Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

9261 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 151 times today

Good for groups
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Cancellation policy:
For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee.

Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(773) 935-5000
Website
http://www.cafebabareeba.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Eric Jorgensen
Catering
At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
Private party facilities
Contact us to learn about our indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering, including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out our inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
Private party contact
Private Parties Department: (773) 935-5000

Location
2024 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Cross street
Armitage
Parking details
Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
Public transit
Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
Entertainment
Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

15 restaurants that define Chicago

Popular dishes

+1. chorizo-wrapped date$3.50
medjool date, cheese
2. caña de cabra cheese$4.00
fig mostarda, maldon salt
3. la "gilda"$4.00
the original pintxo bar snack from san sebastián - gordal olive, piparra pepper, cantabrian anchovy
4. stuffed piquillo peppers$4.00
roasted mushrooms, herbed goat cheese
+5. deviled egg$2.50
crispy jamón serrano

Tapas

Tapas are the famous small dishes of Spain. Create a meal with a variety of tapas, or choose a selection as an appetizer and enjoy one of our paellas as your main course

Cheese

+20. catalan-style crystal bread$11.00
tomato purée, garlic, olive oil & shaved manchego cheese
32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauce$10.00
baked in our old world, spanish oven; house garlic bread

Vegetables

+22. shaved brussels sprouts salad$10.00
marcona almonds, manchego cheese
26. house-marinated spanish olives$6.50
rosemary & citrus
27. garlic potato salad$7.00
raw & roasted garlic, chives
28. moroccan chickpea stew$8.00
tomatoes, spinach, garlic, moroccan spices
29. tortilla española$10.00
warm potato & onion omelette
+30. patatas bravas$9.50
spicy potatoes with sun-dried tomato aioli
31. spinach & manchego-stuffed mushrooms$10.50
garlic breadcrumbs, manchego cheese
+33. fried shishito peppers$7.00
hawaiian black sea salt

Beef

+50. beef tenderloin & blue cheese*$15.00
house-made chips
52. handmade beef empanada$9.00
sun-dried tomato aioli
+53. grilled hanger steak*$19.00
sherry-glazed mushrooms, mojo verde
+54. beef tenderloin toro*$36.00
A house specialty! Large format skewer to be shared; roasted piquillo peppers, garlic-horseradish mojo

Seafood

40. "la brújula" yellowfin tuna ventresca conserva$22.00
the world-renowned tinned fish of spain; marinated in olive oil, served with crystal bread & spanish fixings
41. seared sea scallops$21.00
kabocha squash purée, roasted apples, orange gastrique
43. pulpo a la plancha$23.00
olive oil-whipped potatoes, piparras, pimentón & espelette pepper
+44. garlic shrimp$11.50
olive oil, red pepper flakes
45. fried calamari$15.00
tomato crudo, jalapeño aioli

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"$9.50
sherry tomato sauce
62. roasted chicken empanada$7.50
sherry aioli
64. piri-piri fried chicken thighs$10.00
shaved vegetable salad, cilantro yogurt
65. chicken & chorizo skewer$10.00
grilled piquillo peppers, herb oil
+67. roasted dates wrapped in bacon$12.00
apple cider vinaigrette

Ibérico Pork

Regarded as the wagyu of pork, the Ibérian pigs of Spain free-graze on acorns, giving the cured ham & pork cuts a rich & nutty flavor

+57. jamón ibérico de bellota "pata negra"$33.00
renowned as perhaps the best ham in the world; served with manchego cheese
+59. grilled ibérico pork "presa"*$22.00
presa cut of the famous ibérian pig, fabas asturianas, pickled shallots
60. pressed "bikini" sandwiches$18.00
ibérico chorizo, stracciatella, piquillo pepper, drizzled honey
63. ibérico ham croquetas$11.50
sherry aioli
66. ibérico ribs$16.00
honey-glazed, basque piperrada

Paella

Savor the flavors of Valencia, the province of Spain that gives us the classic rice dish paella

paella of chicken thighs & market vegetables$32.00
all-natural chicken, seasonal vegetables
- Serves 2-3$32.00
paella mixta$34.00
pork shoulder confit, txistorra, chicken thighs
- Serves 2-3$34.00
+paella de mariscos$40.00
shrimp, squid, bay scallops, roasted fennel
- Serves 2-3$40.00
farmers market vegetable paella$30.00
seasonal & local vegetables, roasted piquillo peppers
- Serves 2-3$30.00

Surcharge

As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. You may request to have this taken off your check should you choose.

What 9,261 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Tapas / Small Plates
Chicago / Illinois
Most Booked
Chicago
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba delights with "amazing tapas" and "fantastic ambiance." Known for its "exceptional service" and "delicious food," this Chicago gem is perfect for gatherings. Diners rave about the "satisfying sangria" and "memorable paella." With consistent quality and a lively atmosphere, it's a must-visit for tapas enthusiasts.

9,261 Reviews

L
Laura
Atlantic City
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Been here happily many times, but something was off tonight. Service very slow and food quality was a disappointment. Prices have significantly increased as well.
Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded today
Dear Laura, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to some of our signature dishes and the service you received. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Chris B
Is this helpful?
V
Vendela
Fort Lauderdale
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious and Santiago is amazing waiter. He made our experience 10x better! Hoping to be back soon.
Is this helpful?
C
Claire
Kansas City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic as ever in every way. Delicious gluten free and vegetarian options and they ask if you need “no contact” with anything with gluten in preparing the gluten free food. I’ve loved this place for decades and it is still popping!
Is this helpful?
m
marianne
San Francisco
33 reviews
4.0
33 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We were seated more than a half hour after our reservation time. It was very crowded send out table was very tight and we didn’t even have a spot for our coats and hats. Food was tasty and our server Nathan was good.
Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded today
Dear Marianne, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to the service you received. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Chris B
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
Chicago
74 reviews
vip
4.0
74 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Another great night of delicious food, or adult kids always want to come back when in town. They were packed so the service was slow, we waited 15 minutes to get seated for our 6:00 reservation, and the paella came out 45 minutes after small plates, but if you have the right mindset to hang out, it was perfect!
Is this helpful?
B
Bella
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing, authentic food with good service. We were in the back room and there was an excellent ambiance and decor. One of my fave restaurants!
Is this helpful?
J
Jacob
Central Coast
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Paella was mid. Service was great. For the hype I expected more of paella
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, great service. Everything was delicious.Very noisy though.
Is this helpful?
J
Jon
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The sangrias were weak and the service staff was a little rude. I'm surprised how much the quality has gone down!
Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded 6 days ago
Dear Jon, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards the table size you received. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? I truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Rachel G
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always phenomenal! Delicious food, great atmosphere, and amazing service!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 935-5000.

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is rated 4.8 stars by 9261 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 151 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2024 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

Cross street
Armitage
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
Public transit
Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Eric Jorgensen
Entertainment
Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cafebabareeba.com/
Phone number
(773) 935-5000
Catering
At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
Private party facilities
Contact us to learn about our indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering, including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out our inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
Private party contact
Private Parties Department: (773) 935-5000

Featured in

15 restaurants that define Chicago

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

15 restaurants that define Chicago

paella mixta

patatas bravas

Patatas Bravas

Pintxos

+1. chorizo-wrapped date$3.50

2. caña de cabra cheese$4.00

3. la "gilda"$4.00

4. stuffed piquillo peppers$4.00

+5. deviled egg$2.50

Tapas

Cheese

+20. catalan-style crystal bread$11.00

32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauce$10.00

Vegetables

+22. shaved brussels sprouts salad$10.00

26. house-marinated spanish olives$6.50

27. garlic potato salad$7.00

28. moroccan chickpea stew$8.00

29. tortilla española$10.00

+30. patatas bravas$9.50

31. spinach & manchego-stuffed mushrooms$10.50

+33. fried shishito peppers$7.00

Beef

+50. beef tenderloin & blue cheese*$15.00

52. handmade beef empanada$9.00

+53. grilled hanger steak*$19.00

+54. beef tenderloin toro*$36.00

Seafood

40. "la brújula" yellowfin tuna ventresca conserva$22.00

41. seared sea scallops$21.00

43. pulpo a la plancha$23.00

+44. garlic shrimp$11.50

45. fried calamari$15.00

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"$9.50

62. roasted chicken empanada$7.50

64. piri-piri fried chicken thighs$10.00

65. chicken & chorizo skewer$10.00

+67. roasted dates wrapped in bacon$12.00

Ibérico Pork

+57. jamón ibérico de bellota "pata negra"$33.00

+59. grilled ibérico pork "presa"*$22.00

60. pressed "bikini" sandwiches$18.00

63. ibérico ham croquetas$11.50

66. ibérico ribs$16.00

Paella

paella of chicken thighs & market vegetables$32.00

paella mixta$34.00

+paella de mariscos$40.00

farmers market vegetable paella$30.00

Surcharge

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Café Ba-Ba-Reeba offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Café Ba-Ba-Reeba restaurant rated?

Is Café Ba-Ba-Reeba currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

15 restaurants that define Chicago