Tapas wowed at Artesano Tapas, Vinos Y Mas

I don't think I ever anticipated a restaurant as much as I did Artesano Tapas, Vinos Y Mas.  The teaser photos posted on their Facebook page months before the opening were visually stunning and mouth watering.  I love tapas and was already a fan of its sister restaurants, Mussels and Burgers, El Taco Luchador, Cena Italian Trattoria and Guaca Mole.  So I couldn't get here fast enough after it opened.

We waited 1 hr 30 minutes for a table on a Friday night and wolfed down our food in 30.  The food was so good we didn't mind the wait once we were seated.  The Spanish dishes are different and inventive, the anticipation of what comes next is part of the fun.  Bring friends who are wiling to share, it's a great way to try a lot of dishes without breaking the bank!

The essentials: 1. The portions are big (for tapas) 2. The prices are reasonable for the quality and taste. We paid $81 for 7 dishes. $84 ÷ 4 people= a very reasonable meal. 3. The wait is long on the weekend at dinner time, so make sure to bring a lot of patience.  Come around 6 p.m. and the wait is not so bad.

Keep in mind that these are tapas, so certain portions will be small.  A tip for leaving the restaurant full and satisfied: order cheap and fulling dishes like the batatas bravas ($6), the cocas/flatbreadk (~$12), the albondigas/meatballs $8, etc.

Coca de Pato $12.  Duck flatbread.  Photo: Tam

Patatas Bravas $6. Delicious spicy homemade ketchup

Loved the sauce and meatball for this Albondigas $8

Add a few of the more expensive smaller meat dishes to the selection and you'll leave feeling satisfied !

Chuleta de Cordero $15. Lamp chops, sausage and quinoa salad.

Pincho Moruno $7. Pork loin with yogurt sauce.

Pulpo a la Gallega $12.  A skip for me.

My dinner mates liked the paellas, but I think it's too expensive and a bit soggy to be enjoyable.
 

Paella Valenciana $18

Exceptional service and beautiful restaurant.  I'm already planning to come back soon!

Outdoor patio with a fire pit

I heard the drinks and cocktails are great as well so check it out.  I don't drink, so you're on your own there :)

My rating: 9/10
Artesano Tapas, Vinos Y Mas 
1321 Herr Lane Suite 130 Louisville
Kentucky 40223
(In the Westport Village Shopping Center)
(502) 708-2196
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
No reservation or call ahead accepted.