1401 – Tapas & Burgers, Vejle

Nordic tapas meets burger comfort on the town square

1401 – Tapas & Burgers sits right on Rådhustorvet, Vejle’s central square, and feels immediately woven into everyday city life. Large windows open towards the cobbled plaza, while inside the mood is casual and buzzy rather than formal. Wooden tables, soft lighting and unfussy Scandinavian touches keep the focus on food and conversation – this is a spot designed for lingering over plates, not rushing in and out. The restaurant’s name hints at its split personality: part cosy burger joint, part modern tapas bar. Rather than imitating Spanish classics one‑to‑one, the kitchen leans into Nordic produce and flavour profiles, building a menu of small dishes that sit comfortably alongside substantial burgers and fresh salads. It is a flexible, mix‑and‑match approach that suits everything from solo lunches to long evening gatherings.

Build‑your‑own tapas feast

The heart of 1401 is its tapas concept, arranged so you assemble your own spread from a wide selection of small plates. You might combine slow‑cooked meats with seasonal vegetables, fish dishes, cheeses and house specialties, creating a table full of contrasting flavours and textures. Portions are sized for sharing, encouraging everyone to sample a bit of everything rather than committing to a single main. This sharing style works particularly well for groups and families, as more adventurous diners can experiment while cautious eaters keep to recognisable favourites. The kitchen’s emphasis on visually appealing plates – colourful garnishes, neat presentation, generous sauces – gives the table an almost celebratory feel once several dishes arrive at once. It is easy to turn a simple dinner into a multi‑course tasting just by adding another couple of tapitas.

Gourmet burgers, sliders and brunch plates

Alongside tapas, 1401 is serious about burgers. The menu typically features a line‑up of gourmet options layered with carefully chosen toppings, sauces and cheeses, served in substantial brioche‑style buns. Combinations can range from classic beef with cheddar to chicken with Nordic twists, accompanied by fries, onion rings or other sides. For those who like variety, smaller slider‑style burgers echo the tapas mindset, letting you try different flavour profiles in a single meal. Mornings and early weekends introduce a brunch angle, with eggs, bread, cold cuts and sweet options designed to ease into the day. Salads appear throughout the menu as lighter alternatives, often built around crisp greens, grilled proteins and bright dressings. Vegetarian choices and some gluten‑conscious adaptations are usually possible on request, keeping the experience accessible to mixed‑diet groups.

Informal atmosphere in the heart of Vejle

Atmosphere is a big part of 1401’s appeal. The dining room balances café informality with restaurant comfort: tables are close enough to feel lively, but lighting and materials soften the noise. Being right on the square means there is a natural ebb and flow of locals meeting after work, shoppers pausing for lunch, and couples settling in for an early dinner. In good weather, the setting by the square adds a vaguely continental feel as light spills through the windows. Service style is relaxed and friendly rather than ceremonious, matching the menu’s shareable, sociable character. It is the sort of place where ordering another round of small plates or extending your stay over dessert and drinks feels entirely natural. Children slot in easily, while adults can lean into the bar offerings and longer evenings.

Practical details for planning your meal

1401 operates as a true all‑day venue on most days of the week. Lunch service begins late morning, rolling into dinner without a strict break, while Fridays and Saturdays open earlier for brunch and run later into the night. Sundays skew daytime, focusing on brunch and afternoon meals rather than late evenings. Prices sit in the moderate range for Denmark: burgers, tapas selections and brunch are all positioned to feel like a treat without straying into fine‑dining territory. Set in central Vejle, the restaurant is easy to combine with shopping, cultural sights or a stroll along the pedestrian streets. Expect peak times around standard Danish lunch hours and early evening, especially on weekends, when the square fills and the interior hums with conversation. Allow enough time to enjoy the sharing concept properly – it rewards those who settle in, order a mix of dishes and let the meal unfold plate by plate.