Getting a reservation at Mabel’s Gone Fishing is like trying to squeeze into a hot yoga class around here at peak hours—it’s basically impossible, even if you’re just trying to get a seat at the bar. The menu leans heavily on Iberian Peninsula-inspired seafood dishes and snacks, which are great for sharing a few bites or a full meal. You could pair your Spanish gin and tonic with a platter of Baja oysters and a side of chorizo and bread and stop there, but you should keep going and add a whole, delicately fried fish with smashed potatoes, and a plate of clams in ham broth.

Mabel’s works for date night or hanging with a few friends, and you’ll keep company with a mostly local crowd and some mermaid sculpture friends at the bar. The service is always attentive, even during the weekend crush. Afterwards, head a few blocks down to catch some live music at The Observatory.