Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago's first Spanish restaurant, serves fresh, authentic Spanish cuisine in a lively, vibrant atmosphere. The menu features Spanish tapas, hot and cold appetizers meant for sharing, as well as paella, a typical Valencian rice dish made with vegetables and meat or seafood. You'll be tempted by the Pintxos ("peen-chos"), one or two bite snacks popular in Northern Spain, which are the perfect way to sample your way through the vast Mediterranean menu. Everything goes well with Sangria, a famous wine "fiesta" drink made from fresh fruit, wine and liquor. Don't miss the large outdoor patio decorated with the sights and colors of Spain.
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Posted by alan on 10/23/2011
when in Chicago...don't miss this place...its the best
Hello from Toronto..just found this by chance as it popped up while looking for a restaurant in the area. What luck!...Best meal during our 3 day stay in Chicago...excellent service, excellent food, excellent sangria and red wine. Try the three tastings( flight) of red wine-great.. This place is a must when dining in Chicago..
Posted by Nick on 12/29/2010
Worth the hype
Only after finding this restaurant and talking to people did I learn that it was a Chicago institution. Went on a tues night and it was hopping, but they were able to sit us at a table for 2 right away. The server was attentive and the food arrived quickly. The mushroom empanada and bacon wrapped dates were delicious and I plan to return to try a few other dishes.
Posted by Snowflake on 02/28/2009
A Chicago institution
If you only have 24 hours in Chicago, eat deep dish pizza for lunch, and go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for dinner. Seriously, it is not something to miss. I have been coming to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba since the days when I was hanging off the side of the table in a sassy-seat. Very great place...get the blackberry sangria, the beef tenderloin with blue cheese, grilled squid, chicken & chorizo skewers, and then basically anything you think sounds good to you. There is a reason this place has been around for so long.
Posted by BlueEyes on 06/06/2007
Eh...Had Better
I'm surprised to see good reviews of the food here! The tapas selection was smaller than other tapas restaurants, it was very loud, and the service was poor. I would never go back - try 1492 or La Tasca in Arlington Heights instead.
Posted by Anonymous on 05/11/2007
My new favorite place!
I went to Cafe Babareeba recently after endless suggestions from other people. To start off, their cocktails are great, but definitely try their sangria. You cannot go wrong. A majority of the menu is tapas dishes, but they do have some main entree options, including paella. We opted for the tapas, and I assure you, every morsel put into our mouths was amazing. The beautiful part was that the desserts are small bites as well, so we could pick a selection!! Food was great, ambience was great, you cannot go wrong here.
Posted by Anonymous on 03/24/2007
Yum!
This is the best tapas restaurant in Chicago, the patatas bravas are to die for....and the desserts are amazing...but small...but good.....atmosphere is fun....hate the long wait though. i recommend making reservations.
Posted by Lala Max on 12/16/2006
What a treat!
While in Chicago visiting my sister, I had the pleasure of eating at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. She and her friends frequent the restaurant and I am not surprised. The food was amazing, especially the potatoes, the service was fast and friendly, and the sangria menu was long. I will not leave Chicago on future visits without eating here!