Toro, toro!

For some, it’s because of the recession. Others (such as graduate students and artists) must mind their spending regardless of the stock market. Either way, everyone is on a look out for the bargain these days.

This can be particularly difficult in the way of dining. Sure, you can find cheap eats a lot of places in the city, but where to turn when your inner foodie can’t stand another morsel of sub-par Mexican food or PB&J?

I head to Ken Oringer’s Toro. There, you can nibble on Spanish tapas, sip great wine, and enjoy the voguish atmosphere – all without blowing the month’s food budget.

Toro is located on Washington Street in the South End, a neighborhood known for its eclectic and outstanding restaurants. Dimly lit and usually jam-packed, Toro is easily one of the best. The cuisine is innovative, delicious, and affordable - pinchos and tapas range from just $4-$15. There is a lot to choose from, so here are a few of my favorites:

Datiles con Jamon Medjool: dates stuffed with Marcona almonds and Cabrales blue cheese, wrapped in Serrano ham ($6)

Atun Pincho: tuna tartare with coconut milk and lime ($7)

Maíz Asado con Aioli y Queso Cotija: grilled corn with aioli, lime, espelette pepper and aged cheese ($6)

Bistec de Faldilla a la Plancha: grilled hanger steak with Cabrales butter and red onion marmalade ($12)

Honestly, I have fantasies about the corn and the steak on a regular basis. More adventurous eaters might go for the beef heart ($5) or the Erizos en Suquet – a Catalan stew featuring sea urchin ($13). The desserts, however, are underwhelming.

Wines by the glass range from $5-$12, served true Spanish-style in a rocks glass. And the better part is that the $5 garnacha is actually good.

Toro Tidbits:

• Of the two unisex bathrooms, try to use the first one, which features a really great rendering of a modern-day Frida Kahlo holding a 40 of Olde English and with Diego tattooed on her neck.

• For all of the culinary fabulousness, the service is pretty basic. Don’t expect to be fawned over.

• Toro doesn’t take reservations, so after 7 on a Friday or Saturday night (especially for larger groups), be prepared for a pretty long wait. In the meantime, try The Gypsy (Plymouth gin, yellow Chartruese, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, lime).

• The first Thursday of each month is Industry Night. After 10pm, the kitchen sends around platters of free snacks and the bar offers either tall boys or 40s for a couple of bucks.