Three Stars for Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline

The Globe's James Reed finds Brookline's Barcelona Wine Bar to be surprisingly memorable - surprising because it's a tapas chain based out of Connecticut - and awards it a solid three stars out of four. Some of the points of praise: the tapas are "inspired," "reasonably priced," and locally sourced, and the service is "impeccable." He notes a few corporate touches, like comment cards at the end of the meal, and finds portion sizes a bit uneven. And salt "is an issue" that the manager says he's heard about before, apologizing by comping Reed's paella. Overall, Barcelona Wine Bar is "a top-notch addition to the neighborhood." [BG]

For BU Today, student Erin Thibeau ventures to "the juncture of Boston's South End, Back Bay, and Roxbury neighborhoods" to check out the food and music at Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, declaring right off the bat that it's "the epitome of cool." From the good view from the bar seats to the "excellent Jill Scott covers and sax solos" by the live band, Thibeau has only good things to say about the lively ambiance. She enjoys the large portions of "high-end Southern comfort food," particularly recommending the shrimp and grits, which are "crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside." [BU Today]

Danielle Jenkins checks out the "lunchroom grub" with "gourmet flair" at Cafeteria on Newbury St. for The Tufts Daily, finding it to be a "great mixture of comfort food, traditional concoctions and unexpected twists." She notes that the restaurant's "sustainable commitments" are mentioned "subtly" on the menu, but they're "not at all a hindrance to a customer's options." Appetizing praise for the egg sandwiches on the brunch menu: "The freshly made buns on which they are served are fluffy and perfectly toasted, allowing the cheese to melt flawlessly onto the bun before it seals the eggs onto the sandwich. " [Tufts Daily]

Boston's Hidden Restaurants goes a few blocks beyond Inman Square to find Atwood's Tavern, a gastropub and music club reminiscent of "Deep Ellum in Allston, The Local in West Newton, Highland Kitchen in Somerville, The Publick House in Brookline, and the Fat Cat in Quincy." Solid food options include "an incredibly rich-tasting grass-fed burger" and "an open-faced wild boar bratwurst." The desserts, like the "outrageously rich Taza chocolate pudding," are "not for the faint of heart." Overall, the "comfy little watering hole" is "a fun spot that food, beer, and music lovers" should try. [HiddenBoston]