Arpa

 

0

9

Meck L.

Charlotte, NC

I was a little disappointed with Arpa.  I've had tapas plenty of times in a lot of different places (including Spain), so I knew what to expect - tapas = small plates = small portions.  But at Arpa, it was just a little too easy to run up a big tab and leave hungry.

"Large" pitchers of sangria run $20 and are heavy on fruit, but light on wine.  Baskets of bread are $3.50 each, and the create-your-own antipasto had larger servings of "accessories" than meats or cheeses.

All of the food was solid - the albondigas (lamb meatballs) were large and good and the bread wasn't bad - and it's cool to be able to relax outside and check the scenery.  But when you spend $40-50/person, you wouldn't expect to leave feeling like you need to hit up Taco Bell on the way home.

I'm rooting for Arpa to find its niche, but Press (just down the street) wins the Trade Street tapas/small plates game hands down.

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5

18

Mike M.

Charlotte, NC

I had a decent meal here.  Not the best tapas I have ever had, but decent.  I had 2 solid martinis though :)

It's typical tapas fare in a trendy space.  Nothing more or less to say.

*** Update on 3/28/2008 ***
Two words: Small portions

I ate here again last night with my girlfriend and her best friend.  
I must admit, I didn't pay last time I went here (and actually, I didn't pay this time... but since the GF paid, I was more apt to look at the price).  

What we got:
Started off with martinis again.  They continue to be good.  The bar gets a check.   Ordered a bottle of wine later.  it was decent.  

First course: Make your own antipasto and a goat cheese mushroom flat bread.  The flat bread was actually pretty good.  The antipasto was 1) Small 2) the meats lacked a lot of flavor 3) the roasted peppers were bland and tasted sauteed rather than roasted.  Avoid this unless you get a lot of cheeses.  And - the course was tiny.  two pieces of cheese and 3 slices of each meat.   booooo.  

Next round: $6.50 empanadas.  There were two small ones.  If there were 2 inches wide I would be amazed.  Rip-off.  Ham croquettes.  They were OK.  Beef something (I forget the actual name).  They were grilled chunks of meat on a stick.  olive oil/salt/pepper.  Not a very good cut of meat and they were over cooked and tough to eat.  And we got the tuna.  It was $14 for two pieces of seared tuna.  It was probably about 2 inches by 1 inch by 1 inch.  it was insulting that it cost $14.  Are they kidding me?  

Finally, dessert.  We got churros.  They were slightly over cooked and a little heavy handed on the cinnamon sugar, but when you shake off the excess, they weren't too bad.  I would get that again if I go there again.  

Will I go back?  I probably will not go on my own dime.  There is just no value there. I would rather drop the same amount of money somewhere else and get a meal that I really enjoy.  Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I felt like a rube walking out for paying that much for so little and such low quality.

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0

14

Troy R.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte's best Tapas spot and has a pretty good wine selection, to boot!  Great bar to sit back and relax with friends.  I will say that years ago, Arpa was located a block East on Trade and Tryon and I honestly liked the menu and food quite a bit better.  It could just be me...but they have changed things up a bit since then and I'm just not quite as bit of a fan.

Either way, if you are looking for some good Tapas...do NOT go any further than Arpa

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Elite '08

71

185

Alice R.

Seattle, WA

This is the place to go for wine and tapas in Charlotte.  The menu is varied and well-priced.  Great selection on the wine list, too.

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Elite '08

71

226

Chelsea J.

New York, NY

My favorite restaurant in Charlotte. Absolutely delicious. Fantastic sangria, some of the most amazing food I've ever eaten. Friendly wait-staff, but I'm based in NY these days so maybe it's just because all NCers seem unnaturally friendly to me. ;) My only complaint is that the desserts aren't all that great, but everything else is, so who cares? Not I!

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21

185

Tony C.

Charlotte, NC

Very good Spanish-Mediterranean influenced Tapas. Service is good and is located in the Center City of Charlotte, so there are plenty of close nightlife options. The place is some what trendy and chic.

Tapas  range from .................................$4.50 to $9.50
Entrees range from ................................$18-$23

Menu Example:

Tapas: BBQ Octopus, Roasted Duck Supreme, Sugar/Salt Pork Ribs

Entrees: Roasted Sea Bass, Saffron Chicken, Leg of Lamb, Glazed Pork Tenderloin

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0

4

Nancy S.

Charlotte, NC

Tapas Wine Bar.  Huge wine cellar.  Great beer variety.  Excellent food, good atmosphere, good service.

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