Chicago is a mecca for food lovers, and tapas are no exception. From traditional Spanish cuisine to modern fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to tapas Chicago, look no further.
This post has you covered with a list of casual spots and fine-dining establishments that will have your taste buds singing. So, grab a group of friends and get ready to explore Windy City’s culinary scene with these six must-try tapas restaurants.
Best Restaurants for Tapas in Chicago
Get ready to pamper your taste buds with some lip-smacking tapas. We bet the restaurants listed below will keep you coming back for more.
Girl & The Goat
When in search of some delicious Tapas, look no further than Girl & the Goat. This top-rated restaurant remains as busy as it can get on all seven days of the week. While tapas is one of their best treats, we also encourage you to try other delicacies they offer.
Some of the highlights on their menu include roasted beet salad, goat cheese croquettes, and wood-fired chicken. And don’t forget to save some space for dessert – the chocolate olive oil cake is a must-try!
Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607-2310
Phone: +1 312-492-6262
Website: https://girlandthegoat.com/
Mercat a la Planxa
Are you looking for a delicious and exciting way to spend your evening in Chicago? Mercat a la Planxa is the perfect spot! This restaurant specializes in tapas, which means you can indulge in various dishes without feeling weighed down.
Mercat a la Planxa is one of the best places in Chicago for tapas. Their menu also features classic Spanish dishes like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo and more modern takes on Spanish cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it the perfect place to share small plates with friends.
Address: 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Phone: +1 312-765-0524
Website: mercatchicago.com
Tapas Valencia
There’s no better place to enjoy tapas Chicago than Tapas Valencia. This restaurant has an authentic taste of Spain right in the heart of Chicago. The menu features classic dishes like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo and more modern fare like seared tuna with sofrito and crispy pork belly with quince puree. Their wine list is also excellent, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out or a lively group dinner.
Sangria is their signature drink made of wine and liquors, a must-try. The drink is garnished with citrus and apple. Also, you can pair up your tapas with red and white sangria. Try their strawberry, mango, peach, or prickly pear sangria for a more enhanced and unique taste.
Address: 1530 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
Phone: +1 312-842-4444
Website: tapasvalencia.com
Tapas Barcelona
Another great option for Spanish tapas Chicago, Tapas Barcelona offers both traditional and contemporary dishes. This chic and trendy establishment provides an eclectic selection of Spanish delicacies, including miniaturized versions of some well-known dishes. And with its beautiful setting and attentive waitstaff, it’s easy to lose yourself in this sensational culinary experience.
Highlights from the menu include patatas alioli, alcachofas a la vinagreta patatas bravas, chorizo-stuffed piquillo peppers, and duck confit with foie gras and apricot jam. The cocktail list is worth checking out – we recommend the Basque Sunset made with gin, blood orange juice, and bitters.
Address: 1615 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
Phone: +1 847-866-9900
Website: https://www.tapasbarcelona.com/
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Jaleo
Jaleo is a restaurant located in Chicago that specializes in tapas. The tapas are some of the most flavorful and enjoyable dishes you will ever taste. These are not only delicious, but they are also very affordable.
Critics have praised the place for its extensive tapas menu and its inventive use of traditional Spanish ingredients. Moreover, the atmosphere at Jaleo is absolutely incredible – it’s like being in a fancy Spanish nightclub. This cozy spot is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family.
Address: 500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-820-7771
Website: https://www.jaleo.com
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Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. It is Chicago’s original tapas bar that has been serving authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu of small plates and its wide selection of wines. In addition to its tapas menu, the restaurant also offers a selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and entrées.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the paella, a rice dish cooked with seafood, chicken, and chorizo sausage. You can pair the meal with sangria, Spanish wine, local beers, and craft cocktails. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! has been awarded three stars by the Chicago Tribune and named one of the best Spanish restaurants in the United States by Food & Wine magazine.
Address: 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Phone: +1 773-935-5000
Website: https://www.cafebabareeba.com
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Wrapping Up
Chicago is home to some of the best tapas restaurants in the country, and there are plenty of options for those looking to indulge in small Spanish plates. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or want something fresh and different, these establishments will have you covered.
There’s no better place to enjoy Valencia’s tapas than at one of Chicago’s many excellent restaurants specializing in this culinary art form. This post features just a few of our favorites. I hope you try these places and find them as noteworthy as we do.
Also, read about Bordel Chicago, another tremendous Spanish restaurant.
