photo: courtesy of Clifton Henri

Cafe Bolero serves up authentic Cuban food in a sophisticated atmosphere that will impress your sweetheart...without breaking your bank account. Try for a seat in the back room, which houses the bar and is almost entirely lit by candles. (The front room is nice, too, but not quite as romantic, as Bolero's chefs work at a visible grill located just behind the bar.) The decor, wallpaper made from old Cuban newspapers, painted brick and other original artwork, is charming and the food is downright incredible.

Start with the chicken empanadillas, and if you're really hungry, try the pork chops, which come with rice, black beans and mouth-watering fried plantains, or hunker down for a long evening over paella for two. If you're not in the mood for an "entree," do sandwiches for dinner. These $5-$6.50 meat fests range from the Cuban (ham, roasted pork and cheese on French bread) to the ropa vieja (flank steak beef in tomato sauce). The mojito at Bolero, perfect for taming jitters, is not to be missed. Live music some nights, and outdoor seating under the can't-miss-it neon sign on summer evenings.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Kuenn