Let me start this off by saying I'm a VERY cheap eater. I'm definitely the kind of person that would rather sit on the curb next to a taco truck stuffing myself with a $6 burrito than go to a fancy restaurant (the kind of place where you don't where cargo shorts) where there's more empty space on my plate than food. That being said, of all the more expensive places to eat around town, Radio Maria takes the cake for me. First off, the restaurant has a GREAT atmosphere. The setting/lighting is damn near perfect and they have great outside seating if the weather is nice. There's weird kitschy crap all over the walls and table too, which I mean as compliment. On top of that I've never had anything but a pleasant experience dealing with the staff. All the waiters/waitresses and hosts were extremely friendly and conversational.
But really though, how's the food?
Well, it's also great. Every time I look at the menu (for tapas especially) it's a lot of fun. For those who don't know there are two menus regularly available here, one that is a more traditional appetizer/entree menu and on that is for tapas dishes. There's good variety in terms of vegetarian and non-veggie dishes and the prices aren't outrageous for a place of this caliber. The paella is a definite must every time I go and on one day of the week (Tuesday?) they have 1/2 off wine bottles! Speaking of booze they have a full bar and a great selection of wines and beers as well as house infused liquors rotating every week or so which is really neat. While cocktails are always the thing to break the bank sometimes I just can't resist! All in all this is a great restaurant and one of my favorite CU establishments. I certainly won't be dining there very often but on a special occasion they're always high up on my list of options.
P.S. I've heard from a number of sources that their weekend brunch is both delicious and slightly more affordable than their regular weekday selections. If/when I verify this I'll make sure to update my review.