Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant is St. Louis' first Spanish tapas restaurant. Tapas are a time-honored and cherished part of Spanish cuisine. The tapa (from the verb tapar - to cover) originally was a slice of bread or cured ham placed over the mouth of a wine glass. As the popularity of the custom grew, so did the variety. In Spain, tapas are much more than a culinary delight - they represent a lifestyle - an opportunity to share good times with friends in an unrushed, carefree manner. At Modesto guests are encouraged to do the same.
"This was my 3rd time in and I've loved it every time. This time I brought my parents who were visiting from out of tow and we all absolutely raved about everything we had. Especially the cauliflower and the black paella. Our waiter was also wonderful. He recommended a bottle of wine at a very reasonable price that wasn't even on the wine list yet and it was wonderful. Highly recommend eating here!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Had a great time. Service and food were superb. Daughter is a vegetarian and we found many things for her to eat and enjoy. Had a wonderful experience and will return. We got seated on time and our waitress was very attentive and responsive."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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"GREAT FOOD, AND A FUN ATMOSPHERE, WOULD RECCOMEND IT TO ANYONE"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"While the food here is good, I'm just not sure if I'll be returning. Nothing stood out quite enough to leave a lasting impression. To each their own, but with so many other superior dining options in STL, I'll probably skip this restaurant in the future."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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"Tapas dishes still offer range of great choices but since Chef Dinsmore left, the quality has suffered. Fish dishes were too salty, meats were overcooked. Service variable."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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"We dine at Modesto a few times a year. We love to try new dishes each time we visit, but some of our favorite dishes are the Tortilla Española, Salchichas de la Casa, Gambas al Ajillo, Langosta Frita, and the Empanadillas. Service has always been good. We have been dining here for many years and everyone we have brought to the restaurant has thoroughly enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Skip happy hour menu. The food was supposed to be bite size portions of their regular menu items. We found it to be a lower quality than the regular menu. Also bar service seems slower than regular dining room."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"This was our first time visiting Modesto. I wasn't sure how busy it usually is so I made a reservation for 830 on a Saturday. When we arrived it was super busy and packed! I checked in and was told it may be 10 minutes after our reservation time. We were in no hurry and looked through the menu while we waited. The host was VERY nice and explained that he was sorry it was taking so long. We ended up finally getting sat at 905 (half hr past our reservation). They did buy our first round of drinks and apologized several times. It was well worth the wait in my opinion! I'm a vegetarian and there was a lot of options for me! The waitress gave wonderful recommendations and aside from the long wait I would highly recommend and visit again!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Modesto is a great tapas restaurant with good variety. They bring the food out very fast. The initial service though is fair-probably could use a little more attention to detail. For example, after we had ordered, the waitress didn't take our menus away so we were just stuck with five extra menus. The overall experience is good, and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to people."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Food-mixed: main course was too oily; tapas ,2 out of 3 were great. Ambiance- table mate & I agreed it was too noisy for us. Service- was great, well attended."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
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"We needed to make an 8:00pm curtain at Grandel Theater and were running late. We informed our waitperson and she was amazing. Dishes arrived quickly and efficiently but we never felt rushed. Food was delicious as usual; drinks are wonderful. A great place for a long and leisurely meal or for a great pre-theater experience."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"This place is outstanding! Food is incredible and service is top of the line!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"This was the first time at Modesto. It was my daughter's birthday and she chose this restaurant! I personally, am a very picky eater, and even found several things to suit my pallet! The atmosphere, the staff, the Chardonney, the appearance of each food brought to our table was great! We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The food is wonderful, everything we ate was like nothing I've had before (except the meatballs, which were still awesome). Great variety. The service is quick, our waitress took our order three different times and was very friendly. I'm a huge fan of Spanish food, and this is one of the best spots in St Louis for tapas. This poor college student can afford to come to a place like this maybe once a year, though. Definitely for special occasions or deep pockets."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"The food was wonderful! We ordered 8-9 plates for 4 people.....many of the plates our server highly recommended and everything was unbelievably good! This was our first visit here, but it will not be the last!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Anniversary dinner with my wife and another couple. Fantastic meal! We dined 'family style', ordering 15 tapas and paella. The timing of the tapas was perfect, allowing us all to savor and discuss every serving. Plus, we're all world travelers... Dining in this fashion gave us an opportunity to share our experiences and compare them to the wonderful cuisine in front of us! Thank you for the memory! We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Excellent food all around but sure wish our server had found any kind of personality. She seemed totally bored with the experience of serving us our tapas."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"My friend and I were celebrating our birthdays, the food was fabulous and we were seated right awat. We were not sure about the Sangria and Modesto let is try a sample before deciding to order, I will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We were under the impression that Modesto Spanish Tapas/Restaurant was more like the real Spanish Tapas/Restaurant. In Spain tapas are served in bigger plates. Tapas at modesto are considered appetizers in Spain, the restaurant part did not satisfy our needs. The flavor was the big disappointment, I lived in Spain for 6 years and my wife is from Madrid Spain, so when it came to having that home flavor it was not what we were looking for. Many people visit Spain and fall in love with their food, unfortunately it won't be the same unless you have the Chef and cook who know how to prepare this great food. The customer service was very good but we won't be going back. We don't think we can recommend it to others."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Alway a great experience, with amzazing food. I travel Spain frequently, and I've rarely had a food experience better than I have at Modesto, here in St. Louis."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"What a wonderful little place! My husband and I tried Modesto for our 10th anniversary. When i made the reservation, I stated that it was my 10th anniversary, and the owner presented us with 2 glasses of champagne on the house!! The waiter said he has never done that before! Definitely my new favorite place!!! Our favorites are the shrimp and clam chowder, Pollo al Cava, Higo y Queso de Cabra, and the bread pudding! Oh, the bread pudding...unreal. DO NOT miss the caipirinha, it's to die for!!! Food is my hobby, so trust me, this is a good one! We just loved it."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Good tapas and a thoughtful wine list. Good spot to go with friends for the leisurely dining experience associated with tapas. Their paella is good, too. All-in-all, one of my favorites!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Had a great experience as usual at Modesto. Some tweaks to the menu since last visit (about 9 months ago), but we stuck with the tried and true favorites -truffle oil cauliflower,lamb, bacon-wrapped dates, and several others. Admittedly, we are not Spanish wine experts, but Megan was extremely helpful both with our wine selection, and her attention to us. Outstanding"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"since chef Grace has left the food is NOT the same. the consistency and flavors, you can tell that recipes have been altered. I have been to Modesto MANY a times and sad to say this was probably my last visit."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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"Celebrated my first Valentine's day with my partner. The wait staff were extremely friendly and knew a lot about the amazing food selection. The ambiance was a delicate blend of romance and relaxation. We look forward to many more visits. Its perfect for a romantic night for two or for a group of friends to meet and socialize.
Our favorites: (encourage you to try!) Jamon Croquetas, Albondigas, and Morunos (sp?)
Just a few of our favorites!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This is my third adventure to Modesto and each time has been worthwhile. The food is excellent and the service also very good. The atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. It can get loud when the dining room is full, but in general it's relatively normal noise for a full restaurant. We love Modesto and can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The dining experience was extremely fun and the waitress was very helpful! We had lots of questions because we had never been to a restaurant like that before and she helped us with everything. She recommended dishes and pointed out dishes and drinks we might enjoy. She even helped us figure out how the whole dining experience worked at this restaurant. The food was amazing, especially the bread pudding, it melted in my mouth!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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"Overall we enjoyed our time at Modesto. The food was good but none of it was over the top amazing (do try the shrimp in chocolate) and the Chef seems to be a big fan of Goat Cheese so take note if you're like us and don't care much for that ingredient."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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"Great food. I love the shrimp with orange chile chocolate sauce, and the hanger steak is to die for. If you like mussels, their rendition is top notch. Modesto has the best food on the Hill."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I were very impressed with the service here. The hostess greeted us immediately and offered to check our coats, which I'm not used to restaurants doing for free which was nice. The waitress was prompt, informative, and patient with my father who can be difficult in new places. I believe the waitresses name was Megan. I never remember names if that tells you about the impression she had on me. The food was overall very good, although at times a little misleading on the menu so it was hard to anticipate how big the portions were going to be. I will absolutely be back! And I highly recommend this for romantic dinners, special group occasions, and alternative cuisine enthusiasts."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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