Tapas On Main

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

December 2020

Tapas On Main is a lively Authentic Spanish Tapas style restaurant in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem. Its location on Bethlehem's Main Street is quite central. Tapas is known as being Bethlehem's Best Tapas and Sangria. Naturally, that is exactly what I had to try on my most recent visit with my family.

My family and I went to Tapas On Main most recently with a reservation for 5:30 PM midweek and the restaurant was completely empty. We were the only table for the entirety of our meal. When we finally began eating our desserts, a few other tables filled up. It was very strange but we were glad because we felt very comfortable (COVID related). Even when a few other tables were sat, we still felt comfortable with the spacing distance in the restaurant. Before we were taken to our table, every person in our party did have to get their temperature taken and the menu was online or you could take photos of the menu printed out largely and displayed in the window. We appreciated the precautions and we knew that there was a slight risk eating out.

In general, I like to think that my family has been pretty cautious with COVID-19. We ALWAYS wear our masks out in public and practice good hygiene by using hand sanitizer and washing our hands often. We have cut back on eating out and try to order takeout instead when it is possible. We also abide by CDC guidelines in trying to distance ourselves in public (6 foot rule) and we mostly have continued to follow lockdown and we do not see many other people. I want to stress the importance of all these things and following CDC guidelines!

Now onto the good stuff, Tapas! We ordered Pollo Empanadas (roasted chicken, spinach and white bean, and a garlic salsa-aji) for $10.95. We did two orders of Brochetas de Carne-Beef Tenderloin Tips (sun-dried tomato chimichurri and paprika dusted potatoes) for $11.95 each. We ordered Vieras al Sarten-Seared Sea Scallops (jamon Serrano, saffron aioli, and whipped potatoes) for $17.95. These were all shared plates for the whole table of four adults, there were four chicken empanadas (ignore the picture - my sister grabbed one before I could take the picture and would not give it back), four beef tenderloin tips between the two orders, and three seared sea scallops. Everything tasted delicious! The food was smaller portions but it was filling and left just enough room for dessert! Along with dinner, my mother had the Blood Orange Berry Sangria (pictured below - red in color) and I had the Classic White Sangria (pictured below - yellow in color) each for $8. We both enjoy our own and each other's sangrias. I cannot wait to go back and try more flavors as they have several of options! There were also several of other options for Tapas (shared plates) including French Fries, Spinach Dip, Garlic Shrimp, Meatballs, Lamb, Salmon, Calamari, Tuna, Croquettes, Mushrooms, Pork Belly, and Mussels. During previous visits, my family and I have enjoyed the Spinach Dip, Meatballs, Calamari, and more! There are just so many wonderful options to choose from!

Of course, the best part of the night came next, dessert! Tapas On Main has their own selection of scrumptious desserts but their sister store, Cachette, located next door has crepes. While dining at Tapas, you can order crepes from next door to your table which is exactly what we did! My mom and I ordered the half size of The Classic (Nutella, banana, and strawberries) for $4.25. I ordered mine without the bananas. My sister ordered the full size of The Classic for $8.95. I also ordered the half size of Crepe Suzette (orange zest and orange liqueur) for $4.25. My dad ordered the half size of Dark Side (dark chocolate, espresso cream, and Godiva dark chocolate liqueur) for $4.25. We all greatly enjoyed our crepes! I enjoyed The Classic over Crepe Suzette which tasted a little too much like candy for my liking. I would definitely order the half size of The Classic without bananas again!

Overall, my family and I had a very enjoyable evening! The service was wonderful as well as all of our meals! It was a special treat for us to go and eat out with the state of how things have been over the past few months. We were thankful to be able to go out and it brought a small slice of normalize as well as some hope. The pandemic has taught me to value many things that I used to take for granted. With this year closing out in just a matter of weeks, take time to reflect on all of the positives in your life. This year was extremely hard on everyone, be kind to others and yourself!