Bullfighting, a spectacle now synonymous with Spain's famed corridas, originated in ancient Rome's Circus Maximus. So it's pretty fitting that halfway around the world, sandwiched among a trove of decades-old, family-run pasta havens in the Heart of Italy neighborhood, you’ll find one of Chicago’s liveliest tapas bars.

Named after the capital of Spain's Rioja wine region (it's also owner Javier's last name), its interior showcases an arched wooden bar cantilevered over the dining area and a built-in wooden cubby that holds glinting green bottles of Spanish red wines. Silver ducts, exposed brick and maple furniture complement the bustling restaurant's rustic, yet modern, Spanish-bodega feel.

The menu features well-crafted tapas, including standards like croquetas, jamon Serrano and patatas bravas. What sets Haro apart, though, is that it offers a hard-to-find selection of Basque-style pintxos, crusty mini-bread rounds topped with an array of ingredients from white asparagus to smoked salmon. Prices range from $2-$10.

On many nights, Flamenco dancing or Spanish performers entertain the room, and regular wine tastings let you perfect your palate.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant