Twenty Five years ago Brooks Hill in Gqeberha or Port Elizabeth as it was known then was the epitome of the party scene and Tapas, with its tequila shots girls, long bar and sturdy benches and was one of the most popular places to jol.
It’s amazing what can happen in just a quarter of a century. Jol, for example, is no longer used or so my under 25 year old kids tell me. Main Road in Walmer is now party central. It’s where the top eateries and bars are to be found, including the new and more refined Tapas. Good food, great company and a pint or two are what constitute a party for me today although I’m not averse to a shot or two.
I’m not surprised to see many of the people I knew from the old Tapas at the new Tapas. That’s because both Tapas are legendary.
It takes a special kind of restauranteur and publican to create more than one renowned restaurant and pub but that is exactly what Dog is. Special people don’t have ordinary names of course. The first time I visited the new Tapas, Dog was on hand to welcome me and he recognized me from the old Tapas (hopefully he had forgotten some of my juvenile antics).
What makes the new Tapas Bar and Restaurant so great? It has a great location, a kiddies play area (a key distinguishing feature between old and new), brilliant service and an excellent menu but most of all it has that intangible but very important feature – atmosphere. You just feel good when you arrive and you don’t want to leave even though the office, spouse or kids are calling you away.
My advice is to bring the family with, that way they’ll want to stay too. Although the high rise chairs and tables adjacent to the bar can get rather festive, the dining area is very much a family eatery.
The menu has all that you could want – from, well, tapas to Pork Belly to flat breads and salads to a Choc Chip Ice Cream Sandwich! I have eaten there frequently and will return very soon and that is perhaps the best compliment I can give the kitchen staff.
The waiters and barmen are the same age as they were at the old Tapas but more professional in every way. The music too, remains enjoyable and expect live music over the weekends and some week days. Keep an eye on social media for updates and specials.
Whether you remember the old Tapas or not Tapas Bar and Restaurant is without a doubt one of Gqeberha’s best places to have a goodtime. See you there!
Tapas Contact Details
Click here to make a booking. Phone: 0 71 680 0340 or Email: info@tapas.co.za. Tapas is located at Bloomingdales Lifestyle Village, 145 Main Rd, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6065. Find them on Google Maps
Their hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11:00am – 23.00pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00am – 23.59pm
Sun: 11:00am – 22:00pm
Public Holidays: Open
Facebook: @TapasPE
Instagram: @tapaspe