Eatapas — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

We were a party of 13 celebrating my father-in-law's birthday. We started off at the bar as we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. The bartender was amazing and super cheerful when taking all of our drink orders.

Once the majority of our party arrived, we sat down and were greeted by a male server. I explained that it was a birthday celebration and that we would be splitting checks. The appetizers were ordered and delivered one at a time. This part of the experience was nice.

The following was not acceptable (the table was assigned to two servers):

I ordered the salmon dish and asked the female server if this dish contained dairy due to my dairy allergy. The server was unsure but told me that she would inform the kitchen about my allergy. My plate came out and there was this thick sauce. I questioned it because it looked like it may have heavy cream but I was hoping it was coconut cream/milk. I wanted to double-check and ask the male server if this dish contained milk. He went to the kitchen and returned to tell me that the dish in fact did contain dairy. My dish had to be completely remade. Now, the second dish came and there was a portion of clams/shrimp in a side dish that still contained that creamy sauce. The female server came to me and I informed her of this. I told her, to just cook the shrimp/clams in olive oil and garlic.

Meanwhile, everyone at the table received their main dish besides the most important person which was the birthday man!

It was close to 10 pm and no paella. I understand that not ALL dishes come out at the same time as a regular restaurant. But the couple in front of him received both of their paella's and all were ordered at the same time. At that point, my father-in-law was disappointed and quite angry. He hid his emotions because so many people joined him on his birthday and did not want to ruin the mood. They returned the food once it came to the table but who wouldn't? The food came at almost 10 pm.

We chose this restaurant because it's one of our go-to's. This used to be my father-in-law's favorite restaurant until this experience.

Take it from someone who worked in voluminous restaurants and got quadrupled sat with large parties, I believe your servers need to be trained again or at least learn how to take care of large parties. Perhaps two servers were not necessary. Trust me, you may think two servers will be beneficial to a large party but a lot of miscommunication can occur. The servers didn’t even ask if we wanted more beverages. We had to keep looking around and waving them down. As a former server, if gratuity is included, I’m constantly asking if a guest would like another beverage. But again, I think it all comes down to the fact that I think two servers were not needed.

I am a very understanding person and will always try to put myself in others' shoes but this was a very important day and my father-in-law didn't even get a dessert with a cheerful Happy Birthday tune. No, we were not going to order dessert if their food had no intention of arriving within the time that...

5 Stars! (Ive posted pictures under photos) Yes! Well deserved. At the time this being our first visit, Eatapas had been open a short 6 months. This establishment delivered! Growing up in NJ, Ironbound section of Newark. Best known for it's Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. Walking in felt very much like home. There was live music. A whole leg of Jamon Iberićo and a roll away Sangria cart, which I believe is fixed to your liking. First and foremost, the service. The team was professional, knowledgeable, informative and out right friendly! They were efficient and made the entire evening near perfect! As for the meal itself. As I hold my praise of the service team high. The meal mimics that opinion and perhaps may take a step that much further. We sat as a party of two. We started off with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio and glass of Ricardo Dumas Temparillo. It was a Tuesday evening, the crowd consistently filed in as the night pushed on. Perhaps they were there for the fantastic special offered. All the Paella dishes were 50% off the price listed. As listed on average at $21+/-pp. The special ran at $21+/- flat. The small plates being the namesake are more than enough! Nothing "small" about them. The authenticity of the flavors, the love put into the dishes, best represent the establishments ideology on serving you Spain on a plate. The quality of the food is fresh and full of flavor! There was two of us and although it may seem ridiculous, in my defense, I was hungry. We ordered several dishes. Several, as in, seven total. For the record. We did take leftovers home. We started off with the chorizos al cava(spanish sausage). Piping hot and still bubbling over as it came to the table. As did the next dish. Gambas al ajillo. (Shrimp and garlic) Amazing! Flavor!!!! A must for me and somewhat hard to find and absolutely delicious. Pimento del Chef. Pimentos del Padron. Fried and equivalent to a shishito. Great mix of sweet and heat. Pulpo ala Gallega. Delicious! A must! I love cheese. I love Charcuterie. We ordered the Spanish cheese platter consisting of a mix of Manchego, Mahon Menorca, mucia red wune, tetilla and cabarales. All with various tastes, complexities and pairings with Charcuterie plate it complimented which consisted of a selection of chorizo and Jamon. A definite to go at this point, we ended up stopping beach side and we ate as a light lunch the following day on our ride down to Key West. Finally, the Paella. Full of seafood accompanied by vast anount of yellow spanish rice. The seasonings and taste of Spain really stood out in this particular dish. We did finish by sharing the spanish almond cake and of course an espresso. The prices best represent the dishes quality and freshness. I highly recommend dining at Eatapas. I look forward to my next trip to Lauderdale and will make this a MUST GO...

When it comes to finding an extraordinary Spanish dining experience, Eatapas shines like a beacon of culinary brilliance. Nestled in the heart of Fort Lauterdale, this hidden gem has captivated the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts with its impeccable offerings and enchanting ambiance.

Let's start with the crown jewel of Eatapas—the Jamón Ibérico. Every bite of this sublime cured ham is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition. The rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the deep, savory flavors of the Jamón Ibérico elevate it to an unrivaled level of excellence. It's a delicacy that transports you straight to the sun-kissed hills of Spain.

But that's not all Eatapas has to offer. The croquettas, a classic Spanish delight, deserve a standing ovation. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavors, these little bundles of joy are a true delight for the senses. I would highly recommend the Jamón croquettas, each bite is a testament to the culinary artistry at Eatapas.

Now, let's talk about the succulent Pork Loin. Cooked to perfection, this dish showcases the restaurant's dedication to sourcing top-quality ingredients and executing flawless cooking techniques. The tender and juicy pork, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, is a true symphony of flavors that will leave you longing for more.

Apart from the exceptional cuisine, the ambiance at Eatapas is an experience in itself. The warm and inviting atmosphere, adorned with Spanish-inspired décor, creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. And if you're lucky enough to visit on a night when they have a flamenco performance, prepare to be mesmerized. The talented guitarist strums the strings with soulful expertise, while the dancers captivate with their passionate moves. It's an immersive experience that brings the spirit of Spain alive.

The service at Eatapas is equally deserving of praise. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, ensuring that every aspect of your visit is a delight. Their passion for Spanish cuisine is evident, and they go above and beyond to make your dining experience truly exceptional.

Eatapas is a haven for those seeking an authentic taste of Spain. From the heavenly Jamón Ibérico to the irresistible croquettas and mouthwatering Pork Loin, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence. Combined with the mesmerizing ambiance and the soul-stirring flamenco performances, Eatapas creates a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more. A five-star rating is well-deserved, as Eatapas sets the bar high for Spanish cuisine in...