We had such a great experience going out as a group of seven coworkers. Our waiter introduced us to the menu, how tapas and family sharing type meal works, and provided suggestions on how many small plates she recommend per person. We started off with them some delicious sangrias and selected a few bread items to start. We were not pressured to order all of the dishes at once and she just told us to take it easy and order how much ever we need at any given time. It was such a relaxed atmosphere where we got to try 9 or 10 different dishes and we also got their amazing paella to share. The interior decoration and lighting are quite unique and perfectly matches with the food and service at this establishment. read more

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Pretty good. Stuffed mushrooms had a cheese sauce and tbh I expected more cheese but they were good. The service was great, quick and attentive. The rhubarb cheese bite was INCREDIBLE. By far our favorites. Disappointed by the tortilla. Felt slightly overcooked and didn't have that warm subtle spice I expected. Was more like eggs with potatoes I would make for breakfast... Tomato and goat cheese is the best garlic bread I ever had. read more

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Beautiful place! Deceptively large and so lovely. It was an excellent place to meet up with some friends. We started with the sangria flight to share which was so fun to try and all so good. Next we got the bacon wrapped figs, the carpaccio, the patatas bravas, the beef empanadas, and the artichoke salad. Of them all, the patatas bravas stole the show. We ended up ordering another round! I think if we went back we would explore more of the menu but would start with two patatas bravas again! read more

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Delicious tapas, lively atmosphere and attentive servers. Especially loved the piquillo peppers stuffed with smoky chorizo, the chorizo wrapped dates and the tenderloin with blue cheese. read more

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The ambiance was really cute. I think the biggest hurdle was being able to hear people at the same table as me. It was VERY loud... which I do not like. And that's the reason it's not getting 5 stars. Our server was fantastic and super friendly and helpful. And the food was really good, especially the bacon wrapped dates! We also got sangrias that were very tasty! We went with my friend who has Celiacs and they had decent options for anyone needing gluten free options! read more

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I have heard about this place since college, but I never stopped in until recently. The inside is huge, which I did not expect from the street view. The service was great. They were very attentive and came to check on us frequently. For the food, we tried a variety of items. The pork ribs were one of my favorite dishes. I don't know what kind of sauce they used, but it was delicious. The ribs were so tender as well. They were falling off the bone. The patatas bravas and calamari were delicious as well. The mushrooms and the meatballs were not seasoned very well, but when you add salt, they tasted fine. The garlic shrimp is a must have if you are a garlic lover. It was sensational. The Iberico croquettes and the presa were sooo good. I really enjoyed those a lot. I also tried the white peach and passion fruit sangria. They were great choices as well. read more

This place is always a great time! I usually go for just small plates and appetizers but this time, we decided to get the vegetable paella. The paella was good but it lacked some additional flavor/spice. Not bad at all however. The patatas bravas and goat cheese were as delicious as always. The restaurant was still very lively when we got there even though it was around 10pm. The service was good and quick. I'll keep going back to this place forever. If you haven't tried it, let this be your sign to go (or go to their River North location called Lil-Ba-Ba-Reeba)! read more

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We had the most amazing experience hosting my sister's bridal shower at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! Everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish, and we could not have asked for a better place to celebrate such a special occasion. The food was incredible...multiple guests came up to me during the event to tell me how amazing everything tasted. The drinks were just as impressive, especially the sangria. Every detail helped make the eveing feel so special. A huge thank you to our servers, Catherine and Marcos, who were absolutely wonderful. They were attentive, kind, and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed (and somehow my drink was never empty)! Most importantly, my sister was so happy with how everything turned out. Thank you to the entire Café Ba-Ba-Reeba team for helping us create such a beautiful celebration. We will absolutely keep Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! in mind for future events! read more

Although I have been to Lil Ba-Ba-Reeba before here, I came to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! for the first time recently for my friend's birthday, and thoroughly enjoyed my experience and recommend it to all. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is a must-visit gem in the heart of Chicago for anyone who loves authentic Spanish tapas. From the moment you step in, you're greeted by the warm ambiance, lively energy, and attentive staff. Food wise, they offer small plates that are perfect for sharing, and there are tons of options on the menu that are great for anyone. Two dishes that I personally ordered were the Spinach and Manchego Stuffed Mushrooms ($10.95) and the Brunch Patatas Bravas ($10.95). The stuffed mushrooms were perfection and I was so tempted to buy another round of these because I devoured them so quickly. As for the brunch patatas bravas, the crispy potatoes perfectly paired with the taste of the smoky tomato aioli. Drink wise, I can't forget to mention the Bloody Mary. It was perfectly spiced, with just the right kick, it was the ultimate complement to my brunch. Overall, I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu! My friends and I had a great experience and I highly recommend trying if you haven't already. read more

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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Might be my favorite restaurant in town. Every single time I come here the food is outstanding. This time I came for happy hour, and have to say that my experience was phenomenal. The service is fantastic and the vibes inside are great. If you are looking for authentic spanish food, this is the place to come to. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Tapas - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'll start off by saying that being a tapas bar, the bill can definitely add up quickly (especially if you come hungry). With that in mind, I did find all of the food that we had to be so tasty and such an amazing combination of different flavors! My three favorite items of the night were the stuffed mushrooms, the grilled ibérico pork presa, and the basque cheesecake. The pork tasted like a steak and was cooked perfectly! The red chimichurri sauce on it was incredible. The mushroom filling was amazing and I would have ordered a full plate of mushrooms just for myself! The basque cheesecake had a citrusy flavor to it that was so good. We also shared a red sangria pitcher between 4 people, which gave us about 1.5 glasses each (definitely good bang for your buck). The restaurant is huge with lots of seating but definitely recommend a reservation, as it was packed on a weekend night! Since it was so busy, a few dishes did take a little longer to come out, but since it's tapas style, we usually had another dish to keep us busy while we waited. Overall, I would definitely return with friends for another fun and delicious dinner! read more

I have been a customer for years , went back recently for a belated birthday dinner for myself, and it was absolutely delicious. The mango sangria that was on special that night and it was perfect, everything was spectacular, and the same trendy vibe that cafe ba-ba Reeba has been bringing for years was in full effect. The service was on point as well. We ordered too much tapas to list all of it, but everything was so delicious. Dessert was extraordinary as well. This restaurant in Lincoln park has been killing it for over 20 years ! read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Mango sangria - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I recommend - Seafood paella. I shared this with three people and was still so full. They have a good amount of seafood and crisp in each bite - Patatas bravas is my go to. Love their aioli I also tried the garlic shrimp and it was good. Smaller portion than expected. Happy hour is a great deal. If you're coming with more than 2 people, I would recommend ordering more portions of the happy hour items so there's enough for everyone. We got lucky that a table opened up in the bar section for me and my three friends. You can't go wrong with the red or white peach sangria pitcher. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeva is always a solid choice. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Patatas Bravas, Garlic Shrimp, - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Huge restaurant great for groups! The sangria here is great & reasonably priced at $40 a pitcher with fun seasonal flavors. The bacon wrapped dates, hamachi crudo, and ribs were my favorite things on the menu! I wish they gave olives in a smaller portion but were delish! Loved the table side mixing and serving of the paella but would want more socarrat. Overall great spot read more

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Great food and the service level help keep the entire team happy. I would suggest a visit here to anyone looking for a fun place yo take a group and enjoy one another's company. We ordered an array of different items and everyone was happy with the flavors and presentation. read more

Really nice tapas restaurant! Came here for a work function and it was great! Beautiful interior, plenty of street parking, lots of seating space. We ordered various dishes - paellas, empanadas, shrimp, dates, tomatoes, and much more. All of the food was fantastic and didn't take very long to prep. Our servers were also pretty quick and attentive, something went smoothly. Overall, 5/5 and would come back again! read more

It has been years since I have been to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeeba, probably before COVID hit. Although one of the Lettuce Entertain You entities, for what they do as far as food is pretty good. The Doctor and I were invited to attend a lunch for a friend of ours who passed away. She was not a religious woman and since this was one of her favorite places, her sister decided to hold fellowship here over tapas. The menu consisted of some of Margaret's favorite dishes (see photo of menu), so it was lovely to try them. Because we were in a private dining area, we had two servers, who were lovely. There was an open bar concept, with the servers pouring wine, bubbles, mimosas, beers and sangria. The various tapas dishes that were served were done so family style. There was plenty of food to go around. I had never had the Shaved brussels sprouts salad (marcona almonds, manchego cheese). That was actually pretty good as I was not sure what to expect. It was akin to a cole slaw without the dressing, but it was good nonetheless. The Spanish meatballs "al jerez" in sherry tomato sauce were also very good as was the baked goat cheese. I thought the meatballs paired well with the goat cheese. I kept make a combo of the goat cheese and meatball on the garlic bread as new tapas for me. The other dishes were nice as well. The only one I didn't now try was the garlic shrimp as I could see the big pieces of garlic in it....nope nope nope. I love garlic but it don't love me back, so the only thing I can say about them is that the multiple dishes on our table with the shrimp were left with only the lemon slices in them. Several people got up to say a few words about Margaret, with a few stating that she would have loved this lunch idea. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! did Margaret proud. One would not expect to have a good time on a Saturday afternoon at a memorial lunch, but it was a good time with good food and service from our servers. read more

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My family has raved about Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for forever but I've never been until restaurant week. It lived up to the hype. We went for dinner on a Friday night and it was packed (as to be expected). As a result, we had to sit in the bar seating by the window. It was extremely high off the ground and awkward to sit sideways but at least you have a private table. Our waiter was Andrew and he was such a delight. We split the cana de cabra cheese crostini, stuffed piquillo pepper (this has red meat in it), deviled egg, patatas bravas, baked goat cheese, garlic shrimp, hanger steak, seasonal sorbet, and the marcona almond caramel bar. Our favorite was the deviled egg but everything was worth ingesting. I saw a sign in the restroom that the pinxtos are $1.50 for happy hour. Best believe I'll be returning for that. You can find parking on the side streets. Definitely recommend making a reservation for this spot instead of just walking in but the bar is also a vibe. read more

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This vibrant atmosphere delivers for Chicago restaurant week. While the food is amazing, be prepared for a true tapas form of dining. We were slightly disappointed that the timing of our courses was staggered, leaving my husband to get his dish significantly before mine when we were not sharing. Waitress was also absent, so we couldn't check in to see if this was intended. Food reviews: Sherry Old Fashioned--I actually liked more than sangria! Interesting flavor profile, but packs a flavorful punch Chorizo wrapped date--order it, no questions asked. Perfect creamy, sweet and savory combo Stuffed Piquillo pepper--goat cheese ratio was very high took over the bite Patatas bravas--perfect cook and delicious rich sauce Brussels sprouts salad--compared to potatoes, wouldn't order again. Raw presentation was missing flavor and marcona almond dominated Seared Scallops--different flavor combo with the butternut squash and apple but loved it with the sweetness of the seafood Grilled Iberico pork steak--meat was slightly chewy, but beans served under it were wonderful Seasonal flan--yum. Perfect end read more

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We came to Ba-Ba-Reeba as a continuation of celebrating my birthday weekend. First of all, what a spot. Great for big groups and couples alike. They have a lot of seating options, from the terrace to the more private back room spaces. We ended up being seated in the terrace room which was big and airy and filled up quickly with diners as the night progressed. For dinner, my better half and I shared the chicken paella. If you're going as a couple, the paella is plenty of food for two with no need for appetizers. We went back and forth with trying to decide whether to order a sangria pitcher or the flight. Finally settled on the flight, and I was so glad that I got to try most of the flavors offered. Our favorite ended up being the white peach. The red sangria seemed to us a bit on the drier side. We were too full for dessert, so will have a reason to come back and try those next time. Special shout out to our waiter Alex who took special care of us and juggled so many tables tonight. You were a true marvel to watch!! read more

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I wish I could give this more than five stars. This is better than some of the paella I had in Spain the tapas selection was impressive, I just wish I was hungrier so I could've eaten more. Many of the servers speak Spanish and will serve you in Spanish. There's also just so much seating here, but I would recommend calling to make a reservation to be safe since it's so appropriately popular. I came here around winter time and so the Christmas decorations just made the place even more magical. read more

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Where do I begin? I have been going here off and on for 25 plus years. What happened ??!!! First sign should have been all the parking on Halsted. I think the usuals have found a new spot or two to dine. First ...so loud you couldn't hear person next to you. Next...the free bread & oil that was once a staple...now $12 on the menu. One small empanada was $10. HALF a deviled egg...$3. Half. I get a mark up but that is crazy. The only thing good that I have to say about last night's dinner was the sangria was delicious & pitcher was still comparable to other restaurants in size and price. (For now...seasonal Mango pitcher was $43...we passed). Last nite it was decided we would only go back for happy hour (which you have to stay at bar area) because it is just not worth it anymore. Very disappointed after so many years & so many memories there ‍ read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Delicious tapas. The vibes are lovely. Definitely need a reservation. My party of 4 started with the red sangria pitcher which was delicious. We were told to budget about 2-3 plates per person as tapas is small sharing style. We ended up ordering over the course of the meal: house marinated Spanish olives, patatas bravas, pressed "bikini' sandwiches, ham croquetas, roasted dates wrapped in bacon. All the food was delicious and we definitely left full. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - inside patio - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ambiance was fun, service was just okay. Food was delicious but a little pricey, $4 for a deviled egg is.. a lot.

Paella and patatas were worth the hype! I'd also recommend the goat cheese app. I did feel like the busboys were a little over-zealous with trying to clear our plates while still eating, but I'll always take over attentive over under attentive. Such a cute space and always packed in a way that makes it feel cozy. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Fried Calamari - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not as good as it used to be. Positives wine was good. We had a glass or rueda and a rose. The stuffed mushrooms were tasty. Garlic potato salad needed more garlic but was good. We had the stuffed pepper on crostini and we enjoyed that. The bacon rolled dates were ok and served on apple infused oil? Took forever to get our goat cheese and tomato puree with garlic bread. Even after waitress asked again for it. And garlic bread uneven and cold. As always ambiance is great. But we won't be back. read more

I just had the most magical experience at Café Ba-ba-reeba. Our server, Nick, for happy hour, could not have been more accommodating. We truly felt at home. The food was also good. read more

The restaurant is significantly larger inside than what you'd expect looking from the front. Great for date night or large groups but make a reservation far in advance. The suggested portion is 2-3 tapas per person but it's hard to determine how big each tapa is for sharing without seeing photos. Portion sizes are not all equal per each tapa but most are heavy and flavorful. What's really nice though is that there are sangria flights and plenty of nonalcoholic drink options. FYI--At the end everyone can pay individually for their items as obtain lettuce entertain you rewards. read more

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When the subject of best happy hour in Chicago comes up, Ba-Ba-Reeba is always my reply. The value for sangria, beer and wine is good, but the tapas specials are very good for those seeking to enjoy a cozy space and yummy nibbles. I have also been here for a full dinner and enjoyed the awesome mix of flavors and a great menu teeming with tasty choices. Servers are always attentive, even when busy. Hosts are welcoming. Keep in mind, happy hour is only for the bar area. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super cute inside, I love how it is decorated for Christmas! Service was crazy fast! Our food was brought out 2 minutes after we ordered! We came for happy hour, I think this is one of the best happy hours in the city. We had a pitcher of red sangria to start. This is so good, not too strong, very flavorful! We got the Spanish meatballs, patatas bravas, crystal bread and the roasted dates wrapped in bacon. Everything was such a deal. My favorite by far was the patatas bravas. They are seasoned so well and crispy and have a spicy sauce, it's so good! I'll be here again and again. You can't beat the happy hours deal! read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Roasted Dates Wrapped in Bacon Patatas Bravas classic red sangria - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba never disappoints. It's one of the best, most affordable restaurants I've ever been too!!! It's a fun vibe inside & is always packed, so definitely make a reservation. My favorite thing on the menu is the brussels sprouts salad. The pressed bikini sandwiches are also amazing, but you really can't go wrong with ordering from here!! All the plates are medium sized, so I recommend ordering a few and sharing with the table. read more

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Small plates with many choices. Gluten free friendly. Atmosphere is warm and cozy. Would definitely go back.

Another great experience at Cafe Baba Reeba. We went in for a quick bite and the tapas did not disappoint. I loved the Spanish tortilla and the patatas bravas, definitely took me back to Spain. The smell of saffron throughout the restaurant also adds to the nice ambiance. The sangria options are great, very tasty and lots of fresh fruit. read more

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This has to be an absolute must try!!! The interiors transport you straight to Spain. It's a chic tapas place at Linking park area. That had both indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant is beautiful inside. We got the sangria flight, I got lamb chops and shrimp, my husband got the fried chicken and we each got one of the bites. Everything tasted fabulous. The drinks were amazing. I think this might be my favorite tapas place ever. The service was good, we didn't have to wait too long for the food. I will revisit and recommend this one! read more

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Café Ba Ba Reeba is one of those Chicago classics that never disappoints. We ordered the paella, and it was so good we couldn't stop eating -- not a single bite made it home (burp!). Our server was fantastic, full of personality, and gave us the perfect seasonal sangria recommendation. The covered patio is beautiful -- warm lighting, great energy, and that easy, romantic feel that makes it perfect for date night or dinner with close friends. Everything here feels intentional. read more

Sometimes ya just hit a place that spins you like a top! Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba was this, plus more. Sure I've had terrific Spanish meals in Spain. And sure I've had wonderful Spanish meals in the USA. But Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba was this cozy comfort food that's hard to find anywhere on this planet. Let me put it this way; it's the best American/Spanish food I've ever eaten! I was duly impressed! Our friends from Studio City, CA just flew into Chicago and we immediately whisked them off to Ba-Ba. It was crowded, loud and buzzing. Then the fun started. Their menu was definitely Spanish with an uplifting twist; everything we saw on the menu looked great. We decided on: * PRESSED "BIKINI SANDWICHES with I bérico chorizo, stracciatella, piquillo pepper, drizzled honey - I'd come back just for this and a beer * Paella MARISCOS with shrimp, squid, bay scallops, roasted fennel - completely great * PULPO A LA PLANCHA / Octopus with nduja vinaigrette, saffron aioli, roasted potatoes was crazy good * BASQUE CHEESECAKE with citrus zest - better than Juniors in Brooklyn * My beer and our friends wine just went great All above was superior. The flavors, presentation, portions and quality were just terrific. The service was spot on and the ambiance here was "bar food"hospitable. Did my L.A. friends like this restaurant - a resounding YES! Did us Chicago folks like this restaurant - a boisterous yes! Winner / Winner read more

I've been here twice now, and both times the food was delicious, the sangria was fabulous, and the service was hit and miss. On my first trip about a year ago, the front desk staff was a bit rude and acted put off by a request for a table and questions when a table wasn't available for a long period. This time we ended up seated at a bar table (6 of us at a 4-top). We were very cozy, but the bar staff was amazing, and we had a great time! This time, again, the front desk staff acted a bit annoyed by checking in for our reservation. It was still a bit of a wait, but the food and sangria were worth waiting for. The service at our table by Paulino was so fabulous! He was very attentive to our 8-person table and made great recommendations, kept the sangria coming, and kept the food on the table. He was extremely attentive to food allergies at our table and made sure that it was very clear what foods were safe and what foods were not safe for them. It's incredibly difficult for those with food allergies to eat comfortably and feel like they are taken seriously. It's a life-threatening situation, and to be able to have confidence that everything possible is being done to minimize the risk is so important, and Paulino was great! We really appreciate his attentiveness and kindness. Twice now, we've had less-than-friendly interactions at the front check-in desk. Management should make sure that no matter how busy it is, its front desk staff is always friendly and pleasant. A little retraining might be in order. The valet working was very friendly and helpful as well. We will definitely be back on our next trip to Chicago! read more

Came in to Chicago to celebrate my birthday and had the best time. Amazing atmosphere, amazing food, and amazing prices. Our server was Demi and damn did he SERVE. I will be recommending this place to everyone and their mother! read more

Fun and lively tapas place with excellent paella! This restaurant is pretty big so it's also great for large parties. It can be a bit loud when it gets busy but the food and ambiance is great. For the tapas, we got the patatas bravas, croquettas, and the brussel sprout salad. All were delicious! We also got the seafood paella which had a good amount of seafood and a lot of flavor. The paella takes about 30min to make so it's good to put your order in as soon as possible. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Inside - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was not tasted as I'm a grubhubdriver at the moment. But the service was delivered with good ambience in the air as I walked in and felt the good vibe. I was waiting for my order and the manager KD OFFERED ME A DRINK WHILE I WAITED WOW, now that's service all the way thru imma come back and taste the food just because of this delightful jester. read more

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Waiting spot for drivers is on point. - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois