BarLola   

Though BarLola's sub-level patio on the corner of Dartmouth and Comm. Ave. is inviting, swallow your urge to linger and head inside to eat. The interior of this tapas restaurant and bar is strikingly beautiful; every one of the nooks and corners seems like its own little work of art. From the wrought-iron doors of the back lounge to the bud vases of the main dining area, the space exudes old-world Spanish charm. The drink list, on the other hand, serves up modern concoctions with monikers like 'Beantown Martini' and 'the Lolita' -- the restaurant's signature martini. Never fear, there is also the requisite sangria, as well as a respectable wine list. The only thing on the menu here is tapas, organized according to hot and cold. There are the staples: garlicky shrimp and mixed olives, as well as more original creations like crab and shrimp-stuffed calamari or spinach and cheese-stuffed cannelloni. Save room for dessert, though -- a customer favorite is the 'frixuelos', or milk caramel crepes.