 Despite the small-plates invasion that makes communal dining---yawn---an often-predictable experience, we have a soft spot for this little gem, even if it’s not crazy-authentic. Named after the Spanish word for “sugar,” the orange-toned tapas bar is small---really, really small---but it packs a punch. Red or white sangría starts things off right, but it’s nothing compared to garlicky, butter-bathed, paprika-spiked grilled shrimp, the empanadas with fiery sauce, and the mushroom-leek tart topped with a poached egg. Oh, and the almond-stuffed dates with mint pesto and honey-mascarpone, too. Slices of plantain with savory, garlic-infused beef are memorable, and it’s hard to go wrong with the prototypical (but well executed and super-crisp) patatas bravas, although we find the accompanying paprika sauce needs oomph. For dessert, snag the donuts with warm chocolate for dipping. On Wednesdays, bottles of wine are half-price.
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Azucar Restaurant is one of our 2012
| Top 10 Chicago Small Plates Restaurants
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