Miami - August 22, 2008

Basque in the Glory

Cafe Barcelona Opens

Good things come in small packages. Sadly, South Beach never got the memo.

Between the colossal clubs and the mega restaurants, there’s no neighborhood spot to just hang out.

Unless you count Cafe Barcelona, the tapas lounge that just opened on Espanola Way.

The tiny Spanish joint serves a variety of pinchos (bread with toppings). The little apps come in pairs and are all less than $6. Standouts include Spanish Iberico ham with garlic and tomato, eggplant topped with goat cheese and red peppers, and pork with caramelized apples.

Pull up a seat at the snug bar for some Spanish wine or a cocktail prepared with fresh-squeezed juice. The charm lies in the Spanish-tiled walls, Basque art collages, and exposed silver-foil air ducts — all of which give it a hidden gem vibe.

Turns out, size does matter.

Cafe Barcelona, 440 Espanola Way, Miami Beach (305-538-8272 or cafebarcelonamiami.com).