n

04/23/08

Small, friendly, great food

by aechang at Citysearch

You might miss it driving on Elston, but this spot is cozy with a friendly wait- and bar staff. Wednesday nights are particularly great if you love listening to hip hop (with a drummer who adds his own backbeat to all of the dj's music). It does get a little crowded, leading to sometimes slow service, but every time I've been here, the waitresses have always been friendly and attentive, and the bartenders are always on top of their game as well. The food is delicious regardless of what you order, and the mixed drinks are tasty as well.

• Pros: Good food, good music, friendly wait staff, parking on street
• Cons: Small, can get crowded

10/05/05

This discreet corner nook packs its limited seating for Argentinean-style tapas and cocktails.

by Fred Schlatter at Citysearch

The Scene
Alone on this stretch of Elston, you might drive by the nondescript brick facade if it weren't for the hanging solitary letter "ñ." The corner entrance reveals a dim, angled room softened by tea lights and a luminescent bar. Exposed brick and bare hardwood evoke a cantina feel where a young, local crowd arrives for a late bite.

The Food
The limited menu is divided by tapas, grilled items and sandwiches--all served with pungent chimichurri. Arriving on little plates in gulpable portions, richly flavored tapas like crispy empanadas with steaming spinach or beef fillings stand out, as does the dense tortilla--an Argentinean style frittata. Vaccio is one of two simply grilled items, and is pure beef satisfaction. Sandwiches are hearty and satisfying; the Lomito packs grilled fillet, avocado, cheese and mayo on an open roll and is served with well-seasoned fries.