Taberna Tapas

We came here before a rare Monday night show at DPAC. We got there a little before 6, and I am glad we didn't get there any later, because it quickly got very busy. Our server Alex was top notch, and explained that they were short staffed, but that didn't hinder our experience. We ordered SO much food, and although none of it went to waste, some dishes stood out. We didn't even take pictures, we devoured it all so fast.Dishes we ordered were: Beet & feta salad, Ham & Arugula salad, bacon wrapped dates, Crab stuffed peppers, braised short rib with polenta, steak and chimichurri sauce, potato cake, octopus, mussels, churros, chocolate Valencia ice cream, and chocolate mousse. (PHEW)The potato cake proved to be a little bit basic, but the aioli was delicious, and the chimichurri on the steak sort of cooked into it, instead of being more present on top. The dates, mussels, and even the salads were stars, and both drinks I got hit the spot (try the rose sangria!We would absolutely go back here before a show, or with out-of-town friends. There is definitely something for everyone and there are still dishes I want to try!

The location and ambiance are solid for downtown Durham. The place was bumping on a Saturday night, and we were with a large group of 15 for a milestone birthday party.Our experience was highlighted by a few of minor things, nothing major went wrong. Our server was nice and knowledgeable, although when she asked if we wanted separate checks, everyone said sure and she sighed then said "Geez" before shrugging and our taking orders. My wife didn't get a water, and we finally asked someone walking by if she could have one and it was brought out pretty quickly. Our waters weren't refilled very often, but no big deal. The ambiance got a little too romantic when either someone bumped a light switch or a fuse was blown, because all the lights went out (luckily we had candles at our table), and our server ran to the front to get the lights back on quickly.The tapas were in many cases overcooked and sad looking, but everyone seemed to enjoy them. The drinks we ordered came out one at a time from the bar, and the guy serving them seemed disheveled and stressed for each drink delivery. The cocktail menu was very basic and there were no special or unique drinks. My wife ordered an old fashioned and I ordered a negroni. Both were fine, nothing special that we couldn't have easily made at home. We didn't not order seconds.In the end, it was a fine experience. If you're not sure about tapas, I definitely would not start at Taberna. But if you want a good vibe in downtown Durham, or if you need a fancy place that can seat a large party semi-last minute, then Taberna could be a good choice.Pro tip: parking is available at the Corcoran Street deck, a short walk away. There's a stairwell from the parking deck that leads right out to Main Street. Don't even bother with street parking, it's a mess.

we came on a saturday night and it was pretty much filled with people so we got some seats at the bar. you can tell the servers are really busy but their attitude was still good!we ordered the tres mares, calamares fritos, mussels, and braised beef short ribs.our favorite was the mussels and short ribs. both were packed with flavor and well cooked.the others were honestly alright, not bad but feels like it's missing a kick.

Dinner before a live show is a must. And that was what me and my partner were planning to do as our Uber dropped us off in front of Taberna Tapas. I commented how cute it was inside and possibly eating there. We were going to eat a restaurant down the block but discovered we would've needed a reservation. Boo. So my plans of dining for tapas came true after all. Moody candlelight + small tables, great for date night. Neither of us had tapas before so we both didn't know what to expect. Our first round of orders were SCRUMPTIOUS. I didn't know what to expect but we both agreed we could easily keep eating there. Empanadas de Carne came out and I've been hesitant to eat Spanish food after being there for two weeks (nothing compares to the OG). But these were so tasty and crispy. Perfect amount of flavor, so glad I started with these.Portobello Mushrooms: at first glance I was like what is that??? Then I thought oh yeah mushrooms. These little guys were so addictive to eat, that I sort of ate most of them and asked my partner if he wanted any. He saw the look on my face and told me I could have it which *sweet* and I ate that little mushroom so quickly, no crumbs left.Octopus: I've had squid before, mainly fried, so this really surprised me. My partner ordered it and dug right in as soon as I snapped a photo. It was tender, not too chewy, and flavored throughout. Smoky, salty, yummy. The fried tomato was also delicious.Fried Oysters: A little kick of spice, lickable sauce, and crispy to the heavens. Think popcorn shrimp but WAY better. I still dream about the Fried Oysters.Wings: My partner, the wing man, ordered the garlic ones. They were just okay in my opinion, a bit too salty. He ate most of them. I don't think these are special enough to order when there's so much on the menu!Oyster Mushroom and Kale Sauté: A little veg, I ordered the Oyster Mushroom and Kale Sauté. The mushrooms were so yummy and meaty, but not enough of them!! The kale was cooked to perfection, had good texture without being overly soft or tough. This was the last dish.This restaurant is for experience dining and I must say, I want more of it. Come by and I promise, you'll find something (or two) that you like.

Great ambiance! Dark ish lighting, pretty great service, attentive wait staff. Food was delicious! Patatas bravas are definitely my favorite. The short rib is also delicious

Came here on a Thursday night with a friend. She made a reservation but it didn't seem to be super crowded. Waiter was helpful in giving suggestion to veggie dishes. Tres mares was probably my favorite because it was very flavorful. The cauliflower was also very delicious I love the cheese sauce that was top of it. Honestly the dishes we ordered were delicious. Not pictured was the octopus which had a spicy kick to it! Had a good time here !

Great date spot. They set a smooth atmosphere here. Great service from Seth. He gave his suggestions and they were good, especially the paella and gambas. Their version of steak frites was the best and the the short rib is a must have. Definitely going back.

Excellent food. Great, friendly service. Wonderful location in the center of downtown Durham. Great ambience (perfect lighting, big windows, exposed brick, etc). This is our third visit. This place never disappoints!

Came in without a reservation and got seated on the patio. Within minutes, we were moved to a table, thanks to a cancellation. We had the Steak with chimichurri sauce, bacon wrapped dates, oysters bravas, gambas ajillo. Some came out hot, some cold. ( oysters were room temp)Sanitation grade is 95.5. They include a 4% "non cash adjustment ". So bring cash and save a few bucks. Mary is a great server. Young guy at front check in is top notch. Overall, food was good, but sadly overpriced.

The service was excellent and the atmosphere was nice, but food was just eh. We ordered the Brussels sprouts and could not finish them bc they were dry and overspiced. The potatoes were also dry although aioli was excellent. The beef brisket and empanada were decent. Overall, I feel as though most of the tapas could have been made at home- if not better at home. For an average of $15/plate I felt the food should have been better.