Quench Taps and Tapas — Restaurant in Surprise

First time at Quench Taps and Tapas at 14010 N. Litchfield Rd. Ste 212, Surprise, AZ. One thing we learned in reserving a table is to make sure we secure a reservation that fits a party of four despite the fact we are only reserving for two diners. We bought two dinners, large salad, appetizer, and two drinks. The meals came within a short time and took much of the space on the table. Problem was that our reservation was for a small table. We didn’t know you have to ask for a specific area such as the blue wall which were blue couches along the wall. Fortunately, a couple of diners at a table for four decided they wanted to eat at the bar and so our server named Cheryl sat us at the table for four. So this way we could sample more food than the table for two could have accommodated. Our server was good at describing the food when we asked for more details however I would have appreciated a separate sheet on the specials. Cheryl had to describe the specials from memory and although she did a good job reciting the specials from memory, we had a difficult time remembering details about the specials. My wife ordered wine and the King Estate - Pinot Noir Rose was dryer than my wife expected. She would have appreciated a sample of the wine to make a good choice. This little extra service for customers is really appreciated for a $15 glass that she would not have purchased if she had a taste first. We liked that the restaurant provided pillows at the seats. This little welcoming touch made it more comfortable to sit for our two hour dinner. Of all the food we ate, we really enjoyed the Whipped Ricotta, Pesto, and Tomato. This is an excellent spread with all three ingredients going very well together, so much so, I have to try to make this at home. We can try other breads to see what works best. We could have done without the Apple/Pear Goat Cheese salad for maybe another main course. I believe that overall the money was well spent. For customers that do not like any salt, maybe they could ask whether we’re okay with salt. A lot of seniors with sodium restrictions might like a restaurant pointing out the sodium content or just asking especially with the meats. The dining area is not particularly large so tables are somewhat close together but not uncomfortably so. We had room between tables. Our table was very close to the outside patio door and it was a bit distracting for every time customers and servers went in and out. There probably was nothing that can be done to mitigate the flow of traffic in and out. We did ask Cheryl and she said that in the summertime, the outside patio is closed because people don’t want to be outside in the extreme heat. The atmosphere is worth checking out as it’s very clean and upscale. The menu is very easy to read and organized very well. A lot of thought went into choosing the dishes and describing the dishes in the menu. I don’t like when a restaurant puts too much on the menu because it’s harder to make choices and I start thinking the chefs will have more trouble giving diners the kind of experience they deserve. The bathrooms are also well thought out and the men’s bathroom sinks are really a nice touch. I will return for more food and this time I will try to reserve the blue chairs. It’s a very cozy atmosphere around the blue chairs for a very romantic dining experience. I didn’t really get a good look at the bar, but it looked good from...

✨ A Hidden Gem in Surprise with Style, Substance, and Seriously Good Eats ✨

Quench Tap and Tapas is one of those rare neighborhood finds that blends ambiance, craftsmanship, and culinary creativity in all the right ways. From the moment you walk in, the space invites you to relax, connect, and savor.

There are six distinct seating areas, each with their own personality—whether you’re settling into a high-top for drinks, sinking into plush contemporary chairs, or lounging with friends in the cozy corner outfitted with couches and loveseats. The thoughtful layout breaks up the space nicely, creating intimate nooks that feel warm and inviting.

Design details abound: A contemporary tin ceiling pays homage to vintage style, while polished concrete floors and oil-lit candles on each table enhance the upscale, cozy vibe. A tasteful decorative wall separates diners from the hostess station, and the bar anchors the room with its clean lines and genuinely welcoming, neighborhood feel.

My girlfriend Jodi and I started with drinks—her classic Manhattan was perfectly balanced and beautifully presented. I opted for a local coffee porter that was rich, roasty, and served in a tall, chilled glass that elevated the experience.

As for the food… this place knows how to deliver on the promise of tapas done right.

We shared three standout dishes: 🍤 Back-end Shrimp with Mango Sauce – Juicy, tender shrimp with a tangy tropical kick. 🥗 Beet Salad with Flat Iron Steak – This vibrant dish starts with a bed of organic spring mix, topped with perfectly steamed golden and red beets, pistachios, and juicy mandarin oranges. We opted to add sliced flat iron steak, which was cooked to a tender medium-rare and added a savory depth that complemented the sweetness of the beets beautifully. The menu also offers shrimp or chicken as protein add-ons, giving diners a great way to customize their salad and turn it into a more substantial shareable—or a satisfying meal on its own. 🍟 Parmesan Truffle Fries – A decadent indulgence with white truffle oil, black truffle salt, and a parmesan herb mix that had us reaching back for more. The garlic aioli was delicious, though we wished there had been just a bit more. When I asked for ketchup as a backup (I know, I know—truffle fries purists, forgive me), our server kindly let us know everything here is house-made, and ketchup just isn’t part of the menu. Fair enough—and honestly, it speaks to their commitment to quality.

From start to finish, the experience was delightful. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the entire atmosphere made us want to linger longer.

Jodi and I are always on the hunt for new spots, and Quench Tap and Tapas is one we’ll absolutely return to when we’re back in this corner of Surprise. A neighborhood gem with heart and...

Update (December 2023)

Quench continues to be a favorite. Delicious food, great service, comfortable atmosphere, and great drink selections. Tonight we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, the meat board (DO THIS!) and the Ricotta/Pesto/Tomato jar of amazing good. Do that, too!

We love what Jeff and Angie are doing with their Quench Taps and Tapas joint. We really recommend you check them out. If you're interested in small bites (that are anything but small) accompanied by great drinks, this is the place for you.

Update (August 2023):

This place is still great. Mr "Quench" sat us and Chris served us. We had drinks, wine, and two amazing plates. The beef skewers were good. Very, very good. but the ricotta and pesto and tomato jam (with crustini) was amazing. It was a lasagna sandwich!

A very nice woman (Mrs "Quench"?) stopped by to check on us. That was so sweet. We reveled in the level of service, sure. But the quality of the food and drinks alone were enough to give a rave review.

We conspired to take a desert "to go," but when it came out it was so beautiful we just couldn't put it in a plastic container--so we gobbled it up with our remaining wine.

We're looking forward to becoming regulars here!

March 2023:

Why didn't we see you here tonight? Everyone should be! This is a new "joint," opening just a few months ago. It is focused on small plates and drinks--you aren't getting mashed potatoes! The good is great. We shared three tapas--which are really American-sized appetizers. The Bourbon Brown Sugar skewers were perfectly prepared and came with some greens that were drizzled. Mmmm. The Baked Caprese Dip--think "Italian fondue"--cheesy, drizzled, and accompanied by delicious toasts. And the Blackened Shrimp with Mango sauce was awesome.

Get there before 6 pm and enjoy several of these at discounted prices, including the house wines. (The chardonnay was okay, but the pinot noir was terrific.) The wine from the regular wine list was fantastic.

The vibe is nice--modern and designed to encourage hanging out and eating/drinking. Note that there are no high chairs and no accommodations for baby seats. But next to our table was a kindergarten-age child with her family and they did just fine.

The service was terrific. This place is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team and it feels like it--in a great way. Mary was our server and she made sure everything was just perfect. And it was.

We were looking for a local joint to go hang out in, eat lightly, and enjoy a beverage or two. We found it! You...