Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Chicago Menu & Shop Details

Welcome to the vibrant world of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Chicago’s beloved Spanish tapas restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park. For decades, this iconic establishment has transported diners straight to the bustling streets of Spain with its authentic flavors, lively atmosphere, and an incredibly diverse menu. Whether you’re a seasoned tapas aficionado or new to the delightful experience of sharing small plates, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

You’ll find Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! conveniently located at 2782 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. Its prime location makes it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in a lively dining experience before or after exploring the charm of Lincoln Park. The ambiance is immediately captivating – a warm, inviting space adorned with colorful Spanish art, rustic touches, and a palpable energy that makes every visit feel like a fiesta. Expect a lively buzz, the clinking of glasses, and the joyful chatter of fellow diners enjoying the moment.

Planning your visit is easy with their accommodating hours. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! opens its doors from Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, offering a perfect dinner escape. On Friday, they extend hours from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, ideal for kicking off the weekend. Weekends are even more exciting, with doors opening earlier for brunch and continuing through dinner: Saturday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to ensure you secure your spot in this popular eatery.

For any inquiries, reservations, or to simply learn more about their offerings, you can reach Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! directly at (773) 935-5000. Their friendly staff is always ready to assist you. You can also explore their full offerings and make online reservations through their official website, making planning your Spanish culinary adventure effortlessly convenient.

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Menu Highlights

Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure with Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s extensive menu, a true celebration of Spanish cuisine. From classic cold tapas to sizzling hot plates, rich paellas, and decadent desserts, every dish is crafted with passion and authentic ingredients. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible array of dishes awaiting you, each designed for sharing and savoring.

Tapas Frías (Cold Tapas)

Aceitunas Aliñadas: Marinated Spanish olives bursting with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs.
Boquerones en Vinagre: Tangy marinated white anchovies, garlic, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pintxos Gilda: Classic skewer of anchovy, olive, and spicy guindilla pepper; bold flavors.
Tabla de Quesos: Assortment of artisanal Spanish cheeses, quince paste, and crispy bread.
Jamón Serrano: Cured Spanish ham, thinly sliced, served with crusty bread and olive oil.
Ensalada de Remolacha: Roasted beet salad, goat cheese, candied walnuts, sherry vinaigrette dressing.
Paté de Pato: Duck liver pâté with pistachios, served with toasted rustic bread.
Salpicón de Marisco: Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, scallops, octopus, vibrant lemon dressing.
Gazpacho Andaluz: Chilled tomato and vegetable soup, refreshing, perfect for a warm day.
Tortilla Española Fría: Cold Spanish potato and onion omelet, perfectly sliced for sharing.
Berenjenas con Miel: Fried eggplant slices drizzled with sweet honey, a delightful contrast.
Pulpo a la Gallega Frío: Chilled Galician octopus, paprika, olive oil, and sea salt.
Pimientos del Piquillo Rellenos: Piquillo peppers stuffed with tuna and mayonnaise, simply delicious.
Espárragos Blancos: White asparagus spears, served with a delicate vinaigrette dressing.
Almendras Marconas: Fried Marcona almonds, perfectly salted, a quintessential Spanish snack.

Tapas Calientes (Hot Tapas)

Patatas Bravas: Crispy fried potatoes, spicy bravas sauce, and creamy aioli topping.
Gambas al Ajillo: Sizzling garlic shrimp, chili flakes, olive oil, and crusty bread.
Chorizo con Sidra: Spanish chorizo sausage sautéed in asturian cider, wonderfully aromatic.
Datiles con Tocino: Dates stuffed with almonds, wrapped in crispy bacon, sweet and savory.
Croquetas de Jamón: Creamy ham croquettes, delicately fried to golden perfection, utterly addictive.
Albóndigas al Jerez: Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich sherry tomato sauce, comforting.
Calamares Fritos: Lightly fried calamari, served with lemon aioli for dipping.
Pinchos de Pollo: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in Moorish spices, tender and flavorful.
Setas al Ajillo: Sautéed wild mushrooms with garlic, sherry, and fresh parsley, earthy goodness.
Pescaditos Fritos: Crispy fried whitebait, a classic seaside snack, served with lemon.
Empanadillas de Carne: Savory mini meat pies, flaky pastry, rich seasoned beef filling.
Brochetas de Cordero: Lamb skewers, marinated with herbs and grilled, incredibly tender.
Alcachofas Fritas: Crispy fried artichoke hearts, garlic aioli, wonderfully savory and tender.
Morcilla con Pimientos: Spanish blood sausage, sautéed with sweet piquillo peppers, robust flavor.
Champiñones Rellenos: Mushroom caps filled with spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs, baked until golden.
Huevos Rotos con Chorizo: Fried eggs, crispy potatoes, and chorizo, broken and mixed tableside.
Pulpo a la Plancha: Grilled octopus, perfectly charred, served with potato purée, smoky.
Vieiras Gratinadas: Baked scallops with a creamy cheese gratin, rich and indulgent.
Conejo al Ajillo: Rabbit cooked with garlic, white wine, and herbs, a traditional favorite.
Pimientos de Padrón: Blistered Padrón peppers, simply seasoned with sea salt, some are spicy.
Berenjenas Rellenas: Eggplant halves stuffed with seasoned ground beef and baked cheese.

Paellas (Serves 2-3)

Paella Valenciana: Classic paella with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and saffron-infused rice.
Paella de Mariscos: Seafood paella, shrimp, mussels, calamari, scallops, rich seafood broth.
Paella Mixta: A delightful combination of chicken, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and vegetables.
Paella Vegetal: Seasonal fresh vegetables, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked saffron rice.
Fideuá Negra: Squid ink noodles, calamari, shrimp, scallops, a unique and savory experience.
Paella de Chorizo y Cerdo: Hearty paella with Spanish chorizo, pork loin, and tender rice.
Paella de Verduras y Setas: Earthy mushroom and vegetable paella, light yet incredibly satisfying.

Ensaladas & Sopas (Salads & Soups)

Ensalada Mixta: Mixed greens, tomato, onion, cucumber, house vinaigrette, fresh and crisp.
Ensalada de Queso de Cabra: Warm goat cheese salad, mixed greens, walnuts, balsamic dressing.
Sopa de Ajo: Traditional garlic soup with paprika, croutons, and poached egg.
Sopa de Pescado: Rich seafood soup, medley of fish and shellfish, savory broth.

Postres (Desserts)

Churros con Chocolate: Crispy fried churros served with warm, rich Spanish chocolate sauce.
Tarta de Santiago: Almond cake dusted with powdered sugar, a traditional Galician delicacy.
Flan Clásico: Creamy caramel custard, a timeless Spanish dessert, perfectly smooth.
Crema Catalana: Spanish crème brûlée, rich custard, caramelized sugar crust, citrus notes.
Helado de Turrón: Homemade nougat ice cream, a delightful and authentic Spanish treat.
Profiteroles con Chocolate: Cream puffs filled with pastry cream, drizzled with warm chocolate.
Fruta Fresca con Miel: Seasonal fresh fruit drizzled with sweet local honey, light and refreshing.

Bebidas (Drinks)

Sangrias

Sangria Roja Clásica: Traditional red wine sangria, fresh fruit, brandy, and a hint of citrus.
Sangria Blanca: Crisp white wine sangria, seasonal fruits, and delicate peach liqueur.
Sangria de Cava: Sparkling cava, orange liqueur, fresh berries, wonderfully bubbly and bright.
Sangria del Día: Chef’s daily special sangria, featuring unique seasonal fruit combinations.
Cava de Fresa: Sparkling cava with fresh strawberry purée, light, fruity, and celebratory.

Vinos (Wines)

Rioja Crianza: Robust red wine, aged, notes of berry and vanilla, perfect with meats.
Albariño Rías Baixas: Crisp white wine, aromatic, hints of green apple and stone fruit.
Verdejo Rueda: Refreshing white wine, herbaceous notes, citrus, excellent with seafood.
Tempranillo Rosado: Dry rosé wine, red fruit flavors, vibrant, perfect for summer.
Priorat Joven: Full-bodied red, dark fruit, minerality, intense and complex.

Cócteles (Cocktails)

Mojito Español: Classic mojito with a Spanish twist, refreshing and vibrant.
Margarita de Higo: Fig-infused margarita, tequila, lime, a sweet and tangy delight.
Gin Tonic Clásico: Premium Spanish gin, tonic, fresh botanicals, perfectly balanced.
Rebujito: Sherry Fino, lemon-lime soda, fresh mint, a light and effervescent drink.

Cervezas (Beers)

Estrella Galicia: Popular Spanish lager, crisp, clean, and perfectly refreshing.
Mahou Cinco Estrellas: A full-bodied, golden lager, balanced bitterness, and flavor.
Alhambra Reserva 1925: Premium Spanish lager, rich amber color, complex malty notes.

Bebidas Sin Alcohol (Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

Zumo de Naranja Fresco: Freshly squeezed orange juice, bright and invigorating.
Agua de Valencia (sin alcohol): Non-alcoholic version of the famous Valencian cocktail, refreshing.
Limonada Casera: Homemade lemonade, perfectly tart and sweet, a thirst-quencher.

Experience the Vibe: Interior, Service & Pricing

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers a truly immersive experience beyond just the food. The interior bursts with an authentic Spanish charm, featuring rustic wooden beams, colorful tile work, and vibrant artwork that transports you to a bustling street in Barcelona. The service is consistently warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff always ready to guide you through the extensive menu and recommend pairings. While the tapas style allows for flexible spending, you can expect moderate pricing, making it accessible for a casual meal yet special enough for celebrations. The overall vibe is incredibly lively and energetic, perfect for group gatherings, a fun date night, or simply soaking in the joyous atmosphere.

A Culinary Fiesta Awaits!

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Chicago stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Spanish tapas. From the first bite of the sizzling Gambas al Ajillo to the last shared spoonful of a rich Paella Mixta, every dish is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Their famous Churros con Chocolate provide the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal, ensuring you leave with a satisfied palate and a smile. This restaurant is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves vibrant, shareable food and a lively, social dining experience. It’s perfect for groups of friends looking to explore many dishes, couples on a dynamic date night, or families celebrating special occasions. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! isn’t just a meal; it’s a mini-vacation to Spain, right here in Chicago!

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