Tapas Teatro $$

1711 N. Charles St., 410/332-0110,
www.tapasteatro.com [1]

HOURS: Tues.–Fri. 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sat.–Sun. 4 p.m.–2 a.m.

COST: Most entrées between $10–20

Once, the only reason to come to this stretch of Charles Street, just north of Pennsylvania Station, was to see a movie at the Charles Theatre [2] or maybe grab a cocktail at the Club Charles [3] across the street. But Tapas Teatro has become another social anchor here, drawing hungry and thirsty crowds, especially during the warmer seasons for their expansive outdoor dining section and bar.

It’s a great place to stop before or after catching a film at the Charles, or to go just to eat. The plates are generally of Spanish and Mediterranean origin, and while quite good, dining at Tapas Teatro is about more than the food: It’s about the scene.