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Friday, March 22, 2013

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.
Belcourt Taps in Nashville Tennessee
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.
Beer at Belcourt Taps in Nashville Tennessee
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.
Burgers at Belcourt Taps in Nashville Tennessee
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.
Shrimp Tacos at Belcourt Taps in Nashville Tennessee
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.
Belcourt Taps in Nashville Tennessee
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.

Belcourt Taps on Urbanspoon

17 comments:

  1. I haven't been there, but have heard similar reviews from several people. A lot of people have mentioned that they are overpriced for the quality of food they offer...although a stuffed burger does sound delightful. Back when they were taps and tapas, I heard their drinks were too high priced also. hmmm. Also, now I want some nuvo burrito in my belly now. I like their cuban quesadilla (I forget the clever name...maybe the ricky ricardo). So good.

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    1. The night I wrote this we totally went to Nuvo Burrito.

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  2. Well that stinks! I have no clue how you could not have a stout or a porter and have "taps" in your name. What?! Also those tacos.. what in the world? That really sucks for the servers who have to continuously tell people that the portion isn't up to par. If a place is only good for one thing it's not worth it at all. Boo

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    1. Thank you my fellow beer snob! How do you not have dark beers?! Shame on them!

      Their tacos need to go.

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  3. I haven't been there yet but definitely won't waste my time or money. It sounds kind of meh.

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    1. I would say its worse than meh, but the people I was with liked it.

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  5. I had a bad non-experience at Taps & Tapas - as in we were turned away at the door because it was between brunch & dinner and they were too lazy to serve the two of us.

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    1. So they had bad customer service? That stinks, sorry!

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  6. I just really love how upset you got about tacos. This is SERIOUS, you don't mess with tacos. Either make them delicious, or make them cheap. There is no middle ground, and the fact that you understand that is why I love you.

    Let's go to Mas Tacos now.

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  7. I went there once because a friend got me a gift card, and I was similarly underwhelmed. I can't even remember what I ate, which is crazy, because I always do! Those poor little tacos. They need to step up their game, especially given their proximity to the movie house and how much I love to make "dinner and a movie" a one-stop shop! Glad to know it wasn't just me.

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    1. I usually just go to Fido before a movie. I really like their food!

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  8. If the server gave a warning, he or she must have heard plenty of complaints before. The photos of other restaurants' food has me drooling!

    Love the sassy Robert Plant painting. He looks a little Christopher Reeves-esque.

    PS--I still haven't been to Mas Tacos! Shame on me.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You need to go girl! I wish they had better hours- any dinner hours would work!

      And if you get complaints, remove it from the menu or beef it up

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  9. Man, that sounds like a disappointing meal! I don't expect HUGE portions at restaurants, but at least give me a decent amount of grub! (Mas Taco looks awesome, by the way) Thank you for the honest review. :)

    Adrienne
    What Lola Wants

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    Replies
    1. I really think that they need to know their competition and then price accordingly. Market research, people!

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