Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

9428 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 141 times today

Good for groups
Lively
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

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat 10:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Sun 10:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–18:00
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
Area
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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

15 restaurants that define Chicago

Private dining

Popular dishes

+1. chorizo-wrapped dateUSD 3.95
medjool date, cheese
2. caña de cabra cheeseUSD 4.95
fig mostarda, maldon salt
3. la "gilda"USD 4.95
the original pintxo bar snack from san sebastián - gordal olive, piparra pepper, cantabrian anchovy
4. stuffed piquillo peppersUSD 4.95
roasted mushrooms, herbed goat cheese
+5. deviled eggUSD 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 breadUSD 11.95
tomato purée, garlic, olive oil & shaved manchego cheese
32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauceUSD 10.95
baked in our old world, spanish oven; house garlic bread

Vegetables

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

Beef

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

Seafood

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

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"USD 9.94
sherry tomato sauce
62. roasted chicken empanadaUSD 7.95
sherry aioli
64. piri-piri fried chicken thighsUSD 10.95
shaved vegetable salad, cilantro yogurt
65. chicken & chorizo skewerUSD 10.95
grilled piquillo peppers, herb oil
+67. roasted dates wrapped in baconUSD 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"USD 33.95
renowned as perhaps the best ham in the world; served with manchego cheese
+59. grilled ibérico pork "presa"*USD 22.95
presa cut of the famous ibérian pig, fabas asturianas, pickled shallots
60. pressed "bikini" sandwichesUSD 18.95
ibérico chorizo, stracciatella, piquillo pepper, drizzled honey
63. ibérico ham croquetasUSD 11.95
sherry aioli
66. ibérico ribsUSD 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 vegetablesUSD 32.95
all-natural chicken, seasonal vegetables
- Serves 2-3USD 32.95
paella mixtaUSD 34.95
pork shoulder confit, txistorra, chicken thighs
- Serves 2-3USD 34.95
+paella de mariscosUSD 40.95
shrimp, squid, bay scallops, roasted fennel
- Serves 2-3USD 40.95
farmers market vegetable paellaUSD 30.95
seasonal & local vegetables, roasted piquillo peppers
- Serves 2-3USD 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 9,428 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 is a beloved Chicago tapas spot known for its "excellent service" and "delicious food." With standout dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and seafood paella, the restaurant offers a fun, vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups. Guests love the "friendly and attentive" staff and the "amazing sangria."

9,428 Reviews

J
Jeff VIP
Las Vegas175 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Helpful waitstaff despite some confusion over wine selection. Food comes quickly. Paella a big hit at the table, Classics like pulpo and calamari and iberico all very good. Tortilla hispanola also very good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excelente , la atención increíble todo fue perfecto
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lively atmosphere. Great selection of GF tapas. The wrapped dates & paella were my favorites!
Is this helpful?
R
Rebecca VIP
Chicago12 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was my first time there and I loved the vibe. The place felt so cozy for friends to gather and chat. We had the seafood paella, the hanger steak, peri peri fried chicken, and brussel sprouts - highly recommend the paella and the steak, the other two dishes were just okay.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food items are served hot and fresh (cooked as you order) and drinks mixed well (generous pour of alcohol). Quality is consistent! This restaurant is well established; their presence in Chicago since the '90's, which speaks volumes! Highly recommend the red sangria, paella (mixta), potato salad, baked goat cheese, garlic shrimp, egg potato frittata. Tip: Order the house bread and dip in the garlic oil served with the shrimp! Eat and drink lots and enjoy the experience here!
Is this helpful?
JB
JimBobLove
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Everything is delicious. Very loud, but that’s just cause it’s a big place. Highly recommended. Not a bad thing on menu. Always over the top service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, lovely service, tasty drinks. couldn’t ask for more!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Chicago1 review
3.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food started out great, but the steak with chimichurri was cold and the scallops were overcooked and very salty. I asked for a lemon drop and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a lemon drop as I tasted hints of jalepeno.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent! Everything tasted great. Definitely coming back
Is this helpful?
C
Carmi
Indiana1 review
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good experience . Food and atmosphere very pleasant.
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 9428 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 141 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2024 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

Cross Street
Armitage
Area
Lincoln Park
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat 10:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Sun 10:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–18:00
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, Takeaway, 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

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Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

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Custom inquiry

Paella

paella mixta

patatas bravas

Pintxos

+1. chorizo-wrapped dateUSD 3.95

2. caña de cabra cheeseUSD 4.95

3. la "gilda"USD 4.95

4. stuffed piquillo peppersUSD 4.95

+5. deviled eggUSD 2.95

Tapas

Cheese

+20. catalan-style crystal breadUSD 11.95

32. goat cheese baked in tomato sauceUSD 10.95

Vegetables

+22. shaved brussels sprouts saladUSD 10.95

26. house-marinated spanish olivesUSD 6.95

27. garlic potato saladUSD 7.95

28. moroccan chickpea stewUSD 8.94

29. tortilla españolaUSD 10.95

+30. patatas bravasUSD 9.94

31. spinach & manchego-stuffed mushroomsUSD 10.95

+33. fried shishito peppersUSD 7.95

Beef

+50. beef tenderloin & blue cheese*USD 15.95

52. handmade beef empanadaUSD 9.94

+53. grilled hanger steak*USD 19.95

+54. beef tenderloin toro*USD 36.95

Seafood

40. "la brújula" yellowfin tuna ventresca conservaUSD 22.95

41. seared sea scallopsUSD 21.95

43. pulpo a la planchaUSD 23.95

+44. garlic shrimpUSD 11.95

45. fried calamariUSD 15.95

Pork & Chicken

58. spanish meatballs "al jerez"USD 9.94

62. roasted chicken empanadaUSD 7.95

64. piri-piri fried chicken thighsUSD 10.95

65. chicken & chorizo skewerUSD 10.95

+67. roasted dates wrapped in baconUSD 12.95

Ibérico Pork

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

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

60. pressed "bikini" sandwichesUSD 18.95

63. ibérico ham croquetasUSD 11.95

66. ibérico ribsUSD 16.95

Paella

paella of chicken thighs & market vegetablesUSD 32.95

paella mixtaUSD 34.95

+paella de mariscosUSD 40.95

farmers market vegetable paellaUSD 30.95

Surcharge

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary