When Founding Chef Gabino Sotelino first pitched the idea of traditional Spanish small-plate dining to Lettuce Entertain You in 1985, there was nothing else like it in all of Chicago. Sotelino took pride in representing the culture and gastronomy of his home, going to great lengths to achieve authenticity – even having a wood-burning oven flown in from Madrid.
Now over 30 years later, current executive chef Eric Jorgensen holds true to Spanish traditions, while at the same time continuously renewing the menu with modern techniques. Spanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is Chicago’s original tapas bar, serving authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985.
The menu is designed to share, featuring tapas, pintxos (bite-sized tapas) and the classic Valencian rice dish, paella. Pair the meal with sangria, craft cocktails, Spanish wine and local beers in our lively Lincoln Park restaurant.