Vaca

Courtesy of Chef Amar Santana, this cool and rustic tapas bar offers consistently pleasing food and an extensive list of sherries and Spanish wines amid a quirky setting (the banquettes are decorated with jokes). In addition to the beautiful bar area, guests can choose to sit in two outdoor areas or the main dining room with views into the semi-open kitchen.

The lunchtime prix-fixe is a great deal, though it would mean skipping their wonderful array of tapas and paellas. Standouts include the bikini sandwich, layering cured Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese and a bit of truffle oil into pretty little piping-hot grilled sandwiches. Croquettas de pollo tucked with shredded white meat are perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp.