Remember what your mother taught you, be nice and share. At Emilio's Tapas, there is no other way. Each rich, colorful dish has a little more than enough food for two. No fighting, kids, you are supposed to order more than one! You'll find tables of every shape and size heaped with sharing plates, making it easy for all the young professionals who frequent Emilio's to grab a fork and make a friend.

If you weren't surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Clark Street, you might think you were dining just off a cobblestoned path in Barcelona. Swirled with images of lizards, the mosaic walls look like Antoni Gaudi laid the tile himself. Shelves display Mediterranean blue and fiery red artisan pitchers, perhaps subliminally whetting patrons' appetites for Sangria!

Barcelona knows how to party, a fact that's evident in Emilio's extensive drink menu. Try the dry Spanish champagne, Cava, or pair your dinner munchies with sherry, a tapas tradition. The vast selection of Spanish wines ranges in price from $20 to more than $100. Soak up some of that booze with the petite slices of bread, served at every table with parmesan and balsamic-infused olive oil.

Only fresh ingredients, like grilled papaya, pass on these plates. There are nearly 50 tapas to choose from, ranging from $4.95 to $24.95 for an entree-size dish. Want a true European experience? Paella costs less than $20 per person, but takes 30 minutes to prepare. Or be bold and try Caracoles Emilio ($5.95–under Especialidades), four savory garlic muffins with one plump escargot in each.

Hit up Emilio's on a Monday night, when bottles of wine are half-price. Or, instead of hosting another boring bash, spruce it up with Emilio’s Party Platters To Go, tapas by the pound or the dozen!

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Pasha Carroll