When we walked into Dagabi Cucina’s warm, modest space in North Boulder, it felt like we were being admitted to a secret club—a club that happens to serve fantastic Mediterranean food.

I’d been hearing about Dagabi from friends for weeks, and my sister and I’d come for the happy hour, served nightly from 5 to 6:30 p.m. But after getting lost on the way, we were too late—or so we thought. Our waiter, perhaps sensing our disappointment, let us in on a secret: On Tuesday (when we happened to be there), happy hour is served all night long. Tapas Tuesday. We were sold.

5280 May 2012
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Dagabi’s menu features more than 30 Spanish-inspired tapas between $3 and $7. For small plates, however, these dishes aren’t all that small. Four of them—and a few glasses of deliciously fruity house-made sangría—were just enough for the two of us.

The chicken croquetas, an ever-changing special that came mixed with Serrano ham, were just the right texture, with a delicate crispy crust and pesto aïoli for dipping. The button mushrooms were sautéed and served with organic feta cheese and honey balsamic glaze. Rich and satisfying, they converted me, someone who usually just tolerates mushrooms, into a fanatic.

As we dined, I looked up and met the eyes of someone walking in the front door. Congratulations, I thought. Welcome to the club. 3970 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303-786-9004, dagabicucina.com