1818 NW 23rd Place, 503-894-8904, ataulapdx.com. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Ataula is a Spanish adventure in our own backyard. On any given night, you'll see raucous groups of all ages stopping in for Spanish and Pacific Northwest-inspired small plates crafted by Jose Chesa, third-generation Spanish chef with Michelin-starred experience. The xupa-xup ($3)—a chorizo stuffed morsel of goat cheese and membrillo served on a wooden stick—is an instant favorite. $-$$.