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Heading out? Read on
Who knew you could travel to Europe via St. Paul Street. Tapas 177 Lounge in downtown Rochester is a little taste of all the best things from Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean.
The place
Tapas is in the heart of the St. Paul entertainment district, just down the street from high-energy nightclubs Venu and Liquid. Upstairs is a full bar with space to meet and greet friends. But head down the cellar-style staircase and you'll find a dining room whose dark, textured walls make the space seem like something right out of Venice. The mood lighting and booth seating create one of the most romantic dinner settings I have experienced in a long time.
Try the salsa
Tapas is one of Rochester's original venues for free salsa dance lessons. From 9 until 11 p.m. every Thursday, those with two left feet can take full advantage. On Saturdays, a live salsa band plays from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. (admission is free), so everyone can try out the moves they learned two days prior.
Tasty tapas
Though Tapas serves a full menu, which is frequently updated to reflect the season, my date and I went for the namesake when deciding on dinner — the tapas. This was a first for both of us, and we loved it. It's a fun way to infuse some creativity into a dinner date. Our favorite was the Mediterranean Tenderloin Tips ($14).
Another extra
The first Tuesday of every month, Tapas hosts wine tastings with complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Good to Know
What: A lounge and restaurant in the St. Paul quarter.
Where: 177 St. Paul St.
When: 4:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. Sundays.
Cover: None.
Drink specials: Two full bars, featuring a selection of 23 martinis ($7 to $8) and a full wine menu ($7 a glass or $24 a bottle). Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays, when complimentary food is served upstairs.
Food: Full-service restaurant. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. until midnight Monday through Thursday and until 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, dinner served until 10 p.m. Lighter fare is served at the bar until close on the weekends.
Music: Latin and modern jazz over the sound system and live salsa on Saturday nights.
Parking: On-street; valet service is available for $5 after 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Contact: 262-2090 or www.tapas177.com
