45min wait, at least. Way over-priced. Cocktails mixed poorly, spent 75 dollars on undercooked chicken and overcooked octopus, a charcutirie plate that resembled grocery store deli meat. I should have read the reviews here first. Many of these 1 star reviews are correct in their assessment and I get the impression that the 5 star reviews are just friends of the owners puffing up the reputation. I was still hungry when i left and days later am disgusted enough to go against my nature and write a blurb warning other patrons. If you want good tapas take the extra 15 min drive to Dali read more

The service was good, the food was ok but overpriced for tapas. The most disappointing were the drinks. I had both the red and the white sangria and they were both watered down and lacked flavor. I even asked for the red to be served without ice to see if the flavors were better, sadly there was no improvement. If you truly love tapas and traditional sangria I would go to Dahli in Somerville. read more

Absolutely amazing. The tapas were all perfect, the Jamon Iberico brought me back to Spain. Fantastic Brussels sprouts and mussels. Our new favorite Melrose restaurant. We'll be back many times in the future. read more

Loved this place! We arrived early for our reservation because there wasn't as much traffic as we expected, we were greeted warmly and seated immediately. Our server was there within a minute and we had our drinks within 5 minutes. We ordered a few plates at a time and they all came promptly and correctly. The food was delicious and as expected! We did not find it too loud or the plates too small. We loved that we could taste many different items for the same amount of money as two appetizers and two entrees at a regular restaurant. read more

First time, not impressed. I took my mom here for Mother's Day and unfortunately was disappointed. Bloody Mary's were gross, I asked for a different drink because the Bloody Mary was disgusting and still got charged for it. Also staff was a little strange when we arrived we were asked if it was our first time, we said yes and staff literally walked away, which was strange. Overall take on T'ahpas: pretty limited menu (possibly due to it being Mother's Day), strange service, gross drinks, and expensive for what you get ($30 for rice) read more

Finally made it in on a Saturday night. Being a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, I was very excited for this addition. I've been to Spain, so I knew how to compare the food. I've also been to Dalí in Somerville which is the most authentic I've found here until now. Around 8:00 on a Saturday the hostess informed me there would be a 15-20 minute wait which is not bad. My friend and I waited at the front seating section with a glass of wine. I must say, a $14 house Tempranillo is a bit pricey. There are plenty of good affordable Tempranillos around. Additionally, the bartender (older gentleman) was not very friendly. Just before we finished the wine we were seated. Hernan came over and introduced himself. He was great the entire time. We started with the jamón Ibérico Fermin, pan con tomate, churraquito, and patatas bravas. My only complaint/suggestion was that the patatas were served in a deep bowl so the aioli was only on the top leaving most of the potatoes dry. Also, the waiter brought bread half way through the meal. It would've been great for it to be served at the beginning with some Spanish olive oil. We then ordered the gambas al ajillo, more jamón (serrano this time, to go with the bread he brought out), and chistorra along with a bottle of Chilean Pinot Noir. Their wine list is extensive which is great. The prices ranged from $28-100/bottle, so quite varied. Hernan was great with asking around for a suggestion when he was unable to suggest himself. Overall, very happy to see them here and doing well. If you don't want to wait - I'd suggest going extra early or past 8:30. It was dying down around 9-10 when we were leaving and they are open until 11 on weekends. I would love to see them on OpenTable at some point. read more

T'ahpas 529 was a word-of-mouth recommendation for us when looking for a New Year's Eve dinner spot. It was outstanding then - food, service, ambiance... Last night, 3 members of our work committee met there for dinner at 5:30pm. Again, outstanding. The little plates are so uniquely flavored - the whole meal is a series of treats. The red sangria is perfectly not-too-sweet. Everything was delicious - octopus and calamari appetizers, churrasquito skirt steak, lamb chops, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower... The capstone was the homemade key lime pie - a recipe from the owner's Venezuelan grandmother. One for the table, and one ordered to take home. Glad we came at 5:30pm - it was filled when we left at 8:00. read more

Good food, drinks, and service. Portions are on the smaller side - hoping they increase as they make adjustments after being open for a little longer. read more

Long awaited new restaurant in Melrose. Fantastic family behind this new local business. Lovely ambiance, friendly and prompt service. Excellent bar menu and eclectic tapas menu. Melrose has been waiting for new restaurant options for some time so this is a great addition. I think there's an appetite here (pun intended) for spicier, robust, flavorful, international food, so I would encourage chefs as they tweak and develop the menu to not be afraid to "bring it" - we may be suburban but I think this is what diners are craving around here. Can't wait to enjoy their continued success!! We had a fun and enjoyable restaurant experience here and will definitely return soon. read more

Just came back from Tahpas in Melrose tonight and all we could say was "Wow"! Excellent food, the fastest, friendliest servers and did I mention the food?! We couldn't stop ordering! We tried about 14 different items from the fried goat cheese, to the cauliflower to brussel sprouts to the empanadas, shrimp, and chimichurri steak. And stuffed dates. Get the stuffed dates. Also, our host, Sam was seriously one of the best hosts we've ever met. Our waitress, whose name we unfortunately didn't get, was also very attentive and spot on. Our water was constantly refreshed and dishes cleared. We were as impressed with the service as we were with the food. The three of us, my wife, her sister, and myself also ordered some excellent cocktails as well as coffee specialties and the flan for dessert. Best margarita and mojito we've ever had. Excellent wine list. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back soon and often!! Beautiful decor, nice and clean with good music to boot!! Can't say enough good things!!! Come visit you won't be sorry!! read more

Have been several times; Tapas is amazing. Ordered a paella off the menu on a Friday night and waited over an hour before we were told that it would be even longer because they were busy. Cancelled our order and left. Disappointed in the service on a Friday. Would recommend trying a less busy night read more

Stopped in on a Saturday night, and the place was packed! That's usually a sign of good food...and it was! We called ahead in the morning for a party of 6 and put our name on the list (they don't do reservations); had to wait about 50 minutes when we got there, but I can honestly say it was worth the wait (and also to be expected on a Saturday night). Seems like the wait dies down by about 7:15, we'll keep that in mind for next time. The sangria was excellent. For food we tried the ham and cheese croquettes served with a paprika aioli...they were cheesy, creamy goodness, probably my favorite bite of the evening. We also had the fried calamari (it's got an Asian flair but it's delicious and a very generous tapas portion), meat and cheese board, corn on the cob (not a good as Toro in Boston but still delicious), Brussels sprouts (yum!), broccolini (I wouldn't get this one again), shrimp, and patatas bravas (a must have dish at every tapas restaurant I go to, and this one did not disappoint). I also accidentally spilled a full glass of my sangria and they refilled for me at no extra charge. The food came out fast. Previous reviews suggested the need for the the wait staff to clear dirty plates and provide new ones, but it seems they have corrected this issue as we received new plates twice during our meal. Definitely check this place out! I do not live in the area but I would make a trip here again. read more

SO EXCITED to have such a great new place in Melrose with DELICIOUS food, GREAT wine, and we can walk there! We sat at the bar and the bartender was super and provided very personable service. Everything we tried was yummy (the brussel sprouts were SO good). Can't wait to go back!!! read more

We happened to stop by on a busy Friday night and we were promptly seated. The restaurant is new and looks great with a large bar and plenty of comfortable seating. Our friendly server took our drink order and answered questions we had on the menu. My wife and I ordered several "t'ahpas" and couldn't decide which one we liked the best - they were all amazing! We do recommend the churrasquito, charcuteria, vegetable croquetes, patatas bravas, ceviche, and marcona almonds to name a few. Our waitress recommended a great red wine that paired perfectly with our dishes (thank you!). Unfortunately we ate so much, we didn't have room for dessert. We were seated at a table but the bar area seemed to be a great spot for after work drinks and meeting up with friends. Emily, the owner even stopped by our table to see how we were doing - apparently her husband works in the kitchen! The food was top notch and the service was impeccable. We don't live in the area but we'll definitely be back next time we're up there visiting friends. Kudos to the team and thanks for a great time! read more

We are just so happy to have this restaurant nearby! Food is great - not over-seasoned like many other tapas places. Service is excellent! Drinks and deserts (the flan) are fantastic! Have been here twice and will come back! read more

We had a great evening here. The look of the place is fantastic, and the tapas was yummy. The wine list was extensive and we had the churros for dessert... delicious! read more

Great find in Melrose! We decided on dinner here last minute and were happy we did. Tried a variety of small plates- some seafood, some meat, some vegetable- and enjoyed all of them. Even had the churros and some cappuccinos for dessert - yum! Our server was amazing- efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, helpful in deciding what to order from the very extensive menu. The food came quickly and was piping hot. Great for date night or drinks and light fare with friends in a casual, fun atmosphere. read more

I LOVE this place!! I have been here so many times already and always crave to go back. The drinks are amazing and the small plates are delicious (many are even larger sizes than other tapas places I've been to). Went a few weeks ago with a group and was only $40 per person including drinks. I can't wait to continue going back! read more

Came here for dinner with a friend and the food,service, and the drinks were amazing. Everything first started off with a free little tapas dish at the bar when you order a drink. We got the Salmon tapas, skirt steak with chimmerchuiri suave, octopus, and Paella, and everything was delicious. The skirt steak was by far my favorite and was so tender and the sauce was a great complement. The paella came in a huge pot. This is not a dish meant for just one person. Even between two people, the paella was a lot to spilt. It came with fresh sea food and the rice was cooked perfectly. The only downside of this place is the price. Between food and drinks wound up spending a lot. However, if your willing to splurge for the night and like tapas I highly recommend this place. read more

Tonight was my first time at this place. My husband drives by it everyday on his commute and always saying we should go there. So this week he planned to take m their on Friday to see if it worth it. OMG! The food is amazing, the paella and all tapas we tried were awesome! The server was so nice( by the way her name is Maria) and kind, the drinks are well made and perfect! read more

Great locally owned family run business. Food, service, and atmosphere all A+ quality.

Barcelona quality food comes to Melrose! Just back from a second visit to T'hapas 529 (forgot to ask about the spelling). The food was stupendous once again. Dishes we've liked are: lamb sausage with mint, charred shishito peppers, ahi tuna, and steak with chimichurri sauce. Bar is well stocked with top shelf liquor, and Katie at the bar made me a delicious gin basil smash this evening! Great addition to the local restaurant scene. Go on a weeknight when it's less crowded! read more

Great atmosphere. We sat at the bar and got an excellent Beer recommendation from our bartender. We loved the choice so much we let him pick our taphas for us also. Great choices my favorite were the Croq de Jamin and Espinacas. Really nice place with really nice people. Met the owners and they were both lovely, honest, hardworking. Best of luck. read more

place is so bad. music is too loud and service not good. is very small and not that taste for expensive food. will never be back there again! read more

A bit of Barcelona and Cuchi Cuchi right in Melrose. Great vibe and fabulous food! One plate tastier than the next. Our server, Sarah, was a pure delight helping us expertly navigate the menu. Cant wait to go back. read more

This is a must try restaurant! The food is authentic and super flavorful. You have to try the steak, shrimp and the charcuterie is to die for. The drinks all have a Spanish twist off a traditional cocktail. So thrilled to have this gem in Melrose! read more

Delicious small plates with roots in Spain. The Jamon Iberico de Bellota is not to be missed and the olive plate is outstanding. The Pan Con Tomate is delish if a touch small. A nice list of craft beers on tap and some specialty cocktails rounds it all out. Between Matt behind the bar, Emily at the front and Lorenzo at the back of the house you're always in good hands. A well appointed restaurant with plenty of parking makes this a "Can't Miss" destination! read more

Went with the wife on a Monday night and had a great experience. Very nice waitress and we got great service. Nice wine list and food was tasty - tried about 5 plates which was perfect. Get the mussels and the calamari. Finished with cheese plate. Unlike others, I thought prices were very reasonable. Go and enjoy. read more

Awesome addition to Melrose. Great food, good wine/beer/cocktail list and excellent, attentive service.

I went for the first time tonight. I admit I was skeptical given some of the really bad reviews I've seen here, but honestly it was very good. I have been to Spain many times and I am a big fan of Spanish food, but this is not simply Spanish food (like the amazing Pintxo Pincho in Woburn). It's sort of a Latin-Spanish fusion--just as they advertise themselves to be. In fact, my favorite thing I had tonight was a flank steak "churrasquito" with chimichurri, clearly an Argentine twist on the traditional tapa. The gambas al ajillo were amazing, as were the scallops in saffron cream. I had a beautiful bottle of Ribera del Duero to perfect the evening. In spite of what I've read in some reviews, the service was very friendly and attentive. I will be back for sure. read more

This place has a really great atmosphere. The space is bright and vibrant, and they must have worked out the noise issues discussed in other reviews because the noise level was totally fine. But the drinks and food were a miss. First of all, our cocktails (mojito and martini) were some of the worst cocktails I think we've ever had - they were so disgustingly sweet. The food was, for the most part, mediocre (we tried chorizo stuffed squid, chicken empanadas, and octopus chickpea salad). The highlight of the meal was the jamon, which was delicious. Something that the restaurant could easily improve is the menu organization. Although plates are organized into small bites, cold tapas, and hot tapas, the menu is a complete mess beyond that (there are around 20 plates under hot tapas but there is no organization to how they are listed). It would be helpful if the plates were grouped together by vegetarian, fish, and meat. read more

I commend anyone who takes on such an initiative to start full service restaurant from a blank space. I liked the look and feel, it's very cool inside, although the lights were much too bright and the music too loud. Understanding we attended on only the third night of their opening week, a few things regarding service that need addressing will probably be worked out. However, I had a hard time overlooking the prices, which are very lofty for extremely small portions (even for a tapas restaurant). I'm used to spending a good amount of money when I go out for dinner, but the prices were so high, I don't believe we'll be returning (and we're local). $11.00 for two croquettes the size of golf balls,12.00 for six small pieces of skirt steak, and $20 for a charcuterie board that is average at best, makes you feel like you're being taken advantage of . A few small pieces of asparagus for $10 is also extreme. Most of the items are under $20 but you have to order so many, that you end up spending $60-80 a person on what equates to a entrée (not hyperbole). I want this restaurant to work, badly, so I hope they re-evaluate their menu pricing because it may be a glaring reason for non-repeat customers. I wish them all the best and success! read more

Didn't love this place, but didn't hate it either. We were initially sat at a table that was clearly too close to the other tables on either side, asked hostess to move and she seemed a little confused by the request. Once we were sat, we waited far too long for the waitress to come over for our drink order. We then waited even longer for the drinks to arrive. But I did notice that 2 tables that sat after us, were served their drinks before us...HUGE pet peeve of mine. The food overall was pretty tasty, although I didn't appreciate that the croquetas were basically black, and the patatas bravas had a mayo sauce, which is just not right. I will say that the espinaca, and tortilla espanola were both good. I've been to Spain several times, and know what good tapas should taste like, this wouldn't be it. Also, the lighting in the whole place made no sense, way too dim and rather loud. Sorry, but probably won't be returning. read more

I went with two friends on a Tuesday night at 7:00 and had no problem getting a table, though the place wasn't completely empty. They had advertised that the Celtics game would be on, and I was a little nervous we'd be walking into a sports bar environment, but it wasn't like that at all. Even though it wasn't full, it was very loud. We practically had to shout to hear each other. Service was a bit slow (it was maybe 10 minutes before we even placed a drink order), but friendly. The white sangria was just ok tasting and it didn't seem to have much alcohol in it. Next time I'll just go with wine. The food, however, was very good. We got the brussel sprouts, skirt steak, chicken empandas, artichokes and potatoes. They were all good, but I will go back for the brussel sprouts! The artichokes were also surprisingly delicious. Between the three of us we couldn't finish the six small plates, though we did find room for the churros- highly recommend! One question though...why the tiny plates for eating? The plates couldn't be more than 3"x 3". My food kept falling into the table. Overall we were very pleased and felt like T'ahpas was a little piece of our beloved Somerville right here in quaint Melrose. Our bill was $80 (and one friend got a Manhattan), so about $30 per person. It would have been double in Somerville. We'll be back. read more