The garbanzo stew with spinach and Spanish paprika ($6) was also lovely. While it is vegetarian, the consistency of the stew is dense, meaty and fulfilling.

Even though some of the dishes weren’t suited to my particular palate, I loved El Quinto Pino. It’s just what we need: a comfortable bar to grab a quick snack and drink, pre-dinner, post-dinner or as dinner. When eating out, I prefer dining at the bar of a restaurant and tend to order several appetizers over entrées anyway, so El Quinto Pino suits me well. El Quinto Pino has the right formula for a successful restaurant, the menu, space, atmosphere and concept are well planned and executed. So even if there’s only a short list of items to try, or if it’s standing-room only at this busy bar, it’s cozy and memorable, and will make you want to become a regular. Now, if only there was one in my neighborhood.