Sometimes you want a restaurant that has a giant table, booze by the pitcher and lots of dishes to nibble on. In other words, a group-worthy spot (and even better if it has a back patio). Arco de Cuchilleros fits the bill, alfresco seating and all.

I'm accustomed to delicate, chi-chi, foodie tapas spots, and Arco definitely struck me as a little more basic. Still, the tapas (a bit on the pricier side at $5.75-$9.25) were tasty and rich; mayo and cream sauces seem to be two constants in the ingredient pool. We raved over the indulgent bacon-wrapped dates in brandy cream sauce and slowly worked our way through two soups: a creamy, cold gazpacho and the delightful sopa de ajo, a broth packed with bread, huge garlic slices and a poached egg.

And while we loved the flavorful peas in the plato vegetariano de la casa, the fresh veggies surrounding it were simply steamed and none too exciting. What was more exciting, however, was Arco's fit-the-bill attributes: about 40 tapas to choose from, a giant table (occupied by a group that looked plenty happy) and $14.50 pitchers of sangria.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Schwartz