Tastes Wine Bar

One of the big fads of modern dining, there are any number of restaurants in Denver where you can order tapas. Tastes does tapas perfectly, with an environment that encourages the enjoyment of every bite of each dish. The small plates are perfect shared amongst friends so no one dish will fill you up and you'll get the chance to taste a little bit of everything.

Squished into a tiny storefront alongside the larger Las Margaritas, Tastes looks hip and cute even from the outset. The relaxed look of the place, from the hip-height fence patterned with wine bottles and glasses to the gas fire pit surrounded by low benches, is very welcoming after a long day. Equally inviting is the interior, with low lighting, an exposed brick wall and small tables each sporting a unique design.

There's nothing overly feminine about Tastes, but small plates aren't really a guys' night out kind of thing and Tastes doesn't try to appeal to the masculine crowd. Soft music, low lighting, and warm dark colors really encourage quiet conversation about things not involving sports teams. Most times you'll find a man in here, it's on a date or possibly with a mixed group of friends.

Extensive selections of both wine and beer, prominently featured in the menu, really encourage you to have a drink while you ponder the selections. Plus the relaxing effect is perfect in light of the atmosphere. The tables are tiny, and even with the small plates you'll soon find yourself pressed for space. Definitely order one or two tapas at a time and really savor each one instead of ordering a bundle and getting surprised with more food than the table can handle.

Besides tapas, there are a few dishes that are larger and intended for only one person to eat. The paninis are nice, warm and crunchy but not dripping with oil as they are wont to do. A variety of sweet and savory crepes take up a good part of the menu and make a nice meal when you add on one or two tapas for the group.

If you want to end the night stuffed full, you'll find a trip to Tastes very expensive. Should you be willing to leave happily fed, but not bulging at the waist, the restaurant really is a very nice bargain, especially when you factor in a glass of wine or two. Even on a weekend night, the restaurant is rarely more than half full, so at least until Tastes begins to catch on you're virtually assured of an instant seat.

Check out the menu:
http://www.tasteswinebar.com/uptown.htm#menus