Nashville Food Friday: Belcourt Taps

I have to admit that I am a tad bit biased going into this review. Before Belcourt Taps existed as it does today, it was known as Belcourt Taps and Tapas. I went to Taps and Tapas once and had a horrible experience. The food was terribly prepared and I didn't understand the menu. I vowed never to go back again, and I didn't. Then at some point in the past year (I don't remember exactly when) Taps and Tapas closed, re-branded, re-worked their menu and re-opened as the more succinct Belcourt Taps. I still didn't want to try it despite the changes. But when my friend Shawn wanted to have his birthday dinner there- I couldn't say no.

Inside it looks like a bar. There are a few tables and chairs and a long bar. There was a stage at one end of the restaurant that would be the scene for some karaoke later in the evening. We were there prime dinner time- 7:30 on a Friday night- and the place was fairly dead. I think when we walked in there was a couple at the bar and then one other table taken. I will chalk that up to the fact that 1- it was Vanderbilt's spring break and 2- it was snowing outside and Nashville collectively freaks out at the first sight of a snowflake.

We ordered some beers when we sat down. For a place that calls themselves "Taps" I would have expected a more extensive beer list. But maybe that is just me. Maybe I was just a little unhappy that they didn't have any of my go-to styles- porters and stouts.

Our friends who come here recommended the stuffed burgers- the house specialty. They are pretty much a fancy version of the turducken, meat inside meat inside meat. Steve ordered the Macho Burger which had buffalo chicken stuffed inside the burger. Steve loved his burger. I had a bite and I wasn't blown away. The burger had to be huge to fit the stuffing, which made the cooking time longer, which made the burger well done. I HATE a well done burger.  On the plus side, the burger came with a side of fries which we upgraded to truffle fries. The fries were really amazing. For me it was the best thing I ate all night.

I wasn't feeling up for a burger so I wanted to try something else. The shrimp taco plate sounded good- so I went for that. When I ordered it the waiter let me know it was not a lot of food and asked if I wanted more. The price tag was $9, so I assumed it would be more than enough for me. BUT LOOK AT THIS SPARSE PLATE? This dish was basically a few shrimp, tomatoes and cheese in a tortilla with a sad piece of lettuce for a garnish. ***TIP*** if your lettuce looks sad, don't use it as a garnish. GARNISHES ARE MEANT TO BEAUTIFY A PLATE. So for $9 I got two sad tacos made with stuff that I had in my refrigerator. Now, let me show you what $9 will get you at other places around Nashville:

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$9 will get you three of the best tacos of your life at Mas Tacos. 3 TACOS. 3 FAT, AMAZING TACOS.

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For $9 at Rosepepper you can get this awesome combo plate with a chimichanga, taco, rice and beans, and steamed vegetables.

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For less than $9 you can get a rocking burrito or quesadilla from Nuvo Burrito. My personal favorite is the heart of dixie that has sweet potatoes and bacon bits.


I think it's safe to say that Belcourt Taps FAILS on their taco plates. The taste was utterly pedestrian and the price was absurd for the portion. I was still hungry after finishing my tacos and found myself scrounging around the table for leftover fries. Where they succeed (mostly) is in what they're known for- the stuffed burgers. Steve, Shawn, Meg and Dave all loved their food.

But this was a birthday party after all, so let's not forget the awesome brownie cake that my friend Meg made for Shawn. This was a fudge brownie with thick icing. I will say that our server was quite nice, and quickly brought us several dessert plates and forks. However, a server having to give customers a disclaimer about the portions of the tacos is a HUGE no-no. It just sounds like the restaurant is giving excuses rather than fixing the problem.

Have I mentioned the lovely decor made up of creepy paintings of 70s rock stars? No? Well, here's Robert Plant.

Overall, I'm still not a fan of Belcourt Taps. I guess after about a year of reviewing local restaurants I would be forced to review one that didn't blow me away. Sorry guys.