushroom ragout. So delicious! The first time I went, I did not make a reservation and wow, was that a mistake! Our small party of two put our names in and waited for about 20 minutes, which wasn't too bad. The bartender and hostess were passing out some sort of appetizers to all the people who were waiting, which was very thoughtful. When we did sit down, our table was basically in the kitchen and it was HOT and LOUD. However, our duck was fantastic (I could have licked the plate), as was the goat cheese fritters and half-pitcher of sangria. The second time I went, I made sure to make a reservation, which was completely unnecessary! There were about 3 full tables in the entire place. The duck wasn't as good the second time around, but the mushroom ragout was absolutely superb - and I think that I might have actually licked the plate. On top of the duck, the mushroom plate and the sangria, we also had the goat cheese empanadas, which were also tasty. Both times I've eaten at Tasca, we had our food in no time at all and our waiters were always around for anything we needed.
(4)
Mike G.

wouldn't have made it here if not for groupon and happy yelp reviews. which were right about the portions. you can fill up without spending loads. went for tapas.. duck confit w/ braised cabbage(looked/tasted more like chicken), ensalada tasca, seafood linguine, roasted pork belly, tortilla espaÃ±ola, seared tuna, calamares fritos, braised beef ribs&mash and mussels. a lot of food between 2 hungry dudes. but i wasn't digging the dark, dated, cava-ish interior. and the area was really quite dead. in sum, food was decent but not worth a drive back.
(3)
Mel V.

I've only had wonderful experiences at TASCA! The food is amazing, everything is so flavorful. I love the nights with flamenco music and dancing (cover charge). Reserve in advance to get a good table so you don't have to crane your neck to see. Oh and get sangria, and dessert! My sis and I took our Mom last year for Mother's Day (they have a special prix-fixe menu). Chances are we'll do that again!
(5)
Kate E.

My extremely awesome boyfriend took me here tonight for a pre-birthday birthday dinner and I have to say it was the best dinner I've had inside or surrounding Boston. Hands down! I have been here for tapas before, but tonight's experience far surpassed any time before it. I cannot stress enough how much I recommend signing up for their email mailing list. I had a coupon for 10 dollars off during my birthday month, a coupon for free valet parking. and along with it they were giving away 5 dollar bottles of wine or pitchers of sangria. My bf and I ended up ordering off the special 16 dollar menu they had as well. You could pick one each of an appetizer, entree, and dessert. With the special menu, 5 dollar bottle of wine, and 10 dollars off, our meal came to an astonishing 30 dollars. Even without the deals it would have been one of the best meals I've ever had. The food was phenomenal and lovingly prepared. The same meal at a location downtown would have have cost 100 dollars easily. Even ordering off of the regular menu is great. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a very romantic and cozy atmosphere and the best food in town.
(5)
D M.

I'm a fan and will be coming back after my first visit here...that may be the pinot noir wine flight talking. I came in with Dorian for dinner and the reservation was a little on the early side so it was before the dinner rush. We had the choice of sitting at a booth or a table and we went with booth. Head's up to the owners-you REALLY need to get some better cushy booths. The most unpleasant part of our visit was actually sitting at the booth that hurt our butts. Luckily, the very generously poured $6 wine flights (three glasses, allegedly three ounces each) numbed our tushes. The lighting is low and nice-the old folks a few tables over busted out their flashlights to read the menus. We ended up ordering off the economic stimulus menu, and we were very happy we did. I ended up ordering a beef carpeccio which was served on greens with capers and blue cheese crustinnis which was really good. Dorian ordered a blood orange soup that was heavenly. I could have just eaten that. For my entree, I ordered the salmon, which came on a bed of yummy mashed potatoes with carrots and peas and it was perfect-the salmon was grilled and delicious. Dorian ended up ordering the mushroom ravioli and she loved it, as she loves eating fungus. We both got truffles to end the meal, which were perfect and the right amount of sweetness at the end of the meal. I definitely will be back and want to try the sangria. Everything was a bargain and the service was good. I really enjoyed my experience and the ambiance and really, can you beat a $15 three course meal? Make sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive discounts on future visits to Tasca's.
(5)
Melanie F.

Love this place! I've been coming for a few years and probably had every item on the menu. It's cheap - especially when they have the $5 pitchers of sangria specials! The only downside is that the service is hit or miss, but usually the food makes up for it.
(4)
Mollie T.

Terrible. Terrible service cheap wine overpriced wound up with food poisoning for the next 2 days so bad that I was puking water I will never go here again it was by far the worst wait service ever and not so good food seriously don't waste your money . Don't be begged to come sit in a restaurant like this like us as we were on our way out from Terrible hostess service which kept us waiting for 5 minutes before we decided to give up then a bus boy begged us to take a table . The. Terrible waitress rush us after spending 70 dollars . The worst go next store
(1)
Katrine H.

I've frequented Tasca many times and have never been more impressed than I was last night. We were seated promptly, our server was friendly and knowledgeable, and our food was outstanding. The sangria, duck, Brie, and mushroom dip were particularly tasty. I will definitely be returning soon!
(5)
Joshua H.

This place was great. Went here on a date and it was pretty much perfect. Wine flights were reasonably priced ($9) with a good selection. The food was great, I highly recommend the brie and the crab cakes with cilantro and black beans. I wouldn't recommend the tuna - it was a little tough and not nearly as good as the rest of the food. Reasonable prices.
(5)
Piyali S.

Lots to choose from, surprisingly generous portions for a tapas place and generally pretty good. Whenever a friend suggests getting tapas my reaction is to grudgingly acquiesce and look up the nearest McDonald's I can hit up post-tapas para Cenu Numero Dos. Tweet this: Despite our valiant efforts, we had leftovers to take home (which we forgot at the restaurant, but that's neither here nor there)! Okay, time to dive right in: I love sangria and Tasca's sangria went down like juice... although maybe that's just what it was because half a pitcher later I still couldn't feel the pleasant lightheadedness I was striving to achieve. So it goes. Between the two of us Rhea and I split 7 tapas. Okay okay, so maybe we went a little overboard but I wanted to make sure we had enough food! Girl's gotta eat! First up, the Pincho de pollo y chorizo was one of my favorites. While I can appreciate twists and turns in my food there's a higher probability I'll like it if the food matches the menu description because I ordered it for a reason, right? The pincho was exactly the way I wanted it to taste in a not-too-chili, sweet chili sauce. The chorizo was very flavorful and complemented the chicken well. The Croquettas de pollo, basically, mozzarella sticks filled with chicken instead of cheese, was my least favorite. This dish had so much potential but the most predominant flavor here was "fried," (sadly the word "fried" is used more and more to describe a flavor instead of a cooking technique). The empanadas with goat cheese were definitely skimpy on the goat cheese but still so freakin' delicious. The leek quiche with smoked cheddar and manchego cheese had a very smoky flavor, with the right consistency. The Salchicha de cordero consisted of two thin lamb sausages underneath a mound of yummy Isreali couscous, with the flavorful sausage cooked just the right amount. The brie with apple and raisin chutney served with buttered toast was OK. The brie was amazing but the apple and raisin chutney didn't taste very fresh, like it'd been bottled up for a while and just exposed to the air. Finally the calamari was pretty standard, hard to mess up calamari, and I didn't get to try much of this because I was so darn full at this point. Go to Tasca in a group of more than two because the tables for two are all positioned awkwardly all over the dining floor. It's like they fit as many tables of four or more in the space as they could and filled the crevices with uncomfortably shaped tables for two in the way of the waitstaff. The waitstaff and especially the owner of the restaurant were all really nice. Steeped in conversation and oblivious to how busy the restaurant really was, Rhea and I stuck around for about another hour after our meal, at which point the owner kindly asked us to move and offered to top off our sangria for the "inconvenience" of moving one table over. Heck, I'll move from table to table if I get a drink with it every time! Altogether I think our bill came out to ~$75, ridiculously cheap for how much food was on the table. On weekends Tasca gives you the option of entrees which I can't vouch for but just know that it is an option. If I could change one thing about Tasca it would be the consistency in the quality of their food. Check this place out, right off the green line at Washington Street - literally right where you get dropped off. I know I'll definitely be back to try some new items and savor the old as well!
(3)
Gilad S.

Service was very poor Monday night but sangria is delicious, tapas are well priced and delicious, and atmosphere is incredible. They should find a way to add seating on the roof, would be nice in the summer.
(4)
Patrick B.

I went to Tasca two weekends ago with my girlfriend. I ended up snagging a Living Social coupon and decided to try the place out. This place is great! We decided to order 4 Tapas, Sangria, and a dessert. The Tapas cost between $5 and $7 and filled us right up! Our favorite was the seared Tuna (DELICIOUS!). The sangria was VERY reasonably priced at $12 for a pitcher that gave each of us about 3 glasses. The restaurant itself is decorated in a way that makes you feel like you are right in Spain. Dim lighting in the front room made it a very relaxed and intimate setting for my girlfriend and I and a larger room in the back would be great for a group of people. On Sundays they have a Spanish guitar player which is supposed to be really great, I have yet to check it out. Also, make sure you sign up for their newsletter/emails. Every once in a while you will get an email from them saying that they are having a special deal for you! Overall this was a great experience! Food, drinks, and service were all on point and a unique experience that will bring me back for sure!
(4)
Karlis B.

After another fantastic dinner at Tasca last night, I got to wondering if I ever wrote a review it. Lo and behold, I have!...Two years ago. So I'll take this time to update. Two words: Stimulus menu! Sunday through Thursday, they have a three course meal for $16! Add to that a 3-wine flight for $7. And you've just stuffed your stomach and liver for $23 (please tip well)! You can not beat that. And Tasca does not skimp on the prix-fixe items either. The portions are actually bigger than the tapas they offer. And they're of the same, high quality. The menu changes each week. We've been able to enjoy: suckling pig, duck, chicken, pork, beef and various fish. When you go, they'll ask you to fill out a survey and subscribe to their newsletter. Just do it. They have so many good deals that you only learn about through the newsletter. This includes sangria specials! Mmm. I also have to add, that they are extremely accommodating to those with Celiac disease. Just tell the server before you order and they'll check with the chef. Each server we've had has been great in handling the food allergy. The one tapas, you absolutely have to get: Gambas al ajillo. It's a skillet of sizzling shrimp with lots of garlic and some crushed pepper. The mere aroma of this dish is worth the $7.50. No lie. True story.
(4)
Tracy C.

No only is this place always a safe and satisfying choice, they are also creative and budget friendly. I love starting my meal here with lots of sangria, bread and homemade spread (can never get enough). Most of the tapas I find tasty although I wouldn't say spectacular, but again, very easy to eat. My favorites are Ossobucco de cordero Fall off the bone sangria braised lamb shank with root vegetables over scallion mashed potato, Asado de cerdo Char grilled pork loin over a rosemary infused white bean ragout with braised mushrooms. Although I am sure there are many other dishes I like, such as some shrimp and fish things, I leave it up to you to try them yourselves! The $16 pre-fix are always a great way to save money and get to know this place, I love how they update the menu once a week and they give you so much food for what you pay (it's like paying one meal but getting two). However, as most diners there, I am not a huge fan of the dark and crowded dining room. It's rather chaotic and uncomfortable... which often is forgotten after a jug of sangria... but I wouldn't mind seeing some improvements.
(4)
Allison T.

This review is based on the stimulus meal plan - $18 for three courses. You seriously cannot do better. I know this is a Spanish tapas restaurant, and have always meant to order the tapas there, but I cannot in good conscience pass up the stimulus meal - it is an incredible deal. They also have $5 bottles of wine. As far as I know, it's not on the menu and you have to be on the mailing list to get the info about that - but obviously totally worth it. I have never had a bad experience at Tasca and always left really full and satisfied - with my wallet happy too. Granted, the times I've always gone have been Sunday - Thurs nights to get the stimulus deal, and therefore the restaurant was not ridiculously busy. I'd gladly give up a Saturday date night for a Sunday or Monday. I like a deal. I have never had a bad experience with the wait staff, although I would consider myself a customer who does not want to be coddled or bothered often. I am not the type of person to ask the waiter/waitress their opinion about my prospective food choices. Bottom line is, if you go to Tasca for the stimulus plan you'll most likely be satisfied - the restaurant is not as crowded and the deal is unbeatable. It's an $18 meal and worth a lot more.
(5)
Peter W.

This is a gem in Brighton that is great as a neighborhood usual as well as for special events (e.g., bringing the relatives from out-of-town). I would recommend sticking to the tapas menu and passing on the full dinner plates. This way, you will be able to sample more dishes and share with the whole table. I especially like the shrimp with garlic in oil. The duck and short rib are great surprises as well for meat lovers. Sangria is the drink of choice in this place. Get a pitcher and keep them coming.
(4)
Paul L.

The Lady and I have walked by this place an uncountable number of times, even stopping to use the bathroom once. A few days back we finally went in to actually sit down and eat. The first thing I must say is make a reservation, especially if you're having a group of four or more. There is not much space to wait and it was freezing cold out, so many people were crammed in the entrance hallway. The dining area is small and they make use of every inch of space. You'll be in very close quarters to the table next to you. On to the important stuff: the meal. Tapas, tapas and more tapas. Oh, and sangria. The table ordered patatas bravas, one of the tuna items, and a few others, all of which were favorably received. The portions are small (I get that is the idea...) and the price does add up quickly, especially with the sangria pitchers. There was a "Special Guest" menu that had an appetizer, main course and dessert for $16. I was confused about the title and asked the waitress if you had to be in some sort of rewards program to be a special guest. She replied by saying "You are a special guest," which was probably the best answer she could have given. I got that with a nice salad, a piece of baked haddock with mashed potatoes and some other great sides, and flan. Three of the sides were of the sauce family, so they kind of blurred into one another, but all in all, it was quite tasty and I ended up trying the fish with a bit of each. This special menu isn't mentioned on-line and it changes based on seasons, but there were at least five options for each course. Overall, I'd recommend it on a non busy, warmer night if you have a reservation.
(3)
Angela J.

I hear dinner at Tasca is actually really good, but we had brunch at Tasca and our experience was anything but satisfactory. Although the setting and atmosphere was great, we would not go back based on the food and service. Our was not rude, but she was not attentive whatsoever and her knowledge of the menu was lacking. She did not know the specials, recommended items that weren't on the menu and was not very convincing when she said that one of the entrees was was good even though she hadn't tried it. We had to ask for the check several times before it was actually delivered and we didn't get any of our drinks refilled until we were about to leave. As for the food, EVERYTHING was much too salty and flavorless (with the exception of the quiche which was great, but small). We tried the spinach eggs benedict, the salmon eggs benedict and the quiche. In addition, there was hair on one of the muffins and residue on one of the coffee cups. We're willing to give the restaurant another chance since my sister, who goes there often, swears by the dinner, but we will never eat here for lunch again, and we will definitely avoid that server.
(1)
Jeni N.

My roommate and I frequent Tasca at least once a month. Now, this may be more out of convenience (we live down the street, literally) than actual craving. Nevertheless, we always leave satisfied, if not blown away. The sangria is delicious. And gets you wasted. Well, it gets us wasted. But that might be because we always have more than two pitchers... The food is affable, but not out of this world. Everything is presented well, but the seasonings don't pare as well as they could. Last night we had 6 dishes. -Tarta gratinada de puerros (Leek quiche baked with smoked cheddar and manchego cheese) was delicious! Savory, with the perfect crispness and mmm cheese. Kind of melted in your mouth. -Costillas de ternera (Slow oven braised boneless beef short ribs over scallion mashed potato in jus) - decent. there was a little more jus than I would have liked, and the potatoes were nothing that i couldn't whip up in my own kitchen. Hearty and satisfying, but you definitely get what you pay for. Gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp in garlic) this was disappointing. it literally was what it said: shrimp in oil doused in minced garlic. i don't think there was any other seasoning used in this dish. also it was watery.. strange! ConfÃt de pato (roasted duck leg served over braised red cabbage and apples) The duck was great. I am a sucker for fatty meats in general, and this was perfectly tender with hints of melt in your mouth fat.. mmm) Brie a la plancha (Grilled imported Brie cheese with a homemade savory apple and raisin chutney and warm baguette) This was also great! It's hard to go wrong with brie and apple, ever. Pretty straightforward, what you read is what you get! Delicious. Last dish was Mejillones Fresh (mussels steamed in a white wine tomato saffron broth with garlic, grilled herbed crostini) The sauce was a little thick and seemed like it was made with tomato paste, and the mussels were a little gritty.. definitely not my favorite dish. Wouldn't order again. Tasca is great for a girls night out, for a raucous laugh out loud/ make crude jokes and drink lots of delicious sangria sort of night. Would definitely not recommend for someone looking for a quiet, private sort of night, wayyyy too crowded. But it's very decently priced, the servers are courteous (if maybe a little over-attentive but that might be because we're friends with some of them oops) and you will definitely walk away happy with what you paid for whatcha got Oh! The flan is also great! have not been for brunch yet, but excited to try some weekend!
(3)
Emily G.

I went to Tasca last night for the first time. I bought a groupon offer (which had expired), they applied some credit for it anyway, which I appreciated. The decor is very nice, with a rustic, romantic feel. We were seated in the upstairs section. I hear that downstairs it's nicer, because our seating situation was not the greatest. First we were seated right by the window to the outside, but the cold was seeping right through so we asked to move one table over. Now we were against the wall of the entrance, and we heard the door slam jarringly every time a guest entered. It's also quite cramped upstairs, with little elbow room against the wall. This is probably my only complaint from the evening. We called ahead to let the host know we would be late for our reservation, and they accommodated us immediately upon arrival. Our server was very attentive and perky, with a noticeably positive attitude. She really went out of her way to accommodate us when we asked to switch tables. Overall, the service was really top-notch. Now for the food. First of all, the free bread is great. Very fresh and soft, with a tasty hummus-like dip and a fresh plate of olives in herbed oil to start. We went for a full tapas meal, no entrees: Escargot: very tasty and served in the traditional style of garlic butter sautee. Perfectly cooked. Some of the best escargot I've had since Paris. Nothing out of the ordinary, just an honest traditional dish. Duck confit: this was a stand-out. The petite duck breast and legs were moist and flaky and very well seasoned. It paired nicely with the ample portion of cider-spiced red cabbage that came as a bed for the duck. Gazpacho: I always like to try gazpacho, but here was not my favorite. The bowl came with a trio of square shot glasses with fresh chopped cucumber, tomato, and onions to add to the soup. Unfortunately, the broth had an overpowering flavor of balsamic vinaigrette that make the dish way too acidic. Not inedible, but not to my liking. Portabella Mushrooms: healthy slices of portabella mushrooms came in a buttery sauce with crustinis. The flavors really popped, and it was a nice salty, gooey, crunchy dish. Great for dipping with the extra bread. One of our favorite dishes of the night. Seafood pasta: not what we were expecting. The linguine was chopped into little 1-in slivers. The flavors were sort of indistinct, with no real sauce to speak of. The seafood itself was very well cooked, and the chef preserved each shellfish's natural flavors. Dessert: Molten chocolate pudding: came with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Very hot in the bottom of the cup, so be careful to let it cool a little before eating. If you're a chocolate lover, go for this one. Pastel Vosco: Sliced banana with a caramel sauce drizzle over a thick chocolate tart -- and of course, whipped cream. This was absolutely divine. All the flavors and textures complemented one another. I'm going to be fantasizing about this dessert for a while.... Overall, the evening had its pluses and minuses. The excellent service made up for the minor atmospheric inconveniences. The food had its strong points and weak points, but reflected an overall standard of quality. Would be happy to return.
(4)
Todd T.

Came here for their stimulus menu on a Sunday. The ambiance was very nice, the food was pretty good, and the waitstaff was alright. The restaurant was packed and being that it was small it kind of felt cramped. The sweetbreads were very good and so was the cod. The oxtail was alright and the stuffed peppers with paella were kind of cold when we got them. Sadly they probably would have been very good warm. The churros with chocolate sauce were great although normally I would prefer them to be more crispy and crunchy than what they had. The truffles were just alright.
(4)
Li S.

What's up with the lighting here?? There's dim, seductive, romantic lighting, and then there's Tasca's which is more like, "Hey, you still in here, Babe? Is that your hand? Oh, sorry ma'am." I feel like "Mmm... Sangria..." was the mantra that kept us the most happy at Tasca. The food is alright, but nothing to blow your socks off... if you've had your share of tapas before, which I have. My biggest gripe is the underwhelming tortilla espanola. I live and breathe for this dish. Seriously, I have it plugged into a tiny IV system going through my veins right now as I type. It keeps me going! But Tasca's tortilla is sort of dry, and blah. It doesn't doesn't scream, "Eat me! Now lick your plate!!" And that's really how I felt about a lot of the dishes here, both times I've gone. I mean, beef, shrimp and chicken are hard to mess up in my book. So you're probably not going to hate anything you order. But you might not be blown away either. And that's sad :(
(3)
Jessica G.

Mmmmmm, considering quality & price, if I could eat here every night I would! This is truly a great find; all the chefs and caterers I have worked with never cease to recommend Tasca to me when I ask them for their top Boston faves. My top tapas list: Gambas al ajillo Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego Setas ronan Brie a la plancha Only downside is everybody knows about it now, so don't expect to get in without having to wait for a while during dinner rush on a Friday/Saturday night! 5 * for Yummy, good prices, cool atmosphere
(4)
Michael R.

I've been to Tasca about 8 or 9 times now and have had the opportunity to taste almost everything on the menu. Nothing is bad, everything is varying degrees of delicious. Let me break this down: Food: You will be able to find more fancy delicious food elsewhere, but you will never be able to find such a consistently simply tasty food at such a reasonable price. The food is a solid 4.5/5 stars. Once you start getting into the drinks and you taste one of their many phenomenal sangrias? That 4.5 easily bumps up to a 5. Service: The service is understandably strained at times as this restaurant gets very packed. However, even with this consideration I have never had a bad service experience at Tasca. The place is great. 4/5 stars Decor/Atmosphere: The atmosphere is great, its just a place that you want to be. I forget which nights, but they have Spanish guitarist that come play and even when nothing is going on the lively atmosphere and rustic decor bring the place to life. 5/5 Price: 5/5 This is the most amazing part of Tasca. IT'S CHEAP! Also, I won't say why, but when they give you those cards to give them your e-mail address for newsletters/discounts. DO IT! They have amazing deals that they e-mail you weekly. I can't count how much money I've saved at Tasca being on that list. Also the Valet parking is a measly $7. Pro-Tip: Order the wine flight, the wine is delicious and the pours are generous.
(5)
Ama N.

reservation was at 8:15 after standing in the doorway with 20 other people...because there is no waiting area..we were seated at 9 which at that point I was already annoyed because i was STARVING!!! we ordered the lamb plate which was cooked o perfection and the seafood rice which was bland!!! the prices were great compared to all the other tapas places in boston averaging $6 per plate. -1 star because having a reservation is pointless be prepared to wait forever to be seated.
(4)
Nik B.

The only thing that kept this place from 5 stars, was the poor sangria. You can't present a great tapas restaurant and not have good sangria. That said, the food is delicious. Especially for the price. We started with the portabella mushrooms which were over a salad. They were pretty much perfectly cooked, and a great choice. This also included pieces of toast with a roasted red pepper sauce on top, awesome. Had the spanish tortilla, which was a bit too heavy on the potato side, but delicious nonetheless. I wish spanish tortillas were more common. Had the goat cheese empanadillas. They kind of reminded me of crab rangoon. Which thus means, delicious. Finally, had the peppered tuna. The combination of the black pepper crust and the sauce on top was great. This dish was probably one of the more unique ways I've had tuna, and very well executed. I'd come back here, but I'd definitely shoot for a bottle of Cava over a pitcher of Sangria.
(4)
Rae M.

Loved the atmosphere of this Spanish restaurant. Loved the flamenco show. Loved the waitress. Liked the food. Hated being towed from the Whole Foods parking lot. Parked there because spaces on Comm. Ave. were at a premium due to piles of snow. So environmentally conscious, crunchy granola Whole Foods had my car towed from their empty lot. Good for them....but for me, a $9 cab ride and a $129 tow fee. Thank you Whole Foods, you ruined my lovely night at Tasca.
(4)
ChianWen T.

The food was super yummy and inexpensive. Loved the Iberian Peninsula old world feel of the place. Loved the $12 pitcher sangria. Love the $5 desserts. Loved the variety. Loved that one needs not regret one's choices in this place. Loved the $6 valet parking option though free would have been even better :)
(5)
Will T.

Terrific place with nice specials nightly. Love the Garlic Shrimp, but the more exotic tapas are great too. Tip - Sign up for their email list!
(4)
Kate S.

This is a GREAT place to go on a date. First of all, you can play the game where you both silently pick out 5 tapas and then see if you pick any in common. This makes for a great conversation on a first date. The food is very yummy, and as others mention, the ambiance is lovely. The lighting is low and there are candles on all the tables. Some of the tables are long, community tables where you might sit right next to someone else, but that's ok. One night I went there and they had a small group playing Spanish-sounding flamenco music. It was awfully cozy.
(5)
Rhonda J.

I LOVE Tasca! I've been here on dates and with friends. It's a great place atmosphere-wise, because it's casual, but also fancy enough to dress up, if you please. The food is delicious, and inexpensive. They also have the best sangria in Boston, IMO.
(4)
Allie M.

My favorite restaurant that I've been to in the Brighton/Newton/Brookline area. Everything with cheese is amazing, and even the free bread is delicious! My favorites include the baked brie and apple chutney, the goat cheese empanadas and the sangria! My only complaint of this place is that sometimes the wait staff isn't the friendliest, but the amazing dining experience is worth it!
(5)
Tricia C.

The women working the hostess station were the major drawbacks to this lovely restaurant. We arrived 10 min before our 9 pm reservation and the hostess didn't have our reservation. She just added us to the waiting list. The restaurant was busy so we waited 25 min from our arrival to be seated. Not necessarily anyone's fault if patrons are lingering. Though, I did see another (larger?) party come in, they were seated before us. My friend checked with the hostess a couple times and she miraculously found our reservation. Ambiance is great -old world Spanish and they play Spanish and Latin Am music. The Sangria was ok. The herbed goat cheese empanadas on red pepper relish, brie cheese plate and the portobello mushroom in sherry cream were excellent dishes. I did like the potato salad with aioli, my friend didn't - it did taste like traditional American potato salad. The waiter was excellent! Attentive, helpful and kind, gave us a little extra Sangria because they ran out of the large pitchers. Prices are fair for quantities and quality. Would have been a 4 star overall if it weren't for the 2 women chattering at the hostess station. I said "bye - thanks" - nothing. My friend said "Bye" and then she looked at me and said "Or not!" The hostess(es?) weren't looking at us and either didn't hear us or chose to completely ignore us. I would go back, but I'm not in any rush.
(3)
Alex E.

Talk about when a poor service can ruin even the most delicious food... Starting with the hostess: no welcome, no smile...then the waitress, who's attitude was more like Paris H....at the end, she even "tried" to include 18% service, even though we were only 3 people (usually restaurants include the 18% for a party of 6 or more). I can't understand why people that don't know how to treat people in a humble way work in this kind of environment. Get another job girls! Hopefully, in the near future, when the owners realize this, and more professional waitresses start working here, this could become one of my favorite restaurants.
(3)
M. Deloris D.

I like Tasca. I really like their wine dinners, they're a great value. The tapas are yum and they often have sangria specials that allow the budget conscious yelper to wine and dine relatively guiltlessly. The owner Dan is often on the floor and Kim the general manager is personable. They have a fixed menu and reasonable pricing for birthday parties. Tasca is also great for fundraising dinners, they give generously to charities. Finally and importantly, they're extremely T accessible so you can get your drink on and not try sobering 'antics' before you drive home.
(4)
Eli G.

Although I prefer Dali for tapas, Tasca is still great and much more reasonably priced. My friend Adam the wine man and I dined at Tasca last night and spent $80 with tip, including a bottle of good Spanish wine and 2 after dinner drinks. Adam let the waitress know that they carry his company's wine and the manager (Kim) came to the table and introduced herself. She was very friendly and informed us about their special events, like Flamenco dancing and singles wine tasting. I recommend the Empanadillas de queso de cabra (empanadas with goat cheese) and the Croquetas de bacalao y gambas (delicous fish croquettes). Defiantly one of the best restaurants in Allston.
(4)
Amy B.

love this place...I live across the street from it and frequent it often.
(3)
Dan M.

great food, and they have live music some nights
(5)
D S.

Here's the short version: The food is good, the restaurant is cozy, and the employees can really ruin the experiences (and have). Our most recent bad experience prompts this review. I don't think the waitress could have been any worse without actively trying to be rude. The food was good, as always. However, the service was horrible--even by Tasca's standards. In the past, the dysfunctional service has been limited to the hostesses. At least five times in the past two years, we have had them lose a reservation (even after we've received email confirmations) or not have a table available within half an hour of the reservation's time. This time, however, it was our waitress who had a significant adverse impact on our meal. To say she was slow is an understatement. It was 15 minutes before we got water and 25 before we could order (even though our menus were closed and we eventually tried flagging our waitress down). The food came quickly, but then we were back to waiting. After awhile, the waitress offered to get us dessert menus, but she didn't get around to bring them for ten minutes. We placed our dessert order at 8:35 and asked the waitress to bring the check at the same time as the dessert since we were concerned about running late. Even though the restaurant was a 1/3 empty by this time, we did not get the espresso and cold tart until 8:55 and (because she 'forgot') the check until 9:10. If Tasca ever gets its house in order, I'd recommend it to everyone in a heartbeat. Until then, just know you are equally likely to have a wonderful evening as a frustrating one. To make this less of a rant, here are a few of the tapas Tasca does particularly well: --Gambas al ajillo -- Solomillo -- Setas al jerez
(3)
Drew G.

This tapas place was great! They had a list of about 35 tapas (along w/ other entrees) and my wife and I ordered 5. We probably over-ordered and 4 would have been sufficient for the 2 of us, but what we did have was delicious! Out of the 35 or so tapas on the list I seriously wanted to have 30 of them...and was almost tempted to just order the first 4 or 5 and make my way down the list. We will definitely come back and bring our friends with us.
(4)
Meca S.

Great!! A cozy restaurant perfect for an intimate dinner. Between the music playing, fireplace, and low ceilings and arched doors, you feel like you're in a little european bistro. Menu has SO many delicious tapas (small plates) that are definitely affordable ($4-7 each). I recommend the short ribs (all red meat options actually are amazing) and the calimari. Entrees are also reasonably prices (~13-15) and sooo good! Full bar, but You MUST get the sangria- red or white is really good. And even if you're full, you need to attempt to give the desserts a try. The caramel bread pudding is out of this world. Service has always been good, the seating is a bit tight (hence the "intimate" feeling). And make sure to bring your reading glasses- the candle light isgreat for setting a romantic mood but it can be a bit hard to read the menus. Definitely worth trying!
(4)
Christina G.

I loooove tasca but I do not love tapas. They're weekly appetite stimulus plan is a great deal (three courses for $16). Not thrilled about the 30 minute wait that came along with our 8pm reservation. Mine was a group of three and we figured it was a Tuesday night and to make sure we don't have to wait, we made an 8pm reservation. The wait really bothered me but the food made up for it. I have never tasted such insanely delicious bread pudding. Sign up for their emails! I would go there with a group over 4. It's a little cramped but I felt like I am in Spain!
(4)
J p.

The food is decent provided you can tolerate horrible host staff and even worse table service. Dali sets the standard for service, so I would suggest sending the staff on a little training program across the river. You might also do yourself a big favour in carrying a bottle of water as we were fortunate enough to only get a glass full when first seated. Some tapas items ordered just never showed up, and good luck getting your table cleared when it's full of empty dishes. Finally double check your bill because strangely a half pitcher consumed transforms into a full pitcher on the bill. I guess it's an 'honest' mistake in line with the shoddy service. Fortunately the foundation for turning it into a half decent place exists, provided the current ownership can employ hospitable staff.
(1)
Kirby M.

So for awhile I truly felt I couldn't show my face in this restaurant any longer. In college my girlfriends and I used to frequent this place and of course we would have, ok I would have, a little more sangria than necessary and hit on the waiters in the form or ridiculous banter and racy comment cards. But for awhile I did keep returning, always dreading that intial eye contact with the waiter I had last embarassed myself in front of. However, as the meal went on and the sangria kept magically disappearing, and awkwardness quickly disappeared. I will spare you details as to why I ultimately felt I needed the break, but I did and took one for quite sometime. I have since moved, though, and literally live right across the street. My parents had been there before and loved it so I recently revisited the place I had always loved but had no choice other than to excuse myself for a leave of absence. But the return was uneventful, time has healed all wounds, and now I'm back as more of a regular. Thankfully there was some major turnover...I haven't recognized any waitstaff there! (Sadly, though, they are now currently lacking in eye candy). This is definately my first choice for family dinners when relatives are in town and both my immediate and extended family have all been impressed on numerous occassions. It's also a great place to grab a drink and light snack after a movie or mid week and I think they are pretty reasonably priced. You also have a lot of control over how much you spend here. I'm usually fine with 2 tapas but order 3 and end up taking one home. If you have a huge appetite, however, you'll end up spending some more....like my cousin who insists on ordering 5 every time we go out (he didn't finish this last time, though). P.S. if you used to work at Tasca, call me! ;) (see, that was sangria-free!)
(4)
Jasmine M.

I bought a Groupon for $15 for $30 worth of food and wine at Tasca. I definitely well exceeded $30 but it was well worth it. I went on a busy Saturday night but we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table for two. The ambiance was nice with the dim lighting and the music playing in the background. The food was very good but the best part about the dinner (and the very reason I'm writing this review) was the wine. I liked it so much that the server wrote it down for me. It's called Vega Sindoa Tempranillo Merlot Blend. I'm looking forward to going back and the wine is the first thing I'll be ordering.
(4)
Amy G.

Okay, I'm almost scared to be the first person to give this place 2 stars (probably more like 2.5), but hear me out: I went to Tasca last Saturday (if you were there, I'm sure you had a similar experience to mine). The wait was RIDICULOUS, waited shoulder to shoulder for about 45 minutes in the bar area on apparently a "once in a month" type of night (according to the waitress). No worries, my friend and I didn't feel inconvenienced cus we figured we'd just kill time at the bar. That brings me to the 2nd disappointment of the night. Anyone who's ever had REAL sangria at a REAL tapas bar would agree with me in that the sangria at Tasca is more like Kool-aid with fruits in it. It was WEAK. I decided to play it safe on the next round and ordered a glass of port (which was good). The waiter was a prick. I think he actually said "for f*ck's sake, get out of the way" to me (as if I had anywhere else to go in the 5X7 waiting area with 30 other people). FINALLLLLYYYY, we get seated. Two of us, one menu, and they also 'ran out of water glasses' for the first 10 minutes. The waitress was quite polite so I still didn't mind. Ordered the patatas bravas (meh, have had better/spicier), escargot (which woudl have been excellent if the actual snail wasn't so salty), the quiche ( ok ), and the beef/lamb/chorizo sorta stew. Speaking of, what kind of tapas bar only has one chorizo dish on the menu!?!? P.s. my friend and I were convinced the chorizo in that dish was not real chorizo, tasted more like a breakfast sausage you get at McDonald's. Everything we had was quite oily, too. the only nice surprise was the bread they served in the beginning that had an interesting carrot butter spread with it. Sigh, Tasca...I was really disappointed. I don't even think I'd go back to get you on a 'better night.'
(2)
Rob J.

Solid restuarant. If you like spanish restaurants, you know there aren't that many places that offer traditional style tapas in Boston. All prices are reasonable- so you can try about 4 per person for a meal. However, I love gazpacho soup and I was a little disappointed with theirs. One time I went once around 8 on a friday night and the wait was about an hour.
(4)
Kristin M.

this was just a tasting, and i only tried a couple things: - the calamari was good (but calamari is always good) - the beef short ribs over scallion mashed potatoes sounded better than it tasted. i wouldn't order it again, but maybe i just wasn't in a red meat mood. - portabella mushrooms in sherry cream demi-glaze were very good. i loooove mushrooms. - the sizzling garlic shrimp were very good - i tasted someone's potatoes (maybe the alioli?) which were pretty good. some dishes were better than others. i think we did a good job of ordering the good ones, but i definetly would like to go back and try them all. my only complaint is that it's too dark in there. i have a hard time seeing in the dark, but that's just part of my awkwardness. sorry to say it's not vegan-friendly.
(4)
Dave L.

Excellent tapas. A wide range of veggie options present for my grilfriend was clutch. The potatoes and the quiche were great and dessert crepe was out of this world. The tortilla espanola was good, but a bit dry, could have used a bit more egg + onion. Next time, I want to try to dine in the bar area, the seating there looks much better for a date, as the main dining room has tables pushed a bit too close together, and the volume is a bit high.
(4)
melissa c.

i'm a big fan of this place. what i like the most is that the food is good and cheaper than most other tapas restaurants in boston. it's one of the only local tapas restaurants that's not grossly overpriced. The selection is great (you can get tapas or a full entree) and there is a good variety. i love their handmade hummus that is complimentary and their sangria is wonderful! they have an amazing wine selection (especially if you like spanish wines) and the service is friendly. if you sign up for their mailing list you get amazing deals. it's crazy what they offer sometimes! i love this place and it's nice that you can get there by driving or the t. they have valet parking and they dont charge you $20 for it so it's worth it.
(4)
david b.

absolutely near the top of the list. make sure to sign up for the email so you can get the coupons, specials, etc. they will notify you when there is flamenco dancing and the guitarist guy singing. get the patatas bravas, canelon de pollo (my chicken parm dish), #32 and #40. those are the best dishes. also get a bottle of rioja and you are golden. you can have a great dinner for not a lot of money. during the week it is easy to get seated. thurs, fri and sat nights you will probably have to wait, but it is worth it. it is a very cozy place.
(5)
Holly M.

Went with my friend for dinner on a Tuesday night and it was great. The tapas were perfectly presented, although in a dimly lit room so I couldn't really see... But the sangria was splendid, I would go again just for that. Enjoy the reasonably priced small meals, sangria, and the dessert was tasty too :)
(4)
Nicole J.

Went here for a friend's birthday in October, and LOVED IT!! It is right off the B line. Nice decor, awesome food!! I tried almost half of the items on the menu, all were tasty and delish!! Sangria was good, service was excellent. Beware, those tapas add up to $$$$. Overall a great place to go for a special occasion, whether it be for a birthday or a date.
(5)
Mary R.

Tasca is a much more affordable, and equally as enjoyable an option than the much talked about Dali. Although parking is never fun, if you're willing to pay, they have the option of valet parking. The Sangria is to die for and the extensive menu has excellent options. And don't leave without having dessert -- the Pastal Basque is the perfect end to your evening.
(4)
Ann C.

finding a parking spot is pretty rare (opt for valet), always expect a wait on fridays and saturdays, but to balance out the bad; the sangria is pretty damn delish (the rachel ray in me would say it's YUMMO!) and tapas are reasonably priced and delicious as well. fyi: it can get pretty dim in the restaurant- watch where you are walking.
(4)
Chris O.

Great Tapas restaurant in Boston, patatas bravas are excellent, and the Sangria is great, every time has been great, once we waited awhile, and they gave us a complimentary plate of calimari while we waited, great deserts also, open late!!
(5)
Elise D.

I love Tasca -- nice, relaxed atmosphere and delicious tapas. The paella is delicious (very salty, but to be expected). Lots of great vegetarian choices and always fun to go with friends.
(4)
Bethany B.

Mother's Day prefixe lunch was very nice indeed. Following the yelps of others we started with a 1/2 pitcher of Sangria. Very tasty but I remember the entire meal -- so I am guessing it's light on the al-ca-ma-hol. Hubby started w/ the grilled brie app. while I devoured my gazpcho w/ fresh Maine crab. So good! The soup had a nice heat and the crab was the sweetest that I have had in a long time. We also loved the white bean/ red pepper/ garlic dip that came with the crusty bread. So much so we actually had them bag up the leftovers. DH's main course was the Prime Rib with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. Although he got a platter sized hunk of beautiuflly marbled meat -- it was well and not medium rare as ordered. Being as it was *my* day -- he didn't tell me until we were having coffee in Wellesley. I do wish that they had given him more than two slices of carrot and 3 sticks of asparagus for a veggie though to counter the beouf. The potatoes were excellent and I believe mashed with horseradish that day. I chose linguine with a melange of seafood done in a saffron oil. Beautiful and plentiful seafood and the pasta was delicious. The sauce was a lil oily for me -- tasty but heavy. I have a delicate pouch so I know when something I eat is going to just be visiting or staying the night. Dessert was a tough decision but I chose the flourless chocolate torte. DH chose something w/ a fabulous cookie crust -- I traded after first bites. All in all Tasca is a beautiful little restaurant and we will be back to try the tapas!
(4)
Jennifer S.

I recently went here on a fabulous first date and fell in love with the place. They have an amazing assortment of Tapas all so tempting that you are sure to over order and start looking for extra table space. Pair your tapas with a pitcher of their sangria for a very memorable meal. This is a great location for birthday parties and other celebrations.
(5)
Liz K.

First, I need to confess- I am completely obsessed with all things Spain. The food, the people, the culture, the dancing, the sangria.... I am so ready to relocate. Until that day, I will continue to pretend to be Spanish and eat tapas as much as possible. I've been to a few tapas joints here and in the motherland herself, and I really appreciate many things about Tasca. Definitely one of my favorites here in Boston. As my next stop on the Unofficial Sangria Tour, I was pleasantly surprised. The sangria was awesome, very tasty and unbelievably affordable. The dishes are also cheap- relatively speaking to other tapas restaurants. This makes me so happy. Besides the fact that I could afford it on my teaching salary, I also really loved most of the dishes I got-- specifically anything with goat cheese, the garlic shrimp, and the veggie tower (eggplant, zucchini, peppers perhaps?). I forget their "real" names. There was also a live guitarist which was exciting. I only deducted a star because I have a hard time giving out 5 stars (I'm a perfectionist) and I wasn't thrilled with the short ribs. Also, it was uncomfortably hot in there. Otherwise, delicious. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Peter B.

Tasca is, by far, my favorite restaurant in the area. Consider first the food: Tapas style dishes allow you to try several different smaller menu items, allowing you to satiate a desire for several different types of food all at once. In a sitting you can go from goat cheese fritters to well seasoned crab cakes with salsa to braised short rib to roasted duck. I have yet to have a dish there that I have not enjoyed. The bread and humus that is provided with the meal is wonderful In terms of dÃ©cor, it has a great atmosphere, seating is certainly close, but by no means is it too close. The dining areas have low light and there is often very nice Spanish guitar music played either live or through speakers. The background music helps dim out the other conversations around you without losing the ability to hear others in your party. For service, I have yet to have a bad experience. The waiters are always busy, but attentive and more than willing to grab you an extra pitcher of sangria or basket of bread. With the tapas style meals they can continuously bring out dishes as they are prepared allowing you to enjoy each one as they come. All in all this is a wonderful dining experience, for a low price. You can often walk out for less than $20 even with drinks.
(5)
Crystal J.

This my all time favorite place! Romantic atmosphere, dim lighting, nice soft guitar music, ultra foreign exotic feel. The menu is amazing and changes often. Perfect size entrees. Totally affordable. I had steamed mussels and duck all in one night for just a few bucks! Great sangria. Some nights they have wine tasting and flamenco dancing. Sign up for the email newsletter and get sweet deals and menu updates. Everything tastes amazing! It's hidden away and nobody would ever nkow it was there unless someone told you. A hole in the wall that turns into a memorable mediterranean experience as soon as you walk through the door. A++++
(5)
Aubrey G.

I love this place! It take forever to get out there (B line), but it sure is worth it. I usually get a few tapas with a pitcher of their delicious sangria. Not a big fan of the dinners, just because of lack of variety, but hey...you're there for TAPAS! Definitely join the mailing list cause you get freebies all the time.
(5)
Justine D.

Lots of good variety, authentic dishes and warm ambience. The Sangria is delish! It is fun to go with friends and get a variety and share it up. My favorite dish of the tapas is the garlic shrimp (soooo garlicky- yum!), and they do have good platos principales (dinner dishes) as well.
(5)
Alison C.

Tasca is my all-time favorite restaurant. Absolutely incredible food, and the price can't be beat. They have weekly specials including $5 pitchers of sangria and a prix-fixe menu. You also get birthday specials if you're on their mailing list. It's small and can be crowded but it's well worth it!
(5)
LS S.

I thought the experience was excellent. I am not sure that this is truly an authentic Spanish restaurant, but it was a good American twist. The Sangria was a bit weak.
(3)
Helen J.

My favorite place to eat in the Boston area--the tapas are excellent though I wish they'd bring the chicken croquettes back. The spanish sausage with chutney has an amazing flavor combination. The sangria is very good, fairly good port and sherry selection, and great list of Spanish wines. The paintings and low light make for a very comfortable atmosphere. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. Get on their email list and you'll be showered with gift certificates. I love this place!
(5)
Nutmeg Y.

I've been looking for tapas in NYC, SF, everywhere in the US, and cannot find the value you get with the tapas from Tasca. Not only is it delicious, but it's quite a great deal! Plus - the sangria... ooooh the sangria. Again, the best in the city. Only drawback? It's on Comm. Ave, so parking's gonna be tough. But then again - with sangria that good, who wants to be driving anyways!
(5)
sunny g.

Tasca is a fabulous little tapas bar "hidden" away on Comm ave, right near the green line. This little restaurant is seemingly worlds away. Choose from their extensive tapas menu or sample one of the entrees. The prices here are VERY reasonable, especially for the high quality. If you sign-up for their email updates, you will be alerted to addition deals and specials. This year, they have been promoting a "stimulus" dining package, that a great bargain!
(4)
Ashley G.

Tasca is a great restaurant. They have good food, excellent Sangria and a really sexy atmosphere. The food is hit or miss, but it's a lot of fun to order a bunch of tapas and see what you like. I recommend the duck confit with cabbage and apples, the quesadilla de pollo served with a black bean and chickpea salad and the black bean and cilantro crab cakes. Just be careful because at $4-7 a plate, it's easy to run up the bill. Also, reservations are recommended because this place fills up really quickly, especially on the weekends.
(4)
Vedzer B.

Excellent tapas and sangria for a reasonable price... It is also very easy to get to with the T. It definately competes with Dali, which is much more expensive and difficult to get to if you are in the Brookline/Brighton/Allston area. This place adds culinary color to this neighbourhood.
(5)
S V.

My favorite place. Not only will the food variety bring you back, but so will the regular deals they e-mail you. Everyone we have taken here has loved it. I've tried many things on the menu and I have loved everything. Use the valet though, you wouldn't want to ruin great tapas and sangria by finding your car towed!
(5)
Laura A.

i REALLY like this place. if it wasn't for the hike from the green line, i would definitely go more often. a lot of vegetarian options and really interesting flavors. a great place to take a date, really romantic atomsphere with dim lighting & dark wood inside.
(5)
laura l.

I am confused why this place got such good reviews. We were seated somewhere very drafty and had to ask to move. The service was almost non-existent. They spent all their time gossiping with each other. It seems to be the cool place to be for euro-dressing BC students. But in terms of actual food quality a lot of it seemed to be out of a can. There are so many other better tapas places - (Dali, Taberno de Haro etc). I would come here for their sangria but that's probably it.
(2)
Sara E.

FANTASTIC! Very beautiful atmosphere makes you feel like you're in Spain. Excellent tapas, sangria, and paella. The live entertainment Thursday nights shouldn't be missed. Join their email list and you'll get coupons and special invites and offers
(5)
Erik M.

Tasca is very good, especially considering its Brighton location. The service is average, but the well priced food is delicious. My favorites are the Solomillo (mini filet), the Caracoles (not the current one, but the old escargot in puff pastry), and the Goat Cheese Empanadas. Decent sangria too!
(4)
R F.

It's a cool place. It might be fun for a date, because it's quiet, dimly lit, not really fancy, and it's not too expensive. I liked Kate S.'s idea for a game to silently pick out stuff to see if you have any in common. Maybe I'll come back and try that sometime. I wasn't in the mood for sangria, so I just had a beer and was happy with that. Saturday night: It was a group of 5 of us and we pretty much got seated right away, the service was quick, attentive, and never annoying. I've never had any spanish food really, and all the stuff I tried (Ensalada Tasca, Solomillo, some chicken thing, beef and bread thing) was really good. I'd definitely go back there...
(4)
Michael G.

I sense great possibilities in this restaurant, but our night there was a tad disappointing. Arriving past nine, we waited for about fifteen minutes for a table (no reservation) as we drank a pitcher of the excellent sangria at the bar. So far so good. Everything was going well until we ate our first dish, which was a special tapa with white asparagus: it was awful. They clearly had not cut off the dried up tips, and the vinaigrette sauce just wasn't good. The other two vegetarian tapas we got weren't all that much better either. The leek quiche was pathetically flimsy, small, and lacking, and the goat cheese empanadas simply tasted like bad crab rangoon. Then again, Spanish food isn't really known for being vegetarian friendly, so Tasca did regain stars for its meat dishes. The duck confit and the sausage plate were both great, and I devoured them quickly as I drank four glasses of sangria. The duck in particular was just fall-off-the-bone incredible. Anyway, I'm happy to go back, but it'll be with a more carnivorous group next time.
(4)
Jarrod O.

Great choice of foods and wine, with cheap valet on comm ave (which is convenient).
(5)
Anastasia M.

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would!!!! This place is amazing and I have been coming here for years. The food, the atmosphere, the decor, the sangria, the food and dessert. Among my favorites are: Patatas Bravas-- Cubed fried potatoes with a mildly spiced tomato sauce Gambas al ajillo- Sizzling shrimp in garlic with chile peppers and olive oil. Timbale de verduras-- A real unique dish. It is like a tower of vegetables with roasted eggplant, zucchini, red pepper, tomato, and spinach in pesto sauce. A great vegetarian dish... Solomillo Petit-- a small portion of filet mignon. It comes with a mushroom sauce that is to die for! Albondigas-- homemade meatballs. Enough said! Calamares fritos-- A very well made dish! Calamaries are not always perfect, but here they are worth getting! For dessert, the two of my favorites are crepe de helado and the creme brulee... Couple tips to know: If you get on the mailing list, they will enter you in the drawings for gift certificates and they do send out coupons. Tasca does have live spanish guitar and at times flamenco dances that make a great addition to the perfect evening, check on their website for the details. Also, if you love olives, you can get a small plate of spanish olives for just $1, but you have to ask for this as this item is not on the menu. Happy Eating! P.S. Do not forget the very special pitcher or half pitcher or a glass of sangria that is excellent!
(5)
Rebecca Y.

If I may be so bold, this is the place to go for tapas in the city. The food isn't quite as good as Dali, but it is a heck of a lot better priced. The sangria is superb. I heard they have a new peach sangria, but I haven't tried it yet. For the tapas, order the leek quiche. The atmosphere can be great for a group or for a fun double date. Definitely join the mailing list when you go - they send you updates on special events and $10 coupons galore!
(5)
Lynette M.

great value
(3)
Jacqueline P.

I feel a little badly giving a rating of three- it's really more deserving of a 3.5. The atmosphere and service were nice, and the prices were extremely reasonable, but the food would best be described as mediocre. The shrimp I was served were clearly frozen, rather than fresh, and had a freezer-burn taste. The goat cheese and tomatoes served with toasted bread was not unpleasant, but a little too reminiscent of pizza. The flan, however, really made up for it- I ate it until my stomach hurt, and then continued to eat. The sangria was also a highlight.
(3)
Greg S.

This was the first place I ever went to for Tapas. I went with about 15 people and we got almost everything on the menu to go along with our countless pitchers of sangria... which was very good in and of itself. Unfortunately, I don't remember that much about the food other than we ate every last bit of it and got some dessert as well, which was also very good and didn't stand a chance. The one meal I do remember getting there once was Bistec de ternera which was extremely tender and the potatoes were very tasty covered in the sauce. The last time I went there was a few years back when I lived in the neighborhood, so I can tell you that you really need to take the T if you are going to eat there, parking can be a nightmare and don't park in the Whole Foods lot, they will tow!
(4)
Boys Have Cooties ..

nice place, nice atmosphere, great friendly (and cute) waiter....they really did go out of their way to make our visit pleasant and comfortable....ill be going back.
(5)
Ashley M.

flamenco dinners ... so much fun... live music, dancing and great food! i love the sangria... and last night tried the portobello mushroom in beef broth tapas for the first time.. a new favorite =)
(5)
Leslie W.

OK, wonderful food! We went for the valentines day dinner and so we only got a set menu but I now love this place. We got a pitcher of the sangria, which was pretty good and the food was great. I had nothing i could even say was average - it was all excellent! I don't know what their regular menu is but i am going to check it out as soon as i can... I REALLY hope the mushroom ravioli with truffle sauce is on that menu because i couldn't get enough of it! It was really a nice romantic dinner, although expensive since it was a special valentines day thing... Normally, i believe the menu is quite reasonably priced since i don't normally order that much food... The valentines dinner was about 50 bucks a person but it included the sangria pitcher, desert, appetizers, entrees, and a few extras, just to give you an idea.
(5)
Deb C.

Can't tell you how many great meals I have had at Tasca. Whether in a rowdy group or on a date, this is the place to go. The tapas are excellent--great selection! The sangria is eminently drink-able, and the service always good. I'd normally give this place 4 stars, but on happy memories alone, it gets 5. Fast for at least 24 hours before you go...then load up, sister. UPDATE: Went back to Tasca with friends after many years for a little reunion dinner after the holidays. Yikes. Maybe our food expectations have changed, maybe we aren't as drunk as we used to be, or maybe the food just isn't as good...whatever the reason, I was very disappointed. The food, on the whole was tasteless, service was perfunctory (at one point I asked the waitress if we HAD to leave, as she was so persistent in checking on our bill, despite the fact that it was relatively early, and nobody was waiting for our table) What a bummer. Won't go back.
(2)
arunas t.

Food was good... Service not that good...All the excitement was gone when something happened at the end... We had 3 people dinner.. The waitress provided the receipt and we asked to pay with the credit card. She took the credit card and came with fixed bill... pencil correction small lettering saying gratuity and the credit card was already charged with that added gratuity. When asked the girl that this is not noemal since there is just 3 people party and usually gratuity is added on 6 or more people party. what if I dont want to leave all 20% because service especially at the beginning really sucked. the waitress looked like she jumped of the moon. no smile, keep forgetting things we asked. She said oh the gratuity is restaurants policy. I couldnt believe it and i dont think she either. But we didnt want to go into arguments.. all evening atmosphere was gone and just made me wana get out of that place. Thanks but me and my firends not coming there anymore...
(1)
T L.

snuggled in between Bamboo and 7-11 is a spanish tapas restaurant called Tasca; tapas means small appetizer portions so you buy more dishes but can sample more things; tasca has full entrees as well such as paella, and lamb and stuff; restaurant is too dark, i couldnt really read my menu but we had a great seat that had an open window; i had a warm spanish beer, but everyone was drinking sangria which wasnt bad; they serve some bread to use with the food; we had sizzling shrimp in garlic, cubed fried potatoes in tomato sauce with garlic aioli; roasted duck leg served over cabbage and apples and Herbed goat cheese empanadas; we had a pretty opinionated waiter which was quick to point out what he liked; the restaurant had great reviews from boston mag and zagats but i wasnt blown away; i found most of the dishes to be kinda of greasy, and the duck was a bit overcooked and lacked flavor; bread came in handy to dip in all the sauces and it was a cool place to eat. i would recommend if you came here in a big group to drink sangria and get lots of the tapas dishes 7 out of 10
(3)
Melissa B.

Yummers. Great sangria & tapas. Can get expensive, but worth it.
(4)
Ariela M.

DO NOT go here if you want prompt/polite service! We had a reservation at 7:15 and one of our 5 people was not there until 7:30. They would not seat us until all our party was there, but even when the fifth person got there at 7:30 we were not seated until 8:30! Then the waitress forgot to take the order for one of our party and her food never came (we all heard the person order). The waitress actually argued with us about the missing food, saying she did not hear the order, instead of apologizing! THEN we were incorrectly billed for an extra food item that we did not order and AGAIN had to argue with the waitress to get the food item taken off the bill when it was clearly her mistake (we ordered 8 items and were charged for 9...it's not that difficult to count that we were billed for the incorrect number of items). We wanted to leave a smaller tip, but the 20 minutes we would have had to wait to get change was not even worth it. Too bad, because the food and atmosphere were excellent, but I will NOT be going back.
(1)
Caroline T.

Love this place. It gets pretty busy so make a reservation. Really reasonable prices and perfect for both a date and a group dinner. Good wine list. Get the goat cheese empanadas and the gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp), you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Dessa R.

I had never even heard of Tasca before the day my friend waved a 5$ sangria pitcher coupon in my face. Needless to say, that little coupon was the catalyst for something magical. The food was excellent, the space was sexy and dimly-lit, and it didn't make my wallet weep. Sangria pitchers were tasty, and we finished it all up with a flan that seriously redefined how I look at the custardy dessert. Five stars-- a truly unexpected surprise. Insider tips: I know... it's in Brighton. Try to overlook it. Make a reservation! 31 little dishes on the menu-- don't be intimidated. Breathe. No pressure to pick just one. Two to three dishes per person should do it, and sharing is a MUST in tapasland. For the timid, there are regular-sized entrees. Bring a date or some pals, it's fantastic for either.
(5)
Sarah C.

Tasca is exactly that - 3 stars. A-OK. In the plethora of tapas restaurants that have enticed me, Tasca lands right in the middle. I've certainly had better, but I've definitely had worse. I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it until now, as I've been at least 3 or 4 times. It's a good stand by. Some of their dishes are phenomenal - my favorites include: Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp), Solomillo (petit filet mignon), and Queso Frito (herbed goat cheese fritters). The rest are kind of hit-or-miss, depending on your tastes. Parking can be challenging (go to the residential area of the brighton/border line off of Corey and park on the Brookline side), and the service is generally fine (though they don't always tell you what they're dropping off at your table, which I like when I eat tapas). The prices are moderate, but the general experience reflects it. If you like tapas on a regular basis, it's probably a good choice. If you're looking to have a special (potentially romantic) night and eat hella good tapas, head to Toro or Dali instead and cough up a little extra $$$.
(3)
Tom C.

Don't miss the sangria here. It is amazing. I enjoyed the food and atmosphere, though I do think it's best with a group of people rather than just for a couple.
(4)
Christopher M.

Tasca is a perfect example of the law of diminishing marginal returns. The first time I ate at Tasca, many years ago, I thought it was amazing. The second time it was pretty good. The third time I ate at Tasca, I was bored. I can't really put my finger on why. The food is delicious, that's for certain. The menu is very traditional, and seems very stagnant. The sangria is excellent. The restaurant is beautiful, very small and intimate and a little on the dark side. It's a great place for a first date, very quiet and comfortable. If Tasca were the only tapas restaurant around, I'd definitely go there more often. But as it is, there are so many wonderful tapas restaurants in Boston, I just don't have the desire to go back to Tasca anymore.
(3)
Rachel K.

I am sad to give Tasca three stars. I used to be a HUGE fan of this place. This was until it got more and more popular and this could have something to do with the endless Groupon-like sites it gets involved with. They used to have the best sangria in town. It seems with the higher demand their sangria recipe has changed and since been more watered down. It doesn't taste like it used to and is not even strong enough to get a buzz off an entire pitcher! Their food is still extremely delicious as always, I absolutely love their mussels, raw tuna, and brie/apple tapas. They also do have good promotions to their loyal diners via email. I am sure I will be back, but I am no longer the regular I once was :-(
(3)
Jon B.

Had a great time with my Allston/Brighton daughter at Sangria & Tapas night. Beyond the goat cheese empendadas and the shrimps, he food is not the best tapas in the area (try Solea in Waltham), but the ambiance is great, the service timely and the sangria is really the best: crisp, spicy, fruity, dry - they've got 'em all. We tried every one, and I don't regret any. Can't say the same for the potato salad cake like thing...
(4)
Megan T.

Hm. A-OK is definitely the best way to describe the food here. The staff was lovely. The space is cohesive and works well with the concept. The sangria was yummy but def. on the sweet side. I dined with a few girlfriends who seemed to really like the food --- i thought it was bland all in all and the ingredients didnt taste particularly fresh or well-seasoned. We had the tuna with mango salsa (ok but not memorable at all), a salmon tapas which i found incredibly bland and boring, the duck (i missed that one but the menu description hypes it up), a salad (which was surprisingly delightful) and the steamed mussels (the broth was delish but the plating didnt allow for the mussels to soak it in). the prices were very reasonable. we spent about $60 including a pitcher of sangria, a glass of wine and tip. ill go back but with lowered expectations. oh and next time i will undoubtedly valet -- its only $6 and not worth the parking agita.
(3)
Carolyn C.

So good! The atmosphere and service were good, and they take reservations, which is always nice. But the food was amazing! Between the two of us we got 6 tapas and every single one was delicious. The sangria was also awesome. We're going back for our anniversary! Highly recommended.
(4)
Sara O.

The bomb! When I am in Boston, I make sure to take a trip to this awesome restaurant and boozefest. The tapas are affordable, the sangria is tasty, and the decor is sensual and fun. I have been to the famous NYC Boquerria and Tasca hands down beats the NY restaurant in price, service, food, drinks, and wait time. If only there was a Tasca in DC or NYC.
(5)
Jason L.

4.5 stars Living in South End, my tapas palate has revolved around Toro, Masa, and Estragon. Now that Tasca has entered my life, I feel as if I've finally seen the light. For the price, Tasca is definitely worth a visit and is the closest thing to having a Spanish grandma cook you dinner in her own hearty kitchen. Half the table took advantage of their $18 3-course prie fix while the other half ordered off the regular menu. Dishes that stood out include the crack-infused paella valenciana, simmered with chicken, sausage, and duck, giving it a rich and hearty flavor with classic flavors. The duck empanada was a good appetizer on the prie fixe menu, and was prepared in a paper-thin phyllo type crust. Hearty prie fix entrees include both the tender pork shank and flavorful steak. Both are served on top of heaping portions of scallion mashed potatoes. Be sure to ask for extra bread to soak up the jus. In terms of dessert, stay away from the generic pie and go for the chocolate pudding. It's a large shot-glass full of baked chocolate/gooey richness that is a pleasant and filling end to the meal. Also, $5 pitchers of sangria. Do what you will with that. Rounding up to give 5 stars because our pre-tip bill per person was only 20 bucks for a gluttonous amount of food. Food (8/10) Plating (2/5) Decor (3/5) Service (5/5)
(5)
Kevin L.

Between the $18 three-course special they were running, the $5 bottle of wine deal, and another $10 e-mail loyalty coupon, our huge feast ended up costing only $30 before a hefty tip. The lineup of courses ended up making a pretty impressive spread: the blood sausage starter (part of the three-course special) and gambas al ajillo as appetizers, an enormous lamb shank entrÃ©e served over a bed of fluffy rice (also part of the three-course special) served with a side of patatas bravas, closed out by a decadent homemade hazelnut cheesecake. Though I consider Tasca primarily a tapas joint (and both additional tapas dishes we ordered were completely acceptable), the lamb shank truly shined. Throw in some cozy ambiance, courteous and attentive servers, exceptional value, and you have a quality standby for an enjoyable night out that won't break the bank.
(4)
Natalie V.

Best tapas in Boston hands down, The food is great !!! my boyfriend and I love it , our favorite dish pulpo a la parrila and patatas bravas, great wine and beer selection.
(5)
Victor N.

I love tapas! They're a fun and at the same time safe way to be adventurous with food. A friend introduced me to Tasca. Initially tried it several months ago but my first experience was a bust! Not one to easily give up, and motivated by all the great reviews I decided to give it a second try yesterday Friday. Well, this time it was a superior experience! Booked online Friday am for a 7PM party of 2 with no problem. Used the restaurant website since they are not available on opentable which I normally use. Got there on time and was seated promptly, no delay! There was a good crowd already but not completly packed. you could see large group of friends, families or people on a date. Our waitress was very nice, super knowledgeable about the menu and wine list and helped us make quick choices. We had the Patatas bravas, ConfÃt de pato ( roasted duck), Calamares fritos, Herbed goat cheese empanadas, and a couple of other dishes all super delicious plus a bottle of Syrah. Waitress was attentive, promptly cleaned out empty plates, refilled our wine glasses, etc... by the time we left, the place was completly packed! A word about parking! Definitely not easy, but while booking online, I found out that they offer valey parking for only $6. Not bad! The first time I went, i parked on the street next to Whole Food. DO NOT PARK on the whole food lot or you will be towed! It even says so at the bottom of the menu! lol The waitress was concerned enough about parking that she kept asking because she wanted to make sure our car didnt get towed. Luckily we found a spot on the street 1 block away. This place is great for a fun night out on the town so get out and go enjoy it!
(4)
Andrea M.

Came here with friends 2 months ago during a snowstorm and was impressed to see that this place was packed! I don't know why Tasca was so deserving of a full house though, and why there have been so many good reviews. We ordered at least 8 different tapas, and none of them really stood out. For the price, the tapas were underwhelming. The roast duck legs were a bit tough and the patatas bravas were uninspired, boring, run-of-the mill potatoes. My boyfriend's oven-roasted chicken entree was incredibly dry. Just a quick glance at it and it was obvious the chicken was overdone. There was even a slit where the cook had cut into the meat. Our server came by to check on our food - Server: How is the chicken? My boyfriend: It's really quite dry. Server: Oh, I'm sorry. Server walks away. End of Story. I'm sorry too. I really wanted to like this place, but I definitely won't be back.
(2)
SARAH E.

The food is great. I recommend signing up to their newsletter to get information on their drinks discount. I would have given it 5 stars, but when I reserved a table to 10 people and one of our party was late, they bumped our table and then had to wait 45 minutes for a new table.
(4)
Saba N.

I went to Tasca with my two girl friends... it's definitely one of the better restaurants in the Brighton area - although, that's not saying that much!! I really like the atmosphere. It's the perfect date spot for Brightonians (myself included) when you're not in the mood to go to Boston. You can make online reservations and I think valet is like, 5 bucks. The food is pretty good. I can't remember exactly what we ordered but I remember LOVING this Spanish ham dish. what can I say? I'm a meat girl. The pitcher of sangria is a GREAT deal, and it's actually pretty good, too! I'm more of a city girl but this ain't half bad!
(3)
I Y.

Love the bread and hummus dip. My boyfriend and I did the 3-course dinner. I had gone in expecting the portions to be on the smallish side. I was wrong. First course was a good sized flavorful salad and a duck empanada. Both were good - no complaints. We both had the short ribs as our main entree. Oh my god... the portion was huge. Even after we remove the huge rib bone from the meat, there was still quite a bit of meat left. The flavor was average, nothing special. Along with the short rib were 2 mounds of mashed potatoes and some crunchy fresh green beans. For dessert, we had the apple pie and the pumpkin pie. It was very unmemorable... it was actually our least favorite part of the meal. For the amount of food and the decent flavors, the stimulus meal was a steal. Will be back to check it out again.
(3)
Jin Z.

One of my favorite places in the area, definitely the best tapas place in Boston. I have taken so many people to this place over the years and everyone loved it. The food is amazing, some of my favorites are the filet mignon, the mushroom in white wine sauce, and the chicken skewer. On top of that, the ambience of the place is both causual and romantic. I come here with both large groups of people and on date nights. Service is amazing and the seating arrangement provides some separation room between you and the next table so that you don't feel like you are on top of the other dinners while you eat. They also have live music and dance performances, which is a great option for dinner and show. If you sign up for their mailing list you also get coupons every months for $5 pitcher of sangria and free valet parking etc. cannot recommend this place enough!
(5)
aja m.

Went here with some girlfriends for a birthday, staff was really friendly and we were sat immediately. Food. Was. AMAZING. We all got 3 or 4 plates each and a ton of sangria and wine, and it really was all super delicious. Cannot wait to go back, I'm a full on tapas girl now!
(5)
Sara L.

I can't believe, after eating here more than 50 times, I am finally writing a review. This is mine and my husband's favorite place to eat. We've celebrated anniversaries, birthdays and everything in between eating at this place. When we first started eating here the tapas menu was a lot more extensive (probably 8 years ago). I think they got rid of the things they didn't sell much of and stuck to their staples. I've only eaten the 3 course menu a few times, but it was very good and plenty of food. As far as things you should try: -goat cheese empanadillas -setas al jerez -gambas al ajillo -caracoles The bread and hummus dip they serve prior to your meal is absolutely amazing. Also, after living in Madrid, I have to say that this sangria is the most authentic you'll have in the Boston area (it far beats out Dali and Toro). It's $20 a pitcher and we normally get about 5 glasses out of the pitcher. If you join their mailing list you are sent awesome deals during the week. ($5 pitchers of sangria and $5 bottles of wine on some nights. They'll also send you $10 off for your bday).
(5)
M.E. F.

A bit pricey for a student budget, but the tapas are excellent! Go for the fried potatoes and goat cheese empanadas.
(4)
Phil M.

This place it truely a gem. Great food, great romantic atmosphere, great service, this would be the textbook 5 star yelp. However, they don't offer American Airline AAdvantage points on Friday to Saturday dinning...which sucks, I want those points/miles... but overall, all these other reviews are spot on...this place is def worth the trip out, or the evening out! I made sure this place would be my 30th yelp :D
(4)
Amanda F.

I haven't been to Tasca for the tapas yet, but I'm a huge fan of the $16 prix fixe menu. (Make sure to sign up for their mailing list to find out about more deals like this!) My first time there was with my roommates, who are frequent customers. I'm fairly new to the neighborhood, so I was eager to try a new place. I got lobster crab bisque, which was the perfect consistency, and a glorious blend of savory and slight sweetness. For my entree, I got baked sole. It was very tender, but could have used a bit more flavor. For dessert, I got the homemade truffles, which were amazing. (it was almost like eating the inside of a truffle, without the shell. They came with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. They left me licking my fingers, because I'm classy like that. (besides, who eats truffles with a fork? Seriously.) The service was excellent, and the waiter even allowed one of my dining companions to substitute a glass of wine (another one? why not?) for dessert, as she's not a sweet dessert kind of gal. The sangria was pretty good, but not the best that I've tasted. I need to go back and get tapas at some point.
(4)
Jimmy H.

This place continues to excel. Every single single dish mesmerizes me with its rich & delicious flavor. None of them were disappointment to me. Price is quite reasonable contrary to the intimidating look of this place. And this often results over-ordering. According to the waiter who served us, 10 dishes would be adequate amount for the party of 4. Entree menu is also available in case you come here alone or just two of you. I think they have the best sangria in Boston. I was on the verge of collapsing after chugging one pitcher after another. It's very seductive and smooth, I must say. More people would be fun, but coming to this place with a party of 4 is just right. Big enough to indulge many dishes and small enough not to wait for the table too long.
(5)
Valerie V.

By far my favorite restaurant in Brighton. I have been to Tasca countless times and have never been disappointed. The ambiance is cozy, romantic, and welcoming. Its especially nice in the winter when you want to feel like you are in a warm hole in the wall. The service is pleasant and fast. Not spectacular, but never rude. The sangria is delicious! Sign up for their newsletters and you'll get info about $5 pitchers Sunday-Thursdays! The food! For the price you really don't get much better. The tapas are wonderful (gambas al ajillo!) and I looove their paella and zarzuela entrees. They have lots of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options so you can really tailor your meal to what you're in the mood for. The food isn't greasy either so it won't trash your diet which is saying alot for a nice evening out. The only negatives: long waits if you don't have reservations and not much for a bar area to wait in if the bar stools are already taken which they pretty much always are. If you're in Brighton, do yourself a huge favor and come here. Or just get on the Green Line and make a night of it.
(5)
Mykal D.

So I have a bit of a confession, this place is just as good as Dali on the tapas, and are even a little cheaper. That said, you should likely go to the one you live closest to. They even share a similar layout! Make a reservation, as this place can get a little crazy. If you "forget" to make one, you might want to bring a group on 4-5, as this will undoubtedly get you seated faster. As for the food, the linguine is amazing, the calamari is delicious, the beef savory, and the meatballs passable. The only major disappointment was the dessert. I got the crepe with ice cream thingy, and I could not have been more disgusted. It was completely store-bought and the crepe part was tough and inedible. The staff was very attentive and our server was very quick, despite clearly having many tables to manage. Lastly, the valet parking here is really cheap ($6), and very worth it, as there is little non-resident parking. So in short, make a reservation, valet your car, drink half a small pitcher of sangria, order 2.5 tapas per person, and skip the dessert, and you can call your night complete. Double the liquor and add a designated driver, and your night will be double complete. Keep it classy, MD
(4)
Joanna C.

I'm trying out Boston's tapas left and right! And I have to say, this place garners a solid 4.5 stars, but since there is no halfsies, I have to bump them up to 5 stars! Which was mostly due to my pleasant dining company, but I digress. Meeting up for dinner after work on a random Monday is always a great idea, especially when sangria is involved! I drove up to the restaurant, but alas - no valet in sight. And so, I did the loop-de-loop for about... 20 minutes. Good thing I was 20 minutes early! I found parking, and my trusty Tomtom assured me that I was only 2 minutes away. Until I realized, oh he meant 2 CAR minutes away. But it was a surprisingly balmy night, and so I buckled in for the .5 mile hike (good thing I was wearing my comfy boots vs. my conquer the world heels)! I give them serious brownie points for decor. Candles on every table, dimmed lighting, coppery ceiling, warm golden tones everywhere. I felt comfortable. I felt like I was going to dinner at a friend's place. The hostess was gracious in letting us know that we would have a 30 minute wait, and so we found a corner of the bar to call our own as we drank through a pitcher of delicious sangria. And yeah, a 30 minute wait at 6PM on a Monday night. They were unexpectedly busy! We were finally ushered into a cute booth, about two steps away from where we were standing at the bar, and we tucked in for a great meal. Mmm... first dish, those delectable meatballs in a green pepper sauce and crisp potato sticks. I didn't like the way the meatballs fell apart the minute my fork pierced their meaty goodness, but they were delicious. And I absolutely HEART potato sticks. The duck confit came next, resting on a bed of what looked like red cabbage with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Do I detect a hint of apple as well? Whatever it was, it was delicious. And that duck was falling off the bone good. And it was a sweet portion! If I wasn't on a date, I would've picked that thing up and gnawed on the bone. Delish! And then, my favorite dish of the evening... ham and cheese croquettes with a spicy pepper relish. DIVINE. The warm cheese gave in with a crisp bite of the breadcrumb exterior, and that pepper relish gave it just the right kick in the pants. LOVED IT. I expected to moan in pleasure over the goat cheese fritters after reading so much about how other Yelpers enjoyed them, but they kind of fell flat for me. Maybe they were cold? Or maybe they just couldn't stand up to the show that the ham and cheese croquettes did? Only my next visit will tell. We finished our meal by sharing an order of their bread pudding. Thick slices of bread swimming in a pool of vanilla custardy goodness. Mmmmmmmmm. With JUST the right amount of raisins to make it one of the better bread puddings I've had in a long time. Just their coffee warrants 5 stars. I loved the coffee they served me. And I'm a coffee expert (it's part of the job, what can I say), and it was... perfection. And the best part is - we received impeccable service (just the right amount where we sat there and chatted each other up without being interrupted, and we didn't feel neglected). And I really liked the way the hostess apologized for interrupting us when she was letting us know that our table was ready.... and I never felt rushed, even though a good sized crowd had gathered near the entrance by the time we left. Bravo.
(5)
L. F.

We went here last night for my fiancee's birthday, and I really have no choice but to write a glowing review! First, we showed up at ~6:45 on a Saturday night, and we definitely got lucky with how not busy the place was right that second. We had a few minutes, so we sat at the bar and ordered a pitcher of sangria. The bartender must have heard us talking about how it was her birthday, because he brought us the pitcher and also bought the three of us each a glass of champagne, which was really sweet. (I feel terrible, I should have gotten his name, but they seated us right after, and I forgot to ask!) They seated the 5 of us at a six-top, and we started perusing the menu. Right after we had ordered, the manager came over and kindly asked us if we could do them a huge favor. They had a party show up that was larger than they had been expecting, and we would be saving them if we were willing to move to a different table. With no prompting from us, she offered to buy us our drinks for the evening, as well as dessert. We obviously agreed (almost like an extra b-day present!), and moved to a smaller four-top with an extra chair. The smaller table was definitely noticeable when the food started coming out, so we had to play around a lot with organizing it all, but that was about it. To move on to the food, it was AMAZING! We started by each picking two dishes, and then deciding what we wanted more of. To me the highlights of the evening were: Los Tres Amigos - if you like sausage and especially Dijon, you'll love this Caracoles - escargot Empanadillas de queso de cabra - the roasted pepper relish is awesome Brie a la plancha Fideos con mariscos - seafood linguine But really everything was delicious. We also ordered two desserts, which was more than enough for all five of us to split. All in all, we had a wonderful night, and everyone left full and happy. I will agree with reviews that parking is not great, but we live up the street, so we just walked. They do also have valet parking for $6, which might be worth it instead of just hunting around for a spot. I would definitely go for that or the T.
(5)
Jane R.

I have yet to find a tapas restaurant as good or as cheap as this place is. Live music on Sundays, consistently great tapas and sangria. If I still lived here, I'd be here every week. Well worth the trip down the green line!
(4)
Lusi F.

we came to Tasca via a deal and the restaurant was PACKED. No personal space really. Thin separation between the tables, making you feel like you're eating with the next table over. The food though was excellent, flavorful, and the service (for the level of packedness) was good. overall, solid.
(4)
Liana K.

Yummy! First time trying spanish tapas and after this place, most other places have been a disappointment. I've had Fideos con Mariscos, Hojaldrados de chorizo, Empanadillas de queso de cabra, Timbale de verduras, Calamares fritos and a few others I don't remember but these are my favorites. Their sangria is also awesome!! And if you sign up to their mailing list, you usually get these monthly $10 coupons of any meal (one per table) or free sangria coupon for the table. Pretty cheap and yummy and a fun place to go with a couple of people.
(4)
Winnie T.

Came here on a Monday night for dinner and tried a few of their tapas which were succulent and flavorful. Confit de Pato (roasted duck leg served over braised red cabbage and apples) - highly recommended.. it was both sweet and salty and the duck retained its juices well. Solomillio (Petit filet mignon (3oz) served in a red wine sauce with mushrooms) - Meh. Don't bother. The beef had too much of a charred taste and the sauce wasn't too flavorful. Linguine con mariscos (Shrimp, calamari, mussels and salmon tossed with linguine in a white wine sauce) - Okay. The linguine was a little bland but it accompanies the other tapas well since it fulfills the starch portion of my meal. SalmÃ³n ahumado (Smoked salmon served on a potato pancake with red onion, capers and dill crÃ¨me fraÃ®ch) - Highly recommended. The fresh salmon paired with the crunchy potato pancake was delicious. We also ordered a pitcher of Sangria, but to be honest, I'm not a fan of it. It was watered down way too much with juices, and even after 3 or so glasses, I barely felt a buzz. It tastes more like juice than anything. I like my sangria to be full bodied and pack a punch to it, and I was disappointed that I was drinking some thick concoction of apple/cranberry/orange juice instead. Also, what I didn't like about the place was the lack of parking around the area. If you're riding on the T, then perfect, but if you're driving, expect to spend 15-30 minutes circling around the block for spots, esp. for dinner since most of the neighboring area is residential permit parking. We didn't notice that they valet ($6) because there's only a tiny tiny sign hung on the door. Save your time and valet! Overall, I'd return to this place. But maybe next time I'll take the train...
(4)
Joanna F.

This is the best tapas place that I've been to in the Boston area. I'm not a huge tapas fan. In fact, I kind of hate the idea of it. Ok, I'll pay exorbitant amounts of money to eat a piece of cheese, a bite of meat and a shrimp. Thanks! Tasca was different. The dishes were affordable and actually filling! It was a decent portion. It helps that I went with a group, but we each got sangria/beer and we ordered at least 12 plates. I paid 23 bucks... Can't beat that. A lot of what I ate was a blur since there were so many dishes, but a few standouts would be the fried goat cheese fritter things, the carpaccio, and the duck confit.
(4)
Kathleen O.

I am really happy that the bread has improved a little and REALLY happy about the olives we get now, thank's Tasca, keep op the awesome improvements and I will be in more and more! Dessert tip: GET the "oreo thing" I forgot what it is called and it's kinda bizarre , but there is something about it that is so damn good!
(4)
Ariana E.

This place gets it just right, every single time! The ambiance and food is incredible. The decor seems authentic and the food is tender, flavorful and creative! Not to mention the price for what you getting is amaaaazing! I leave every time feeling satisfied and like I just had a night out in Barcelona.
(5)
Wendy K.

Tasca is a cozy, rustic tapas restaurant chock full of ambience and deliciousness. Reservations are recommended, as your wait might be somewhat long without one. Regardless, it's worth the wait. The bread and buttery spread that are brought out before the meal are plain, but if you wait until your meal comes, you will undoubtedly find something wonderful to soak up with the leftover bread. I have had too many menu items here to name, but in the past, I have enjoyed the Croquetas de Polla y Jamon and the Brie a la Plancha. They also have a cute and intimate wine bar near the entrance which is enjoyable if you can find an empty seat! Tasca often has live Spanish music and entertainment in the evening, so check out their schedule of events to pick the right night! Most street parking in that area is resident parking only, so do your research prior to space hunting...
(4)
Patrick N.

Came here for a large birthday party. The service was friendly and prompt. The food was excellent. I personally had the Paella Valencia. Delicious. I will most certainly be back.
(5)
Iv L.

This is more of a 3.5 star but I'll give it 4 star to be nice. The wait at night for a table is very long depending on your party size. It can be an hour or so long. Parking is very difficult to find in the area, although they do have valet parking. The dishes are very reasonably price. Don't order the entree, as the name of the restaurant implies, it is a tapas place. The entree are not that great and with the price of the entree, you can order several other tapas to try out. There were 10 or us so we order all the tapas on the menu to try out and I recommend these: AlbÃ³ndigas Setas al jerez Costillas de ternera and if you must order an entree try this out: Paella de mariscos
(4)
David L.

Best Tapas in Boston, hands down!!
(4)
Jeffrey M.

First of all, did you know that Brighton is NOT in Boston? I didn't. It's far lol. Like 18 stations on the Green Line away from Park Street. I was not expecting that, living in my Cambridge bubble =/ I honestly think I spent more time commuting here and back than eating here. Which makes the food of supreme importance, because why spend all that time if you'll be eating mediocre stuff? The grub was pretty good, overall! The menu was ginormous, with both tapas and regular entrees (just like your typical tapas restaurant). The portions are fairly generous -- me and my friend, two healthy males with fairly decent appetities in their 20s, were full after just 5 tapas. I think that might be because they overload everything with potatoes, though! Pulpo a la Gallega -- octopus with potatoes. Probably more potatoes than octopus. Carne tartara -- basically beef tenderloin tartar. It felt like there were potatoes there, but it's not on the menu ... so a potato mimic? Tortilla espanola -- potatoes and eggs. Big chunks, too! Patatas bravas -- seriously, the name just implies potato. The tomato sauce was too spicy for my liking =/ Couscous con verduras -- the only tapas dish that I actually didn't like. It was too soggy and mushy, and I couldn't really get past that to enjoy the flavour. So ... if you want to eat more, don't get so many potato dishes! We did order the Paella valenciana, which my friend promised to share with me but completely devoured the next day lol. From my few bites, though, it was cooked really well even though the rice looked (yet did not taste) dry. Overall, the food was pretty standard. The waiter we had was amazing -- he was actually sincere and genuinely helpful. The overall atmosphere, even on a Monday night, is pretty buzzing. I'd definitely return ... if it were located in Cambridge =]
(3)
Ed P.

I love tapas. The sharing. The variety. The pitchers of Sangria ;) On my last visit we had the amazing Croquetas de pollo y jamon (so awesome I took a second order to go), Asado de cerdo with a yummy white bean ragout, duck confit which was fall off the bones as promised, the petit filet mignon, baked brie and octopus. I'm not an octopus guy but even that was wonderful. I've been here a few times and haven't had anything that I didn't like off the tapas menu. My favorite was the casoulet but on a recent visit it no longer appeared on the menu.
(4)
Kristen F.

This place continues to rank the best of AllBri in my book. Saturday night I came in and had half a dozen mouth watering dishes. Salmon on Potato Pancake... probably my fave Steamed Mussels - very close 2nd Steak Tartar Octopus - I think over thin potatoes... not sure cause it was gone in about 8 seconds. Sizzling Shrimp - could have done without Portabella mushrooms with capers and vinaigrette on top of crostinis Wash it down with a pitcher of Sangria and I'm a happy chica!
(5)
Mike R.

Tasca is a very solid tapas restaurant. Possibly not the most authentic tapas restaurant in Boston, but it's a good value and certainly very tasty. They offer pitchers of sangria and a small but well selected wine list which is also a very good value. Service can be rushed and disorganized at times - but considering how crowded it can get, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, it's very quick and certainly friendly. They have all the basics as far as tapas offerings covered. I haven't ever ordered off their regular entree menu, but it's possible to leave quite full without spending a lot of money ordering from the tapas menu.
(4)
Michelle B.

Last night was my second visit to Tasca; the first time I came here was last winter for a prix fixe thing one of my friends organized. I wasn't impressed at the time - too many potatoes in every dish and they just weren't that great. I was willing to give it another shot though, since my husband and I wanted to take our friends out for dinner and this place is pretty much in the middle of their house and ours. I made a reservation on their website and specifically requested a booth or table along the wall as last time we sat in the middle of the restaurant and we got jostled around way too much by wait staff and patrons. We were seated at about 8:45 and we promptly ordered some sangria (tasty, although not out of this world great like Dali). We ended up ordering WAY too much: two plates each of the filet mignon (great), calamari (pretty good), duck confit (excellent), beef short rib (good), goat cheese empanadas (our least favorite; not nearly enough filling in the empanada and I would've liked it crispier) and one plate each of the smoked salmon (didn't try it) and the salt cod (ditto). The plates are really generous and on a few of them - the calamari, the empanads - we would've been fine with one plate for the four of us. Our server was friendly and had no problem having the kitchen stagger dishes for us. He was never very far away when we wanted a refill on sangria or when we were finally done and wanted our check. I do agree with other reviewers who have said this place would benefit from having less tables just to add an extra level of comfort for its patrons, but... seeing how many people were waiting for tables while we were there, I understand why there are so many tables.
(4)
Nicole B.

Been going to Tasca for years... Never fails to please me. Sangria, food, atmosphere, staff are top notch, and prices are hard to beat.
(5)
Melly G.

During my years at BC, this was one of my favorite spots! Whether you are on a date or are catching up with some girlfriends, it never disappoints. Once you get on the email mailing list, they will constantly be sending you good coupons too. Don't miss out on the Sangria...it is hands down the best I have ever tasted. Mas sangria por favor!! I prefer coming here to order the tapas rather than the main course meals. Some of my favorites are: 1) Tortilla Espanola (potato and onion omelet) 2) Asado de cerdo (tender pork loin over white bean ragout and 3) Leek quiche. The weekends can be a bit busy, so try it on a weeknight instead!
(5)
ancaruci C.

We went there last Saturday evening. This is a nice restaurant, tasty food, good service, overall really nice experience. The prices are a little high, so thanks to Living Social. I agree with some people about having too many tables in such a little space. At some point it was really annoying.
(4)
Jennifer J.

This is a great place to go with a couple people and get a lot of different plates to share. The portions look small when they come out, but they're very filling! The waiter also did an awesome job of bringing the dishes out so we only ever had a few plates on the table at a time. Also they have AMAZING sangria. We got some while waiting for our table and just kept ordering more all night!
(4)
Anthony M.

Great classy atmosphere, guy quietly playin a guitar in the back, the fish and pork tacos go down nice with some port wine
(5)
Rebekah C.

I have wanted to try Tasca for a while now. I was really excited when Living Social had Tasca for one of their daily values. The place was packed and the couple we were standing next to shared how much they enjoyed eating at Tasca's. Needless to say my hopes were high . . . and after eating there, I feel let down by the great reviews and yelp rating. Tasca's is a cutely decorated restaurant packed full of tables and people. Despite the tight quarters, I still enjoyed the atmosphere. The menu looked delicious and things seemed to be very well priced. Avoid the bread - it does nothing to compliment the dinner or tantalize your palate. It is just calories wasted. The Sangria is good . . . a little on the sweet side, but flavorful. I would come back here for a glass of Sangria on a hot summer day. We ordered: Cured Spanish ham and shaved Manchego cheese served with tomato toasted crostinis. It was a generous portion and well priced. Though they only gave us 2 crostinis with the large plate of meat and cheese. I would say the dish was a 6/10. Escargots (my date had never tired them before). This dish was well cooked and seasoned. I give it an 8/10 as far as escargot goes. We also ordered the muscles. They were fresh and cooked well. The sauce they were in was okay, but nothing to write home to mom about. I would rate this dish a 6/10. Next came the petite filet mignon in a red wine sauce with mushrooms. The meat was chard to a crisp on the outside and very well done for such a lovely cut. The sauce was terrible (what little taste it offered was undesirable and a little on the gritty side). I would rate this dish 2/10. We had one of the special that evening, a Carpaccio dish that was pretty decent. Again, while there was a generous helping of meat, it only came with 2 crostinis and cheese. The flavor was really good when you were able to put them all together, but that was approximately 1 bite for each of us. I would give the one bite a 6/10. We had planned to order paella, but when our waitress failed to return to check on us or deliver the check . . . we decided it was a good time to call this restaurant experience to a close. Toro is my favorite tapas so far in Boston, well worth the extra dollars a meal there will cost you compared to Tasca. I also enjoy Bocado Tapas in Worcester.
(2)
John P.

An excellent tapas bar and a great introduction to the genre (is that what we call styles of food? "genres"? whatever; I'm rolling here). Good sangria - the red wine's not too cheap and they're heavy on the fruit to mask the bitterness. An excellent selection of tapas that arrive on time even during the weekend rush. The seating feels a little close at times, but not too bad. My only complaint: it's in the heart of Allston/Brighton, so parking's a beast. I've never used the valet ($6) but you might consider it - cheaper than a $30 ticket. Pro tip: Lots of people think Tasca doesn't take reservations. They do - just not after 6:30. So make a 6:30 reservation, hustle people out of the office, and have post-work tapas and sangria. You'll finish a little after 8:00, giving you plenty of time to dive back into Boston's nightlife.
(4)
Louise S.

My daughter and I had the best experience last night at Tasca. We went there to use a groupon. For a $30 dollar groupon we got much too much food. It was amazing! Cod tacos, steak with sauce, chicken croquettas, portobello mushrooms, serano ham and cheese. It was a ton of really good food. I didn't need the groupon. Everything is so reasonably priced and great. We tried both the white wine flight and red. Also great price and delicious. The service was also perfect! We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Varun S.

Amazing place, lovely ambience (may be a bit dark, but thats the way i like it), wonderful service...the sangria was to die for...the tapas was excellent, I suggest the #12, #27, #17 and the one with the brie cheese with the baguette...overall lovely place to go to...not too filling, you get just the right amount of tipsy and its easy on the money front as well...
(5)
Jackie G.

I am relatively new to the Brighton area and Tasca is one of the few restaurants that is actually in walking distance from my apartment, 1 star for convenience!! The food was pretty good, the dishes were much larger than expected. The meatballs were not the best I had, but lets be honest its pretty hard to beat moms! The salad needed more dressing, the mussels were delicious, I had more but I can't remember what which indicates that what I did eat was not mind blowing but I have no complaints. As for the Restaurant itself, the intimate setting would make for a great romantic dinner but other than that I do like to be able to see what I am eating. the tables are too crowed, you literally are sitting on top of one another, and the service was great. It was super busy but the waitress was still very attentive and she took the time to light the 24 candles (obnoxious I know) on the birthday cake (yes they let you bring your own cake in) we surprised my friend with which definitely earned the place some bonus points. Oh did I mention the sangria is amazing!!!
(4)
Jen G.

I used to go just for Tapas with friends and there were only a handful I really liked. Then I went again recently with my boyfriend and we got the $5 bottle of wine and both got the fixed price 3 course meals and our opinion of the place completely shifted! The entrees aren't as pricey as I used to think they were and they were amazing! We got the salmon and steak and both were cooked to perfection and huge portions. We had enough food for a second dinner of leftovers the following night, and will definitely continue to come back and take advantage of their deals! The place does get crowded, pretty much any night of the week, so I recommend making a reservation. Super easy to do online!
(4)
Liz P.

I had high expectations of Tasca after reading the Yelp reviews and hearing about it from friends. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe it was a bad night, but I just didn't think it was that great. First of all, my boyfriend and I were seated very awkwardly with two other parties of two, about a foot apart. So we got to awkwardly listen to every word of both couples' conversations. We ordered the calamari, the sausage plate, the escargot, and the short ribs. I also got a glass of Sangria. The calamari was one of the least inspired I've ever had. The sausages tasted like something I could have bought at the grocery store. The escargot and the mashed potatoes that came with the short ribs were the highlight of my dinner. We also got some complimentary olives, which were ok. It was a lot more food than I usually expect from tapas, so I think that is the main draw of this place. It was also pretty decently priced. But I still don't think it's worth returning or worthy of the the rave reviews it's received.
(2)
Jonathan M.

Tasty little treats abound on the menu. Started off with the sangria, which was great even in winter: chilly, sweet, and goes right to your head. The tapas usually arrive in waves of two or three, so you're always looking forward to the next round. My one huge complaint, which is actually making me not want to go there as often: the tables are absolutely packed in together. It can get a little claustrophobic, and can definitely put a damper on your conversation if you're not out with a bigger group. I took my sweetheart out for a birthday dinner, and all we could hear was the conversation of the first date going on next to us. I think this place works better for going out as a group, since there have been several large groups seated every time I've been there.
(3)
Jackie K.

Food I had that I enjoyed: the white bean dip at the start of the meal (free with warm bread) Food that I did not enjoy The entire bill $50 which included Oreo and banana dessert (fresh bananas (not a banana paste as another reviewer) Cheesecake (awful, really creamy and dense) Patatas bravas with ailoli (bland and soft potatoes) Potato salad (bland potato salad) Tortilla Espana (tasteless) Calamari (greasy but a large serving. Not good at all, prefer Tia's on the waterfront which I thought was as bad as it got) Bean Crab cake (tasteless without the salsa is comes with which was actually decent) Gazpacho (maybe they should list it has crab in it on the menu for vegetarians...not a good surprise for guests who do not eat meat but otherwise fine) Sangria (not good, 2nd glass I got had no fruit, really opaque) Overall service was fine, water came quickly but the waiter did forget one dish we ordered but the food we had was so bad we didn't even want more of it. THe only reason we even ordered as much as we did was because of a gift certificate we had won. If you want tapas I would go to toro in the south end or dali in somerville/cambridge, or tapeo on Newbury...all are better at this place...I will never go back.
(1)
George H.

Delicious food, reasonable portions and awesome Sangria. LOVE this restaurant. The selection is amazing and the ambiance, while occasionally cramped, is spectacular.
(5)
Stephanie F.

Tasca is one of my favorite restaurants in Brighton. I used to go when I lived in the area and last night it didn't disappoint. Eight small plates for three people didn't sound like a lot but everything was deliciously filling. I don't remember everything we got but my favorite is always the gambas (garlic shrimp). We also got peppercorn meatballs, steak, a mushroom dish, tuna, and two cheese dishes that I loved. One was the brie with apples and raisins - so good. And the other was goat cheese enchiladas in a sweet pepper sauce. The atmosphere at Tasca is always cozy. The lighting is low - really low but it's great for dinner with friends or a date night. I definitely suggest getting the sangria (though last night it did seem uncharacteristically watery) and I even like the bread and hummus they bring out to start the meal. The only issue is parking. I never had this problem when I lived within walking distance but last night in the rain, it was a challenge to find street parking nearby that wasn't resident parking. I think they might have Valet though so that might be an option for you.
(4)
Dee H.

Headed over to my old stomping grounds the other day and had dinner here with a friend and our girls. We ordered a couple of prix-fixed three course meals, an entree, and six tapas selections. There was something for everyone, but we ended up sharing everything, which was a lot more fun. We arrived just before our reservation of 7pm, and I was glad we did, because as we settled into our seats and started looking at our menus, all the other 7pm diners came in. The hostess was friendly and the table service was impeccable. The restaurant is near the Brookline town line, and over in Brookline is where free street parking is available. However, we opted to park at the Whole Foods and Citizens Bank down the street, and patronized the two businesses both before and after dinner. We were all full and happy by the time we left.
(4)
Maureen S.

I tried this place out the other day and was very pleasantly surprised. They had two awesome specials going on ($16 for a three course meal and $5 bottles of wine) and we took advantage of both. By the time we left, we were stuffed and we still had money in our wallets. I would not expect to get such a good deal every time but the prices will not keep me away either. The atmosphere was nice - dark but I could still see who was sitting across from me, nice/simple decorations, waiter was very pleasant. Usually when I go to a Tapas restaurant, I order Tapas. But the 3 course special roped me into trying something new. And it was all good. And the portions were generous. I would totally recommend this for a nice data night or just a casual meal with friends.
(5)
J M.

Super good and well priced for tapas. I always go here with groups and everyone is always happy about the amount of food and the price. Desserts are all amazing.
(4)
Rachel H.

Very homey, feels like it's been around for awhile. Went with three friends on Sunday. Waited for abt ten minutes (with reservation) before being seated in the dining hall down a few steps from the entrance level. Large it would feel institutional without the family atmosphere--many generations represented. Very wide selection of tapas at good prices. Highlights included boneless short ribs and octopus. Sangria was delicious, gaspazo less so. Service and live music were lovely. Very reasonable check was amazing!
(3)
Kylie B.

We finally used our Groupon to get dinner at Tasca. I was excited to go because my last tapas experience was so much fun. We ordered three tapas, then three more, then dessert. That was, in my mind, the perfect amount for two people. The sangria was good, but more on the average side. The empanadas were like Spanish crab rangoons and good. Probably my favorite of the six we ordered and certainly the most memorable of the tapas. The dessert, bread pudding, was a really nice cap off to an okay meal, definitely a high point. Sat right by the window on a chilly night, but the curtains came down and helped give some protection from the cold air seeping in. We would've had the perfect seats if it were spring, summer, or fall. I probably would consider going back if I have another coupon, I'm not sure I'd go back and pay full price. I think I'd rather go to Dali for tapas that seemed more authentic to me (not the greatest tapas experience, but ... my two cents).
(3)
Lisa G.

Love love love tasca's!!! Food is fabulous, and let me tell you, the sangria is lovely! I even found something my fussy ten year old would eat! The only downside is the parking, but they have a reasonable valet service (six or seven dollars, was it?) and that's worth its weight in gold after driving around 20 minutes.
(5)
Betty P.

Tapas are one of my favorite types of food. Tasca is a place to get decent tapas in the Allston-Brighton area. I've been here several times and although the food is good, it just doesn't compare to Tapeo (or Dali or Solea, I've been told). My favorite tapa dish and benchmark is the Garlic Shrimp and they're just okay here. The garlic flavor doesn't come through as much as at Tapeo. Same for the Goat Cheese Fritters with tomato. However, the chicken croquettes and trio of sausage tapa are pretty darn tasty. The sangria is also hit or miss. Sometimes it's perfect and at other times, slightly watered down. Tasca is a great date place, but beware in the winter. It was freezing yesterday and those space heaters they have scattered throughout the restaurant aren't very helpful. You'll probably want to spring for the $6 valet parking as there is a lack of visitor parking in the neighborhood. Otherwise, you can take the B line. I really think this place borders on 3-3.5 stars, but I am adding an extra star to make it four because the owners Dan and Kim have this great gift certificate program in place. You can sell them on behalf of a school or other organization and a portion of the proceeds goes to the cause. This was a unique way to raise almost $200 for one of the non-profits that I volunteer for . . . I know they have also hosted fundraising events for Boston Cares. Any establishment that is active in the community gets bonus points in my book!!! Dan was a pleasure to work with too and sent our organization a check promptly.
(4)
Amy L.

I've been to Tasca few times for dinner and always satisfied except the drinks; we've had the sangria but was bad.. bland and warm.. I've had.. goat cheese empanadas, sizzling shrimp in garlic sauce, seafood paella, filet mignon over scallion potato cake, and grilled brie cheese. Overall, the food is very tasty especially I love their paella :) but I can't stand on the sangria... When I had a dinner at the first time, the sangria was very bland and unfortunately they gave us warm sangria..no ice...so we got the new one. Next time I had a dinner with my family and my dad likes sangria so we ordered again...what a bad mistake.. we got the bland and warm sangria again. I love their food but I can't love their sangria. but again, their food is very delicious:)
(3)
Kate L.

The best parts of our meal were the (free) olives at the start and our flan dessert at the end. Could have done without the dishes in the middle: Jamon & Manchego, Patatas Bravas, Gambas, Braised beef, stuffed pimientos-- were all only okay/somewhat bland. Sangria was so-so. Overall ambiance left something to be desired-- our wrinkly table cloth with holes in it was a bit of a turn off. Although the prices are definitely reasonable, there are much better tapas places in Boston.
(2)
Matt C.

After receiving twelve emails a day for the past year from the affable* "Dan," I gave in and decided to try Tasca again. Email marketing = 1, Matt = 0 Good tapas, hearty meats and the like. Don't go here expecting light fare. The black bean crab cakes were just okay, but the nice red pepper salsa helped add a bit of kick. The short ribs were tendah. What's up with the hat policy? I don't think I've seen my friend Rob without a hat for the better part of three years, but our waitress (politely but awkwardly) asked him to remove it as she took our drink orders. Weird. Overall, a nice joint for a summer night in Brighton. Try to snag the lone window table - it gets hot in there. * I do not actually know Dan.
(4)
Maria G.

Delicious! The sangria is a must. It took a little while to get our drinks but the food made it worth the wait. We got numbers 19, 20, 21, 30, and 35. All were outstanding! I will be going back very soon!
(5)
Amanda M.

This place is just so good. My girlfriend used to live in the area and this was one of her favorite restaurants, so she insisted on taking me one night. We went on a Friday night and only had to wait like five minutes for a table, even though the place was full. The hostess was very friendly and got us seats at the bar while we waited. Once seated we ordered a whole mix of tapas, from croquetas de pollo to setas al jerez to, my personal favorite, camelon de pollo. Every single dish was amazing. We got a pitcher of sangria as well which was SO GOOD. Prices weren't bad either, you definitely get your money's worth! Overall it was a great experience, so good that I joined their mailing list at the end of the night! I'd say the only down side is the lack of parking, you either do valet or find a spot on the street. But it's so worth it!!!!
(5)
Zachary G.

Went for sangria and a small bite to eat; what a great place! Got there early and had the place to ourselves. The sangria was amazing and well underpriced if you're on their email list. They also have an economical prefixed menu that I can't wait to try some time. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Linzy D.

love this place. one of my favorite restaurants in the whole Boston area for sure. Great food, the duck with red cabbage is to die for, and it's always for a great price. Even though I live in Cambridge, I easily make the trek out here for a dinner to remember!
(5)
Kyle L.

O. Dios. Mio. Me encanta! My bff got a $100 gift certificate from her employer, so we grabbed our friend with every intention of doing it up big. We had no idea what we were in for. Here's a play by play: 1. Walked in the door to the sound of authentic flamenco. 2. Sat at the bar and realized we knew the bartender. 3. Ordered and consumed a pitcher of sangria while waiting for a table. 4. Ordered another. Consumed it. 5. Decided to sit at the bar. Repeated step 4. 6. Ordered food, left Mike at the bar while we went to get cigs. 7. Gave not 1, but *2* cigs to a homeless guy. 8. Realized we were real buzzed. 9. Fell victim to a giggling fit. 10. Went back inside. 11. Repeated step 4. 12. Devoured the delicious tapas we'd ordered at random (goat cheese empanadas were AMAZING!!!! i think...) 13. Ordered dessert! And (yes) one final pitcher of sangria. 14. Got the check and realized they "forgot" to charge us for a single pitcher of sangria. 15. Said nothing. 16. Gave the bartender a $30 tip. 17. Stumbled home happy. 18. Realized we'd left our dessert behind. I will definitely be back very, very soon. Seemed a little too cheesy for a first date, but it's definitely a great place for a couple of friends to enjoy themselves. And, as everyone's mentioned, it's really easy to have a good meal for cheap. Who knew?
(5)
R M.

We went to Tasca for our 4 year anniversary, and I'lll say that at least it will be memorable. Probably because the food was horrible and the wait staff wasn't much better. First of all, I called in a reservation and requested a window table, which was open at the time of my reservation, but we were seated in the middle of the back dining room amidst the whole crowd. Speaking of which, I'm not really sure why there is a crowd here in the first place. Our waitress wasn't rude, but she was also not engaged. She came to the table and asked us "Do you know what you want?". We ordered a half pitcher of sangria and she clunked it down on the table and walked off for 15 minutes. We could barely get a hold of her from a glass of water. We had: -Brie a la Plancha : This was pretty ok, but how can you really screw up a baked brie? The apple chutney was too sweet, and there were only 3 crostini on the plate. What's up with the odd number? Makes no sense. -Caracoles : The escargot were advertised as "classic style", but they were far from good. The butter sauce was lacking in herbs and flavor. There wasn't enough garlic, and it was gelatinizing on the plate with a very unappetizing film. -Albondigas : These were downright awful. They tasted like dog food. i'm a pork lover, i mean seriously.... if it's pork and it sucks it usually is still tasty because it's pork. No way. There were horrible. They were lacking in flavor and had the consistency of canned corn beef hash. The "green peppercorn sauce" was under seasoned (no salt at all) and was a very unappetizing pink color. They were topped with what appeared to be canned potato sticks. Did a frat brother make this dish up? I'm from southern california, and I know mexican grandmothers who would cry that they even had the nerve to serve this and call it Albondigas. They gave me horrible heartburn. -Croquetas de pollo y jamon: The chicken and pork croquettes were terrible. We didn't eat them. I ate one and we sent them back and told the waitress we wanted them taken off the bill, which we asked for immediately. They were burnt, and they were doughy in the middle. The meat again had a very unpleasent and grainy consistency. I'd say avoid this place for sure. There was nothing good about it. I can't figure out why there's a line out the door every time I walk by this place because it's horrible. Just because it's got 4+ stars on YELP, people, does not mean it's great.
(1)
Dominique N.

Finally a tapas restaurant where the mini-dishes aren't priced like full sized entrees! Tasca has reasonably priced classic tapas that taste great. I particularly liked the casoulet (a meat stew) and the patatas bravas (basically Spanish hash browns). A good place to take both a group or a date and they take reservations! They also have a special prix fixe on M-Th where a 3 course meal is only $16!! A seriously good deal - the folks who got this had immense entrees, a tapas dish for appetizer and a solid dessert. All very tasty and in pleasant / charming surroundings.
(4)
Angie P.

3 courses for $15 - you can't go wrong with that in a recession! We made reservations - it was surprisingly packed for a Tuesday night. Everyone in our party of 7 enjoyed their meals. I had the carpaccio portobello to start, filet, and then flan. I was shocked at how huge the portions were. I think the filet could have been seasoned more - but that was my only real complaint! Sangria was delicious as always - too bad it was a Tuesday night and I couldn't indulge in an entire pitcher myself:) Supposedly the $15 menu changes every week - I'll definitely be going back to check it out.
(4)
Katherine B.

While attending BC this place was great for groups or a nice, intimate dinner with another person. The wine list is good, and the sangria is awesome.. definitely the shining light of Tasca. The food, well it depends on what you order. Since there is an extensive menu of tapas, I always try to get something different when I go. The goat cheese empanadas, sizzling garlic shrimp, grilled chorizo, and pan-seared yellow fin tuna are awesome. Some of the other dishes, not so good. I don't really like the casoulet cazuela or traditional Spanish potato and onion omelette. What is nice, however, is the long list of dishes that you can try. And no matter what, a nice glass or wine or yummy sangria can always make whatever I don't like a wash.
(3)
Lauren K.

There are many reasons I love Tasca. I have been to Tasca many times and had wonderful experiences. After tonight's dinner and with an impending move, I may never go to Tasca again. Maybe if I hadn't strayed from the usual (my standard orders: shrimp and garlic, leek quiche, eggplant napoleon--which is no longer on the menu--are always tasty) I would have had a better meal but I thought, hey, this is a high-end establishment, I can trust the chef to prepare Israeli Cous Cous and a nice roasted vegetable flat bread, right? Nope. To sum up the meal, here is what my roommate wrote on his comment card (he's a teacher): A: #29, Brie on garlic toasts with raisin chutney (although the apple was bruised)(my addition, it took the waitress long enough to get us a new apple that the brie was no longer warm when we ate it, but it was good brie) C: #11 Vegetable flatbread was a tasteless vegetable paste. D-: #18 Cous Cous reminded me of rice-a-ronie from my grandma's house. In addition, our Pastel Vasco, Tasca's signature dessert, was served cold. The first time we had this dessert, it was served warm; the cookie tasted like someone had made the dough for Oreos and warmed it in the oven, topping it with a decadent caramel sauce and bananas for the perfect combination. Not only was it cold, but it was colder in the center than the outside, a sign that it hadn't been left out of the refrigerator for long enough to equalize the temperature. Its still delicious cold (the doughy goodness of the cookie is incredible, its rich though, watch out!) but its an injustice to a phenomenal dessert like that to serve it in a less-than-ideal state. P.S. We didn't drink tonight but I love the sangria here.
(3)
Jackie S.

I love Tasca! Great variety and great for sharing. I really love the concept of small plates and tasting a variety of flavors in one meal. I'm on their email list so I occasionally "win" gift certificates. Awesome food at a reasonable price? Its definitely a winner!
(5)
Laura Z.

My husband and I just moved from Boston to CA this year, and we miss Tasca so much. We had the pleasure of living within walking distance, and it was our go-to restaurant when we had guests in town. Having eaten there close to 10 times, I can say that each time we left satisfied (and a bit tipsy since we only had to walk home). Some of the tapas aren't superb, but most are. If you order the right items, you will have some of the finest dishes available in all of Brighton. I forget all of the menu item numbers, but the aioli potatoes are to die for! And the crab puff things! And the prime beef roast with potatoes and veggies. Mmmmm. I want to go back. :( It's a bit crowded inside, but well worth if it you want a fun culinary experience.
(5)
Matt S.

Went here last Saturday night-- I've been here several times before and always enjoyed my experience. When we came in, we were told it would be a 30 minute wait, so we walked to the bar to grab a drink while we waited. After at least 10 minutes the bartender finally came over and asked us if we wanted a drink (there are only 8 seats, if that, at the bar, and we were the only ones standing... I'm not sure why it took so long). It took an hour and fifteen minutes to get seated. We asked the hostess after about 50 minutes how much longer it would be and she told us there was only one person in front of us on the list. Well, 20 minutes later we weren't seated and watched multiple parties get sat. I managed a restaurant for 10 years, i understand that wait time are not always accurate, but there is a huge difference between 30 and 75 minutes. i wish the hostess was just honest with us, we would have gone somewhere else. They gave us one dish complimentary for the wait, but it was underwhelming. We ordered what we usually do, and everything was just mediocre. I dont know what happened to this place, it used to be so good-- so disappointed.
(2)
A P.

I went to Tasca last night with my boyfriend and his coworkers for his and a coworker's birthday. No one in the party had been to Tasca before, yet we all loved it and signed up for the mailing list at the end. One of my coworkers recommended it because it was better tapas than she'd had in Spain. We tried 12 tapas dishes (aka 1/3 of the menu) and the sangria. We ordered: the casoulet, Los Tres Amigos, gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, albondigas, calamares fritos, empanadillas de queso de cabra, atun salteado, patatas alioli, crabcakes, and two others I don't recall. The hands-down favorite of the night was the gambas al ajillo, or shrimp in sizzling garlic sauce. One of our table-mates suggested dipping the bread in the garlic sauce...great idea! The albondigas and calamares fritos came in close second. I've never had sangria before, so I can't review it adequately, but I definitely liked how fresh the fruit floating in it was. The apples were still crisp and delicious. There were only two bad things about the night. One was that the tables we were sitting at were all crooked and wobbly - definitely something a restaurant as nice as Tasca should have under control. The other bad thing about the night was that we came with a birthday party, and the two Birthday Boys were wearing paper birthday hats. The waitress automatically brought over an amazingly delicious Pastel Basque covered in whipped cream and a candle for each Birthday Boy. However, she then CHARGED US for these unsolicited birthday desserts. They were cheap enough, and delicious enough, that we sucked it up. However, it's just wrong to hand someone food out of nowhere and then charge them for it. (Happy Birthday, buy your own present!) That definitely left the worst taste in everyone's mouth of the evening. Even so, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Francesca R.

Yum, I love Tasca. It's another restaurant with that perfect ambiance that eludes so many other places. It seems pretty easy - dim the lights, light some candles, and decorate with warm colors - but so many places get it all wrong. Not this place - it's like stepping into a taverna in some tiny Mediterranean town. The food is fantastic - I think I've now tried almost all the tapas and everything is so succulent and fun. A word to the wise - just order two plates each. The last time we went everyone got three plates and we had to be rolled out of there. The Sangria is refreshing and tasty - I'm not a connoisseur or anything but I always enjoy it. I would definitely recommending signing up on their email list - the send out great coupons every other month or so. Also, the flamenco night is very festive - make reservations so you can get a good seat. The only caveat is their online reservation system which sends your reservations into the great abyss. The one time I used it we showed up (it was a busy Saturday night, hence the reservations) and they had no record of it. I had printed it out but the hostess looked at my online reservation confirmation like it was written in Greek and covered in poo. A manager stepped in and was very accommodating, but I will only book via the telephone now.
(5)
Liz T.

My friend had her birthday dinner at Tasca. It's not a small restaurant, but it's very cramped--make sure the person sitting next to you has clean elbows because you'll be rubbing up against them. There were10 people in our party, so we each ordered 2 tapas plates and shared them. There ended up being enough food for a small wedding reception. My favorites were the Canelon de Pollo (baked chicken and spinach with a tomato and cheese sauce) and the Patatas Bravas (fried potato with spicy tomato cream sauce). Out of the 20 different dishes I tried, about 7 were hits and the rest were misses or simply mediocre. All the tapas were well-priced between $4-7. I got the Pastel Basque for dessert (chocolate cookie, toffee, bananas, and whipped cream). Holy connoli, this was absolutely dynamite--it reminded me of banoffee pie I had in London. Needless to say, the birthday girl wished she had gotten this instead of her Apple Tartlet. The sangria here is a must-try. It's almost as good as the stuff I had in Barcelona. Tasca is a great, inexpensive nook for a taste of Spain. Even if you get a tapas plate you end up not liking--no biggie, your wallet's still fat.
(4)
Deidred A.

Recent visit was extremely disappointing. I was sat at a table that rocked so much the water spilt out of the glasses. Table was by the door and should not exist. They allowed a crazy person with no intent of eating there to use the restroom for over an hour. Of course this wack-o preceded to talk to my girlfriend. Service took forever. Had to flag a waitress to take our order. When our waiter did come by he had zero charisma. I'm not asking for a Spaniard to wait on me, but this guy was a suave as a robot. Food was very good though. Food is a five.
(3)
Kate D.

Hey Tasca, I came back last Sunday for the $5 blood-orange sangria-- it was great! However, the only other notable thing wasthe apples and brie plate. The patatas bravas were SO hot (temperature-wise) and tasteless, the mussels were terrible, and the goat cheese empanadas were way over-herbed. Also, the server was a real wise guy. Our white table cloth was covered with stains from the previous guests, and when we asked him if he planned to change it, we got a flat-out 'no'. How do you have a sign for dress-code and then expect us to eat off of soiled table clothes (and we came at 6 pm before any rush started)? FIX YOURSELF BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!
(3)
Carolyn C.

Albeit being overcrowded, Tasca provides good food & drink. I have been there twice in the past Month and am quite impressed. 6 Tapas and a pitcher of Sangria and you will forget that you are sitting in such a tiny space. Must Taste: 5 Los tres amigos Grilled trio of sausages served with grilled flatbread, caramelized onions and Dijon mustard 29 Brie a la plancha Grilled imported Brie cheese with a homemade savory apple and raisin chutney and warm baguette 33 Tortas del cangrejo Pan roasted black bean crab cakes served with a fresh tomato and cilantro salsa
(4)
Dylcia M.

This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. The food is amazing, the sangria is delicious and the price is as cheap as it gets. My favorite dishes are: #7 Herbed goat cheese fritters served on oven-dried vine ripened tomatoes #15 Chicken and ham croquettes served with Romesco sauce #27 Goat cheese empanadas served on a roasted red pepper relish #34 Chicken and spinach baked in a canelon with a duo of fresh tomato and smoked cheese sauces We always get around 2 tapas per person. It's great to go for a romantic dinner or as a group. You should also try the sangria. It is amazing. And sign up to their newsletter so that you can get all kinds of discounts the next time you go. We eat until we are about to explore and it's never more than $15 a person. I have been to a lot of tapas restaurants and this is the best one by far.
(5)
Karen K.

Came here on a whim last weekend & we were pleasantly surprised - thought we'd have to wait 25 minutes, but they seated us in less than 10. From what I could surmise, the bulk of the crowd was large parties of college students, so the smaller parties were getting taken care of much quicker. We did get stuck with the 2-top next to the bar, and I had a momentary vision of trying to have dinner with someone's butt in my shoulder the entire time, but the staff did a good job of keeping the crowd away. Fantastic tortilla espanola. Decent house red wine (and it was served slightly chilled, as in Spain). Boyfriend raved about the pollo al ajillo - not too greasy, but definitely full of flavor. Albondigas were good, but the sauce they were in was less-than-inspired. Honestly, the menu was a little boring, but the food itself was quite good, and the prices were nice, as well. Having spent a few months last year in Spain, this place is the most like the small-village restaurants I frequented. We'll be back.
(4)
Shivani G.

Did the conquistadors forget to take salt back to Spain or is Tasca a pre-colonial enterprise? Maybe the hype was too much, but my husband and I were not impressed by Tasca's fare. The dishes didn't sing with flavor. The juicy duck, which in other restaurants has an almost candied, fall-of-the-bone succulence, was just gamey. The rapidity of the service made it feel like T.G.I.F. had made it to the mass market Tapas scene. For our two cents, hit up Dali's or Cuchi Cuchi for your tapas cravings. Cambridge is just over the bridge! P.S. The Sangria is comes our of a big bottle and the fruit is just a postmark. The bartender probably deserves this sole star because he was very nice and apologetic. P.P.S. The wait verges on a fire hazard!
(1)
Stephanie F.

I love Tasca. There's no doubt about it! After reading the reviews of my fellow Yelpers, I knew I had to go here. The best part about this place is the sangria. It's just so good! The tapas are pretty amazing too. From the sizzling shrimp, to the solomillo, to the meatballs in green peppercorn sauce, to the fried calamari, to the paella. Yes, I loved it all! The only thing that I would say is a disappointment is the parking in the area. It's hard to find a spot especially on the weekends, but you can always use Tasca's valet.
(5)
Anne K.

Finally a tapas place where portion size and food quality fit the price or actually exceed it! Tasca is a lovely place with a rustic decor and good service all around. The food is very good and while some dishes were not quite as expected (but still very yummy), others were wonderfully authentically Spanish. The atmosphere was great and the music was in the background, mainly Spanish guitar music that fit the place and food. We could actually talk pretty quietly over dinner, despite a full restaurant (it was a Saturday night and quite packed), the bar right next to us, and the music playing! I hate nothing more than having to scream at the person I'm sharing a meal with because everything else is so loud. Tasca was absolutely perfect in this regard. The food: They make their own bread, served with a bean paste as a complimentary appetizer and it couldn't have been more yummy. We finished it and were quickly asked by a wait staff if we wanted more (without having to ask ourselves!). The tapas menu is good and has most of the staples, however there are not too many tapas with fish. The list of dinner entrees is actually quite long and we look foward to trying some of those in the future. Everything we got was good, with the chorizo dish and the empanadas with goat cheese as a highlight. After sharing only five (5!) tapas we were full and decided not to get desert this time. But we'll be back for that soon. Yes, parking is a pain, but we didn't expect anything different in Brighton. I hope our next visits will keep being worthy of 5 stars, but in comparison to the other tapas places in Boston, this is as good as it gets.
(5)
Steven E.

Tasca is really good, but not excellent. I have mixed experiences about this one. On one hand the TAPAS here are really good and well priced ($5-$8). They are also very small, so 2 people would need to share around 6 Tapas + Drinks to fill up. That comes out to around 30+ per person for a dinner. Kind of pricey if you ask me. On the other hand, the atmosphere is great. The services is usually very good and the drinks + the food are awesome. So, if you get a bonus or just a $75 to spend- go to Tasca, you will not regret it. Good food, good times.
(4)
Sasha R.

You must understand how snobby we are towards Spanish food. We have two words which we use to describe it: "Bah!" means it's crap. "Booof!" means it's good. And by "we," of course, I mean my Spanish husband. So, Tasca gets neither. It gets a shrug. It's cute. They have music. We filled out some survey thing and now get tenacious emails from Dan offering us all kinds of personal valet and other pleasure related services, as well as birthday wishes. But it's not very authentic. When did the people of Spain appropriate cannelone? Or flatbreads? Or marinara sauce? And every tapas place pitfall: Fake "Spanish" decor. A flamenco dancer on the stucco wall riding a bull. Anyway. I still go there because the sangria is not bad, they accommodate large groups, they're within walking distance, and the food does taste decent.
(3)
brad b.

After 470+ reviews, not much new can be added to the glowing recommendation of this restaurant but I'll throw in my 2 cents. I've been here probably 3 or 4 times in my 2.5 years of Brighton living and each time the meal has been fresh, enjoyable and diverse. Do you ever go to a restaurant and look at their entrees and see 3 or 4 items that interest you? And after 10 minutes of debating you end up picking one at random when requested your order by the waiter? Well the best thing about Tasca (and tapas in general) is the fact you can get 3 or 4 portions of appetizing meals for the same price. Even more pleasing is the fact that each item is enjoyable. It isn't a tapas place where 50% of the dishes are good, but rather, almost every dish I've ordered has been flavorful and thus, devoured. I finally got around to writing this review after eating at Tasca with my Mom and Sister last night. We ordered the Mussels, pan seared tuna, portabella mushrooms, patatas bravas, grilled chicken/chorizo skewers, and a pitcher of Sangria. No complaints about any of the dishes, I left full and satisfied. Definitely a must visit (and revisit and revisit).
(5)
Rob P.

Tasca is something of a rarity in Brighton: a restaurant with good food and good atmosphere. It's one of the very few restaurants in the area that is suitable for dates and other formal meals. The tapas are generally delicious and are not skimpy at all - some are essentially small entrees! The sangria is delicious, and I highly recommend getting on their email list, which offers some great deals. If you can get there when the classical guitarist plays, it adds a little extra enjoyment to the meal. This place is especially good with large groups, although making a reservation is always advisable. The menu is so varied that I have never brought someone here who didn't like it - and I've brought some very picky eaters! The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is that I've had some inattentive servers on a few occasions, but that seems to have improved lately.
(4)
Jessica S.

Tasca was definitely one of my favorite haunts when I lived back in Boston. All their dishes are good and the quality of the food is consistent. Super convenient since it's right off the B line. It's a great place to go whether you're looking to go to go out with a group of friends or to enjoy a romantic night out. The selection of tapas is quite good. Tasca offers all my favorites - gambas al ajillo, chuletitas de cordero, tortilla espanola. Their confit de pato is also REALLY good. Super succulent roasted duck with braised cabbage and apples. Definitely something you have to try! The other great thing about tasca is that they constantly do promotions, so you're really able to get a great meal at a great value. If you sign up for their e-mail list they'll constantly e-mail you about different specials, from the appetite stimulus package to their "pitcher this!" events where they offer a pitcher of sangria for $5. Love it!
(4)
Jesselyn B.

I went here the other week and had the 3 course menu. The best part was definitely the appetizers. My mother had Gazpacho and it was the best I've ever had. The onions and were served diced in little shot glasses on the side. It looked pretty on the plate and was also nice as we could add to taste. I had a duck empanada that was pretty good too. From there the meal went downhill a bit. My mother had a plate of roasted vermicelli with cod, mussels, shrimp and clams cooked in a lobster broth. There were way too many noodles and the fish flavors didn't blend well. She could barely eat it. I had cheese ravioli which was fine but nothing special. The desert was tasty but not a wide enough selection-there was nothing I wanted to order. The service was really good. Our waitress was new and halting but the more experienced staff helped her out. She forgot to bring my mother's wine but when we mentioned it the sommelier brought us all a taste of champagne. The restaurant is beautiful and very well decorated. I'll go back-hopefully my ordering was a fluke. Next time I'll probably share several tapas.
(3)
Bravo A.

Good service but terrible food. Everything was poorly seasoned and obviously prepared and cooked well in advance.
(2)
Sidanshu G.

I wantde to give 3.5 star for this. But yelp would not let me do it. What I liked about this place was, the slow music going on in the background, the sangria!!(order a half pitcher if you are 2). We ordered 4 appetizers, one being the chicken in spicy tomato sauce and the other three were vegetarian ones. I liked the bread what they served. Have to say that they had tried to put as many tables as they could have, which cramped the place :(. The service was good, but I would have preferred if someone would be more elaborate/detailed in explaining the menu and the specials of the day.
(3)
Caitlin N.

I seriously do not see what the big deal is about this place. I'd give it 1.5 stars but I'm rounding up out of generosity. My friend and I went here for dinner tonight because we were craving Spanish food and it was too cold to make the trek into town for Tapeo. When we first walked in it was warm, cozy, and seemed very romantic... but things went downhill from there. There were plenty of empty tables but the hostess (who could not have seemed more annoyed that we interrupted her conversation just by showing up) sat us at an awkward booth near the stairs. We waited for a good ten minutes before we were even greeted and then when our waiter finally came over he just said, "okay, are you guys ready?" rather than a pleasant introduction or taking our drink order. We ordered a pitcher of sangria, chorizo, albondigas, some goat cheese fritters, gambas al ajillo, and caracoles. First off, the sangria was clearly white zinfandel mixed with soda water. I would rather not pay $19 for a pitcher of shitty wine spritzer, thank you very much. The chorizo came out first and was disgusting. There were about five tiny pieces drowning in tomato stew. The albondigas came out next and were okay, but the meatballs tasted just like the chorizo... last I checked wasn't Spanish sausage supposed to be red? The goat cheese fritters were very good. Three deep fried cheese nuggets over tomatoes with a green sauce. After finishing the goat cheese we waited about 15 minutes for the next course. During that time the waiter did not come over to check on us, clear our finished tapas, or change our dinner plates or cutlery. Normally I'm very understanding about slow service but it was a Wednesday night and the servers were all crowding around the bar and we could hear their conversations clearly. The only time we even saw our waiter was when he bumped into me every time he walked by. When our gambas finally came out we had to eat them on our dirty plates covered in the disgusting, cold, chorizo sauce. The gambas themselves were delicious though... hot, sizzling, and the shrimp was plump and tasty. I trust I'll be reeking of garlic for days. The caracoles (escargot in a puff pastry) came out last and would have been good if it they weren't cold. Between the inconsistent food, inattentive service, and weak sangria, I'd rather spend a little more at a place like Tapeo where I know I'll get a great meal.
(2)
Geoff P.

There are hundreds of other reviews at this point that I mostly agree with. Tasca is a good Tapas restaurant that won't break the bank. I wish the restaurant was a little bigger and had a better layout.... spending any time at the bar there is frustrating given how packed it is. Well worth a try though.
(4)
Emily H.

The only thing stopping me from giving Tasca 5 stars is the slow service I encountered last Friday night. Everything else was excellent. The food was terrific, the sangria good, dessert heavenly. They even have affordable valet parking. Lovely.
(4)
Leo j. R.

Yikes, not very good at all. Tons of good reviews here, and the place was busy, but my companion and I found the food to be mediocre at best. Many of the dishes seemed re-heated, and the sangria was uninspired. We won't be back.
(1)
Jillian Y.

Tasca is WONNNDERFUL! We live nearby but still hadn't been to Tasca after six months; finally, one Friday night we made it. The wait was long (30 minutes), but we went home and came back (if you live far, I'd recommend reservations, the bar is tiny and there's nowhere else nearby to wait). After being seated in a rather annoying spot, we finally got our menus and started choosing. Now, you may have noticed that my review thus far has been negative, and yet I give Tasca five stars...There's a reason - even though we had to wait, even though it's noisy, even though my waitress was kind of rude, the general joy emanating throughout the restaurant, the smells wafting from the kitchen, and the food - OH, THE FOOD - make this place simply incredible. We shared a giant pitcher of Sangria and a fairly unmemorable potato-based tapas dish, then I had the zarzuela (a seafood soup in a lobster/tomato broth) and I don't think my mouth has ever been that happy. And then dessert - a fudgy chocolate cake special (mmmm). I'd say if you make reservations and request a booth (rather than a table in the center of the restaurant), Tasca is a 5+ star experience. Especially for Brighton.
(5)
Stacie R.

This restaurant is wonderfully romantic. The tapas is consistently good and the Sangria is a must. The bread is always served with a yummy bean spread. It's very affordable. The service is quick. My favorite tapas are: goat cheese empanadas, sizzling shrimp in garlic, filet with mushrooms in wine sauce, and many others. Three are enough for one, or five for two. Reservations are recommended, but in 10 years we've never had to make them.
(5)
Hanh R.

I love this place! I have been to other tapas places in the area and sometimes I get disappointed by the high cost and the even smaller portions of food. I know it is suppose to be small, but Tasca gives really big small portions which makes it easier to share amongst friends. The sangria is so yummy with real fruit floating in it. The apple slices were crisp and the oranges tasty. Every time I have been there it has been packed which says a lot about a place. Even though they were busy, I did not have trouble getting a table. Sure you are seated close to other tables, but it is small enough place that the noise of everyone talking is not so loud that you cannot talk to the people seated with you! The service was excellent and the food was amazing. I like to bring friends there and they are always impressed. I am sad to read that others did not have the same experience (maybe because I expect slower service with a crowded room). I had a huge group of friends with me and we ordered double of everything so that both sides of the table could enjoy the food. The waiter brought each item out in perfect order. Just as we are finishing sampling an item, the next one came out. What was suppose to be hot was hot. The cold items were cold. It was awesome. We were all enjoying talking with each other so even if we had to wait a little bit, it did not matter. The crepe helado and creme brule were a phenomenal end to our wonderful dinner!!!
(5)
J. J.

I have mixed feelings about Tasca. The pros: Their sangria is to die for. It's killer. I can't say enough good things about how tasty - and full of fresh fruit - it is. And the pitchers of sangria are a great deal - $18/pitcher, and you can get about 7 glasses out of them. Another pro is the service. The bartender, Dave, was friendly, funny and prompt. And our waiter was equally personable and professional. Also, the atmosphere is cozy and decently authentic. The cons: The wait for a table, even with a reservation, can be long. More importantly, the food was a bit of a let-down. I ordered off of the $15, 3-course 'Stimulus Menu', and wasn't really thrilled with anything that I ordered. The roasted duck salad was under-seasoned and the lettuce was limp. The suckling pig was delicious, but the 'mushroom sauce' consisted of about five tiny slices of mushrooms and the mashed potatoes it was served on top of were beyond bland. The chocolate truffles for dessert were decent, but nothing exceptional. And, over all, the presentation was pretty sloppy, too. I'll definitely come back for the sangria and the ambiance, and I'd like to give the food at Tasca a second chance by trying some of the more traditional tapas offerings. But I do think I'll be avoiding that $15 prix fixe menu in the future.
(3)
Marissa C.

Delicious! Moderately priced! GREAT Sangria! What is not to love about Tasca? (Oh and they have Flamenco dancers on certain nights with a live guitarist!) Albeit, if you're looking for mondo proportions, this may not be the place for you (although my dad once had the osso bucco and couldn't finish it, and I"ve never seen my dad not finish ANYTHING!) But if you're looking to get tipsy with a few friends, chat with some very friendly bartenders and eat some of the best tapas in the Boston area...look no further!
(5)
Jason E.

Last night was my first time at the Tasca Tapas bar and I have to say, I'll definately be back. This place is pretty fun, charming and within walking distance from my house! When we arrived, we were met with a bit of a wait - which is to be expected on a friday night. No problem, we went to the bar and had a glass of Sangria! The food was just wonderful - We ordered the salad with manchego cheese and roasted veggies, fried calamari (!! So good), Pork Albondigas with capers and potato sticks, short ribs and mashed potatoes and Pork with white beans. All of the food was just great. My favorite though was probably the Calamari. I've eaten a ton of calamari in my day, and this was just lovely. The breading was light, it was perfectly fried and it was just great. Of course, nothing is better to quench ones thirst than more Sangria - which we had. For $5. No brainer. My friend and I only spent $20 each including tip on this meal. The food is really nice and quite fairly priced. A lot of Tapas places give you fairly small places with higher prices. This place however is moderately priced and gives fair portions. All in all a wonderful little place. Will be back!
(4)
Wendy K.

FANTASTIC restaurant. I'm a huge fan of their pre-fixed 3-course menu available Monday-Thursday: you get to select an appetizer, an entree and a dessert all for $16 - and these are delicious, high quality dishes! The menu offers a great selection to choose from including lamb, duck, steak, various fish - all prepared with great sides. Even better, they make changes to their menu almost every week so you can try something new every time! If you sign up to be on their email list (you should!) they send you their pre-fixed menu every week, weekly deals, AND for your birthday month, you get a coupon for $10 off, a free bottle of champagne and free valet parking! I went for my birthday and had a great time - the meal was AMAZING. (Definitely make reservations though - it can get really crowded!) As for ambiance, the restaurant is dimly lit with paintings lit up on most of the walls. I've been there when it's less busy and nice but when it gets crowded, it can also get pretty loud... may depend on the night you go. Service: Great! Every time I've been there the wait staff have been very friendly and go above and beyond in helping us with whatever we needed. Only downside I can think of is that parking is a PAIN. You pretty much have to do valet parking.
(4)
Craig K.

I've been to this place 3 times now, and each time I've had a good experience. I'd recommend getting 3 items off the menu per person, which seems like the right amount for a decently hungry person. Some of the portions are vary greatly in size from others; for example, the seafood pasta is a small meal in itself, while the escargot, although very good, could be eaten in one mouthful if grouped together. There is one item in particular that I have to recommend, as it is one of the best things I've eaten anywhere. (Everyone else I've been there with agrees, and this is the one item on the menu we end up getting one per person). #29: "Brie a la plancha Grilled imported Brie cheese with a homemade savory apple and raisin chutney and warm baguette " Words cannot describe how good a bite of all of these plated items are together, you have to just try it yourself. On the other hand, the one item i would not recommend is the garlic shrimp. I had this once, and i have to say it was rather tasteless, and I'm a huge fan of both shrimp and garlic. Otherwise, everything else is great to above average...best food I've found at a restaurant in the Allston/Brighton area. The sangria is pretty good, although I can't say I'm a huge wine connoisseur, and the desserts have always made the people who order them happy (I've only tasted their ice cream crepe, and it was really good). Lastly, fill out their evaluation form you get after a meal, and give them your real email address...They send out bi weekly specials, which are a decent deal, but also, on your birthday, they give you a coupon for $10 off the check, free valet parking (not including tip), and if you bring 6 or more people, you get a free bottle of Cava. Needless to say, this is where we went for my last birthday.
(4)
Zak B.

I live very close to Tasca, and discovered it about 3 years ago. The food is amazing and the juice(Sangria) rocks. Seating could be a little bit more comfortable, but you still can't beat it on price, especially if you are signed up for their email list. They send great deals out on a monthly basis. One month it was 20% off of your bill, another it was a free pitcher of sangria! The best part about the whole deal is that you can use the coupon for the whole month! Talk about excess.....I have gone there 5 times in one month because of this. Don't get me wrong, the food is great.......and thank God I live within walking distance...parking is tough.
(4)
Christina K.

Tasca is by far my favorite restaurant ever! I love Tasca! The ambiance is perfect. Candles, dim lights, warm colors, sexy, romantic, great staff, amazing food. The best sangria of all time. It's absolutely AMAZING! I could easily put down a pitcher or 2 myself and I'm not even a big drinker. We usually each order 2 or 3 plates and share. The portions aren't small (although they may look it) and are very filling. They don't bring everything out at the same time. You always have 2-3 on the table. The desserts are amazing as well. I could eat 2...especially the Pastel Basque. It's a chocolate cookie (almost Oreo like) with bananas, toffee & whipped cream. I am on the email list and they always send out coupons and they have flamenco night (which I have yet to attend). My only issues are that they do not accept reservations past 6:30 pm (which I find odd) but I have never really had to wait for more than 15 minutes to be seated and that the service is hit or miss (but always extreamly nice). This is for sure, my go to place. I have had going away parties here, romantic & intimate dinners, and normal get together with friends.
(5)
Amy L.

Soooo good! Their gazpacho is one of, if not the best, gazpacho I've had since my visit to Spain.
(4)
Happy Eater B.

This is a great neighborhood restaurant. It has great food for a fair price, good service, and consistent delivery of good food. Typically, because of their price point, I eat here on a groupon on a date with my wife. However, I like what they do and I think they're a solid restaurant.
(4)
Anna S.

Definitely the best tapas outside of Boston! My friends and I started coming to Tasca about three years ago, and I have yet to be disappointed. The atmosphere is warm and romantic, even nicer than many of the places I visited while I was in Spain. Though the menu hasn't changed much over the years, what they have is great. I am personally addicted to the sizzling gambas (garlic shrimp) and the goat cheese & tomato tapas, and of course, the sangria is fantastic! The best part about going to Tasca, though, is joining their listserv. Dan from Tasca will send you tons of seductive emails with really good deals, including $4 bottles of wine or a $25 tasting menu (even though they are frequent enough to the point of being annoying). He'll also send you a fantastic birthday coupon good for the entire month - enjoy!
(4)
Alison R.

My now husband brought me here for our first date 10 years ago when we were both living in Allston/Brighton. We are married 5 years now and still come here at least once a year even though we've now moved far out into the suburbs. The atmosphere, food and of course sangria are amazing. This is a very special place.
(5)
Alixandria F.

Considering I've never left this place remotely sober I'd say the sangria is pretty good. And don't hesitate to order some Cava too. The food is hit or miss: The quiche, gambas, mussels, and corquettes are good. The jamon serrano is nothing to write home about. And occasionally other meat dishes can be dry. But, the place is fun for sure. Just don't go on flamenco nights....unless of course you're a sucker for flamenco
(3)
Ashley F.

My then-boyfriend introduced me to tapas. Before Tasca, tapas was a bad joke in Spanish class, "hehe, let's go to that tapas (topless) place." But my man knew of my tastes. I adore a wide varieties of food from which I can have little bits of everything. This is why I have taken such a shining to dim sum, buffets, and everyone ordering something different at dinner. Tapas opened a new delicious door for me, and Tasca served it up nice. Tasca offers a wonderful variety of deliciouses Spanish classics, and a few twist dishes as well. Mm, just writing this makes me hungry. If you come with friends you must split a pitcher of their good sangria, and their decently priced meals. The staff has always been genial to my friends and me. Getting the place is a breeze as it's directly across the street from the T, and offers valet parking. Also, try to come on a night where they have live music, it just ups the already pleasant atmosphere. Tasca also have a very aggressive emailing list in which they will send you offer after offer of free sangria, free parking, or money off your meal. If you go to Tasca you will walk away a full and happy person. edit: After eating at a bleah inducing Dali, I realized how good we have it at Tasca for all our tapas eating. Bumped from 4 stars, to 5.
(5)
Adam E.

I don't even like Sangria. But I could drink a pitcher of the stuff at Tasca. Beyond that, they have amazing tapas, really excellent variety and plate size, good for sharing. So much has already been said about this place, I can't really add much of value. Basically, a great spot to have a date, provided you can find a parking spot. Or, go all out and get the valet to park your car. Valets give me the creeps though.
(5)
Sunjung H.

So-so. Went on a Friday night and they were absolutely packed. Tried calling ahead for a table for two and they said they don't take reservations for parties of two. But then when we arrived we heard multiple guests say they had a reservation for two. Must be you have to call the day before if u want just a party for two. The food was ok. The tuna was overpowered by vinegar and the sangria tasted watered down with juice but overall it was a good price for what we ordered. We also found a hair in our dish so they were very nice and gave that dish to us for free even tho we had eaten most of it. They apologized for the hair and were very nice about it. Next time I would definitely make reservations if going on a weekend because they don't have a very big waiting area, their bar sits about 5 people, and most people had to wait outside.
(3)
Emily F.

I've been here many, many times & really adore this place. They have paintings with little lights on them that make the paintings sparkle at night (ooooo). They can accommodate large groups and they can provide private tables for two (Tasca is frequented as a, maybe The, date place for BC undergrads). They have quite a number of vegetarian/vegan options (more than Tapeo) marked on the menu (always a plus). The bread & spreads that come as appetizers are fantastic! I could fill up on the spread alone. I love the "Pisto Manchego" which reminds me of pizza!, something I haven't had a in a long long time. And of course, the sangria. Ohhh the sangria - delicious blend, lot's of fresh fruit chunks. I've split a full pitcher with one other friend before. I've never had room for dessert before (nor do I think they have vegan options) but I've heard they are divine. I'm no tapas connaisseur, but Tasca is definitely a favorite in my book.
(4)
Tina C.

This is where Rob and I had our first date. (insert "awwww!" here). I guess Tasca worked its magic, because now we've been married for over 2 years! Love love love it... love the atmosphere, the sangria, and the service. Our most recent experience was a double date... we ordered a total of 15 plates for 4 people and had a pitcher of sangria (pretty much 1.5 glasses each) and one dessert. We got to eat till we were stuffed silly... and it only came out to $25/person.... amazing! My favorite plates: petit filet, short ribs/mashed potatoes, sizzling shrimp/garlic, any of the goat cheese plates, portabellas in cream sauce (AMAZING), calamari (a big plate!), and the crepe ice cream dessert (I've never tasted any other dessert there because I love this dessert soooo much). If you haven't been yet... GO. If you have been but haven't been for a while... GO. A great date spot. Can get noisy but who cares about holding a steady conversation when you're stuffing your face with ten kinds of amazing food!!
(5)
Anna F.

Been here a few times for tapas. Always a solid experience. The food is fantastic, the vibe is casual and relaxed and the service is quick and courteous. Went last night for their stimulus menu. An excellent deal! $16 for an appetizer, entree and dessert (Mon-Thursday). We went on a night where there was also a $5 sangria pitcher special. It was very crowded for a Monday night so my date and I sat at the bar. It was a bit slow, but there were plenty of apologies and there was no slack to be seen. Parking is a supreme pain. There is a $6 valet which is really the only option for drivers. Don't try to park at whole foods, you will be towed. Sign up for their e-mail list to find out about specials and events (Flamenco dancing!) A great place for a date or a casual night out...
(4)
Jennifer K.

Best of Boston 2000. Best of Boston 2005. Best of Boston 2009? We shall see. This was my first time going out for tapas and while my company for the evening gets 5 stars for being ridiculously awesome, I have to take a couple of stars away from the restaurant. Why, you ask, did she take away a couple of stars? Well, my answer for you is that while the Sangria was delicious with it's fresh apples and the petit filet mignon (Solomillo) was cooked perfectly, a couple of the other dishes were at best very *Meh*. My companion and I shared five plates. We started with the Solomillo, Brie a la plancha and the Los Tres Amigos. Out of the three, I would order the Solomillo again. The Los Tres Amigos was good but did not overwhelm me. And the Brie was, at best, almost boring. There could have been more spices in the chutney that came with the dish or a different kind of bread or SOMETHING. It was kind of lackluster. Moving on and moving plates in a bit of a shuffle because the table was rather small, next we had the Tortas del cangrejo and the Asado de cerdo. I will give the Tortas del cangrejo more points for the spiciness of the crab cakes. The amount of flavor in these made up for the lack of flavor in the brie dish. The Asado de cerdo left a bit to be desired. The pork piece that I had was largely fatty and again, the dish lacked any kind of pizazz. Not that I am asking for over the top but a little bit of spice never hurt anyone, cha? I would go back to Tasca and give them another shot. There were plenty of items on the menu that I would like to try and if I could just drink the Sangria and eat the bread with the tasty hummus like topping they provide, I would do that as well. Oh and per my dinner companion's recommendation - TRY THE GARLIC SHRIMP!! IT IS DE.LI.CIOUS.
(3)
Lauren R.

Having graduated from BC, I have been to Tasca a lot. Not only is it the go-to destination for first dates at BC (ok, maybe #2 after a theme party in the Mods), but Tasca is also a great destination for groups of friends (I had my birthday dinner there with my roommates this past spring). The tapas menu is great, and offers a wide variety of options for people with different dietary needs. My favorites normally involve a mixture of a tomato sauce, melted cheese, and sausage. I've never ordered an entree, but the desserts are pretty solid. One of the highlights of going to Tasca would have to be the sangria. Their sangria is some of the best that I have had, and is filled with pieces of apples and oranges. The general ambiance of Tasca is also very nice. Romantic aka low lighting works with the paintings that are on some of the walls (think Spain at night with stars in the sky in colors that may or may night glow in the dark) to create a cute atmosphere. Tasca is also really good about having special events, such as Flamenco guitar and dancers or wine tastings at the restaurant. If you sign up for their mailing list, you'll also get discounts on food and sangria on a semi-regular basis. Tasca is a restaurant that is skilled at giving their patrons reasons to return again and again. The only negative aspects of the dining experience at Tasca is that they don't take reservations (you can call ahead), so getting a table there on the weekend can be a little frustrating and time-consuming. Exacerbating this issue is the fact that there really isn't anywhere for you to go while you wait for a table - the entrance to the restaurant is extremely small, and the bar isn't that large, either. However, these minor drawbacks should not deter you from going to Tasca. All in all, I highly recommend coming here!
(4)
Lindsy D.

It is a great place for a small group of friends (5-6 people at the most) as the seating is a little tight and the tables get a little crowded with all the yummy tapas. The prices are great and the portions are substantial. I have been to other Tapas restaurants where I have spent around $50 and left hungry....definitely not the case here! I went with a group of 5 friends and we ordered a bottle of wine and about 12-13 tapas and the bill was $20 each with tip! Plus, we all left stuffed!
(5)
Liz H.

My boyfriend and I went here a couple weeks ago for an impromptu date night. Tasca was a great choice! The the ambiance is very cute and cozy and the staff were all very friendly. We had to wait briefly for a table, but were more than happy to sit in the bar area and have a glass of wine while we waited. The bar tender was very helpful and friendly. I saw her pouring several tastes for another customer who was unsure which wine he wanted. The tapas were really good, but our favorite were the Gambas al ajillo and Setas al jerez. I was slightly disappointed by the Mejillones, they were good but I would have liked to have more broth. We got to the restaurant around 7:45, which seemed to be the perfect arrival time. By the time we left it looked like there was a long line and the bar area was very busy. I had a great experience there and would definitely go back!
(4)
D C.

Tasca's tapas are consistently delicious: flavorful, well-prepared, satisfying... So I took a risk and made a reservation for their Mother's Day pre-fixe brunch. The offerings were plentiful, with an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $19.95. Admittedly, the bargain pricing made me nervous. But it was a steal, because the food was wonderful. I selected the Portabello mushroom stuffed with Manchego and shallots, Cornish Hen with cranberry/cornbread stuffing, scallion mashed potatoes, green beans and Madeira sauce, and grilled pineapple with caramel sauce and Vanilla ice cream. Now I have to say, the Portabello was anemic, about the size of a sandollar, and for some reason, they'd trimmed off the edges. The flavor was excellent though (if a bit salty), and it was served with a small side-salad perfectly dressed with balsamic. The entree was a large portion, perfectly seared and tender, beautifully-seasoned. Like most restaurants, the green beans were a bit underdone (a bit of "form" over "function," if you ask me), but still a great fresh/bright contrast to the dense, creamy stuffing. The pineapple was a great way to finish the meal; I'd wanted the raisin bread pudding with caramel and sherry sauce when I began, but was way too full by the end. My mom had the crab/lobster bisque as her appetizer, and loved the creamy (not gooey) texture and the abundence of lobster meat. She had the suckling pig with gravy, scallion mashed potatoes, and green beans as her entree, and thought it was perfectly seasoned and cooked, though she would've liked some of the crisp skin to be included. She went for the bread pudding dessert, and while she enjoyed the flavor, wasn't a fan of the custard-style texture. I tasted it and enjoyed it however. My mom also had the Spanish wine flight ($7.50), and appreciated the bargain, though neither of us could really distinguish between the brands. All in all, I was really impressed with this brunch, and will definitely go back! One of the best I've ever had, and what a deal!
(4)
diana k.

My friend and I were feeling a little down because of the recent rain so we decided to meet up for some sangria and dessert. We got the 1/2 pitcher which filled about 4 wine glasses, the crepe helado and the creme brulee. For the price, the portions are VERY generous. We were struggling to finish both desserts. Desserts were about $5 each and the 1/2 pitcher was $9. It was pretty busy for a Monday night too. Our server was very attentive. Felt a little bad that we didn't order actual food but he didn't seem to mind.
(4)
Jamie H.

i recently bought a groupon to tasca, and went tonight. i had been once previously, but a few years ago. the waitress recommended a white wine,casa del aire, which was fantastic and a great pair to the 3 seafood tapas we got to start. the sizzling shrimp, mussels, and tuna carpaccio were all delicious, and i was surprised how big the portions were. i especially liked the pieces of mango and pineapple with the tuna. the shrimp was literally sizzling in the dish, and came with plenty of garlic and a few dried chili peppers. we moved on to to the confit de pato, a "fall-off-the-bone" duck, and the beef short ribs, paired with the paso a paso red wine. with the skin included, the duck was delicious, but the inside was a bit dry. the short ribs were on the tough side, but the mashed potatoes and sauce made up for it. we finished the meal with the escargot. it was a little too smokey for my taste, but i did still enjoy it. overall, 4 stars for excellent service, good food, and a great experience. i am looking forward to going again soon!
(4)
Naomi Y.

If I could I would give it 3.5 stars, but alas. I came here to use my Livingsocial coupon before it expired. I made a reservation for later the same day, and we were seated immediately. Apparently, we were lucky enough to happened to have come during the flamenco show, so we got to catch glimpses of it as well. However, that could've been why service was a little slower? The food itself came out quickly though. The bread and hummus was amazing. I could not get enough, I could have stuffed myself on the bread alone. However, my boyfriend requires a little more sustenance than that so we also got the couscous, the garlic shrimp, the chicken/chorizo skewers, the steak, and the brie. The brie was very good, and went well with the apple and raisins and the toasted bread (oh carbs, I can't stay away). The steak tasted a little burnt on the outside but was juicy, and the potato pancake (?) it came with was good. My boyfriend absolutely loved the skewers, and I thought it was pretty good as well. The sauce they used on it was a little sweet and went well with the peppers. The garlic shrimp was about what you'd expect, pretty much the same as any other tapas place. The couscous was actually my least favorite...perhaps because I was not expecting it to be sweet? It was much mushier than I expected as well, and I mostly stayed away from it. For dessert we picked the chocolate one, and what came out was basically a slice of rich semi-dark fudge. I'm not a big chocolate lover but the boyfriend is a fiend, and even he couldn't finish the last bit. It is very very rich, so if you're into that then by all means, order away! This was my first time back to Tasca in a couple of years, and no sangria this time. It came out to a little over $30 for the two of us before the coupon. The food is good, above average but for the most part not amazing. It is very cozy and lively although a bit too loud during the show, but if I probably won't be back unless it's a special occasion or I have another coupon.
(4)
Kerry M.

Just love this place. Refuse to take dates here for 3 years running. Its romantic, but no way I'm sharing or giving up rights to the joint if a relationship sours lol! Great live entertainment, specials, nice staff. It gets crowded, reservations are your best shot.
(5)
Kelly A.

Tasca took away my tapas virginity about 6 years ago and it's been love ever since. I think it was probably the goat cheese empanadas that did it. Well, those and the sangria. The empanadas have the most delicious red pepper sauce on them. And that sangria. Oh, that sangria. Other notable tapas include the patatas bravas and the tortilla. They have quite a few vegetarian tapas to choose from, and they're usually all good. For entrees, I've only ever had the menestra de verduras, which is this complicated vegetable structure that is wicked good. If you manage to save room for dessert, the crepe helado is awesome. And if you get on their email list, they'll send you all sorts of specials, like $1 pitchers of sangria or $10 gift certificates. I've been to a lot of tapas place in and around Boston, but Tasca remains my favorite.
(5)
Geno K.

A big thanks to Yelp for turning me on to this place. I live all of maybe 3 blocks away, but the exterior seemed so cheesy to me, that I never really would've given it a chance. It's beautiful inside... great for a date. Ironically my first meal here was the last with someone I spent four years with off and on! Put the Kleenex away - it was for the best, long distance thing. I digress. But it's not stuffy or high brow, just nice, dimly lit, quiet and pleasant. I really can't say much more that what has already been said... here's what I had: Patatas bravas Cubed fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce topped with garlic aioli... the dullest of the items we ordered. Not bad, just not as amazing as the description... which made my taste buds do summersaults. C+ Los tres amigos Grilled trio of sausages served with grilled flatbread, caramelized onions and Dijon mustard. LOVED it. For Sox fans who maybe aren't all that cultured or into fancy restaurants, this is for us! Ha! A-. Queso fritos de cabra Herbed goat cheese fritters served on oven-dried vine ripened tomatoes. Ditto... loved it. Wish it came with more than 3 though. B+. When we walked into the dining area, a large group of professionals were gathered for a birthday, so I knew this meal was going to impress. It did. And I was shocked they would be open late on a Sunday night. Big props for that. If I could give 4 and a half stars, I would, but I'll round up. The biggest downside: parking. Fortunately I live nearby, but I'm sorry you can't use my parking space. And apparently they're pretty fond of the tow trucks across the street at Whole Foods.
(5)
Timothy H.

Sangria is awesome. Tapas plates are delicious!
(4)
Laura L.

The tapas are good, and they have a big variety. The first time we were there, we ordered an entree as well, and it was not good. However, we've come back 6-7 times since then, and the tapas are really tasty and well prepared. Wine list is great as well, they have plenty of Spanish wines and the staff is knowledgeable about them. There is not a lot of parking around, and the place gets a bit hot during the summer.
(4)
C B.

I found this place to be pretty authentic. The food was definitely good. Although I had a couple of gripes about a few things: 1. Too many tables in such a small place. We had a table in the back that was in the middle of a bunch of other tables, so we were constantly getting bumped into. 2. Lighting is terrible! 3. The service was a bit slow and he was so frantic. The server asked for our valet ticket to give to the valet to have our car ready when we left, which he didn't do. 4. I love Bacalao, so I was excited to see it on the menu. I was a bit disappointed. It's supposed to be salted cod fish, not just salting some cod. I know it wasn't authentic because I had to add salt! 5. Pass on the short rib. You get 3 small pieces of beef on a ridiculously giant mound of mashed potatoes. P.S. I am glad I had a Living Social deal or else I may have felt a bit ripped off.
(3)
Laurinda U.

I was here on Sunday night because I got a free valet parking and $10 off coupon (which also applies to their Appetite Stimulus Menu). The food was absolutely fantastic. For the ignorant, the App. Stim. Menu is a prixe fixe menu with options for appetizers, entrees, and desserts for $18. For my app, I got the pork, squash puree, and pickled cabbage. It was excellent. My only issue is that the pickled cabbage tasted like it had a lot of cinnamon and don't think it was a good mix. But the pork was tender and falling off the bone. Both my friends got the salmon on potato cake which was delicious. For our entrees, one friend and I got the steak with mashed potatoes. Wonderful! The steak was prepared perfectly. She got them well-done and I got them medium and they got it right! Usually, places mess up a dish if 2 of 3 of them order the same thing. The steak is very smoky though, so if you don't like that - you now have fair warning. Our other friend got the seafood bouillabaisse and I had dish envy. The only drawback from that dish is that they don't give enough garlic bread to sop the broth with and it doesn't come with rice or noodles. By dessert, we were all set to die in a food coma, but we could not let our side down and let food win. The chocolate pudding with a dab of whipped cream was very good. A lot like a flourless chocolate cake except hot. Again, a slight drawback of this is that it really needed more cream or ice cream on the side because the chocolate was overwhelming. Ultimately, I definitely recommend this place for the good eating, good service, and great portions!
(5)
H. Q.

I went to this place again recently for a friend's birthday. The food was spectacular and so was the service. Usually, servers are flustered and annoyed at large groups (there was 18 of us), but she was very polite and attentive. They also have awesome sangria! =)
(5)
Bill C.

I'm moving out of Brighton come September 1, and Tasca is probably the only thing that will bring me back to the area. It's not fancy dining, and I don't think it pretends to be. They're the perfect price for you to go out and try a couple different things each time. And surprisingly enough, I've never been disappointed. Granted, I haven't been blown out of the water, but with as many options as they have on their menu, you'd think at least one would have bombed. Here are some that make my list: -Braised duck with red cabbage. I'm a fan of all things duck, but in this case, the cabbage (cabbage?!) is the winner here. -Gazpacho. Delicious, even though I don't really like cold soups. -Fried calamari. Okay, maybe this is my fat-kid indulgence, but I have to order these every time. First, it's a serious plate of food for five bucks. Second, the sauce is amazing (for what it is). And third, it's fried. -Crab cake. There's something about it that I can't quite place, but it tastes a lot like delicious. And if you sign up for their mailing list, you not only get $10 off in your birthday month, but you also find out when they have $5 bottles of wine or pitchers of sangria. And I also won their weekly (maybe monthly?) raffle and got $10 bucks off. It's a cute, though slightly cheesy spot, good for dates and large groups.
(5)
Maria B.

Love this place! I didn't even want to love it- my heart belonged to Tapeo for quite some time until I recently decided to venture out and see what else was out there as far as Spanish tapas goes. We went because we heard about $5 sangria pitchers and um- that's all you need to say to get me there, let's be real. We sat downstairs, and it was a really nice atmosphere- and I was totally surprised and excited that there was a guy playing Spanish guitar :)- probably because I am going to Spain this summer and this just got me even more anxious about it. We weren't that hungry and were honestly craving the sangria more than anything else, so we ordered one tapa dish each and shared. All were fantastic though! Empanadas, calamari and roasted duck... all were equally delicious. Downsides: Seating was a bit cramped. We had to mention the $5 sangria special in order to get that price- as our initial bill charged us the standard $20 for the pitcher.
(4)
Jayme V.

I cannot say enough about how *amazing* this restaurant was! I was thoroughly impressed with the service. The manager called before we went for dinner to see if it was a special occasion (we had booked a semi-large table) and when I told him it was my 30th birthday, he promised to make it a special night for us. And, did he! Two HUGE (free) dessert trays were brought out to the table with 3 or 4 different desserts to sample. It was so kind of them. And the waitress was exceptional, too -- handling a large party with grace and she was an expert at keeping the wine and water glasses full without being obtrusive. Re: the food -- VERY good; best tapas I've had in the area (and I've been to Dali, Taberna de Haro, Tapeo, etc.) Try the sizzling shrimp with garlic and chili peppers, portobellos in sherry cream sauce, escargot, chicken and ham croquettes, and brie with apple and raisin chutney. Those were all amazing and we ordered seconds on most everything. The other amazing part was the price....$27.50 per person and that included 2 or 3 dishes per person and two bottles of wine for a group of 9. We had a $10 off coupon and didn't use it because the price was so reasonable. Yes, it's a pain to get out to the restaurant but totally worth it (and the valet parking is a nice touch at $7 plus tip). Make the trip because the food, service, and management are amazing. We will definitely be returning soon If anyone who works at Tasca is reading this review, I want to sincerely thank you for making my 30th birthday a special one! You all were the best!
(5)
selina k.

Me and my husband there yesterday because we had coupon to use . The food was great it was in small portion and not expensive I don think anyone should order main dish just order the menu side (smaller dishes) it tend to full you up very fast :) we order about 5 things and they all came out pretty good and i get to try out different things I say make reservation for this places it get really busy. They have online to do that on they website. It really not good with kids this places has limit of space. Our order Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego Setas Ronan ConfÃt de pato Mejillones I forgot the last one we order tiramisu and Sangria They all came good. The parking was pretty bad but it was close to the train. over all it was great places. May plan to go back again. I don think it good idea for more then 10 people or 8 they cram together it good idea if you only 2-4 people not more then that.
(4)
Terry C.

I had a terrible experience at Tasca this past weekend. Let me make this clear, the food was OK. But nothing close to other tapas place I've been to. and with the attitude and lack of service we got, it's definitely not worth it. I made reservations and we were seated once we walked in. I think the confusion started there because the reservation was for 5. My friend and i walked in with 3 other people and the host assumed that we were together. As he was walking us to the table, he realize our entire party wasn't here and he asked me TWICE, within a 30 second walk where the rest of the party was. I informed him they will be here shortly. When we sat down, he asked again. SERIOUSLY?!?! if you do not want to sit a party until everyone arrives, then you should ask. My friends were a little late because they needed to find parking and during this whole time, the host must have walked by and around our table ten times. Every time he walked by, he stared... It made me sooooo uncomfortable.! Fast forward to my friends' arrival - we probably had at least 15 minutes to look over the menu. We waited for at least another 15 minutes before being helped. My friend tried to wave the host but he just ignored him...Hmmm, how rude. I would've gotten up and left if I wasn't with a few other people. When the server came over, he was actually nice. The food is very plain and nothing stood out. They have a rather diverse menu for a tapas restaurant too - gnocchi, lobster & crab bisque... The sangria was good though. But never again.
(1)
Kristen C.

Sangria is delicious - and check out for when they do live Flamenco! I lived in Spain for a bit and this place is pretty authetico! Steer clear of the pre fixe menus though, order the tapas!!! Tortilla espanola and croquettas are sooooooooo good! The paella is awesome too but takes forever!
(4)
Molly L.

It wasn't cheap but it was a great experience. The server was friendly and knowledgeable and the food was excellent. As a vegan going out to tapas, I really didn't think I'd have much selection but the waitress assured me that anything with cheese could be made without which I thought was awesome! A great place to celebrate or have a romantic dinner.
(4)
Rahul S.

I have only been here 3-4 times and I am no tapas expert - but whatever I have tried here I have liked. The variety of food is huge - so there is always something new to try. The food is flavorful, which is a big deal for my indian palette as a lot of foods just seem too bland for me. Their house sangria is awesome. And they have valet parking - although I should be able to walk here from my place! Also Whole Foods is right next doors and I have parked in their lot for a couple of hours with no issues. The ambience is very classy - kind of unsual for the Allston/Brighton area, and the prices are still reasonable. Good date spot! Join their mailing list - they keep emailing discounts and specials for dine ins.
(4)
Patrick H.

Maybe Tasca is Brighton's best tapas restaurant, but I don't see what all the fuss is about. I've got one word to describe my experience here: Boring. Nothing about our meal here was memorable, including our waitress. On the rare occasion she actually did come to our table, she was in dire need of a personality. Our wobbly, unbalanced table had more than she did. That said, she wasn't the only thing that could use some help in the personality department. The sangria here was decent, but not great, and had little to no fruit in it. We also ordered the black bean crabcake, which was indeed a single entity, and it had very little flavor. Not to mention the fact that it came flooded with tomato juices (a tomato salsa is more than just chopped tomato and vinegar). I wanted to enjoy the short ribs (all two of them), but they didn't have much to them either. The chef's salad was decent, topped with nuts, apple slices and a (very) light dressing. The most disappointing of all was the sausage (Three Amigos). A picture of Martin Short, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase would've been more interesting, even if it were as soggy as the accompanying bread. The only thing that caught the attention of my taste buds was the pesto garlic hummus that came with our complimentary bread. Yes, the one thing we didn't pay for was the one we remembered most. On top of all that, the plates were all too big and didn't fit on the table very well and the fake candle inside a real candle was just tacky. I suppose the atmosphere was nice, if you could ignore all the lack of fashion sense in the room. Did any of the patrons here realize it was a Saturday night, and this wasn't Boca Grande? If you want good tapas, a memorable meal, and attentive staff, I'd highly recommend avoiding Tasca. While Somerville isn't exactly nearby, Dali on Washington Street is by far a superior restaurant for the price.
(2)
Shaun D.

I am absolutely in love with Tasca. We visited last night with two friends, and could not have asked for a better experience. We had so many tapas, our tastebuds could barely handle it! The escargots were absolutely amazing, the meatballs melted in our mouths, and the duck confit was delicious as well! I was also very much in love with the sangria, served with some delicious apples in it. The atmosphere at Tasca is warm and friendly, and you can tell everyone is having a great experience, even the servers. Overall, a great experience here!
(5)
Meg H.

I have passed this place a million times on the T, but decided to try it after a friend recommended it, and because in the frigid Feb winter, I honestly wanted to stay close by, without a lot of walking! It is very humble from the outside, and I ws expecting something very homey and good, but casual, I ended up going on Valentines Day, without reservations. When we walked in I could not belive how lively the atmosphere was just inside from the quiet street. The hostess was dressed great, greeted us right away and informed us it was a price fixed menu, but since it was after 8pm they were charging $10 less! We waiting less than 10 minutes in the tiny bar area that was very cozy and had a great feel. We were then seated at an adorable 2 seated table clothed table. It was obvious they had dressed the place up with fresh flowers, candles etc. and added tables for the holiday, but not in a crammy way. It had a European flair, and people of all ages and group sizes were happy! The dinner menu options for the 4 course meal were amazing and we had a hard time choosing. I went with the goat cheese salad, my friend had a seafood bisque, both delectable. We were then sered our tasting plate, and the presentation and food itself was 5 star. The plate was served in a mirrored fashion and included tuna tartare, a fig spread, chocolate covered strawberry and a few other things that were delish. I ordered the filet with asparagus and au gratin and it was tender, and flavorful. My friend had the seafood boulabaise also perfect. For desert I had a berry medley with the richest powdered cocoa truffle. The tiramsu across the table got rave ratings as well. Our server was a college age boy who was charminbg us two valentineless girls in an adorable, proffessional, and fun manner. He was a great server of both food and wine. I will certainly go back, as I was very impressed by the quality and presentation of the food, and courteous staff.
(5)
April M.

I heart Tasca! I am totally willing to make the trek from other, fancier, parts of the city to humble Allston just to grab a bite of this delicious Spanish-inspired cuisine. And parking is NOT easy - you'll need to troll around the streets for a good 10 minutes to find an open space. If you can, take the T. I'll start off by disclosing that waits can sometimes be extremely long. Note: they don't actually "take reservations" - they merely put your name down on a list with everyone else who calls in. It's not a reservation in the sense that they'll have a table ready when you get there - it's more like a "hey, we're coming, here's a heads up". We've been cramped up in a tight doorway for over 45 minutes to get a table. One must persevere to enjoy the sweet rewards awaiting them inside. Like the light and tunnel effect, there is a glass of sangria at the end of the doorway. The interior is warm, rustic and inviting. You truly feel like you're packed into a small, intimate restaurant in the heart of Madrid. Dark colors, Spansh-inspired art and decor and regional music all work together (with your glass of sangria) to really set the tone. So what you need to know: 1. Long waits 2. Just-okay staff (most of the time) 3. Cheap and tasty sangria 4. Amazing tapas dishes 5. Reasonable prices 6. Great for groups OR a romantic date 7. Los Tres Amigos 8. Croquetas 9. Gazpacho (COLD) 10. Patatas Bravas If you only try one thing to eat and drink here, I would recommend the croquettas and sangria, for a true taste of Spain. Of course, nothing compares to eating real tapas on a warm and breezy evening in la Plaza Santa Ana, with a trio of Spaniards playing festive music next to your table, while you share a platter of meats and cheeses and a pitcher (or two, or three) of true Spanish sangria with some of your closest friends...ah, memories, I can feel the warm breeze right now... But we're in the middle of Boston. And this as close as we'll get, darn it. So unless you've got a ticket booked to the South of Spain anytime soon (in which case, call me) you'll need to let Tasca fill that Spanish void inside your estomago.
(5)
Ann R.

Love love love this place! Every time I've been there, it has been fantastic. Most recently, they accommodated a group of 15 (including a reservation change from 13 to 15 people the day before). All of the tapas are delicious-- some favorites are the spicy shrimp, the roasted portobellos with manchego, and the duck leg. Sangria is a must, and they also have a nice wine list. Go here! You won't be sorry.
(5)
Alan B.

I've been to Tasca twice. Excellent food both times. You really can't go wrong with any tapas dish here. However, the second time was with a group of 5 people. We had a reservation and, despite showing up on time (maybe even a few minutes early), we waited 20 minutes to be seated, while large parties without reservations were being seated ahead of us. It's a shame; they have great food, but I would probably take my chances trying a new tapas place just to avoid the hassle.
(3)
Matthew W.

Been here with the GF twice now -- once in the middle of winter, the second time for Easter brucnh last Sunday. After the first visit I knew Tasca was good, but the second time somehow managed to exceed my already-high expectations. I'll focus more on that visit because I remember it better. For Easter brunch Tasca had a three-course prix-fixe menu for $20. GF got lobster bisque, eggs benedict with filet mignon and potato cakes, and a chocolate torte. I ordered gnocchi and mushrooms in a cream sauce, stuffed Cornish game hen, and flan. One of my favorite things about Tasca is the pacing of the meal. Items always seem to be brought out at the exact moment when you begin to wonder about when it will arrive -- the wait is long enough to allow for a relaxed experience, but never drags. This was true with the tapas for our first visit, and it was true for brunch as well. After ordering, I was about to ask the GF when she thought the first course would arrive, but as I was about to open my mouth I saw staff coming over with the bisque and gnocchi. As for the food itself, everything was wonderful. I got a taste of GF's courses as well. The bisque was creamy, well-balanced, and rich without sitting too heavy in the stomach afterwards. Ditto for the gnocchi dish -- not just the sauce, but even the gnocchi itself had a perfect consistency. I like turkey quite a bit, and Cornish game hen tastes (to me, anyway) like what turkey should be. Every last bite was moist and tender. The meat paired well with the stuffing. Underneath was a succotash. My tendency is to eat all the meat and starch first before turning to the vegetables, but delicious pieces of sweet potato convinced me otherwise. But despite how good my dish tasted, I couldn't help but wish I had ordered the eggs benedict instead. The filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth good, the potato light and fluffy, the eggs... I could go on, but you get the point. We were so full after the first two courses that we opted to pack the dessert up and bring it home. Several hours later, at room temperature, the desserts still tasted good. For ~$20 per person before tax and tip, it's hard to find a better meal in Brighton.
(5)
Vee X.

I've been to Tasca 3 or 4 times. The food is average. It's kind of like one of your standard chain restaurants (Cheesecake factory, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.) decided to do a tapas restaurant. About 90% of the desserts appear to be bought in, including this strange "cake" I had once with the texture and taste of mushy oreo cookies with banana paste on top (the name eludes me). The high note of the meal is always the flavored hummus served at the beginning of the meal with warm bread. That being said, I'm bumping it up a star because I love the prix fixe menu. Because of it, I decided to bring my dad here for his birthday with my mom and brother. We had a really nice meal, and there was some classic guitar playing. 4 people eating for $80 (including tip) at a semi-fancy place is awesome as far as I'm concerned, although my mom's vegetarian curry was bland, and the thinner half of my fish fillet was so overcooked it was crispy. The ambience is nice, although I've had mixed experiences with service. The first time I went, service was fine. The second time, the guy brought us two of the same tapas dishes and got upset at me when I said I didn't order another one, and the third time the lady was so attentive she seemed accusing (are you SURE everything is to your liking!?). Oh, and the tables are ALL wobbly. Every time I come, I get a wobbly table.
(3)
Meleven K.

Amazing! I love everything about this place. The first time I went was a few years ago during a blizzard. The fact that we live withing walking distance and had made reservations a week earlier made us hike up a hill in the snow to get there! I figured that since it was a Thursday night and it was a blizzard that we would be the only 2 fools eating, but when we stepped in I was amazed to see that the entire place was packed! To me that was a good sign and led me to believe that this was going to be a meal worth treading through a blizzard for. I was right! Since then I've been back numerous times and also always reccommend it to anyone and everyone who will listen. Many times people are turned off by the thought of tapas, or small meals. But what I enjoy most about them is that they are very inexpensive and small enough that you can order 2 or 3 different plates to share with your dinner-mate. My boyfriend and I are BIG eaters and we have never once left there hungry. I highly recommend the Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego and Costillas de ternera. You cannot eat here without splitting a pitcher of sangria. I've been to Spain before and their Sangria is as good as any I had in Spain. Make sure to save room for dessert too. The chocolate flourless cake is amazing! If you sign up for their mailing list they email you with tons of great coupons and info on promotions. Also be sure to check out their holiday prix-fix menus. They are really worth it.
(5)
Hiroko S.

I like this restaurant's cost performance. Even though it was Wednesday night aka regular weekday, there are a lot of customer. Definitely popular place. The location is a little bit in the middle of nowhere in Boston. It means still accessible. It is worth going there. My conclusion is that Tapas needs lots of people then you can try lots of food. Don't forget to order sangria.
(4)
Tracey P.

I have to admit that I'm usually not the biggest fan of Tapas Restaurants. Though I like the concept, I always end up a bit miffed after spending 15 bucks on a tiny little tapa and then still feeling hungry. I guess I feel a bit ripped-off. In any case, Tascas is far better than its rip-off counterparts on places like Newbury Street. Prices are affordable and portions are actually reasonablly sized. The food itself is DELICIOUS as well, and the last time I was there I had the sweetest Russian waitress who was incredibly helpful. Definitely check this place out.
(5)
Andrea Y.

Yes this restaurant is cheap, and yes it has an attractive interior, but that's when the stars stop coming. Tasca is, without a doubt, the worst Tapas restaurant in Boston. I've been here 4 times over my college career and it has always been disappointing. I cannot understand anyone who actually thinks it's good and this leads me to believe these people have never tried the finer tapas establishments in Boston such as Taberna de Haro or Toro. I've been to pretty much every Tapas place in town and this place is truly unforgivable with their quality of food and authenticity. The sauces are bland and tasteless, the chicken dripping with sauce is bland and tasteless, the marinara that comes with the calamari is bland and tasteless, the sauce that drenches the patatas bravas is basically a watery ketchup... Please do yourself a favor and skip this place. Try out any other tapas place in Boston. It's got to be better than this.
(2)
Grind. E.

I was arrested at Tasca's for assaulting the hostess after having a little too much to drink and ended up spending the night in jail. Ok, that's a complete lie, but I did throw a surprise party for my girlfriend and a bunch of friends who all had an excellent time. I called ahead to make reservations but they forgot to save our table. Meh, no biggie. We had to wait a few minutes at the cramped bar but it was worth it. Once we were seated, about 10 of us, the service and food was outstanding. It's not a main course type thing, but more of an eat, drink, and socialize type thing with endless appetizers. I would recommend Tasca for a group or a romantic date, or even a romantic group date. Excellent, lighting, too...if you're in to that sorta thing.
(4)
Jason H.

The short: classic Tapas restaurant with pleasant ambience and apparently a decent bar. Good for a date location or a refined night with the homies, I'd come back here. Good portions, good prices, overall tasty food, even if the server probably didn't know the difference between a fork and a popsicle. The long: I've been to several Tapas places, in Chicago, LA and now Boston. This is not standing out as amazing, but it is definitely good. I didn't experience anything that really blew my socks off, and the stuff that let me down wasn't too big a deal for me. I got a coupon from Groupon or something that was $30 for $15 and this seemed like a better reviewed and more classy place than most that advertise on Groupon. So I don't remember each dish I ordered, because in order to make $30 we had to order like 6. And the two of us were more than stuffed, which speaks to the portion size. This is not some cheap ass Tapas place that gives you a bread crumb and drizzles raspberry sauce and calls it a plate. Every portion here was generous for 2, passable for 4. And they pretty much all were between $5-$7 maybe a couple above if it was something special. 6 dishes + a tea came to $39 + tip which is pretty good for the quality, quantity, and location. I'll start with the bad. Why not 5? The most glaring disappointment was the specials. They have specials which rotate for like 2-3 days according to the menu. We ordered all 3 for our night, they were like $5 each. It was a red lettuce salad (5 stars) and a sasuage+cheese shell (4-5 stars) and a lentils and ham soup (2 stars max). The lettuce was fresh, had some dried cranberries, some duck, and a good vinaigrette, great appetizer, good portion. The shell (there's a name for the actual dish but I can't remember) had flavorful cheese and sausage without feeling greasy or salty. But the lentil soup literally tasted like Campbell's Pork and Beans. I felt there was ketchup flavoring, the lentils were soft, and just overall a big letdown. Also taking away from the 5 star was that the waiter was pretty lousy. He tried to be polite, but he was pretty rough, not familiar with the menu, didn't know how to pronounce most of the food, and didn't have any idea what the tea selections were. He seemed like maybe a college sophomore or junior. So like I said, rough, not a jerk, but I can't give a noob who did a poor job 5 stars. He was attentive, came around a few times, and filled our water and served well, so no detractions from the experience. But easy room for improvement. Now let me tell you why I wish I could give it 5 stars. Besides the appetizer specials, we ordered 2 seared tuna plates (one cold, one hot) and a mussels plate. All three were really great, especially for the price. Each dish cost like $6-7, and like I said above easily portioned for 2, maybe even for 4. The cold seared tuna plate had a zesty flavor that was a good surprise to me, the fish was firm with mostly nice red inside the evenly seared edge, and the bean medley was refreshing. The warm tuna had a rich flavor. Each tuna dish had 4 pieces of tuna probably 1/4" thick. The mussels plate featured probably 16-20 smallish mussels. OK, so I wish they were monster grand-daddy mussels, but for the price and the type of restaurant, I'm very happy. If this were a seafood restaurant eating them raw, I'd be disappointed. But the mussels were all open (alive when cooked which is good), good quantity (16-20), and the red garlic sauce was perfectly matched to the taste. We got there like 6:45 on Friday night, and took one of the last tables. By 7:30 about a dozen people were waiting in line. So come a bit early. The bar seemed cool (we don't drink) but people were happy and not looking at their drinks wondering what was in them. Only improvement to the restaurant design I'd make is have the doors close quicker, cuz each time someone walked in the two doors, they each took so long to close (air spring too strong) that there were a good 15 seconds of cold air. This change will help their heating bill as well as their customer experience. I didn't use their bathroom so no comment, but my friend made no mention of it so I assume that at least the ladies' room is reasonable. Bottom line: for an enjoyable, probably dependable tapas experience take a date here for an inexpensive but classy first-date experience. Stick to the main menu for best results, and come early to avoid the crowd. I'll definitely come back.
(4)
Miriam L.

I really wish I lived closer to Tasca, because I really love this place! They have some of the best sangria around, a great menu, and friendly service. The tables can be a bit close together, but not to the point where most people couldn't get around. My last visit here was for my birthday and it was a perfect choice.
(5)
Diane D.

My Summary of Tasca: YUM. After an initial excellent first tapas experience at Solea in Waltham, I branched out to Tasca, much closer to home, for a triple-dinner-date. It did not disappoint! The sangria pitchers were great and provided two rounds for a group of 6...3 pitchers later, we were all feelin pretty good about life! The food did not take long to come out and since we each got two different dishes, I got to sample a large portion of the menu all in one evening. EVERYTHING tasted like gold in my mouth! Our group was especially impressed by the pork, sausage, and personally I loved the brie platter. I cannot wait to go back to sample more!! My only complaint is - and I never say this - Yelpers you may have steered me wrong a bit... (sorry!) I would hesitate to say that this is a good place for groups, especially on a weekend night. They don't take reservations after 6:30 PM - and for a group of 6 arriving at 8 PM on a Friday, we had almost an hour wait. I figured that would be no problem because we could wait at the bar, but the bar area is tiny and difficult to hang out in with a few people, let alone 6! Still an EXCELLENT choice for a nice dinner, but I don't think I'd return here again on a weekend with more than 4 people realistically.
(4)
Ann Marie S.

My friend and I went to Tasca on a Sunday evening. The food, service, and ambience were all excellent! Between the two of us, we ordered 5 tapas, all of which I would order again. Thank you Tasca for a wonderful meal and evening!
(5)
Nigel F.

Love this place! So glad we live in the area :-) I want to be clear, my girlfriend and I have tried the other prominent tapas places in the Brookline/Brighton area (Taberna de Haro, and Barcelona) and have twice now been impressed with Tacsa's ability to balance reasonable prices with really good food and service. Barcelona can be really packed, can be a somewhat rushed ordering/ dining experience, whereas Tasca's tapas prices are significantly lower than their competitors ($9.95 tapas dishes and under!) and the atmosphere is way more laid back. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the other tapas places too , but it's Tasca's overall balance as a restaurant that will keep us coming back. Oh, and don't forget to join their mailing list, you will be rewarded!
(5)
Pete L.

Years later I got here again after a previous awful experience and the food and sangria got so much better in flavor and structure, even in presentation. It is still very cramped and even much busier than before, with people now standing outside. This also makes climate control poor, so it is either too hot or too cold (they have no a/c and teh door opens constantly causing drafts). The reason I gave them an extra star over the 3 so 4 is that, after first messing up and not taking responsibility (we had called and they assured it was not busy so we coudl sit right away), when it turned out to be busy anyway and we protested of having to wait suddenly a long time despite promises, they got us seated in the end in 5 minutes at a good spot. The server was also pretty good, delivering fast and as ordered. Still, normally they do not merit more than 3 stars. ps Their valet service, due to there being no parking, is very understaffed, so it can be a long wait.
(4)
Alyssa W.

Recommended to me by my friend. LOVED IT. It was the day after the crazy snow storm, so I was surprised at how full it was, seeing as outside parking was slim to none and the sidewalks were horrible. Thankfully, we had a reservation. Surprisingly, I've never been out for tapas before so I was a total noob. But my friend showed me the ropes and we were in tapas heaven :) not to mention the pitcher of perfect sangria. favorites of the night, sizziling shrimp, duck leg, braised short rib and the potato and onion omlette. ahh so good! and Flan for dessert. Service was ok, nothing exceptional. the live music is a nice touch.
(4)
Camille R.

Filet Mignon was overcooked and the presentation was ugly. Picture: yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ Goat cheese empanada was nasty. Kick back on the thyme! And the sizzling garlic shrimp was good. I can't remember anything else we had. I do know that the food was mediocre and even though the service was great, you wouldn't catch me here again.
(3)
Victoria P.

I lived in Spain for a summer and I know nothing will ever compare to the food I had there, but this place was just ok. My boyfriend and I ordered half a pitcher of sangria, the jamon and manchego, tortilla espanola, setas ronan, gambas al ajillo, and empanadillas de queso de cabra. The sangria was surprisingly good although not what I'm used to. There was some sort of creaminess to it - not in a bad way. The jamon and manchego and the setas ronan have the same set up except you're switching out the jamon for the portobello. Those were both just okay. My boyfriend really likes the gambas al ajillo, but I prefer mine with a bit more spice and flavor. We both enjoyed the tortilla (although the edge was a bit chewy) and the empanadillas. The goat cheese was creamy and flavorful. Overall, I've had better, but for Boston, this place is decent and decently priced.
(3)
Susan S.

This is a wonderfully friendly restaurant with excellent service and an unusually large variety of tapas -- delicious and excellently prepared. There are entree items as well but my friend and I preferred to share a range of tapas: Gambas (grilled shrimp with garlic and olive oil), Albondigas (spicy beef and pork meatballs), Flatbread with vegetables, and Boquerones (anchovies) with tomatoes. The wine list offers a wide range of Spamish reds and whites, all reasonably priced in the $22-29 range. The atmosphere is old -world Spanish and will appeal to lovers of Spain and traditional Spanish cuisine. Have a chilled glass of fino Pablo Romero sherry to start, a nice bottle of Rioja with your meal, and finish up with a delicious flan (custard) dessert. You won't be disappointed. Buen provecho!
(5)
Matt T.

Great tapas bar, they also have cheap pitchers of sangria with 5-6 drinks in them and they are quite good. Also the tapas were well priced and very good, they also have a full bar separate from the rest of the tables. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere felt great for groups of people or for a 1 on 1 date.
(5)
Courtney B.

If you're like me and thoroughly enjoy food and like to have a little bit of everything, this is your place! We ordered about 8 different tapas for 3 people and we were completely satisfied for about $60 (including a glass of wine). I highly recommend the goat cheese empanadas, the portabella mushrooms and the mini filet!
(5)
J S.

A bit on the expensive side, but pretty tasty. I haven't had a dish here I don't like. The service is decent... sometimes you get some olives and bread as a start, sometimes you don't. They have discount sangria, and other deals as well. Worth going to, for sure. You should plan well/make reservations. Depending on the night they can be pretty packed.
(4)
Michael C.

What can one say...outstanding cuisine...extensive wine list, professional and friendly service. We had five friends visit Tasca's this past Monday - everyone raved about their choices from the perfectly prepared sweat beads to the crispy calamari and the rich dessert of Flan. Although there is not a full bar, the variety of wines more than compensated. I often wonder why we don't adventure to Brighton more often. Maybe we will as the "Uber" cost is trivial and we can avoid the Green Line.
(5)
Paulina G.

Absolutely love this place! Went here with my boyfriend for the first time the other night and didn't have to wait longer than 5 minutes for a table. The hostess and waitress were very pleasant and the food and drinks came out very quickly. We tried a couple of the tapas- the calamari and patatas bravas- both of which were great (portions were a nice size as well) and the pomegranate sangria which was delicious. The baked Haddock and the sirloin were our entrees and they were both cooked to perfection. Best meal we've had in a while and the presentation of the meal was on point. This is definitely my new favorite restaurant! A must try!
(5)
Harri S.

Apparently I'm in the minority here, but Tasca's food was meh and their drink ran out and their service was HORRID. We got a groupon, came in around 9, the restaurant was sparsely occupied. Get our table and it takes us 45 fucking minutes to even get water. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? Order our drinks and tapas and 15 minutes later are told that one of the sangrias is out and that some of the tapas are out. Look, I understand that through the night you run out of things, I can even understand that the waitress may not have a running list, but seriously making us wait this long to find out we won't get our food? Not okay. Ultimately when we got our food, perhaps out of pure vitriol we just weren't pleased. I was so convinced that this place would be better than Tapeo and Bar Lola, but I was severely disappointed. Considering the service, I'm just not interested anymore. It was likely amongst the worst service I've gotten anywhere, and that's saying something.
(2)
Andrew W.

Oh, yes! Yes, indeed! My tastebuds were very pleased with Tasca...my waistline, not so much. My desire to eat half of the items on the menu was stifled by my stomach's inability to contain all of them. What can I say? The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. Okay, maybe I'm stretching just a bit. Seriously though, the food was absolutely amazing - a complexity of flavors to be savored. I really enjoyed the Croquetas de Pollo, Empanadillas de queso de cabra, and the CanelÃ³n rellono de pollo. I only wish I lived in the Boston area so I could enjoy this place more often. On a side note: Parking is very difficult to find, but Tasca does offer a valet service for $6.
(4)
Ashley S.

This is by far my favorite tapas place in Boston! It is so cheap and delicious, and if you get on the mailing list you get let in on a little known secret -- $5 sangria pitchers most weeknights and Sundays. My friends and I have been coming here for years, and I have only tried one dish I didn't like -- the seared tuna over beans dish. Other than that I've tried all of the vegetarian and seafood dishes on the menu, and they are all excellent. Even if you get something you don't like, it's not too much of a disappointment because you've likely only spent around $7 for it. So I would recommend that you try something new every time. They are also always changing around their sangria offerings. I remember the blood orange sangria being very tasty, but the traditional is still my favorite.
(5)
Phil C.

Ambience - darker setting (candle light), slightly cramped for large groups, perfect for a date Food ordered - pulpo a la gallega (octopus/potato), Gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp), empanadillas de queso de cabra (goat cheese empanadas), mejillones (mussels in tomato/wine broth). Everything was so good. All the flavors are very rich and comforting. The table bread could use an improvement, but that's coming from someone who lives for good table bread and butter. Our favorites - mussels and octopus. Price - fair. Definitely worth the price! I'll definitely go back to try some different plates and try the sangria. If you go to school at BC or live in the area, you should be a frequent patron. This place is too good to not be eating at this place on the reg.
(5)
Chelsea C.

I went here the other night with a group of friends from work for the "Friends and Neighbors Night" or something along those lines. Basically it just meant that all the tapas were $5 and each pitcher of sangria was $10. I mean, how can you beat that?? My friend made the reservation, and I was about 5 or so minutes late, so I can only assume the seating went smoothly because she was seated when I arrived. I really liked the atmosphere of the place, and we were seated next to this great painting that I believe had glow in the dark paint on it, because it was kind of sparkly in the light they had shining on it. It took a while for our waiter to come and bring us water and take our drink order, but that gave us ample time to look over the menu. When our waiter finally came to fill out water, my glass had a chip in it (which of course was exactly where I put my mouth, ouch!) so I asked for a new glass. I never got a new glass of water, but my friend shared with me so it was fine. We all ordered our own tapas (two to three each) but we definitely shared amongst ourselves. We also ordered a pitcher of the red sangria and a pitcher of the white sangria. I'm a red girl, so the white was a little too sweet and orange juice-y for my tastes, but it was still pretty good. After ordering our tapas came out pretty rapid fire, which worked for me because I was extremely hungry! I really enjoyed the fried goat cheese with tortilla chips and my goat cheese empanadas were tasty as well. I also got the patatas bravas, but I felt like the sauce wasn't evenly distributed and wasn't spicy enough. Overall, the food was great, but the initial service was incredibly slow. I'd love to go back here and give it another shot, maybe when they're properly staffed!
(3)
Nicole A.

Took ten minutes to seat us when the place was dead. Got to the table and it wasn't bussed. Valet guy was hiding in a cove not paying attention. Had two waiters all night. 29 degrees out and they put the AC on, because the waiters were hot??? Brie came out at the very end only after we asked for it. And after all that, no discount on the bill. It would take a lot for me to come back.
(1)
Cindy H.

Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants ever, and I'm one of those indecisive people who tend to like everything. But this one is the best. Some must-haves: Sizzling garlic shrimp Chicken and chorizo skewers Mussels and linguini You could seriously get all 3 of those dishes, be the happiest person in the world, and not even have spent that much money. Plus, $10 PITCHERS of sangria on Sunday and weekdays! Even still, I happily pay $20 on multiple Saturday nights.
(5)
Jen L.

I always love Tasca. Our waiter was excellent this time! (John Mayer's twin?)
(4)
P. J.

I wonder whether the people who have written bad reviews have come here on an "off" day or a day when one particular chef and/or server were working. Every time I've been to Tasca, it's been great. Went most recently two nights ago: our server was pleasant and efficient. I can't speak to the authenticity of the tapas, but the dishes certainly are delicious. My friend and I got the sizzling shrimp in garlic, chicken croquettes, mushrooms in sherry cream sauce, and the smoked salmon on a potato pancake. All were very good. My only complaint is the complimentary bread. It's not bad; it's just bland and nondescript. The dip/spread that accompanies it is excellent and the bread just doesn't do it justice. Beyond food, the place has a relaxing ambiance as well as some very nice port selections!
(4)
Kaye B.

I visited Tasca at the end of June 2013 with some friends. A blog called Gluten-Free Boston Girl contains a list of restaurants that the blogger has vetted as gluten-free friendly. Tasca has a GF menu. I was unsure, as I've never had tapas before, but I am glad my friends were insistent. The service was exceptional, and the tapas were amazing. I would sell my future firstborn child to Tasca for their garlic aioli recipe. We ordered 2 rounds of tapas, and in the second one, we specified that we only wanted the garlic aioli on the potatoes because it was that good. The other sauce was excellent, too, but not as addictive. The octopus was tender, and the tomato-based sauce the mussels had been steamed in was beautiful. I don't quite remember what gave me the foodgasm because my brain sees Tasca as a blur of deliciousness, but something did. Possibly the garlic aioli sauce. My friends ordered sangria, and I had a cocktail that was based on sangria without the non-GF triple sec. I would definitely go here again!
(5)
Big S.

This place is a good find in the brighton area. The food was great and also very fast service. everything we ordered was great. I would go back in a heartbeat. Its also fairly priced, much cheaper than Barcelona in the area. We had the garlic shrimp which was AWESOME. We also had the gazpacho, portabella mushrooms, fried calamari and chicken/chorizo skewers. The calamari was really good and so was gazpacho and mushroom. The chicken/chorizo skewers were good but nothing too crazy, a safe choice. The sangria was also good. Nice place!
(5)
kari s.

Really nice staff who agreed to move us from table right next to window that was cold and drafty. Unfortunately we had to send back an order of short ribs that was luke warm. The sizzling garlic shrimp was the star of the evening. Goat cheese empanadas could have been warmer and came with a sauce that was roasted pepper but tasted more like sweet and sour. Sangria was good. Servers very attentive and friendly. Low prices, sizzling shrimp and friendly environment would make me come here again.
(3)
Alpha M.

We ordered the following: Grilled Chicken and chorizo - not good, even the choriza was bland Sizzling Shrimp in garlic - very good, tons of garlic Goat Cheese Empanadas - not good, like crab rangoons but bad version of it Mussels - ok, they are the huge kind, if you like them that way Cod Tacos - very good Paella de Mariscos - very good Flan - good Flourless chocolate cake - not good, it was so hard that every time we try to slice a piece with the spoon it came with, it was jumping out of the plate. Coffee - a little strong but very good We went for the valet. It was just $6, gave them $10 total. At first, did not seem like there was valet. So I went in to ask, and was told to leave our car double parked and give the key to the hostess inside. She then gave us a stub. There is just 1 guy doing the valet. We saw our car got parked close-by at first.. but eventually it got moved to the valet lot somewhere. You give your stub to your server when you pay your bill, so they can get your car and you don't have to wait much. You pay the valet guy himself. Since there's only 1, even though our car was there when we were ready to leave, the guy was not there to give us back the key. We were lucky he saw us before he went off to move another car to the valet lot. He gave the key to us and we paid him.
(3)
Tanya Y.

Yum Yum Yum! My friend and I came here after searching for parking for nearly 10-15 minutes! I ended up taking a risk and parking within the Whole Food's lot around the corner -- We came to find out as we were leaving that this is where they park your car for valet! When you first walk into Tasca, it feels extremely warm and inviting. We were shown to our booth/table which could have easily seated 4 people. Bread with hummus is served to everyone to start off, then the waitress comes around to take orders for drinks. Of course, I had to order a glass of Sangria. Little too strong for me: but still good! My Asian glow came out right away! We both decided to try out their Pre-Fixe $18 3 course menu which Tasca offers Sunday through Thursday. I ordered Lobster and crab bisque with creme fraiche as my appetizer, Herb crusted roast tenderloin of pork in demi-glace with scallion mash and sautÃ©ed spinach as my main course, and Warm Apple and Cranberry pie A La Mode for dessert. My friend had the Rabbit and duck cazuela with white beans, smoked ham hocks and chorizo as her appetizer, Shrimp, calamari, smoked salmon and mussels in a light white wine cream sauce over linguine as her main course, and Pina Colada (Pineapple and Coconut) Sorbet for her dessert. Because I signed up for Tasca's mailing list, I received a coupon via email for an additional free dessert, of which we decided to go with a House made hazelnut cheesecake with Bailey's Irish cream sauce. The Verdict? My lobster/crab bisque was just OK. I wish I would have ordered my friend's appetizer, which turned out to be more substantial and flavorful. Most of the appetizers offered on the Pre-Fixe meal contained beans, and I'm not too big of a bean fan. My main course was amazing. The plating presentation was beautiful. There were 5 cuts of pork medallions sitting on a large bed of scallion mashed potatoes. The pork was cooked to perfection, the potatoes very flavorful, and the spinach delicious as well. I snuck a taste of my friend's linguine dish - it was a little bit too seafoody for my liking, but it still, she enjoyed it very much. Then came all three desserts: holy. cow. The cranberry apple pie came out warm with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream - the taste of the two hit the spot and made everything feel complete. If that wasn't enough, the cheesecake was also good, though I wouldn't have paired it with Bailey's Irish Cream Sauce. The Pina Colada sorbet was also amazing, but like other Yelpers have noted, it comes out very frozen. While eating, I got to eye several dishes that people nearby ordered - they all smelled amazing and is even more reason for me to come back!
(4)
Cecile B.

Extensive tapas menu, each of the 5 diners at our table ordered 2 tapas, we sampled vegetarian, meat and seafood tapas, all delicious then shared a seafood paella. The paella was good, though not outsdanding. It could also have been that we were stuffed from all the tapas we tasted before hand. Two pitchers of red sangria (really no other way to go than red) were just right for us. Fruity, fragrant, tasty, but not too sweet. All of this for under $30/person Good service, but a bit loud. A great place to check out!
(5)
Zhichun Y.

Tapa bar, very good environment, the food is also very delicious. I love the sangria here, you can have some $10 pitcher sangria with some deals. The garlic shrimp is so good and the desserts here are all good. The only problem is when you arrive here late, you need to wait for some time. But it deserves!
(5)
Allison R.

Blah. Not their fault (I think), but Tasca totally made me puke. I came with a couple of friends for dinner and arrived around 7 pm. The host told us the wait was 35-40 minutes, but whispered in my friend's ear that "that's what we're supposed to say, but you'll get the next big table, so it might be like ten minutes." Great. Well, it was definitely 40+ minutes of waiting. I wouldn't mind if the host had not made that weird remark. It was also weird as waitresses kept asking him to decide who he wanted to seat first; isn't this kind of thing a first-come, first-served basis? I also saw people with reservations being asked to wait. In short: poor operations here. When we sat down, I was ravenous since I'd only consumed veggie juice that day. I scarfed 4 or 5 pieces of bread with hummus. The food was bland, but I just needed blood sugar so I didn't mind. The menu is vast, but nothing I tasted really had a great flavor: bland's the word all around. I sampled sizzling shrimp and ordered fried calamari, goat cheese empanadas, and a duck lug. I started feeling nasty after eating the bread, I think because I just had some kind of stomach thing going on. But, I ate my first two plates and took home the duck. Service was okay. Our waitress had trouble remembering our drink orders. She could have written stuff down! Food was mediocre. Not their fault I went home and promptly vomited, but the whole experience was lackluster enough otherwise that I won't come back.
(2)
Lynn A.

The food was great, loved the goat cheese empanada, short ribs, sizzling shrimp...My entree of filet over mash with veg left me a little disappointed, "filet" is cut into four slices, and stewed in a gravy. Not really my cup of tea. The ambiance is great. Looks like a restaurant right out off the streets in Spain, inviting bar, lovely wall art, tables close together (made for a muggy room temp) Sangria very "winey", a picture for four people filled the glass x2. We valet parked for $6.00, not bad... I would definately go back and continue to try the amazing tapas.
(4)
Lauretta L.

Make a reservation if you come here on Friday nights! This place is perfect for tapas and sangria if you don't want to feel broke after :) Our group of 10 had pitchers of sangria as well as enough tapas to satisfy everyone for only $11 + tip! Everyone enjoyed their dishes and I personally loved the Sizzling Shrimp, Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Pita and the Paella Stuffed Piquillo Peppers. It does get extremely crowded and noisy, but I didn't mind too much. Our waitress was very sweet and patient and the owner also came by to ask us how we were doing. I can see myself being a regular here!
(4)
Laura M.

Let me preface this review by saying that I was born and raised in Spain, so I tend to judge tapas restaurants in two different ways: how authentic they are compared to the real thing, and how good their food is, regardless of authenticity. Tasca failed HORRIBLY at both. I came here with my Chinese boyfriend hoping to show him what the food of my land is all about. We ordered six tapas, mainly Spanish staples, and they were all just terrible. Not only were they not prepared the way they were supposed to be, but they were just plain bad, lacking in flavor and substance. By the time we walked out of here, I was utterly embarrassed. Considering how many good Spanish tapas restaurants there are in Boston (look up Dali, Estragon, Toro...), there isn't a single redeeming quality that would ever make me come back here.
(1)
Te R.

i never liked tapas. they were usually bland or too heavy on tomatoes and garlic and too expensive for what it is. but tasca defeated me on that. we ordered ten or so things today. i only remembered what i liked (in english) char grilled pork tenderloin : the pork was charred and tender. the way it should be. mussels : the sauce was really good. anchovy on tomatoes : the anchovy was very delicious and went very well with things it came with. i'm terrible at this. let's skip to dessert. we got vasca with something. but it has oreo cookie base with milk toffee and whipped cream. simple enough but it was delicious. sangria tastes like juice. and that's dangerous because you'll down it quickly. valet parking! only $6. don't even bother to find parking around that area. impossible. i'm pretty stingy with my five stars. or it would have got five stars. i'll consider coming back again although it's not exactly my type of food.
(4)
Julie L.

Came here on a Friday night with a Groupon in hand. It was super busy, but we were greeted promptly and seated right at our reservation time. I thought the tapas were great and generously portioned for the price. The recommendation was 2-3 per person. Depending on what you order, 2 was definitely enough. We stuffed ourselves and still came home with a box. We ordered: 3 Pulpo a la Gallega - tender. The real star was the delicious potatoes underneath. 23 Setas al jerez - these mushrooms were so delicious. I ended up dipping everything in them. 32 Fideos con marisco - the lobster broth was delicate and flavorful. 33 Croquetas de Bacalao - the surprise star of the night - we loved these! Lamb Sausage w/ Israeli cous cous - which I don't see on the menu anymore. The sausage was smoky, the cous cous was very acidic. The flavors definitely packed a punch. Tasca is great for a group of 4 or larger. Not only is the space laid out more for large groups, but then you also get a chance to try a greater variety. With just 2 people, our table felt cramped as we were seated right next to 2 other couples and people were constantly squeezing themselves by us. I will definitely be back again - Groupon or not - and hopefully with a bigger group next time!
(4)
Aurora B.

i can not recommend this place enough. Every single item on their menu is superb; their Sangria is delicious! I would recommend getting on their e-mail list so that you can see the specials they have to offer. You can not go wrong with having dinner here.
(5)
Shayna G.

Overall, I enjoyed myself. It's a bit cramped and the menu is in Spanish (so I'm a bit uneducated, so what?), but the service was very accommodating. The tap pas were in small portions, but I'm assuming that's the point. Either way, it was all very seasoned. No sauce was too heavy or spice to hot. And the sangria? Beautiful! This place is right off the Washington St. Green Line B stop, so transportation to get there is easy peazy lemon squeazy. If you're looking for a new place to try out, this is definitely a great joint choice.
(3)
Jessica L.

This place is okay, and decent for groups, but it's inconsistent. Last time, the server forgot half of the small plates we ordered, so we were still starving after dinner. The small plates are so microscopic its hard to feel full or even satiated, though the patatas bravas are a highlight. Sun-Thurs (especially in the summer), there is often a $5 sangria special, but you have to ask as it's not always listed anywhere. Also not always pleased with Tasca's "promos" with small print.... ie, a "birthday" month discount that said in very tiny print (ie hard to read without a magnifying glass) for only parties of 6 or more and therefore not applicable to our group of 4, which was unpleasant when combined with a very unsympathetic/apathetic waiter. I guess I sometimes end up here, and then wonder why we selected this place. Decent food and sangria but you have to order an immense quantity to just stave off hunger. This place might be worthwile with decent customer service, but it's always lackluster.
(3)
Punit S.

Went here for Tapas to celebrate my mom's birthday. Great environment with an awesome authentic spanish/european theme/deco to it. We took a family style approach to attacking the Tapas we ordered which was great, we didn't feel like we ordered too much and it actually helped keep the cost down a bit too (for a party of 9 this is always something to be scared of!) Tons of vegetarian options but would recommend you skip the leek quiche which seemed to have a bacon like taste to it. It's either the way the cheese is smoked or the skillet it was cooked on, couldnt figure it out but the waitress mentioned she had heard similar concerns from other vegetarian guests. A lot of folks said the sangria is amazing here, while I wont refute this, I didn't think it was anything extraordinary. There were so many options that I will certainly be going here again for a night out with friends or to celebrate a birthday. As I'm sure some folks many have already shared, dont park in the whole foods lot, you will be towed...
(4)
Robin Y.

My fiancÃ© and I came here for dinner on a very, very busy night. We walked in and it took us far too long to wade through the TONS of people standing around the bar- by far the most crowded restaurant or bar I have ever seen. There was a sorority having some sort of gathering that night, and we were seated at a very small table, sandwiched in between the sorority's table and the wall. The restaurant was so loud that we couldn't even talk to each other. It was also very dark. Eventually, a waitress got over to us, and I ordered the salmon a la plancha, which was very good. However, the service was incredibly slow, which was understandable considering how busy things were that night. My fiancÃ© was in a bad mood because he had had a really rough day, which the waitress noticed and assumed was because the food was taking so long to come out. She kept apologizing, which we appreciated and tried to explain wasn't totally because of the long wait. After we ate, she brought out two pieces of flan on the house, which we thought was really nice. We ate every bite even though neither of us is crazy about flan- we just didn't want her to feel any worse than she already did! I might come back to this place at some point if we're in the area, but definitely not on a weekend night. The food and service were good enough to warrant another chance. The prices aren't awful, but could be a few dollars less, in my opinion. This is an interesting addition to the cuisine in Brighton for sure, and it's helpful that it's located right on Commonwealth Avenue.
(3)
Danielle B.

Tasca is a never-fail night out with friends, or a romantic date for 2. Either way try the sangria (it's amazing). Favorite Tapas: Garlic Shrimp, Seafood Linguine, Goat Cheese Empanada. Try new ones every time.
(5)
Ms. S.

Great tapas, but the wait staff needs to get their shit together. Several of the hot tapas came to the table cold, and the sangria was more ice than wine.
(3)
Holly K.

The tapas here are delicious! Although it isn't that hard to impress me if you are frying goat cheese I'm already a happy camper from the start. I went with a group of four girls, we each ordered two tapas and the eight tapas in total were plenty for all of us to be full. I really enjoyed the goat cheese fritters, duck dish, and the spicy potatoes if I had to narrow it down. My only complaint about the place is the way to tables are set up once they get busy. They literally put you on top of the next table. I had to get up to go to the bathroom and had to wait for a waitress to do her thing because I literally could not squeeze by with her standing there because there was about five inches between each table. I get they are trying to fit in as many people as they can but, it was just a little bit too much for me.
(4)
Catie F.

Let me start by saying this is a totally mixed review. I'd break it down this way: Ambience - 3 stars Food and drinks - 3.5 stars Service - 4 stars But since I'd call myself "a fan," I'll give them a 4. The restaurant is very small and cramped, tight spaces, generally busy and the tables aren't quite flat (my boyfriend's drink slid off the table TWICE, which was a problem since it was red sangria). Staff from host/hostesses and waitstaff were the perfect level of friendly and welcoming. Although we were 15m late to our reservation, they still squeezed us in with a smile. (Phew!) Bread, water, and sangria were kept full at all times - even though our waitress was super busy! We made a total guess at how much to order, and the waitress helped us keep a perfect pace. We ended up with 8 tapas and 2 entrees for 5 people, which was just about right - we had two boxes of leftovers to take home in the end. Hits: baked goat cheese/tomato sauce, goat cheese empanadilla (we like our goat cheese), and the paella valenciana. YUM. The portabella and eggplant dish were not disappointing, but not as good as the others. Get on their e-mail list and they'll alert you to deals like $5 sangria pitchers!
(4)
Boston F.

Lovely My heart was happy after having dinner here with a friend. Tasca has "old bones". You know the kind of place where you can just tell a lot of meals have been served over the counters. I loved the gazpacho, the short ribs and the squid. Prices were fair and the waiter was cool. Go
(4)
Kim V.

I used to live down the street from this gem and frequently took advantage of their Three Course dinner aka the Stimulus Meal. I love this place so much I made sure I took my mom there when she visited from CA. The 3-Course dinner is a steal! You get an appetizer, entree and dessert all for $18! While this is very reminiscent of restaurant week, they offer this every Sunday through Thursday and it changes each week. If you join their mailing list they will notify you when it changes, and they also give you a lot of great deals like $5 bottle of wine or sangria. Also they send you coupons for your birthday. This is one place that I will definitely go back to when I visit Boston again.
(5)
Sal E.

I came here about 2 weeks ago. My girlfriend and I love eating tapas and I wanted to bring her out on a date. Our favorite Tapas is Casa B and Dali but we wanted something close by and new. We should of never came here. Parking is impossible. I suggest parking on the Brookline line and walking. It's not a bad walk but not close either. We made reservations and we were early. The hostess was very nice and said to wait around the bar and they will seat us when they are ready. 5 min later we were seated.....then 15-20 min went by and no one ever came to the table. By that time we knew what we wanted and were so hungry. I was fed up with waitress walking by and not even acknowledging us. I said to my girlfriend that we should leave. She still had a sangria half full so I waited for her to finish. Still nothing so we left. I told the hostess that we were leaving because no one took our order. She really really wanted to fix the issue and asked me to wait. We said no and headed for the door, she ran out after us and asked if I wanted to speak to a manager. I said yes I would love to because I want them to know what happen. My girlfriend waited outside and I went back in. The manager was very friendly but I told her that no one came to our table and that I was trying to take my girlfriend on a date. I said it was very embarrassing and disappointing. She apologized and said that all the food would be on the house tonight. Normally I wouldn't of gone back in but thats a pretty good trade. I went outside to see if my girlfriend would even consider. We were so hungry she said ok. They gave her another sangria and took our order right away. I didn't go crazy and order everything. I just wanted what we were getting anyway. Everything was ok. Nothing was fantastic. Only thing I loved was the papas barvas. I normally don't eat much fish but I wanted to try the cod croquettes. They were the last thing to the table and I took my first bite. Absolutely frozen inside. I tried the next one, not as cold but pretty cold. Gross. I didn't say anything. I appreciate the manager trying to fix the situation but I won't ever come back here.
(2)
Gustavo C.

Three stars is painful for me. I wish there ".5", but there isn't... So... Place is cozy and has great ambiance. Waitress was on top of shit and very friendly (even called us a cab from her personal phone). Tapas prices are reasonably priced ($6-$9), but not mind-blowing. The thing with tapas -to me- is that they need to be little pieces of orgasmic experiences... and they weren't. Don't get me wrong, they were good, but none were memorable (ok, sangrias -very good- might have something to do with that). I'd definitely go again.
(3)
Elizabeth S.

Really impressed. Romantic. Authentic. Other ic's (but not ick). Go for the fried goat cheese and tomatoes. DO IT. And the wine flight(s). And the dessert (something with chocolate and bananas and cookie... mmm...) Sharing is caring. And still pricey.
(4)
Cynthia B.

I've been here upwards of 5 times, and always have a good experience. My favorite tapas: - Confit de Pato: delicious duck leg, super tender, works well with the sweetness of the cabbage/apple under it - Empanadillas de queso de cabra: kinda americanized version, in that they use puff pastry. delicious, though. - Mejillones: mussles, very savory, very generous portion. - Patatas alioli: gotta get some kind of potato dish. these are solid. - Gambas al ajillo: garlic shrimp, super tasty, good broth to dip bread in (if you're the kind of person that, like me, enjoys eating roasted garlic) - Setas Ronan: I'm a big fan of mushrooms, and they did these right, letting out the natural flavors and providing a good veggie option - Croquetas: pretty dense for what a croqueta is supposed to be - when you cut into these, they don't leak the cream sauce that they do in Europe, but rather look like chicken meatballs - but still good. Very filling, Don't bother: - Albondigas: meatballs taste weird - CanelÃ³n rellono de pollo: I get that you're stuffing something with something (chicken and cheese) but it just ends up tasting like mush. - Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego: Look, I get that you're a Spanish restaraunt. Take it from someone with lots of experience eating Jamon in Spain - it just won't compare here in the states. I don't generally enjoy Manchego either, as it's a little too waxy and mild for me. - Tortilla espaÃ±ola: again, gonna be a snob on the Spain thing. It just doesn't taste right (whine, whine, whine), mostly because the tortilla I'm used to tastes like eggs and potatoes SATURATED in really good oil. This just doesn't cut it. My advice is to order 1-2 per person. If you order 2 per person, you'll have too much, but that's okay. It's hard holding back with these prices! Long live Tasca!
(4)
Shaun S.

I went with my girlfriend the other day and we used their reservation part of their website. Let me tell you about their reservation system; they don't have computers with their host so there is no possible way for it to be checked. So we made our reservation at 9pm and so did about five other people. So we waited about 45 minutes then a table opened up and the hostess was about to give us the table when another waitress sat people who just go there at that table. So thank you for communication skills. Next the food which was pretty much awful; having spent time in Madrid this past summer I wanted to have some more tapas. The tapas here sucked; every plate that came out was worse than the other too hot too bland. They must have never heard of pepper and salt; but that helps with flavor. The sangria seemed to come out from a bottle that was made months ago. It was tasteless and had no fruit. I don't know why this place has four stars. Oh ya parking sucks
(1)
laura W.

+ -Escargot in garlicky buttery delight -Ox tail so tender and right -truffles so delicious and rich, it may be your fav of the night - -goat cheese empanadas aren't bad but don't excite -the seafood paella peppers need more to ignite (your taste buds) -s
(3)
Ambrose C.

This is one of the nearest restaurants to my apartment and I really wanted to eat here but I needed to find the right timing and right situation to do it. I took someone that I knew and haven't spoken to in a while to this place so we could catch up. Initially our plan was to eat at some seafood restaurant at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Instead, we decided to do something different at the last minute. I asked her if she wanted to eat some Spanish tapas, and she was open to the idea. We went on a Tuesday night, when it was moderately busy. We ordered a bunch of tapas and medium dishes. Here is what we ordered: Patatas Bravas - Fried potato cubes with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli. Calamares Fritos - Fried Calamari with a sauce supposedly from Andalucia, which is a region in Southern Spain. Fideos con mariscos - This is a linguine pasta dish with two pieces of mussels and some various seafood like calamari and salmon. It is doused in a white wine sauce. Solomillo - This is a small filet mignon steak served in a red wine sauce and mushrooms. Comes with some fries. Confit de Pato - This is a roasted duck leg served over braised red cabbage and apples. AtÃºn salteado - Pan seared yellow fin tuna over mixed beans with a dijon aioli sauce. The bread was okay, but was really tasty, thanks to the hummus spread. It was also a great scrubber for leftover sauce on the tapas dishes. The tuna dish was decent, liked the sauce and the mixed beans. The filet mignon was also decently good. Nice and juicy, but I thought they put in too much sauce. The fries were very ordinary fries, but had that that crispiness and softness that make fries addicting to eat. The linguine was pretty tasty, liked the creaminess of the sauce and I think I could taste the freshness of the cooked mussels. The Patatas Bravas were soft and chewy and lacked the crispiness on the outside. However, I loved the spiced tomato sauce mixed with the garlic aioli and that made the potatoes tastier and almost addicting to eat. The roasted duck was probably one of the best duck meats I have eaten in my life. The meat was juicy, not dry and delicious. The red cabbage served as a great garnish for the duck. The calamari was excellent. Nice and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making easy, not rough to chew. Service was decent, the lady who served us was really nice and pretty cute. The food came in pretty quick for a sit down restaurant. The seats were really comfortable and I liked the Spanish atmosphere and decor. My companion really liked the style of the food and atmosphere and said to me that she was open to coming back here if they served brunch. She ordered an iced tea and thought it was good. She also said to me that it reminded her of Chinese dim sum, mainly due to the fact that dim sum and tapas are served in small plates. Overall I thought I had a great and delicious dinner without having to go far from my apartment and I would not mind coming back here again. I believe this place is another great choice to get some tasty Spanish tapas in Boston.
(4)
Danie R.

Maybe it's just what we ordered, but I wasn't too impressed with what we got. Goat cheese tomato sauce thing was literally a teaspoon of goat cheese. The portobello mushroom thing was cold and dried out. I did enjoy their mussels and the bacalao croquettes though. I tried my friends garlic shrimp and the garlic sauce was amazing.. But the shrimp didn't retain any of that flavor. It was almost as if they made the sauce and then threw in some shrimp right before they came to the table. Weird. The service was good though. Not overbearing but very nice and relatively quick for a busy Sunday night
(3)
Mai L.

Disappointing. I've been here a few times but my most recent visit was a letdown. Food seems to have gone downhill. We order 6 small dishes and 3 main entrees. Portions were ridiculously small, even for tapas standard. Everything we ordered was bland or overcooked. The lamb ossobucco was supposed to be "fall off the bones" tender but it was dry, looked and tasted like it's been sitting out the whole day. The only good dish was the garlic shrimp, love that stuff! The only slight snag with that was the garlic was way overcooked, it was black. Red Sangria tasted yummy though it was probably 95% fruit juice (which I don't mind). Our server was MIA. The owner/manager checked up on us a few times to see if our server had gotten to us yet...you know there's a problem when that happens. Sadly, our whole experience was an overpriced letdown. Especially disappointing since we were celebrating my friend's birthday. Sorry, but we will not be returning to Tasca unless there was a groupon and I would only be ordering the garlic shrimp.
(2)
Jenny T.

Came here after recommended by a friend and was very disappointed with the food. They have $10 sangria pitchers on certain nights, but don't waste your money. It is watered down to a point that it tastes more like water. We had 8 people and ordered about 2-3 small tapas plates each. Hope you are not super hungry but we ended up going next door for a second dinner after paying the $200 bill. I have been here many years ago and this place has really declined.
(1)
Leandra F.

I would have given this place 4 stars after my first visit but after the second I won't be going back. I've realized it's very hit-or-miss based on what you get and even based on the day you go. The first time I went, the snails were AMAZING and the second time they were gross. A few other dishes were quite good and worth the price but overall I think the quality is lacking and you don't get what you pay for.
(2)
Michelle S.

This is a solid tapas restaurant. That being said, there are better options in the Boston area. Here is a huge plus: The atmosphere is very cozy, and I am especially a fan of nights when they have a gentleman playing the Spanish guitar. So awesome! I would come just for that and a few tapas. Great for a winter night! However, I find that the garnish (usually just tomatoes) overwhelm some of the tapas dishes. For example, watch out for boquerones. Lotsa tomata! On a positive note, here are some of my favorite dishes that I would recommend: Patatas Bravas, Pulpo a la Gallega, and Gambas al Ajillo. In conclusion, give it a try but then try some of the other amazing tapas restaurants in the area (Estragon and Solea are 2 of my favorites!)
(3)
robin b.

Definitely do not go here on a Saturday night. Although we had a res. our table was in direct line of the door , which was frequently left open to the New England air. We ordered 5 tapas, all were delivered within a five minute period . This left no room at all on the table. People kept coming by and bumping the plates that were hanging off the edge. Several items were delivered cool but should have been hot. Also the table was sticky.
(1)
Adriana T.

Tasca has always been consistent over the years. Actually the food is getting better and better not that it has ever been bad. It's a very nice place with reasonable prices. It has a very young vibe and it's very friendly. The staff is very friendly and the hostess is super attentive-good job guys! Keep up the good work!!!
(5)
Ridhima S.

Made a reservation for a group of 6 and was not disappointed. We were seated upon entry (which was nice because the place was overflowing with people). The sangria was good, not as amazing as some other Yelpers have described it, but nothing to complain about. We ordered 12 Tapas for the 6 of us (which turned out to be a little too much). Definitely try the goat cheese empanadas (27 on the menu) and garlic shrimp (14)- both delicious!! My friends really enjoyed the escargot (22) and mussels (30) they ordered. Patatas bravas (17) are always a good choice but the rest of the tapas were unmemorable (8, 13, 25, 29, 32). They got one of the tapas we ordered mixed up but were good about taking it off the bill.
(4)
Mal S.

A true 4.5. This place has a nice romantic ambiance. Soft spanish guitar in the background. We had the israeli cous cous/vegetable dish, Mediterranean vegetable dish, short rib special with pasta, short rib plate, pork dish, and some wine and sangria. Everything was delicious. The only thing i didnt care for was the short rib special with pasta. Reasonable priced and great service. Valet parking is $6 but dont even think about driving your car and finding parking around these parts.
(4)
Sara C.

Came to Tasca with a large group for dinner and had the luxury to sample a vast variety of their tapas. Of them I'd recommend the Carne Tartare, Gambas al Ajillo, Salmon Ahumado, and grilled Brie plate. The gazpacho I could take or leave, along with the potato salad. The atmosphere is great for both groups and an intimate dinner. Romantic Spanish inspired decor, dark, cozy and charming, and at approximately $6 per tapa the prove is right.
(4)
Kau'i B.

Tasca has become the go to neighborhood dinner spot for the BF and I. We come here at least once a month and have tried nearly all of the tapas, 90% of which are delicious. I don't care for the red pepper spread they bring with the bread, but I love the olives and my BF is the opposite so everyone's happy. They have a pretty good wine list and have some good ones for under $20 a bottle. Extra bonus: it's just a block away from Whole Foods so you can do some grocery shopping after dinner.
(5)
Eric M.

One of the best Tapas restaurants in Boston. This restaurant stays under the radar for the most part since it is in Brighton and not in downtown Boston. Everything on the menu is delicious and the sangria, which is made in-house is fantastic. They have frequent tapas and sangria tastings if you sign-up for the mailing list. The prices are very reasonable the wait is never too bad. They offer valet parking service since it is nearly impossible to park on that section of Comm Ave.
(5)
Mary L.

I have been to Tasca many times with my boyfriend and also larger groups, and the food and drinks are always tasty and very reasonably priced. The hostess is always very friendly and is pretty accurate with the wait time if it's a busy night. A few of the tapas can be hit or miss, most notably the beef short rib- either delicious with meat falling off the bone, or just kind of chewy. Sometimes the sangria is stronger than the last time we came (or was I pre-gaming too hard......?!) I also wish they changed up the menu a bit more, maybe by adding some special tapas every week that are different from the main menu. But overall, for the great prices, email offers (join their mailing list) and good service, I keep coming back and telling my friends about it.
(4)
Carrianne C.

My boyfriend and I made it out here tonight for a semi-celebratory dinner. I love tapas-style dining so I was excited to try it out.. Unfortunately, this place fell a little flat for me. The major plus was that I had an enormous glass of a delicious red wine that was just what I wanted. However, we got 4 or 5 tapas that really just didn't do it for me. I know everyone says the goat cheese empanadas are good, but I didn't think they were anything too special. The tuna was sliced pretty thick, and I didn't even really like the salmon dish. I prefer staying in the city for tapas- maybe if you live outside of Boston and aren't feeling the trek into the city, this place could be a nice compromise. But honestly in Boston there are many better, equally priced tapas options.
(2)
Andrea M.

Not sure why people love this place so much. I went in here a few weeks ago since there are no other actual restaurants in Brighton, i thought I'd give it a try. We waited a while, despite having a reservation. The tapas were mediocre, service was nonexistent, and the ambiance was dingy. There weren't necessarily problems with any of the items we ordered, but nothing really stood out. Sangria was eh. No real reason to return.
(2)
Patrick D.

Tasca is a decent place to get some quick tapas if you're from the Allston/Brookline/Brighton area and don't want to go all the way into the city. My date and I had a pretty diverse sampling from the tapas menu and we were a bit underwhelmed. We started off with the rare tuna, which was alright, the salsa was the best part and there wasn't really enough tuna on there to get a great idea of the flavor, or maybe it was just that the tuna wasn't that fresh. Sort of walks the line between small plates and not worth it. Next, we had the escargots in garlic butter sauce which was really good, definitely recommended. Continuing our winning streak, we got the goat cheese, eggplant, pesto and veggies stack which might have been the best thing we ordered all night. Next up on the list was the petit filet mignon, which was good, not great. A little dry and lacking some flavor, not to mention a bit overcooked. The biggest disappointment of the night was the angel hair pasta with mussels, calamari, shrimp and littlenecks. It's baked, so it came out very dry, the calamari was overcooked and tough and the entire plate was just bland as could be. The menu says "garlic lobster broth" but it seemed like that part was skipped entirely. For our last (sixth) dish, we had the pan-sauteed sweetbreads which was really good and one of the biggest dishes, would definitely recommend it. As for the restaurant experience, the interior is very old-world Spanish which was nice, but the service wasn't anything to rave about. The hostess sat us right next to another party even though the restaurant was completely empty, which was awkward, and we had to ask for new plates after we filled ours up with seafood shells. Overall, if you want to do tapas as an event, go elsewhere, but to get some diverse food with friends on the (fairly) cheap, this is a decent, convenient option.
(2)
Nandanie S.

Amazing tapas and sangria. This was were I had sangria for the very first time, and I enjoyed it. My favorite tapas here are the croquetas, potato salad, garlic shrimp, and the omelette. Definitely join their mailing list, and you will get monthly coupons and deals. Try to get there early on Thurs - Sat nights if you don't want to wait too long. It gets busy very quickly. Enjoy!
(5)
Pamela P.

Great tapas - affordable. Draws a college crowd. Valet parking. Sign up for email deals and discounts. Recommend the shrimp, the meatballs, and the goat cheese empenadas - so good. Love Tasca!
(4)
Mallory S.

Great food again! Service was a little spotty but they were busy. We ordered: Goat Cheese Empanadillas Short ribs/mashed potatoes Salad Patatas Bravas Toast w/ Serrano Ham & Manchego Cheese and something else...??? Everything was delicious! And much larger plates than I had remembered. 6 tapas is too much for two people! Needless to say we didn't have dessert. Full pitcher of sangria ($19) + 6 tapas = $78 (including tax/tip). Tapas are between $5-$7 each. Only con: We had to wait for 15 minutes even with a reservation and we had a table that was on top of the a/c vent -- freezing!
(4)
Bobby C.

This has been one of my favorite tapas places over the years. I have taken many friends here to eat and catch up. They all love it. It can get a bit loud when it is busy, but I enjoy the atmosphere. For the longest time, Tasca had the best sangria. It's still great, but I found a place that is slightly better. I always save room for dessert when I go to Tasca. Make sure you get on their email list. They have specials going on all the time. Only drawback is the parking. There isn't too much street parking in that area/intersection. If you get there early enough for dinner, there are some parking spaces (across the street) diagonal to the building. You can always use the valet service too.
(5)
Emma W.

A surprisingly good restaurant for a vegetarian! We found at least 5 or 6 veggie tapas dishes to choose between us. Favorites included the roast portobellos and the pisto manchego- loads of veggies on a chickpea bread. Vegans be warned though, most of the vegetarian options relied heavily on cheese. The desserts all looked fantastic and very rich. We left with extremely full bellies and the wallet damage was not too terrible! Edited to add: parking isn't great. On street is scant and they charge for valet ($6 I think, we walked to the restaurant). Next door neighbor Bamboo Thai lets you park for free in the Whole Foods lot which would be a nice thing for Tasca to do.
(4)
Kay B.

I went to Tasca last night, for what seemed like the 100th time. I went with my sister who is gluten free, they have a separate menu for that, which has TONS of options. I highly recommend the brie with apple chutney or the sizzling shrimp. If you are looking for a drink I would definitely try their house red sangria, it's delish! Any time I have ever had a problem, the staff and owner (Dan) has been so accommodating and rectifies the situation so quickly.
(5)
A B.

Mmmm....very tasty! I can't remember everything we got....but I loved the garlic shrimp and the sangria was pretty good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Grace P.

I love this place! The food and sangria are awesome, and the price is right. Great range of tapas to choose from, and if you get on their email list you'll get discounts and alerted to specials. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant!!
(5)
Jeff M.

Tasca's menu features an authentic tapas menu. The taste of the dishes is not so authentic. The crowd is young and the menu is cheap and cheerful. I would saying Tasca is not worth going out of your way to get to.
(2)
Traci K.

Alright, kids - leave your large bags at home and keep your elbows in. Tasca, while a lovely establishment, leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to table space and proximity. Don't get me wrong, close quarters creates a lovely, romantic atmosphere but when I can clearly hear the conversations of the six tables around me (not to mention that mouth-breather in the corner) maybe I'd like a little more space. The sangria is tasty and goes down easy (maybe a little too easy?) and the food is delightful. I had only ever ordered from the tapas menu, but during my most recent visit, my dining companion and I ordered one three-courser off the stimulus menu ($16 for 3-delicious courses) and a few tapas. My favorite tapas? The solomio (braised short rib with a heavenly mound of mashed potato). The calamari (a huge pile of crispy fried calamari with a tasty aioli on the side). The black bean crab cake with a spicy fresh tomato salsa. As for the stimulus menu - it seems to be ever-changing (which is all the more reason to be on Tasca's e-mail list - random coupons and weekly deals? Awesome.). We had the mixed green salad with pears, blue cheese and hazelnut dressing (yum). For the main, we split the pork tenderloin with grilled artichokes and roasted red potatoes. The pork was cooked perfectly and had this amazingly delicious (slightly sweet) glaze. The grilled chokes? Heaven. The roasted potatoes were just fine - nothing spectacular. The real stunner of the evening? The banana-nut bread pudding. That's the real deal. All in all, I do love Tasca. It's good food, decent prices and just fancy enough for me to feel classy.
(4)
Matt R.

Not bad food, but some of the worst customer service I've ever seen. We had guests in from out of town and the gave our table up twice. The waitress didn't seem to care even though she knew she was wrong. All she did was oops.
(1)
Mitch Q.

Cheap decent food. Local hangout for college students. I got 5 tapas. Don't specifically recall their names...duck leg, pepper stuffed with seafood, smoked salmon etc. decent food. nothing really exciting.
(3)
Janine K.

Tasca is such a fun place! They have the best sangria around and great tapas. My favorite is the mussels . They also have a lot of fun entertainment and deals if you get on their mailing list!
(4)
Melissa M.

Romantic atmosphere, albeit a little bit loud and a tad crowded. But, the best Gazpacho I've ever had. A tapas menu 31 items long, plus an entree menu and really personalized, warm, friendly service equals an excellent dinner out. We didn't have to wait at 8pm on a Friday night and were back home 80 minutes later. Excellente!
(4)
Jennifer T.

We've been here twice, and there is quite a variety of tapas to choose from. Their garlic shrimp and a beef sirloin with fritas was very tasty, but felt we had to ORDER alot of dishes before we got full...the bill racked up really quickly, thank goodness we had a gift certificate though! The service was so-so, decent enough, but they werent the most prompt at returning to check up on things. Another downside is that we had reservations, but some of our party wasnt there yet, so they had us standing there for close to an hour in the cramped entrance way, rather than just letting us sit at our table. also - the reason our party was so late was because it can be hard to find parking in the area.
(3)
Brian S.

I'm very sad to say the overall Yelp rating (4 stars) of this restaurant is seriously inflated. The quality of food at Tasca has undergone a major decline over the last few years. I used to go regularly and take my friends and family. However, since around 2009-2010, something has changed and the food now lacks appeal. This is sad because it was once one of my favorite places to go in Boston. I have still gone a couple times in the last two years in hopes that the food has improved or that I just had a bad night, but each time I have been disappointed. I could list off several of my old favorites (albondigas, solomillo, gambas al ajillo) but they are no longer the gems they once were. It's actually a very tragic thing to order one of your favorite foods, only to find it has become terrible and tasteless, and maybe even a bit gross. All that being said, there are several things about Tasca which are still great. One of them is my favorite dessert, the pastel vasco. The other is the atmosphere (but not the chairs). The third would be the great deals they run on a constant basis...which coincidentally started right around the time the quality of the food started to decline. Makes you wonder.
(2)
Rachel C.

Been here multiple times and tried SO hard to like it. Cheap menu, tasteless tapas. You get what you pay for I guess. Dont even get the sangria as tempting as it is. Its all juice and you catch yourself buying multiple pitchers of it just to try and get a buzz. Also, my girlfriend tried to surprise me with a cake there once for my birthday and they started talking about how they would try to find the cake right in front of me!!! On top of that.......it was an ice cream cake and they obviously just kept it in the kitchen so it was completely melted when they brought it out to us. We spoke to one of the owners at the end of the night and he seemed to not care at all. I'm done trying to like this place forever.
(1)
TszHang T.

One of the best affordable restaurants in Brighton area!!! Small ambient restaurant with lots of tapas to try out. Among the tapas I have tried, my favorite would be "Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego" #8. Although their entrees and bread are not exceptional, they offer a $18 three-course-menu once a while which is ridiculously cheap! As a Brighton resident, I will plan to go back once a while so that I can try out more of their tapas! Highly recommended. Note: If Yelp has a feature to vote for the best dishes of a restaurant, it will be even better cause I don't need to go through so many reviews to spot out the dishes people recommend in the review :)
(5)
Ella R.

Started coming here about 10 years ago. Haven't been here in a while, and was very surprised at how different the food got. The ambiance didn't help either - it is very tight unless you get a booth, the table wobbled, the restaurant was very hot and therefore uncomfortable (we did ask to turn the heat down or something, they did and we felt the difference, but after about 20-30 minutes, it started to get hot again). The dishes we usually ordered got much worse and the new ones we decided to try were not delicious and well prepared. Sangria was good, but the soda came totally flat and warm, with barely any ice. Here's what we ordered: 1. Potatoes with tomato sauce and garlic aioli - used to be great, the sauces were combined I am guessing, but now they are separated. I still liked the garlic half, but the tomato one was not good. My husband didn't like the garlic one either, but I thought it was still ok. 2. Portabello mushroom in sherry glaze - used to be great, with a dash of cream. Years ago they started adding a lot more cream and today it was just overboard. 3. Sizzling shrimp and garlic - still good 4. Goat cheese empanadas with peppers - empanadas are good but not a fan of peppers, but if you like cinnamon in savory dishes, you may like it 5. Smoked salmon dish - 1st time trying it, the salmon had the brown part all over it, and I expect better cut/quality of salmon in a restaurant. Also, the pancake under the salmon was bland and the texture was disgusting 6. Jamon Serrano and Monchego - used to be great, now the quality of the ham definitely went down, was very dry and felt/tasted like paper and parts of it were cut thicker than they should be 7. Muscles - didn't like the taste that much (floral flavor, probably from the wine they use), but even worse, they were really overcooked 8. Salt cod fritters - 1st time trying it and they were nothing special We will definitely not be going back.
(2)
Kelsey F.

I remembered Tasca being a fabulous tapas restaurant so when I saw a bloomspot deal I jumped right on it. We went on a Saturday night and made a reservation. We got a nice little booth in the back corner for the 2 of us. The atmosphere is dim, cozy, and definitely has a spanish feel. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria which was pretty good. It had a strong red wine taste and was served with fresh apples in it. The waitress brought bread over right away. It came with a plate of evoo and olives and then a decious hummus - always a treat! We decided on 4 different tapas. Each one was amazing! The warm goat cheese over tomatoes was to die for. It was served with 2 pieces of toasted bread - kind of like a bruschetta. The portabello plate was served with shaved manchego cheese and a sherry vinagarette - yummmy! The chicken and chorizo skewers were really good too. It came with 2 and they were sitting in a chili sauce that was just the right combo of sweet and spicy - and not too spicy. Last we went for one of the specials. It was a mixture of meats served in a tomatoe sauce with white beans - also really good! For once we had room for dessert and decided to splurge. Went for the cookie ice cream filled crepe. It was good but nothing special. I was picturing it to be warm on the outside with the iceream in the middle. It more or less tasted like they just took it out of the freezer though - a bit dissappointing. Tasca is a fantastic tapas restaurant with a really intimate and authentic atmosphere. I'll definitely be back! Oh and with my coupon our bill only came to $25!!
(4)
Vy T.

Food was ok. None of the dishes were memorable. Service was quite slow but staff is friendly.
(3)
Keith O.

Yikes! At the urging of a friend, made a reservation for a Thursday night online. They don't use OpenTable, but some other sort of hybrid online reservation system. Arrived on time with a complete party and the front door area was chaos. It appears it was the hostesses first night, through no fault of her own, she was totally clueless. It was like Legally Blonde, with the sing song voice, lots of ums and uhs and the her voice would just trail off. Reservations appeared to be hand written on multiple scraps of paper which she kept staring at intently as though all the tables she needed for the waiting guests were on the page. Seeing she was a lost cause, I made my way to the bar. When I asked the bartender if a manger was on duty, he said he hoped so. Realizing I wasn't making a joke, he told me that she had straight black hair and her name was Anna. Inquiring with a server if they had perhaps seen Anna (as her hostess was going down in flames at the front door) and that's when they told me that "she may have left to make a delivery" I gave my party the high sign that this was an expensive disaster in the making and we quickly high tailed it outta there. I hope the 4 parties that the hostess had quoted "um, like about 10 minutes" while I was watching her got to eat before midnight.
(1)
Khiem T.

I love Tasca! I went there with 3 other people yet again, and there was live music. They also offered holiday discount, so we got 25% off our entire bill. I love Tasca for what it is. Everything is always so fresh and delicious. The place and the music were so authentic. I am definitely coming here again very soon!
(5)
Martin M.

Cozy, but crowded, Romatic but a little loud. Food is good and prices are reasonable. Sometimes you could get stuck with a bad seat though. Has valet parking which helps in this area. The Tapas menu is really fun. Sangria kind of sucks. If you need a place to bring a first or second date I could see this being a good spot. I'm giving it a four because I've left happy every time.
(4)
Marelle C.

The wait was longer than quoted and it was packed on Friday night so make a reservation! We had the sangria (delicious), mushrooms on toast, calimari, chicken and chorizo, goat cheese empanadas and tuna with mango salsa. I thought the tuna was a little fishy, however the salsa was great.
(4)
Stel B.

Dear Tasca, I am so thankful that you are around. In an area where there just not many great restaurants (don't worry Bamboo, I like you too), where you could easily feel bored and annoyed at the lack of options, there you are Tasca, in all your Spanish charm. Your door is a portal to the Iberian peninsula, your walls are the stucco of a villa on its coast, and your music is the lullaby only classical guitars could spin. Thank you for your sangria and gambas at night, and for the duck hash eggs bene in the morning. Tasca, te amo.
(4)
A C.

A friend took me here for dinner and I was impressed with their food. We sampled several small dishes and split an entree. If I go back, I would definitely sample more of the little appetizer dishes. It was so much fun to try new food and all of them were good. The waitress was very friendly and patience with us. The food came out fast and hot.
(4)
Bree F.

Love the food here! I have been looking for a good spanish restaurant and I finally found it! This places food takes you on a journey to spain. It is a very romantic place. I went with my fiance and the light where dimmed and we had little candles on the table very cute! the food was delicious and the portions where just right! would recommend it!
(5)
Vivian L.

This place wasn't bad - very small, but comfortable. The waiters were considerate and brought the food out in a timely manner. As for the food itself - everything was fairly nice, but not mind-blowing. Some interesting choices, such as the chilled tuna with black beans in mango sauce, along with your staple favourites like mussels and oysters. Their three appetizers weren't very amazing, but I'll chock it up to being appetizers. Portions were nice for a tapas place. The waiter didn't know what teas they had when I asked them and ended up bringing a selection out for me to look at (there were only three teas there, so I'm not sure why he didn't know...) Overall, an alright experience, but definitely not a place I would continually visit (mainly due to distance from my home on the MIT campus).
(3)
Alark J.

So we decided that why not try out this tapas place in Brighton. It was a special occasion and so we ventured to this spanish restaurant. It was a weekend and so we were expecting to wait for atleast 30 mins. Luckily for us when we got there, there was no wait for some reason and we got a table right away. Important tip: Use the valet parking thats available for $6. The service is fantastic. I had never asked for a valet parking before that cos I thought it was a bit of a unnecessary expense, but here its almost mandatory. There's a whole food store nearby, dont even think about parking there. Your car will be towed. I know a few people who live in that area and they've told me horror stories of friends' cars being towed. Anyway, coming to the ambience. The place was PACKED. I felt like I was sitting in a restaurant in New York City. They had packed in tables wherever possible. I was literally sitting inches next to a group of people who obviously loved to talk loudly and believed that yelling forcefully was a way to enforce their point. We ordered food and a pitcher of sangria. The sangria was not very good. It was passable at best. The dinner, though very reasonable and filling was missing something. The food was up there but not the 'wow' kind. I really enjoyed the Quiche, so be sure to get it. The meat dishes were a gamble and some were better than the others. The vegetarian dishes too were ok and the eggplant skewers could have been cooked a bit more. All and all, its a good place but be prepared to be surrounded by commotion. We found that the restaurant had significantly emptied out by 9:15pm, so go there around that time on a weekend if you must :)
(3)
s c.

Returned tonight for it's $18 appetite stimulus menu. Hubby's bday so valet parking was free, and we get a $10 discount too! Appetizers were good, and we both had the steak filet which was quite good. Too much mashed potato on plates, but you don't have to finish it. Flan was really good, but the cheesecake was too flat - still like a cheese pie. Like the ambiance and the Spanish guitarist. People were really friendly and service very good. Take off 1 star for the flat cheesecake and the watery decaf. Will return to try more tapas.
(4)
Nadia K.

My favorite part of going to a tapas restaurant is the sangria, we ordered a pitcher for the two of us and it was so watered down and weak neither of us were at all buzzed at the end of it... the flavor definitely left something to be desired as well, and the fruit was still frozen in the middle- if you are going to water down the sangria with ice as it is then you don't need to freeze the fruit. We ordered the Patatas Bravas, Albondigas, Setas al jerez and a tuna dish. To me patatas bravas should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside- these more resembled home fries that had been sitting on the plate for a little too long, the crispy was gone. They try to cover this with a tasty sauce, but it doesn't work. The flavors are good, the presentation is poor. The Albondigas were good, not special. The best dish we had was the Setas al jerez- a very rich creamy mushroom sauce with crispy bread slices. The tuna dish was very refreshing, not at all fishy- I would order it again but I've still had much better. The hostess was pretty lame- she sat us right next to the kitchen door when there were many open tables closer to the walls and much more pleasant to eat at- we asked to be moved, she didn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed. Waiter was very good, always around when you wanted him but not over crowding the small walkway between our table and the others. Overall, I'd go again with friends, but it wouldn't be my choice.
(2)
B M.

I think this should be a 3.5 but I rounded up. PROs: Tasca is a great neighborhood staple, especially in a neighborhood that doesn't have many good restaurants for people who are older than 22. I love the creativity of the tapas and it's well priced. I go here regularly and take out-of-town guests here. There's a lamb dish that is especially yummy. CONs: The sangria is meh (people seem to like it but if you've had good sangria then you will be underwhelmed). The paella is not authentic. There should be a crispy layer at the bottom and there isn't . It's like they made tasty rice with seafood, put in the right spices then threw in in a paella pan right before serving.
(4)
Carrie O.

This is probably the best restaurant in the Brighton area. It's cheap, the tapas are delicious, and the sangria... well, it's impossible to stop at just one glass. It's true, if you go on a weekend, be prepared for a long wait. But relax. Get yourself a pitcher of sangria, and enjoy the atmosphere. Whenever I have friends visiting Boston I take them here. And we have never left disappointed. Also, a great first date spot -- just go on a weeknight!
(5)
Janine A.

The best paella and sangria I've ever had in Boston. Delicious escargo. If you're looking for GOOD t apas this is the place.
(4)
Melody A.

I went here with my friend and was impressed. The interior is very dim, but homey, we sat in a big booth. It would be good for a date, (although I'm not sure whether they would seat only two people in a booth.The food and sangria were very good. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Sara M.

I had forgotten what a gem this restaurant is! I re-visited it for the first time in years and now will be returning whenever I crave some Spanish food or sangria. And speaking of the sangria... this is one of the few places that does it right. I'm sick of the sugary-sweet sangria served in other tapas bars. This one is fruity and smooth with an emphasis on the red wine rather than the sugar used to sweeten it. The Setas Ronan tapa (salad-based) was incredible- I could have made a meal out of that. The tortilla espanola was bland but made better with a little salt. The patatas bravas were plentiful and probably were not something I'd order again. They were bland except for the sauce on top...and after a few bites of that sauce I had had enough. The mussels in saffron broth were great. For dessert, their tarta de chocolate was like a piece of dark-chocolate fudge. Heavenly! I should also mention that the atmosphere is cozy and comfortable even though it can get crowded; we never felt rushed. I really want to try their Sunday prix-fixed menu, and once it gets warm out I'll be returning specifically for that sangria! For the price I don't think you can beat this place. For four tapas, one 1/2 pitcher of sangria, and one dessert, it came to $50 including tip (and the food ordered was more than enough for my friend and me).
(4)
Jessica B.

Really good Sangria and weekly specials. It's a cute and quaint place. But gets crowded on the weekends.
(4)
Sean F.

Love this place. Not only do the tapas allow an infinite combination of options, but the entrees are succulent. The stimulus menu allows for a discounted taste of some of the best options this place has to offer. The goat cheese empanadas = awesome. Braised short ribs = amazing. meatballs = soo good. seared ahi tuna = to die for. Creme brulee!
(5)
Christina O.

My first time at Tasca last night and they did not disappoint, at least with their tapas. We ordered the seared tuna, meatballs, duck on red cabbage (omg!), mussels, goat cheese empanadas, and a pitcher of the sangria. It was difficult for us to order so we had to suggest one and 1up that one for something better. Pretty much everything on their menu reads delicious. My least favorite was probably the goat cheese empanadas just because I'm not a huge fan of goat cheese, but it was still yumm. My favorite had to be the duck with the red cabbage -- flavor was sweet and duck was moist. The few downsides of my experience were that we had to wait about 25 minutes for a party of 3. It's easiest to go with a party of two because most of these parties were able to sit almost right away. If the bar's open, you're free to have a drink and wait there as well. (Huge wine selection!) The bartender was very friendly and courteous, and it's just too bad I can't say the same for our server. She was very unattentive, at least to our table. I just let it slide assuming she was busy since the restaurant was packed. Another bonus is that they hand out survey cards at the end of the meal with your check. Join their e-mail list for their specials and on the month of your birthday, they give you a $10 off coupon! (And I think free dessert too) As for the reviews that state it's not authentic tapas, I can't really say one way or the other. All I know is that it tasted like heaven in my mouth and I left happy. Mmm!
(4)
Matt A.

It seems to me like it would be difficult to "screw up" tapas. Disappointed by some menu item, say, pork? Order something diametrically opposed, say, goat cheese. Unless the restaurant is across-the-board awful, the dishes are (usually) cheap enough and (usually) plentiful enough that something's going to stick after a few rounds of experimentation. It's a culinary game of darts, yo. Tasca's bullseye is easier to hit than a couple places I've been to, although there are a couple other factors bringing it down to just an above-average recommendation (which would be 3 1/2 stars--when, oh when, do we get to use half-stars in our ratings, Yelp?!) I found the zing-less sangria about par for the course (and the glasses were too small); a good palate-cleanser, nothing more. The waiter was very quick to refill our glasses of water, however, and in general was speedy and accurate in dealing with a party of five on a Saturday night. On to dishes: the chorizo was skimpy on the actual sausage, but nonetheless had a bold flavor that permeated even the tomatoes in the stew (watch me use big culinary verbs!). Two potato products were quite edible, the quiche-like slice of pie moreso than the dish of dressed-up home fries (watch me NOT use the Spanish names for any of these, as j'etudiÃ© franÃ§ais dans la lycee! Zut!) Pork tenderloin was a little tougher than I wanted, but the gravy was nice and savory. My veggie-oriented girlfriend tells me those goat cheese empanadas are a good night out, although we may have both liked the bread better: warm and soft, with this orange-colored butter that was smooth and spreadable. The hands-down winner for me had to be the sizzling shrimp, a scampi-like skillet with big flecks of garlic in the bottom of its tiny little pan. That delicious item, at $7.50, was the most expensive of everything we had, and had we been splitting this five ways (one person paid), I'll wager we'd all have escaped with our wallets intact. Hooray. About the biggest negative would have to be the lighting, which is great if you're bringing a particularly ugly date out, but is not otherwise too conducive to either conversation or dish identification. There are some stairs leading to the dining area that could very well cause an accident in either direction with lighting this dim. And this was well before 7 P.M. There's a difference between "romantic" and "behind on the electric bill", Tasca. So, yeah. I wouldn't turn down another visit at all, but neither am I jumping up and down to throw darts at this specific board again. That's why I'm a poker man. I don't know where that metaphor was going, but I'm glad I stomped on it before it crawled under the refrigerator.
(3)
Dude R.

Tasco is alright. Not my favorite. Our party of five was seated at a booth that would've been cozy for four. Can't we sit at the three open tables for six? "Oh, other large parties have reservations for later." Apparently not until after we were finished eating, though; no one was seated there during our entire stay. The food was good, but not amazing. The service was minimally attentive; nothing special, and certainly not warm. And the sangria had some odd bitter aftertaste that made it hard to drink. How do you screw up sangria?
(2)
Matt E.

This place is a hidden treat out in the dominance of apartment buildings and cheap slice holes of B-line Brighton. However, while its not straight-up ethnic Spanish food, nor authentic Spanish interior, its good enough as an American-Spanish tapas bar that such potential criticisms quickly fall by the wayside. Recalling my own time in Spain, I was eager yet open-minded about what to find here, and my high expectations were not disappointed. For those unfamiliar with Spanish food it's a gentle but faithful enough introduction who can try Jamon Serrano (Southern Spain style Ham), or Spanish tortilla (which is a puffy omelot more potato-y than eggy) Those more familiar will be drawn back by croquettes, seafood, and various stews. Of the 5 tapas dishes I had, shared between two people, two of them were great, two were good, and one was alright. I remember finding the croquettes especially delicious as well as an item with lentils. The benefit of tapas is obviously since they are small you can order and bunch and sort of pick and choose with your partner. I'd recommend picking a couple items you think you'd really like and then a couple that seem potentially good but exotic. There are straight up one-person plates too if you wish to go that route. And the ever so important sangria is pretty damn yummy. The Spanish eating experience is a very different social and dining experience and this a recreating of that per se. But that doesn't mean it doesn't succeed on its own merits. It's better than Dali's in taste and cost, fun, exciting, efficient service, fair pricing and again overall solid food. Conveniently in a location where one can find parking away from the mayhem of back bay or downtown and while the outer area won't do much for you, unless you live within walking distance, once you're inside you'll be absorbed by the romantic interior.
(4)
adam b.

I left disappointed and will take my sangria and tapas dollars elsewhere.... My girlfriend and I each got the 3 course dinner prix fixe with a $5 pitcher of sangria. Service - very sluggish but friendly - one waiter and one busser were working their butts off while 2 others weren't really doing much beyond bs-ing with each other by the bar. Food - "hot" appetizers lacked flavor and were served to us luke warm at best. Entrees - the highlight of the meal was the mashed potatoes - the rest of the food served with the 2 entrees was meh. The stuffed chicken was a bit dry and served cold and pork lacked flavor and was also cold by the time it was served. The flan and bread pudding for desert were tasty but nothing really made either a "stand out". The sangria...for $5, I have no complaints.
(2)
Jake C.

Been there for over 5 years; but still remember, escargot, Croquetas de pollo , and used to have lobster lavioli. Better than the tapas bar on Newburry Street.
(5)
Julian W.

Tasca is great but can get loud. Try to sit up top in one of the few tables if you want to be in a quieter atmosphere. I love Tapas and they do them well. They bring out bread and this awesome pesto-basil spread before your food. Valet parking is kind of funny because they just park it in the Whole Foods lot (for $6). There is plenty of free parking on Commonwealth anyways. No reservations so be prepared to wait on busy nights.
(4)
Kim B.

Tapas tapas tapas!! On the outside, it looks mysterious, dark and interesting, but on the borderline of sketchy, which may just be due to the neighboring area. Walking in, it still is dark, but has a sexy, flirty, Spanish , like you really are in Spain vibe. It's very authentic, old , dark and completely loses the sketchy vibe you might once have felt. The environment is unique and I love it! They have nightly deals, and also really good email deals so make sure you sign up for their email list! At first, the menu is overwhelming. It's a place that it might be smart to look at the menu ahead of time to have an idea of where you want to start to order. Like hundreds of options. The group I went with was large so we got about 12 tapas... Which were all amazing. Each one was unique with fun flavor combinations. They had some delicious seafood and flatbread options. The best part of tasca? The sangria and fun drinks! The drinks come in mason jars which is always a perk. A very fun atmosphere with interesting food and drinks!
(4)
Judy N.

Went here for date night. We had a reservation but commonwealth ave was gridlocked and we were 20 minutes late for our reservation. I called in while we were in the car to let them know we would be a little late but they said they only hold reservations for ten minutes. What a shame. We ended up sitting at the bar while we waited for another table, so that wasn't too bad. Shared a half pitcher of sangria which was yummy and calamari which was decent We got seated at a very small table against a wall and cramped between tables so we couldn't move much. And the table was wobbly.. Not so romantic. The food here was ok, nothing wowed me. I was a little disappointed in the Creme brÃ»lÃ©e and the Patatas bravas, which i was waiting for the most. Service was nice though and ambiance was cute.
(3)
Le T.

Was pretty excited about this place! Took my sister out because I decided to take the day off work tomorrow due to the snow. We made reservations for 5pm. Turns out we were the first two to arrive. The manager took us to a tiny table in the corner, leaving all the booths vacant. That was not at all efficient. We ordered a lot of plates and the table was too cramped for us to eat comfortably. Although we got street parking because we were early, I can see it painful when it gets busy. As for the food, I had better tapas. The seafood paella was the worst dish we ordered. Way too salty and the portion is so small.. Not worth $20. Disappointed! Probably will not return =/
(2)
Jeffrey P.

Great food, great atmosphere. Highly recommended. Review too sort. Adding words. We ordered food. We ordered drinks. We ordered desserts. All very tasty. Service was great.
(5)
Gabriela S.

Interesting atmosphere. It felt like sitting in the Renaissance. The decor is definitely unique. Parking Boston is annoying as usual though they have valet for $6. The staff was friendly and efficient. The food is not the best quality. I know it's tapas but I thought the servings were even smaller than usuall for the price you pay. Best tapas were the croquettes. Worst was the albondigas. I thought they tasted like hotdogs. Wouldn't come here again on a regular night. But I read on yelp that there's a $5 tapas night. I'd go back for those prices.
(3)
Missy S.

What a gem. Had the pleasure of dining at Tasca tonight with an old friend. We started with a half pitcher of red sangria, which was perfectly light, sweet but not too sweet, refreshing, and had the make-your-cheeks-slightly-rosy-effect that is perfect for any season. Then a basket of tasty bread (the first of many) was delivered to the table with a red pepper hummus (hummus was fine, but nothing special), and we ordered the (in order of amazingness) mussels, duck confit (which were hands down the best two plates that we shared), and a mushroom in wine/cream sauce with phyllo dough, seared tuna, and shrimp in garlic olive oil. The food was really fantastic. The mussels were by far the best dish. They tasted fresh, were served in a perfect sauce that resembled a tangy, utterly fantastic, light tomato soup, with two large toast points. The serving of mussels is more generous than other portions, which I also appreciated. Next, the duck confit was scrumptious. It's served with a sweet cabbage (I think it was cabbage) and the duck is succulent, flavorful, and tender as expected. The balance of the sweet cabbage with the rich duck is wonderful. The mushroom plate was very rich, as it's thinly sliced mushrooms in a creamy wine sauce in between two thin layers of phyllo. This dish, especially conceptually,is not my favorite dish, as it's essentially great mushroom dip/gravy, uncreatively sandwiched between phyllo. Obviously, that tastes very good, but it wasn't substantive, I wanted more toast (which is how I believe this used to be served) and more mushrooms and less fatty dipping sauce. The shrimp wasn't special, but the garlicky olive oil they were served in was very tasty. And the seared tuna was too small to be worthwhile. Also, this dish was flavorful, the blackbean mango salsa on the plate is quite tasty, but really, it's three thin slices of fish and 3 tablespons of salsa. Not great value on this plate, especially compared with others. I can't wait to come back to Boston to visit and try some more dishes on the menu! Also, Eric was a fantastic waiter. The service was perfect. Attentive but not overbearing, and at 7pm on a Friday night, we were lucky not to have to wait!
(5)
Jennifer R.

This place is a hidden gem. I've lived in the neighborhood for about 8 years and have been going to Tasca for pretty much that length of time and always leave happy and full. The tapas are flavorful and delicious, and their e-mails send me great deals like $5 tapas and $10 sangria pitchers. The Sangria is a great combination of sweetness that offsets the savory, flavorful food! It's a great place for dates or a girls night with friends (that seems to be the majority of their clientele) and has a great, cozy atmosphere. They have a fantastic selection of hot and cold tapas (I highly recommend the moroccan chicken and the setas al jerez (mushrooms in cream sauce). If you're not into tapas, the osso bucco entree is savory and delicious, as are ALL of the paella dishes. The one drawback I've experienced is sometimes the menu items are inconsistent and taste different or are presented differently during different visits. I was disappointed one night when my moroccan chicken came to me flavorless and yellow as opposed to being a dance party in my mouth. I'm still in love with Tasca and love going at least monthly with my boyfriend for our favorite tapas and awesome Sangria!
(5)
Sarah J.

I've lived in Boston for 4 years and this is one of my favorite restaurants. It's delightful and romantic, perfect for a date or for a girl's night out. I would guesstimate around 1.5-2.5 tapas per chick. Safe to go with a few and then order more. My top four tapas are: #19 roasted duck (it literally falls off the bone), #14 sizzling shrimp, #29 grilled brie with apples, #32 pasta with shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams. They have this awesome hummus/garbanzo bean dip and bread basket for you to munch on while you're waiting. The tapas don't come all at once, but as they're cooked. Notes: -Limit for reservations is 10 people - $10 sangria pitchers! Also, a coupon if it's your birthday!! Either way, get on their email list (website). - There's street parking but it's harder at night when residents come back from work. There's always valet for $6. - Sundays 6-9PM guitar and lute live music - $5 Flamenco nights, reserve a month in advance before they sell out
(5)
Allan S.

We love tapas and have tried most of the top-rated tapas-rias in the area. Tasca is one of our favorite destinations. The cuisine is good, though not exceptional. The wait staff is friendly though not particularly attentive; long stretches go by without a server stopping at the table. Dessert was only so-so. But prices are quite reasonable and we have always managed to have a good time (especially after a few glasses of tinto.
(3)
Michael W.

We're Tasca fans. The atmosphere is romantic, the prices (and deals) are reasonable and the food is great. It's all served tapas style, and one of the things I love about the restaurant is that you can shop around the menu for multiple visits and still find something new and interesting, even years later. If you ask nicely, or get on their mailing list, they'll send you ridiculous bargains. Recently, we got a coupon for $5 valet service, plus $5 pitcher of sangria- a savings of $15. On certain nights, they host Flamenco dancers, and Spanish guitar, which is a real treat. I'd definitely recommend Tasca, it's been consistently good for years. One tip, parking is hard to find, so be prepared to valet, or take public transport.
(4)
Chenkai L.

After coming back here twice for their $5 tapa's night, I totally changed my mind about this place! If you are on their mailing list, you will get noticed when they have $5 tapa's night, which makes this place totally worth it! You can also get sangria for $10 per pitcher, limited to 1 pitcher per 2 people. Their sangria is generally very weak (most juice), but its only $10 per pitcher, a price that can't be beat. The 2 tapas that is AMAZING here are 'Sizzling shrimp in garlic with chili pepper' and 'Fried calamari with lemon and cocktail aioli'. Both are both very fresh and extremely tasty, definitely try these when you visit!
(4)
Lindsay M.

So I went here last night with my parents and we had a delicious meal. We each got 2 tapas and were shockingly full after them! We ordered: Los tres amigos Asado de cerdo ConfÃt de pato Costillas de ternera Croquetas de bacalao Fideos con mariscos All I can say is that the flavors were outstanding, the presentation was beautiful and the service was perfect. The atmosphere is casually romantic and there's also a small bar as well. Valet parking outside and they had a live guitarist playing! I will definitely come back because the food was just so outstanding (and at a great cost, too!)
(4)
Amy M.

Tasca is worth going for both the atmosphere and the creative tapas plates. You can choose either an intimate booth (for "date night") or a long table in the open-floor seating area. Despite the usual crowd, the vibe is friendly and welcoming. And for those of us who don't speak Spanish, the servers are super helpful, ready to give recommendations. Sangria here is my favorite in the area -- flavorful and strong, with enough glasses for a group, despite the inexpensive price tag. (None of those fruity cocktails that are over-priced cups of juice.) I wouldn't say the plates are as "authentic" as others like Barcelona Wine Bar, but the prices are definitely affordable for a full meal and drinks. Some creative options available, with changing weekly specials, plus plenty of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
(5)
Kacie M.

I no longer live in Boston, but in the two years between writing my original review and moving I ate many a meal at Tasca. It was the restaurant I always brought friends and out-of-town guests to and no one ever left disappointed. If I had to pick a favorite restaurant in the Boston area, it would be Tasca. The sangria is great, even for a non-wine drinker like me, though it's good to go on a night when it's cheaper. Which is why you should sign up for the mailing list: to find out about discounts and get a chance to win money odds your bill. As for recommendations on what to order, I've never been disappointed with anything. You really can't go wrong with the menu at Tasca.
(5)
Marlana Y.

Went here for dinner and it was amazing!!! Valet parking is $6 if you are not able to find it on the street on your own. We had a mix of tapas and entrees to share. All entrees takes 20 minutes to cook while the tapas take about 10 minutes. My favorite tapas are the mussels in tomato sauce - tastes sooo delicious that I wished I bought the sauce home. I loved the salty goodness. Another favorite is the fried calamari- it was cooked to perfection! My husband loved the sweetbreads which is really lamb's thymus/neck. Our waitress was very patient with us and an amazing server. We got the sangria red wine and it wasn't as strong as I thought ( which is great for my family because we don't think regularly but may suck for those who love drinking). Half a pitcher can fill 3 drinks and a pitcher can be for 6 people. At the end of night we got the dessert sampler and it was better than the birthday cake I bought for my brother! The dessert sampler had flan in the center with perfectly baked brownie pieces and ice cream surrounding it. It was prefect for sharing between my family of 7!
(4)
Sarah Yilan L.

Dinner here with friends, really nice atmosphere and yummy Spanish dishes! The paintings on the wall and the decoration inside is quite nice. We order duck leg for appetizer and the seafood with rice for entrÃ©e; they are great! And the desserts are delicious as well!
(4)
Abby R.

I like Tasca for tapas outside the city. That means it's less crowded and less expensive than most tapas places you'll find closer to Newbury street or the South End. I've been for the sangria tasting night which they have once in a while. $35 for 5-6 different sangrias (whole glasses mind you, and they refill) and generous tastes of 10 or more tapas. It's a nice leisurely night and well worth the price as I left drunker than I planned and fuller than I expected. Would definitely go again. I've also been for their normal menu and wasn't disappointed. They also usually have $10 sangria pitchers which is awesome. The staff has always been friendly and quick to refill as well. I've liked all the tapas I've tried, but some of the standouts are patatas bravas, serrano & manchego and the gazpacho. You can't really go wrong though, and the prices are somewhat expensive, but the portions are generous. In most cases, each tapas plate would serve 3-4, the only exceptions would be some of the meat-heavy tapas which are often served on a piece of bread and then often there are only 2 pieces of bread with meat, making it harder to split between more than 2 people. Will definitely be back again.
(4)
Danielle M.

Tasca's tapas are delicious! Although not as good as Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tasca is much more reasonably priced. Great romantic atmosphere and excellent waiting staff who are awesome about bringing out meals in a timely manner. Plus the sangria is amazing. My favorite tapa is the pollo marroquÃ - yum!
(4)
Sam N.

I absolutely loved this place, and the food was amazing. Ordered a bunch of tapas: Filet mignon: perfectly cooked with tasty mushroom sauce. Pork & beans: pork melted in your mouth, it was my favorite. Duck: cooked perfectly but I didn't like the cabbage that it came with, it had a weird taste. Goat cheese queso: was our least favorite. The cheese came out in a ball with bread crumbs all around it. I guess it just wasn't what we were expecting but it wasn't bad. Pork & chicken kabobs: came with vegetables and a great sauce! Vegetable tower: this was a special and probably the greatest vegetable dish I've ever had. It had goat cheese, pesto and aioli sauce. I honestly wanted to order another one for dessert!
(5)
Megan T.

My favorite place in the area! The food is always delicious and they send out good coupons. I've been many times for a relaxed date night. Love the sangria and the mussels! Service is always great and the wait is usually not too long
(5)
Chris L.

I'm a huge fan of Tasca, and this is my go-to restaurant for a casual, cozy, and romantic date. The lights are set low, the ambiance is comfortable, and the food is delicious. Bringing my boyfriend here was ideal because we felt alone and undisturbed in a pretty busy restaurant. My favorite dish from here is chicken and corizo skewer. Holy crap. SO GOOD! It has a nice kick, and it's packed full of flavor. Number 35 is another one of my favorites - chicken and spinach wrapped in something (#idk) in a red sauce. I'm not a duck fan, but the roasted duck is tasty and pretty perfect. In typical tapas fashion, the dishes will come out in shifts based on when the chef is done making them, but it keeps the table eating and enjoying themselves. My tips? Arrive for an early dinner or make a reservation on a weekend (it gets busy!), and you will probably want to order two tapas per person.
(4)
Nao W.

What a cozy atmosphere & great customer service they provide ! I like the portion of their meal and the prices of every dish was very consumer friendly. I especially enjoyed their escargot xoxo Super personal touch from Dan! It shows how this restaurant owner cares about his business!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Yeajin L.

Great atmosphere. Love the live music and pomegranate sangria. My friends and I had ten different tapas, and we liked all of them. My personal favorite was the empanadas. The red pepper relish was a perfect combo to the creamy cheese empanadas!
(4)
Gwen W.

My friend brought me here, and it's a very unique place with a cozy family feel. The tapas and sangrias are great. I got the regular sangria, but my friend got the pomegranate sangria, which is surprisingly good. Definitely worth trying it. Recommend this place!
(5)
Stacey G.

I came here last night for dinner. The hostess told us it may be up to 20 minutes for a table. We sat at the bar for about 5 minutes and were then seated! In the 5 minutes we were at the bar no one came to take our drink order, there was another couple at the bar but they had already been helped. Other than the bar staff, everyone one else was fantastic! On to the meal: - cheese empanadas: delicious but I think they are wontons, not empanadas. Regardless, absolutely scrumptious. - vegetable tower with goat cheese: very good, difficult to eat and a lot of spinach - sausage dish: I didn't have it but my date loved it! - dessert: free when you check in on yelp. I read reviews that people said the dessert was frozen but I wanted to give it a shot. We ordered the crepe with ice cream (I wish I took a picture of this because I have no idea how to describe it). It's large slices of ice cream with frozen crepe around it. The portion is way too large. It was not at all what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a fresh crepe with ice cream. I was very displeased. Where are the churros?!? I would have loved to order that! - Lastly, a half pitcher of white sangria: personally, I didn't like it. It was too thick and tasted like orange juice. Overall 3.5 stars
(3)
Carson D.

Tasca is delightfully charming! My wife and I have gone to Tasca around 5 times now and it never disappoints! The atmosphere provides an escape to a quaint Spanish restaurant in the midst of the city. The staff is always friendly, the food is amazing, and the prices are great! Each time we have gone we have stuck to the tapas menu which I highly recommend. They have so many delicious options and you will leave wanting to come back. I signed up for the mailing list the first time we went (I never do this) and I am so glad that i did. They email us great deals such as $5 tapas nights, $10 bottles of wine, and $10 pitchers of sangria! We love Tasca and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Minh C.

There were seven of us and twenty five dishes. Talk about a great dinner. We started off with twenty of the savory tapas - ranging from the chicken and chorizo to the smoked salmon. Most of the dishes were good, a few were okay. The "Los Tres Amigos" sausages had a small, but nice kick to them. The "pincho de pollo y chorizo" skewers were a table favorite as well - a nice blend of moist chicken and chorizo with peppers and onions. We wrapped it up with about five desserts. The crepe with ice cream was okay - ice cream was great but the crepe was hard. The Oreo cake with milk toffee and bananas sounded more promising than the delivery. The cookie base was hard and difficult to split and also a bit dry. It would had been better had it been layered with a brownie, fudge, or something to give it extra moisture. We had a couple others as well, but my favorite was the molten hot chocolate pudding! No need for an explanation. Service was good. Dishes came out rapidly. The manager was very friendly. What else can you ask for?
(4)
Kelly P.

This place is across the street from my apartment, but I never ventured in until a friend of mine who used to live in the neighborhood said I must try it. I am 50/50 on tapas restaurants - I always end up loving most of the dishes but someone always feels gypped with such small portions and the bill is usually a lot more expensive than ordering regular entrees, but you leave feeling just as full. So, it's a good way to try new foods, and I think it works better with two or three people than a large group. Anyway, Tasca is deceiving from the outside. It looks a little rundown in the dumpy strip of small restaurants and convenience stores, and I think a laundromat. But when we walked in, we were met with a lively atmosphere and a wall of people waiting to be seated on a cold night a few days before Thanksgiving. We put our names in, and were asked if we had parked valet. Nope, just walked across the street! I believe they told us 30 minutes so we pondered what to order at the bar, but didn't have a chance to get drinks because our table was ready - fine by me! We ordered sangria, and boy was it delicious. I had several drinks before getting to the restaurant, so I ended up only having that one glass of sangria but could've had more. For tapas, we ordered the tortilla espaÃ±ola, calamares fritos, brie a la plancha, asado de cerdo, and solomillo. I tried the asado de cerdo but don't really care for pork, but everything else was amazing. My date didn't like the brie plate so I was happy to take that one down myself, and the rest we split pretty evenly. We were very happy with the service. The waitress was great, and I filled out the comment card saying so. The bill was what we expected. About a month later, I got an email from Tasca (I forgot I gave them my email on the comment card!) letting me know about their New Year's Eve specials. It sounds like a really great deal, but we already have reservations further into the city and that's what we want to do, but I'll definitely be back at Tasca again. Maybe when my parents visit to introduce them to new foods!
(4)
Louis P.

Pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. Never would have expected good Spanish food in Boston. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Angela Y.

been here twice and both times were great! Once was for 6 people and the other for 12 people and both times Tasca's was super accommodating and helpful. If it's the weekend, MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCED as they get busy! pros: -good for groups -great for birthdays (will cut cake and put a candle on for you! Also gave a plate of dessert which was fabulous!) -fun environment -helpful staff -great venu -food was good -gives bread with yummy hummus dipping sauce. cons: -some found the $19 pitcher of sangria to be a bit pricy for the amount given, but I've heard that if you're on the mailing list, you can get discounts sometimes. Each pitcher only goes for about 3-4 glasses depending on how many is in each glass. -can be crowded on the weekends -if you're unaware of how tapas work, the plating is small, so expect to order multiple plates if you want a filling meal!
(5)
Chenna V.

Good Sangria for a decent price. The sizzling shrimp, chicken croquettes and goat cheese empanadas are the best.
(5)
Wei W.

Tapas. Live music. $10 pitchers of sangria. Sign me up! In fact, I did sign up for the mailing list just before we went to dinner so that we could get the offer of $10 sangria pitchers. Tasca offers special dining offers for those who join, and it was well worth it to get a few emails every once in awhile to have the alcohol discount. I made a reservation through uReserve, which is offered directly on Tasca's website. The limit for a large group is 10 people - this was evident when we stepped in and saw the crowded space. Thankfully, none of us were the size of the Hulk. Oh, and parking? We found street parking just up the hill from the restaurant. If you decide that circling around the block 50 times in hopes that someone will leave is really not worth the trouble, Tasca offers a $6 valet service. There's a sweet little warning message at the bottom of the menus about parking - if you decide to park at Whole Foods, you run the risk of a $120 towing fee. Heed the warning and park with their valet! So what do you feed 10 people? Lots of tapas. Over 50 menu items to choose from? No problem - we'll just order 2 of nearly everything! Our pescetarian girl in the group dined on a few plates of Ensalada Tasca, Setas Ronan, Gambas al ajillo, and Setas al jerez. The omnivores in the group enjoyed several of the pesce's plates, and then some more of Pincho de pollo y chorizo, Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego, Confit de pato, Solomillo, Caracoles, Calamares fritos, Brie a la plancha, Costillas de ternera, and Mejillones. Our server was good humored and definitely met the challenge of refilling our sangria and water glasses, and making sure that our finished tapas plates were removed promptly. She even brought out a dessert plate sampler with a lit candle for the birthday girl. What a treat!
(4)
Eric R.

One of the best affordable dining experienced in the Brighton area. Phenomenal tapas, outstanding service, and a great atmosphere. It's definitely worth it to get on the email list, too! There are $5 Tapas nights, which is great for college students like me. The sangria is punchy -- they have sangria tastings every so often and the flavors are all great. I've had most of the tapas, and I haven't been disappointed. I usually get calamari as an appetizer when I go out to eat, and Tasca makes the best fried calamari I've ever had. I've been a regular Tasca every few weeks or so for the past two years, and it's the first place I recommend to new people in the area.
(5)
Gretchen N.

Good ending for a really not so good day. Tried 7 plates. All good. Octopus. Mussels. Eggplant. Tuna. Yum.
(5)
NoÃ«lle P.

Tasca is my absolute favorite spot for a date or a fun night with friends. The atmosphere is cozy and feels like you've just stepped into a little restaurant in Spain. The waitstaff is super friendly and helpful as well, don't be afraid to ask for suggestions if you're not sure what to get! Goat cheese empanadas and the veggie tower are not to be missed! Also there's an eggplant special right now that I'm hungry just thinking about. Make sure to fill out a comment card to receive their emails--unbelievable specials like all tapas for $5 and $10 bottles of wine and yummy pitchers of sangria.
(5)
Ashley A.

Went here for dinner with some family who was in town for the weekend for a visit. We love the idea of tapas, and I was happy to find yet another great sounding option in Boston. I made reservations ahead of time, and we were sat pretty shortly thereafter. My husband was running slightly late, and some places give you a hard time if your whole party isn't there, but they were great and sat us (which was helpful because I ordered for both of us, and he got there in time to join us). The tapas we ordered were excellent, and I was actually really impressed with the featured cabernet they offered. Our waitress was very pleasant and attentive. Nothing crazy out of the ordinary happened, but we were extremely pleased with our visit. The only issues I had were that I'm pretty confident that the meatballs were frozen from a bag (they definitely weren't homemade), and the filet tasted extremely charred and was overdone. It wasn't bad, it just would have been better if the meatballs were made in-house and they didn't char the filet. Either way, we will be going back again!
(4)
Kenny G.

We love going to Tapas for dinner. Their sangria is fantastic, and they ALWAYS have monthly promotions via email ($10 for a pitcher of sangria), which is great for regulars like us. The tapas are great, but I wish they'd rotate their specials a bit more. Service is mostly good, there are a couple of waitstaff that could do better but this place is always quite busy when we go, so we let it slide. I proposed to my fiance here in January of 2014, and they were so happy for us. (but I'm still waiting for that bottle of champagne! :P ) We've sampled nearly everything on the menu - it's all delicious. The bottom line is if you want a quality, romantic meal with your significant other in Brighton, there isn't a better place.
(5)
C N.

I headed to TACSA for a girl friend's birthday on a Saturday night (with reservation). It was a great place to have a solid meal and some good sangria. The price seemed appropriate for the quality (know that this is mostly a small plate restaurant so if you don't like sharing or you're a fan of a Prius-size steak on a plate, this place is not for you). For 3 women we had 2 pitcher of sangria and maybe 6-7 assorted dishes and 1 dessert to share. Total including tip was around $100, so not too bad for leaving with full tummies and a decent buzz. It is very crowded. Like I'm pretty sure they were maybe above max/fire code regulations, and there was a stack of 3-chairs in front of the emergency exit. For as many people as were there, the volume seemed appropriate and you could carry on a conversation. If you go there on a date and it's not going well, you can entertain yourself by watching all the other couples there on some what awkward dates, too.
(4)
Karina L.

What a pleasant surprise! After visiting Barcelona this past summer, I have been hankering for tapas...and Tasca delivered. It has a wonderful ambiance (hint: date) with some live Spanish guitar action going on when we went on a Sunday night. We went as a huge group and ordered a couple of tapas each to share. The standouts: - #27 Goat cheese empanadas . A nice vegetarian option. Imagine crab rangoons...but infinitely fancier. - #9 Peppers stuffed with seafood paella with lobster & saffron sauce. Visually beautiful and I had to stop myself from popping each pepper whole into my mouth. The seafood was super tasty and generous with the seafood. - #15 Chicken and ham croquettes. Can't have tapas without some croquettes. The meat was well-seasoned and moist...we ended up ordering 2 more orders of these babies. Overall, this was a fantastic experience. None of the tapas we ordered were disappointing. The meal ended up being $20 including tip. We'll be back next time to try the sangria and to take more pictures with the guitar guy.
(5)
Bill G.

My wife and I love going to Tasca on a regular basis. Highlights are the garlic shrimp and sangria. The atmosphere is nice although can get full during the school year- it seems to be a favorite of the BC/BU crowd. The service is always excellent and the food consistently delicious. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ariel C.

Delicious Spanish food! Not quite like the real thing but a good option for this side of the Atlantic.
(4)
Aengus C.

Went here about 2 months ago as we live nearby. The reviews here helped us find the place but alas the 4 star rating was not deserved. It looks like there has been a serious decline in standards here from previous reviews. When we went in first we were told about a 20 min wait time, which was fine. We were offered the option of waiting at the bar, and waited there for 30mins of no service. Eventually we got to the table where the server messed up our order and brought us the wrong tapas. However on telling him that we had not ordered those dishes (when he arrived at the table) he left them on the table and returned with a manager who we again expressed that these were not our dishes. The correct orders eventually arrived and they were just not good. One star is more than enough for this place. The food was sub standard and the service and overall treatment we received there was very poor. We will not be returning.
(1)
Alex L.

The sangria was great but the food was lacking flavor and was relatively simple. I would have given a higher rating but the service was not so great. We ordered the 'Salmonelli' steak dish and it tasted like charcoal. The steak was burnt on the outside and it did not taste good. I told the waitress and she said that that was how it was supposed to be. I felt like that could have been handled better with an offer to switch the dish out but she didn't seem to care. I don't think we will go back.
(2)
Holly O.

I went here recently and experienced some of, if not THE absolute WORST service I have ever experienced dining out in Boston. If I could give this place zero stars I would. Our server (one of two we had that night, for some reason) made it loud and clear that she had never waited tables before (literally, heard her saying this to the table behind us as we waited 45 minutes for our desserts) and that she had no clue what she was doing several times. On top of that, the woman running the show was despicable. We saw her yelling at the employees, grabbing their arms, talking down to them as if they were slaves, etc. Overall she was just a downright awful person to be around. At one point, one of the two servers we had brought us an incorrect dish and asked if we wanted it anyways, to which we agreed. Five mins. later, boss lady comes by, frantic as hell as she had been the entire night and tries to grab the dish off our table after we already started eating it!!! Chill out lady don't touch food that your guests have already started to eat!! Not to mention this is the farthest thing I've had from "good tapas" in the Boston area. The food was OK at best. If your looking for a good, authentic tapas place and a nice dining experience, go to Dali in Somerville. I would never eat at this place again and I recommend the owner? manager? whatever she is, get an attitude adjustment real quick
(1)
TinoX T.

Nice Place,good Food
(3)
Heather C.

We came to Tasca at 8pm on a Saturday night, and the hostess was able to seat us quickly even though they were booked with lots of reservations. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with low lighting, good background music and Spanish decorative touches. We ordered: a pitcher of red sangria, potatoes bravos, goat cheese empanadas, and the brie apple chutney platter. Everything we ordered was excellent. Our favorite was the empanadas. Service could have been better - our server wasn't that attentive and forgot one tapas we ordered, but swiftly took it off the bill when we brought it to his attention. We definitely plan on visiting Tasca again and trying some more of their creative tapas dishes!
(4)
Elise H.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston! They occasionally have $5 tapas specials. The sangria is to die for. And try the eggplant tower!
(5)
Kelsey S.

Food was really delicious! Plates were pretty small even when ordering several of them. Popular place to eat.
(4)
Patrick H.

Very surprised that this has such a high review on Yelp. While the prices are fair, the tapas are neither traditional nor good quality. We wondered whether the high rating was due to the location between two major colleges. Unfortunately, the service was also poor.
(2)
Kristina B.

This restaurant is amazing! The look and atmosphere remind me of restaurants in Italy. I felt like I was taken back to Rome with a Spanish feel, of course. The Sangria was amazing! Really rich flavor. The food was amazing. Everything had a lot of flavor and feels like it was made with love! That's the best type of food. I would come back here many more times. It gets pretty packed on a Friday night around 8. You might end up grabbing a space at the bar. The bar service is great and everyone there is friendly and helpful.
(5)
Abbie L.

Overall not too bad. Very yummy fish taco and blackened pork tenderloin, would definitely get those again. Half decent wine selection, which fits the menu and atmosphere. I recommend the Spanish reds, as their spiciness complements many of the dishes well. The octopus and escargot were pretty disappointing, however. Very flavorless and bland. I was hoping for something better. I did love the desert, which was an ice cream filled crepe. I'd go back, but I wish the dishes were more consistent. Very nice ambience, but a little crowded.
(4)
SJ J.

Great place for a date or nice dinner with close friends. The atmosphere is dimly lit and cozy, and the waiters/waitresses tend to be quite nice. The tapas are delicious and there are numerous to choose from. The desserts are great too. I'd suggest signing up for their email list. Also, they do live music once a week I think. The only bad experience I had here dealt with my check - our waiter charged me twice for my portion of a large group meal, so I ended up paying over $70 bucks. I called the restaurant, called management, and it's been a pain to resolve my issue. So, I'd suggest just making sure they charged everything correctly when it's busy there.
(3)
Lola T.

I rarely give a five... This place is that good. I love their goat cheese empanadas. I just wish I could afford this place on a college kids budget :( a little pricey considering portions ALSO DONT ORDER DESSERt!! Ours came frozen and waxy and we were told that's how they were supposed to be
(5)
Graham H.

We had a nice meal here. Broad menu, friendly service, decent wine. A few of the tapas were great and a few were just ok. No draft beer which is always a downer. Very reasonable price. If we lived in the neighborhood we'd definitely go back.
(3)
Master P.

Made a reservation for two for 630pm. Arrived at 630pm. By 7:15 still had not been seated. That place was total chaos for everyone managing their reservations. The manager was just so rude to everyone waiting. Won't be back.
(1)
V H.

I absolutely love this place! My boyfriend moved in right down the street about a year ago and it has been one of the best date night places around. The prices are fantastic (especially when they email the coupons) and the food is out of this world. The goat cheese empanadas are my favorite with the mussels as a close second. The bread and dipping at the beginning of the meal is also perfect. The location is so cute - dark and romantic but also really fun for a girls night out! I can't say enough good things about this place :)
(5)
Julie G.

Sign up for their email list in order to get coupons like $10 sangria (YUM) and $5 tapas (CHEAP)
(4)
Yael S.

I have never ever witnessed such terrible customer service. The manager was beyond rude. We waited over an hour to be seated and the entire time the manager just gave us more attitude. This place was beyond disgusting, service and food included. I have never seen such terrible service. Avoid this place at all costs. Save your money for a place that deserves your business. They don't know what customer service is. I wish I can give them 0 stars; they don't even deserve one star for how rude that manager was!
(1)
Kelsey C.

Tasca may be Spain's biggest accomplishment since Rafael Nadal. Seriously, not only is the food epic but the portions are generous and the prices are affordable. You won't find anything that beats this combination but I dare you to try. I said it at Casa Mono and I'll say it again: no one makes octopus like the Spanish. Make sure to get the Pulpo de la Gallega - it's the best octopus I've ever had. The Salmon Ahumado was a huge slab atop a potato pancake so good it could have stood alone, and the Lamb Mollejas were interesting, featuring the only white wine flavor I've ever liked. The Confit de Pato is yet another memorable dish - juicy duck on a bed of red cabbage, but nothing beats the Stuffed Red Peppers filled with a seafood-loaded paella. Tasca may not be the only tapas restaurant I've ever liked, but there's very little stopping it from being one of the restaurants I like best. My only issue with Tasca is that for all the trouble of venturing out to Brighton on a weekend, I might as well hitchhike to Spain. So...umm...anyone wanna give me a ride?
(5)
Tony S.

Let me start by saying I have been to Tasca many times in the past, and loved it every time. However, last night was one of the most terrible experiences I've had at a restaurant recently. It started by calling to ask how busy they were ( they weren't taking reservations). The woman told me that there was no wait if I got there soon. We get there 20 minutes later, and the host tells us for 2 people it is a 40-45 minute wait. We had a movie to get to, but decided to stay. We stand by the crowded bar and order drinks....about an hour goes by, and we have seen bigger tables sit down that got in after us. So I go ask the host about how long, only to find out that there are 3 couples ahead of us. I asked how long, she said she didn't know. So we wait again. a half hour goes by, and my girlfriend goes to ask about how long...still no answer. 15 more minutes, finally we sit. Hour and a half wait for 2 people is We ordered quickly, and only 3 out of the 4 dishes we ordered came out. By that time, we were done, and got the check, paid, and left. The 4th dish, the duck, was on the bill even though it didn't come out. Wasn't even worth asking about. I loved this place in the past, but maybe never again, at least on a weekend. Not worth it at all. My main concern is you should always say a wait will be a bit longer than what you actually think. Granted, there is very little control, but if I thought it was going to be an hour or more, we wouldn't have waited. I never write reviews, because I worked in a restaurant before, and don't like to complain, I never send food back, and don't like to hassle anyone when it's busy. But coming here literally ruined our night.
(1)
Nicole B.

Cute little place but the tapas were hit and miss. I tried a goat cheese appetizer with a pesto and basil oil drizzle and tortilla chips (queso fritos de cabra), which was the best thing I had. My filet mignon (solomillo) seemed of low quality, was too charred on the edges and drowned in a plate of unappetizing looking sauce. The chicken and chorizo skewer with peppers and onions (pincho de pollo y chorizo) was ok, nothing amazing and not seasoned, and again drowning in sauce. Even the sangria was so-so. The service was great, with our waitress knowing the items by number and asking how we'd like our beef cooked.
(3)
Sean R.

I don't have strong opinions on the food so I'll leave comments on that to other yelpers. I do, however, have strong opinions about hospitality, and this place is seriously lacking. Our server was friendly but the manager was just plain rude. I was planning a dinner for 14 people, and since Tasca doesn't take reservations for groups larger than 10, I made the reservation for 10 and put in the comments that 4 more people would be coming, if they could accommodate us. 2 hours before the dinner they called me and told me that reservations are only good for a 15 min. window, and they wouldn't seat us until every single member of our party was present. Every single person? I can understand 3/4 of our party, but how can they honestly expect 14 individuals to all show up at the same time? What if one person cancels at the last minute? They wouldn't budge on this. When we got there, we stood outside so as not to inconvenience them while waiting for the last few people in our party. By the time our 15 minutes were up, we had 12 out of 14, which is pretty good, IMHO. The manager came out, and with a very snarky tone, told us that our time was up. I told her that we were only missing two people and then she made me explain why we were missing people and assure her that we would eventually have exactly 14 before she condescended to letting us be seated. On our way into the building, she smugly told us how great and popular their restaurant is with an attitude that seemed to imply that they were doing us a favor by letting us dine there. I'm sorry. Maybe I'm a little traditional, but I thought it was the customer doing the restaurant a favor by giving them business. Bottom line, expect the manager to look down her nose at you and know that this place is not friendly for large groups.
(2)
Megan B.

Must visit restaurant! I can't believe that anyone would give this place less than 5 stars. I live next door and come here about once a week. The 5 dollar tapas are an absolute steal but I tend to always opt for the salmon dinner which is served to perfection. I should mention that not only am I gluten free but won't eat anything that has visible fat/ is on a bone/ deep fried so finding food I like let alone a restaurant that can cater to this is very difficult and tascas has done just that. This place gives a sense of community but in an upscale environment . The manager Jackie is awesome and always makes it a point to take time to chat with her regulars, while somehow still checking up on all the other customers and making sure everything else is running smoothly. She really ought to wear a superman cape. The staff is awesome and super friendly but I must say Shane is exceptional and his roommate who also works as a sever, Eric, is equally as great. The hostess Victoria is great too. The poor girl will be swamped on busy nights but manages to keep a smile on her face and be friendly to annoying high maintenance customers who set timers on their phone to make sure that the wait is exactly as she predicts (I've seen this numerous time and all I have to say is MAKE A RESERVATION OR BE PATIENT!). Trust me from someone that goes there more than she cooks you are in good hands... Hence why the place gets so busy.
(5)
Yasa E.

Been here at least 10 times and never disappointed. The food is consistent and pretty cheap. The sangria has almost no alcohol but they give it out for $5 a pitcher on certain days so who cares The dining room is not big, and usually way too loud, tables are small, but if you are lucky enough to grab a booth you will have a great dining experience.
(4)
Claude F.

Tasca is hands down the most romantic restaurant in Boston, and CLEARLY the best Spanish food around. First, the atmosphere here: It's just like you walked off the street in Barcelona into a fine dinning establishment after a full day of sightseeing in that magnificent Spanish city (que youtube.com/watch?v=o8Egâ€¦ ) Tasca greets you with a subdued warm lighting embrace, stunning art work on the walls, and delicate Spanish music playing in the back ground. You sit down at classic - under stated but elegant- Castilian wooden tables. Simply a classic authentically seductive Spanish atmosphere. Second, the drinks here: One word: Sangria! They have the best in Boston here. You have a choice usually of a peach or red sangria (order the red) It just has that perfect tangy taste to drink with Spanish food. Also notable is the Wine list! (But pricey- be careful) Third, the Food here: This is what makes Tasca truly special- The Tapas menu! (see pictures) You can order Wonderful midsized plates of a wide variety of delectable and scrumptious Spanish dishes very cheaply ($5.50 to $7.95) Of particular note: 1. The Duck Leg (see photo) 2. The 3 oz steak 3. the Spanish omelet (see photo) 4. The Salted Cod 5. The escargot (see photo) 6. The Salmon on potato pancake! (see photo) A note about portions: Light eaters- three plates more then fills two people. Heavy eaters - 4 pates will do the trick. Yelpers - Order one of each Damien- Order 2 of each (just kidding) 3 of each! But save room for: Fourth, THE DESSERT!!!!! (GAAAAAHHH!!!!) Tasca has the best tiramisu and CrÃ¨me brule in Boston! (see pictures of both) Also of note is the bread pudding (also see photo) All Wicked Cheap and Wicked Good! What more could a Bostonian ask for? Nada! :) Unfortunately 2 stars off because of my last experience there with the MaÃ®tre Dee: I make a reservation on a Tuesday night (the place was half empty) for table for 2 at 7:30. The Bullying Mean Girl Asian American female MaÃ®tre Dee is like "Whatever!" and writes it down. My Friend comes early at 7:15 so I ask for a table early (again- the place was half empty). MaÃ®tre Dee ABC says "What!?" + "Uhhh!"+ Eye Roll (You would think I had asked her to give up her yearly tickets to the Estate Dance Club and her Katy Perry CD collection! That's how annoyed she acted!) Then, in true passive aggressive nastiness, she sits us at the worst table in the restaurant -when many other tables for two were available! This table is right by the drafty window, squeezed between two other tables, in the complete dark. I ask for a new table and she gives us that classic Snooty Snotty look and storms off throwing a Category 5 hissy fit. Note to owner: Mean Girls make for Great Reality TV....and horrible dining experiences. Otherwise you would have got (and well deserved) 5 stars. And you will see (I am not one of THOSE yelpers) in all my other reviews I have never called out a mean MaÃ®tre Dee before.
(3)
Stephen F.

My memories of this place are founder than my meal was. All food was fine, but nothing really stood out. The prosciutto was my favorite. Served with a salad, cheese, and crustinie. Not particularly authentic, but tasty. Avoid the patatas bravas (my favorite dish) and the steak. Potatoes were soggy and steak had zero flavor. But service was the worse. Trying to get a drink at the bar took our entire 30 min wait. Which brings me to my last point...why a 30 min wait!!! Do yourself a favor and choose a different spot.
(2)
Claudia H.

I'm a fan of Dali, but let me tell you about Tasca... It feels more Spanish than Dali. At some week nights there is live Spanish Guitar. Waiters are nice. There is rarely wait and always a valet guy outside to help you park. The sangria is delicious and you can't leave the place without trying sizzling Gambas al ajillo. But make sure to dip the bread in the left over garlic flavour olive oil... nothing can beat that! :-)
(5)
Omar N.

Pretty good experience, although I've had better. The staff is friendly but seemed to be overwhelmed on the busy nights...could have been faster attentive.
(4)
H S.

I bring all my friends and family here when they visit Boston
(5)
Rebecca W.

In a nutshell, I look forward to seeing a new email from the famous Dan in my inbox announcing $5 tapas and $10 sangria pitcher nights. Their food is AMAZING. This establishment really deserves 5 stars, but their service could be improved upon.
(4)
Alicia J.

Tasca is one of my go-to dinner places. I've been going back for years now. They often have amazing deals on tapas and sangria, but even when they don't, prices are great when you share several tapas among friends. I've always felt like their food is consistently great, although service can be anywhere from okay to great. Recommendations recommended for weekend nights.
(4)
Stephanie L.

My friends and I love this place! It's a neighborhood gem. We came a few days ago and split a bunch of tapas. I really enjoyed the filet mignon, leek quiche and the mussels. The leek quiche was delicious!!! Lots of great flavors. They also have a nice wine selection. The only thing missing is a wine or cava flight!
(4)
Jen F.

Tasca is by far the more affordable tapas place around. The food is good, and the portions are definitely adequate. I am not a huge fan, however, if you really love tapas, then I'd recommend giving Tasca a try.
(3)
Tim C.

The best option for dinner in Brighton, we've been here time after time and the food is always Phenomenal, executed with quality service. The staff is always friendly and the restaurant has a great atmosphere surely to never disappoint! Highly recommend the Duck and salmon pancake and of course the shrimp! and if you have time relax with some delicious sangria. Looking forward to the next visit!
(5)
Hailey F.

I had my birthday dinner here and it was amazing. The staff was incredibly accommodating- letting me choose my seat at the table first and treating me with birthday flan:) The atmosphere was like a cosy, European dinner party, and the drinks and food were so yummy! Everything is good here, seriously. My friends and I had so much fun!
(5)
F V.

Mediocre. At best. Food tasted like it had been frozen. We were trying to find parking so were 10 minutes late. Despite calling and saying that we were 5 minutes away, they have away our table. So we had to wait another half hour. But really what it oils down to is the terrible quality of food. Perhaps the students in this neighborhood think this is "tapas" and if you like like little piles of defrosted goo, then go for it. Otherwise. Stay away.
(2)
Richard S.

Bland city. Slow service. Soft crostini was spread with what seemed like tomato paste straight from the can. Flavorless Calamari came with fry sauce(ketchup n mayo). Sizzling shrimp with garlic and red pepper sounds great on paper, but tasted freezer burned. Ordered 4 tapas. Happy they only remembered to bring out 3(as they were terrible), unhappy that we were charged for all 4. Bad management as servers are either understaffed handling too many tables, or undertrained, unable to handle the tables they have. Took 30min to close out after getting the bill initially. Slow service overall, with food dropping before drinks(which were confessed to be delivered to the wrong table in the first place). Host team setting tables with "clean" glassware while constantly touching their face. Will not be back. Misleading reviews.
(1)
Das E.

Excellently Iberian atmosphere and tasteful music, delectable menu with high-quality tapas and wines. I would highly recommend the duck, the pulpo, and the anchovy, though have been quite disappointed to recently learn that the Spanish wine flight has been discontinued...Since this was one of my favourite drink options at Tasca, and since their 'sangria' is truly sub-par, there is perhaps some chance I won't soon return. Although under more insular circumstances this reviewer'd grant Tasca a 4 star rating, the presence of the unquestionably superiour Barcelona a mere kilometer into Brookline casts a foreboding shadow rendering dim certain otherwise illuminated arcs...
(3)
Anna T.

I went here with a friend for a special night she was informed about where there was a menu of tapas that were $5 each and you could get a pitcher of sangria for $10... YES PLEASE! First and most important, the tapas were amazing and were perfectly portioned. They have a great variety for everyone, whether you want just veggies, meat, or seafood, they had something for everyone! I had the Couscous con Verduras #18, Emapanadillas de queso de cabra #27, and the Fideos con Mariscos #32, my friend had the Gambas al Ajillo #14 and the Patatas Bravas #17. Each one was exceptional, I'm not 100% sure, but I really can't see anything being bad here. Also, the sangria (the red) is superb. I tried the white but it was a bit too sweet for my taste, but some prefer white over red. The atmosphere is nice, not too loud even though the place was packed. One thing I did notice was that the waiters were running around like maniacs, whizzing by our table and barely stopping to ask what we wanted to order or how the food was or even to refill our water glass (I had to ask a few times before this happened). Perhaps they were short staffed because it took quite a long time for us to get our drinks and food which was a bit unfortunate. I'm hoping it was an off night, because everything else about Tasca was wonderful. I'll be back, but hopefully it does a little more to impress me on the service side.
(4)
Joanne K.

Great tapas for $6-9! The mussels and calamari were great, but our favorite was the portobello mushroom dish because of the amazing sauce. I'll add to the sangria hype - best you can get around the area. The place is cozy and romantic, so a great spot for a date.
(4)
Gustavo D.

I'm originally from Spain and I must say that this is probably the worst Spanish restaurant in Boston. Definitely not authentic tapas. I ordered Gambas al Ajillo and what I got were Ajos and Gambillo. This place in gross.
(2)
Ripley D.

my favorite restaurant of all time, hands down!! My finace proposed to me here last winter- the staff did a great job making it a romantic night, and totally surprising me! and every experience before and after has been so enjoyable. The food is delicious, the service is fantastic. It is a small space and can get crowded, but nothing suffers from it. I would recommend it to everyone I know.
(5)
Danielle H.

This place gets a 4 for atmosphere and value. We found the food good but not spectacular. However, it's hard to complain too much since the prices were a lot more reasonable than other tapas places around - most were around the $4-7 mark, with glasses of wine/sangria as cheap as $5. On a Saturday night at 7pm, we had to wait at the bar for about 20 minutes before getting a table, but that was fine since we got a chance to try the delicious sangria! Of all the dishes we tired, we liked the sausage dish as well as the goat cheese fritters best. Yes, parking on Comm Ave is a pain in the butt, but we risked getting towed by parking in the huge Whole Foods lot just a block away.
(3)
Brandon O.

We tried this place because it was a popular on yelp and very close to where the gf lives. However, I felt that the food didn't live up to the hype, the excellent decor, valet parking and live music. They have a good value Sunday prix fixe menu and a great 3-wine flight for $6.50. Their sangria was also pretty good. Grilled shrimp and garlic - Not great. Tasted like they used frozen small shrimp. Served drowned in oil and garlic. Empanadillos - Felt like they used the wrong wrapping but it was pretty good. Cheese went well with the sweet peppers. Comes with 4 pieces. Chorizo and Chicken - The chorizo was good but the chicken tough and not tasty. Came in a sauce that tasted like it was mostly tabasco sauce. Not a fan. I can make my own chicken and put tabasco on it... Lamb Stew and Rice - This was the best dish of the night. Rice was tasty and firm, went well with the lamb stew. The stew itself wasn't too salty which is a common problem. Excellent. Flan - The gf uses flan as a benchmark for spanish desserts. I don't think this was fresh or even made by them. Was a little rough on the outer sides so not cooked evenly :(
(3)
Brittany C.

Tasca's as a wonderful restaurant to eat with a menu that will please everyone. The food is incredible, one of the best restaurants I have been to in the entire city and a place I frequent often. They have HUGE portions at a very reasonable rate and a great environment. I typically get the calamari, which is some delicious dipping sauce, and the mushroom cream sauce with bread is to die.for. The sangria is also pretty amazing, and I'm not a huge red wine fan so that's saying something. It is a little bit expensive to get a pitcher ($20), however, I recently went with a group of five people including myself and we each got a little over a glass and a half of sangria per pitcher, so really it's worth the cost. I highly recommend Tasca to everyone. Clean, friendly, quick, professional and extremely affordable. Definitely a must if you love tapas!
(5)
Esther B.

Thoroughly enjoyed my first time dining on tapas here. My husband and I ordered a few tapas each. Lovely glass of sangria paired nicely with the assortment of samplings. My fave was the special-fresh cod taco-wonderfully seasoned and ample portion of fresh (not fried) fish. My husband enjoyed the trio of sausages the most-but also enjoyed the beef ribs and smoked salmon. Presentation of food was lovely and the service was courteous.
(4)
Shane K.

I have yet to try something in Tasca that isn't delicious. I've been here probably 3 times over the last 2 years. Last night I got the sirloin strip in a red wine sauce, ham & cheese crostinis & a seafood linguine in a white wine & cream sauce. I forgot how big the portions were and probably ordered too much but I just couldnt stop eating! The service was pretty good considering there was 22 people in our party. One of the servers got a little grumpy towards the end of the food run but I think thats to be expected considering the amount of dishes we ordered. Valet parking = $6. Shazam! Glass of delicious Sierra De Viento = $5.50. Shazam!! Total bill with tip = $40 pp. SHAZAM!!
(5)
Lindsay B.

I recently went to Tasca and I was soooo so so so Happy they are now offering a Gluten Free Menu! It was so nice to have so many Gluten Free options! I had the braised short rib and it was OUT of this world. Our waitress Mary was super friendly and very attentive. I look forward to going there again very soon!! (I would also recommend joining their mailing list! They send out god coupons!)
(5)
Lauren F.

I was originally skeptical about this place because it looked a little pricey from the outside. When you walk in, you immediately feel like you're in Spain! The dim lighting, the paintings on the walls, the setup was great. There was even a man playing the spanish guitar when we entered. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria, which was great. The spanish olives as well as the bread and hummus they serve prior to your meal was delicious as well. We ordered the paella which was good and the lamb, which was unbelievably tender and flavorful. I would highly recommend this place, even for stopping somewhere to have a drink and relax. Great ambience, staff and food.
(4)
Aboud Y.

This could be my favorite Spanish restaurant in Boston (though I haven't tried South Enders Toro or Estragon yet). Food is excellent, atmosphere is fun, and service is outstanding (though it can get a little crazy busy).
(4)
Michele G.

My BF and I have been mulling the idea of going to Tasca on and off for about a year. If you go, take the T, parking is a huge pain in the ass. If you're a girl and you go to the bathroom, be warned that the lock doesn't work properly... And you could be walked in upon at any time. However, there's a steel chair in there that you can push in front of the door, which is exactly what I did. Thankfully, I didn't get walked in on until I had finished washing my hands. Tasca, you have taste. It's evident by the paintings on the walls and the way you're decorated. Most of your food is good, even though the filet mignon was absolutely charred and your sangria is weak. You have a certain charm and at least one great waitress. WTF is wrong with the bathroom and why won't you fix the lock?! Sincerely, Every girl who needs to pee. PS-- Thanks for the hideous gas and my bf's GI track upset.
(2)
Julie B.

I recently fell in love with Tasca. They are small restaurant with an authetic atmosphere. While they do not take reservations, when I put my name in for what was supposed to be a 35-40 minute wait, the hostess pleasantly surprised us with a 10 minute wait instead! The service was incredible and very efficient. Just outside of allston center - it's a great place to go, relax, and slowly sip your sangria. Recommended Food: * Sangria! - great price * Escargot with garlic & butter sauce * Brie with chutney, apples, and bread * Goat Cheese Empanadas Things to keep in mind: * It's right off the B Line in Brighton (up the hill) * Bring your friends - great group spot * No reservations - get there before 8 PM on weekends * 2 Tapas was plenty for me - order less and you can always add on dishes - they come out so quickly Support a small business and drink many pitchers of Sangria!
(5)
Lauren V.

I want to get all Honey, I Shrunk the Kids so I can move onto (into?) their flan. Cool and creamy and lightly sweet with the perfect touch of caramel - it would be like a house I could nibble on all day. And I would never tire of it. Hansel and Gretel stay away.
(5)
Brittany L.

Enjoying tapas is somewhat of a culinary adventure: dish after dish arrives in quick succession, each one offering a different aroma and taste to surprise your palate. Traditionally, tapas (which literally means "to cover," but in the culinary world means small dishes of food) were served to encourage conversation, with the idea that people do not have to remain so focused on a large meal placed in front of them, but can instead move around and converse between courses. Tasca, in Brighton, serves a variety of small plates in a large but cozy atmosphere that immediately transports one to Madrid, Barcelona or wherever your dream Spanish destination may be. As we followed the hostess to our tiny corner table, it was hard for my guest and I not to notice the alluring dÃ©cor. The restaurant adopted a rustic French interior design theme with a Spanish twist. The vibe is romantic, but sexy -- dark red spicy colored walls with dim lighting and gorgeous candles create a perfect dinner atmosphere. After ordering about eight different plates to split between the two of us, we ordered a pitcher of sangria ($18), which was strong but sweet. The slices of juice-soaked apples and oranges added a classic Spanish touch and were the perfect treat to nibble on after we guzzled down each glass. Only 10 quick minutes passed while sipping on Sangria before our first dish was brought out. The herbed goat cheese fritters served on oven-dried vine-ripened tomatoes ($6.95) were the best tapas of the evening. The deep-fried hor d'oeuvres were delightful; the soft cheese was a great textural contrast to the shell of the crispy pocket. The delicious baked bread that came with the dish is great for mopping up any gooey leftovers. Next, our waitress brought out the slow oven-braised boneless beef short ribs over scallion-mashed potato in jus ($6.95), a heaping portion that we couldn't finish. The mashed potatoes were light and fluffy, the perfect consistency served with the tender, flavorful beef. We dug into the Casoulet Cazuela of beef, duck, chicken and chorizo braised with tomatoes, vegetables and white beans ($6.50), which was slightly reminiscent of a Super Bowl-type bean dip, but instead packed a sophisticated flavor and texture. The buttery-garlic escargot ($6.95) were served piping hot and bursting with flavor. The AlbÃ³ndigas homemade tenderloin meatballs in green peppercorn sauce ($4.95) were enjoyable, but forgettable. The oven-crisped garlic infused chicken ($6.50) and the Tortiall Espanola ($4.50), a Spanish potato and onion omelet, are valid replacements Although we were stuffed from the savory courses, we opted for the Pastel Vasco ($5.95), a layered dessert of a homemade Oreo-type cookie base laced with milk toffee, bananas and lots of whipped cream. The dish, which is big enough to share, had a complex but not cloying flavor profile: sweet, salty, crispy and smooth all worked together in perfect harmony. I give Tasca an eight out of 10. The service was decent and most of the dishes were cooked perfectly and had an amazing array of flavors. Good value, an extensive wine list and menu, and the great location near campus all make Tasca a great choice for a special occasion or romantic Friday night dinner.
(4)
Nicole P.

I am really surprised to see all of the glowing reviews for this place. My husband and I have gone here about 3-4 times in the past two years, and it's been consistently bad. Somehow we always get seated at the most inconvenient table. The service has ranged from mildly detached to entirely absent. I will say that I enjoy the glass of Pinot Noir I had on our last visit, and the food had some interesting flavors, but my main dish (I did the three course fixed price dinner special) had clearly been sitting in the window for some time as the sauce of my Pollo al jerez (stuffed chicken breast) had formed a congealed skin on the top. It wasn't much wonder since we had been waiting on our dinners for over an hour and a half. The chicken was also very dry. My starter (escargot) was decent and the dessert (bread pudding) was definitely the saving grace. I went here once a couple of years ago and the food was delicious, so my main criticism would have to be consistency. Even when I ordered the same tapas as that early time, I have been underwhelmed.
(2)
Calvin C.

I went to Tasca last night and called to see if there was a wait, the host said no so we walked over from our place a few blocks away. When we got there the hostess told us that it would be 20 minutes which was annoying but luckily they had a sangria the gf liked and harpoon summer ale so we passed the time. We sat down and ordered 3 tapas and a gazpacho which were all very accurately described in the menu. The food was very good and accurately priced as well, in total the meal was $23 before tax and tip. The server seemed kind of disinterested in us and the atmosphere was romantic and tasteful but we were crammed into a corner. I left feeling full and happy but was far from that warm fuzzy feeling.
(4)
Catherine S.

You could go here for the sangria alone and probably still give it four stars. But the food is good too. It's not the best tapas place I've been to, since the options are pretty typical, but it's a great standby place if you're meeting up with a friend (I emphasize A friend, since it's pretty small. Big groups would fit, but be cramped). I recommend joining their e-mail list; you get $10 off for your birthday!
(4)
Nick N.

I haven't taken Spanish since high school, but I think "Tasca" translates roughly to "OK tapas restaurant." The sangria, the tapas, the seafood paella -- it was all just average. Fortunately, the ambiance is really nice. Like, actually nice. Not just "for Brighton" nice. It makes for a very pleasant overall dining experience and tilts the scale enough that I'd probably come back. And yeah, parking can be a bitch. But how about this: Don't be a lazy-ass and just park on Washington Street past Whole Foods on the Brookline side. It's free 2 hour parking and only like a 5 minute walk from there.
(3)
Catherine K.

Tasca is not as good as some of the other Tapas restaurants in the city (in my opinion) but it is consistant and well priced. The ambiance of the place is exactly what you would expect from a spanish tapas restaurant and the service is quite good. Great thing about this place is that because it is a little outside of the city, you can often times have better lunch with getting a seat/reservation. They also have a mailing list where they consistently invite you to free sangria nights or flamenco dance nights.
(3)
Heidi L.

I've been to several tapas places in Boston and Tasca was the worst experience. I'll keep it short and simple... We went there late and our friends were already there waiting. Friends got there earlier than us got seated immediately but received some sort of attitude. I wasn't there so no comment. When we got there (it was a Sunday evening and we couldn't find parking!!! not really Tasca's fault but the location was great for T only), our server was no where to be seen. No one came to our table and offered us drinks or whatsoever. Their excuse was "sorry we thought you were waiting for another friend". They were correct, we were waiting for another friend, but still, couldn't you offer us a drink and acknowledge us?!?!?!?! We decided not to wait for our friend after 20 mins. So, we tried to flag down somebody. When the host was walking by our table, we said to him "hi, hello"....he totally ignored us!! The most weird thing was, everytime he walked by our table, he'd give us a look and walked away. That's bizzare and uncomfortable * 1000 times. I don't have any comments on their food as none of them stood out. Everything was just meh meh meh meh meh....... I didn't give Tasca a 1 star review because the food was edible and the restaurant itself was okay.
(2)
Elizabeth D.

The hostess was not friendly, but our waitress made up for her. Linda E. and I decided to order a bottle of wine (the merlot blend) and share a bunch of plates. She ordered from the appetite stimulus menu and I ordered a couple plates from the regular menu. Highlights included the goat cheese empanadas, the rabbit dish from the stimulus menu, and the duck on red cabbage. The steak offering from the stimulus menu was decent as well as the tuna tartar. But perhaps I would have enjoyed them more if I wasn't already starting to get full from the rabbit and duck (and massive amounts of bread I don't like to admit that I consumed). For dessert I odered banana slices with toffee drizzle on top of an oreo crust. The dessert was good but I felt the crust was too thick for such thin banana slices. Linda E ordered the blueberry cheesecake. I wouldn't recommend it. I'd definitely return to try a couple more items off the tapas menu.
(4)
John F.

Tasca does weekly deals in their email newsletter. You owe it to yourself to either be on that list, or know someone who is. What you get for that weekly deal is a 3 course dinner for $16. Also, inexpensive pitchers of delicious sangria. The options available in the three courses vary by week. I went last night, and it was fantastic! I had a chicken and corn chowder, and an amazing braised beef that was one of the best pieces of meat I've ever eaten. And the portion was quite substantial! I expected, for the price, to get minimal food, but I was totally stuffed by the end of the entree. Though, somehow, through sheer force of will, I managed to choke down the Spanish flan. I know, I know, it *was* pretty heroic. But I don't like to brag. Anyway, all the food was fantastic. The bread basket came with a garlic chickpea mash, it seemed. And was awesome. I definitely recommend coming here. Parking was kind of a pain, though apparently they have valet.
(4)
Danielle K.

I have been to Tasca many many times and I am surprised its taken this long for me to write a review on it. I can honestly say that Tasca is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I feel so lucky that it is within WALKING distance from my apartment! My favorite things on the menu would have to be either of the paellas (I usually share it because its HUGE), the Israeli couscous, the seared tuna, ensalada tasca, chicken and chorizo skewers, and sausage with flatbread. Actually, come to think of it, EVERYTHING I have ever ordered has been pretty much outstanding. Everything is bursting with flavor. I also really love their Sangria, and their bread pudding is one of the best things that has EVER touched my taste buds! I get foodgasms everytime I have it!!! The ONLY downside to the place is that at times it can get quite cramped and loud. Its much better to sit upstairs where it is more cozy and ambiant. Also, sometimes you have to wait a while because its so packed, but theres almost always room at the bar so that you can sip on some Sangria while you wait. Despite these downfalls, the food far surpasses anything negative. Tasca holds a special place in my heart and if I were ever to move it would be a sad day INDEED because I would miss it greatly!
(5)
S. C.

Always a great time at Tasca and a true gem on the outskirts of the city. Make sure to arrive early otherwise you'll be waiting! Their sangria is AWESOME and portion sizes leave you feeling very satisfied. The only issue is that no matter how many times I've signed up for their e-mail subscriptions, I've never received any coupons or deals.
(4)
Jess G.

The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is because the food is good, but the service was probably the worst I have experienced, We had made a reservation a week in advance (for a friends bday), when we arrived we weren't greeted. The host said he was "trying to find our name on the list" so basically they lost our reservation and he was just plain rude to begin with. So finally we sit, everyone in our party but 1 was there but we were eating without her anyways. We ordered our first round of tapas and about 3 pitchers of Sangria, but we were going to wait for our friend to come before we ordered more. This is where it gets BAD...our waitress comes up to our table and says "My manager wants to know when your friend will be here so we know how much longer you're staying" and we were all like ummm WHAT? #1 we have ordered a lot of stuff and plan to order more, #2 since when is there a time limit to a friend's birthday dinner? Plain AWFUL. We were all so angry. The hosts kept like eye balling our table the whole night too. So yeah the food is good, but the staff was rude...or at least they were that night. So I doubt I'll ever go back.
(2)
Jessica A.

Food is great here- the size and price of the tapas are perfect for sharing and trying new flavors. Sangria is great, and they offer both a white and red wine tasting flight. I used to live within walking distance of Tasca, and it was our "go to" place. We took many out-of-town guests here, and even took my fiance's parents here for his mom's birthday. We received the star treatment- free dessert and champagne!! If you sign up for their e-mailing list, they sent out secret $5 sangria pitcher offers as well as sporadic $10 gift certificates.
(4)
Whitney R.

I just came home from Tasca, and I couldn't wait to write a review about it- I had such a good time! We started off at the bar, while waiting for a table, with a glass of sangria and a San Miguel. The sangria, by the way, is so so delicious. We got seated after about 30 minutes (a social butterfly at the bar informed us that reservations are a must), and we were on to a bottle of Rioja and a few tapas: 8 - Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego Cured Spanish ham with manchego cheese served with tomato toasted crostinis - $7.95 - oh my god, the best parma ham I've ever had in America...amazing. 24 - Setas al jerez Portabella mushrooms braised in a sherry cream demi-glaze (beef stock) with roasted garlic tostados - $6.50 - okay; it was like a mushroom soup with a few slices of mini Portabella to put on pieces of toast. 6 - Boquerones Marinated fresh white anchovy filets over tomatoes and red onion - $5.50 - really delicious dish; I wish there were more than four anchovies on the plate. 17 - Patatas bravas Cubed fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce topped with garlic aioli - $4.50 - basic dish, as expected, very nice addition to the meal. A bit later, we ordered the: 20 - Solomillo * Petit filet mignon (3oz) served in a red wine sauce with mushrooms - $6.95 - to add to the array of tastes. It was very tender and cooked well, though the sauce was overpowering of the natural beef taste. ...and a while later, we got: 10 - Setas ronan Portabellas with shaved manchego, capers, red onion in a sherry vinaigrette with roasted red pepper toasts - $6.95 (I think this the tartar. We had the tartar...) - which was really good, but a bit busy for a tartar... I swear, it said tartar on the menu. Should I say it one more time? Tartar. 14 - Gambas al ajillo Sizzling shrimp in garlic with chili pepper - $7.50 - I really enjoyed this one too. How can you go wrong with garlic and shrimp? To finalize the meal, I had an amaretto espresso. Yum. In summary, the price was pretty typical for a tapas meal, some of the tapas were awesome, while some were only standard. I'll definitely be going back to Tasca to develop my own "best of" menu. Solid 4 Stars.
(4)
Seth B.

Last night was probably my 4th time here. This place doesn't fail to continue with their good food and excellent service. This time was for their 35$ at the door event. Endless glasses of 6 different types of sangria. The Blood orange and the Black Widow were delicious. Then I think it may have been 8 passed plates of really good passed plates. Gazpacho, meatballs, smoked salmon, calamari...all good! The service was excellent as well. Always clearing the plates of food they kept bringing extras of. Friendly and polite as well. Well worth checking out.
(5)
Megan S.

My favorite meal of the day is tapas. And with over-priced joints like Dali's and Estragon in town, where do you get a cheap, authentic tapas fix? The answer is Tasca. They've got a $5 sangria special (Sun and Monday only and you have to ask) as well as a recession 3 course menu. And it is goooood. Like, I've lived in Spain and this place is almost there. The one drawback is its quite a ways out on the green line and parking is difficult. Tasca, any thoughts of opening up a second location in JP? Please?
(5)
Courtney Y.

It was my first dinner in Boston. It was around 8:00pm on a Friday night and the three of us (my sister, cousin and myself) wanted to get something to eat pretty close. My sister went on yelp to find out what was around my cousins apartment. Tasca came up so, I called to find out how long the wait would be for the three of us. 45 Minutes and you have to be here for me to put your name on the list... ahh.. okay, so we all decide to walk up the hill. By the time we got there, the wait changed to 1hour and 15 min. AHHhhhh, seriously? Okay, lets just put our name in.. we decide to walk around to find somewhere else to eat. We walked like a half a mile away and found a couple of places that were equally as crowded. So we made the hike back grabbed some $5.00 sangria's and only had to wait another 10 min (40 min total, so not bad) By the time we got seated the three of us were pretty hungry. So here is the breakdown of the food: Portabella Mushrooms: From reading the menu we didn't realize that this was a salad, but it was and it was delicious. Served w/ a perfect compliment red bell peppers toast. Sizzling Garlic shrimp: As we were waiting for our food to come out we noticed almost all the tables were ordering this dish. So we did too. It pretty much is just that... butter, garlic, and shrimp served in a skillet. It was good, but not the best dish we had. I would opt to try something else. next time. Couscous w/ Veggies: We wanted to make sure we had something somewhat healthy and not soaked in some type of fat. So we opted for the couscous. Which is made w/ large couscous. It was pretty good. Nothing we had was bad. Short Ribs: Which was more like a beef stew. Short ribs is probably one of my favorite cuts of beef. If you like meat and potatoes you'll like this dish. Grilled Brie with baked apple chutney: If you like bre, you'll love GRILLED brie. It's a pretty good simple appetizer. Duck confit w/ red cabbage slaw: Was the star of the night. It came out and when we cut into it steamed started coming out of the leg. It was moist and eating it w/ the slaw created the perfect bite. ALL that food and a pitcher of Sangria cost us $27 dollars each. Which is SUPER reasonable for the quality meal we enjoyed. My two suggestions are make reservations and make sure to go w/ a group so you can try a bunch of different things.
(5)
Katherine D.

I have been to this establishment twice, and both times ordered the prix fixe 3 course menu. The value is outstanding and the food is delicious. Both times the service faltered slightly. The ambience is nice, but being seated in the bar area by the door makes for a drafty meal.
(4)
Hungry B.

Just like the 3 stars says, this place is A-OK. But not all that great... Just like any tapas place they have a nice large selection of hot and cold dishes, pretty good sangria, and its cozy candle lit and all with spanish decorations, etc. But overall I just found the food to be ok, just not really impressive or anything. Service is ok as well, but again just not great. Sort of underwhelmed with Tasca, of course I do get emails with coupons from them like every other day....
(3)
Stacey D.

I am not sure how I feel about this place. But after a first visit, I can certainly say that I am not enthusiastic by any means. First parking was a drag, and I had to pay $6 + tip for valet, but fine whatever. The restaurant has a sorta italian/meditaranean feel, low soft lights, lots of beige. When I saw the menu, I was pleased, the prices seemed quite reasonable. However, when the food came, and I tasted it, my pleasure vanished. I am not quite sure why this place rates so high, except maybe the price is pretty awesome for tapas and it has such a nice ambience. Good place for poor college students trying to impress their dates? I should say, I did have a large lunch at shabu zen and steamed lobster and corn on the cob at a friend's house before arriving. Nevertheless, the shrimp soaked in garlic and butter, was boring, the epanadas were tasteless, the crust too chewy and hard, and the filling ...well it lacked feeling. I have no spanish blood in me, but I was insulted on behalf of all hispanics. The tomato sauce that it came seem to come from a can. We also had the meatballs, and I thought the meat was too gamey. The service on the other hand was nice, but not great. Great service requires anticipation. They responded when I asked for more coffee, but I ALWAYS had to ask. We had the crepes for dessert, and it was the highlight of the meal (so I must not have been THAT full if I can still scarf down a thick crepe, filled with icecream, and smothered in chocolate and whipcream). Despite, it being yummy, it wasn't special. The crepe was thicker than what you would expect, which is fine, but flour was emphasized, and the vanilla ice cream, was just vanilla icecream. I'd probably come back, to give it another chance, (all these yelpers can't be wrong right?), but I won't rush.
(3)
Bethany F.

I really enjoyed my experience here...it was a really fun date night restaurant! Also, my first time trying escargot...mmm. I would say they have one of the best sangrie's in the area (even beats Zocalo, and I really love the sangria at Zocalo). The only weird thing was how close together the tables are. This is tough when you are sitting next to a very loud table (I kept getting distracted by the loud convo going on about 6 inches behind me) but to be honest, the food out-weighed even that little annoyance (also, in their defense, it was restaurant week...and we all know how people get rowdy during restaurant week.) Love it! Go on a date here or girls night out! P.S. it's almost impossible to park here unless you use the valet. Just do it, it's so worth it (and you get to feel important for a few minutes).
(5)
Lauren S.

Feeling a little overwhelmed from our huge lunch at the 88, I thought Tasca would be a good place to take my family for a late, light supper. Tapas is a favorite of mine, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see that Tasca 's tapas menu had a huge selection of vegetarian plates. For a group of 6, we ordered 1 pitcher of sangria, 1 flight of wine, 7 tapas dishes and we all left satisfied and happy. It came out to about 10 dollars a person and everyone got to try a little of everything. I'm sure it would be more if the boyfriend and I went on our own, but it's certainly a nice place for a light supper Spanish style. Also, their sangria is the best I've ever had.
(5)
Jessica M.

We returned to Tasca for their Appetite Stimulus menu, and were blown away. Our server was polite and attentive, and paced our meal well. I had a coupon for a $1 flight of wine, and was surprised by the amount given for each of the 3 wines. Even if I had paid the full price of $7, it would have been well worth it. I chose the lobster bisque as my appetizer, which was creamy and had a wonderful lobster taste that was not overwhelming. The creme fraiche made the plate. Afterwards, I ordered the top filet over mashed potatoes and vegetables. Wow! It was a sizeable portion for the price, and the flavor of the sauce was incredible. The same goes for the raisin sherry bread pudding in a caramel sauce. The sauce was intensely flavorful, and ended the meal on a more than pleasant note.
(5)
Romulo R.

Creme-Brule vs flan...fight! It really was not a fair fight. I am the kid who eats the dessert first, so I'll start the review at the end (like Memento??). They had a nice desert selection, I love flan and creme brule, so I ordered both (at about 1 million calories I think). the flan was good, but once I tasted the creme brule there was no going back. It was made to perfection, with the sugar caramelized perfectly. But anyhow... I want to preface this by saying I love Tapeo. However, Tapeo is in Newburry St, quite a T ride away from me, and Tasca is a 5 min walk from where I live. So it is not an event if I want to get some sangria. the sangria itself was tasty, but I was a little underwhelmed by the tapas. I ordered fried calamari, yeah I've had it before, but I was expecting something like Calamares en su tinta, but I got the same old I can get anywhere. I also ordered the tuna carppacio, which was good, but again, meh... The best was the Serrano ham and cheese, that tasted like Spain whould taste (I think). The ambiance is very nice and quiet, good place for I date I would say. The service was prompt and friendly (I sat at the bar). Business starts to wind down after 9, they close around 10:30-11. I did look over the wine list and was quite impressed. You can see it at tascarestaurant.com/wineâ€¦ They have live guitar Sunday, $5 Sangria pitchers Sunday and are open for Sunday brunch 11-3 (I think). they also have wine by the glass specials on Sunday and Monday I believe. So, while I would not go out of my way to go, the convenience makes it worth the trip for me (extra half star for the convenience). Honestly, I would say 3.5 stars. Their menu is online at tascarestaurant.com
(4)
Doug W.

How is it that I spent 4 years down the street for college, another 2.5 years living down the street in the other direction after college, and yet I never set foot in Tasca until now? It's true that the location isn't the most convenient in the world if you live outside of the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area, but having now finally experienced it, I can say that it's well worth the trip. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the sangria is delicious, the tapas portions are huge, and the menu is very reasonably priced. Particular highlights: the mushrooms with sherry cream and crostini, goat cheese empanadas, and short ribs with root vegetables and mashed potatoes. While we stuck to the sangria, the mini wine flights (for both red and white) looked like they offered some appealing options. Great experience, and I will definitely make a point of going back.
(4)
Al A.

Horrible Spanish tapas. Not authentic at all. Bad food. Expensive sangria. Good service. Extremely popular (i.e. there's a line). Confusing menu. Food notes: They refrigerate their tomatoes!!! Food 101: *NEVER* chill tomatoes.
(1)
Lisa P.

Tasca is our favorite cheap date night restaurant. Staff are always nice and the food comes out promptly. While the entrees are good, I prefer to split the tapas for the sake of variety. 2 selections per person works for us. My favorite is the gambas al ajillo, but honestly, it's hard to go wrong with shrimp and garlic in my book. Sangria quality varies- on one visit, it was horribly watery, but every other time we've gone it's been pretty good. Pretty good sums it up well- Tasca never knocks my socks off, but I always come away pleased.
(4)
Richard L.

Really enjoyed Tasca! I had goat cheese and the chicken/pepper skewers to start, and then the sliced filet. My girlfriend had a vegetable flatbread and a leek omelette. Everything was very good, including the Spanish wine flight I had and the sangria that she had. The best part about this place is the reasonableness of their prices. It had to be the least expensive tapas place in Boston, but the food is still very good. The atmosphere is also pretty cool.
(4)
Tatyana B.

Like Lauren's review, Tasca used to be my favorite restaurant. We lived in the area and went often, but this was our first time back since we moved away and I we won't be going out of our way to come back. The sangria and steak were fine but my favorite two things, the paella valenciana and the flan were nothing like what they used to be. The paella was overcooked and mushy. The flan was served cold and was chunky like a cottage cheese - too bad, I used to think it was the best flan in the city. The service was slow. It took an hour and a half to serve two tapas and entrees. I know that it's busy, but one of the other servers elbowed me in the head and all she did was yell sorry from a distance...seriously? We did tip 20% because I'm sure as they cut costs they're not paying their staff well, but we won't be back.
(2)
Sam C.

Tasca has always been "ok" in my book... their sangria is great, food is solid but the one thing that always gets me down is their customer service... it's called a SMILE, people. This past weekend, my party ( still drinking like fishes) was asked to move to the bar after dinner because there was a wait. Never in all my years of eating out have I been asked to leave to turn a table... unacceptable in my book.
(3)
Poliana R.

Highly recommended for group dinner with family or friends. Though the service can be a little slow at times, this is one of my favorite restaurants in greater Boston, within their affordable price range. Wouldn't recommend it for a date night as it can get pretty noisy at times. The musicians are really great whenever present.
(4)
Mindy L.

Sadly, I'm going to have to take away a star for a few reasons. 1) Even though we had a reservation for 7:30 on a Friday night, we were inconveniently shoved into a tight space between a high-traffic door way and a booth... 2) We ordered sangria which came at room temperature and very pulpy. I had to request a glass of ice to make it more palatable. 3) The food was mediocre. I used to love the short ribs plate (see previous review) - but this time, the cuts of meat were gray and devoid of any kind of taste. The mashed were still good, but that's not what I paid $6.00 for. Finally - there is never any reason to air your dirty laundry in any other forum than behind the closed doors of your home. I did not pay decent money to sit and listen to a family argument being held between the manager and the bartender. Awkward.
(2)
Nancy W.

I came here for dinner with 4 girlfriends and was pretty disappointed. The food was okay, nothing outstanding, and service was pretty atrocious. Our waitress rarely came by, forgot items, and took a SUPER long time to even drop check or to run our payment. What should have been a 80-minute meal turned into 2 hours, just because it was so hard to find anyone to help us. I will not be back, for sure. Plus, if you want good tapas, just go to Toro! It is more expensive, but much more worth it.
(2)
Nikki C.

I wanted to like Tacsa so badly because its sit down, a little nice, and right next to my apartment. I've dined at Tasca 3 times now in the last few months and each time was a let down. The first time I went it was on a Tuesday. We were seated quickly at a cite window seat, but became blocked in and overcrowded by the tables around us as it started to get busy. My Fiance's seat was positioned between the wall, the window, and the backs of 2 guests from another table. We were annoyed, but just rolled with it. When we left he had to ask the other guests to get up and move so he could get out. He was literally trapped! I was really excited for the Sangria, but it was terrible! It tastes like boxed wine with OJ added. NBD, I'll just stick with wine. The food was ok, a little bland, a little sad, and not really spanish, but it was warm and not terrible. The last two times I was there was enough to make me never want to go back and I won't. Once on a Friday and the other a Saturday. Both times I had a reservation and still had to wait a long time. Once over an hour (close to an hour and a half), and the other about 40 minutes. WITH A RESERVATION. Walk ins were being seated before us per their policy "walk ins get seated after an hour of waiting." What is the point of taking reservations? We were told both times to have a drink at the bar whole we wait, but the whole upper dining area was crowded shoulder to shoulder. I felt terrible for the people eating there! It was super busy and really crowded. The amount of people they force into the bar area is probably illegal. I dont know how they're legally allowed to seat some of the tables they have or why anyone would agree to sit there. Many are boxed in and crowded by other tables. I was lucky enough to get a booth once. I tried to reserve one once but got annoyed that I had been waiting for 30 min and just took the next table which was a terrible idea. Both times the service was slow, food and drinks. Our food came out sporatically some dishes cold. The servers acted as if they wanted to get us out of there asap. I dont know why people like this place so much. The prices are fair but the service and food is dodgy, the reservations and sangria are bull. Nope. Not again.
(2)
Christina Z.

I think I like the idea of tapas more than I actually like tapas. I always expect them to be more full-bodied bites, but instead I am left wanting... something. The tastes never seem to add up to a complete whole for me. I took my dad on a rainy Wednesday, groupon in hand. I was feeling mischievous by taking him and sort of clouding what "tapas" were exactly (his idea of gourmet is food where you must use a fork). The sangria was to-die-for. Could use more fruit. The bread they gave you was boring and forgettable. We ordered the croquetas and costillas. He loved the costillas (or maybe he was just hungry), but the croquetas he deemed too spicy. Spicy? No way Jose. They were buttery and had good texture, but no spice whatsoever. For our meals, I had the paella, which was missing... something. He had the 10 oz Black Angus filet mignon, which came in a little tower over mashed potatoes and onion rings. He was in love. I'm giving it four stars because maybe I order the wrong things. I want to like this place so much.
(4)
Caroline W.

I agree with all of the reviews that report the food is amazing and there is a exquisite variety of tapas and wines. I also agree that and the space could use a little revamping because tables are often on top of one another so it is a task at times to maneuver around the space. The best night to go is your birthday. Sign up for the online emails from TASCA and for your birthday they send you a list of extra reasons to go, as if you needed any at all. 1. you will receive a $10 gift "card" to use any night of your birthday month. 2. Free valet parking on your birthday, since parking always is a challenge. 3. With a party of 6 or more you get a free bottle of champagne. (not sure if that is birthday or birthday month) What more reason do you need to go there on your birthday? Of course, you have to bring the email print out with you for all of those extras. You may even go on a night they have flamenco dancing or music. Check their website for events. Enjoy!
(5)
Bill M.

I thought this was a great place. Maybe this was my mistake, but I made reservations at 8pm on a Friday and I now know that Friday is way too busy. We didn't sit for a good half hour. But the food was great, the price is great and I will definitely be back.
(4)
Heather F.

I went here a few years back with a couple friends of mine. We had a pretty decent time, I recall the food was pretty decent for the most part. Their sangria is awesome, can't really complain about pitcher after pitcher of sangria over dinner. The seating is a bit tight in the restaurant, but we made do. The service wasn't bad, but I was also with good company, so I wasn't paying too too much attention to how long we were waiting between getting our water glasses filled. A couple months back, I came here with my boyfriend for a late dinner. We figured, why not, it's down the street, it's a nice summer night. We walk down around 9, 930, ask for a table for two. They seat us in the farthest back corner table you could possibly imagine. They bring us menus, and say our waiter will be right with us. 5... 10... 15 minutes pass, and no one has even come to our table to give us water, let alone put water glasses on our table. There's been a waiter tending to the table behind us, yet they haven't paid any attention to us. It was to the point where we actually got up and left. I'd be willing to give them another chance, but not for a while...
(2)
Sara M.

My parents took me here for dinner last night, and I was very pleased with the results. There is new china, olives with the bread, and a new attitude. We had a super waitress who was friendly and happy to chat with us. We ordered six tapas, and two pitchers of Sangria- my dad liked the first one so much, the waitress had barely finished asking us if we wanted another before he agreed. As for the food, I am not always a fan of pulpo (octopus), but this was as tender as the potatoes it came with and well seasoned. We also enjoyed the seafood with pasta, mussels, tres amigos sausages, portobellos on salad, and an outstanding braised short rib (a big portion for the price) Our only disappointment was the lack of a cheese plate...my dad is not much into sweets and we wanted some cheeses, marconas and fruit for dessert. We were told the cheeses they use are either slathered in butter before cooking or pre-shaved...otherwise an awesome dinner, and my standing as favorite child is still intact. Thanks Tasca!
(4)
Lauren V.

Bottom line: Tasca has been my favorite restaurant for five years, and after tonight, I will not be going back. It truly breaks my heart to have to write this review. For years, I have loved Tasca. When my father came to town, this is where I took him to show him what the east coast had to offer. When my girlfriend and I moved into the neighborhood, we were so excited to have a local restaurant around the corner where we could have a nice meal without having to venture downtown. But that was then, and this is now. Tasca has steadily gone downhill. At first, I thought it was a fluke. Just a one time not as great as before meal. My girlfriend's favorite dinner, the smoked salmon on a potato cake, wasn't as good. It's never been my favorite, so maybe I didn't notice the decline at first. But from then on it each meal we had there seemed to get steadily worse, with plates being served cold or over cooked and that spicy flavor fading in some of their dishes. But tonight was by far the worst meal we have ever had. Let me start by saying the food was mediocre at best. What used to be my favorite dish in the world, the mushrooms in sherry sauce, was cold with either stale bread or toasted bread that was cold, I'm not sure which. The same could be said of sausage dish, which was served with lukewarm onions in the middle. But what made the experience the worst we have ever had was the service tonight. We sat down, on a rocking table. The hostess seemed to watch us struggle and try to make it stable, but did nothing but stand there holding our menus. Eventually we were all situated, menus in hand. After a few minutes, our waiter came up. We ordered our food, five tapas, and then waited. I know with tapas style food, it generally comes in waves. We were fine with that, and our first three dishes arrived after a reasonable amount of time. I should note they were brought out by someone other than our waiter. We ate them leisurely, and finished them. And then waited - we still had two more tapas coming our way. And eventually, nearly 30 minutes after we had finished our food, our waiter came by to take away our empty plates. I'd like to point out that this was nearly 50ish minutes after he had last come to our table - in that time, no one had refilled our water, taken away our finished plates, or asked how we were doing. What is more insulting is that he seemed to go out of his way to ask the diners next to us how they were doing. He then said he would bring the bill, but I had to remind him we still had two other things coming. At this point it was clear he had forgotten them. We asked since he had not put them in, if we could go ahead only get one of the dishes since after waiting, we weren't all that hungry. After we got our last plate, we asked if we could get the chocolate cake for dessert but wrapped up to go, and a refill on our water while we waited for the bill. We had a Groupon and needed to hit the $30 minimum, but quite frankly did not want to sit for the amount of time I can only guess it would take to get cake and then the bill. It didn't really matter because 15 minutes later our cake arrived, on a plate. When I mentioned that we had asked for it go, he sighed heavily and took it away. When our bill did finally arrive, the tapa we had canceled was still on there. It took a mere 10 minutes to get our waiter to come back to our table, and then another 10 minutes to get final check signed and completed. I believe that if you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to dine out. But when you have not great food and bad service, what do you do? For me, it was tip way less than 20%, that's for damn sure.
(1)
Nick S.

Had a great dinner at Tasca the other night. Our reservation for 6 was seated a few minutes after 8; they really pack you in there! But even with the semi-unsafe occupancy and blocked sprinkler heads, the ambiance made it that much more fun! We started off with a pitcher of sangria and 8 tapas...followed by another pitcher and 6 more tapas. This was more than enough for the table by the end; we were stuffed! Didn't do any repeats, just kept trying food. Some highlights were the short ribs, duck, escargot, patatas bravas, sweetbreads. Some low lights were the carpaccio, goat cheese empanadas, filet mignon. The great thing about this place is the prices are reasonable and the tapas are large portions! Not quite up to the status of Dali (IMO) but the fact that it's a 5 minute walk from my girlfriend's place means I"ll be frequenting this place a lot in the future.
(4)
Faith A.

I had just gotten into town and was starving, so given that my friend lives right around the block, we just meandered over to Tasca to get some sangria and tapas. What a nice little joint :) Even though they were busy and we did not have a reservation, they accomodated us easily and we were seated within 5 minutes or so. The sangria= YUMMO! The tapas we had gotten were scrumptious and there were so many options to choose from. There is definitely something that can please everyone here. I cannot wait to go again and enjoy some sangria.
(5)
Emily L.

Huge portions, great ambiance, and excellent service! I loved going to Tasca with a few of my friends for a nice and quiet dinner on a Friday evening. We had reservations for six o'clock and because the B line moves at a snail pace, I was unfortunately twenty minutes late. When I got there, the servers were warm and friendly and didn't glare at me for being late. Instead they smiled, welcomed me, and told me and my friend that we could go ahead and sit down at a booth while we wait for the rest of our party. It was raining and so the night was starting off kind of slowly. My friend that was waiting for me at the bar was uncertain about which red wine she wanted and so they allowed her to sample four different ones on the house. Based on the yelp reviews, I got the sangria and was quite satisfied by it. Once we sat down, the servers came over with complimentary bread and olives. They did a fabulous job of keeping an eye on our drinks and asking us when we had an empty glass if we wanted another drink. Since our friend ended up being over an hour late, we ended being there from 6:30 to 10:00. The servers were always friendly and allowed us to slowly order throughout the evening. In order of what I liked, we got the following plates: 1) Filet mignon 2) Beef and pork meatballs 3) Israeli couscous 4) Fried cube potatoes 5) Chicken croquettes For tapas, the portions were huge. I felt the menu offered a good variety and can satisfy almost everyone's needs. I'm so glad I came here and will definitely come back here again. Tasca, if you're reading, thanks again for such great and friendly service. It definitely made my night!
(5)
Raymond W.

I originally came here during college and remember thinking it was good considering it was my first Spanish tapas experience, but nothing blew me away. This second came followed up on the foot steps of a disappointing meal at Dali in Somerville and man did it restore my faith in tapas. My sister, her bf, and I ordered 3 plates each along with dessert. My favorites included the trio of grilled sausage, roasted duck leg, grilled pork loin with white bean ragout, braised beef short rib, salt cod and potato fritters. Also got the goat cheese fritters, tortilla espanola, goat cheese empanadas, grilled brie cheese with apple and raisin chutney, which were decent. For dessert, the cookie ice cream crepe was the winner, but creme brulee was also good.
(4)
Jackie L.

I've had great previous experiences at this restaurant, but my last visit was only middle of the road. The first time I came it was for tapas and it was fantastic. The second was for New Year's Eve; they had a special prix fixe menu and it was a nice way to start out the evening. This time, my husband and I came here on a whim on a Saturday night. We arrived around 8:00 PM and I was expecting a long wait (we've tried to dine here a couple other times before and the wait was so long we ended up next door at Bamboo Thai - which is a pretty good fallback). Somehow we got lucky and were seated in about 10 minutes. In that time we were able to get a quick drink at the 8-seat bar. We were looking for a couple glasses of cava but they only had it by the bottle (in fact, they had no sparkling wine by the glass), so we ordered a couple glasses of Spanish white wine instead. I love tapas and usually there are so many delicious looking items on the menu I can barely choose and end up ordering way more than necessary. This time, the menu didn't appeal to me and I had to struggle to find plates that I thought looked enticing. Our first round of tapas consisted of fish tacos and chorizo in puff pastry. The fish tacos were a single taco, which made sharing difficult. The cod in the fish taco was light and crispy, but the garlic aioli was a bit overdone - between that and cutting a taco in half, it was kind of a sloppy mess. The chorizo was advertised to come with a whole grain mustard, but this was missing when the plate was delivered to our table. We had a bite but it was pretty bland so we tried to flag our waitress down while our food got cold. When we finally got her attention she said that the mustard is inside the pastry, and "everyone asks that." So, needless to say we were not impressed. The tortilla espanola was mostly potatoes and had an odd fishy taste - we barely touched it. It came at the same time as the patatas bravas, which we devoured - always my favorite. We also had the jamon and manchego (nothing special) and Mediterranean flatbread (just okay). The meatballs came out last, which were in a thick peppercorn sauce - not my favorite. A few good points. I love the ambiance of this place. Its a bit tight, but its like being transported to Spain. They have tons of Spanish wines and sangria. I also think its priced right - most of the tapas are $5-6 each; I've been places where the small plates are in the $8-$12 range, and it adds up quickly. With all that we ate we racked up only about $50 worth of food charges (not including wine). So its a good deal and is a fun, romantic, "let's mix it up" kind of place. As for the food quality, it started out awesome but has become a bit lackluster. There are better (albeit more expensive) places for tapas in the Boston area.
(3)
Ajda S.

A girlfriend and I met up here on a Tuesday night, around 8:30PM. The place was packed - definitely a good sign on a weeknight. They have an amazing 3-course prix fixe "stimulus" deal that includes appetizer, entree and dessert for $18, and the portions are generous!!!! The blue cheese/granola/beets/mixed greens salad I had for my app was HUGE. It was very tasty with just the right amount of dressing. Kudos to them for using good cheese, and not being stingy with it either! We also ordered one plate of tapas - the gambas al ajillo, a.k.a. sizzling garlic shrimp. The waitress brought it out with the salads, which was perfect timing. I should also mention they serve a basket of good bread that comes with one plate of oil/rosemary/olives as well as a generous portion of white bean spread. For the entree, I had the chicken marsala, which was delicious (though just the slightest touch salty), and came with golden potatoes and mushrooms. Mmm! My friend had the suckling pig (loin), and said it was good, but she didn't elaborate. Again, my portion size was such that I took half home. To accompany our meals, we both got the Spanish red wine flight, which for 3 different 3oz. pours at a price of $7.50, was an excellent deal. The presentation of the glasses and explanation by the waitress was attentive, thorough, and pleasant, and made me feel like a treasured customer. Winning! We had a slightly wobbly table, and again the waitress noticed right away on her own, and immediately fixed it. For dessert, I had the chocolate truffles, which weren't that special, and my friend had the cranberry and apple pie with vanilla ice cream, which was excellent, and the pie served warm! Next time I would probably try cheesecake or chocolate pudding... The service was initially a little slow, between the app and entree, and then again at the end waiting for the check. But overall I would definitely suggest this place. Our waitress was awesome, and the food is good, and the price is so right! The ambiance seemed fairly good, too - not as good as Casa Romero (for example, yes I know that's Mexican) or Dali, but more like, say, Sol Azteca. There was a respectful vibe about the place, but not stuffy. I should note the actual tapas menu is huge, and the plates seem more affordable than many other tapas places in the area.
(4)
Heidi R.

I was excited to go to Tosca. Unfortunately, I found it very mediocre. The wine is cheap (that's great!) but the dishes and service where truly mediocre. I tried 6 of the tapas- one definitely, perhaps up to three, of which I would come back to eat again, but the parking was terrible. Honestly, I wouldn't drive or take the T from Somerville to eat anything I had there. We had a show at Paradise after dinner- the show was great, but I would have preferred to eat in a number of places in one of Somerville's squares. I think the hype for Tosca is is because of the cheaper wine/beer menu... $20 per person with out alcohol is pretty good, but not good enough to go eat at this place. (With Tip)
(2)
Ken L.

Service was above average and so was the food. We ordered 10 items from the tapas menu. The escargot was disappointing to everyone. I liked 7 of the other nine items, and others at the table liked the two I didn't. The one real down point was the wine. Someone else at the table ordered (and tasted) the dry red wine. Although the taste of the wine was fine, the temperature had to be in excess of 80 degrees. This was the warmest red wine I have ever been served at any restaurant. If I had been the one tasting, I would have sent it back and told them to put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Even though I hate the idea of doing this to a good red wine, I was forced to take an ice cube from my water glass and put it in my wine glass.
(4)
Ana R.

Tasca is my favorite restaurant and has been for years. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it until now. For starters, the atmosphere in the place is excellent. I've never had to wait long for a table, but just hanging out at the front is a kind of nice way to start your evening. The hostess and bartender are super nice. The decor and lighting are perfect for a rustic Spanish meal. I even love the guitar music - not too loud so you can still have a conversation. This is the Anti-TGI Fridays. No gimmicks, no flair, no huck-huck waiters trying to be your best friend. Just really good food, and great service. The bread before the meal comes with a different spread depending on what day of the week you're there and what the chef feels like making. I've had the roasted red pepper spread (yum), a buttery garlic one and my favorite, a mushroom spread that was full of flavor. If you're going to Tasca, you have to have the sangria, so find a safe way to get home. It's award-winning, and during the summer, there are several varieties. You can get a full or half pitcher or drink by the glass. Go full if you're sharing. It's delicious. I've never had the entrees, just the tapas. Get two or three per person, you won't regret it. I've literally had everything on their last two menus (they switch it up every once in a while) and everything is delicious. I've daydreamed about the cassoulet - definitely try it! The garlicky shrimp is so so good, and you can smell it coming down the restaurant. This is a great place to take your time and try something new. Really enjoy your food. You're never rushed here. Definitely sign up for the emails at the end of your meal. It's worth it. Tasca has monthly events (live entertainment, wine tastings) that you get first dibs on with the emails. They also send you a coupon for your birthday. I've brought my mom here for Mother's Day two years running and the prix fixe meal does not disappoint. Huge portions, with excellent service. You can't go wrong with Tasca if you're bringing a date, either.
(5)
Jonathan L.

Went back for a date last night. Our waitress was very attentive and sweet. The food was great although the calamari was a bit overcooked. Sangria tasted good. Pretty much enough said for a $40 meal for 2. We love coming here.
(5)
Annette A.

Certainly one of the more overlooked gems of Boston. The atmosphere is lovely and romantic, but it's a great place to go with groups as well as dates. It's an especially great idea if someone in your party is a bit indecisive about what they want to eat - this menu caters to everyone from steak-lovers to vegetarians. The prices are very fair and you can leave happy and full without an emptied wallet. On certain nights, they have a live musician playing guitar. I recommend you call ahead and find out when this happens - it's a nice touch.
(4)
Cynthia C.

I went to this place last Thursday with 3 of my friends, and not only did our waitress bring over the wrong dishes (3 times) but she took forever to take our orders. We had gotten there around 9 and were very hungry, waited about 20 mins before she came over. She didnt ask us how our meals were. She brought us the wrong bill and she also over charged us. She didnt accomidate us, she didnt take anything off the bill for messing up so many times. She over charged us by 20 dollars. She didnt give my friend her valet pass, It was a horrible experience overall, minus the company of my friends, and the food. The food was good, but I was extreamly annoyed with the AWFUL service. It seemed like they didnt know how to run a restaurant, or do anyting to make up for this woman, who clearly was never trained.
(1)
Jack K.

I live just a few T Stops away from Tasca and I had no idea this little place existed! It is small and intimate and the atmosphere really transported me back to the time I was in Madrid, Spain at a Tapas bar. We were promptly greeted but had to wait less than five minutes for a table to be cleared out, which was no problem. It gave us time to check out the place. We ordered 5 orders of tapas: 7. Queso fritos de cabra: Little fried balls of goat cheese over some greens and over dried tomatoes. It was tasty, but I wouldn't order it again because there were only 2 small pieces. 8. Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego: This is a must, or at least order something similar. It was ham and cheeses with bread. The ham was thin sliced and cured to perfection. Very good tasting cheese (I'm a cheese lover). You'll get 4 pieces of bread and lots of ham and cheese. 12. Pincho de pollo y chorizo (2 orders because it was so good): Grilled Chicken and Chorizo skewers with peppers and onions. This was our favorite. The chicken was tender and moist and the peppers and onions added that kick to the already yummy sauce. You get two skewers, so consider ordering multiples of this dish. 17. Fried cubed potatoes in a piquant tomato sauce and garlic aioli: Deep flavors in the potato are infused into the potatoes making for a delightful change from the other dishes we had. I liked this dish, but I wouldn't necessarily get it again. I regretfully have to state that we did not get Sangria, so I will have to return to get more tapas, probably order some entrees, and get some Sangria! Overall though, service was good, the atmosphere was intimate and romantic, the decor was great, and the food was absolutely fantastic! Come to this small gem outside of the hustle and bustle of Downtown Boston in Allston/Brighton and feast away!
(5)
Wendy C.

The sangria here is the best ever! I love it! One sip, one gulp, one pitcher, and then some more! My favorite tapas is the apple and brie. I think they had the pear and brie as well before.
(5)
Island Boy B.

I really wish I could keep this place a secret to keep all the trolls out. I first went here in the mid 90s when they first opened and at that point, my palate wasn't quite developed to really appreciate some of the tapas creations Tasca offers. Although, Tasca remains a short walk for me, I've always passed it up due to the snobbiness of friends and quite honestly myself for other Tapas restaurants in the greater Boston area - namely those on more famous street that begin with N and B. Well, my point being is that, Tasca is located just west of the armpit of Allston. Although Tasca is techniquily Brighton, its on the dreadful stretch of the B-Line that lacks the charm and sophistication of the rest of the area. For me, that's what makes Tasca a hidden gem. At Tasca, you can share a few plates with a friend or date and not break the bank. Just be careful with the sangria, although delicious, this will add $$ to your bill. There are plates that are quite bountiful and then richer and saute'd dishes that are perfectly proportioned. Its been a while since I had a full entree meal there - maybe my Birthday or one of my friend's birthdays back in the late 90s - so my recollection is lost. But there are enough small plates for you to choose from for multiple visits. If I could give this a 6 star, I would - they serve San Miguel Pale and Negros beer which is actually brewed in the Philippines. A very rare find, but it complements the wonderful and authentic Spanish dishes. Take your time and really savor your company and your meal. Buen Provecho!
(5)
John S.

Over 120 reviews! Wow, I'm treading well-worn waters. Still, Tasca deserves another positive review and I am more than willing to give it one. I've been there three times over the past few years and each time has been great. On my most recent trip, I went with three friends, had 11 different dishes and still payed under $30 per person. I know folks tend to think tapas is a pricey endeavor, but you really do get what you pay for and walk out full. The service in the main dining hall was very good. The food came out in waves roughly when we needed them too, and the water glasses were always refilled. The food was delicious and very flavorful. The joy of Tapas is the fact that you get to try so many different spice combinations. We ordered two desserts - an excellent creme brulee and a delicious ice cream stuffed crepe. They put a fantastic capper on a great meal.
(4)
Susan W.

This is my first time trying real tapas(as oppose to fusion tapas). It was quite delicious!
(4)
Jason F.

Admittedly, not the biggest tapas fan... i always feel as though i pay way too much, for way too little food. but this place has great prices, and they give you a lot for it. We tried 4-5 tapas - and everything was great. Got the grilled trio of sausages with flatbread, grilled chicken and chorizo skewers, and a few other things. definitely will come back, even though parking is an issue. Definiely the best tapas place i have been to!!
(5)
Lina R.

Fun little date spot. Took my boyfriend there for his birthday dinner, we had a nice time overall. We ordered a glass of wine. Nice, full glass. Thank you! I give 5 stars for that. The food itself was very good. Some other reviewers said that the food isn't authentic Spanish tapas. Honestly I couldn't tell the difference. Maybe because I've never had tapas or I have one rule: If the food is good, then the food is good! The food was delicious and prepared beautifully. It was a great food adventure. Very reasonably priced for the large, healthy portions you get. Parking: WARNING- YOU WILL GET TOWED IF YOU PARK AT THE WHOLEFOODS/CITIZENS BANK PARKING LOT. Not sure if this is true or if they just want you to pay the $6 for the Valet, but parking SUCKS at this place. I ended up paying the $6 for the Valet because I didn't want to risk getting towed. Over all, I give it 4 stars for the good food and atmosphere. It would have gotten 5 stars if the service was better and if parking wasn't such a pain. Side note: At first we got seated at a small table for two people. We requested to be moved into a booth because we're a couple that likes to eat a lot of food. The request was somehow difficult and they servers and bus boys were somehow baffled by this request. They did eventually move us, but didn't appear happy or accomadating to do so. Maybe they're all the BU/BC kids who's brain got fried from all the drug use? When I'm paying for a meal and giving you a tip- I expect to be treated well because I'm a very easy going customer! I've been a waitress and I know how difficult it is but remember you need to WORK for your tips! I reward for good service. If you're not nice, you're not getting 20%. End of story.
(4)
Kathy A.

The only reason this restaurant isn't getting 4.5 or 5 stars is because of service. Our server was relatively aloof and slow considering the restaurant was pretty empty (we went early on a weekday). But the food was great! We took advantage of their stimulus deal with 3 courses for $18! That is insane, especially in Boston. My entree, the chicken with the chorizo stuffing and mushrooms, was especially delicious and they definitely do not skimp on the portion sizes. I took a look at their regular menu and everything on there sounded incredible and is a steal as well. This restaurant is a MUST and I highly recommend it.
(4)
Anne W.

I don't know why people think this place is that great. Headed here on a Friday.. certainly a popular spot and affordable. The sangria was meh... I can make better myself. I think you do yourself a favor by buying a glass of wine instead. The table was tiny.. I guess they can't help how popular they are.. the waitress was a little short with us.. she didn't suggest anything to us really. The theme of the entire meal was potatoes. They pile everything with loads of potatoes. I can see that is the only way you can be full. The octopus tapas had almost no tapas stacked on a plate of potatoes. The escargot didn't seem fresh and didn't come from the shell. The beef tenderloin was not tender and stacked next to a pile of mashed potatoes. Parking is a nightmare in this area. Not a fan.. rather go to another tapas restaurant sadly. I do not agree with you yelp.
(3)
Shelagh M.

Having lived in Madrid for a year, I know good tapas, but more importantly, I know BAD tapas (which many places in Boston have- MEXICAN IS NOT SPANISH!). Tasca knows what they are doing. The ambience and food transported me back to SPain and everything, down to the small, quaint, interior and very low lighting was a perfect twin of everything that characterizes Spain. The Sangria was perfect as well- strong, just as it should be. The only problem with the small quiant-ness, of course is that it IS very cramped. I don't think they should move to a bigger place, but they should open another Tasca maybe close to the center of Boston.
(4)
Jennifer W.

Tasca was delicious! Great date place! Every time I go I enjoy my dinner. My girlfriend and I have been three times. The prices are good and the food is amazing. We had the sangria and ordered multiple tapas dishes. All were well made. The only bad thing I can say about the meal was the wine flight. The wines weren't very good. Some tasted old or like they were corked for awhile. I would just order a regular bottle or glass of wine. I will go back!
(5)
Paige C.

saucy salty Spain? mas sangria por favor tastes pretty good now
(4)
Robot N.

Disappointing at best. First of all, the table is pre-set with olives and bread. Too much stuff on the table. Second, the menu is numbered. NUMBERED! Third, the portions are gigantic, tapas portions are meant to be small. In summation: the experience was inauthentic.
(1)
Jackie S.

What an interesting turn of events. I came here with my man and they said it was too busy and to come back in 45 min (at 9:15 ah! late dinner) so we did. When we came back we were seated at a crappy seat near the door but he didn't mind and we were starving so we sat there. We had an email promoting $5 sangria or $5 bottles of wine. I asked for the sangria and she said they weren't doing it that night. I said I have proof in an email right here. She sent over another waitress and after some back and forth they gave us the $5 sangria. Listen, I am a business woman and you can't advertise something and then take it back, so I fought for it, and it was worth it! I was hoping I didn't cause too much of a ruckus and then the rest of the time was very nice. The blood orange sangria was delicious. The free bread wasn't very good but the hummus was definitely very good. We got 4 tapas: 1. Duck leg with blackberry sauce: very very good, I love duck. 2. Braised Beef Short Ribs: Is it bad that I loved the potato thing on the side more? hah 3. Salmon something. This one was just OK. Tasted pretty much like lox. 4. Fillet Mignon slices with mashed potatoes: def good, a little fatty though and again the highlight was the superb mashed potatoes! My man screwed up and got the flan which I don't like to begin with but he liked it very much so that was good. Overall a nice place, good music, service was nice even with the minor blip in the beginning. I would come back here.
(4)
Linda C.

My friend and my husband went their Saturday night for dinner. It was our first time after hearing rave reviews about this place. The upside is that the location is easily accessible from both walking and the T. We went their close to 10 pm on a Saturday night and the place still had customers. (good sign) It was one of the few places left open at that hour before the kitchen shuts down. So we order 9 plates total and not all were great. Some dishes were better than others. We really like the potatoes and the mussles and the beef ribs. Dishes I wouldn't care to order again are the Serrano ham (for sure read below) and the mushroom dish. The mushroom dish was too creamy for my taste. So in regards to the ham: my husband got food poisoning really really bad from eating it!! Now, I know you may think maybe he got food poisoning from something else before that but we ate at home and he was fine all day. So after he ate the ham, he said it tasted funny but didn't say anything at the restaurant. His not the type to raise a concern and make a scene. Now he wish he would've said something. My friend and I didn't touch it because my husband couldn't eat a lot of the seafood dishes and they only give you 2 thin slices. The food portions for everything else were very generous but now my friend and I are a little afraid of going back. I called the restaurant a little while ago and let them know about the ham, so hopefully no body else gets sick. Now I'm a pretty fair critic and I know food poisoning is a hit or a miss and it does not encompass the entire reputation of the restaurant. However, if you are serving raw meats, you should be extra cautious with it! My husband is pretty upset since it ruined his entire Easter Sunday with running a high fever and going to the bathroom a lot, then missing work today because of it. As for my friend and I we might go back someday and just stay away from the ham.
(2)
Sara M.

This place is great! Parking is a bit tricky on the street (same as Bamboo) so it is best to take the B line. They have these stimulus menus every week and if you are on their email list, you can see the selections. They also have specials for a free pitcher of sangria. This would entice me to come alone but the food is actually quite delicious - and filling. One time we did the stimulus and ordered one tapa to share - I could barely finish my entree and took part of it home! The paella is a bit salty but still very good and chock full of meat and seafood. We love the goat cheese tapa and try to sample new ones too. It is a bit cramped inside and you will be quite close to other tables. For some reason, it gets very warm in the restaurant so that I am overheated by the time we leave. However, the value is great for the price. I have taken some out of town friends here and they enjoyed it very much!
(4)
Lucy W.

Tasca, how could I have not reviewed you yet? I used to come here all the time when I lived close by. Located on the Washington St T stop, parking around here is iffy, though there is valet that you can reserve ahead of time. Food is awesome, and the weekday prix fixe menu is a great value. My favorites include the seta al jerez (portobello mushroom in sherry sauce- dip your extra bread in the sauce!), the spanish flan dessert, and of course, the pitchers of sangria! The restaurant is cozy and split into 2 rooms, a main dining room and a row of tables and booths right by the front door and bar. If you are seated by the door, there is no escaping the glares of those waiting for tables, just like we glared at the diners and at the awful hostess who kept bypassing us, (1 hour wait and we made reservations!), to seat others that came in after us. That coziness however, is great in the winter, when the restaurant becomes a cave-like cocoon on a cold day. On a chilly June day, that works too....though it didn't prevent us from going through 3 pitchers of chilled sangria!
(4)
Jessica Z.

Went there twice already when I moved to the neighborhood, try the sizzling shrimp!
(4)
Josephine L.

Tasca, you may be in the middle of f**king nowhere Allston, but I'll take the B-line to you any day. Because that's what friends are for. And friends also like to eat each other's cooking. I enjoy your Patatas alioli, Queso fritos de cabra, Patatas bravas (I'm a sucker for potatoes and tomatoes) and AlbÃ³ndigas. Especially the AlbÃ³ndigas. God bless your meat balls. Love what you've done with the place too. Nice without being too trendy or too bizarre. You definitely visited Dali and Tapeo and decided to take the best of both and leave out the worst, didn't you? Yeah, you did, you little minx.
(5)
Dallas C.

Great little tapas place! My girlfriend and I live about a block away and like to walk over once every few weeks. They have very generous sized portions for a tapas place so we usually split 3 tapas dishes and a desert between us. The tapas ranges from good to excellent depending on which you choose and their bread pudding is amazing. The best part is everything is very modestly priced especially for the quality of food you receive. We usually go around 6:30 or 7:00pm on friday nights and have no problem getting a table but by the time we leave around 8 there is a wait out the door. Great tapas place!
(4)
Ellis C.

I've gone to this place many times over the years, and I've always found the food to be very good and the service to be exceptionally pleasant. It's a warm cozy place, and everyone seems happy, perhaps aided by the general Sangria buzz. Eight of us just came here to celebrate my birthday and had a wonderful time, as usual. We had some excellent tapas/appetizers. Our favorites (among those we ordered) were the Duxbury oysters (very fresh with nice accompaniments), the couscous con verduras (very tasty Israeli couscous w roasted vegetables), the Setas al Jerez (portabella mushrooms in a sherry cream demi-glace, maybe even a tad too rich, but oh so delicious), and the carpacio al atun (perfectly-prepared slices of rare tuna, pan seared on the outside, over a nice mango & black bean salsa). Some of the other appetizers/tapas were, I thought, a little less successful. The gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp in garlic & chili) had a wonderful flavor, but suffered from using cheaper peeled shrimp. The goat cheese empanadas were nice, but I didn't think the tart sweetness of the red pepper relish sauce was a good match for them. The potato leek soup was very flavorful, but just a little too floury (which didn't stop us from devouring it), and I thought the beef carpacio tasted a little more like rare roast beef than really good carpacio. Among the entrees, we especially liked the Cornish hen (perfectly seasoned and prepared), the osso bucco (excellent tender lamb in a beautiful sauce, served with with excellent rice with root veggies), and the zarzuela (very nicely done seafood in a delicious saffron sauce). For dessert, the cranberry & apple pie, pumpkin pie and chocolate truffles were all really good, but the flan was excellent, and the pineapple and coconut cheesecake was outstanding. The food does vary a bit, but a lot of the dishes are excellent, and even dishes that miss the mark are generally still satisfying and flavorful. That, combined with decent-sized portions and very reasonable prices (especially if you order off of the special Appetite Stimulus menu) keep me coming back here.
(4)
Ro C.

I passed by this place for years when I lived on the B line but never went in. Bad me! I'm pretty tempted to give this place a 5 just on the food alone, but I didn't care so much for the sangria. This is my tapas experience. We went here for a friend's birthday celebration. There were 18 of us, about 8 more than we had originally reserved for us. It's a really great thing that my friend and I were about 40 minutes late to the 8pm reservation, because that's about the time when the rest of the party had been seated. Thank you for making space, Tasca! Our waitress was very good about the mass of people there. She was rather slow about getting place servings to my friend and I, who arrived only about 5 minutes after everybody else had been seated. I never got a knife. My dinner mate was kind enough to give me hers. Again, we were a large group, so no worried about that. Overall she was great! I had ordered the Three Amigos meat platter, the salmon dish, and the baked baby back rib. I received all the dishes at different times, which made it pretty easy to continually eat my dishes, and offer servings to others. The meat dish was tasty. Different types of meat with amazingly tart mustard on a bed of untoasted naan (minute drawback). The salmon was well done with an interesting mayonaise sauce. I don't like mayo, though it still worked well, but still a bit ick. The latke-like fritter bed it came on was just a terrible after-thought. It was rubbery, hard to bite off, and really didn't belong with the dish, I feel. Oh, the baby back rib? Divine. There was a long wait between my two first dishes and this one, but I must say it was pretty worth it. It crumbled in defeat at the sight of my fork and gave itself over entirely to me. The sauce it came with (whether it was juices from the oven or some add-on) was just incredibly savory and delicious. The potatoes were pretty good too. A little lumpy but not flakes from a box, so I can live with the trade off because they were real potatoes. I will certainly be returning, especially since this was a great way to get a variety of dinners and sample a lot of really great tastes.
(4)
Linda E.

Went here with Elizabeth D. for a Sunday night dinner. We had a $10 off coupon and free valet parking coupon! We ordered the Vega Sindoa Tempranillo Merlot Blen as recommended by Jasmine M. We got the appetite stimulus package choosing, the rabbit, the steak, and the blueberry cheesecake. We also ordered the feta empanadas, the ahi tuna, the duck legs(oh soooo goood, so moist)., and the cookie with bananas. Most of the meal was great, the waitress was nice, the hostess wasn't too friendly and it's weird they don't take reservations, so we had to wait in the bar for about 20 minutes. The rabbit was soft and delicious, the cheesecake was kind of mushy and was irregular shaped, I wouldn't recommend it.
(4)
Tio P.

clasauterphobic, cleaning the table and silverware wouldn't hurt either. teaching the staff what is on the menu or how to pour water correctly would be nice. The plates are hit or miss, but really not a very good value at all. For full disclosure, my date enjoyed the place and everything else, however left hungry and wishing to go anywhere else.
(2)
Katie V.

Oooof, tonight's experience was rough. The server was really having an off night (he admitted as much, and screwed up so much that he comped us a pitcher of sangria and told us not to tip him). Had a 7pm reservation and waited only 5 minutes to be seated, so that was an improvement on the last visit. Unfortunately sat at the exact same table as I did before, one of the booths right by the door where people crowd around awkwardly while they wait to be seated. I bet the experience on the other side of the restaurant is less chaotic and you don't have to talk loudly and deal with people's butts in your faces (they're standing, you're sitting). It's a clusterfuck. We ordered 6 dishes. One person did all the ordering and was careful to say the dish name and number ("number 19, the duck leg"). Still, of the first three plates that arrived, only one was one we had ordered. First the server thought he had the wrong table and apologized....then he came back a minute later and said it was our mistake, that we had ordered these things, according to his notes. We went over our menu selections again -- he had misheard or mis-written down some things. Eventually, the right stuff came. It was all fine, not as good as I remembered. We asked for more bread and never got it. The complimentary sangria was a nice gesture, but we had been considering switching to wine after the first pitcher, so.... Then we asked for dessert menus. We decided to share two desserts -- a blackberry cheesecake and something layered with chocolate and bananas. Then 3 desserts arrived -- 2 cheesecakes and the chocolate thing. We were puzzled and told the server we'd only ordered one cheesecake, but by that point he was so flustered we just said we'd eat it. Alas, the desserts were both disappointing. Didn't taste homemade. Chocolate cake thing was not moist. Cheesecake slices were small and tasted frozen. We did still of course tip the server because, you know, we're not assholes. But I probably won't return.
(2)
Nathan W.

Love this place! Sangria is top notch
(5)
Renzie J.

Nice place, very authentic, and a very pleasant atmosphere. The service was great as well, our waiter was extremely helpful and attentive. Good food, but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. My expectations were higher. I went with a couple of friends and between the three of us we got 4 different kinds of tapas, just to try out. The couscous one was a bit too sour for me, maybe they just put more of the sour sauce stuff( or whatever it was) in mine, but it had so much potential to taste delicious w/out it. I also got the meatballs, which I wish were more tender. The grilled brie, however, was AMAZING, it just melts in your mouth!! My friend had the "salmon ahumado" which was tasty as well. They also give you bread with really delicous hummus. The sangrias were okay, but not the best ones I've ever had. The other downfall is that the restaurant was sooo busy when we came (Saturday night), and it's not very big (at all) so I felt a little claustrophobic waiting for our table amongst a crowd of hungry people. They restaurant provides valet parking which is convenient since there's really no place to park on Comm Ave in Brighton. It's only $6. Although I didn't love this place, I think it's only because my expectations were much higher, but I would definitely come back.
(3)
Ashley V.

Tasca gets a 5 for me because the price is right and Tasca is less than a block from my apartment. If it was further away it would probably get a 4 so, I guess take the 5 with a grain of salt? However, my boyfriend and I love to have "date night" at Tasca because we get 3-4 tapas dishes to share, which are always delicious, split a half pitcher of sangria, AND share a dessert, all for $50 or less. Our favorite dishes to get are probably the calamari and albondigas, but they have so many tapas options that we try to change up our choices every time we go. My favorite new dessert discovery is their bread pudding! in love. Downside to Tasca: the small amount of restaurant space and its popularity means if you are going on a Friday or Saturday night, get there early, as in before 7 p.m.
(5)
Meagh-Dan B.

I feel extremely lucky to live right down the street from Tasca. I have always had a great experience here, with everything from the service to the food and drinks. They have a great selection of Tapas, and everyone is bound to find something that they'll like. My boyfriend and I usually order around 5 or 6 tapas plus dessert and thats a good amount of food for two people. We always try new things because there are so many amazing options on the menu that we want to try. If I could order a taste of every dish, I probably would. Last night we went and had the meatballs, fried potatoes, goat cheese empanadas, and short ribs, which were all perfect and delicious. The sauce on the meatballs was a perfect match. We also had the filet mignon, which was nice and tender but had too much of a smoky taste for our liking. The chicken canlon was okay, but we probably won't order it again. The tiramisu and warm chocolate pudding desserts are fabulous. Even if you think you are too full for dessert you need to order it. Get a pitcher of Sangria...it is delicious and has the perfect amount of fruit in it (apples and oranges). We couldn't believe how cheap our bill was after the amazing meal we had just finished. VERY reasonably priced. Inside is a little cramped and dark, but it has it's own special vibe to it at the same time. We sat near the window last night and liked it because it was brighter and not super close to other tables like some are in the main dining room. Overall always a great experience at Tasca and will certainly be back soon!!!
(5)
Jess B.

I actually can't believe I lived in my current apartment in Brighton for over a year before I tried this place. I can imagine parking is a total hassle so I feel really fortunate to live within walking distance. The food isn't overpriced and they have a good, diverse selection of tapas. Tasca is becoming a pretty regular place for my boyfriend and I to dine with the recent three-course dinners and $5 bottles of wine. It's nice being to have a delicious dinner and two glasses of wine apiece without totally breaking the bank. I also LOVE their vegetarian couscous. So good! My only complaint? The seating. Many of the tables upstairs are in high traffic areas. We went on a Friday night and I felt really bad for the people sitting at those tables because not only were they stuck sitting right by the crowded bar but it was also the main route to the bathroom.
(4)
Tom G.

Hilarious edit: I was going to check Tasca's wine list since I may be going back with friends who love it soon. I found this gem on their site: Muga, Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2008 $ 65.00 This quintessentially over-rated and over-priced Rioja is a well structured wine with an excellent balance of fruit and oak. There's lots of smoky cedar and tobacco notes in this reserva, which shows complex berry and hints of mineral and graphite, ending with firm tannins. If you feel nostalgic for the aroma of your high school pencil case, this is the wine for you. . Why would you clearly copy/paste a BAD review for a wine that calls it overpriced and overrated?!?! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â------- So this place has a great reputation on Yelp and some of our friends raved. So, we were excited to take our $30 gift certificate here from Bloomspot and give it a shot. So, the 3-star review is probably generous, if I'm being really objective. I had pretty high expectations but as soon as you step in you sort of realize this place is probably not super high end, which is fine as long as the meal is solid. What saved it were the relatively cheap prices and convivial staff. The sangria started us off...and I'd rate it somewhere between a "good" Spanish tapas place and a chain Spanish/Mexican place. It was probably just below average. Very artificial tasting, the fruit was added to the pitcher just prior to soaking. Maybe it was just a fresh batch that they decided to not let meld before pouring it but that's not really better. I've had far, far better sangria, but it's cheap so I'd let all that slide and enjoy. The tapas were a mix of decent to downright awful. The good: shortrib (huge portion for $8, flavorful), spanish tortilla The mediocre: Patatas bravas (clearly microwaved just before serving...piping hot and steaming and mushy but the sauce was pretty right on in terms of authenticity), pincho de pollo y chorizo The poor: roast duck, jamon y manchego (dried meat but not in a good way - in a "it sat out sliced for a while" way), three sausages The down right misexecuted: Pulpo Gallega (parts were raw, parts were overcooked, flavorless, one of the worst examples of the dish I've had and I've had it more than a few times) It was a bell curve in terms of enjoyment and that's not really what I want in a meal. I had a class of garnacha that was flat and tasted like it came from a bottle that sat open for a week or so. I should've asked which wines were most popular so that I could get a fresh glass... I can certainly see why it's popular on Yelp. The other diners were almost all BC undergrads (I recognized a few from a mixed undergrad/grad class I just took) and for the price point this place is pretty average and it's like 5 stops up the B-line from campus. But if you've been to a better tapas joint you'll be disappointed in the execution here. A Jose Garces place this is not and I didn't expect it to be, but I expected a decent meal and I really didn't get one.
(3)
Sandra C.

Back from my third visit, and I must say I really love this place. When I walked by, the doors and curtains were closed so it seemed a bit exclusive (I wasn't sure if it was still opened). However, when we opened the door, the hosts were really welcoming. It could have been this one night, but typically when I visit, it takes awhile for the food to pump out of the kitchen. This time the food came out rather quickly. We stuck with tapas only--and basically...all the meat tapas are YUM. Cooked just right too. For dessert, we had the Oreo base cake thinger (I know, I'm so eloquent). It was SO GOOD! Anyways...5 star food and service for today. I'm a happy camper.
(5)
Radiant C.

It was a cold night in Boston, and Tasca's atmosphere was burning hot. The line for this place, especially on a Friday was intense - about an hour and a half wait, with a quarter of that being spent outside since the line was so long (mind you this was just for a party of three people). The venue definitely needs to be bigger for the type of service and attention that this restaurant and bar receives. Once we got inside, the space went from freaking cold to an uncomfortable warmth that occurred from the people packed like sardines in the small room in between the door and before the hostess podium. Once we were seated at the booth, we immediately ordered the sangria - and from then on, the pitchers kept on coming, and the wait that we all had to endure was forgotten. We decided to order two dishes per person and all share (of course - as it goes) and if I could really remember what I ordered (damn all the sangria I drank before the waiter came back) it would be perfect. But, believe me... We had six different tapas, and none of the tapas were disappointing. Bank on that.
(5)
Dorise G.

I've been to Tasca a couple times now and am often struck by the beauty of the restaurant and the value of the food. I went once with a group of just 4, but the other times with groups of 8-10. Their food is usually pretty solid - from the tapas menu i'm always sure to get their mussles, because you get a huge bowl of em for not too much $$$. This most recent trip i went with 9 others for their "appetite stimulus" menu - a $16 3-course meal. They rotate their appetite stimulus menu on a weekly basis, but just cuz it's a tapas place doesn't mean their portion sizes for the 3-course meal are small! I had a fantastic mushroom and fennel soup, which was much larger than i was expecting, and easily would have been a $5-$8 bowl. I then got the steak entree which had a large portion size and was cooked perfectly - I probably would have paid $12 for that plate alone. The dessert I chose was an oreo crumb bar dessert with dulce de lece, bananas, and whipped cream. Also easily a dessert of $6-$8 value, I was so full at this point I couldn't even finish the dessert (rare for me). All this for $16, plus specials on drinks too - $6.50 sweet margaritas, $6.50 wine flight of 3 wines in either red or white, and you can't go wrong with a pitcher of sangria! So why only 4 stars, you ask? Our server was kind of lame. Though mostly attentive and relatively quick and I'm sure serving in such close quarters is a challenge, she would hand off hot plates to us (tho she'd warn us it was hot, it was really a little too hot for us to be handed off), when one of my dining companions asked what ingredients were in the succotash she was told it was "just corn," and when it was brought to her it had other ingredients, one of which she was allergic to, so had to send it back. The waitress' demeanor was not particularly pleasant either. So, Tasca, you definitely win on flavor, value, and beautiful atmosphere to boot. I just hope next time I get a different waitress.
(4)
Alyssa S.

I have heard rave reviews about Tasca in Brighton. I've never been to a tapas restaurant before this, but I was so excited to experience all that is Spanish tapas dining. After finding street parking near the restaurant, I was surprised to see how busy it was on a Wednesday evening around 7:30pm. We had a reservation which allowed us to be seated almost immediately. The staff was friendly and efficient. The atmosphere of Tasca is very romantic, yet fun. There is a small bar when you first enter the restaurant, and the dining area is divided between two levels. After ordering a carafe of sangria, I feasted my eyes on the everlasting menu where everything sounded amazing. We began our meal with the complimentary bread served with hummus and the Caracoles Escargots. I've never had escargots before, and my conclusion was that I have definitely been missing out my entire life. It was so delicious. Our next course included the Calamares Fritos (fried calamari). We also ordered the AlbÃ³ndigas (tenderloin meatballs) and the AtÃºn salteado (pan seared yellow-fin tuna over a mixed bean ragout in a saffron Dijon aioli). Next, we ordered the ConfÃt de pato (roasted duck leg served over braised red cabbage and apples). These dishes were savory and the flavors exploded in my mouth. They were well prepared and the presentation was fantastic. My favorite would have to be the roasted duck and red cabbage as well as the escargots. To complete our meal, we ordered the Pastel Vasco (layered dessert of a homemade cookie base with milk toffee, bananas and whipped cream). With all the dishes you order, the bill can run up. However, I have to say that I was utterly stuffed upon leaving Tasca, and my experience was exceptional. The food went beyond my expectations. Our waitress could have been slightly more attentive, but we excused her because of the crowd. I hope to return again soon and try new dishes as well as revisit a couple of my favorites. Tasca is nice for a date, but I also saw a few large parties of 8+ in the restaurant. They accommodate for your group size, but I would suggest a reservation for both a date or a party.
(4)
Jay C.

Food here was pretty good, been here a few times. The sangria is pretty good, lots of fruits included. Place was nice and cozy.
(4)
Danielle C.

My favorite restaurant for the past few years, Tasca not only has delicious food and fantastic sangria, they value their customers. If you sign up for their emails, you're entered into drawings for $10 off your meal (I won one this month!) as well as my favorite coupon: $1 for a pitcher of sangria with any meal (usually $22). Tons of tapas choices, which do change-- sometimes sadly, I miss a few-- and I've never had one I was less than psyched with. Never done an entree, but my friends have and were very pleased with theirs. Great ambiance, very cozy feeling with soft lighting. Not a very large place, so try it during off days (Sunday-Wed) or hours (late lunch or late dinner) for the best experience. If you do have to wait, they have a very tiny, but quaint, bar to get you started. And you will want to get started-- seriously, order that sangria (their peach is great, but I prefer the standard). Valet park, you'll never find a spot-- it's about $6, but beats the hell out of a ticket. Occasionally I've been given vouchers for free valet as well :)
(5)
Eve L.

Tasca is by far the best for tapas of the 3 I've tried - Dali is loud, crowded, and has fewer vegetarian options, and Cuchi Cuchi is basically just a glorified meat market. Tasca has a great, relaxed atmosphere, with live music that was not at all overpowering. Like, you could still talk and hear each other at normal voice levels when the music was playing. I went with a party of 4, and we got 9 tapas between us, 8 vegetarian. Everything we got was SUPERB, and reasonably priced. Oh, and the make a deceptively strong, delicious sangria. I've come back to amend my review (Aug 2007) and dock them a star because TWICE now they've blown it with large parties (one of 9, one of 12) and we've gone next door to Bamboo. In one case, they told us a month before an event I was planning that we would be fine for reservations on a particular night (they sometimes have flamenco and don't take reservations). Then we called a week before to confirm, and they said they couldn't on that night , but the night before would be fine. OK, fine, we emailed all 12 guests and moved it up a night. But three days before the event, they informed us that no, they have a benefit for WGBH and couldn't possibly accomodate that many people on that night. WTF? So, like I said, we went next door. Basically, the food is still excellent, but DON'T GO HERE WITH LARGE PARTIES. They are completely incompetent when it comes to organizing and giving out the correct information.
(4)
Amy Y.

The sangria here is SO GOOD! Fresh and sweet with actual infusion of fruit flavors! The menu at Tasca is decently priced. My favorite tapas were the portobello mushroom in sherry cream with garlic and the white anchovy with tomato dishes. The portobello mushrooms were sauteed perfectly in potent garlicky, creamy goodness. The anchovies were fresh and smoky, which were underpinned sublimely by fresh slices of tomato. We tried quite a few tapas on Tasca's menu, since we had a pretty big group, but those were the only that stood out. The escargot is not bad, although nothing compares to the snails from Petit Robert Bistro. I have to say that Dali in Cambridge has some better executed dishes (such as the sizzling shrimp- power packed garlic flavor!), but the price points here are better. Skip on the dessert ... the cheesecake tasted like straight up cream cheese and the ice cream crepe was not... a real crepe. I recommend going down the street and honestly grabbing something from the pastry section at Whole Foods (fruit tart!!! ...hello!). Oh, but did I mention the sangria?? Don't even think twice about not getting a whole pitcher.
(3)
Del S.

Love the decor, cozy ambiance, exotic interior setting, friendly staffs, and yes, the yummy food! Food are delicious here at very reasonable prices. My favorite dishes are Conft de pato (roasted duck with red cabbage and apples), Setas al jerez (Portabella mushrooms in cream), and Costillas de ternera (bone less beef short ribs over scallion mashed potato). My friends love their Gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp with garlic) which I thought was also pretty good but not that special. Also worth mentioning: their excellent Sangria! It was fruity and hella tasty! Our waiter was extremely nice (and young) and always made sure we had what we needed. I had a really wonderful dinning experience there! We were impressed that for 3 of us the bill was under $35 total (we had one pitch of Sangria and plenty tapa plates which really filled us up). My friend joined their online mailing list and got a $10 dollar off coupon. They were happy to honor the coupon which made the total come to.. less than $25!! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
(5)
Lidya T.

The food here is just mediocre. I've had better tapas in SF, Dali and Cuchi Cuchi. The paella was tasteless with soggy saffron rice and meager seafood combination . There is nothing unique about the spanish sausages either - too salty and kinda dry. This could be just my own personal opinions though. The fact that we had to wait 30minutes on a wednesday evening for our table might say otherwise. Perhaps what we ordered wasn't their specialty. I definitely agree their peach sangria is definitely delicious. I consumed almost the whole pitcher by myself.
(3)
Meghan W.

One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Boston. My boyfriend took me here for our first date, and it was love at first taste. The tapas are very reasonably priced, and offer so much variety that I've never been able to try one of the real entree dishes that the restaurant offers. The coupons that get e-mailed out on a regular basis are a huge plus - I'm looking forward to using my most recent one for a free pitcher of sangria! The atmosphere in the restaurant is cozy and rustic, and the waitstaff has not yet disappointed. A must visit.
(5)
Glen M.

Who thought there could be a good restaurant in Brighton on Comm Ave? They have great food, a great atmosphere (good for couples or groups) and the prices make it possible to order and try a whole lot of stuff. You will need to order a lot before you sample everything on their extensive menu. My suggestions - Go on a weeknight to avoid the crowds; take the T, walk or use the inexpensive valet service to avoid parking problems; start off with some delicious sangria and don't be afraid to try something you normally wouldn't order - it's all good.
(5)
Julie Q.

First impression was pretty rough, when we walked in, no one took our name, so we waited for a hostess to pop up. Never happened. 5 minutes later, another couple walks in & the hostess pops out of no where walking past us and takes their name. I then mentioned we'd been there for awhile and no one has taken our name, and she stares blankly and adds our name AFTER the last couple. Awesome. Ahi Tuna was very good, but the rest of the Tapas were average. Sangria was tasty- but not tasty enough for us to ever go back there.
(2)
Katherine J.

My friend and I came here for dinner and we both really enjoyed it. I signed up for their email list on their website and printed off a coupon they sent me for a $5 bottle of wine. The wine turned out to be pretty good! We ordered about 6 plates of tapas plus dessert and the bill was only $48! Crazy! Anyways, the food was pretty good but it's not the best tapas I've ever had. I would probably not bring my Spanish friend here but I would go back myself. I really liked the potato dishes, the eggplant dish, goat cheese empanadas, and the flour-less chocolate torte was very good. The portabella mushroom dish was uninspired and bland. I found their tapas to be more mexican inspired than traditional Spanish. This is very evident in the black bean crab cakes served with salsa. They give you bread and some sort of green bean dip but they will take it away to make room for your plates. We asked for it back and to have our bread refilled a couple of times and they promptly acquiesced. All in all, it was a good experience.
(5)
Francine W.

Yum I came here with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. We had gotten a coupon off one those livingsocial deals for $30 of tapas for $15 or something like that. The food was good, not amazing but good. The service was solid as well. The sangria is delicious!
(3)
Bow J.

My friend and I were taking a break from studying last week. I googled Tapas and Tasca was the closest one from BU that opens till 11:30. So we got there at around 10:45 and the waitress told us to order everything we want before 11 cuz that's when they close the kitchen. Two of us finished 7 dishes and most of them were really good. (Get the sizzling shrimp!) I will definitely come back for more delicious tapas.
(4)
Kara S.

I love tasca with all my heart. I used to live around the corner from it, and I miss it. The atmosphere is moody, all low-lit and glowing with red tones. I love that once you are on the email list, you get great coupons sent to you, for 10 dollars off your meal (really, so generous!), free pitchers of sangria, or free deserts. I have been happy with almost everything I've eaten here, but two dishes make me swoon. First is the Setas al Jerez tapas dish, which is a sherry cream sauce with shitake mushrooms and toasted baguettes. It is one of my all time favorite dishes, so creamy and rich and addictive. And this from someone who typically doesn't even like mushrooms very much. The second dish is the Pastel Vasco desert. It's a cookie base with vanilla cream, bananas and whipped cream. I would describe the cookie base to be like the dark of Oreo cookies ground up superfine, then pressed together into a mold. The texture that results is silky and out of this world. My description doesn't do it any justice, so please just try this on your next visit, and I am pretty sure you will leave with a smile on your face.
(5)
Jenna J.

Really cute place. Warm, authentic atmosphere. Parking is a pain, but they have valet service for only $6 - definitely worth it not to deal with the hassle of parking on comm ave. (However we did go there when it was cold and snowing, when it's nice out I wouldn't mind the walk!) Their tapas are pretty good, but not fantastic. Some things are better than others. They bring out bread with hummus-hummus is yum, bread is boring, they should definitely spice it up a bit. I would check it out again, mostly because it's a cute place to hang out and chat with friends. But I also want to try other items on the menu. I suggest making reservations, waitlist was long and they don't really have any space where you can wait - very crowded at the small bar area. Service was friendly.
(4)
Will N.

Great Tapas, but no parking. The valet parking is a good alternative. The service is great and so is the food.
(4)
Paul M.

I'd rate Tasca fourth in line, behind Dali, Tapeo and Cuchi Cuchi. When I go out for tapas, I like to be immersed in atmosphere. While Tasca is darkly lit and warm, it has an open layout that I don't find conducive to a good dining experience. My second gripe is the menu. It's overwhelming large and leaves me feeling anxious. Note: I am an indecisive diner and I like caves.
(3)
Sean S.

The girl and I have been here a couple of times. Usually with friends when we more so want to have drinks with snacks without gorging on a huge meal. the tapas aren't too expensive, neither is the drink menu. The tapas I have tried so far that I can remember are the chicken croquets, the beef short ribs, and a few other things I can't remember the names of, but they were all delicious and well executed. Service is very very good. The last time we were there our server (Amelia I think?) was super knowledgeable, and incredibly nice. It was almost like catching up with an old friend you hadn't seen in years. All in all , every time I've been here, I'm left happy and full (booze and a little food). The sangria is delicious which means a lot coming from me....I'm not big into sweet drinks. they serve you bread automatically with a delicious and creamy garlic herb butter that isn't over powering. Is the best Tapas place I've ever been to? No. But certainly not the worst by any stretch. It's close by, affordable and the atmosphere is nice and cozy with a rustic kitchen feel. I must mention though, every time I have been there, there has been a group (or two) that go a little crazy with their camera's. I'm all for capturing the moment, but in a dimly lit place and you have your crazy cannon super flash going off every three minutes, it gets really annoying. It would be nice to see management intervene. I'm not saying don't take pictures, but be considerate and thoughtful on the frequency of picture taking. Other than that, I love Tasca and will definitely be back for years to come.
(4)
Derek C.

Great food, fair prices, people were really nice. Suggest the garlic shrimp, the duck breast, and the brie platter.
(4)
Albert D.

Good because you get what you pay for. Goat cheese empanadas were to die for. Can't recommend the paella. I don't think you should order entrees and just stick with tapas. Make reservations, but they don't take them until after 4pm. Fried calamari is nothing special. ONE THING YO MUST GET: Bread pudding. It's deifnitely not your everyday pudding. Nice atmosphere, good eats.
(4)
Whitney K.

I don't know yelpers... this place has such high reviews, and I can't figure out why. Tasca is across the street from me, so I've tried to give it a few chances, and both times I wished I went elsewhere. The food is bland, occasionally comes out luke warm and is really unmemorable, even though it usually smells pretty fragrant when you walk in. The service is iffy, even if you go at a slower time. The best I had... the escargo pastry and garlicky chicken. It's not terrible here, but I won't be back, even though it's super convenient. Bamboo next door is much better anyway.
(2)
Jessie S.

Love the atmosphere, the service is always prompt and the sangria is excellent!
(5)
Jessica L.

I have been here many times. And most of the dishes here are really excellent. I certainly enjoy the sangria tremendously. My problem is that the last 3-4 times I've been, the service has been atrocious. I mean, I can't get my water glass filled through the whole meal. Total apathy by the servers, too. I've given up (and really, the only reason I went this last time, a week ago, was because a friend had a gift card). Maybe if they put a big sign out front that says "new management & better service!" I'll try it again.
(3)
mickey l.

Re-Heated Bar food IS authentic Spanish food. It's tasty, if a little dry. The sauces taste very comforting and warm. A live musician, playing classic guitar. A dark "Don Juan Quioxte" vibe. Very polite staff--super nice manager who offers free desert or drinks if you have to wait at all. Yummy Sangria at 18$ for a large pitcher. The Muga Rioja Riserva is one of the best and at 45$ is a steal considering it's about 30$ at wine shops. The chairs are a bit "chinese restaurant buffet" and if you are not on a date or with a group (like the "man date" I was on) you will feel a bit out of place in the dining room of lovers.
(4)
kerri s.

Tasca is one of my favorite Boston restaurants. Their tapas are devine, and are less expensive, and more plentiful then some of the other tapas establishments in the city. I salivate over the yellow fin tuna, escargots and goat cheese empanadas! Holy crap, they are good. The sangria is also amazing.....you know, sangria can go either way, depending on the recipe....but they have perfected theirs. YUMMY!! They also host cool events throughout the year like flamenco dance nights, and wine/food pairings. Make sure you sign up for their email list....they will send you tons of coupons for $10 off, and announcements for their upcoming events. Parking can be a pain, but they valet for only $6!! Easy breezy! True, the atmosphere can't compare to Dali, but for overall value and taste...Tasca wins for sure. Seriously go here. Seriously.
(5)
Allison B.

Even if I'd never tried the food, I'd still give Tasca a 5-star rating for one thing: the Pastel Vasco. I saw that other Yelpers agree with me on this review, but I want to make sure it stays on the front page! The Pastel Vasco (while not authentically Basque... oh well) is a decadent combination of a chocolate cake--but with an oreo-like texture, caramel, bananas, raspberry sauce, mint, and whipped cream. DELICIOUS. My roommate and even have made special trips to Tasca just for this dessert. I cannot say it enough: Pastel Vasco Pastel Vasco Pastel Vasco!
(5)
Erica T.

If you join their email list, you will get an email every week from them. Every week. The first time I went to Tasca, it was a good experience. Good service, a variety of good food, and a good time. Then, it went all down hill from there. And the amount of emails from them just was too much to handle. Another occasion I dined at this restaurant, we had to wait forever for a table. About an hour and a half. There were five of us in the party, but they sat us in a four person booth so the fifth person had to sit on the chair that stuck out. So, every person who walked by would have to squeeze by or my friend would have to move and adjust her chair. And, she's a 5'2, 110 pound asian girl! You can imagine how big she is huh. Any way, it took about 15 minutes before our water came and the waiter decided to acknowledge us. He seemed bored and not friendly. Ew. The food was ok. Some dishes that I had so enjoyed the other times I've came was such a disappointment! They were either COLD, way too FATTY, or just yuck, not the same. We also didn't get one of the dishes we ordered, and when we told the waiter, it took them 20 minutes to bring it out. WTHeck? Also, when we ordered some meat dish, it was Rare -- bleeding, gross. Since the waiter was MIA, we had to ask the hostess to bring it back to the kitchen. Then, when it came back, it was burnt. No sorry, no nothing. I have to admit, the waiter was so MIA and not friendly, it makes the dining experience even worse. So that's it. I'll probably stay away from Tasca for awhile. It has been awhile. I like the $5 tapas happy hour specials at Tapeo on Newbury. PS. Once I did send an email to Tasca, and no response.
(1)
Yana Y.

$5 sangria pitchers on Sundays...how amazing is that? [note: you DO have to mention it, or else it will be $20]...came with 2 friends, we weren't that hungry to begin with...but felt obliged to order since we were truly there for the sangria.. yummy bread was served with a homemade & unique hummus. We ordered the duck, calamari, and goat cheese empanadas..the bill came out to be $27 w/o tip...and we were quite full :) deeeelish.
(5)
Becky D.

This is one of the best tapas restaurants around! Wonderful sangria and delectable food. Not to mention this ambiance is great. I highly recommend the shrimp with garlic.
(5)
Rachael K.

This is one of my all time favorite places in Boston. The food is great, though the menu can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes the service has a bit to be desired but for the most part isn't bad. Don't go here if you don't like your foods to touch or if you don't like to share but if you're into the sharing thing this is the place to be! The prices are reasonable. I was a little disappointed when they wouldn't take reservations after 6pm for my birthday dinner party of 9 but I couldn't find many restaurants that were willing to accommodate us. I've always left satisfied and smiling no more than $30 poorer than when I went in, usually no more than $25 (especially when I get their email coupons) even with 3 tapas, drinks, and desert. Beyond all of the things one normally looks for in a restaurant the management is great and socially conscious. They host fundraisers and when my former roommate was sick with a blood disease they not only hosted a fundraiser for her but also donated a gift certificate for her silent auction (all of the old ladies were disappointed to find out that it was a "Tapas" bar and not a "Topless" bar after they placed their bids).
(4)
libby f.

One of my absouletly favorite restaraunts in Boston! They have a super cute / cozy interior and bar with unique spanish murals and authentic furniture. Best of all they're accomodating to large groups! I've only ever had the sangria (excellent!) but they seem to have a pretty extensive spanish wine list. The food, is good, and for what you get pretty cheap. Some of my favorites are the patas bravas, sizzling shrimp, spanish tortilla, lamb and the jamon / cheese / lettuce dish (there may be more than one). Stay away from anything with salted cod in it, that was the one dish I was not a fan of. I've only had the deserts a handful of times, but the bread pudding was amazing! (the flan was mediocre) and sign up for the email list! I routinely get coupons for things such as $15 your entire entree, $5 Sangria, a percentage off for your birthday, etc.
(5)
Lindsay D.

For some odd reason, I never think to head to Brighton for tapas - my head always immediately goes to the overrated Tapeo on Newbury and/or the much raved about Dali when I'm looking for a delicious meal that consists of millions of appetizer sized plates. Sad for me because Tasca makes some damn good vegetarian friendly food - both tapas and principal meals. The tapas are not to miss at this place - seriously, they have me swooning like a school girl whenever I'm here. Equally delicious and seldom ordered however, is the principal plate empanada de verduras - tastes so good it makes a grown Lindsay D. cry. Well, almost. Even the free bread basket is Yelp worthy. Vegans please note: I'm not quite sure what you can eat here (if anything) - it might be a good idea to check out the online menu or call ahead.
(4)
Mackie T.

I went to tasca while I was in town visiting friends. Both the waitress and bartender were wonderful. Not to mention the food was delicious.
(5)
Erin G.

The only reason Tasca didn't earn the 5th star was because i haven't seen the quality of the flamenco dancers they hire, i haven't sampled all their wines and i haven't eaten every single tapa. i plan to do all of those things though. i shared 5 tapas with a friend of mine (excessive? perhaps) including the fideos con mariscos (good but not memorable), gambas al ajillo (shrimp drenched in garlic and olive oil - yes thank you!!!), setas ronan (thinly sliced portobella with manchego shavings, capers, red onion yum yum), empanadillas con queso de cabra (meh, i wouldn't get them again) and the special - crab cakes with cilantro and black beans on a massive bed of pico de gallo (none of these items are actually spanish but the food was so delicious i didn't care) . the atmosphere is really fantastic, it's banking that you've never been to an actual tapas place in spain with the liberties it takes on decoration, but it's very pretty and very small and would make a great date place. there are a lot of vegetarian options and they have entrees as well as tapas, but that's not the point of the restaurant is it? i can't wait to see some flamenco dancing!
(4)
Tejash P.

It was the evening of our two month anniversary. I, maybe wrongly, thinking that things were going good didn't make reservations ahead of time. So we are looking for dinner, STARVING, and indecisive. Ten tables? tasca? zocalo? Tasca was in the neighborhood and they had a table, lucky for us! The vibe is cozy. Appropriate for an evening for two. The bar seats look cool but we sat in the main dining room. The staff is really friendly. The menu has a good mix of spanish classics. Good sangria. Honestly, some of the tapas are hit or miss, but that's the fun in experimenting! Probably 4-6 plates needed for two people. Definitely get on the email list, they send out discounts. I had a nice time but would probably try other tapas places before returning.
(3)
JohnnyFoodface ..

Delicious Tapas and SANGRIA! My favorite is the goat cheese empanadas with red pepper sauce. I could order it three times if they didn't have all sorts of other delicious little foods to have. When you walk in, the place smells mildly like calamari - just a classy, sea-scent that doesn't disappoint although I'm vegetarian. The sangria won't get you drunk but will make you happy. Live classic guitar on Thursdays, you can't go wrong. FANTASTIC for a date. She will love you for it.
(5)
Rebecca H.

Stellar sangria, terrific tapas, amazing ambiance... damn, ran out of words to alliterate. The only reason why I gave this 4 stars is because the service was a bit impersonal. HOWEVER, the food was fantastic. When I heard tapas, I expected these itty bitty bite-sized things (like the $1 tapas at Maza in the South End), but was so surprised when the server plunked down an individual size quiche (leek and manchego cheese... yum) on the table. This is not just a date place, but a great place to regroup and gossip with friends. However, watch the pocketbook! Everything looks so tempting, it's so easy to run up the bill. Remember, just because that goat cheese dish is only $4.50, adding on the seafood pasta, vegetable soup, and tenderloin can run you a mean 35 bucks. And that's BEFORE the sangria. And trust me, you and your friends won't be able to say no to a second pitcher.
(4)
Steve L.

I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars because, the bar to small to wait at, the service was very abrupt and felt pushed to leave after our dinning was over, and the tuna dish we had was somehow very dry (and chewy), yet still pink in the center. My girlfriend enjoyed the escargot in a puffed pastry, the meatball dish was delicious, the fried goatcheese with tomato and basil tasted the best, but the garlic shrimp was flavorless and the bread they brought us was stale.
(3)
Lina M.

The food, wine, atmosphere, management, crowd - all great. The server we had was just terrible, though. She acted like we were a complete bother and rushed through everything. The only time she smiled at us was when we asked for our check. On the other hand, the server at the table behind us seemed great and super friendly, so I'm guessing we got the crap server. We actually saw and spoke to the other server more than we did our own. I guess that isn't really saying much since we only saw our server for maybe 4 minutes, tops, throughout the hour and a half that we were there. Anyways, everything else was great, like I said, and we will be returning for the awesome food and to try the sangria, but we will also be calling to complain about the server, and if we get her again, we'll be requesting someone else.
(4)
Samantha L.

I didn't actually have tapas here, but I had a prix fix menu which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert, all for $15. I got the lobster and crab bisque, roasted duckling, and flan. All were absolutely delicious, and you couldn't beat the deal. The sangria was pretty good too. : )
(5)
Jen B.

I was first introduced to the world of Tapas at this Restaurant. I really really like it. I like it even more than Dali. I know I know everyone LOVES Dali. To me it is just ok more on that later. Tasca on the other hand was YUM. I love the atmosphere I love the food and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sangria. I could drink pitcher after pitcher of that and never get tired of it. So tasty. It has been awhile since I have gone so I cannot remember what I had but I do know that the experience was definately enjoyable. Please go and try and enjoy!
(5)
Amie R.

Although I've only been here once, I was completely impressed. I went with a large group (maybe 8 or so) for a Beer/Wine paired dinner, by reservation only. The food was excellent, and I got to try a lot of very interesting Spanish wines. I am definitely going to make it back there! It's not the cheapest tapas place out there, but it's worth it. They have a really nice atmosphere as well, and great waitstaff. One of the waitresses was telling me that they also own Goody Glover's in the North End which was a little different, but also makes me want to check it out.
(5)
Arestia R.

I'm sorry, but it's just hands down the best tapas place in town. Sure, the service is still a little rusty, but it's not terrible. Last time we were there they had $4 bottles of wine! I'm not sure if that was a special or what, but it wasn't bad - let the good times flow.
(5)
John S.

Was here Thursday night and had a great time. We didn't have a reservation, but were seated within 15 minutes. I mean, the place was packed. We got a nice table for two and were greeted right away by the server (college student?). First time here, but we loved the food. We ordered 5 tapas and a paella. Some of our favorite tapas were the petite filet, smoked salmon and the octopus. I've never had octopus before, but it was served lightly seasoned over a bed of scalloped potatoes and was excellent. We weren't able to finish to the paella (it was a lot of food, but we were pre warned) but it was just as delicious the next day. We'll definitely be back and probably try the sangria......literally every table had a liter of it.
(5)
Jenna C.

I love this restaurant. It is nicely decorated, a great place for a date, they can usually sit you quickly, and is in a nice location for everyone living in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area. The red sangria is amazing (peach is all right) and I have loved almost every tapas dish I've had there. My favorites include roasted vegetables in pesto, herbed goat cheese empanadas, and spanish cured ham with manchego cheese served with tomato toasted crostinis. The portions are generous for tapas, and 4 are usually more than enough for two people along with the bread they serve (with freshly made flavored hummus). Seriously, if you need a romantic place to bring a date, want to impress visiting friends, or just have a nice time, this is the place to go. Also, if you sign up for their mailing list, they send you pretty hefty gift certificates almost monthly...
(5)
genevieve r.

This restaurant is a gem. I don't normal venture outside of Boston proper, but I am glad I did(I will do it more) The decor is very authentic, and the service was helpful and friendly. There are so many tapas plates to choose from, it is so hard to decide. My friend had a coupon they sent her for a free pitcher of sangria with an entree, That was nice, not to have to pay for your beverage, Give them you email address, and they will send you deals, and specials, like the one we had. I went on a tuesday, so it wasn't too crowded, But it seems they might have entertaiment and dancing on some weekends... I'll be back to check that out. Prices were reasonable... check it out
(5)
Brian M.

I was here last Saturday after about a five-year absence. I had forgotten how good it was. The tapas were terrific, and the Sangria was very good as well. Service was quick and friendly, plus the atmosphere is nice. Tasca seems to be bit more low key than some of the other tapas places around. Overall, a great experience.
(4)
Sandra C.

This place is really great for tapas. It's not too expensive and it's better than Tapeo's on Newbury St. The atmosphere is really romantic and they often have a spanish guitar player, flamenco dancers, or tango performances. Very cozy. I love their shrimp with sizzling garlic, goat cheese empanadas, and escargot in puff pastry. (Sidenote: Actually, the owner of Tapeo is the son of the owner of Tasca!)
(5)
Becka D.

I think the idea of tapas is ingenious. That being said, Tasca does a great job with the variety that they offer and their sangia really is just as fabulous as everyone says it is. I went here with my uncle and a friend, so it not being on my tab really made the experience great. We got the car valet parked, had reservations so we had no wait (not that anyone else couldn't do that), and then filled up on tapas and sangria. The lighting could be better and the location isn't ideal, but definitely a tasty option.
(4)
Naomi U.

Authentic and tasty Spanish Tapas, a good menu, friendly service, appropriate ambience if a bit dark, music, on occasion flamenco dance performance, and valet parking. They will notify you of events via email and offer truly valuable teasers to lure you back..
(4)
Laura R.

Disclaimer: I wrote this based on a visit during restaurant week... never the time to see a restaurant truly shine in terms of service. That said, I'll keep my comments to quality of food and drink. We started with the Setas Ronan, a portabello mushroom-based dish with manchego and roasted red pepper-rubbed bread -- it basically turned out to be your run-of-the-mill, boring, balsamic-dressed salad. We then ordered our main meals off the prix fixe restaurant week menu - I got a bowl of lobster bisque, a pasta dish, and bread pudding. The bisque was creamy and rich in flavor, and the bread pudding was quite delicious (though both had obviously sat under a heating lamp for far too long). The pasta dish (with mushrooms, manchego, mint and asparagus) was incredibly boring. I honestly could have made much better at home with minimal effort (and I'm not a refined chef by any stretch). My friend's tuna tartare app with sesame was tasty, but not at all Spanish-inspired. His hake dish was fishy-tasting, yet bland. The chocolate truffles he had for dessert, however, were delicious. Another bonus: our sangria was yummy and a great value at $19(!!!) for a generous pitcher. Overall, the whole meal was a mixture of ups and downs. I would come back here when they're a little less busy and try ordering tapas that are more adventurous and in keeping with the Spanish tradition. And I'll definitely order the sangria again.
(3)
Shannon S.

Though the Tapas aren't as delicious as a place like say... Tapeo, Tasca has tons of things going for it. For example, this place has GREAT prices on their food (about 5-6.75$ per plate but not more than that$). They also offer up special deals for customers on their mailing list like 2$ glasses of wine or 1$ jugs of Sangria. Plus, the food is tasty, fresh, and comes out as they're made for the ultimate Tapas meal. I've been here 3 times and the food is consistently good, the menu is long, and the variety is unending. I love that you can sit 10 people at one long table (which to me is the perfect way to eat Tapas), the waitresses are extremly helpful and the food is very filling. Three people can probably share 6 plates and be very content. It's also very close to the Washington Street T Stop on the B-line and a reasonable walk to the C-line Washington Square stop. So what are you waiting for, Go! You won't be disappointed. Recommendations! Setas al jerez Portabella mushrooms braised in a sherry cream demi-glaze (beef stock) with roasted garlic tostados 5.95 Solomillo Petit filet mignon (3oz) served over a sherry braised mushroom sauce 6.50 Empanadillas de queso de cabra Herbed goat cheese empanadas served on a roasted red pepper relish 5.75 Conft de pato Roasted duck leg served over red cabbage and apples 6.50
(4)
Sashont C.

Every time I've gone here the food gets worse and worse! Last TWO times ordered items that were inedible and had to be sent back. Dali in Somerville is a hundred times better!
(1)
Maura H.

Tasca is a reliable place for me. It's less than a block from my house, so if I want something a little more upscale on short notice, I go here. My first experience at Tasca was with my parents and in-laws and it was a hit. Even my father, who only eats meat and potatoes, loved it. The place is generally packed and the tables are close together, so it's not the best for an intimate gathering, but it's fun for a group. The sangria is excellent and if you join the "club" you get coupons once a month for free or really cheap drinks.
(4)
G G.

I don't understand why reviews on yelp are so positive for Tasca. I went back and gave it a shot and again was sorely disappointed. After receiving a million emails we decided to try the $15 3-course dinner but really save yourself the pain and don't bother trying it. We have had the tapas and the entrees and the bottom line is the food here is just plain not good. There was no flavor on anything except the flan which was decent, my hot entree was served cold, the pork was so charred it tasted like charcoal, the regular sangria this time was watered down (a $9 jug of Carlo Rossi Sangria is much better tasting then this stuff) and to top it off we both got sick after the meal. Service was not much better. If Tasca is going to take reservations they should be honored. We made a reservation for 7:30pm show up at 7:30pm and proceed to wait 40 minutes for a table anyways. What is the point of a reservation? Take note Tasca, just say you don't take reservations if you can't honor them. Finally, the waitress was incompetent. She spilled a good amount of water on the table and floor when she was refilling the water, noticed it and then didn't bother to wipe it up. As it is now dripping on me, I had to ask her twice and wait 15 minutes before she could bring a towel to wipe it up and the whole time she acted as if I made the mess. I realize it's busy but come on. Seriously, why eat here??
(1)
Chris T.

I don't understand why people like this place. I mean, if you're a college student, I get it but if you have developed a palate and gone to good restaurants then you know this place isn't very good. The sangria is AWFUL! It tastes like they use jug wine to make it. The food is just blah. Nothing is memorable. Every time I've been there, I felt like I could have slapped together any of the items at home. If these are the only tapas you have had, please try one of the other restaurants in town. Taberna on Beacon or Toro in the South End are way better.
(2)
Misty S.

eh. I never know what to order here. The food is good, service is ok. The sangria tastes great, but doesn't ever seem very alcoholic. It's crowded. I do like the bar area, but if you get stuck sitting in the front area during the winter you will freeze.
(2)
D. M.

This place is walking distance to my house and I love it! The tapas are amazing and no matter who you go there with (vegetarians, carnivores etc) everyone will find something they like. The tapas are reasonably priced and good in size. My favorites are the roasted veggies on a flat bread and the warmed bree cheese with toast and apple raisin chutney.
(5)
Alli N.

Tasca is always a very pleasurable experience. There is convenient (and cheap) valet partking since there is almost NO PARKING near the restaurant. The wine selection is always huge, but we usually go for their specialty Sangria and it's probably the best I've ever had. The food is completely delectable, with a lot of variety it's always hard to choose. However, they do have a low-cost 3 course Pre-Fixe menu with items they don't normally offer on their regular menu and it's all very exquisite food, you feel like your stealing the food getting it at those prices. The only drawback to the place is that it seems that every server we get doesn't want to be there. They don't want to answer our questions or really take the time to care about serving our table. But aside from that, we absolutely LOVE Tasca. We'll take servers w/ no personality anytime if it means great food and great sangria for their great prices =D
(4)
Travis D.

You could easily just go to Tasca for their sangria alone. It was hands down the best I have had, ever. Their tapas selection is vast and delicious. The one that stands out in my mind the best is the home fry type dish with a garlic sauce over it, heaven. We had like 10 different taps and all of them were delicious, so it is hard to narrow it down to just one. The waiting staff was the most knowledgeable and helpful that I have ever encountered and helped point me in the right direction when trying to narrow down my selection of what to try out my first time. Dim lighting and ambience make it a great place to take a date or for a low key night to escape the thumping juke box and loud bar scene. Try it for yourself, highly recommended!
(5)
Coupe Et C.

Holy shiz. This place was great! First off, atmosphere was fantastic.. felt like being in Europe all over again. Best seat in the house is right out front on the street, but seems like that is heavily requested and reserved most nights. Either way, by 7:30pm place was packed and roaring! Close quarters indeed, but that is what is charming about this place, its tapas, its European, its okay to nudge elbows with your neighbor enjoying their plate of goat cheese empanadas. Okay, and the food.. really, really worth it. We got 7 plates between 4 of us and it was definitely enough and delicious. Highlights were the escargots in puff pastry and the goat cheese empanadas along with the grilled brie with apples and caramelized onions. Dessert a must! Pastel vasco was phenom! Also, go for that pitcher of Sangria.. you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Meg S.

Tasca: Love It Ok, so it's not Spain, but it's the closest you'll find in Boston. Tasca is super romantic and amazing for so many reasons: They have crazy wine/sangria specials. Sadly they got rid of $4 wine night, but I'm not really so sure how they managed that one in the first place. The tables are teeny, the lighting is low and there are always candles lit. Depending on the night you'll get some fantastic live Spanish guitar. The food is amazing and you'll definitely want to share. The atmosphere is delightful. For couples, I suggest sitting at the bar. It's very intimate and you get excellent service (and sometimes they even top off your glass!) Try the blackberry sangria- it in no way resembles the real thing, but it's absolutely delicious! Order a bunch of tapas (haven't really tried a bad one!), a bottle of tinto or a pitcher of sangria and sign up for their mailing list! We get gift certificates coupons all the time- free!
(5)
Michele L.

Great atmosphere, especially Thursday nights when they have a classical guitarist performing. The food is delicious and so is the sangria. Can be kind of pricey but well worth it for special occasions and the portions are large for a tapas place, so I am usually full on 2-3 tapas. The only thing I think they could improve upon is adding in some seasonal variety as I have seen other tapas places do because after going there a few times there aren't too many new things to try out. Also its a little on the dressier side especially later in the evening, and on a Saturday night make sure you call ahead for a reservation!
(4)
Julianne M.

I went here with some friends and we all ordered two plates each and had more than enough food. The sangria is a-mazing! Everything was pretty affordable. It was my birthday, so the waiter brought out a slice of their pastel basque and sang happy birthday. And he somehow ended up at the same bar at we did in Allston later that night and said happy birthday there. Can't wait to go back and try everything else.
(5)
Jake F.

Well good food! My friend and I went there and ate off the $16 set menu, which offered quite a good selection for a set menu. Started with the Gazpacho which was superb. The ham and Sweet potato mash for a main. I could not have imagined a better meal. I am usually not a fan of ham, but this was so well done. Cooked in an apricot and honey glaze that brought out the sweetness and true flavours of the ham. Delicious. Ended with an amazing chilled dessert. I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was absolutely incredible, and a perfect way to end the meal! It was a bit pricey, but the service was good, the food was incredible, and they offer valet service which is perfect since parking in that area is a nightmare!
(5)
Sean R.

This place is definitely overrated. The price is definitely reasonable. Food is good, but only 20% of it is great. Ambiance is awful, has the feel of an Eastern European state cafeteria. Staff wasn't great, but they look over worked.
(3)
Lu W.

I loved the ambiance here; it's a bustling yet romantic scene and was packed on a Tuesday night! Five of us went for a friend's birthday, and we each ordered three tapas each...never again! I was supremely hungry when I arrived, but completely unable to finish my meal, as most of the choices are very rich and heavy on cheese. I ordered the potato salad, which was very creamy (I heart mayo) and studded with capers. I also ordered the ham croquetas and albondigas (meatballs). I recently studied in Spain, so I was excited to have these treats again. Unfortunately, they disappointed. The croquetas were too salty and firm, and the meatballs were dry and lacking flavor. I enjoyed my friend's goat cheese empanadas, as well as the seared tuna and Tres Amigos sausage plate. Whoever made the gazpacho was very heavy-handed with the vinegar- and this is coming from someone who's been known to sip spoonfuls of the stuff. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria for the table and the waitress was only able to fill four cups- but she was nice and poured an extra glass for free! The total for the five of us with tip was $120, not bad! I'd like to go back and try more items from the (vast and sprawling) menu.
(3)
K H.

i really enjoyed the food here! but it is very loud downstairs and not a great place for catching up with friends. also, our waitress was rude and inattentive. she threw our utensils on the table and when we didn't give her the full 15% tip... she came over and asked us why we didn't give her it! i've never had a waiter or waitress do that... very low class. anyway i like that they have valet for $6, so three stars... enter at your own risk!
(3)
Bonnie G.

When I lived in Brookline, I loved walking over here for an early weekday dinner. With tapas you can all order food you either want for yourself (yeah I'm callin out all you only childs out there) or for massive sharing. It is a nicer restaurant, but I have been comfortable in nicer jeans and shirt or dress and heels. The dark ambiance is great for dates or group outings. While people complain about the hike from the B-line, I don't think its that bad. If it is a nicer night out, you could also take the Green C-line to Washington st. and walk down washington st. to comm ave-it might get you there faster than the ever slow triflin B-line. The sangrias are a bit bitter but really good and better as a pitcher. The Tapas menu lists what is vegetarian, but here are my favourites: Queso de cabra al horno; Bocaditos de tomate, queso manchego y anchoa; pisto manchego; tortilla espanola; gambas al ajillo; PATATAS BRAVAS (OMG-ambrosia-one of the best little meals ever-and I think it is better than Dalis); menestra de verduras. Please don't bother with the empanadillas de queso de cabra-the sauce is tres nasty. One last note-sign up for the email list. They have special deals for regular patrons and I just got a random $10 dinner certificate! Sweet!
(4)
Rich G.

Went here on a Sat. night. Was within walking distance so parking was not an issue. Got seated right away and place filled up shortly after. Nice mix of people dining. Ordered the sangria and would rate it just ok. As others have said more like fruit juice. Bread, olives and hummus was plain but fine. Ordered the meatballs and short rib tappas and they were great. For our entrees we ordered the 12oz filet and the eggplant. Seemed like we waited forever but they finally arrived and were a mixed bag. The eggplant was lacking and seemed to be under a heatlamp for quite some time. The filet was ok nothing special. Best part was the mashed and veggies. We felt with a bottle of sriracha or similiar the meals would have better. Service was very slow but we can throw the guy serving us a bone due to the fact he had a table of elderly Russians asking/demanding for everything. Did have a bar area. Very small and dimly lit. Would return and stick to the tapas. Popular spot with the ladies. Not a bad place to get your eat on then head to Allston to hit the bars.
(3)
Kit Y.

I was with Kristin M. below and was pretty jealous that she was eating and that I was not. But alas, I came prepared and looked at the menu before hand and knew it would be one of those nights. But we were there for a good cause and had a great time. I will credit that to good friends and kick ass sangria. The woman there was oh so nice about helping me find something to eat and I ended up with a sort of Mediterranean pizza, and well, she said the bread and bean spread were vegan. So I didn't eat much sadly, but I did drink a good amount of sangria. I will probably never pick this in the future as a place for dinner, but I know that if I do have to come here there is a little bit to eat.
(3)
johnson r.

We have gone on slower nights, so usually there is a table available, or at the most 5-10mins wait. Food is good. Love the goat cheese tapas, pork, beef, etc. Service is great. The waitress seemed like she had a lot of tables, but she held her own and she was quite good. We did order the lamb and it had the taste of mutton. It was very lamby.. we really didn't like it, and I figured just never order it again, our bad. The waitress saw us smelling it and asked if everything was ok. I felt like an a@$ telling her, but she took it back to the kitchen and they took it off our bill. The owner thought it tasted ok anyhow. It is cozy and warm despite the cold temps outside, and everyone around is having a nice time hanging out with their friends. It does remind me of being in Spain, sitting in the sqaure drinking Sangria... although I do agree with the other reviewer that the Sangria is good, not great, and for $28 a pitcher, we probably won't order it again, but then again....hey it is a fun night with tapas.
(4)
Snowmade S.

This is my favorite tapas place in Boston! They have a very extensive reasonably priced selection of tapas that no matter what your tastes are, you'll definitely find something you like. The service is great and quite fast, the sangria and Spanish wines are delicious. The professional flamenco troupes that perform the authentic dances and music of the Spanish gypsies include some of the most respected flamenco artists in New England. $6 valet parking is available, so if you've got wheels, you don't have to worry about looking for parking which is quite tough to find in this neighborhood. It's also a great place for group dinners!
(5)
Nathan R.

Overrated, over-priced, and yet underwhelming. The staff could care less about me, probably because...well, I don't really know why. The food was alright- but, I have had much, much, much, much, much better tapas than this.
(2)
Katie B.

If you're looking for authentic Spanish tapas, come here. The goat cheese empanadillas, jamon serrano, tortilla espanola, and garlic shrimp are some of the best offerings on the menu. If you sign up for their email list, you'll get tons of useful coupons for discounts on food and wine and free valet parking. That last coupon is particularly handy because parking spaces are at a minimum in Brighton. Not to say it can't be done, but...you'll appreciate the free valet when it's cold outside.
(4)
Natasha A.

I prefer Tasca to Tapeo because its more intimate, quieter and romantic, although its menu is a bit shorter. Their escargot pastry is so slakey and puffy. Also recommended is the zarzuela (seafood in broth) and the pulpo tapas (octopus), and any of the portabelo tapas. I think this place is better then half the restuarants i tried in Spain! They also have valet parking.
(5)
Alex S.

Dismal service, food is decent. Total inability to correctly estimate wait times, followed by a nice sequence of benign neglect at the table.
(1)
B L.

Rediculously mediocre. Went here last Thursday because of the 'stimulus menu' (** note: this is a 3 course meal, not tapas) and a birthday coupon my honey had worth a free bottle of Cava and $10.00 off the total bill. We ate here one time before several yrs ago and it wasn't memorable in a good or bad way. We started off by getting seating in the very from in a cramped 2 top right next to the ONLY other diners (another 2 top) The table was very wobbly and the whole place just felt kind of dusty and a little grimey. Waitress came after we waited about 5 min (she was sitting by the bar doing nothing) and we presented our coupon and made sure in advance if it was ok to use the coupon as well as order from the special discounted stimulus menu. She was not sure so she waiting about 8 minutes til her manager arrived to double check. Manager gave the OK so we proceeded. We ordered the Cava and our meals. I had a tuna tartar salad on arugula. I will admit it was quite good- surprisingly so. Not the best tartar ever but what was I expecting- in fact I dont' know what I was thinking ordering that in the first place since I had a bad feeling from the beginning. My honey had a vegetable tartlet. It didn't look too impressive. It looked like it was cooked sometime last week and re-heated. For a main course I had fillet of beef over a salad. The beef was some cut unknown to man. It was somehow an oblong shape and cut on the bias. Strange she asked how i'd like it cooked (medium rare please!) but it came fully medium and was COLD. The salad (it was greens, thats all) had a pretty nice dressing. My honey had bow tie pasta with something it it... mushrooms? Peas? It was a higly unmemorable dish and according to her it was nothing special. Could use some better seasoning etc. Dessert for me was flan and I was very impressed. It was delicious. I am no flan aficionado but I really liked it- highlight of the meal. Honey had 'duo of truffles' otherwise known as we melted chocolate, poorly formed it into a ball and then put it on a plate. Tasted fine but nothing special- no great texture or anything like you'd expect in a truffle. So the bill came and we were charged for the Cava. I had predicted this from the start seeing as how our waitress was a space cadet and the joint clearly needs some fine tuning. So the manager came over and said It was only free for a party of 6 but she gave us the 10 bucks off anyways. Admittedly we did not read the find print BUT it was ok'd personally by the manager so we felt we shouldn't pay for it. She put up a little bit of a fight but by then the place was packed so she clearly didn't want to make a scene- the only smart move of the night on her part. So it was a 3 course meal for 2 including a bottle of cava all for 23 bucks. We tipped the waitress on the whole meal as we should but that will be the last time we ever go back. They need to get rid of the gimicks and focus on making the food better and fresher.
(2)
Lynda M.

OMG. My friends and I enjoyed the $15 menu special tonight at Tasca. AMAZING! Tons of food, the salmon and chicken were perfect, the flan divine. We also enjoyed a nice bottle of wine--Paso a Paso Tempranillo. The home made soup was split pea--so good! Only downside was a 15 minute wait for our table with a reservation, and the place was PACKED. 5 stars for food, quality, and the $15-- 3 course menu is a real treat. Thank you Dan!
(5)
Alec Y.

this place is solid. when i think of spanish tapas, i will forever think of tasca. they tapas there are incredibly delicious. all the explosions of flavors and the variety on the menu, it's almost mind-blowing. if you're just considering food, this place is at the top. but when it comes to other things, small things, it kinda bothered me a little bit. my issues with tasca is that the place is incredibly cramped. i think the decor is fine, very intimate and nice. but jesus, i was with a group of friend, there were 4 of us, and we were literally shoved in this tiny corner. we were maybe 6 inches away from another couple behind us. and i'm sure they could hear everything we said and vice versa. and also, the lighting was incredibly dim. like i understand that it's meant to be intimate and such, but i could barely read the menu. i think perhaps we were just sat at a bad end of the restaurant. other areas seemed more roomy and comfortable. another issue is parking. it's so hard to park there. you will find very little street parking. and theres a whole foods that has a lot that you think you can park at, but you probably shouldn't. they'll tow your car and they're pretty stern on that. it's your choice though. other than that, the service was fine, nothing spectacular. the pricing was great i thought. for each tapas, it ranged from 5-7 dollars and the portions were perfect. compared to other places, you get much less for double the price.
(4)
Christy M.

Have been to Tasca many many times. Love the food, however I have never had great service. I have had the tapas and tried the stimilus menu. My absolute favorite tapa is the brie with apple raisin chutney... to die for. Also love the short rib, the quiche and they used to have an awesome chicken and ham croquette in romesco sauce that was amazing but it is now just chicken and not as good. I have also gotten the mac n cheese with the truffle oil on it that was amazing. Unfortunately service is usually super slow. I recently went with a large group and it took us 2 hours just to get our 3 courses. They need to keep the food coming faster.
(4)
Bene K.

Good, yet, pretty pricey for the area and there are better tapas places in Boston. I can't complain because the service was ok but i can't help but compare it to cucci cucci which is soooo muchoo better! Overrated but not horrible.........and i don't recall the server was not only not very friendly but also wasn't the least bit timely .
(4)
John H.

Tasca was my first tapas experience in Boston. We tried 5 dishes - Casoulet, Solomillo Petit, Calamares fritos, Gambas al ajillo, and empanadillas de queso de cabra. The last dish, which consisted of goat cheese empanadas, was definitely my favorite. The portions and prices were reasonable with a decent presentation of the food. Ambience was romantic with warm lighting and colors. Their sangria was satisfactory, but nothing to write home about. Our hostess was friendly and helpful, but the waiter was definitely inexperienced and left us waiting 10 minutes for the bill. Overall, I had an enjoyable experience. For those who enjoy sharing a wide variety of dishes, this is definitely a spot worth trying.
(4)
Sarah P.

Love this place! I can't rave enough about the quality of the dishes and the fairness of the prices. The sangria leaves a lot to desire and to be honest, isn't really worth ordering. Try the duck, you won't regret it.
(5)
Chloe S.

I haven't been here in a while, but I used to live in the apartment building next door and this would be my go-to place whenever I was meeting friends for dinner. The food is great, and the warm Spanish influence in the decor, I think, makes the food taste even better! I honestly can't remember what I would order specifically but the food was memorable enough to wish I still lived around the corner! Oh, and the sangria is fantastic!
(4)
Anna D.

I came here with my boyfriend a few weeks ago and I'm looking forward to going back! I fell in love with tapas when I was living in San Diego. Anyone who ever goes there should check out Costa Brava in Pacific Beach. Since I moved back to the Boston area, I have been trying to find a substitute and this is the best I've come across so far. We walked in with no reservations on a Friday night and weren't shocked to find out there would be substantial wait. However, there were two open seats at the bar, so we pounced. The seating at the bar gives plenty of space to eat, even with the many plates that come along with eating tapas. The bartender was very friendly. When I asked for his advice in deciding between two red wines, he poured me a generous sample glass of each. Free wine is a great way to start a meal. I forgot what I chose, but it was good! Four out of the five dishes we shared were great. Neither of us cared much for the "Tortas del Cangrejo," the crab cakes. We actually didn't finish them, which is unusual for us. However, the escargot were soaked in garlic butter and delicious. The "Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego" was generously portioned. Instead of a pre-assembled, bruschetta-style serving, it came as a pile of nice greens in a tasty vinaigrette, covered in slices ham and shaved manchego, with toasted bread on the side. Probably my favorite version of this dish that I have tried. The solomillo was great - well cooked filet and flavorful red-wine sauce. We both liked the "Asado de Cerdo," the pork loin, a lot, but there were so many other wonderful looking options on the menu that I would probably try something new before I order it again. And like any good tapas restaurant, the bread was great and they refilled it quickly when we finished off the first basket! I wasn't crazy about the "Crepe Helado" we shared for dessert, but he loved it. It was described as "cookie ice cream" in a crepe, but it sure seemed like so-so vanilla ice cream. The crepe was kind of crunchy/chewy. But the chocolate amaretto sauce was great. I would have loved it over really good coffee ice cream. Mmmmm...
(4)
Teri L.

We got to this warm and inviting restaurant and a blustery cool spring day after spending the afternoon watching my oldest son graduate college. We were starving by the time we got our seats. We did not make reservations and with 5 people in our party...I think it would have been a good idea. We started out with 5 tapas and a 1/2 pitcher of Sangria. The wine was outstanding with slices of apple and orange and hit the spot. While we waited for our food we were served warm bread and a guacamole spread. I knew my diet was shot at that point. The spread was addicting. I won't try to get the right names only because I didn't pay attention to the names only the descriptions. The meatballs and sauce were tender and perfect. The portobello mushroom and cheese in a light vinaigrette..I can't say as I didn't get a chance to try it. It was gone in a NY minute. But I heard them oooohing and ahhhing so I think that's a good indication it was delicious. The trio of sausages was full of flavor and cooked perfect. We ordered 4 more tapas and all were flavorful and came out in good time. I would go back in a heart beat if I lived nearby. Just remember to make reservations first if you are more than 2. Very very good!
(4)
Pam D.

I probably would have given 3 stars because the food was OK- pretty good, not great, if it wasnt for the experience we had. Apparently reservations mean nothing to this place if you have one person out of 10 that is running late. We had reservations for a party of 10 people for my friends birthday, because she was running late, thanks to the COMPLETE LACK of parking, which i should say is actually the fault of the city of Allston. The staff would not seat us until everyone got there, and they actually gave away our table after our freind, the birthday girl, was 10 minutes late. We then had to wait another 15 mins for another large table. The time they wasted not seating us could have actually been beneficial to them, since we would have ordered drinks in the meantime! If i was the birthday girl, i would have been furious at them. AND the place is teeny tiny, especially when packed. However, the food was ok, but i dont know if it was worth the hassle of finding parking and the wait.
(2)
Carol C.

I recently visited Tasca after joining their mailing list. They do not require you to be on their mailing list to get their midweek specials (lately $16 for 3 course meals, fantastic!), but they let you know what will be coming up the next week in the email, which is pretty nice. For the 3 course meals, the appetizers were all appropriately individually sized, the entrees were larger than I had expected for the price, and the desserts were normal individual sizes. The appetizers were quite good. The entrees were amazing. The creamed spinach that came with my grilled beef top filet steak au jus over scallion mashed potatoes were...incredible. So were the carrots not listed in the dish, the mashed potatoes, and the beef. Everyone else really liked their food as well, with another person getting the Morrocan lemon chicken breast dish and another getting the veal dish. The flan is eggier than I was hoping it would be, but then again that may be normal for flans, I haven't had one in years. The desserts were overall pretty good. We also got a couple of tapas dishes. The bread was very useful in mopping up after the garlic shrimp were gone from the skillet, and the goat cheese fritters were delightful. Nothing we ate here was any worse than "good." But really it was only the entrees that were truly great, which is why I'm giving this a 4 instead of a 5. Oh, and apparently their sangria is excellent. I didn't partake, but the other people in my party all really enjoyed it.
(4)
Emily O.

Hits all the high marks! Great ambience, high class servers, astonishly affordable, very, very edible, stellar wine, live but nonobtrusive music, lots of selection on the menu, desserts that cause orgasms, welcoming, close to the T. Worth the long trip on the Green Line and still gets five stars despite the espresso machine being broken that night and the fact that I was seated on top of the air conditioning vent. The food, the price and the vast selection make it all completely satiating. Update: Have been back four times since I wrote this and have been consistently impressed with this gem of a Tapas bar.
(5)
Erik G.

You know, I'll cede some of the points that the negative reviews here have made--I'm not a huge fan of their bread, and sometimes the service can be spotty, especially when they're busy. However, there are two things you need to keep in mind about this place that will quickly eclipse any negatives they might have: sangria, and the prix fixe affairs they advertise on their mailing list. Oh my sainted aunt, the prix fixe dinners. My girlfriend and I attended our first one of these dinners a few weeks ago, and it was magnificent. It was a 3-hour, 5-course, affair, where the wine flowed like... er... wine. Whereas most places in the area have some sort of wine pairing with dinners, it's usually expensive, and usually gives you two or three little half-glasses of wine to go with your dinner. The pairings we got with dinner that night were exquisite, and the owner himself walked around topping off our glasses. He, and his female compatriot (I believe she was the manager of the place, though it wasn't entirely clear) went from table to table, explaining the origin of each of the wines we sampled, and making sure that no one went thirsty. It was a Wednesday, and Thursday morning hurt a little bit, but these were some really phenomenal pairings. We're headed back there for their next one (Tuesday, May 20th, if you want to get a jump on it), and I'm already looking forward to it. In the general case (i.e., regular meals there), I've been consistently impressed with their tapas fare (never tried one of their full dinner options, to be honest--there are so many other options on the tapas menu that it seems sacrilegious), and their sangria is cheap and frigging amazing. Do yourself a a favor and tried the brie with chutney as your last course of the evening... you'll be glad you did.
(5)
Sonya J.

Went to Tasca with a group of about 10, and the waitress handled our orders and delivered all dishes with ease and without attitude. The service was consistently good through the entire meal, and she made sure the large group got each and every plate on the list of tapas we ordered. So 5 stars for service here. Points for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The interior of this place feels very authentic, but is much less romantic than other tapas restaurants I have been to, such as Solea (in Waltham) or Tapeo (Boston), for example. While the portion sizes are slightly larger at Tasca, I do not think they rival the aforementioned tapas stand-bys. I will say, however, that the value is definitely at Tasca. In addition to larger portion sizes, Tasca has inexpensive valet parking, as others have mentioned. Sangria was very, very good--better than what I have had at both Solea and Tapeo. Also, Tasca's dishes were *way* less salty than Tapeo, where on many occasions you leave having felt like you spent the last 2 hours getting intimate with a salt lick. Mmmm... not so good.
(3)
Jaime G.

Went there for a casual dinner with friends and the food was GREAT! It came out in waves (which was perfect so we didn't get 5 plates at once) and we had a very friendly and efficient waitress. However, I have one issue. After our meal, we were finishing up our wine, when a manager (Dan?) came to the table to tell us he needed to use it because there was a wait. There's a wait at practically every restaurant so I found this to be very pushy. He didn't even ask politely and it made us feel like we were being kicked out! This is why Tasca is getting a three. Great food, horrible management.
(3)
Jonathan L.

Good Atmosphere - Dark lit room with candle lighting. On a 10 degree day, the space heater right behind my seat was not a nuisance at all. Good Service - The waitress was fairly attentive and we never had to wait too long to get service. Bread, drinks, and tapas all came within a reasonable wait. Decent food - the food was nothing outstanding. We had a mini fillet mignon that was nicely charred on the outside... which led to it being too well done. I'll cut them some slack since cooking a piece of meat that small isn't easy. The lamb empanada was pretty good. Duck confit was decent. Our vegetable plate was not good at all. It was a bit on the luke warm side and the flavoring was off (too sour). Dessert was good, we had the flan. Drinks were sub-par. The sangria they make wasn't too impressive. That was my first time having sangria, so maybe I'm just not a sangria type of guy. I could not taste much wine, as the fruit juices took over. Overall, Tasca is not a bad place... some of the dishes can be hit or miss. Trying many dishes was definitely a fun experience.
(3)
Amy B.

So this was my first tapas experience and I didn't really know what to expect. My friend and I each ordered three dishes. I'm vegetarian so I can't really comment on his but here is what I did have/ try. I went on a Friday night and made reservations but at the time we went, 6:30 it wasn't really necessary. The ambiance was romantic, and a little bit squeezed together with nearby tables. Service was great. Patatas bravas- these were totally heavenly. I thought the portion was a bit too big (aren't tapas supposed to be small) this was a big ol' bowl of potatos but the garlic mayonnaise-y thing drizzled on it was totally delicious. Tortilla espaÃ±ola- This was ok. I guess I was just expecting something a little more exciting but it was a triangle cut piece of potato/onion egg thing- more like a quiche then an omlette. Empanadillas de queso de cabra (Herbed goat cheese empanadas served on a roasted red pepper relish )- This was so good, the goat cheese was kind of melty and went well with the pepper. Brie a la plancha Grilled imported Brie cheese with a homemade savory apple and raisin chutney and warm baguette - I love this (I didn't realize Brie was used in Spanish cooking) the baguette was a little small (I had left over brie) but the sweet chutney went so well with the rich creamy brie. I had a sip of my friend's Sangria- unfortunately I couldn't order it was I wasn't 21 but it really is insanely amazing. Finally dessert- I was debating between the Crepe Helado and the Tarta de Chocolate . I made a huge mistake. I got the chocolate flourless thing and my friend got the Crepe. Well after one bite of mine and one bite of his I really wanted to see if I could order his and send mine back but I'm kind of a coward. Mine was supposed to have a raspberry glaze but couldn't taste that flavor at all- the dessert was so dense but bitter- kind of like bitter chocolate fudge or something. His on the other hand was "Cookie ice cream rolled in a thin crepe and smothered in a chocolate and amaretto sauce with toasted almonds" it was the best dessert I've tasted at a restaurant in Boston. The ice cream tasted homemade or something, the crepe was an amazing texture and the cookie bits were out of this world. With the amaretto/almond sauce I wanted to eat all of his off his plate. Unfortunately he liked it that much too so I only got two bites. Moral of the story GET THE CREPE HELADO if you're getting dessert, you'll thank me!
(4)
Rosanna P.

I actually like Tasca better than Tapeos! The location is not so desirable, being smack in the middle of college-central, but they have valet parking for $6, which was very convenient. My husband and I went for a 30th birthday party there, so everything was pre-ordered for us, including entrees which we had to choose ahead of time. I think there were about 17 people in our party, and our friend that threw the party over-ordered. WAY too much food! For a good 4 hours, it was non-stop eating. The tapas she ordered was delicious. My favorites were the sizzling shrimp in garlic sauce, the leek quiche, the portabello mushrooms over garlic crostini, and the chicken and spinach canelon. Delicious! As an entree, I ordered the Ossobucco, which was mediocre at best. It tasted like a chicken/beef stew, minus the chicken and the beef. The veal wasn't a shank or any cut that I thought ossobucco is...it was a drumstick! So I wasn't too pleased with my entree. Next time, I will order the Paella which was delicious according to my friend who ordered it. The Sangria was awesome. We drank ridiculous amounts of Sangria...probably more than a dozen pitchers of sangria...it was THAT good. I deducted a star because even though our waiter was sooo sweet and was so attentive, he was a tad clumsy and kept on dropping the food on the floor! Thank god none of it was our food, but still. He needs to take ballet lessons or something so he can learn to be more graceful. I will definitely be going back here for my tapas fix! Muchas Gracias Tasca!
(4)
Carolyn D.

We went to Tasca on a Tuesday, and the place was lively. Nice atmosphere, tapas prices very reasonable. The tapas selection was wide and varied, and satisfied both me (vegetarian) and him (meatarian). Nice white Spanish wine. Wait staff helpful, positive, and efficient. So why not more stars? Parking was a complete nightmare. I appreciate that that is not the restaurant's fault, but we drove around for 40 minutes trying to find a parking space. They do have valet parking, but we aren't big on valet. I think if we go again we might park near BC and take the Green line down to it.
(3)
Vanessa C.

first let me preface my review by qualifying: my review is ONLY for the food. that might have something to do with it... I think 2 stars would be much too harsh since there was nothing wrong with my food, it was just nothing spectacular. my standards for tapas in boston were set high by my experience at Dali. for me, this didn't even come close (the olives cant even compare...) the service was not very friendly but the food came out fast enough. flavors were good but too subtle. I like my peppers hot and my garlic strong. I just felt like everything here was kind of lackluster. maybe if I had a few glasses of sangria before the food I would think differently? also I did not find the seating or layout to be comfortable at all. it felt rigid and squished. I dont mind being in close quarters, sometimes it can't be helped. but people kept bumping into my chair throughout my meal as I was seated near the front toward the kitchen. NO BUENO! I would not come here again when I know far more satisfying culinary delights await me at Dali.
(2)
Tim B.

Good sangria, pretty good tapas. The prices could stand to go down a tad though for what you get. Small portions, even for tapas... Other than that, I'd recommend it.
(3)
Victoria W.

If I could give Tasca zero stars, I probably would. Sadly, that is not an option, so I'll have to go with one. I went to Tasca with my boyfriend for a celebratory dinner...we ordered the sangria and 5 dishes. The sangria was decent, nothing terribly special, but I liked it. However, the food was AWFUL! 4 out of the 5 plates we ordered we utterly horrendous, and the 5th was just so-so, but it would be impossible to screw up tomatoes with goat cheese. The worst of the bunch was sausage in a "puff pastry," which was the equivalent of a Hot Pocket - no lie! We were very, very unsatisfied, and of course felt incredibly ripped-off when the bill arrived and we had to pay through the nose for seemingly frozen food! I will never step foot in this establishment again. I am seriously baffled as to how Tasca has Best of Boston plastered all over its exterior. I guess they just give those out to anyone these days. I am further astounded that it has the same average Yelp rating as some of my favorite Boston tapas restaurants - it is a crime!!! If you want real, tasty, divine, AUTHENTIC tapas, I would suggest Dali or Cuchi Cuchi or Tapeo instead!
(1)
Meg H.

Tasca is by far my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. Their tapas are delicious and the sangria is super. It's not too pricey and the atmosphere is enjoyable. Valet parking is nice, but it's a little frustrating that they don't really take reservations. I went once at 6:30pm on a Friday and got seated within 10 minutes, and then the next week went at 9:30pm on Saturday and waited for almost an hour. Make sure you sign up for their email list - you get coupons for $5 pitchers of sangria and special invites to their flamenco dancer nights which are awesome!
(5)
Daunielle R.

Cute and romantic, I absolutely adored the scene walking into Tascas. Especially given the simplebrick building exterior, it is very striking inside - even the bathroom was adorable. Mood lighting, scenic paintings, exposed brick interior. The food was excellent - I love the shrimp in garlic oil ... and pretty much everything else we ordered. This was only my second endeavor in the world of tapas, but damn it was good. Cheaper in price than other tapas places, but not in taste. Tascas stands up to the flavor of Newbury street and other prominent tapas restaurants (as my sister informs me). May I not fail to mention the sangria - I believe between three of us we ended up refilling our picture several times! Simply fantastic.
(4)
TX B.

This place doesn't need any more high ratings but here's one more!
(4)
R M.

I first went to Tasca's a few weeks ago for a friend's birthday on a thursday night. There is a 3 course meal special for $15 which has excellent choices to choose from. I was completely blown away by the good service, food, and the pitchers of sangria. We had a group of 17 which the restaurant was able to accomodate with no major problems. Our server was a cute college boy that had great patience, a sense of humor, and took care of us very well.
(5)
Kelly L.

First off, sign up for their email list and you will get monthly coupons, such as a free pitcher of sangria or 20% off your food. That makes the trek to Brighton more than worthwhile. Can't complain about any of the tapas we ordered (mushrooms, duck, roasted veg, potatoes, filet mignon). Like most tapas restaurants, the dishes and dollars pile up quickly. The Pastel Basque dessert sounds a little strange (toffee and banana?), but it's good. The base seems like it's made of crushed chocolate wafers mixed with butter. Large enough to share, and definitely takes care of your sugar fix.
(3)
Alyssa N.

Tasca is great for an intimate dinner or for a meal with a group of friends. Sharing small plates and good wine- the place just screams Date Spot. The one annoying thing about eating with groups here is that they won't seat you until everyone in your party is present. Umm.. it's a tapas restaurant- doesn't this mean small plates for sharing? Do you really need all members of a party to do that? Food is good- I'm getting hungry for their fritata just writing this. Sangria is some of the best around. If I remembered the names of any more dishes I'd gladly expand upon them, but those details escape me right now. Parking can be VERY tough to find. Try to take the T (Green Line) if you can. (I don't believe in paying $$$ for valet parking, which they were charging for last time I went there)
(3)
Lindsay R.

Tasca is amazing. I've been there 2 years in a row for Valentines Day and they really know how to put on a show. The dining room is romantically lit and their special pre-fix menu's are adorned with tiny cupids. The food and drink were unbelievable and I was very impressed. At the end of dinner the server handed me a rose and chocolate truffles. I was amazed that they put so much thought into creating a wonderful atmosphere for Valentines dinner. I would absolutely love to go back and sample their normal menu.
(5)
Emma A.

Wow, this tapas stuff is tasty! We had the warm goat cheese with oven roasted tomatoes, the sizzling shrimp, roasted duck leg, short ribs, and cubed fried potatoes. The potatoes were 'meh' but everything else was amazing!! Really delicious with so many different flavors, get the Pastel basque for dessert and you won't be disappointed! If Brighton is too far, try Tapeo on Newbury St.
(4)
Lala L.

Pretty decent tapas and I can never get enough of their sangria. Another pitcher please! Try the escargot puff pastry, garlic shrimp, mini quiche, and paella. Not a good idea for larger parties, cuz it's pretty tight in here. Do sign up for their mailing list, they always have something fun going on. Tango performers, guest sommeliers, and coupons in your mailbox!
(3)
Han K.

I can't compare it to Dali or Taberna de Haro, and I know it's owned by two Irish guys, but the food at Tasca has always been outstanding. My favorite is the jamon, the shrimp in garlic oil, and the sangria is just the icing on already the sweet sweet cake that is Tasca.
(4)
Reba R.

explosions of flavor in my mouth! every appetizer that we had was unbelievable. 2 people, 4 apps.. plenty of food. and a pitcher of sangria. perfect date night.
(5)
Sarah B.

I have visited Tasca four times and enjoyed every visit. By far my favorite dining experience at Tasca has been the $18 three-course Appetite Stimulus meal my husband and I enjoyed on our first visit. For the first course, we both ordered the baked pork empanada, which was the highlight of the meal. For the main course, my husband ordered some kind of steak (I can't remember, but he liked it) and I ordered some kind of fish that was excellent, but not as memorable as the empanadas. For dessert, my husband had the flan and I had a blackberry cheesecake, both of which were delicious. I understand that this menu changes, but I haven't tried the Appetite Stimulus again because we usually order tapas. The tapas ares not the most authentic or inventive I've ever had (I studied abroad in Madrid during college), but they are reliably tasty. The sangria is great.
(4)
Farrell P.

I was looking to go Toro this week, but didn't realize they were participating in Restaurant Week so I decided to try another tapas place. It's a little confusing that every tapas restaurant in the Boston area sounds so similar! (Tapeo, Toscas, Taberno de Haro...) I have never really done tapas for a full dinner before, so I was excited, but I was pretty unimpressed with the food at Tasca. Most of the dishes we ordered, I felt like I could have made myself (which is how I often feel at a Spanish restaurant). The best things we had were the goat cheese empanadas (hard to do wrong), the black bean crab cakes (with a nice kick), and the escargot in puff pastry (with a sambuca that really was to die for). The sizzling shrimp with garlic and portabellas with manchego were good enough. The chorizo was straight up boring. Everything could have used more seasoning and the bread was nothing much. The desserts were interesting (crepe helado and pastel vasco), but the presentation for every dish was also blah. The espresso was bad. The sangria was good and a good value. In fact, what I will say for Tasca is that it really is a good value and you can easily fill up for cheap. The restaurant itself is cute and pretty busy. Our tables were a little cramped, but I really did not mind. The service was lacking. Our server was not knowledgeable and did not seem interested in anything other than the very basics of taking out order. That was a shame. I also was okay with, but did not really understand the order in which the tapas were served. Why was I served a cold dish last?? There are other tapas places to try...I probably won't go back to this one.
(2)
Irving L.

Small gem tucked away, love the decor, cozy ambiance, interior setting, friendly bartender and yes, excellent tapas. I go for the Sangria, and the Paella obviously, as the Tapas themselves are just the icing on the cake. I loveeeee Tasca. Took my wife there for a great Valentine's night years back, and we still come back to it. Enticing ambiance, music and smells that keep people coming back for more.
(4)
fraulein v.

I love the rustic romantic surrounding's. The food is wonderful and they give you allot!! Really great selection. I, the veggie and my carnivore friend never have a problem here because we don't want to share our selections anyway. We saw some great Spanish music here and the mailing list sends coupons. They need to bring back the $4 wine, big time.
(4)
Sarah W.

My roommate and I visited Tasca because we had heard good things. The waitress was good, although it was unusual to have our wine flights poured at the table. The problems were with the food. I'm a vegetarian and my "vegetarian" quiche had ham in it - nice big chunks in the bottom of the quiche. Then my roommate found a bone in a piece of meat in one of her tapas. If you go, skip the food and stick to the wine.
(2)
Will L.

Excellent place. Great for dates or special occasions. The Sangria is really good. Also, if you go once and fill out their card at the end of the meal, they'll send you emails about good deals and they'll even send you a gift certificate during your birth month. They have Valet parking for $5 or $6 I think....there isn't much parking in the area so it's worth it. Plus, if you park in the Whole Foods lot nearby, you will get towed and it happens pretty frequently. There are 30+ tapas items on the menu....I recommend asking the server for the best sellers or their top picks...they've never steered me wrong.
(5)
Amanda G.

Food is great and inexpensive for Tapas. There are many choices so everyone can find something they like. Good spanish like atmosphere - and a bigger tapas place if you have lots of people. Romantic...if you want it to be. They have flamenco music one night a week, usually thursdays. Make sure you try the sangria here.
(4)
Renee H.

Great for a group of friends who love to eat and catch up. The wait was reasonable, and the hostesses were nice. The atmosphere was comfortable, and I suddenly felt nostalgia for Mediterranean Europe. They have a great selection of tapas, and my friend who disliked duck for so long discovered its true taste and now loves it. I felt that you could order just about anything, and it would have been cooked wonderfully, leaving you with the satisfaction of a normal plate. It's easy to find off the T, and seems like a great place in the summer.
(4)
Mike D.

The food at Tasca is pretty decent. The service can be hit or miss. I think the food and service at Dali are better, but 9 times out of 10 I'd rather go to Tasca--especially on a Friday or Saturday--for the wait alone. I've finally gotten old and grouchy enough that I don't understand why anyone would wait two hours for dinner anywhere unless they were standing in a breadline with empty cupboards at home. Guess this review wasn't really about Tasca.
(3)
Sue K.

my friend and i went to tasca on thursday night, mostly for the sangria. there was no wait for a table, and our waitress was friendly and attentive. we chose two tapas each, which including the bread, was more than enough for us. the servings are big (for tapas) and filling. while the menu has good variety, i wish there were a few more cold and/or lighter tapas- especially for the summer. the menu is full of meats, hearty root veggies, puff pastry, and heavy sauces. our orders were good (goat cheese empanada = spanish crab rangoon?) but not OMG amazing. i will definitely be back. i liked the food and menu better at tapeo, but tasca is a lot more affordable and laid back. plus, i'm looking forward to trying their paella. mmm...paellaaa. oh, and the sangria was magical. the pitcher was like this bottomless jesus pitcher!
(4)
Stephanie T.

i've been to tasca 2 or 3 times over the past 2 years, it's my boyfrend's go to option for date night. positives: -$5 bottle of wine / pitchers of sangria and $16 3 course meal makes a nice night out entirely reasonably priced (i think they do this mon-weds) -atmosphere is cozy -food is tasty. last time i was here i had some sort of seafood bisque that was DELICIOUS and my chorizo & spinach stuffed chicken breast in mushroom sauce was pretty good, as well. bread pudding was DELIGHTFUL. (see below for appetizer and dessert disclaimers, though). -valet parking is only $6, we didn't use it, but almost did since parking here really takes a special kind of driver negatives: -SERVICE. when we walked in at 7:00, the restaurant was nearly empty, but no host was to be found anywhere. we stood for about 3 or 4 mins before anyone noticed us, and when they did, instead of greeting us they just hurriedly asked if we were already being helped. -SERVICE. once we did sit, a woman who ended up being our server came over with a water pitcher about 3 or 4 minutes after we sat, but said nothing. we had ENTIRELY too long to look at the menu, it was about 5-10 minutes before our server came over to even ask us for our drink order. she then changed what $5 bottle of red wine was available 3 times, before coming over and awkwardly struggling to open it while my boyfriend and i sat quietly avoiding eye contact to prevent ourselves from busting out laughing. she was, of course, quick to drop off the check in the middle of dessert, and quick to return it. it was a little annoying to have to add her tip onto what we felt was otherwise exceptionally valued meal. -SALAD. i STUPIDLY ordered the vinaigrette, bleu cheese, walnut, pear salad as my appetizer. as i was doing it, i knew it was a bad idea, i knew it would be the most mediocre thing offered, but i was just in the mood for a salad, and was hoping tasca could pull it off decently. i was really disappointed by my pile of lettuce, with 4 slices of pears around the outside, un-seasoned vinaigrette and few crumbles of bleu cheese. NO WALNUTS, no mention that the walnuts were missing either when i ordered it, before i received it or when i received it - i would've asked, but by the time the server returned i was over caring. was extremely jealous of my boyfriend's escargot, which he kindly shared. -though the bread pudding was awesome - i do have to say that the whipped cream was an unrecognizable puddle when it arrived, and the bowl was blistering hot - like it had been sitting beneath the heat lamp in the kitchen for too long. still delicious, but, the poor service was still evident. -parking is a huge pain in this area usually, tasca is in a particularly difficult location - so leave yourself plenty of time to look for a spot, utilize the valet or take the T. -around 8 this place gets ridiculously packed. like, the last time i went i planned ahead and got to the bathroom early, because i knew from previous experience we would basically be trapped at our table in the back corner once they packed in the dining room. -bathroom was dirty at 7:00 on a tues night, when the restaurant was half empty. again, indicative of the staffing here, i think. so, my recommendation would be to go early-ish on a mon-weds, take public transportation, settle in and enjoy a nice, long, relaxing dinner and be prepared to get the nicely priced deal in exchange for poor-ish service. i would still go back, but can't give this place the 4 stars i would otherwise give it.
(3)
S B.

I only went here once, but the tapas were a big disappointment. The atmosphere wasn't great - I felt like we were being rushed out. And it wasn't even crowded! I would head elsewhere for your Spanish food fix...
(3)
Smitha S.

Yum Yum Yum Tapas is all I can say. Recommended you go in a group of 5-6 people and order as many as you can and enjoy!
(4)
Robert B.

Last time I was there I had no server for like 15 minutes- no joke, then they threw out the food I wanted wrapped up.... not cool. Food was still good but the menu is getting kinda tired.
(2)
Tommy L.

I live around the corner from this place, and it's a favorite local spot to get great food without the driving. I often go early in the evening to avoid the crowds, and I recommend that you don't so it stays less busy early on for me ;) But anyway, I've tried most of the tapas on the menu, and though there's a couple of things I didn't like, it was more personal preference than quality of the food. One of my particular favorites is the garlicky shrimp. Great ambiance, sometimes they have a guy playing flamenco guitar, and if you sign up for their mailing list, they actually email you coupons for things like $5 pitchers of their sangria, which is also quite nice...
(4)
aparna m.

I like Tasca for most part of the year except for when they do these special occasion parties- the new year party was the most contrived, dull event I ever attended... the hostess looked tense, transposed it onto the guests, the servers were very very uninspired and uninterested and even sullen and the food was ok- all for 50 plus for two... Expected so much more for the price in a recession...
(3)
Lia M.

Ariela beat me to reviewing this restaurant. We went together last night with a group of five and the service was horrendous. If I was rating just the food/drink/atmosphere, I would give it a 4 (4.5) if possible. I loved the decor and ambience. The food was delicious. They did give us two free tapas, which I did not expect. But the waitress, host, and owner were just intolerable. And we were not the only group that had this problem. There was another group with the same problem. Some would say go on a less busy night or with less people, but if you are running a restaurant properly, that shouldn't matter.
(2)
Sarah A.

Awesome awesome place! Great food and reasonable prices. The goat cheese empanadas are great as are the meatballs. The only thing I was rather unimpressed with was the cheese plate. Nice selection of wines and cool atmopshere. It is kind of dark and inviting. Great for a date. A favorite place of mine to meet friends too. It is usually not loud and there is a decent amount of space between tables. There are also small, separate sort of seating alcoves which cut down on the noise, I think. Parking is kind of evil though. They do have valet, but it is hard to find a place on the street. I have intended to go here a couple times only to end up in Washington Square just because there was no parking. I recommended taking the T or else you will need to use the valet.
(5)
H C.

I wish this place was closer! Food is always delicious - am never disappointed when I walk out of there. Bonus: walked out with mystery envelopes that may contain gift certificates/discounts/free meal coupon for the next dining experience!
(4)
Stephen S.

Big fan of Tasca. It was rated the best affordable romantic restaurant awhile back and that is a title that it definitely deserves. It has a dark earthy decor which harks back to the Spanish roots of the restaurant. Personally I think that it can get a little too loud when full, but I suppose that's what the owners are going for or else they would've put up some wall hangings by now. They might want to consider it though because yelling across the table to your date/dining companion can get old real fast. The tappas are fantastic and about $5-7 a piece. Personally I recommend the fried calamari. The portion is huge so definitely plan on sharing. Or if you want to go for the entrees, they're equally awesome and inexpensive considering the quality of food prepared. Did I mention sangria? Sooooo much sangria (and you need a lot because it's not very strong at all). The pitchers, like everything else in the restaurant, are really inexpensive and usually there's a special for $1 or free pitchers if you join their mailing list...so I'd get on that. And yes, it is typically a girly drink but it's a Spanish restaurant and you'd be selling yourself short if you didn't indulge. Be on the lookout for Flamenco dancing, music and Spanish wine tastings which pop up every now and again. Definitely a good place to hit up if you've never been.
(4)
sarah and erica y.

Tasca is tastey. We arrived at about 6 30 on a Thursday night before the rush came in and packed the house. We ordered 3 tapas -the escargot was decadent, the goat cheese empanadas melted in your mouth and the mushrooms in the sherry cream sauce with toasted baguettes were very satisfying and not too heavy. The staff were supportive when we were returned our tapa of raw beef( carpaccio). We are two social workers on a budget and were so happy when they accepted our coupon for a $5 pitcher of sangria. The dessert crepe was off the hook and we were pleased because the portion was quite ample. Definitely a place we will go to again soon!!!!!!!
(4)
Amanda S.

I've been to Tasca 3 or 4 times, and have never had a dish I didn't thoroughly enjoy. The atmosphere is dark, intimate, cozy- a good date spot. I would recommend a reservation (even on a week night since they often have live music which draws a crowd). Service has always been pleasant, but nothing extraordinary. Sign up for their email- they often send discounts through email!
(5)
Evan G.

I used to live by Tasca and I would go all the time. The food is phenomenal, and the sangria is great too. A little pricier than it has to be, but some of the best tapas I've had around. The restaurant itself is nice, definitely good for a date. They give out great coupons for cheap sangria through their email list, so sign up when you are there.
(4)
Silvia S.

I am oh so happy since I moved to Boston. I am from Spain and, after living in Champaign, IL for almost 10 years, I was ecstatic to discover Boston has a nice little bunch of Spanish restaurants. Tasca is my favorite place for paella and main dishes, the prices are very reasonable for the quality and the wine list is not bad either. Tempted with the great main dishes, I have only tried a couple of tapas as appetizers and they were very good too. I like that they have some traditional tapas and some innovative ones (in tune with the current nouveau-tapa "revolution" in Spain). It is true that if you are driving you may have a hard time to find parking but they do have a valet service, if you share a ride with friends and all pitch in, tapas-style, it's not expensive either. And I too love the coupons and news I get by e-mail!!
(5)
Danielle N.

Not only is the manager rude and condescending, but if you write a negative review, the manager/owners will send their staff to write rude and disrespectful messages to you with personal attacks if you don't take it down. I regret taking down my original reviews. I ended up falling for the threats. The food is good, and the service is exceptional, but the disrespectful and unprofessional behavior of management is just unacceptable. Other tapas places around Boston are a little more pricey but more delicious and have better customer service. Spend a little more money, and you will get better treatment and delicious food.
(2)
Tracy C.

Inattentive staff. Sat us at the bar but didn't even bother cleaning up the counter in front of us. sangria was stored in plastic buckets which seemed really unsanitary, and when the waiter finally seated us at a tiny table that we literally could not squeeze in (my chest was touching the table because otherwise I'd be backing up into the person behind me). Food wasn't even good but I guess you get what you pay for. All in all BIG disappointment.
(2)
Christie L.

My girl friends have been raving about this place for the last 2 years, I am so glad I got to try it! Tasca has a nice cozy romantic atmosphere, perfect for a date night ;] To top it off, they have live music after 6PM. I am not sure if this is every night, but I went on a Sunday and there was this cute old guitarist. Now the food. Wow.. there were so many options that looked tasty and I wanted to try all of them! We tried the pan seared tuna over black bean/mango salad, roasted duck, escargots, lamb sausage over couscous, brie with apple and raisin chutney with grilled baguette, and spring roll (seasonal special). Everything was delicious with great flavors. My favorites were the lamb sausage and spring rolls. Brie and apple on bread is always good, but I dont think this was any more special here than other places I have had it. I recommend coming with a somewhat larger group so you can try more tapas OR just bring a big appetite :D We ordered 6 tapas to share between 3 of us and it was okay; know I could have eaten more of the tasty foods. Tip 1: Check in on YELP and get a free dessert of your choice! Tiramisu was very yummy!! Tip 2: Fill out their survey and give your email, you get $10 off during your birthday month!
(4)
Elise M.

I went with one on other person and made a reservation prior. We had a very kind waitress and I appreciated her recommendations. I really enjoyed the goat cheese empanadas (which I was hesitant about initially even though goat cheese is my favorite cheese). They also have a stack of grilled vegetables that includes goat cheese which was absolutely delicious. I was less impressed by the meat dish with gnocchi. I couldn't tell what I was eating and not in a fun way. I also was expecting so much from the chili shrimp, but I found them overcooked/chewy and not as flavorful as I would have hoped. We finally had the raw tuna dish and while it was tasty, it was too small even for "tapas" and didn't come prepared as expected. I enjoyed the white sangria and my friend's red sangria was pretty good too. Both aren't very sweet though if you're looking that. (I think they have a specialty "sweeter" sangria. When we were there it was pomegranate sangria). I wish we would have had room for dessert, but we were very full at this point! I would welcomely come back here, but maybe for a special event they are hosting or for a tasting menu instead.
(3)
Ryan D.

My first Tapas experience at the behest of my better half and I could not have been more impressed. Visually this is my favorite kind of restaurant (dim-but not dark- lighting, tables that give you enough space to have a conversation without feeling like the people next to you are catching every word, and several different seating areas from the bar, to cozy boothes, and finally a larger section for groups). CanelÃ³n relleno de pollo (which was absolutely DELICIOUS), Taco de pescado (i'm a fish taco snob and these passed with flying colors), and finally AlbÃ³ndigas (because any day you can have three different meats is a good day). My drink came quickly (sangria - another first for me, and of course now it will not be my last) which was surprising considering how full the place was. So 5 stars to my girlfriend for dragging me to this absolute GEM, and 5 stars to Tasca for living up to all the hype! oh and probably the coolest part was when the very friendly manager gave us custom scratch tickets for discounts the next time we come back! (and now i'm hungry again)
(5)
Vivian C.

Yes, I'm on Tasca's email list, and yes, the $10 food gift certificate that I won as their July lucky draw winner is what lured me back in after a five year hiatus. That same email advertised a Three Course Anniversary Menu $19.95 Sunday through Thursday. It turns out, they allow the redemption of the certificate on their special prix fixe menu, so I decided to go that route. For my appetizer, I selected the Fresh haddock taco with cilantro tomato salsa, iceberg lettuce and garlic aioli which is $4.50 a la carte. The fish was lightly fried, the taco wrap warmed by grilling, and the salsa fresh. It was a pretty tasty bundle, though the char marks had unfortunately run into the territory of tasting unpleasantly burnt. As my entree, my server sold me on their vegetarian option - Crispy baked eggplants stuffed with oven dried tomato and Manchego cheese served in a fresh tomato sauce with basil dressed roasted Mediterranean vegetables (vegetarian), which is also available tapas size for $6.50 sans the veggie side. (~$13 plus veggies) For dessert, there was no option, as I was offered the Mini dessert sampler platter consisting of Spanish Flan ($5.95 a la carte), Tiramisu ($6.95), Chocolate truffle (Is that the same as the Tarta de Chocolate $6.50 - Flourless chocolate terrine?) The sampler platter sounded impressive, but the reality was not. Small portions of each of the three desserts were set upon a small plate. As a whole, it loses class points on presentation as each was sliced from their original individually portioned treats and the truffle wasn't even a full quarter of a circle. In total, the platter was smaller than a single whole dessert. Admittedly though, both flan and tiramisu were terrific. The flan was creamy and smooth, the tiramisu was light and creamy. The truffle was quite dense and rich, yet not a sweet dessert. Service was pleasant on the whole, but my water was never refilled as I neared the bottom of the glass, and plates arrived warmed to the table with no kind warning.
(3)
Dan K.

Food is excellent, and very reasonably priced for tapas. You get small portions, as expected with tapas, but they are a very shareable size. Desserts were delicious, and actually pretty large. The service has always been excellent. Waiters are extremely nice, and always happy to answer questions. They frequently have special deals with things like $10 off coupons, which make them even more reasonably priced.
(5)
Juliet Y.

The dish we liked best here was the Jamon Serrano, but honestly the restaurant overall was a little underwhelming. The goat cheese empanadas were basically like a nicer, Spanish version of crab Rangoon (which may be good or bad depending on your tastes). The sauce of the filet mignon (solomillo) was honestly not to our taste, and it was a little too charred. The squid was slightly overcooked. We enjoyed the sangria. The ambiance was casual but makes for a good date spot. I'd say it wasn't a bad dinner, but there are certainly better tapas places in the city and neighborhood.
(3)
Sophie P.

I've been to Tasca 2-3 years ago, and I remember loving the tapas dishes that my girl friends and I ordered along with our pitcher of red sangria. I went recently with my boyfriend on a Thursday (only Monday-Wednesday are $5 tapas/$10 sangria pitcher nights). I have to say - the quality of their food is so much worse than I remember. I like very flavorful foods, especially in my tapas dishes, and there really weren't any flavor in any of the plates we ordered. The bread that came in the beginning should have been toasted, or buttered, or something. The red pepper hummus that they placed with the bread was so dry and really did not add anything to the already dry bread. What we got: 8 Jamon Serrano y Queso Manchego - Really, really disappointed. They were basically giant pieces of parmesan cheese over dried prosciutto pieces with two pieces of baguette. The whole dish was dry and it needed something to moisten it up. 9 Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de mariscos - The presentation was really cool. The paella was really not that flavorful, and only made better because of the plate full of sauce that was next to the stuffed peppers. 14 Gambas al ajillo - OMG HOW CAN YOU MESS THIS UP?! seriously they were overoiled/garlic shrimp dripped in oil. Nothing else. They were so bland. 15 Croquetas de pollo y jamon - These taste like chicken croquettes you could get from the supermarket and heat in the microwave. 34 SalmÃ³n ahumado - This was super disappointing. The salmon was a little overcooked, and the potato pancake tasted like mush. I expected a crunchy, flavorful potato pancake to complement the salmon but the overall dish was so bland. The pitcher of white sangria was good. Nothing to complain about there. If you do come here, it would be much better to come Monday-Wednesday when they have their dishes for cheaper. Sign up for their emails! Otherwise, we paid over $60 for a very "meh" meal.
(2)
Neal M.

Absolutely no complaints! The staff was very accommodating. Came with a group that was coming at different times, and they held aside an area for us not knowing exactly how big of a group we would have. Alot of restaurants in the area will keep 7 people waiting till the 8th person arrives. The tapas plates were all great. My Spanish is bad so I won't give the proper names but we loved the fried calimari, the brie and chutney, the skillet shrimp, the prime rib, the filet minon, the mussels ( someone almost drank the broth) . Waitress was so nice and inviting. Little gem in Brighton! The owner is walking around over seeing everything and I hope she is very proud!
(5)
Carol C.

We came in for an early dinner on a Saturday night. After being seated at a cramped table with the sun blinding us through the window, our server failed to return to get our orders. We waited for 15 minutes before anyone even brought us water. Finally, we asked another server if they could get our server, and he returned with clear annoyance and impatience with us. Makes sense, I guess - don't do your job well so you get irritated with us. Okay. Now, the food is decent and average priced. At the end of the day, we still tipped a generous 20% for their inattentive service. BUT, I guess our rude server thought he deserved more, because our $70 check was charged on my credit card as $120. I have called twice now, left 2 messages, with no response. Average food, followed by horrible service, ending with unethical response. Never returning, and never recommending.
(1)
Kelly O.

I recently realized that I've literally been dining here regularly for over a decade now, so it's safe to say Tasca is one of my favorites. I've come here for everything from a romantic date to catching up with a group of friends to dinner with the parents, and I think the main reason I keep coming back is that among all the other excellent restaurants in Boston, the value just can't be beat here. The tapas dishes are all reasonably priced to start with- many of which are very generous with portion size-, but combine that with all the awesome specials, lucky draws, neighborhood nights, and other deals, and you'll always walk away without having dropped a ton of cash but your belly will be very happy. It's not just about value though; the atmosphere is adorable and romantic, and the quality of the food is solid as well. I'm rarely disappointed in any of the tapas, and typically order some of my usual favorites- patatas bravas, gambas al aijio- mixed in with whatever else I'm feeling that night (check out that night's specials). With regards to the entrees and desserts though, I've had mixed experiences, so I might recommend sticking to the tapas; I'm not the biggest fan of their paella, and once had a flan that just tasted like sweet scrambled eggs, but the other day I had baked haddock in a saffron sauce via a special prix fixe which was quite nice, and most of their other desserts are pretty yummy (the bread pudding and pastel vasco come to mind). Good prices on the wine/sangria too (especially the specials on offer), and they usually have a few bottles of craft beer on offer as well. I think Tasca is a bit of a hidden gem. It's not the newest tapas restaurant, nor most trendy, nor most inventive or exciting; but it delivers a pretty consistent experience and is always my default when I get a craving for Spanish food. I like dabbling with the Toros and Dalis of the world now and then, but I always come back to Tasca, and am proud to be a local here.
(4)
Katie B.

I went to Tasca the other night and had a pretty good experience, I will definitely be back! I made a reservation for 2 on a Friday night, and had to wait a few minutes to be seated. It was very busy so I would highly recommend calling ahead. We ordered 6 tapas, almost all of which I would order again. The smoked salmon with the potato crisp was tasty, but I wouldn't recommend it. You only get 2 pieces of salmon so your money is better spent ordering something else. The gambas al ajillo are a MUST. They are super flavorful and come out sizzling hot. The tortilla (potato, onion, egg slice) was disappointingly dry and the flavor was lackluster. However, the quiche (special) was awesome. We also had a baked brie with apple dish which I really liked. I can't remember what the last thing we ordered was, but I'm sure it was good! The Sangria is also worth trying. My friend and I split a half pitcher, which is better value than getting two glasses. If you check in on Yelp, they're running a promotion of free dessert! So of course, even though we were happily satisfied from our meal, my friend and I ordered one. We opted for the creme brule, which was good but not the best. Overall, I was very happy with my experience at Tasca. I have been before but I definitely enjoyed it more this last time I went.
(4)
Brian T.

My favorite date night spot in the area. The ambiance is dimly lit and intimate and the staff is very accommodating. There is plenty of food and drinks to choose from and everything is reasonably priced. Tip: sign up for their email newsletter to receive $10 off your tapas on the month of your birthday and hear about their monthly deals!
(5)
Melissa D.

Tasca is dee-lish! Atmosphere is fun especially on thursday nights with wonderful guitar music in the background. Room layout is euro- tiny tables, grotto-like appearance and very dark. Definitely my faves: -Patatas Brava -costillas de teneras -gambas al ajillo -setas al jerez If you sign up for their newsletter, you get a discount on your bday and updates to events going on at Tasca
(4)
Sam G.

I headed over to Tasca for the first time tonight based on the rave reviews I read here on Yelp, only to be completely underwhelmed. First and foremost, the food: Maybe they were having an off night, but the dishes we ordered were at best mediocre. The "pan-seared" tuna was overcooked, and if there actually was any squid ink in that white wine sauce (their online menu omits it, while their in-house restaurant and staff swear it's an ingredient), it was completely drowned out by the excessive butter. Overall the flavors were rather bland, and although we ordered six interesting-sounding tapas not a single one stood out as being unique, or even above average. The service also left a good bit to be desired. Although we were seated right away, it took a good 5-10 minutes before we were even acknowledged by our waitress. When she did finally come by, she told us it was her first night -- which made her behavior excusable, but made the behavior of all the other wait staff (who consciously ignored us despite repeated eye contact over the course of our water-less wait) inexcusable. Lastly, the reviewers who have noted the tight space are absolutely spot-on, although the situation is definitely worse for smaller parties. We were seated at one of three tiny two-person tables crammed into a ~7x7 window alcove, which meant that we could hear every word of the other conversations. Larger parties no doubt simply have the same minuscule tables, pushed together, but at least the spaces between those mini-table-amalgams appeared to be more than 6" wide. Despite the thorough disappointment of the restaurant itself, there were two things that saved the night -- the amazing wine (Vina Rufina, "Ubalinda", Cigales, 2002) and the amazing company :-)
(2)
Bernadette S.

I don't even remember what we ordered but the food was amazing and the sangria was flowing. I don't love the atmosphere - it feels too cluttered to me, and parking is ridic. The service is eh - I felt like the staff was aloof and couldn't quite be bothered. All this but still go go go for the food
(3)
Kate C.

Great food, great environment, and amazing sangria!
(5)
Alex S.

Great treasure of a place. Love the fact that if you're not sure what you want to eat you don't have to choose just one thing and no matter what you pick its all good.
(5)
Kristine M.

The last time I went to Tasca the seafood didn't taste right. The mussels tasted way too fishy to be fresh and the scallops were just OK. It was a little disappointing and after eating the odd tasting mussel in the paella, I was a little worried I was going to get sick from it because it tasted so off! :-( I do like Tasca, though...the atmosphere is really nice, the service is great, and everything else we ordered was fine, but I found the quality of the mussels inexcusable. I'll go again but avoid the seafood.
(3)
Dave M.

We had a large group of us (17) visit Tasca on a Thursday night, and only had to wait about 20 minutes for our table. Perfectly acceptable considering how many tables they had to slide together to accommodate all of us. While waiting at the bar, we enjoyed some of their sangria that people have been raving about. I agree that it is very good, and very reasonably priced. I'll be ordering it again the next time I'm there. The food came out very quickly for 17 of us, and every order was correct. Nothing really to note as far as the food goes. I got the $15 3-course meal - duck salad, a yellowfish with shrimp & scallop plate, and chocolate truffles. Good food for the price, but nothing amazing. I'll be trying some of their tapas next time. Only 3 out of 4 stars for a couple reasons; The bartender while waiting for our table was more concerned about getting her tip than anything else, reminding us several times that we needed to close out our tab before going to our table roughly 15 feet away. Secondly, while our waiter was very friendly, he was not very knowledgeable on the menu and was caught guessing on what was in a dish twice. I'll be back there, but was not blown away as many others who have reviewed.
(3)
Kelly P.

My favorite place ever! Tasca has the best tapas in all of Boston in my opinion. I have been here at least 10 times and never been disappointed. The food is absolutely amazing. I high recommend the garlic shrimp, tuna with mango salsa and the mushroom toastini. I would make a reservation if possible, they are always busy and I have ended up at awful 2 person tables way too close to other tables. Oh well, as long as I get to eat the food, I am happy!
(5)
Jacqueline H.

I go to Tasca about monthly now, if not more. They're always trying new things on the menu, so it never gets old. Actually, let's be honest, I could order the shrimp and the garlic infused chicken every single time, and it still wouldn't get old! Check out their website and sign up for the mailing list, you won't be disappointed. You get an email weekly that usually has a coupon for a great deal on their sangria, and that weeks "recession" menu. A three course meal that won't hurt the wallet at all. I haven't done the three course meal, I've always stuck to tapas, but it always looks mouth-watering. Disfruta! (enjoy!)
(5)
Amanda L.

First off, the most amazing thing about this place is that we managed to spend less than $60.00 here, and that's with getting a glass of wine some Sangria (wonderful!) 4 tapas and 2 desserts. I really wanted to try every thing on the menu, but my stomach wouldn't let me. I like the fact that you can just say the number and not butcher the name of it and get weird looks from your server. The food was pretty awesome, the chicken and cheese empanadas were excellent, the chicken was cooked perfectly, it was nice and moist and I want some right now. The place is ultra nice, the decor is very tasteful. The best part of this place is the fact that you can come here like 10 times, and always try something new. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
M. S.

Excellent. Reasonably priced, extensive menu, tasty sangria and great food. It feels like the stuff you can get in the little restaurants in Valencia. Some of the other tapas restaurants here in Boston are overpriced and pretentious. This was perfect!
(5)
Casey F.

I went to a Tuesday night tapas and wine pairing for $49. Let me tell you, it was a deal - worth every penny spent and pound gained. The food was tasty, the service excellent, and the wine pairings delicious. And I learned a little bit too! I've been here on other occasions and also enjoyed myself. Any of the goat cheese tapas are highly recommended, as are the portobella shaving tapa and the lamb rack with potatos and mint peas. So delightful. The flourless chocolate torte is to DIE for, and you might, since it's so rich. I don't *love* the flamenco nights, only because it gets wicked crowded. Been there, done that. Also, if you have to sit up by the door in the wintertime you might freeze while eating, not to mention the waiting patrons that will stare hungrily at your food. Also again, the bar is very small, so make reservations to avoid having to wait for a table. All in all, a wonderful experience. Sign up for their email list so you too can be appraised of the $49 nights, get $10 off coupons, and other specials!
(5)
heather w.

We ordered many items on the menu. The filet mignon bites were very good as was everything we ate. The food was delicious and the service very good. The ambience in this restaurant is very pleasant. Parking seemed a bit tricky. We parked at Whole Foods where signs warned us we were likely to be towed. We took our chances and were not towed.
(4)
Penelope N.

Not impressed. While I liked the low lighting for a private celebration-for-two dinner, the decor was a bit Tasca-does-Spain-a-la-Olive-Garden-does-Italy for me. Perhaps we did not choose well, but none of the food impressed me at all. The starter bread was a bad first impression (very Stop&Shop), though I did really like the garbanzo pesto that came with it. I'll try to make some of that at home. Dinner felt a bit like throwing money away, prices were not bad but the food was nothing special. I was particularly disappointed with the crock-pot-tasting boneless beef short ribs, damn. We had: Sangria (it was OK) Jamon Serrano y Queso -"Manchego Cured Spanish ham with manchego cheese served with tomato toasted crostinis" (7.95) -As a big fan of JamÃ³n, I was disappointed at the quality of Tasca's, and wish that at least the bread had been better as a way to set it off. Boquerones -"Marinated fresh white anchovy filets over tomatoes and red onion" (5.50) -Unfortunately they used one of those supermarket cardboard (flavorless) tomatoes that has nothing tomatoey about it. Costillas de ternera -"Slow oven braised boneless beef short ribs over scallion mashed potato in jus" (6.95) -OK if you're in the mood for stew. I did really like the mashed potatoes that came with it, kind of mashed-meets-scalloped potatoes. ...and we stopped there. I agree with the reviewers who called the food "flavorless" and "out of a can."
(2)
Bryan K.

Definately a hidden jewel. Went in just for desert and were delighted to find a long list of deliciousness. The ice-cream crepe was excellent and the hot dark chocolate mouse was rich and perfect with an after dinner drink. Didn't have dinner, but will be back for sure for a romantic night out. So glad we stopped in finaly. Did I mention, it is also pretty inexpensive and the staff was very nice and friendly.
(5)

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Address : 1612 Commonwealth Ave
Brighton, MA, 02135
Phone (617) 730-8002
Website https://www.tascarestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Tasca

1612 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA, 02135

Tasca Menu

Tapas

Dinner Entrees

Main Courses

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Tasca

Tapas

Dinner Entrees

Main Courses

Desserts

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Mollie T.

Katrine H.

Joshua H.

Piyali S.

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Rob J.

Kristin M.

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