Unlike bicycles, apartments, and guard dogs, having many small plates can be just as effective as one big one. Sample the delights of small portions with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of small plates and drinks at Tapas Barcelona in Evanston.

Owner Giovanni's menu of Sevilla-influenced Spanish classics takes tongue-tourists through the full spectrum of Iberian eats. The datiles con tocino wraps baked dates in bacon and comes drizzled in a bell-pepper sauce ($5.50). The catalana paella ($16.95) is sure to satisfy ichthyology aficionados with a symphony of sea-borne fare, while the tortilla gets rave reviews as a Spanish-style omelette with its savory combo of eggs, potatoes, and onions ($3.95). An extensive drink menu—including wines, beers, and cordials—ensures that thirsts of every stripe can overcome the sober solemnity of work, stress, and the endless demands of goldfish rearing. Reservations are required, so elbow out eating competition by calling ahead.

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Reviews

Tapas Barcelona was featured in Time Out Chicago. Zagat rated the food very good to excellent, and more than 150 Yelpers give the restaurant a four-star average. Eighty-four percent of more than 190 Urbanspooners recommend it.

• “Delicious” tapas lure an “amiable crowd” of “families, couples and Northwestern students” to this “casual” Evanston Spaniard that has been a “favorite” “for years” and delivers “super value” – Zagat
• The Spanish tortilla? It's great, the oniony egg-and-potato wedge tender but not mushy. The pincho de pollo, juicy chunks of chicken on a skewer? Very nice, especially when slathered with cumin mayo. – Time Out Chicago