Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Chicago: A Tapas Fiesta in Lincoln Park

Welcome to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, a vibrant Spanish tapas restaurant nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Established in 1985, this Chicago staple has been serving up authentic tapas and paella for decades. You can find this culinary gem located at 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 4 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM. To make a reservation or inquire about their menu, you can reach them at (773) 935-5000. Get ready for a delightful experience!

If you’re curious about the nutritional information of the delicious tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, click the button below to use a handy calorie and protein calculator:

Calculate Calories & Protein

Menu Highlights

Prepare your taste buds for a journey through Spain! Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s menu is a celebration of flavors, offering a wide array of tapas perfect for sharing. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Tapas (Small Plates)

Gambas al Ajillo: Sizzling shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of spice.
Croquetas de Jamón: Creamy béchamel and shredded ham fried to golden perfection.
Patatas Bravas: Crispy fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
Pulpo a la Gallega: Tender octopus, potatoes, paprika, and olive oil, Galician style.
Datiles con Jamón: Dates stuffed with almonds, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crispy.
Empanadas de Carne: Savory hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and peppers.
Champiñones al Ajillo: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pimientos de Padrón: Fried green peppers, some spicy, some mild; a Spanish favorite.
Espárragos con Jamón: Grilled asparagus wrapped with savory Serrano ham.
Mejillones al Vapor: Steamed mussels in white wine, garlic, and herbs, light and flavorful.

Charcuterie & Cheese

Tabla de Jamón Serrano: Thinly sliced cured Serrano ham, a Spanish classic for tapas.
Tabla de Chorizo: Assortment of flavorful Spanish chorizo, ideal for meat lovers.
Queso Manchego: A semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, nutty and delicious.
Queso Idiazabal: Smoked sheep’s milk cheese, with a distinctive, bold flavor.
Queso Cabrales: A strong, blue cheese from Asturias, Spain, creamy and tangy.
Tabla Mixta: A perfect mix of Spanish cheeses and cured meats for sharing.
Aceitunas Mixtas: A selection of marinated olives to complement your tapas.
Pan con Tomate: Toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomato, garlic, and olive oil.
Pan con Aceite: Crusty bread served with extra virgin olive oil for dipping.
Marcona Almonds: Crispy, toasted Marcona almonds for a delightful crunch.

Platos (Larger Plates)

Paella Valenciana: Saffron-infused rice with chicken, chorizo, and seafood, a star dish.
Paella de Mariscos: Paella with a delightful mix of fresh seafood, bursting with flavor.
Pollo al Ajillo: Roasted chicken with garlic, herbs, and lemon, juicy and tender.
Filete a la Parrilla: Grilled steak, cooked to your liking, served with chimichurri sauce.
Cordero Asado: Slow-roasted lamb, seasoned with herbs, tender and flavorful.
Salmon a la Plancha: Grilled salmon, a healthy and delicious option, cooked perfectly.
Chuletas de Cerdo: Grilled pork chops, a hearty option, perfectly seasoned and juicy.
Fabada Asturiana: A hearty bean stew with chorizo, blood sausage, and pork.
Conejo al Ajillo: Rabbit stewed in garlic and herbs, a Spanish specialty.
Gazpacho Andaluz: A cold tomato soup with cucumber, peppers, and garlic, refreshing.

Postres (Desserts)

Churros con Chocolate: Crispy fried dough pastries with warm chocolate dipping sauce.
Flan de Caramelo: Creamy caramel custard with a sweet caramel sauce.
Crema Catalana: Similar to crème brûlée, with a crispy caramelized sugar topping.
Tarta de Santiago: Almond cake, with a dusting of powdered sugar, a classic dessert.
Mousse de Chocolate: Rich and decadent chocolate mousse for the chocolate lovers.
Helado: Variety of ice cream flavors to end your meal on a sweet note.
Sorbete: Refreshing sorbet, a palate cleanser with different flavor options.
Torrijas: Spanish-style French toast, soaked in milk and fried until golden.
Arroz con Leche: Rice pudding, sweet and creamy, flavored with cinnamon.
Buñuelos: Spanish-style fritters, light and fluffy, often with a drizzle.

More Details: Ambiance, Service, and Vibe

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with Spanish-inspired decor. Service is generally attentive and friendly, adding to the pleasant dining experience. The restaurant’s pricing is in the moderate range, making it an accessible option for a variety of diners. The vibe is lively and social, perfect for group gatherings, date nights, or a fun evening out with friends.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking an authentic tapas experience in Chicago, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a must-visit. Their Gambas al Ajillo and Paella Valenciana are two of the most popular dishes. This spot is great for anyone looking to share delicious food in a lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice for a celebratory dinner, a casual get-together, or a special date. Overall, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! delivers a vibrant taste of Spain, earning a solid recommendation from me. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

some of the images and information is taken from other sources

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a fantastic restaurant, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers a wide menu, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is located in Lincoln Park, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! has a lively atmosphere, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a great choice for tapas, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! serves amazing paella, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! provides excellent service, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is perfect for groups, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is ideal for dates, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! has amazing churros, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is known for its Gambas al Ajillo, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers Spanish cuisine, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is popular in Chicago, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! provides a unique experience, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a great value, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! has a cozy interior, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is open late on weekends, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers fantastic desserts, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a must-try, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a great culinary experience.