- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Mas Tapas
Category: Restaurants Tapas Bars Tapas Bars [Edit]
501 Monticello RdCharlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 979-0990
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5:30 pm - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Mas Tapas
Review Highlights
"Artichoke and goat cheese spread."
(in 6 reviews)
"...Plato de tomates, and the Croquetas de jamón, you won't be..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Their spanish wine list looked worth exploring more."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
68 reviews in English
-
Review from David B.
Charlottesville, VA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
First, I am a food snob. So when I say that this is my favorite restaurant in Charlottesville, I mean it. Mas has been my go-to-restaurant for over a year now. I make at least one trip a month, so my review includes my 20-odd trips there.
Mas' menu is ever changing, which is wonderful. But the restaurant also keeps their staples on the menu year-round. This gives you the opportunity to mix new dishes with old favorites every visit you make. To be fair, not everything Mas serves up is a winner. I have had some stinkers. Like the chorizo (still on the menu, I don't know how).
Now for my personal favorites...
Bacon wrapped dates
Artichoke and goat cheese spread
Yellowfin tuna grilled rare with tomato alioli
Grilled shrimp with garlic alioli and sea salt
Carne asada
Mas also has a full bar with a large Spanish wine list from which you can find very good bottles in the $40-$50 range. The waiters are extremely helpful in picking out a wine that fits your tastes. They also serve up local coffees and espressos, which I now come to expect from any decent restaurant.
To note, Mas does get very busy. I have waited in excess of an hour for a table when the outdoor seating is closed for the winter. If you can't spare that extra time, I recommend going before 6:30 or after 8:30 no matter what day it is. If the outdoor seating is available, the wait is very minimal no matter how busy they are.
Excluding alcohol, you can have a delicious and filling meal at Mas for under $40 a person before tip. This is definitely a must-try if you are a Charlottesville resident or just passing through. -
Review from Yoeun P.
Arlington, VA
12/13/2011
Summary: Long wait. Slow inattentive service. Oily over-seasoned over-sauced clumsily-executed dishes. I agree with some of the other reviewers. The positive reviews seem fishy. This is a 3-star place at best.
Service:
First of all, this place needs to hire more employees because two waitresses for this entire place is ridiculous. The owner may be trying to save money and run a lean crew, but other reviews on here clearly show that this penny pinching behavior is hurting them dearly. I can only imagine how much shorter the wait times would be--and how many more customers could be served--with more staff.
Back to the service: Water and soda were never refilled unless asked. Our waitress changed halfway through without any explanation.
Food:
The bad service? Fine, whatever, I'm easy to please as long as the food tastes good. Unfortunately it did not. In short, everything was over the top. And for the love of God, ease up on the mountain of aioli that accompanies so many dishes. Not everything needs it and it doesn't automatically make everything taste better.
- Acelgas: Over-cooked chard drowning in under-cooked alcohol covered in cheese. The whole thing stunk of uncooked Amontillado (sherry). I love chard and greens. Was this cooked by someone that hates vegetables?
- The carne asada does not need aioli. No. Simply, no.
- The fried prawns were salt popsicles. Anyone who has ever fried prawns inside their shells know that they don't need salt. Prawns flavor themselves and the oil gets saltier after each one is cooked. Adding salt to this makes no sense. Nor does dipping oily shrimp in even oilier aioli.
- We made the mistake of ordering the oyster mushrooms. As mushroom lovers, we were heart-broken. WORST DISH OF THE NIGHT. Do not make our mistake! We're convinced these were reconstituted dried mushrooms. Bitter soggy cardboard.
There menu is pretty big. Between two people, we ordered seven items from the menu. Maybe we ordered all the worst things on the menu. Maybe not. -
Review from Olivia R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/18/2011
I agree that the food is quite good at this place- but I'm not going to sing my own praises about how I'm a food snob or anything like that in order to prove that I'm some credible source- I just love cured meats with a semi-satanic passion. Basically, the proteins are great: The Carne Asada, the Gambas, and beef stew and the tuna come to mind. However, I found the Tortilla rather dry, and the Chorizo and Jamon Iberico severely lacking. Their Sangria is a good deal though (for a pitcher) and also very good.
However, on the negative side : the fact that they don't take reservations is (for lack of a better word) downright silly for a restaurant that is this busy. I do NOT understand how it would be a bad business decision for them to take reservations especially considering you typically have to wait 45 minutes plus for table. This would be permissible if they have a big enough bar where I could drink myself silly on Sangria, but they don't. This is just compounded by the fact that once you actually sit down, the food comes out incredibly quickly.
I couldn't agree more with previous reviewers about the rude servers and hostesses. No one in LA would ever keep a waitressing or hostessing job having that much sass. I get that your restaurant is amazingly popular and your food good, but that doesn't make up for your lack of service or hospitality. Don't look at me like I'm crazy and inconveniencing you when trying to get a table for a group of 8 people- MAYBE I HAVE 7 FRIENDS!- and its your f-ing job. You don't even have to write down orders, your customers check off boxes. Get over yourselves. -
Review from Matthew S.
Charlottesville, VA
1/23/2012
I had a review get removed for some reason. Quick review, above average food, below average service, 3 star restaurant.
But notice the post where someone left a 1 star review and Greg D sent them a message reaming them out to protect "his staff" and "his restaurant". Then notice the 5 star review for the restaurant given by Greg D.
I think the service at Mas can be slow because all the staff are busy making new Yelp accounts and leaving 5 star reviews during their shifts. -
Review from Leo C.
Washington, DC
1/9/2012
This is very good food- nothing too weird- nothing too normal. If you like olives and cheese, this is a good place to take a date.
-
Review from Lisa G.
Richmond, VA
12/7/2011
I'm not a fan. I usually give a place a second, or sometimes even a third try, but it's been over four years, and I haven't been back. It's not that the food isn't good, because it is. I'm just not much of a tapas fan, anyway. Overpriced food and small portions are not what I call a good time. Besides, the service was not that great (long wait, not helpful, not pleasant) and it seems like a "scene"-y kind of place where people go to make themselves feel cool.
-
Review from Brian N.
Charlottesville, VA
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have frequented Mas well over a dozen times during my first year stint in Charlottesville and it's the destination I take all my visiting friends, especially my East Coast foodie friends!
Hands down Mas is the best restaurant in all of Charlottesville and here is why:
1. Ambiance - The intimate setting allows for you to have a deep conversation while enjoying really good food. Although the tables are relatively close to each other you don't feel as though other parties are encroaching upon your space. The deep and dark lighting also gives Mas a sexy "New York" or "East Coast" feel which offers a great start to any evening!
2. Menu is always changing - Mas is forever reinventing themselves through the varied tapas offerings. While they do have staple dishes, each time I visit Mas there is something new to be tried, and more often than not, it's delicious!
3. In depth Spanish wine list - Vino, vino, vino, and more vino. Mas has well over 80 different types of Spanish wines. From tempranillo back to dessert port, you name, Mas more than likely has it! Also reasonably priced (i.e. $6-$7 a glass give or take)
4. Price point - for a restaurant will all of its quality, Mas's price point is really reasonable. For $30, give or take, you can enjoy a high quality meal that will have you coming back at least once a month!
The only negative I can find regarding this restaurant is the wait can be extremely long. I have waited well up to two hours on the weekend, but in my opinion it's well worth the wait. A quick tip to avoid the long waits is to dine on the weekdays or dine early/late on the weekends.
In closing, I thought I'd finish this review with a list of some of my favorite dishes:
* Datil con tocino (fat, juicy, pitted Medjool dates roasted inside of applewood-smoked bacon)
* Salchichas a la parilla: grilled chorizo (dry-cured Spanish pork sausage w/ brick oven bread)
* Croquetas de jamón (Yukon Gold potatoes, Manchego cheese, smoked bacon and cured Jamón Serrano pan-fried w/crème fraiche)
* Queso cocido con alcachofa (warm artichoke and goat cheese spread w/ brick-oven bread
* Carne asada (marinated hanging tenderloin -grilled rare only- w/ smoked tomato alioli) -
Review from Megan M.
Richmond, VA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I thought this place was fine, but didn't live up to the hype I was given about it. For months friends had been telling me I absolutely must go to Mas. So, I planned to visit for dinner on my most recent trip to Charlottesville.
It was a traditional tapas place, which was cool. I love the concept of being able to order a few dishes, decided if I'm hungry or not, then order some more. The bf and I probably sat at our table for 2-2.5 hours and were never hassled to leave, even though it was a Saturday night.
Since they don't take reservations, we had to wait for a table. But we were offered a seat at the long bar where food was prepared and given olives to munch on while we waited.
We ordered a bunch of small plates (we had been at wineries all day and were in need of food!) and there was a mixture of hits and misses. First, the sangria was some of the worst I've ever had. It tasted like cheap wine without much else in it. We ordered a pitcher assuming it'd be good. I mean, it's a tapas place, but it was awful! I would not get this again.
Bacon-wrapped dates were good, nothing special.
Spicy, roasted marcona almonds were the same. Tasty, but not amazing.
Croquetas were pretty tasty and well blended.
Bocadillo jamon was kind of meh. Just so-so cheese and meat on toast.
We got some shrimp that were perfectly cooked and amazingly full of flavor.
Tuna with a smoked tomato sauce was good, but nothing stellar.
In general, it's not that the food was bad. It just wasn't particularly noteworthy either. It was acceptable. If I lived in the area I'd probably go back because the atmosphere is fun and it would be a good place to take a group. As an out-of-towner, though, I'll probably continue to explore new, better dining options when I'm in town. -
Review from Jay K.
Richmond, VA
9/24/2011
My favorite things about Mas:
1. Plenty of outdoor patio seating;
2. Selection of over 100 Spanish wines;
3. BACON-WRAPPED DATES (mouthtastic!);
4. Large amount of interesting items on the menu; available in two portion options (smaller for 1-2 people "tapas" or larger for 3-4 people "raciones").
(5) The sangria was also really good, and reasonably priced. Howver the last time I went here, around June 2010, they were no longer serving it due to ABC regulations. But i've heard from a few of my buddies that the sangria is back, so if that's true, then definitely get a pitcher or two with friends next time you're at Mas. You'll be glad you did; even the next morning.
Lastly, I'm an olive fan, and if you are too then you'll like Mas even more. They give you a side plate full of assorted olives when you first sit down. Grreeeat stuff; if you're living in C-ville but you're not yet a regular at Mas, then you're missing out. This place is a required experience for any C-villain, especially those with more sophisticated or adventurous palettes.
- The only reasons I didn't award Mas 5 stars was because (1) the service can be a little slow at times, and (2) certain menu items are slightly overpriced in my opinion. I also wish that they were open on Sunday and took reservations, but these aren't deal-breakers of course. -
Review from Lauren E.
Arlington, VA
9/19/2011
I don't know where to begin with reviewing Mas. Suffice to say our meal was amazing.
Some notables -
Carne Asada - Delicious, melt in your mouth good!
Jamon y Queso - The ham & Manchego plate gave a generous portion of both and could not have been better.
Goat Cheese & Artichoke spread - RIch and hearty. So perfect on their warm bread.
Gambas - The shrimp plate was overflowing with giant shrimp. I would come back just for the shrimp alone!
My ONLY minor complaint with Mas is that the cocktails seem to be a bit small for the ~$10 price. Next time I'll have a glass of their more reasonably priced wine.
All in all - go to Mas! Sit for a long long time on their patio, have a glass of wine and order as much as you possible can! You won't regret it. -
Review from S F.
Sacramento, CA
8/14/2011
I went to Mas with some friends and we all had a blast. It's a popular place so you do have to wait a little to be seated, but it's not that bad.
We ordered:
Pimentón Padron
Datil con tocino (fat, juicy, pitted Medjool dates roasted inside of applewood-smoked bacon)
Tortilla espanola (organic eggs, Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, and grey sea salt)
Croquetas de jamón (Yukon Gold potatoes, Manchego cheese, smoked bacon and cured Jamón Serrano pan-fried w/crème fraiche)
Salchichas a la parilla: grilled chorizo (dry-cured Spanish pork sausage w/ brick oven bread)
Everything was really delicious. I love padron peppers and was thrilled to see Mas had them on the menu. The bacon wrapped dates were especially impressive.
Our waitress was attentive and really sweet. The service was good. We went a little later in the evening so they were out of some of the dishes we ordered but our waitress helped us find good alternatives.
All in all, I look forward to going back again. -
Review from Barry S.
Gaithersburg, MD
5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool joint ... loud yet fun ... ok food.
Lots of aggressive dishes but only half landed as "wicked good" for us.
I'm gonna go back to try it again but suspect I nailed it with three stars. -
Review from Eric S.
Philadelphia, PA
7/5/2011 12 Check-ins Here
I find it difficult to write this review. If I had to name my single favorite restaurant anywhere in the U.S., I'd probably have to pick Mas. And yet I can't give it a five-star review because I'm fully aware of its limitations and shortcomings. But I have had a long, evolving relationship with this restaurant. My first visit must've been shortly after Mas opened. I was not a fan--the service was slow and strangely surly, and the food was uneven. I distinctly remember being disappointed in my undercooked, bland fava beans in romesco sauce. I stayed away for a while--maybe even a year or so. But I eventually returned again and again, and I learned how to work my way around the menu, and how to work my schedule around the restaurant's. (Early weekday dinners at Mas are a special, relaxing treat.)
Over the years, Mas has become the site of many fond memories--long evenings with friends that became increasingly jovial and blurry. One of the big perks here is that they'll never rush you or kick you out. You might have to dig in and wait for your table, but once you have it, it's yours. (Mas is also, through no fault of its own, the site of an acutely bad memory--waiting around for two and a half hours for a table on Valentine's Day. At least we ran into a couple we knew and they gave us a half-full carafe of sangria as they left.) I don't live in C'ville anymore but visit quite often, and Mas is usually one of my first destinations. I love that they have one of the best Spanish wine lists anywhere--expansive, well organized, and reasonably priced (I especially love the albarino when I'm in the mood for a white wine).
Recently, my food experiences have been varied. I've had one of the worst dishes in recent memory here (the razor clams--breaded, fried, and tough, as if someone had given the chef at Denny's a batch of unfamiliar ingredients). I've also had a tremendous dish (the wild mushroom tacos). I'll put these in the memory bank, along with dishes like the baby lamb chops (basically a must-have) and the in-house smoked salmon (perhaps one of the best things I've ever eaten at Mas, but only on the menu briefly, as far as I know). I regret never having tried the bunny stew, and I hope it returns again. And I really regret Mas having shut down its Sunday brunch operation years ago. But I'll keep on coming back as long as it's open. -
Review from Andrew S.
Glen Allen, VA
3/19/2011
Six visits over 3 months constitute the dining experiences referenced in this review.
Simply put, a focused and well-articulated tapas experience. A true Charlottesville gem.
As good as it gets on the East Coast, in my opinion.
I find the service professional, prompt, and outstandingly courteous. Yes, the conversations can be terse; but I personally prefer it that way. Recently, one of the staff picked up on the fact that my wife is pregnant -- and, when taking our drink orders, immediately offered that he could prepare most any of the cocktails without alcohol, or if she had particular tastes in mind, he would be glad to work with the bar staff to create a drink for her. They are a wonderfully accommodating staff.
Yes, the wait can be a bit of a challenge. Relax. The food and service is worth it. If a wait isn't your thing, get there before the 5:30 open, or come late.
Food can come in pulses -- this is especially true earlier in the evening, when some items come quickly (salads, bread), while others lag (gambas, dates). Plan accordingly.
The bread is otherworldly. The mix of cold fermentation and hearth-baking creates a supple, rich sponge inside a shatteringly crisp and dark crust. Each bite is a treat.
Cocktails are well thought out and executed. I am a particular fan of the pisco sours; they pair well with the lighter fare. Wines are enjoyable and well explained. The list is well curated and has strong values through luxury experiences that will please most, if not all, Spanish wine aficionados.
If you have a chance, the new(ish) duck and rabbit stew is an absolute must. Their work with seafood, from the old standard gambas to the recent arrivals, is well executed and balanced. A plate of grilled squid over wood-oven roasted piquillo pepper was an outstanding experience of texture and taste.
Lastly, the desserts. I am not one who is fond of very sweet desserts; I'm prone to skip dessert and go for a cheese course and digestif. However, the goat cheese and lemon cheesecake is a special delight. A delicate balance of sweet and savory, grass and citrus. -
Review from yuna c.
Fullerton, CA
Updated - 7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
ATTENTION YELPERS: THIS IS A MESSAGE SENT TO ME BY THE OWNER:
"Hi yuna,
greg d. has sent you a message on Yelp:
mas tapas bar
"dear yuna, i was sorry to see you had such a bad experience at MAS. Your descriptions and evocative phrases such as 'whatever" and 'sucked" really compelled me to respond to such a wordsmith. The idea of a dish that is served 'rare-only' being served rare is inexcusable. that it arrived out of order is not unusual since there is no order. when we serve larger parties they tend to prefer their food to come sooner rather than later. sorry for the delay. the fact that you were seated nearby where you had been asked to wait, also ridiculously cruel. the time you waited, 30 minutes, for a much-wanted outdoor table for 8 at peak dinner service is the standard outside of Fullerton. but out of your three 'worst parts', the autogratuity for parties of six or more, is again, standard outside of Fullerton. I want to thank you for taking some of your precious time to belittle my staff and insult my restaurant then, and now. we clearly failed you and your party. outside of the cultural hotspots of the Fullerton, Lorba Linda and Placentia Triangle, we still have a lot to learn. watching the effects of alcohol on human beings has given us all so many cherished moments."1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/21/2011
The people who work here are extremely rude!! The hostess was unfriendly and uninviting, however, my… Read more »
-
-
Review from christopher r.
Charlottesville, VA
Good for a drink and a conversation. No mas.
Wait time was over an hour on a Tuesday night, while being only third on the wait list (for 2). The food was edible, but no dish was outstanding.
Many diners staked out their tables for what seemed all night in a pleasant social atmosphere.
The no-reservations system evidently has its loop holes, as people continually passed us throughout the night for a large party.
Their spanish wine list looked worth exploring more. Sangria was good.
Bacon-wrapped dates - unimpressed.
scallops - just ok.
empanada and salad - fine. -
Review from Richard S.
Charlottesville, VA
1/23/2011
The place is cozy and nice, and it's a good place to hang out and eat a nice snack.
On just a food-only standpoint, the menu is pretty large and a little hard to read in such dim lighting. There were a good number of good items, but also some that were a waste of money. I'd suggest pork items (namely chorizos) and the artichoke dip and avoid the quail. The bread here is also good--definitely not the usual french baguette sort of deal.
In order to fully appreciate the place though you probably have to indulge a few drinks while eating a few items with your friends. The tapas here aren't exactly good enough to be a standalone meal, but are awesome drinking food. -
Review from lindsey b.
Athens, GA
6/19/2011
I loved the bacon-wrapped dates! The five or six items that I've tried are all really good, and worth the price.
However, I was disappointed that all the food arrived at once. At other tapas bars, they have trailed the food pretty well. -
Review from Katherine M.
Charlottesville, VA
10/12/2010
Excellent Spanish tapas w/ a seasonal menu that always highlights fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is hip, especially for conservative Cville, but be prepared to wait for a drink at the very crowded bar.
Try: Calabaza Asada & the classic, Tortilla Espanola -
Review from Sophia A.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
8/1/2011
Mas used to be one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Charlottesville. That is, until approximately a year ago. I'm not sure if the place changed management or something which would have similar repercussions, but it has taken a dramatic downturn. The service is appalling; it's as if the servers are deliberately attempting to be rude. The food is still good, but the presentation has also become unimpressive (and very oily). This place is still riding it's name that it established when it first opened but I can honestly say that it's far from what it used to be.
-
Review from Emily M.
Charlottesville, VA
9/12/2010
The server was charming, the atmosphere was comfortably upscale, and the food was divine.
I recommend the pork belly. Really, anything with pork belly.
I enjoy nibbling on small portions of food - especially because you get to try a wider variety of dishes. Additionally, the prices were surprisingly affordable for a college student budget. -
Review from Blue S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/6/2011
Mas is good. It is by no means better than Tavola, which is across the street. But that's comparing spanish food to Italian, so if you're looking for tapas in Cville this is your best/only bet.
Whenever they have the Padron pepers in the menu you should get them.
Mas is also the best late night option in Charlottesville if you want anything other than Christian's pizza or something similarly mediocre.
People who complain about wait times should either plan ahead or go somewhere else. It is not a reason to downgrade a restaurant. They are busy because they are popular. Don't try to justify your temper-tantrum by saying the food's not "worth the wait." -
Review from Jeff S.
5/24/2010
This is definitely a place to be seen.
The food was 3 - 4 star.
The service was 2 - 3 star.
I just don't have very much to say about this place other than don't come here if you're looking to have a nice time in C'ville. Example, we ordered a bread-and-cheese plate. We got one piece of bread. Even for tapas, that's pretty crappy.
We arrived and took 2 seats at the bar - BIG mistake. We didn't' have a dedicated server and boy did we suffer. So we told the bartender we had $100 between the 2 of us and to just hook us up with their 'best'.
We got a plate of lima beans...while other tables were getting kicking shrimp plates and gnocchi.
I think the biggest problem was the wait staff was way overworked. There were only 2 chefs serving over a 100 people. The waitresses were running around crazy, and to make matters worse, there was no dedicated manager.
I'm sure the people sitting outside on the patio had a much nicer time, but I could never recommend this place based on my experience. -
Review from John N.
Charlottesville, VA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent food. I would definitely go again for tapas. Only problem is that it will probably take three possibly four tapas portions to fill you up. That can get a little pricy.
-
Review from Amy H.
7/2/2010
Definitely a guilty pleasure as it is easy to get carried away ordering a ton of dishes. They don't take reservations and are wildly popular, so come early. A few suggestions are: seared tuna (tender, juicy, and delicious aioli sauce), manchego cheese and prosciutto, broccolini, and of course their bread.
The service is pretty good, as I recall, and it's great when you can it outside. -
Review from Tom C.
Minneapolis, MN
6/19/2011
Amazing food!! I recommend the shrimp, the scallops, and ham sandwich dishes. Our party of 9 was accommodated quickly (granted school is not in session) on the outdoor patio. Many people in my group hadn't done tapas before and were really confused about how things works. The waitress was prickly (to say the least) and service was not the best. But, all the plates I tried were completely delicious! Highly recommended. Be warned, they won't split checks.
-
Review from Chris M.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2008
The food is good.
The atmosphere is ok.
The prices are pricey.
The service sucks.
The patio rocks.
The buzz about Mas is the food -- and it's deserved for the most part. Certainly for Charlottesville. And as I like food, I've been to Mas multiple times. But it's expensive, and the place attracts a weird hipster/elite mix. And the service will assuredly suck, but if you have your drink and managed to get a table on the patio, there are worse places to be (especially in Belmont).
But my biggest knock against Mas is that the owner is apparently crazy and doesn't understand how the Internet works. He got into an online argument with the owner of a local reviews website a few years ago over a negative comment someone posted... you can check out the entire sage here:
http://www.charlottesv...
So there's that. I haven't been back since his insane outburst.Listed in: Downtown Mall
-
Review from Anthony Z.
Washington, DC
3/31/2010
I live in DC but I spend a good amount of time in Charlottesville. The one thing I have been dissapointed with it the food scene. My girlfriend has been trying to get us to Mas for a couple months but situations didnt pan out. WELL, last night at about 11pm I was able to get there and low and behold... I was impressed.
They have a good drink menu that fits the style.. sorta. But drinks are drinks..it's the food I was impressed with. First off, for Tapas the portions where amazing. I am not one to over order but we ordered 4 small plates and I actually had to take some home.
The layout is pretty cool, although I think it could get really crowed during happy hour. We are the not the formal types so we sat at the bar and then that brings me to the next thing that impressed me... the Chef. Iv been running restaurants for a bit and I found it a joy to watch him work. Granted I assume it was a little slow but he was a one man show and didnt miss a beat. Every single plate looked fantastic and very well displayed.. CHEERS to the Chef.
The best thing about this place is that it serves food late, 1am to be exact. Those of you in Charlottesville know that if its pushing 10pm and your hungry you will have to settle for Harris Teeter Sushi and a bottle of cheep Merlot because you will find nothing in terms of a restaurant still serving.
Mas.. my girlfriend thanks you because now I can stop bitching about no good eats in C-Ville -
Review from Lindsey B.
Natick, MA
7/6/2011
Visiting Charlottee sville from Boston and loved the idea of a restaurant off the downtown mall that seemed to be popular with locals. We gave it a shot and glad we did! The quality of food for the price was amazing. The amount of fish options was incredible and all were very tasty and had a lot of flavor. I was very impressed with the diversity of the menu and the amount of options.
The only negative was the service. It is a very busy restaurant and serving tapas is not easy, especially when the servers have to run in and out, but I found myself waiting for a second glass of wine for a very long time. Our waitress although working hard was not very attentive and forgot things often.
Overall a great dining experience that allows you to try a variety of different and tasty items! -
Review from Alex M.
2/9/2009
I'll add to the chorus of reviews that give this place high marks. Living in DC, I am a bit of a stranger to these parts, and was not sure what to expect from the town that gave the world the gus burger; however, Mas did not disappoint. The food is wonderful. The atmosphere trendy/modern (especially for Charlottesville). The wait... long.
Consider the group you are going with. Larger groups order more plates, but you get less of each item. Also, consider how to order plates. I recommend ordering in parings so that you are not pressured to eat quickly while things are hot, and so you can enjoy each dish. As for the other comments about the seating, I second the crowded atmosphere, and the small bar area. However, the table we got in the back was cozy and intimate enough.
My Recommendations
1) Artichoke and Goat Cheese dip and what I suspect is homemade bread is to sinfully good. It works well as an appetizer and provides some good bread that can be used with other dishes.
2) Together with this, I suggest trying the Tomates asados. They are smoky and delicious. I ate every bite and cried when they look the plate away.
3) With this, we got the Carne asada to get our meat fix. This dish was absolutely delicious. The steak melted in my mouth, the sauce was good, but heavy on the garlic.
About half way through these dishes, we put in an order for the Chuletas de cordero (lamb) and Broccolini. After the amazing first pairings, I was a little dissapointed with the quality of the lamb. It was a bit dry and meager compared with the first beef course. The borccolini was properly cooked, and adequately flavored, but again paled in comparison with the first courses.
Me and my date were stuffed after these five dishes, and we escaped with a bill under $50. Overall, I'd say the hour and a half wait was worth it. Even with the less than stellar choices for our second pairing, we enjoyed ourselves and had an excellent meal. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Charlottesville, VA
6/17/2010
Mas has great food and a great outdoor patio and bar scene. It can get really crowded at the bar, so don't go there for the "service."
That said, their papas bravas are divine and, of course, the bacon-wrapped dates are to die for. Other yummies include the shrimp (well-seasoned and grilled) and the spinach salad. If you get the larger portion, it's a great meal for a lighter eater. The mango dressing and pine nuts brighten up the spinach.
The cocktails are great, if a little expensive.
It's a wonderful place to go with girlfriends and it's soooo much nicer now that there's no smoking! -
Review from Elle M.
Henrico, VA
2/1/2010
This used to be my "spot" while at UVA undergrad (til 2005). They're open late - the place is always jumping (*note: they don't accept reservations and at peak hours expect to wait up to an hour), and the food was amazing. It seems as though the quality has declined over the last few years.
*The patatas bravas are still good, the tortilla española has been too oily, cheese plates have been significantly downsized (but still tasty), and the seafood from time to time is over-sauced.
If you aren't a tapas fanatic, you may still enjoy the restaurant because, even with the few 'not so perfect', most of the dishes are prepared and served wonderfully.
The prices are pretty steep, but it's Charlottesville - what else could you expect? If you want cheap tapas, go to DC. If you want great tapas, go to Spain. In the mean time, shoot on over to Main St. and try Si Tapas...then make your comparison ;) -
Review from Erikka C.
Scottsville, VA
5/15/2011
Ok, first of all, you need to be a patient person to go to Mas. The wait is always long (an hour or so) but the food is worth it. But if you're feeling hungry or rushed, you should probably try it another time. I always eat a snack before I go, just so my stomach isn't grumbling while I'm waiting for a table.
The good news is that they have awesome drinks while you wait. I had the Pomegranate Margarita and Mango Margarita. The Pomegranate was ok, but the Mango was much better, with fresh muddled mango. Very juicy! They also have a great beer and wine selection.
Once we were seated, we had an excellent server, and we had already decided which tapas to order. The food comes out as it's ready, so you just have to dig in as each dish arrives. My personal faves are the shrimp, bacon-wrapped dates, papas bravas, and artichoke dip. You also have to try the new menu selections, as the menu is constantly changing.
Usually I'm too stuffed to have dessert but last night we tried the goat cheese ricotta cheesecake. Kinda sour (in a good way) with a fruity coulis.
Mas is the perfect place to catch up with friends and have a slow-paced, relaxing night.
The noise level is high inside the restaurant, so on a nice night, they also have a great patio area.
This place is fantastic and the epitome of Charlottesville cuisine. -
Review from brian g.
Scottsville, VA
5/14/2011
Mas is great. My wife and and I met friends for dinner and we had a great time. The food was delicious and the cocktails were well made. Be sure to try the bacon wrapped dates and the shrimp. Our waiter was great and we will be back again. There is always are fairly long wait for a table, so we grabbed a drink and passed the time chatting and catching up with our friend and getting to know her friends.
-
Review from Dave C.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2010
Wow, these reviews are awesome...Belmont is being compared to Brooklyn and one person said this place was bad because the "portions were too small".
This place is pretty good for a small town. Service is sometimes shady and the people can be a bit too "posh", but the food and san gria make this place one of Charlottesvilles better restaurants. -
Review from Meredith P.
Charlottesville, VA
7/6/2011
I have not been disappointed yet.
-
Review from Jenny D.
Crozet, VA
10/13/2010
Amazing food. I just got back from DC and many of the restaurants there are small plate oriented which I love. It's nice to have an exceptional place here in Charlottesville that offers the same. Try the Ensalada d' atun, Plato de tomates, and the Croquetas de jamón, you won't be disappointed!
Be prepared to have different wait staff bring you your food as it comes out of the kitchen. I think they just all help each other out to make service speedier for the customer. -
Review from Seio O.
Charlottesville, VA
7/29/2009
It is def one of my favorite restaurant in Charlottesville!
It is always very crowded, especially on a nice day. actually never sat inside so idk how the insider seating are but huge outside seating area.
great selection of food, all sounds very interesting and leaves a lot up to imaginations. Its very hard to pick from so many selections.. I think it will be great to go with big group so you can try many different kind of dishes that they offer.
also what i love about their menu is that it keeps changing!
some of the memorable ones are
solomillo de kobe, was truly amazing... that kobe beef strip was sooo soft and juicy... woah
Dati con tocino, dates wrapped with applewood smoekd bacon was also great... combination of the sweet, juicy soft dates with crispy bacon was perfect!!
Cant wait to go back there and try their other dishes. -
Review from S L.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2010
With fair warning from my friends, I opted to go here on a weekday rather than a weekend, and the service was fine. One time, I will say that even though it was a Wednesday, it was surprisingly packed! I see this as a good thing. It just means the place is popular.
The food: fantastic. I've been to other tapas places before, and for the same price tapa, we got twice the amount. Their seafood is phenomenal. I've gotten mussels and oysters on separate occasions, and I've never had such fresh ones before. They have completely converted me to a fresh mussel/oyster lover!
The other tapas were really good, just not as memorable. I do say 4 star because the service does tend to be on the slow side, but I find that this is a trend in many C'ville restaurants ... maybe it's just regional? -
Review from D R.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2011
Best tapas anywhere.
Ok, so, if you care a lot about waiting or reservations do NOT even try. Its a long wait and they are not keen on updating you.
Food is amazing, particularly the garlic shrimp, croquettes, and amazing artichoke dip. Bacon wrapped dates are out of this world.
i dont get the bad reviews. Who orders a salad here? Don't. And if you're not drinking? Why not stay at home. Admittedly, the empanadas are hit or miss.
But if you want to have a great night and good food (and yes a great night means drinks too), then this is the place.
