Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

9371 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 200 times today

Good for groups
Good for special occasions
Lively

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
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Parties Team: (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$3.95
medjool date, cheese
2. caña de cabra cheese$4.95
fig mostarda, maldon salt
3. la "gilda"$4.95
the original pintxo bar snack from san sebastián - gordal olive, piparra pepper, cantabrian anchovy
4. stuffed piquillo peppers$4.95
roasted mushrooms, herbed goat cheese
+5. deviled egg$2.95
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$11.95
tomato purée, garlic, olive oil & shaved manchego cheese
32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauce$10.95
baked in our old world, spanish oven; house garlic bread

Vegetables

+22. shaved brussels sprouts salad$10.95
marcona almonds, manchego cheese
26. house-marinated spanish olives$6.95
rosemary & citrus
27. garlic potato salad$7.95
raw & roasted garlic, chives
28. moroccan chickpea stew$8.94
tomatoes, spinach, garlic, moroccan spices
29. tortilla española$10.95
warm potato & onion omelette
+30. patatas bravas$9.94
spicy potatoes with sun-dried tomato aioli
31. spinach & manchego-stuffed mushrooms$10.95
garlic breadcrumbs, manchego cheese
+33. fried shishito peppers$7.95
hawaiian black sea salt

Beef

+50. beef tenderloin & blue cheese*$15.95
house-made chips
52. handmade beef empanada$9.94
sun-dried tomato aioli
+53. grilled hanger steak*$19.95
sherry-glazed mushrooms, mojo verde
+54. beef tenderloin toro*$36.95
A house specialty! Large format skewer to be shared; roasted piquillo peppers, garlic-horseradish mojo

Seafood

40. "la brújula" yellowfin tuna ventresca conserva$22.95
the world-renowned tinned fish of spain; marinated in olive oil, served with crystal bread & spanish fixings
41. seared sea scallops$21.95
kabocha squash purée, roasted apples, orange gastrique
43. pulpo a la plancha$23.95
olive oil-whipped potatoes, piparras, pimentón & espelette pepper
+44. garlic shrimp$11.95
olive oil, red pepper flakes
45. fried calamari$15.95
tomato crudo, jalapeño aioli

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"$9.94
sherry tomato sauce
62. roasted chicken empanada$7.95
sherry aioli
64. piri-piri fried chicken thighs$10.95
shaved vegetable salad, cilantro yogurt
65. chicken & chorizo skewer$10.95
grilled piquillo peppers, herb oil
+67. roasted dates wrapped in bacon$12.95
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"$33.95
renowned as perhaps the best ham in the world; served with manchego cheese
+59. grilled ibérico pork "presa"*$22.95
presa cut of the famous ibérian pig, fabas asturianas, pickled shallots
60. pressed "bikini" sandwiches$18.95
ibérico chorizo, stracciatella, piquillo pepper, drizzled honey
63. ibérico ham croquetas$11.95
sherry aioli
66. ibérico ribs$16.95
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$32.95
all-natural chicken, seasonal vegetables
- Serves 2-3$32.95
paella mixta$34.95
pork shoulder confit, txistorra, chicken thighs
- Serves 2-3$34.95
+paella de mariscos$40.95
shrimp, squid, bay scallops, roasted fennel
- Serves 2-3$40.95
farmers market vegetable paella$30.95
seasonal & local vegetables, roasted piquillo peppers
- Serves 2-3$30.95

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 9,371 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 delivers "amazing food and service" with a lively atmosphere perfect for both celebrations and casual dining. Their tapas and paellas are crowd-pleasers, especially the "bacon wrapped dates" and "seafood paella." While busy and sometimes noisy, experiences are typically "fantastic" with attentive staff, making it a top Chicago favorite.

9,371 Reviews

M
Mitchell
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome. Good food. Great service. Drinks were delicious
Is this helpful?
J
Jamie
Chicago
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been Esther’s since forever. I really miss the filet with horseradish and onions. But the sangria is perfect portions are just right and I never leave unsatisfied. Our sever was a little busy talking with other servers and not as attendants I am used to, but overall a great place to get together with friends. We’ll be coming as long as it is there.
Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded today
Dear Jamie, 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
Joyce
Milwaukee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My husband and I were there for the first time with our daughter and son-in-law. Nice ambience and lovely waitress. Our daughter and son-in-law have been there before and recommneded it. Two of us had the restaurant week specials which we supplemented with ala carte choices and shared between all four of us. All excellent! Chorizo wrapped dates, deviled egg, stuffed piquillo peppers, patatas bravas and brussel sprout salad (both VERY good sized shareable portions!) grilled iberico pork presa (very good, but not a favorite), pressed bikini sandwiches (OMG-delicious) and the CHAMPION....Grilled hanger steak. WOW!!! cinammon flan with saffron and the chocolate truffle cake. Prices reasonable for Chicago. Our only complaint was when it got super busy around 630pm (we were there at 515pm) we waited a looooong time to order our desserts, the waitress, who was excellent, seemed a little overbooked, she could hardly get out of the dining room to put orders in from one table to the next. Not her fault, she was great, but that was the only issue. The bus people/assitants were very attentive during this time and helped us with things that she didn't need to be bothered with. We really enjoyed our visit. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Is this helpful?
B
Beth
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed everything about our experience at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba! The food was excellent! We came to participate in Restaurant Week for a Sunday brunch.Our favorite dish was the Potatas Bravas with an egg. Our server was great and the ambience was fun. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is amazing everything tased great. True Spanish style dishes and the Paella was phenomenal!
Is this helpful?
J
Jocelyn
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great experience, I love going, my to go to restaurant. I was so happy to enjoy the experience with my friends and they all love it .
Is this helpful?
S
Sam
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Not a fan at all of the 3.5% restaurant surcharge that appears to be added to the subtotal, which then inflates the tax owed as well as tip. Not sure I’ll be back because of this - very underhanded.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved my first time at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. I can see why this is so many people’s favorite spot, especially for birthdays. Fantastic tapas that come out fast, great service, and an energetic atmosphere! Would be great for a date night.
Is this helpful?
P
Paige
VIP
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Twas a slay. Every dish was fantastic. The Brussel sprout salad was my favorite it was so good. We also ordered the bacon wrapped dates, beef empanadas, shishito peppers, and calamari. Everything was SO good wow.
Is this helpful?
J
Julia
VIP
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant week menu was perfect! Great service too!
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 9371 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 200 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
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Parties Team: (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

paella mixta

Patatas Bravas

Pintxos

+1. chorizo-wrapped date$3.95

2. caña de cabra cheese$4.95

3. la "gilda"$4.95

4. stuffed piquillo peppers$4.95

+5. deviled egg$2.95

Tapas

Cheese

+20. catalan-style crystal bread$11.95

32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauce$10.95

Vegetables

+22. shaved brussels sprouts salad$10.95

26. house-marinated spanish olives$6.95

27. garlic potato salad$7.95

28. moroccan chickpea stew$8.94

29. tortilla española$10.95

+30. patatas bravas$9.94

31. spinach & manchego-stuffed mushrooms$10.95

+33. fried shishito peppers$7.95

Beef

+50. beef tenderloin & blue cheese*$15.95

52. handmade beef empanada$9.94

+53. grilled hanger steak*$19.95

+54. beef tenderloin toro*$36.95

Seafood

40. "la brújula" yellowfin tuna ventresca conserva$22.95

41. seared sea scallops$21.95

43. pulpo a la plancha$23.95

+44. garlic shrimp$11.95

45. fried calamari$15.95

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"$9.94

62. roasted chicken empanada$7.95

64. piri-piri fried chicken thighs$10.95

65. chicken & chorizo skewer$10.95

+67. roasted dates wrapped in bacon$12.95

Ibérico Pork

+57. jamón ibérico de bellota "pata negra"$33.95

+59. grilled ibérico pork "presa"*$22.95

60. pressed "bikini" sandwiches$18.95

63. ibérico ham croquetas$11.95

66. ibérico ribs$16.95

Paella

paella of chicken thighs & market vegetables$32.95

paella mixta$34.95

+paella de mariscos$40.95

farmers market vegetable paella$30.95

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