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Few venture this far into Brooklyn for standard bar food, but the faithful know to make the trek for a unique take on Spanish tapas. Couples and families surround the long tables at dinnertime, and the T-shirt-and-sandals set pack the bar and sidewalk until early morning. The dungeon-like front room has dimly lit banquets perfect for first-daters and a dark wood bar (perfect for first-daters waiting on a table), while a sea-green back room is hung with ancient wall maps and iron chandeliers. Appetizers are tapas-plus—larger portions than you’ll find in Spain, and definitely non-standard. Potatoes, chorizo, and raw or marinated seafood are prominently featured. Creamy, pungent Spanish cheeses are paired with crusty 11 Forno bread, and a melt-in-your-mouth Spanish tortilla is drizzled with olive oil. A Parmesan potato herb tart demonstrates its Italian heritage with a cheese-and-breadcrumb crust outside and a somewhat dry inside. Forty mostly Spanish and Italian wines are on the list, twelve of which are available by the quartino, a small carafe. — Timothy Cooper

The restaurant serves brunch, with Spanish twists, from 11 a.m.—3 p.m. on weekends—think chorizo hash and eggs with chipotle-pepper Hollandaise sauce. And while the kitchen closes earlier, the bar stays open until 2 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, and 3 a.m. from Friday through Sunday. The bar also remains open after brunch ends on weekends.

Cheese plate, $10-$13

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Featured In

• Map No. 13: Prospect Heights (12/18/06)
• Cheap Eats Guide 2006 (8/7/06)