Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, Chicago

This Spanish Tapas place in Lincoln Park is a real local favorite. I met a dear friend here for lunch in Janaury 2008, and found it to be a perfect place to relax with a sangria and some excellent small plates of sunny Mediterranean food. good noon-time service ensured that our table was kept supplied with an ever-ready supply of both hot and cold "appeteasers" that eventually filled the both of us up.

This is one of our favorite places to eat in Chicago. That's saying a lot. This is a Spanish tapas style restaurant. What makes it so fun is the atmosphere. They cram people into their dining room so it is loud with laughter and everyone drinking and having a good time. I always see big groups go to Ba Ba Reeba. They share huge plates of paella and pitchers of sangria with fresh fruit. Then everyone at the table orders tapas. If you've never had tapas are they are small potions of food (for Americans=appetizer size) So everyone orders several. They come served whenever they are preared so it seems there is always food coming. Tapas should be passed around the table and shared. That's what makes Cafe Ba Ba Reeba so great - the communal atmosphere. Oh, did I mention the food is great.

Café Ba Ba Reeba is one of my old standbys in Chicago. Always delicious, this popular tapas restaurant by Lettuce Entertain You is perfect for groups. Located in the chic Lincoln Park neighborhood on the near northside, Café Ba Ba Reeba is easy to spot featuring vibrant colors indicative of the Spanish flare. Once inside you’re in Spain – well an Americanized, kitschy version of Spain. When the weather allows seating in the outdoor patio area is available and highly recommended. When you think of Café Ba Ba Reeba think loud and fun. This place is always a hit and now it’s also available in Las Vegas in the Fashion Show mall. Café Ba Ba Reeba also offers excellent and affordable cooking classes, wine tasting and flamenco shows. Check their monthly calendar for schedule, pricing and availability.

Favorite Dish: I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, thanks to the tapas style dining experience. Some of my favorite dishes are the Plato de la Casa, Patatas Alioli, Queso de Cabra al Horno, and the Empanadas de Pollo.

Allow 30 minutes for the paella, 2 serving minimum.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It has indoor and outdoor seating, a great ambience, and even flamenco dinner shows and cooking classes on certain nights! It's a good idea to put in a reservation, because they're pretty popular now. Great choice if you're looking for a place full of people, energy, and fun!

Favorite Dish: My favorite dish is the Queso de Cabra al Horno. It is goat cheese baked in tomato sauce that you dip garlic bread in. Delicious! I would also recommend the pollo relleno con queso (chicken dish) and the champinones rellenos (mushrooms).

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is a tapas bar which does a little bit more than most. It also offers paella, along with wine tasting nights and cooking classes, flamenco dancing and the like. Portions are generous, very tasty, and made with high quality ingredients. I myself really like the decor as well. Though its not what you would call an expensive dinner,I seldom spend this much for dinner, but here, when I do, I walk away thinking its worth it. Part of the reason I do, is because their food is so good I tend to order a lot.

Favorite Dish: Spanish meatballs are superb. There are also other dishes on the menu, like the beef tenderloin with bleu cheese, the seafood salad, and several paellas that are just to die for.