BOCA

Boca is a great Soho spot for tapas and wine. The sophisticated interior features leather chairs and velvet banquettes. There are sexy chainmail curtains, dark wood styling and a shiny black bar. The interior is dramatic yet neutral and soothing. Even after many years, the design still feels current.

Boca attracts a crowd of urbanites and hipsters of all ages and sizes. Boca is an all around chic place to have cocktail, chat or snack amongst friends. It's a great people watching spot, especially if you have the front-row seats which face Elgin street. Boca is not, however, a pick-up joint. people are somewhat stuck to their tables, so socializing with people other than the ones you came in with isn't that easy. However, the tables are pretty close together therefore conversations between tables do sometimes spark.

The wine list is decent but the tapas are even better. It's a great place to come when you're not that hungry but you want to munch on something to buffer the booze. They have meatballs, chicken skewers, lamb skewers, potato croquettes with cheese, deep-fried sweet potato latkes, garlic mushrooms, bowls of olives and much more. There's something for everyone, but the snacks tend to be somewhat heavy. Generally speaking, Boca is a top pick for starting off the night and it still remains one of the most popular places in SOHO.