What’s the Difference Between Appetizers and Small Plates?

Starters, small plates, appetizers, tapas…these terms all may seem interchangeable at first glance, and in many cases, there is a lot of overlap. At McCray’s Tavern Smyrna, we’re here to break down the differences between these classic pre-dinner accompaniments and what you should expect when ordering them. 

Appetizers

Appetizers and starters essentially mean the same thing. These are small amounts of food that are generally light and savory and are enjoyed as a light first course. They are meant to stimulate an appetite and get you ready for a meal. Appetizers can generally be broken down into eight classifications, including cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, canapes, relishes and crudite, salads, soups and consommes, and chips and dip. Appetizers can be anything from bruschetta to fried calamari to shrimp cocktail, and while there are certainly appetizers that are more commonly included on the menu depending on the occasion and venue, there is still a lot of variety in the appetizer category.

Small Plates

Small plates are essentially small portions of food that are ordered a la carte. Small plates are slightly more versatile than appetizers in that they are intended to be eaten before a meal, during a meal, or even in place of a meal if many are ordered and shared among a table. They can be any type of cuisine and are not limited to specific categories. This lends itself to a tapas-style dining experience, where small plates can be eaten alongside entrees in order to sample the best of what a restaurant has to offer. 

Benefits of Small Plates

Small plates give dinner guests a chance to try many different types of food offered at a restaurant in lieu of ordering an entree-sized dish. This is a great option for people who have a hard time deciding on one entree, or adventurous eaters who want to sample as many of a restaurant’s offerings as possible. Another great benefit is that they can be ordered at any time, meaning you can decide throughout the meal what your next plate should be and are relieved of the stress of deciding all at once.

Small plates are also a great way for the dining process to become more social, as groups can order many small plates for sharing and mixing and matching. Small plates are also generally created to be enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages, and make a great choice for a date night or night out with friends. 

Benefits of Appetizers

While small plates may be trending at the moment, there isn’t anything wrong with the tried and true appetizer. Ordering a few appetizers to share at the table is a great way to open up conversation and stave off hunger until the main dishes arrive. Ordering appetizers also gives everyone a chance to peruse the menu and come to a decision without being in a rush. Restaurants will also often offer up appetizers they know customers love and come back to time and time again, so customers don’t have to worry about ordering something they might not like. And of course, there is no rule book saying you can’t order an appetizer at any time during a meal, or even order solely from the appetizer menu. 

Try Appetizers at McCray’s Tavern Smyrna

Trendy ingredients, scaled down portion sizes, and a freedom to mix and match menu items are all appealing aspects of both small plates and appetizers alike. At McCray’s, we have a selection of tried and true favorites like buffalo chicken rolls and fried pickle chips as well as our house-made gumbo and delicious pimento cheese fritters. Whether you order appetizers only or choose a few to pair with your entrees, these small portions won’t disappoint—stop by our Smyrna Tavern today!