Tia Pol

This tiny Chelsea tapas joint is smaller than a lot of suburban closets, but an absolutely fantastic value. With intimate two-tops packed into a narrow hallway with a few booths cut out into the walls, the scene can be a bit claustrophobic and noisy, but the upside is that that if things get a little too raucous, no one may notice.

The patatas bravas, a staple tapas dish, and, for me, a control test making for easy comparisons from one tapas haunt to another lived up to crispy expectations. The selection of croquettes changes daily and who doesn’t like fried balls of potatoes and meat? I can’t even begin to describe the sherry chorizo. The closest thing I can think of is having sex with Pamela Anderson. Your bottomside may burn for a few days afterward, but it was still worth the few ephemeral moments of pleasure.

The wine list draws heavily from Spanish and South American varietals and is uniquely affordable in the city of sky’s the limit bottle prices.

Tia Pol is worth a flier for a first date and could easily become a weeknight staple for locals who want a solid Spanish meal without spending a lot of pesetas.

LOCATION: 10th Ave. bet. 22/23

COST: $30 per person

WINNERS: patatas bravas, wine list

LOSERS: small space, noisy