5 to Try: Tapas in Boston

999 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 (map)

Who needs a flight to Madrid or Barcelona when you can get the sunny warmth of Spain right in Brookline? The casual atmosphere of the open kitchen soon convinces you to stay put, especially over little platters of quail with almond, hazelnut and cocoa sauce, or scrambled free-range eggs with green garlic shoots and shrimp. Mark your calendars: The summer patio is a much-anticipated seasonal delight.

700 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

You'll feel like you?re slipping through time at this art deco, vintage '30s styled, small-bites boudoir. Old, genuine photographs of Spain (some snapshots of co-owner Julio de Haro) dot the bar. Over glasses of extraordinarily chosen wines, nibble on addictive fried chickpeas, house-made Basque sausage or paper-thin shards of jamon Iberico sliced by hand from the imposing butchered leg in view.

1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

The. Grilled. Corn. It strikes the hearts of anyone who tries the house specialty: Ears slathered with bright, garlicky aioli and coated with crumbly aged cotija cheese. But there's much, much more in which to indulge at Ken Oringer's modern tapas bar. Under the offal-magic of chef Jamie Bissonnette, the extensive menu crawls from seared foie gras to ceviche, with exquisite cocktails and wines at the often exuberant bar.

266 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Primed right on Newbury, Tapeo is a wonderful, centrally located refuge for carousing over sherry and a rich, eggy slice of tortilla espanola. Cavernous dining areas are great for large groups and, in warmer months, a lively crowd gathers on the in-demand sidewalk patio. Homey elegance and an endless menu keep you comfortably wanting to stay awhile.

415 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

While we have no proof that tapas are certified aphrodisiacs, we can?t question the power of the sumptuously romantic atmosphere at Dali. Make bedroom eyes (or new friends) over aromatic paella or creamy flan, your cheeks finding themselves rosier in the glow of candles and pourings of sangria. There?s nary a better reason to trek to the dividing line between Cambridge and Somerville.